Show 567, March 2, 2024: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host and Proprietor of Calico Fish House, with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

It’s not all potent libations for the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day coming up on Sunday, March 17th. Chef Andrew has some suggestions on worthy and satisfying nibbles to take you well beyond green beer. Think Irish Soda Bread (corned beef sandwich) and Dutch Yellow Potatoes with bacon.

Look for Chef Andrew’s new cooking video with Cathy Thomas on Orange Coast Magazine. He prepares One-Pan Seared Salmon with Sweet Potatoes (from Melissa’s), mushrooms, and garbanzo beans.

Check out Chef Andrew’s handy and practical cooking tips on Substack at “American Gravy.” There is an accessible free level as well as a premium option with a modest cost.

Show 565, February 17, 2024: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host and Proprietor of Calico Fish House, with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

In case you missed the ongoing festivities It’s “National Potato Lovers” Month! Chef Andrew shares his quick and simple classic recipe for “Instant” Golden Potatoes using Melissa’s Dutch Yellow Potatoes grown in Idaho.

Look for Chef Andrew’s new cooking video with Cathy Thomas on Orange Coast Magazine. He prepares One-Pan Seared Salmon with Sweet Potatoes (from Melissa’s), mushrooms, and garbanzo beans.

Check out Chef Andrew’s handy and practical cooking tips on Substack at “American Gravy.” There is an accessible free level as well as a premium option with a modest cost.

“Instant” Dutch Yellow Potatoes

Instant Dutch Yellow Potatoes

Recipe excerpt from:
American Gravy
by Andrew Gruel

Sometimes when I come home late, I have to make a meal for the family with whatever is left in the fridge. We always keep a bag of Melissa’s Dutch Yellow Potatoes on hand, so I commonly revert back to this quick and simple classic. Most importantly, the kids and my boss love it.

This is a simple 2-step process. First, you cook the potatoes in boiling acidulated water. The vinegar acts to prevent the starch from breaking down. Next, you strain and slice the potatoes, then pan-sear them as if you were cooking scallops. Finish with some butter, sea salt, and fresh parmesan; you’re all set with a delicious meal (or side) in around 20 minutes.

About Dutch Yellow Potatoes. Dutch Yellow® Potatoes or DYPs®, are the perfect small potato. Grown in nutrient-rich volcanic soil, DYPs® are produced under the best conditions possible. These potatoes are round with golden yellow skin and creamy yellow flesh. DYPs® have a rich texture with a mixture of buttery and nutty flavors and the perfect amount of starchiness. Naturally resistant to greening and sprouting, they’re convenient to use and have a great shelf life.

Ingredients

  • One bag of Dutch Yellow Potatoes (about 1 lb)
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar or cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon kosher or sea salt
  • fresh chives and fresh cracked peppers to garnish

Steps

Put your potatoes in a small sauce pot cover with cold water, add vinegar, and bring to a boil. Boil for about 15 minutes or until they are fork tender. Strain the potatoes and run cool water over them so they are easy to handle. Slice the in half. Get a saute pan hot and add the olive oil. Sear the potatoes on each side, or saute and flip, then finish with some whole butter off the heat. Garish with chives, salt and pepper and serve with a blizzard of fresh parmesan.

Show 522, April 22, 2023: Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe, Legends Hospitality at Angel Stadium Part Two

Dennis Radcliffe of Legends Hospitality

What’s a new season of Angels Baseball without a home run of new food items to contemplate and savor. Continuing with us to make us incredibly hungry is new Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe of Legends Hospitality at Angel Stadium.

We’ll be chatting about what’s new in the concession stands, at Brewery X, and the Premium Suites. Angel Stadium also has an in-house pastry chef. Think fresh-baked brownie bites and oversized caramel (Granny Smith) apples!

It’s everything from the Out-of-the-Park Dog to the BX Burger at Brewery X. 

It’s everything from the Out-of-the-Park Dog to the BX Burger (with a special bun from OC Baking Co.) at Brewery X.

Also the Barbacoa Burrito (with a tortilla from Tortillas Mejorado) and the California Steak Board with Smoked Tr-Tip and Twice Baked Dutch Red & Dutch Yellow Potatoes from Melissa’s in the Suites. Clearly a whole lot of deliciousness at the ready.

Show 503, December 10, 2022: Robert Schueller of Melissa’s Produce – Best of the Season, Part Two

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety Produce in the AM830 KLAA Studio

Robert Schueller of Melissa’s Produce is our resident authority on all things fruits and vegetables. His knowledge is incredibly vast and Robert is also a serious home cook. We affectionately refer to Robert as “The Prince of Produce.” It fits…

Robert continues as our guest highlighting the Winter season’s best in produce for use in inspired Holiday cooking. Think grown in Idaho Dutch Yellow Potatoes (in various sizes), Steamed Beets and White Asparagus.

