Show 295, October 27, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Ruby Princess arriving in Cabo San Lucus, Baja CaliforniaNow an enticing preview of this Saturday’s properly celebratory show. It’s the 6th Anniversary of the launch of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” and we’re celebrating in style with Princess Cruises aboard Ruby Princess. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

This week we’ve been aboard Ruby Princess for a 5-Night sailing to Cabo San Lucas in Baja California. Today’s show will highlight this experience from the luxe accommodations to the diversity of the appealing cuisine and memorable shore excursions in Cabo. Thanks to Princess Cruises and the wonderful team aboard Ruby Princess, especially Food & Beverage Director Andrea Baiardo, for all the gracious hospitality. I was among the 3,000 guests aboard.

The inaugural cruise of Ruby Princess was November 8, 2008. It’s 951 feet in length with 1,200 in crew.
Riccardo Capraro is the Hotel Director aboard Ruby Princess. After the Captain he’s the next highest-ranking officer aboard ship. He’s responsible for just about everything other than safely maneuvering the ship. Huge responsibility. Ricardo has served 22 years with Princess Cruises and speaks English, Italian and Spanish.

What’s a cruise without appealing food and a range of creative libations?  On Ruby Princess this is the responsibility of Andrea Baiardo, the Food & Beverage Director. We’ll meet Andrea, an executive chef by experience and training, and a five-year employee of Princess.

Celebrity Chef Curtis Stone’s first restaurant at sea, SHARE, gives you an exclusive opportunity to enjoy his exquisite cuisine. It’s available aboard select Princess vessels including Ruby Princess. Chef Curtis’ Corporate Chef Christian Dortch works with the staff at each SHARE at sea to guarantee Curtis Stone’s culinary vision is maintained. We’ll meet him.

Distinguised chef Pierre-Marie Leprince is Princess Cruises’ Director of Guest Culinary Experience. We chatted with him earlier this year after visiting his impressive research kitchen in Santa Clarita and he now encores with us to discuss our cruise dining experience aboard Ruby Princess.

Bill Esparza is winner of a James Beard award (with Lesley Bargar Suter) for his coverage of the LA taco scene in Los Angeles Magazine. Considered one of the country’s leading experts on Mexican food, the LA native previously curated the annual Tacolandia festival in Los Angeles (now on hiatus) and writes about Mexican food for Los Angeles Magazine and other notable publications. Bill is a new Princess spokesperson and authoritative Latin America shore excursion consultant.

A relatively new position with the Princess Cruises’ family is the post of Entertainment Director. On Ruby Princess this is Kelly Rose. In the role of Entertainment Director she is responsible for the entire entertainment operation. The Cruise Director (a direct report) hosts the main shows and events.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 295, October 27, 2018: Corporate Chef (for Curtis Stone) Christian Dortch’ SHARE by Curtis Stone

Christian DortchCelebrity Chef Curtis Stone’s first restaurant at sea, SHARE, gives you an exclusive opportunity to enjoy his exquisite cuisine in 6-courses with lots of choice along the way. It’s available aboard select Princess vessels including Ruby Princess. SHARE by Curtis Stone originated on Ruby Princess a bit over 3 years ago.

SHARE aims to capture the Maude experience at sea in gorgeous dining room located on one of the top decks of the ship. There are choices for each course so there is a lot of variety. I particularly enjoyed the Pork Ravioli with a green curry filling coated in a lemongrass cream and topped with crunchy chicharrones (made fresh daily) along with the Duck Leg Confit.

Chef Curtis’ Corporate Chef Christian Dortch (ex-Maude) works with the staff at each SHARE at sea to guarantee Curtis Stone’s culinary vision is maintained. We’ll meet him.

October 27: Our 6th Anniversary Show aboard the Ruby Princess

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Riccardo Capraro, Hotel Director, Ruby Princess, Princess Cruises
Segment Three: Andrea Baiardo, Food & Beverage Director, Ruby Princess
Segment Four: Corporate Chef (for Curtis Stone) Christian Dortch’ SHARE by Curtis Stone
Segment Five: Chef Pierre-Marie Leprince, Director Guest Culinary Experience, Princess Cruises
Segment Six: Food Journalist Bill Esparza, Spokesperson for Princess Cruises
Segment Seven: Kelly Rose, Entertainment Director, Ruby Princess, Princess Cruises

Ruby Princess arriving in Cabo San Lucus, Baja CaliforniaNow an enticing preview of this Saturday’s properly celebratory show. It’s the 6th Anniversary of the launch of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” and we’re celebrating in style with Princess Cruises aboard Ruby Princess. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

This week we’ve been aboard Ruby Princess for a 5-Night sailing to Cabo San Lucas in Baja California. Today’s show will highlight this experience from the luxe accommodations to the diversity of the appealing cuisine and memorable shore excursions in Cabo.

