Show 111, February 21, 2015: Show Preview with Chef Andrew Gruel (Guest Host) and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Andrew GruelChef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish is back in the Guest Host seat this morning along with Producer and Color Commentator Andy Harris. Now a preview of today’s abundantly overstuffed show.

Chef Margarita Martinez hosts the Emmy-award winning New England travel and food series, “Neighborhood Kitchens” on WGBH (PBS.) She also is the spokesperson for The Cabot Creamery Cookbook: Simple, Wholesome Dishes from America’s Best Dairy Farms.More than a recipe book, The Cabot Creamery Cookbook tells the story of how premium quality and local ownership have been the key to a decades-long, award-winning cooperative, and will be a must-have for anyone who loves delicious, farm-fresh food.

Executive Chef & Partner Eric Klein of Spago Las Vegas was a sous chef at the original Spago. He had he share of working Oscar nights there and at The Governors’ Ball. Wolfgang Puck has been associated with serving food at the Oscars for some 21 years. On Sunday, February 22nd Chef Eric is hosting an Awards Night Party at Spago Las Vegas. The 7-course tasting menu is inspired by the cuisine (some 50 dishes) Puck will be serving the same night at The Governors’ Ball at Hollywood & Highland. One of the official desserts will be on Chef Eric’s menu.

Planned Parenthood Los Angeles’ annual Food Fare is Southern California’s highly anticipated gastronomic event where food lovers and Planned Parenthood supporters are invited to enjoy Los Angeles’ best restaurants all under one roof at Barker Hangar is Santa Monica on Thursday, March 5th. It’s their 36th big year! This year’s Food Fare will honor “Top Chef Seattle’s” runner-up cheftestant, Brooke Williamson, and her husband, Nick Roberts, as the 2015 Chefs of the Year and their three restaurants, Playa Provisions, Hudson House, and The Tripel will all be serving at the event. Chefs Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts are our guests.

Specializing in ultra premium wines grown in Paso Robles, California, Artisan Uprising was created by brothers David and William Vondrasek after years of making wines solely for their family. “Originally inspired to try out what we had learned from our grandfather and our heritage of making wine each year, we found ourselves making more than the family could drink. Now that we make enough to share, we have held true to our process and mindset of how our wine should be made.” We are joined by the Vondrasek Brothers.

The kickoff event for San Francisco Beer Week is <The Bistro Double IPA Fest in Hayward. For the Third year our own El Segundo Brewing Co. entered their craft beers into this prestigious competition. Their Hammerland took the Gold! ESBC’s certified Cicerone, Thomas Kelley, is with us to celebrate the big win and explain!

We’re continuing our preview of Chocolate Decadence and the Pechanga Wine Festival set for Friday evening, February 27th and Saturday afternoon, February 28th at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Europa Village winery in Temecula is part of both events. Their new winemaker, George Bursick, joins us to provide an overview of what they are doing at Europa Village. We’ll also be joined by their Events Director, Lisa Ferguson, and Executive Chef and Innkeeper (The Inn at Europa Village,) Dean Thomas.

On Saturday morning, February 28th we’re broadcasting live from the Pechanga Wine Festival at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula.

Don’t forget…OC Restaurant Week is March 1st to 7th.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

February 21: Andrew Gruel, Margarita Martinez, Spago Las Vegas, Brooke Williamson, Nick Roberts, Artisan Uprising, El Segundo Brewing, Europa Vlillage

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Chef Andrew Gruel (Guest Host) and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Margarita Martinez and The Cabot Creamery Cookbook
Segment Three: Executive Chef Eric Klein, Spago Las Vegas
Segment Four: Chefs Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts, Playa Provisions
Segment Five: Artisan Uprising winery, Paso Robles
Segment Six: El Segundo Brewing Co. – Hammerland takes The Gold
Segment Seven: George Bursick, Winemaker, Europa Village, Temecula
Segment Eight: Executive Chef & Innkeeper Dean Thomas and Events Director Lisa Ferguson, Europa Village

Andrew GruelChef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish is back in the Guest Host seat this morning along with Producer and Color Commentator Andy Harris. Now a preview of today’s abundantly overstuffed show.

Chef Margarita Martinez hosts the Emmy-award winning New England travel and food series, “Neighborhood Kitchens” on WGBH (PBS.) She also is the spokesperson for The Cabot Creamery Cookbook : Simple, Wholesome Dishes from America’s Best Dairy Farms. More than a recipe book, The Cabot Creamery Cookbook tells the story of how premium quality and local ownership have been the key to a decades-long, award-winning cooperative, and will be a must-have for anyone who loves delicious, farm-fresh food.