A great idea for your Holiday Table are the Melissa’s South African Baby Pineapples. “South Africa is noted for these baby pineapples, also known as Queen Victoria Pineapples, which thrive in the hot and humid climate. These sweet, tart baby pineapples have a bold, rich flavor. They have a fragrant, golden skin and brilliantly colored yellow flesh. South African baby pineapples are entirely edible, with no need to remove the core. The size of an average fruit is about 4.5 inches high (not including leaves) and about 3.5 inches in diameter, making it a perfect individual serving.”

He also shares some fresh ideas in gift baskets that are sure to please. Consider the Giving Hope Basket or the Deluxe Exotic and Tropical Fruit Basket.

Show 495, October 15, 2022: Show Preview 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 talk about her recent evening at the relocated and reopened fine-dining Cyrus in Geyserville in the Alexander Valley of Sonoma County. Before the restaurant went on an unexpected hiatus 10-years ago Owner / Chef Douglas Keane’s highly regarded restaurant earned Two Michelin Stars. Business Partner and maire d’ Nick Peyton is also part of the revived establishment. It’s actually located in a vineyard. Anne Marie then continues with us in-studio talking about her current column highlighting the whirlwind culinary activities of Chefs Ross Pangilinan and Nick Weber at both South Coast Plaza and the nearby newly opened Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA.)

“Nestled in an oak tree-studded 40-acre vineyard located in the heart of Santa Barbara County, Roblar Winery and Vineyards reflects the spirit of Santa Ynez Wineries — rustic, authentic, and bold. Their philosophy is to showcase the variety and beauty that only Santa Ynez vineyards have to offer. With their diverse lineup of delicious wines, Roblar’s truly farm-to-table paired delights, a locally sourced food menu, and the fantastic estate-driven experiences, there’s truly no other Santa Ynez winery quite like Roblar.” Executive Chef Peter Cham is our guest.

It’s time to again share more of the very best in fruits and vegetables with our resident produce authority, Robert Schueller of Melissa’s World Variety Produce. We also know him as the “Prince of Produce.”

Halloween is almost upon us so it’s the season of Freaky Fruit®. “October is Freaky Fruit® month, highlighting the most exotic and intriguing of Mother Nature’s sweet bounty. A bit creepy to look at, but surprisingly delectable to eat, Freaky Fruit® is a must for the entire month leading up to a frightening finale on Halloween.” Specialty potatoes are a signature of Melissa’s. They can be baked, broiled, fried, mashed and made into hearty soups and flavorful salads. Melissa’s pioneered the grown in Idaho, Dutch Yellow Potatoes. Robert fills us in on all things potatoes.

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar located in The District in Tustin is celebrating its 15th Anniversary this month. Founding Partner JC Clow joins us to celebrate this achievement with Champagne flute in hand. There are now also thriving sister Winery Restaurants on the water in Newport Beach and in La Jolla. “The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar is focused on successfully pairing contemporary California regional cuisine, with a hip, vibrant, sophisticated setting, to create a cutting-edge dining experience.”

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Last week Chef Andrew got into a well-received discussion of butter. Saturday he’ll finish the conversation talking about the place for salted butter. From there Chef Andrew will talk about how margarine fits (or doesn’t fit) into the commercial or home kitchen.

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

Show 495, October 15, 2022: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s World Variety Produce’s “Prince of Produce” – Fruits and Everything Potatoes

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety Produce in the AM830 KLAA Studio

It’s time to again share more of the very best in fruits and vegetables with our resident produce authority, Robert Schueller of Melissa’s World Variety Produce. We also know him as the “Prince of Produce.”

Halloween is almost upon us so it’s the season of Freaky Fruit®. “October is Freaky Fruit® month, highlighting the most exotic and intriguing of Mother Nature’s sweet bounty. A bit creepy to look at, but surprisingly delectable to eat, Freaky Fruit® is a must for the entire month leading up to a frightening finale on Halloween.”

“Eaten out-of-hand, or added to desserts, baked goods, and other recipes, pomegranates, passion fruit, cherimoya, blood oranges, Buddha’s hand, dragon fruit, finger limes, cactus pears, kiwano melon, and rambutan have the wow-factor to make any dish truly spooktacular.”

Specialty potatoes are a signature of Melissa’s. They can be baked, broiled, fried, mashed and made into hearty soups and flavorful salads. Melissa’s pioneered the grown in Idaho, Dutch Yellow Potatoes. Robert fills us in on all things potatoes highlighting Baby Dutch Yellow Potatoes, Pee Wee Dutch Yellow, Baby Red and Baby Purple.

