Show 567, March 2, 2024: Executive Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President Culinary and Partner, Wolfgang Puck Catering Part One

Eric Klein of Wolfgang Puck Catering

We first introduced Chef Eric Klein to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” when he was the high-profile Executive Chef and Partner of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops. Later Chef Eric transitioned (with a major promotion) to Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering based at The Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Every year for over two-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony. 2024 is the 30th year celebration of the Governors Ball. As for the past several years this luxe menu was created by Wolfgang Puck and Eric Klein. The pastry design is by Kamel Guechida and Gary Larduinat. This year the Oscars return to the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Sunday, March 10th.

Wolfgang Puck is even flying in his Executive Chef at CUT London, Elliott Grover, to prepare Fish and Chips (with lobster) and oversee the Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding and Creamed Horseradish Carving Station. Think tray-passed Smoked Salmon Oscars on Matzah for starters. A new creation for this year is a vegetarian item (tray-passed), Honey Butter Toast with Fennel Marmalade and Whipped Crème Fraiche.

Chef Eric Klein takes a break from his active kitchens to join us for this exclusive preview.

Show 515, March 4, 2023: Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President Culinary & Partner, Wolfgang Puck Catering. The Oscars’ Governors Ball Cuisine

Eric Klein of Wolfgang Puck Catering

We first introduced Chef Eric Klein to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” when he was the high- profile Executive Chef and Partner of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops. Later Chef Eric transitioned (with a major promotion) to Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering based at The Dolby Theater in Hollywood.

Every year for over two-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony. 2023 is the 29th year celebration of the Governors Ball. As for the past several years this luxe menu was created by Wolfgang Puck and Eric Klein. The pastry design is by Kamel Guechida and Gary Larduinat. This year the Oscars return to the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Sunday, March 12th.

Wolfgang Puck is flying in his Executive Chef at CUT London, Elliott Grover, to prepare Fish and Chips and oversee the Beef Wellington Carving Station. New creations for this year are the Ma Maison Chicken Salad and Wolfgang’s spin on Chicken & Waffles (made to order.)

Chef Eric takes a break from his active kitchens to join us.

Show 466, March 19, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris including Anne Marie Panoringan

Food Journalist Anne Marie Panoringan

Anne Marie Panoringan is Voice of OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. The column publishes every other Friday. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to profile how two Orange County restaurants weathered Covid 19 in very different ways and also discusses her upcoming column about the burgeoning restaurant scene in Fullerton which publishes on Friday, March 25th. Anne Marie also reports on highlights from last week’s Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Convention Center. It’s the 2nd biggest convention held annually at the ACC. Anne Marie, in-studio, is part of this segment.

We first introduced Chef Eric Klein to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” when he was the high-profile Executive Chef and Partner of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops. Later Chef Eric transitioned with a giant promotion to Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering based at The Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Every year for over two-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony. This year The Oscars return to the Dolby Theater on Sunday, March 27th. Talk about great expectations…Chef Eric Klein takes a brief break from his busy kitchens to join us.

Baker Arturo Enciso’s Gusto Bread is an organic panadería in Long Beach, California, specializing in pan and pan dulce made only with masa madre (natural leaven: sourdough starter).Find freshly made loaves, conchas, long breads, nixtamal, polvorones, horchata, café de olla, yerba mate, as well as delicious pantry goods (sardinas, beans), and so much more.” “Gusto Bread is a homey, creative, latinx operation, with a love for tradition and nutrition, serving and supported by their local community.”
Gusto loves putting their heart and soul into their acclaimed work. Baker Arturo has a passionate connection to bread and baking.” Arturo takes a break from his busy deck ovens and joins us.

Talley Vineyards (cool climate wines from the SLO Coast) Owner & Vintner Brian Talley is a third- generation farmer and second- generation winegrower born and raised in Arroyo Grande.  While attending UC Berkeley, where he earned degrees in History and Natural Resource Economics, he worked in a wine shop where he fell in love with wine. Brian began his career in the family business at age 12 when he started harvesting vegetables at Talley Farms.  He became General Manager of Talley Vineyards in 1991 and now serves as President of Talley Vineyards and Talley Farms.” Brian Talley is our guest to uncork all that is Talley Vineyards.

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’s favorite charity benefit of the year is the high-profile OC Chef’s Table benefiting the Illumination Foundation. It’s set for Sunday, March 27th at the Disneyland Hotel. The long-term goal of Illumination Foundation is to end homelessness in the OC. The event last year raised over $1.3 million. Chef Andrew provides the overview.

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

Show 466, March 19, 2022: Executive Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner, Wolfgang Puck Catering

Eric Klein of Wolfgang Puck Catering

We first introduced Chef Eric Klein to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” when he was the high-profile Executive Chef and Partner of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops. Later Chef Eric transitioned (with a major promotion) to Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering based at The Dolby Theater in Hollywood.