Riccardo Capraro is the Hotel Director aboard Ruby Princess. After the Captain he’s the next highest-ranking officer aboard ship. He’s responsible for just about everything other than safely maneuvering the ship. Huge responsibility. Ricardo has served 22 years with Princess Cruises and speaks English, Italian and Spanish.

What’s a cruise without incredible food and a range of creative libations ?  On Ruby Princess this is the responsibility of Andrea Baiardo, the Food & Beverage Director. We’ll meet Andrea, an executive chef by experience and training, and a five-year employee of Princess.

Celebrity Chef Curtis Stone’s first restaurant at sea, SHARE, gives you an exclusive opportunity to enjoy his exquisite cuisine. It’s available aboard select Princess vessels including Ruby Princess. Chef Curtis’ Corporate Chef Christian Dortch works with the staff at each SHARE at sea to guarantee Curtis Stone’s culinary vision is maintained. We’ll meet him.

Distinguised chef Pierre-Marie Leprince is Princess Cruises’ Director of Guest Culinary Experience. We chatted with him earlier this year after visiting his impressive research kitchen in Santa Clarita and he now encores with us to discuss our cruise dining experience aboard Ruby Princess.

Bill Esparza is winner of a James Beard award (with Lesley Bargar Suter) for his coverage of the LA taco scene in Los Angeles Magazine. Considered one of the country’s leading experts on Mexican food, the LA native previously curated the annual Tacolandia festival in Los Angeles (now on hiatus) and writes about Mexican food for Los Angeles Magazine and other notable publications. Bill is Princess’ authoritative Latin America shore excursion consultant.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Riccardo CapraroRiccardo Capraro is the Hotel Director aboard Ruby Princess. After the Captain he’s the next highest- ranking officer aboard ship.

He’s responsible for just about everything other than safely maneuvering the ship. Huge responsibility. Ricardo has served 22 years with Princess Cruises and speaks English, Italian and Spanish.

Andrea BaiardoWhat’s a cruise without incredible food and a range creative libations? On Ruby Princess this is the responsibility of Andrea Baiardo, the Food & Beverage Director.

We’ll meet Andrea, an executive chef by training with five-years of service with Princess.

 

Christian DortchCelebrity Chef Curtis Stone’s first restaurant at sea, SHARE, gives you an exclusive opportunity to enjoy his exquisite cuisine in 6-courses with lots of choice along the way. It’s available aboard select Princess vessels including Ruby Princess. SHARE by Curtis Stone originated on Ruby Princess a bit over 3 years ago.

Chef Curtis’ Corporate Chef Christian Dortch (ex-Maude) works with the staff at each SHARE at sea to guarantee Curtis Stone’s culinary vision is maintained. We’ll meet him.

Pierre-Marie LeprinceDistinguised and honored chef Pierre-Marie Leprince is Princess Cruises’ Director of Guest Culinary Experience.

With Princess Cruises leading the way the glory days of distinctive dining at sea have returned. No matter what a guest might be craving, there is a delicious, freshly-prepared option available aboard each Princess Cruises ship.

We chatted with Chef Leprince earlier this year after visiting his well-equipped research kitchen in Santa Clarita for a tasting and he now encores with us to discuss our cruise dining experience aboard Ruby Princess.

Bill EsparzaBill Esparza is winner of a James Beard award (with Lesley Bargar Suter) for his coverage of the LA taco scene in Los Angeles Magazine. Considered one of the country’s leading experts on Mexican food, the LA native previously curated the annual Tacolandia festival in Los Angeles (on hiatus) and writes about Mexican food for Los Angeles Magazine and other notable publications. Bill is Princess’ authoritative Latin America shore excursion consultant.

In Cabo at San Jose del Cabo we partook of a tour he created, Le Revolucion / Tortilla Workshop and Taco Experience with Chef Benito Molina. His famous Oyster Kung Fu Tacos were on the menu.