October 15: Anne Marie Panoringan, Roblar Winery and Vineyards, Melissa’s Freaky Fruits, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Anne Marie Panoringan, Voice of OC’s Food Columnist – Dining at Cyrus
Segment Three: Anne Marie Panoringan, Voice of OC’s Food Columnist – OC Restaurant News
Segment Four: Peter Cham, Executive Chef, Roblar Winery & Vineyards, Gleason Family Vineyards, Santa Ynez Part One
Segment Five: Peter Cham, Executive Chef, Roblar Winery & Vineyards, Gleason Family Vineyards, Santa Ynez Part Two
Segment Six: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s World Variety Produce’s “Prince of Produce” – Fruits and Everything Potatoes
Segment Seven: JC Clow, Founding Partner, The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar, Tustin
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, 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 talk about her recent evening at the relocated and reopened fine-dining Cyrus in Geyserville in the Alexander Valley of Sonoma County. Before the restaurant went on an unexpected hiatus 10-years ago Owner / Chef Douglas Keane’s highly regarded restaurant earned Two Michelin Stars. Business Partner and maire d’ Nick Peyton is also part of the revived establishment. It’s actually located in a vineyard. Anne Marie then continues with us in-studio talking about her current column highlighting the whirlwind culinary activities of Chefs Ross Pangilinan and Nick Weber at both South Coast Plaza and the nearby newly opened Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA.)

“Nestled in an oak tree-studded 40-acre vineyard located in the heart of Santa Barbara County, Roblar Winery and Vineyards reflects the spirit of Santa Ynez Wineries — rustic, authentic, and bold. Their philosophy is to showcase the variety and beauty that only Santa Ynez vineyards have to offer. With their diverse lineup of delicious wines, Roblar’s truly farm-to-table paired delights, a locally sourced food menu, and the fantastic estate-driven experiences, there’s truly no other Santa Ynez winery quite like Roblar.” Executive Chef Peter Cham is our guest.

It’s time to again share more of the very best in fruits and vegetables with our resident produce authority, Robert Schueller of Melissa’s World Variety Produce. We also know him as the “Prince of Produce.”

Halloween is almost upon us so it’s the season of Freaky Fruit®. “October is Freaky Fruit® month, highlighting the most exotic and intriguing of Mother Nature’s sweet bounty. A bit creepy to look at, but surprisingly delectable to eat, Freaky Fruit® is a must for the entire month leading up to a frightening finale on Halloween.” Specialty potatoes are a signature of Melissa’s. They can be baked, broiled, fried, mashed and made into hearty soups and flavorful salads. Melissa’s pioneered the grown in Idaho, Dutch Yellow Potatoes. Robert fills us in on all things potatoes.

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar located in The District in Tustin is celebrating its 15th Anniversary this month. Founding Partner JC Clow joins us to celebrate this achievement with Champagne flute in hand. There are now also thriving sister Winery Restaurants on the water in Newport Beach and in La Jolla. “The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar is focused on successfully pairing contemporary California regional cuisine, with a hip, vibrant, sophisticated setting, to create a cutting-edge dining experience.”

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Last week Chef Andrew got into a well-received discussion of butter. Saturday he’ll finish the conversation talking about the place for salted butter. From there Chef Andrew will talk about how margarine fits into the home kitchen and beyond.

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 talk about her recent evening at the relocated, reopened and very exclusive fine-dining Cyrus in Geyserville in the Alexander Valley of Sonoma County. Before the restaurant went on an unexpected hiatus 10-years ago Owner / Chef Douglas Keane’s highly regarded restaurant earned Two Michelin Stars. Business Partner and maire d’ Nick Peyton is also part of the revived establishment. It’s actually located in a vineyard.

Anne Marie continues with us in-studio to talk about her current column highlighting the culinary activities of Chefs Ross Pangilinan and Nick Weber at both South Coast Plaza and the nearby newly opened Orange County Museum of Art.

Anne Marie also previews a few soon-to-open (or newly opened) restaurants in Huntington Beach and has a look at The Culinary Lab which is a subject of her upcoming Oct. 21st column.

Peter Cham of Roblar Winery and Vineyards

“Nestled in an oak tree-studded 40-acre vineyard located in the heart of Santa Barbara County, Roblar Winery and Vineyards reflects the spirit of Santa Ynez Wineries — rustic, authentic, and bold. Their philosophy is to showcase the variety and beauty that only Santa Ynez vineyards have to offer. With their diverse lineup of delicious wines, Roblar’s truly farm-to-table paired delights, a locally sourced food menu, and the uplifting estate-driven experiences, there’s truly no other Santa Ynez winery quite like Roblar.”

Some of the produce used on Chef Peter Cham’s weekly changing menu is sourced (and harvested daily) from the adjacent Roblar Farm. Also all the fresh eggs used at Roblar Kitchen come from the Farm. The Farm Bites Menu changes weekly. Thursday night Suppers at Roblar feature classic favorite dishes from Roblar’s menu along with some hearty supper dishes. Pizzas from the wood-fired oven are available on Weekends.