Every year for over two-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony. This year the Oscars return to the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Sunday, March 27th. Between the Tray Passed items, Passed Small Plates, Passed Small Plate Sweets, Small Plate Stations, Sweets and the Cookies and Milk Bar 20,000 portions will be served to the A-List guests. New this year are three Small Plate Stations from the Bronx-based Ghetto Gastro including “Triple C’s” (Trading Places Cornbread, Crab, Caviar.)

Last year Wolfgang Puck catered the exclusive “Cocktail Party” version of the Oscars at the historic Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. Nibbles and beverages were served (with proper pandemic protocols) in an outside patio during the ceremony.

They are the official caterers for the newly opened Academy Museum of Motion Pictures ($484 million) at Wilshire Blvd. and Fairfax Avenue on the Miracle Mile.

Chef Eric Klein takes a brief break from his busy kitchens to join us.

March 19: Anne-Marie Panoringan, Eric Klein at the Academy Awards, Gusto Bread, Talley Vineyards

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris including Anne Marie Panoringan
Segment Two: Anne Marie Panoringan, “Voice of OC’s” Food Columnist
Segment Three: Executive Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner, Wolfgang Puck Catering
Segment Four: Baker Arturo Enciso, Gusto Bread, Long Beach Part One
Segment Five: Baker Arturo Enciso, Gusto Bread, Long Beach Part Two
Segment Six: Vintner Brian Talley, President, Talley Vineyards and Talley Farms, Arroyo Grande, CA Part One
Segment Seven: Vintner Brian Talley, President, Talley Vineyards and Talley Farms, Arroyo Grande, CA Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

Anne Marie Panoringan is Voice of OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. The column publishes every other Friday. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to profile how two Orange County restaurants weathered Covid 19 in very different ways and also discusses her current column about the burgeoning restaurant scene in Fullerton which published on Friday, March 18th. Anne Marie also reports on highlights from last week’s Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Convention Center. It’s the 2nd biggest convention held annually at the ACC.

We first introduced Chef Eric Klein to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” when he was the high-profile Executive Chef and Partner of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops. Later Chef Eric transitioned with a giant promotion to Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering based at The Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Every year for over two-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony. This year The Oscars return to the Dolby Theater on Sunday, March 27th. Talk about great expectations…Chef Eric Klein takes a brief break from his busy kitchens to join us.

Baker Arturo Enciso’s Gusto Bread is an organic panadería in Long Beach, California, specializing in pan and pan dulce made only with masa madre (natural leaven: sourdough starter).Find freshly made loaves, conchas, long breads, nixtamal, polvorones, horchata, café de olla, yerba mate, as well as delicious pantry goods (sardinas, beans), and so much more.” Gusto Bread is a homey, creative, latinx operation, with a love for tradition and nutrition, serving and supported by their local community.

Gusto loves putting their heart and soul into their acclaimed work. Baker Arturo has a passionate connection to bread and baking.” Arturo takes a break from his busy deck ovens and joins us.

“Talley Vineyards (cool climate wines from the SLO Coast) Owner & Vintner Brian Talley is a third-generation farmer and second-generation winegrower born and raised in Arroyo Grande. While attending UC Berkeley, where he earned degrees in History and Natural Resource Economics, he worked in a wine shop called Curds and Whey where he fell in love with wine. Brian began his career in the family business at age 12 when he started harvesting vegetables at Talley Farms. He became General Manager of Talley Vineyards in 1991 and now serves as President of Talley Vineyards and Talley Farms.” Brian Talley is our guest to uncork all that is Talley Vineyards.

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’s favorite charity benefit of the year is the high-profile OC Chef’s Table benefiting the Illumination Foundation. It’s set for Sunday, March 27th at the Disneyland Hotel. The long-term goal of Illumination Foundation is to end homelessness in the OC. The event last year raised over $1.3 million. Chef Andrew provides the overview.

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

Food Journalist Anne Marie Panoringan

Anne Marie Panoringan is Voice of OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. The column publishes every other Friday.

Anne Marie joins us in-studio to profile how two Orange County restaurants weathered Covid 19 in very different ways and also discusses her current column (published on March 18th) about the burgeoning restaurant scene in Fullerton. Anne Marie also reports on last week’s Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Convention Center. It’s the 2nd biggest convention held annually at the ACC.

Eric Klein of Wolfgang Puck Catering

We first introduced Chef Eric Klein to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” when he was the high-profile Executive Chef and Partner of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops. Later Chef Eric transitioned (with a major promotion) to Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering based at The Dolby Theater in Hollywood.