Bill fills us in on his new role for Princess Cruises.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Riccardo Capraro, Hotel Director, Ruby Princess, Princess Cruises
Segment Three: Andrea Baiardo, Food & Beverage Director, Ruby Princess
Segment Four: Corporate Chef (for Curtis Stone) Christian Dortch’ SHARE by Curtis Stone
Segment Five: Chef Pierre-Marie Leprince, Director Guest Culinary Experience, Princess Cruises
Segment Six: Food Journalist Bill Esparza, Spokesperson for Princess Cruises
Segment Seven: Kelly Rose, Entertainment Director, Ruby Princess, Princess Cruises

Show 284, August 4, 2018: Chef Pierre-Marie Leprince, Director of Guest Culinary Experience, Princess Cruises

Pierre-Marie LeprinceWith Princess Cruises leading the way the fondly-remembered days of distinctive dining at sea have returned. No matter what a guest might be craving, there is a delicious, freshly-prepared option available aboard each Princess Cruises ship.

Earlier this year Chef Pierre-Marie Leprince was bestowed the honor of Master Chef of France by the Association of the Master Chefs of France. Only 30 chefs from around the world will be so honored in 2018.

As Director of Guest Culinary Experience, Chef Leprince works with Princess Cruises’ executive and onboard culinary teams to ensure they are maintaining the finest standards. Princess Cruises is one of the few cruise lines whose ships were built with the delivery of fresh cuisine in mind.

The line’s culinary approach is “Designed for Fresh,” with breads baked freshly all day, sauces made from scratch using the freshest ingredients, steaks aged and hand cut onboard, and house-prepared ice cream made daily.

Chef Leprince and his team strive to ensure that guests discover the unique flavors of the places they visit while dining onboard Princess ships. He is also responsible for developing and updating the menus onboard all 17 Princess Cruises ships.

Princess also collaborates with accomplished celebrity chefs to creatively enhance the dining experience at sea. Curtis Stone has SHARE by Curtis Stone Restaurants on three Princess ships and also has special seasonal “Chef Curtis Stone” dishes available in the Main Dining Room of other Princess vessels. Chef Ernesto Uchimura (the original menu developer for Umami Burger and Chef/Partner for Plan Check Kitchen + Bar) has developed the Salty Dog Gastropub concept for Princess available on select ships.

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern cruise ships (with 3 more under construction) renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment, and amenities, all provided with the experience of exceptional customer service. As the world’s largest international premium cruise brand, Princess carries two million guests each year to more than 360 destinations around the globe on more than 150 itineraries ranging in length from three to 114 days.

Show 279, June 30, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now an enticing preview of Saturday’s properly decadent show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… Keep in mind we’re here with you live every Saturday morning with an action-packed show typically overflowing with tasty treats.

Newly published is Seven Days in The Valle: Baja California’s Wine Country Cuisine by W. Scott Koenig. Koenig is known for his blog and alter ego, A Gringo in Mexico, where he reports on food and culture in the state of Baja California — just across the US Mexican border. In Seven Days in The Valle, he focuses his camera lens and writing on the cuisine of the Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s main wine-producing region. Scott Koenig joins us.

Realizing a lifelong dream, Chef Curtis Stone opened his first solo restaurant, Maude (Beverly Hills, CA), in February 2014. Affectionately named after his late paternal grandmother, the restaurant pays homage to Curtis’ first culinary mentor whose sensibilities are resonant throughout the restaurant experience. The menu at Maude is a set multi-course chef’s tasting menu that is created around one of the world’s great wine regions. Maude’s “menu-less” format and intimate 24-seat dining room and open kitchen chef’s counter, invites guests to put their trust into the hands of the chef. Chef Curtis is our guest to discuss the next wine region on Maude’s menu.

You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to appreciate the high-quality of wine from Bordeaux, France. It’s one of the great wine grape growing regions of the world. Our resident wine authority, Tristen Beamon from The Wine Exchange, was recently in Bordeaux tasting wines in the barrel from the 2017 vintage. We’ll get his insider’s report on what to expect.

