Show 411, February 6, 2021: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel savoring a New Jersey style Pizza

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants which is a genuine (and increasingly growing) concern. Last week restaurants in Southern California were finally allowed to reopen for outside/patio dining at reduced capacities with all the requisite COVID 19 safety precautions. How is it going so far? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Sunday afternoon is the annual celebration of the “Big Game” being hosted in Tampa. “Big Game” snacks worthy of the occasion (this year probably celebrated at home) are a must. Chef Andrew shares a few inspired ideas beyond the expected guacamole. He enjoys dips for the Big Game food table. Chef Andrew suggests using his hot crab dip as the base (not necessarily using the crab) as the jumping off point for other variations. To accompany the creative dips Chef Andrew recommends seasoned, house-made potato chips.

Chef Andrew also updates us on the inspiring progress for the grass-roots, “86 Restaurant Struggle” campaign to benefit out-of-work and struggling restaurant workers. Chef Andrew and his wife, Lauren, have already distributed over $330,000 in small grants to deserving restaurant workers in need. All applications are carefully vetted by the Gruel’s. The need continues…

Show 198, November 19, 2016: Rachel Hollis, The Chic Site, Upscale Downhome – Family Recipes All Gussied Up

Rachel HollisRachel Hollis, popular blogger and founder of The Chic Site (reaches over 1 million users a month) has a new swoon-worthy cookbook out, Upscale DownHome: Family Recipes all Gussied Up. It’s truly the best in Guy Tailgate Comfort Food that’s sure to impress at both family suppers and the fanciest dinner parties.

Rachel puts a finger-licking gourmet twist on classic American favorites in sections that include recipes for:

  • Casseroles: balsamic bacon-wrapped meatloaf, bacon and green chili mac n’cheese
  • Potluck: loaded baked potato salad, seven-layer salad
  • Dips: grilled guacamole, corn dip, chili cheese dip, pizza dip
  • Sips: strawberry rosemary moonshine, Grandma’s sweet tea
  • Somethin’ Sweet: banana pudding parfaits, Mema’s carrot cake

The Spicy Corn Dip with freshly-fried Tortilla Chips is a crowd-pleaser.

Packed with big flavor and simple enough for a beginner home cook to master, Upscale Downhome focuses on great-tasting food and beautiful presentation that is guaranteed to impress. This is the kind of food that we all like to eat, served up with a chic twist.

Rachel joins us with a fully-leaded, tasty preview.