Every year for over two-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony. This year the Oscars return to the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Sunday, March 27th.

Last year Wolfgang Puck catered the exclusive “Cocktail Party” version of the Oscars at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. Nibbles and beverages were served (with proper pandemic protocols) in an outside patio during the ceremony.

They are the official caterers for the newly opened Academy Museum of Motion Pictures ($484 million) at Wilshire Blvd. and Fairfax Avenue.

Chef Eric Klein takes a brief break from his busy kitchens to join us.

Arturo Enciso of Gusto Bread

Baker Arturo Enciso’s Gusto Bread is an organic panadería in Long Beach, California, specializing in pan and pan dulce made only with masa madre (natural leaven: sourdough starter).Find freshly made loaves, conchas, long breads, nixtamal, polvorones, horchata, café de olla, yerba mate, as well as delicious pantry goods (sardinas, beans), and so much more.”

Gusto Bread is a homey, creative, latinx operation, with a love for tradition and nutrition, serving and supported by their local community.

Gusto loves putting their heart and soul into their acclaimed work. Baker Arturo has a passionate connection to bread and baking.”

Proprietor Arturo Enciso is a baker from Lebec, CA who has called Long Beach his home for over 10 years. As a self-taught baker for the last 7+ years, he’s grown his hobby into a career with his business Gusto Bread, a panadería orgánica on Retro Row in Long Beach (storefront just opened in August 2020). The bakery uses only masa madre (sourdough) for making breads and pan dulces, embracing ancient knowledge and using high-quality ingredients. He believes that good food and bread provide a beautiful way for people to connect with one another, to traditions and wisdom of the past and create community for a brighter future together.” Arturo takes a break from his busy ovens and joins us.

“Working alongside Arturo is his partner of over 10 years, Ana Belén Salatino, who you’ll find minding the shop, answering the phone and emails, and general day-to-day operations at the bakery. She is in awe of the amount of support and encouragement Gusto Bread has seen from the Long Beach community (and beyond) and knows a good part of the business’ success comes from the heartfelt passion Arturo has for baking and their shared deep commitment to the highest quality ingredients and processes.”

Gusto Bread is open five days and closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Brian Talley of Talley Vineyards

Talley Vineyards (cool climate wines from the SLO Coast) Owner & Vintner Brian Talley is a third-generation farmer and second-generation winegrower born and raised in Arroyo Grande. While attending UC Berkeley, where he earned degrees in History and Natural Resource Economics, he worked in a wine shop called Curds and Whey where he fell in love with wine.”

“Brian began his career in the family business at age 12 when he started harvesting vegetables at Talley Farms. He became General Manager of Talley Vineyards in 1991 and now serves as President of Talley Vineyards and Talley Farms. Brian is recognized as a leader in the local wine industry and was cofounder of the World of Pinot Noir, has served as President of the San Luis Obispo Coast Wine Collective and been recognized by both Robert Parker and the local wine industry as a Wine Industry Person of the Year. Most recently he was a leader in the effort to establish the recently approved San Luis Obispo Coast AVA and wrote a farm to table cookbook, Our California Table, Celebrating the Seasons with the Talley Family.”

“Brian loves cooking, wine and travel as well as hiking and golf. He lives at the edge of Talley Farms with his wife Johnine. Brian Talley is our guest to uncork all that is Talley Vineyards.”

Talley Vineyards is known for their Estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

“The Tally Pinot Noirs are Burgundian style with California influence: approachable minerality, delicate fruit, and refreshing energy.” Their Chardonnays are a fresh take on California Chardonnay with citrus, stone fruit, and vivacity shining through in aromas and flavors.”

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino

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’s favorite charity benefit of the year is the OC Chef’s Table benefiting the Illumination Foundation. It’s set for Sunday, March 27th at the Disneyland Hotel. The long-term goal of Illumination Foundation is to end homelessness in the OC. The event last year raised over $1.3 million. The headlining chef is Jet Tila, the emeritus Host of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” and the author of the newly published 101 Thai Dishes You Need To Cook Before You Die. Chef Andrew provides the overview.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris including Anne Marie Panoringan
Segment Two: Anne Marie Panoringan, “Voice of OC’s” Food Columnist
Segment Three: Executive Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner, Wolfgang Puck Catering
Segment Four: Baker Arturo Enciso, Gusto Bread, Long Beach Part One
Segment Five: Baker Arturo Enciso, Gusto Bread, Long Beach Part Two
Segment Six: Vintner Brian Talley, President, Talley Vineyards and Talley Farms, Arroyo Grande, CA Part One
Segment Seven: Vintner Brian Talley, President, Talley Vineyards and Talley Farms, Arroyo Grande, CA Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

Show 445, October 2, 2021: Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President Culinary-Partner, Wolfgang Puck Catering

Eric Klein of Wolfgang Puck Catering

We first introduced Chef Eric Klein to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” when he was the high- profile Executive Chef and Partner of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops. Later Chef Eric transitioned (with a major promotion) to Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering based at the Dolby Theater (Hollywood & Highland) in Hollywood.