“Located in the heart of downtown Solvang, we have been open since 2011, Succulent Cafe Wine Charcuterie serves up comfort cuisine with a twist while sourcing local, seasonal ingredients from neighborhood farmers & fisherman to ensure the freshest quality whenever possible.  We believe in delicious food served in ample portions that compliment our wonderful local wines and craft beers.  Succulent also offers a variety of signature cocktails.” Proprietors David and Sylvia Brents are our guests.

In a few short years, Napa’s Steve Sando has taken the lowly bean from a healthy but neglected, over-bred member of the vegetable family to a near superstar-status ingredient. Sando’s company Rancho Gordo, grows heirloom and heritage varieties and works with influential chefs like Thomas Keller, Deborah Madison, Paula Wolfert and Annie Sommerville. His new book is The Rancho Gordo Vegetarian Kitchen. We’re shelling beans with Steve Sando.

Chef Andrew Gruel, the founder of The Slapfish Restaurant Group, joins us with another installment of “Ask the Chef.” Abalone, a tasty delicacy once abundant in California waters, is making a deserved comeback. It still can’t be harvested from our coastal waters but farm-raised abalone is coming into its own. It’s just a slow process. It’s delicious pounded and then sautéed. Chef Andrew provides the informative overview.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Program Note: For our July 7th Show celebrating the 4th of July we’ll be live from the new Golden Road Pub OC located across the street from Angel Stadium.

Show 279, June 30, 2018: Chef Curtis Stone, Maude, Gwen and SHARE by Curtis Stone Continues…

Curtis Stone“Get out your sunscreen and put on your Ray-Bans because summer at Maude is a road trip up the Central Coast of California. After our European journeys through the old world vines of Rioja and Burgundy, Curtis and the Maude Squad have decided to embrace the beauty of their own backyard in a bit of a staycation, visiting local farmers, purveyors, and winemakers.”

“Expect Executive Chef Justin Hilbert to unearth a treasure trove of shellfish for this new menu from simple bites that taste of the ocean to conceptual uses of seafood that will surprise and delight. As always, the wine team has uncovered gems from small producers and will also pair seasonal courses with the big guns – the California icons who put this region on the wine map.”

“The Central Coast is a right of passage for wine lovers. The ingredients inspire endless possibilities.”

Chef Curtis also updates us on Gwen, his butcher shop and restaurant in Hollywood. “The opening of Gwen is a decade-long dream realized for Curtis and his brother, Luke, who were first inspired by Gwen’s namesake: their maternal grandmother who lived on a farm outside of Melbourne. It was on Gwen’s farm where they were first exposed to livestock farming, which instilled in them great respect for the process of raising animals for food.”

“Both started their careers in a butcher shop, before Curtis went on to cook in Michelin-starred restaurants while Luke honed his business acumen as the owner and manager of a corporate floristy business in Australia. Working together, they have brought a world-class butcher shop and dining experience to Los Angeles.”

Chef Curtis also has a fine dining association with Princess Cruises. It’s Chef Curtis at sea with SHARE by Curtis Stone on The Ruby Princess, The Emerald Princess and Sun Princess. It’s a six-course fine-dining experience.

June 30: Curtis Stone, W. Scott Koenig, Wine Exchange, Succulent Cafe, Rancho Gordo

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: “A Gringo in Mexico’s” W. Scott Koenig, Seven Days in The Valle: Baja California’s Wine Country Cuisine
Segment Three: Chef Curtis Stone, Maude, Gwen and SHARE by Curtis Stone Part One
Segment Four: Chef Curtis Stone, Maude, Gwen and SHARE by Curtis Stone Part Two
Segment Five: The Wine Exchange’s Tristen Beamon, Bordeaux Barrel Tastings for the 2017 Vintage
Segment Six: Proprietors David & Sylvia Brents, Succulent Café Wine Charcuterie, Solvang
Segment Seven: Steve Sando, Rancho Gordo
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Now an enticing preview of this Saturday’s properly decadent show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… Keep in mind we’re here with you live every Saturday morning with an action-packed show typically overflowing with tasty treats.

Newly published is Seven Days in The Valle: Baja California’s Wine Country Cuisine by W. Scott Koenig. Koenig is known for his blog and alter ego, A Gringo in Mexico, where he reports on food and culture in the state of Baja California — just across the US Mexican border. In Seven Days in The Valle, he focuses his camera lens and writing on the cuisine of the Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s main wine-producing region. Scott Koenig joins us.