Chef Peter Cham takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us. He also serves as the Executive Chef for the other area Gleason Family Vineyard properties which include Refugio Ranch Vineyards and Buttonwood Winery and Vineyard.

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety Produce in the AM830 KLAA Studio

It’s time to again share more of the very best in fruits and vegetables with our resident produce authority, Robert Schueller of Melissa’s World Variety Produce. We also know him as the “Prince of Produce.”

Halloween is almost upon us so it’s the season of Freaky Fruit®. “October is Freaky Fruit® month, highlighting the most exotic and intriguing of Mother Nature’s sweet bounty. A bit creepy to look at, but surprisingly delectable to eat, Freaky Fruit® is a must for the entire month leading up to a frightening finale on Halloween.”

“Eaten out-of-hand, or added to desserts, baked goods, and other recipes, pomegranates, passion fruit, cherimoya, blood oranges, Buddha’s hand, dragon fruit, finger limes, cactus pears, kiwano melon, and rambutan have the wow-factor to make any dish truly spooktacular.”

Specialty potatoes are a signature of Melissa’s. They can be baked, broiled, fried, mashed and made into hearty soups and flavorful salads. Melissa’s pioneered the grown in Idaho, Dutch Yellow Potatoes. Robert fills us in on all things potatoes.

JC Clow of the Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar located in The District in Tustin is celebrating its 15th Anniversary this month. Founding Partner JC Clow joins us with Champagne flute in hand to celebrate this achievement. There are now also thriving sister Winery Restaurants on the water in Newport Beach and in La Jolla.

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar is focused on successfully pairing contemporary California regional cuisine, with a hip, vibrant, sophisticated setting, to create a cutting-edge dining experience. When Partners JC Clow, William Lewis and Chef Yvon Goetz set out 15 years ago to deliver a culinary experience straight from wine county, little did they know that they would also earn the title along the way of “Restaurateurs of the Year” for their achievements and have their restaurants in Newport Beach and Tustin earn the title of “Restaurant of the Year” multiple times!”

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

Last week Chef Andrew got into a well-received, informative discussion of butter. Saturday he’ll finish the conversation talking about the place for salted butter. From there Chef Andrew will speak about how margarine fits into the home kitchen and beyond.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Anne Marie Panoringan, Voice of OC’s Food Columnist – Dining at Cyrus
Segment Three: Anne Marie Panoringan, Voice of OC’s Food Columnist – OC Restaurant News
Segment Four: Peter Cham, Executive Chef, Roblar Winery & Vineyards, Gleason Family Vineyards, Santa Ynez Part One
Segment Five: Peter Cham, Executive Chef, Roblar Winery & Vineyards, Gleason Family Vineyards, Santa Ynez Part Two
Segment Six: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s World Variety Produce’s “Prince of Produce” – Fruits and Everything Potatoes
Segment Seven: JC Clow, Founding Partner, The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar, Tustin
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”

Show 457, January 8, 2022: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s Produce – Produce Trends Forecast for 2022 Part One

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety Produce in the AM830 KLAA Studio

Our resident produce authority, Robert Schueller, (also known as the Prince of Produce) is the long-time Director of Public Relations for Melissa’s (World Variety) Produce. This will be the 15th year he’s presented his Produce Trends Forecast for 2022.

Robert joins us to provide highlights of his top seasonal trends in fruits and vegetables. On the veggie side look for Dutch Yellow Potatoes and Pee Wee Dutch Yellow Potatoes all from Idaho. Other vegetables include Habanero Peppers and White Asparagus.

On the fruit side Robert will discuss Dragon Fruit, and the premium Pinkglow Pineapples from Costa Rica. Also organic date products including Medjool Dates.

Show 457, January 8, 2022: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s Produce – Produce Trends Forecast for 2022 Part Two

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety Produce in the AM830 KLAA Studio

Our resident produce authority, Robert Schueller, (also known as the Prince of Produce) is the long-time Director of Public Relations for Melissa’s (World Variety) Produce. This will be the 15th year he’s presented his Produce Trends Forecast for 2022.

Robert continues with us to provide highlights of his top seasonal trends in fruits and vegetables. On the veggie side look for Dutch Yellow Potatoes and Pee Wee Dutch Yellow Potatoes all grown in Idaho. Other vegetables include Habanero Peppers and White Asparagus.

On the fruit side Robert will discuss Dragon Fruit, and the premium Pinkglow Pineapples from Costa Rica. Also organic date products including Medjool Dates.

New to Melissa’s line of Clean Snax (available right here at Angel Stadium in addition to the supermarkets) are Coconut Ginger Turmeric and Ginger, and Pumpkin Spice.