Show 212, February 25, 2017: Zov Karamardian, Zov’s Bistro, Tustin

Zov Karamardian or Zov's in TustinThirty years ago Chef Zov Karamardian (now known for her unique Middle Eastern-fusion cuisine) opened her modest Bistro in 1,200 square feet in the Enderle Center in Tustin. Today Zov’s is the largest food tenant in the Enderle Center (12,000 square feet) with additional busy locations in Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Coast and John Wayne Orange County Airport. We celebrate with her…

Zov is celebrating by offering popular menu items at throwback prices. During the last week of each month (through November 4th.) Zov’s locations in Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Coast and Tustin will feature one dish at its original menu price.

“These flavors represent the foundation of my cooking,” Chef Zov said. “Over the years some of these dishes may have come and gone, but seemingly they have not been forgotten. We’re excited to share these special menu items in celebration with our longtime guests.”

Golden Lentil Soup from Zovs BistroFebruary 26th to March 4th is Golden Lentil Soup.

Happy to note The Orange County Register’s long-time Food Editor, Cathy Thomas, is back (after a year’s absence) contributing to the paper. This week’s feature is Orange County chefs talk about – and share recipes for – the dishes they just can’t ditch.” One of these highlighted recipes is Zov’s creation of Sauteed Calamari with shallots, lemon, fresh herbs and chardonnay butter sauce.

Inspired by (and later a friend to) Julia Child, Zov has authored 2 popular cookbooks while growing her restaurant group to locations in Anaheim, Irvine, Newport Coast, Tustin and John Wayne Airport. San Clemente will debut next.

Zov’s was awarded the 2015 Small Business Award by the State of California, and Zov had the honor of cooking at the James Beard Foundation in Manhattan for the third time in late 2015. She was honored as the 2016 Golden Foodies Chef of the Year by the Orange County Restaurant Association.

Show 3: October 20, 2012: Zov Karamardian Part One

Zov and the entire Karamardian Family have one of those incredible success stories that you couldn’t make up if you tried. The Zov’s juggernaut in the Enderle Center in Tustin started as a modest 1,200 sq. ft. take out spot in 1987. Today, in over 14,000 sq. ft., it’s a destination bakery, gourmet specialty food emporium, wine ship, café, fine dining restaurant and catering space all under one large roof. Zov’s husband, Gary, her son, Armen, and daughter, Taleene, all have their specific responsibilities in the still-growing enterprise. Pastry Chef Michelle Bracken, one of the OC’s best, has been with Zov since almost the beginning. In addition to the Tustin flagship there are now busy Zov’s Neighborhood Cafes and Bars in Irvine and Newport Coast plus two spots at John Wayne Orange County Airport.

Show 3: October 20, 2012: Zov Karamardian Part Two

Zov and the entire Karamardian Family have one of those incredible success stories that you couldn’t make up if you tried. The Zov’s juggernaut in the Enderle Center in Tustin started as a modest 1,200 sq. ft. take out spot in 1987. Today, in over 14,000 sq. ft., it’s a destination bakery, gourmet specialty food emporium, wine ship, café, fine dining restaurant and catering space all under one large roof. Zov’s husband, Gary, her son, Armen, and daughter, Taleene, all have their specific responsibilities in the still-growing enterprise. Pastry Chef Michelle Bracken, one of the OC’s best, has been with Zov since almost the beginning. In addition to the Tustin flagship there are now busy Zov’s Neighborhood Cafes and Bars in Irvine and Newport Coast plus two spots at John Wayne Orange County Airport.

Oct 20: Zov Karamardian, Barbara Fairchild, Daniel Nelson, Melissa’s Produce Guru

Podcasts

Segment One: Zov Karamardian Part One
Segment Two: Zov Karamardian Part Two
Segment Three: Barbara Fairchild Part One
Segment Four: Barbara Fairchild Part Two
Segment Five: Mixologist Daniel Nelson of The Writer’s Room
Segment Six: Produce Guru Robert Schueller and Food Republic’s Jason Kessler

Zov Karamardian or Zov's in TustinIf there is a dynasty in the Orange County restaurant business it has to be Zov Karamardian and her hard-working Family. They took a small space in the Enderle Center in Tustin and over the years have grown the enterprise into the largest food tenant in the center at 12,000 sq. ft.. It’s a bakery, gourmet specialty food store, cafe, restaurant, and catering space under one large roof. Zov is just back from Istanbul, Turkey and will discuss the food scene there.

Barbara Fairchild is the long-serving Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appetit Magazine. She retired when the publisher abandoned their original Los Angeles base. Barbara will be highlighting her recent culinary adventures in Kauai, Hawaii’s Garden Isle. It’s the best in joints to fine dining!

Mixologist Daniel Nelson (The Writer’s Room) then joins the party. He’s part of Fog and Smog Films latest YouTube hit, “Mixologist.” He’ll be telling us about pairing cocktails with food and how a good master bartender can really enhance the dining experience for the guest.

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety ProduceDo you wonder about what “organic” fruits and vegetables are all about? Produce guru Robert Schueller of Melissa’s World Variety Produce is with Jet to explain what it’s all about.

Finally the L.A. based and always opinionated Jason Kessler of Food Republic blog fame has the last word on an unexpected restaurant in Buena Park that he goes way out of his way to frequent. You’ll hear why…

Podcasts

Segment One: Zov Karamardian Part One
Segment Two: Zov Karamardian Part Two
Segment Three: Barbara Fairchild Part One
Segment Four: Barbara Fairchild Part Two
Segment Five: Mixologist Daniel Nelson of The Writer’s Room
Segment Six: Produce Guru Robert Schueller and Food Republic’s Jason Kessler