Realizing a lifelong dream, Chef Curtis Stone opened his first solo restaurant, Maude (Beverly Hills, CA), in February 2014. Affectionately named after his late paternal grandmother, the restaurant pays homage to Curtis’ first culinary mentor whose sensibilities are resonant throughout the restaurant experience. The menu at Maude is a set multi-course chef’s tasting menu that is created around one of the world’s great wine regions. Maude’s “menu-less” format and intimate 24-seat dining room and open kitchen chef’s counter, invites guests to put their trust into the hands of the chef. Chef Curtis is our guest to discuss the next wine region on Maude’s menu.

You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to appreciate the high-quality of wine from Bordeaux, France. It’s one of the great wine grape growing regions of the world. Our resident wine authority, Tristen Beamon from The Wine Exchange, was recently in Bordeaux tasting wines in the barrel from the 2016 harvest. We’ll get his insider’s report on what to expect.

“Located in the heart of downtown Solvang, we have been open since 2011, Succulent Cafe Wine Charcuterie serves up comfort cuisine with a twist while sourcing local, seasonal ingredients from neighborhood farmers & fisherman to ensure the freshest quality whenever possible.  We believe in delicious food served in ample portions that compliment our wonderful local wines and craft beers.  Succulent also offers a variety of signature cocktails.” Proprietors David and Sylvia Brents are our guests.

In a few short years, Napa’s Steve Sando has taken the lowly bean from a healthy but neglected, over-bred member of the vegetable family to a near superstar-status ingredient. Sando’s company Rancho Gordo, grows heirloom and heritage varieties and works with influential chefs like Thomas Keller, Deborah Madison, Paula Wolfert and Annie Sommerville. His new book is The Rancho Gordo Vegetarian Kitchen. We’re shelling beans with Steve Sando.

Chef Andrew Gruel, the founder of The Slapfish Restaurant Group, joins us with another installment of “Ask the Chef.” Abalone, a tasty delicacy once abundant in California waters, is making a deserved comeback. It still can’t be harvested from our coastal waters but farm-raised abalone is coming into it’s own. It’s just a slow process. It’s delicious pounded and then sautéed. Chef Andrew provides the informative overview.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Program Note For our July 7th Show celebrating the 4th of July we’ll be live from the new Golden Road Pub OC located across the street from Angel Stadium.

W Scott KoenigNewly published is Seven Days in The Valle: Baja California’s Wine Country Cuisine by W. Scott Koenig. Koenig is known for his blog and alter ego, A Gringo in Mexico, where he reports on food and culture in the state of Baja California — just across the US Mexican border. In Seven Days in The Valle, he focuses his camera lens and writing on the cuisine of the Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s main wine-producing region.

“Chefs in Baja California have been experimenting with recipes combining Mediterranean, Asian and Mexican influences with local ingredients for nearly two decades, creating a unique cuisine.” Koenig explains. They often grow their own vegetables and herbs, source meat from area ranches and enjoy a supply of fresh seafood from the nearby Pacific.

Koenig conceived Seven Days in The Valle while assisting the Culinary Institute of America on a seven-day trip through Baja California as they filmed a documentary. “I had hundreds of images from that experience and a backlog of past photos and interviews; I felt it was time for a book on the Valle de Guadalupe. My goal was to tell the story of this magical place through the experiences of its chefs – whose restaurants are some of my favorites anywhere.”

A Gringo in Mexico’s Scott Koenig joins us.

Curtis StoneRealizing a lifelong dream, Chef Curtis Stone opened his first solo restaurant, Maude (Beverly Hills, CA), in February 2014. Affectionately named after his late paternal grandmother, the restaurant pays homage to Curtis’ first culinary mentor whose sensibilities are resonant throughout the restaurant experience.

The menu at Maude is a set multi-course chef’s tasting menu that is created around one of the world’s great wine regions. Maude’s “menu-less” format and intimate 24-seat dining room and open kitchen chef’s counter, invites guests to put their trust into the hands of the chef.

Chef Curtis is our guest to discuss the next wine region, The Central Coast, on Maude’s menu.

“Get out your sunscreen and put on your Ray-Bans because summer at Maude is a road trip up the Central Coast of California.  After our European journeys through the old world vines of Rioja and Burgundy, Curtis and the Maude Squad have decided to embrace the beauty of their own backyard in a bit of a staycation, visiting local farmers, purveyors, and winemakers.”