Executive Chef & Partner Eric Klein of Spago Las Vegas was a sous chef at the original Spago. He had he share of working Oscar nights there and at The Governors’ Ball. Wolfgang Puck has been associated with serving food at the Oscars for some 21 years. On Sunday, February 22nd Chef Eric is hosting an Awards Night Party at Spago Las Vegas. The 7-course tasting menu is inspired by the cuisine (some 50 dishes) Puck will be serving the same night at The Governors’ Ball at Hollywood & Highland. One of the official desserts will be on Chef Eric’s menu.

Planned Parenthood Los Angeles annual Food Fare is Southern California’s highly anticipated gastronomic event where food lovers and Planned Parenthood supporters are invited to enjoy Los Angeles’ best restaurants all under one roof at Barker Hangar is Santa Monica on Thursday, March 5th. It’s their 36th big year! This year’s Food Fare will honor “Top Chef Seattle’s” runner-up cheftestant, Brooke Williamson, and her husband, Nick Roberts, as the 2015 Chefs of the Year and their three restaurants, Playa Provisions, Hudson House, and The Tripel will all be serving at the event. Chefs Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts are our guests.

Specializing in ultra premium wines grown in Paso Robles, California, Artisan Uprising was created by brothers David and William Vondrasek after years of making wines solely for their family. “Originally inspired to try out what we had learned from our grandfather and our heritage of making wine each year, we found ourselves making more than the family could drink. Now that we make enough to share, we have held true to our process and mindset of how our wine should be made.” We are joined by the Vondrasek Brothers.

The kickoff event for San Francisco Beer Week is The Bistro Double IPA Fest in Hayward. For the Third year our own El Segundo Brewing Co. entered their craft beers into this prestigious competition. Their Hammerland took the Gold! ESBC’s certified Cicerone, Thomas Kelley, is with us to celebrate the big win and explain!

We’re continuing our preview of Chocolate Decadence and the Pechanga Wine Festival set for Friday evening, February 27th and Saturday afternoon, February 28th at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Europa Village winery in Temecula is part of both events. Their new winemaker, George Bursick, joins us to provide an overview of what they are doing at Europa Village. We’ll also be joined by their Events Director, Lisa Ferguson, and Executive Chef and Innkeeper (The Inn at Europa Village,) Dean Thomas.

On Saturday morning, February 28th we’re broadcasting live from the Pechanga Wine Festival at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

Margarita MartinezChef Margarita Martinez hosts the Emmy-award winning New England travel and food series “Neighborhood Kitchens” on WGBH (PBS.) She loves to discover new ingredients, flavors, and cooking approaches that she can bring to her own home kitchen and share with others. She also is the spokesperson for The Cabot Creamery Cookbook: Simple, Wholesome Dishes from America’s Best Dairy Farms.

The American love affair with fresh, flavorful ingredients goes well beyond vegetables. When it comes to milk, cheese, and yogurt, the Cabot Creamery, home of the “world’s best cheddar” and other award-winning dairy products, is recognized across the country as the best in its class. The Cabot farmers that comprise the 1,200-strong dairy cooperative, employ techniques that have been honed over decades using their exceptional quality milk.

The Cabot Creamery Cookbook is an honest-to-goodness collection of recipes and stories from real dairy farmers, who have always understood that good food begins with great ingredients. This rich collection of 150 irresistible and easy-to-follow recipes, ranging from appetizers to desserts and everything in between, will tempt the palates of home cooks everywhere and be a go-to gift for anyone who loves simple, delicious and wholesome food.

More than a recipe book, The Cabot Creamery Cookbook tells the story of how premium quality and local ownership have been the key to a decades-long, award-winning cooperative, and will be a must-have for anyone who loves delicious, farm-fresh food.

Eric KleinExecutive Chef & Partner Eric Klein of Spago Las Vegas was a sous chef at the original Spago. He had his share of working pressure-packed Oscar nights there and at The Governors’ Ball.

Wolfgang Puck has been associated with serving food at the Oscars for 21 years. On Sunday, February 22nd Chef Eric is hosting an Awards Night Party at Spago Las Vegas. The 7-course tasting menu is inspired by the cuisine (some 50 dishes) Chef Puck will be serving the same night at The Governors’ Ball at Hollywood & Highland.

One of the official desserts, an Apple Millefeuille with brown butter sauce and apple cider jelly, will be on Chef Eric’s menu, too. Every lucky guest will leave with a special chocolate Oscar painted with edible gold (originally created by Chef Wolfgang’s former executive pastry chef, Sherry Yard.) The guests at the official Governors Ball in Hollywood receive the same coveted keepsake!

Chef Eric Klein is our guest.