Every year for over two-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony.

They are the official caterers for the newly opened Academy Museum of Motion Pictures ($484 million) at Wilshire Blvd. and Fairfax Avenue. Last Saturday night they catered the glitzy, star-studded Opening Gala for The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Talk about pressure!

Chef Eric also talks about the adapted foodservice they orchestrated for the outside patio area Reception Lounge for the VIP attendees at this Year’s reformatted Oscar festivities at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles.

Starting on Monday they are responsible for the transplanted Spago restaurant at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Chef Eric Klein takes a brief break from his busy kitchens to join us.

Show 358, February 2, 2020: Executive Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President, Culinary, Wolfgang Puck Catering – Previewing the Oscars Governors Ball

Eric Klein of Wolfgang Puck CateringFor the 26th year Wolfgang Puck Catering will create the exquisite cuisine for the 92nd Oscars Governors Ball at Hollywood & Highland in the Ray Dolby Ballroom which is held after the conclusion of the Oscar broadcast in the Dolby Theater. For this year the menu will be 70 per cent plant-based with the remaining 30 per cent of the menu vegetarian, meat and fish selections. The standout menu was developed by Wolfgang Puck and Eric Klein, Senior Vice President of Culinary & Partner, Wolfgang Puck Catering.

The incredible menu includes Amuse Bouche, Tray-Passed Hors d’Oeuvre, Passed Small Plates (Hot & Cold,) Chef Action Station, Sweets, Boozy Milkshakes, Housemade Valrhona Chocolate Bars, and a Dessert Chef Action Station featuring scooped to order Sorbets on Chinese Donuts.

Since 2013, the Governors Ball has been dedicated to sustainable farming, with more than 50 per cent plant-based and vegetarian dishes offered. The extensive menus have taken into account a number of food allergies and lifestyle eating choices.

Chef Eric Klein takes a brief break from his incredibly busy kitchens to join us.

Show 203, December 24, 2016: Eric Klein, Executive Chef, Vice President Culinary, Wolfgang Puck Catering

Eric KleinFor the last nine years Chef Eric Klein has been the face of Spago Las Vegas for Wolfgang Puck as Partner & Executive Chef. When superstars perform at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace they specifically ask to have Chef Eric cook for them.

Chef Eric just earned a well-deserved promotion within the Wolfgang Puck organization. He’s now back in Los Angeles as Executive Chef of Wolfgang Puck Catering based at Hollywood & Highland, the home of the annual Academy Awards Ceremony at The Dolby Theater.

Wolfgang Puck Catering provides all the food for The Governor’s Ball which follows the Oscar ceremony every year. You can’t find a more prestigious (or demanding) client than The Oscars! Every winner passes through the Governor’s Ball. Talk about pressure to dazzle…

We’ll rattle pans with Chef Eric.

Show 203, December 24, 2016: Eric Klein, Executive Chef, Vice President Culinary, Wolfgang Puck Catering Chef Eric continues…

Eric Klein of Wolfgang Puck CateringFor the last nine years Chef Eric Klein has been the face of Spago Las Vegas for Wolfgang Puck as Partner & Executive Chef. When superstars perform at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace they specifically ask to have Chef Eric cook for them.

Chef Eric just earned a well-deserved promotion within the Wolfgang Puck organization. He’s now back in Los Angeles as Executive Chef of Wolfgang Puck Catering (founded in 1988) based at Hollywood & Highland, the home of the annual Academy Awards Ceremony at The Dolby Theater.

Food journalist Al Mancini (co-creator of the original Eating Las Vegas Guidebook), now a staff writer for the Las Vegas Review Journal, just interviewed Chef Eric in Friday’s (Dec. 23rd) editions of the Las Vegas Review Journal.

Fun Fact: Wolfgang Puck Catering in Los Angeles alone served 4 tons of Beef Short Ribs in December.

Chef Eric is particularly excited about Wolfgang Puck’s Exclusive Test Kitchen based at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. It’s their creative Research & Development kitchen where 8 to 10 lucky guests get a one-of-a-kind, multi-course dinner prepared right in front of them by a brigade of Wolfgang Puck executive chefs. (A truly “only in L.A. experience!)

“A market-inspired twelve course sensory experience collaboratively prepared and served across the pass by our most talented chefs.”

Wolfgang Puck Catering also provides the food for the Rose Parade VIP Lounge on January 2nd, 2017.