“Expect Executive Chef Justin Hilbert to unearth a treasure trove of shellfish for this new menu from simple bites that taste of the ocean to conceptual uses of seafood that will surprise and delight.  As always, the wine team has uncovered gems from small producers and will also pair seasonal courses with the big guns – the California icons who put this region on the wine map.”

“The Central Coast is a right of passage for wine lovers.  The ingredients inspire endless possibilities.”

Tristan BeamonYou don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to appreciate the high-quality of wine from Bordeaux, France. It’s one of the great wine grape growing regions of the world.

Our resident wine authority, Tristen Beamon from The Wine Exchange, was recently in Bordeaux tasting wines in the barrel from the 2016 harvest. We’ll get his insider’s report on what to expect.Who says Bordeaux is expensive?

This year Tristen has journeyed to Bordeaux twice tasting some of the greatest potential wine values in the world. “So as we like to say here at Wine Exchange…Let the games begin!”

Succulentm Cafe Wine Charcuterie“Located in the heart of downtown Solvang, we have been open since 2011, Succulent Cafe Wine Charcuterie serves up comfort cuisine with a twist while sourcing local, seasonal ingredients from neighborhood farmers & fisherman to ensure the freshest quality whenever possible.”

“We believe in delicious food served in ample portions that compliment our wonderful local wines and craft beers.  Succulent also offers a variety of signature cocktails.”

“Our small cafe is family owned and operated with a focus on the community needs and wants. We strive to go back to the traditions of homemade biscuits & gravy, jams & jellies, hearty meals, and desserts.”

“Our culinary team works hard making all our dishes from scratch, while our service staff strives to make your dining experience a wonderful and memorable one.  Serving breakfast, lunch & dinner, you can enjoy your meal in our rustic & cozy dining room or on our beautiful succulent filled patio.”

“Whether it be a glass of wine with a charcuterie plate or enjoying Sunday dinner with the family, all of us at Succulent Café will do our very best to make your experience a most memorable one.”

Breakfast and lunch are served fast casual style and dinner is full table service. Closed on Tuesday.

Proprietors David and Sylvia Brents are our guests.

Steve SandoIn a few short years, Steve Sando has taken the lowly bean from a healthy but neglected, over-bred member of the vegetable family to a near superstar-status ingredient. Sando’s company Rancho Gordo, grows heirloom and heritage varieties and works with influential chefs like Thomas Keller, Deborah Madison, Paula Wolfert and Annie Sommerville. His new book is The Rancho Gordo Vegetarian Kitchen – Everyday Cooking with Heirloom Beans, Vegetables, Greens, and Grains.

“My first harvested heirloom bean was Rio Zape. They were pretty and easy to grow but I had no idea what to expect when I cooked them. They were similar to the pintos I liked but there was so much more going on. “Hints of chocolate and coffee mixed with an earthy texture made my head spin. I was blown away by Rio Zape and the other heirloom beans I was growing, but also really confused why they were such a big secret. I took the beans to the farmers market, organizing things on my kitchen table. Soon there was a warehouse, followed by more markets and mail order. It seems we had struck a nerve. People agreed that heirloom beans were worth saving, growing and cooking. Currently our warehouse, a retail shop and offices are in Napa, California and a stop here is part of many tours of the wine country. We were asked to open a store at the Ferry Building in San Francisco and as you can imagine, we jumped at the chance.”

“All of my agricultural pursuits have been based on being someone who likes to cook but gets frustrated by the lack of ingredients, especially those that are native to the New World. One of the things that originally drew me to beans was the fact that they are indigenous to the Americas. It seems to me these indigenous ingredients should be familiar, if not common. American cuisine is re-inventing itself and I’d love to include ingredients, traditions and recipes from north and south of the border as part of the equation. I love the concept of The Americas. I feel as if it’s just as important as the European heritage many of us share.”

We’re shelling heirloom beans with Steve Sando.

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosChef Andrew Gruel, the founder of The Slapfish Restaurant Group, joins us with another installment of Ask the Chef.”