Brooke Williamson and Nick RobertsPlanned Parenthood Los Angeles’ annual Food Fare is Southern California’s highly anticipated gastronomic event where food lovers and Planned Parenthood supporters are invited to enjoy Los Angeles’ best restaurants all under one roof at Barker Hangar is Santa Monica on Thursday, March 5th. It’s their 36th year!

This year’s Food Fare will honor “Top Chef Seattle’s” runner-up cheftestant, Brooke Williamson, and her husband, Nick Roberts, as the 2015 Chefs of the Year and their three restaurants, Playa Provisions, Hudson House, and The Tripel will all be serving at the event.

Past Food Fare Chefs of The Year will also be represented by Celestino Drago’s Drago Centro, Suzanne Goin’s A.O.C., Lucques and Tavern, Joe Miller’s Joe’s Restaurant, Susan Feniger’s and Mary Sue Milliken’s Border Grill and Alain Giraud’s Maison Giraud.

Chefs Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts are our guests to provide the 411 on the upcoming Food Fare.

David and William Vondrasek Specializing in very limited production, ultra premium wines grown in Paso Robles, California, Artisan Uprising was created by brothers David and William Vondrasek after years of making wines solely for their family.

“Originally inspired to try out what we had learned from our grandfather and our (Italian) heritage of making wine each year, we found ourselves making more than the family could drink. Now that we make enough to share, we have held true to our process and mindset of how our wine should be made.”

“This is handcrafted wine two people can make. Unfiltered and un-stripped, our wines present some sediment in the bottle that we believe enhances the overall texture and ability for the wines to develop and age for years to come. Our wines are unique, they are what we like, and while quality of this scale has a broad appeal, it cannot be mass-produced, It is a true Artisan product.”

Current releases (very limited) are a Rose of Merlot, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Sirah.

We are joined by the Vondrasek Brothers.

Hammerland by El Segundo Brewing CompanyThe kickoff event for always eagerly anticipated San Francisco Beer Week is The Bistro Double IPA Fest in Hayward. For the Third year our own El Segundo Brewing Co. entered their craft beers into this prestigious competition. Their Hammerland took the Gold!

“This competition which is in its 15th year, included 63 Double IPAs mainly from California, and all of them are in the best possible condition they could be. Most of the kegging dates are within a week, and many breweries brew beers specifically for this Fest. A win here, in our not so humble opinion, is a true distinction of having the best hoppy beer in the land.”

ESBC’s certified Cicerone, Thomas Kelley, is with us to celebrate the big win and explain the significance of this huge honor!

George BursickWe’re continuing our preview of Chocolate Decadence and the Pechanga Wine Festival set for Friday evening, February 27th and Saturday afternoon, February 28th at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula.

Europa Village winery in Temecula is part of both events. Their new winemaker, George Bursick (ex-Ferrari-Carano,) joins us to provide an overview of what they are doing at Europa Village and the ambitious plans for the future.

“Our story is simple. It began with a vision of combining Old World European wine country charm with the modern amenities and technological advancements of California wine craft.”

“Today, more than 30 acres of prime Temecula Wine Country property has been planted with popular European-style varietal grapes. We are now crafting premium wines in the classic traditions of France, Spain and Italy. You can savor these vintages offerings and experience a taste of what’s to come at our interim Europa Village Tasting Room and event facilities.”

Dean ThomasWe’re continuing our preview of Chocolate Decadence and the Pechanga Wine Festival set for Friday evening, February 27th and Saturday afternoon, February 28th at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Europa Village winery in Temecula is part of both events.

We’re now joined by their Events Director, Lisa Ferguson, and Executive Chef and Innkeeper (The Inn at Europa Village,) Dean Thomas.

The Inn at Europa Village is a unique Spanish mission-style wine country inn featuring 10 well-appointed guestrooms perfect for that romantic getaway or casual business retreat. The Inn is located on a hill overlooking the expansive Europa Village property. Hot air balloons (a Temecula signature) for visitors depart and, later, land on the property on early a.m. expeditions.

Every morning Chef Dean prepares (and serves) a sumptuous, 2-course breakfast (using the freshest of local ingredients) for the Inn’s guests that surpasses anything you can get at a luxury hotel. Even the honey is local…It’s a very special, one-of-a-kind experience that brings guests back time and again.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Chef Andrew Gruel (Guest Host) and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Margarita Martinez and The Cabot Creamery Cookbook
Segment Three: Executive Chef Eric Klein, Spago Las Vegas
Segment Four: Chefs Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts, Playa Provisions
Segment Five: Artisan Uprising winery, Paso Robles
Segment Six: El Segundo Brewing Co. – Hammerland takes The Gold
Segment Seven: George Bursick, Winemaker, Europa Village, Temecula
Segment Eight: Executive Chef & Innkeeper Dean Thomas and Events Director Lisa Ferguson, Europa Village