Abalone, a tasty delicacy once abundant in California waters, is making a well-deserved comeback. It still can’t be harvested from our coastal waters but farm-raised abalone is coming into it’s own. It’s just a slow process. It’s delicious pounded and then sautéed. Chef Andrew provides the informative overview.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: “A Gringo in Mexico’s” W. Scott Koenig, Seven Days in The Valle: Baja California’s Wine Country Cuisine
Segment Three: Chef Curtis Stone, Maude, Gwen and SHARE by Curtis Stone Part One
Segment Four: Chef Curtis Stone, Maude, Gwen and SHARE by Curtis Stone Part Two
Segment Five: The Wine Exchange’s Tristen Beamon, Bordeaux Barrel Tastings for the 2017 Vintage
Segment Six: Proprietors David & Sylvia Brents, Succulent Café Wine Charcuterie, Solvang
Segment Seven: Steve Sando, Rancho Gordo
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Show 211, February 18, 2017: 2017 James Beard Foundation Awards – Announcement of Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists

James Beard AwardsThis past week the 2017 James Beard Foundation Awards Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists were announced. Congratulations to all the California Semifinalists. On March 15th The Foundation will announce the Final Nominations in all categories at a breakfast press conference at a.o.c restaurant in Los Angeles. This is the first time in the 27-year history of The Awards that the Final Nominations will be announced in Los Angeles.

A tip of the toque to Chef Curtis Stone on the Semifinalist Nomination for Gwen for Best New Restaurant, Caroline Styne on the Semifinalist Nomination for Outstanding Restaurateur, Marche Moderne for the Semifinalist Nomination for Outstanding Service and Studio at Montage, Laguna Beach for the Semifinalist Nomination for Outstanding Wine Program.

Best wishes to all!

Show 201, December 10, 2016: Daniel and Georges Daou, DAOU Vineyards & Winery

Daniel DaouUltimo: Le Grand Voyage calls for incredible wines. Each year The Grand Banquet is the stellar dining experience of the Weekend festivities with courses prepared by huge celebrity chefs. Brothers Daniel and Georges Daou of DAOU Vineyards and Winery in Paso Robles will debut their Patrimony Cabernet Sauvignon at The Grand Banquet. This is the 2nd year they have been part of the Grand Banquet. We’ll chat with them.

Patrimony Cabernet Sauvignon from Daou Vineyards and WineryThe Patrimony 2013 (decanted from elegant, large format bottles) was magnificently paired with Chef Curtis Stone’s Fifth Course of Lamb Shoulder, bacon, tongue and ribs with potato, turnips and rutabaga.

DAOU Estate Collection wines are made from the finest vineyard blocks on Daou Mountain and aged extensively in hand-selected custom-crafted, new French oak barrels. These wines showcase the visionary talent of Winemaker Daniel Daou, and embody DAOU’s mission to produce first-growth Cabernet Sauvignon from the unrivaled terroir of DAOU Mountain.

DAOU Reserve Collection wines are made from premium fruit sourced from DAOU Mountain as well as select Paso Robles vineyards. Throughout the growing season, Daniel Daou is actively involved in the management of these vineyards to ensure the highest quality. These wines are distinguished by signature qualities of grace and structure.

Visitors are warmly welcomed to visit DAOU for a variety of tasting experiences by advance reservation.

Show 201, December 10, 2016: Chef Curtis Stone, Maude in Beverly Hills & Gwen in Hollywood

Curtis StoneMelbourne-born Chef Curtis Stone now resides in Los Angeles. In addition to being all over Food TV (“Kitchen Inferno” and the upcoming “My Kitchen Rules” with Cat Cora on FOX), Chef Curtis has the intimate Maude in Beverly Hills and Gwen (also a butcher shop) in Hollywood.

Chef Curtis’ brother, Luke, is a partner and runs the front of the house at Gwen. He actively works the floor and even drops courses for the guests at their table. It’s fun to see the surprised reaction of a guest when they realize it’s Curtis’ brother serving them!

“My mum and granny taught me everything I know about food and cooking. My mum, Lozza, is a great cook, in particular a phenomenal baker, and I would watch her every move while she baked. I am very partial to her corn and bacon muffins so she makes these for me whenever I visit. I still call on her regularly for advice when I’m developing recipes – thanks Lozza!”

Curtis Stone is also the author of six cookbooks. The most recent title is Good Food, Good Life.

Chef Curtis, also a participating chef in The Grand Banquet, joins us.

To answer the most frequent question we get about Curtis Stone…Yes, he’s as nice & genuine as he comes across on radio.