Show 556, December 16, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

One of the noteworthy new program elements in the recently concluded LA Chef Conference 2023 was the activation of the LA Chef Con / Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) Student Mentorship Program. Five outstanding LATTC Culinary Arts Pathway Students were each awarded $1,000 and then paired with a leading industry mentor for one year with the objective of furthering their growth and education on the Culinary Arts. The Mentorship Program was funded by a grant from Lawry’s Restaurants. One of the Mentorship Program’s recipients is LATTC Culinary Arts Pathway student Daisy Garcia. Daisy has been paired with Spago Beverly Hills’ Executive Pastry Chef, Della Gossett. We’ll meet them both.

“Tis’ the season for San Pedro Fish Market’s annual 12 Days of ShrimpMas, a 12-day giveaway series that celebrates the magic of the season with exclusive promotions and a chance to win exciting prizes running from December 11th to 22nd, 2023. Make holiday gatherings merry and bright with San Pedro Fish Market’s new festive Family Meal Kits available through December 31, 2023 and get exclusive deals on stocking stuffers with gift card deals through December 31, 2023.”

We reel in Michael Ungaro, CEO and Owner of San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant to provide all the finny details.

The Willows at the Chumash Casino Resort is their 14- time AAA Four Diamond rated restaurant specializing in mouthwatering prime steaks and seafood, together with an extensive selection of local and imported wines recognized as a Wine Spectator award-winner. The menu features fresh and flavorful ingredients from local farms, ranches and gardens. The Willows itself offers a comfortably elegant setting with multiple private dining rooms.” Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food and Beverage at Chumash Casino Resort (and an accomplished chef by training) is our guide to all the varied cuisine available at the Resort including Willows, Grains and Grounds and the Food Court.

Baker Dean Kim is again hosting his Annual Festive Christmas Pop-Up Store by OC Baking at his commercial bakery in Orange on December 22nd from 8:00 a.m. until sell out. It’s an incredible array of scrumptious food and sweet treats from small producers who are passionate about their gourmet specialty food products. It’s everything from baked goods from Crema Artisan Bakery to Pascal Coffee. Chef Lisa Gilmore will be there with her popular line of Soup’d Up soups packaged in quart containers. Look fer her Italian Wedding, Cream of Mushroom and Potato Sausage soups. Baker Dean Kim, Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Artisan Bakery and Chef Lisa Gilmore join us with all the delectable specifics.

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. The Holidays are here and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the ultimate objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and discerning Family. Chef Andrew joins us with his continuing series of genuinely useful holiday cooking tips. This week it’s roasted goose as the possible centerpiece for the Holiday Table. Egg prices are on the rise, again. Chef Andrew explains what’s going on.

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

Show 556, December 16, 2023: Chumash Casino Resort (Santa Ynez) Dining with Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food & Beverage Part One

Peter Sherlock of  Chumash Casino Resort

The Willows at the Chumash Casino Resort is their 14-time AAA Four Diamond rated restaurant specializing in mouthwatering prime steaks and seafood, together with an extensive selection of local and imported wines recognized as a Wine Spectator award-winner. The menu features fresh and flavorful ingredients from local farms, ranches and gardens.” The Willows itself offers a comfortably elegant setting and nicely appointed private dining rooms. Chef de Cuisine Sergio Renteria has been guiding the kitchen at Willows for 19 years. Restaurant Manager Frank Mejia has been welcoming guests there for 17-years.

Grains and Grounds at Chumash Casino Resort is the place for a fresh cup of Starbucks® Coffee or to fuel up in between meals. Select from gelato, salads, and array of house-made sweets and gourmet desserts. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

“For a fast and casual bite, stop by Chumash Casino Resort’s Food Court on the main gaming floor. The Food Court offers guests with quick-serve, high quality and inexpensive dining in an open and comfortable atmosphere. Enjoy a variety of options including burgers, artisan pizza, hot dogs, tacos, rotisserie, BBQ and Asian specialties.”

Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food and Beverage at Chumash Casino Resort (and a chef by training) is our guide to all the varied cuisine available at the Resort. (Guests must be 21 years of age, or older, to enter the Casino.)

Show 556, December 16, 2023: Chumash Casino Resort (Santa Ynez) Dining with Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food & Beverage Part Two

Peter Sherlock of  Chumash Casino Resort

The Willows at the Chumash Casino Resort is their 14-time AAA Four Diamond rated restaurant specializing in mouthwatering prime steaks and seafood, together with an extensive selection of local and imported wines recognized as a Wine Spectator award-winner. The menu features fresh and flavorful ingredients from local farms, ranches and gardens.” The Willows itself offers a comfortably elegant setting and nicely appointed private dining rooms. Chef de Cuisine Sergio Renteria has been guiding the kitchen at Willows for 19 years. Restaurant Manager Frank Mejia has been welcoming guests there for 17-years.

Grains and Grounds at Chumash Casino Resort is the place for a fresh cup of Starbucks® Coffee or to fuel up in between meals. Select from gelato, salads, and array of house-made sweets and gourmet desserts from the Pastry Kitchen. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

“For a fast and casual bite, stop by Chumash Casino Resort’s Food Court on the main gaming floor. The Food Court offers guests with quick-serve, high quality and inexpensive dining in an open and comfortable atmosphere. Enjoy a variety of options including burgers, artisan pizza, hot dogs, tacos, rotisserie, BBQ and Asian specialties.”

Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food and Beverage at Chumash Casino Resort (and a chef by training) continues as our well-informed guide to all the varied cuisine available at the Resort. (Guests must be 21 years of age, or older, to enter the Casino.)

December 16: Della Gossett, Daisy Garcia, San Pedro Fish Market, Chumash Casino Resort, OC Baking Co., Soup’d Up

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: The LA Chef Con / LATTC Student Mentorship Program with Pastry Chef Della Gossett and Daisy Garcia
Segment Three: San Pedro Fish Market with Michael Ungaro
Segment Four: Chumash Casino Resort (Santa Ynez) Dining with Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food & Beverage Part One
Segment Five: Chumash Casino Resort (Santa Ynez) Dining with Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food & Beverage Part Two
Segment Six: OC Baking’s Festive Christmas Pop-Up Store Part One
Segment Seven: OC Baking’s Festive Christmas Pop-Up Store Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.

One of the new program elements in the recently concluded LA Chef Conference 2023 was the activation of the LA Chef Con / Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) Student Mentorship Program. Five outstanding LATTC Culinary Arts Pathway Students were each awarded $1,000 and then paired with a leading industry mentor for one year with the objective of furthering their growth and education on the Culinary Arts. The Mentorship Program was funded by a grant from Lawry’s Restaurants. One of the Mentorship Program’s recipients is LATTC Culinary Arts Pathway student Daisy Garcia. Daisy has been paired with Spago Beverly Hills’ Executive Pastry Chef, Della Gossett. We’ll meet them both.

“Tis’ the season for San Pedro Fish Market’s annual 12 Days of ShrimpMas, a 12-day giveaway series that celebrates the magic of the season with exclusive promotions and a chance to win exciting prizes running from December 11th to 22nd, 2023. Make holiday gatherings merry and bright with San Pedro Fish Market’s new festive Family Meal Kits available through December 31, 2023 and get exclusive deals on stocking stuffers with gift card deals through December 31, 2023.”

We reel in Michael Ungaro, CEO and Owner of San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant to provide all the details.

“The Willows at the Chumash Casino Resort is their 14- time AAA Four Diamond rated restaurant specializing in mouthwatering prime steaks and seafood, together with an extensive selection of local and imported wines recognized as a Wine Spector award-winner. The menu features fresh and flavorful ingredients from local farms, ranches and gardens. The Willows itself offers a comfortably elegant setting with multiple private dining rooms.”

Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food and Beverage at Chumash Casino Resort (and an accomplished chef by training) is our guide to all the varied cuisine available at the Resort including Willows, Grains and Grounds and the Food Court.

Baker Dean Kim is again hosting his Annual Festive Christmas Pop-Up Store by OC Baking at his commercial bakery in Orange on December 22nd from 8:00 a.m. until sell out. It’s an incredible array of scrumptious food and sweet treats from small producers who are passionate about their gourmet specialty food products. It’s everything from baked goods from Crema Artisan Bakery to Pascal Coffee. Chef Lisa Gilmore will be there with her popular line of Soup’d Up soups packaged in quart containers. Look fer her Italian Wedding, Cream of Mushroom and Potato Sausage soups. Baker Dean Kim and Chef Lisa Gilmore join us with all the delectable specifics.

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. The Holidays are here and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the ultimate objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and discerning Family. Chef Andrew joins us with his continuing series of genuinely useful holiday cooking tips. This week it’s roasted goose as the centerpiece for the Holiday Table.

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

Della Gossett of Spago Beverly Hills

One of the new programming elements in the recently concluded LA Chef Conference 2023 was the activation of the LA Chef Con / Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) Student Mentorship Program. Five outstanding LATTC Culinary Arts Pathway Students were each awarded $1,000 and then paired with a leading industry mentor for one year with the objective of furthering their growth and education on the Culinary Arts. The Mentorship Program was funded by a grant from Lawry’s Restaurants.

One of the Mentorship Program’s recipients is LATTC Culinary Arts Pathway student Daisy Garcia. Daisy has been paired with Spago Beverly Hills’ Executive Pastry Chef, Della Gossett. We’ll meet them both.

Michael Ungaro of the San Pedro Fish Company

“Tis’ the season for San Pedro Fish Market’s annual 12 Days of ShrimpMas, a 12-day giveaway series that celebrates the magic of the season with exclusive promotions and a chance to win exciting prizes running from December 11th to 22nd, 2023. Make holiday gatherings merry and bright with San Pedro Fish Market’s new festive Family Meal Kits available through December 31, 2023 and get exclusive deals on stocking stuffers with gift card deals through December 31, 2023”

“In the spirit of giving, San Pedro Fish Market is offering holiday gift card deals during the holiday season. Through December 31st, get $125 for $100, $60 for $50 and $25 for $20 spent on gift cards. Convenient e-gift cards are available for purchase online and physical gift cards can be purchased at any San Pedro Fish Market location. All gift cards are redeemable for dine-in or takeout at all San Pedro Fish Market locations.”

“All San Pedro Fish Market and Grille locations in San Pedro, Long Beach and Wilmington are open for onsite dining and to-go orders, third-party delivery and catering. For hours, more information about San Pedro Fish Market and to order online.“

We reel in Michael Ungaro, CEO and Owner of San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant to provide all the details.

Peter Sherlock of  Chumash Casino Resort

The Willows at the Chumash Casino Resort is their 14-time AAA Four Diamond rated restaurant specializing in mouthwatering prime steaks and seafood, together with an extensive selection of local and imported wines recognized as a Wine Spectator award-winner. The menu features fresh and flavorful ingredients from local farms, ranches and gardens.” The Willows itself offers a comfortably elegant setting and nicely appointed private dining rooms. Chef de Cuisine Sergio Renteria has been guiding the kitchen at Willows for 19 years. Restaurant Manager Frank Mejia has been welcoming guests there for 17-years.

Grains and Grounds at Chumash Casino Resort is the place for a fresh cup of Starbucks® Coffee or to fuel up in between meals. Select from gelato, salads, and array of house-made sweets and gourmet desserts. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

“For a fast and casual bite, stop by Chumash Casino Resort’s Food Court on the main gaming floor. The Food Court offers guests with quick-serve, high quality and inexpensive dining in an open and comfortable atmosphere. Enjoy a variety of options including burgers, artisan pizza, hot dogs, tacos, rotisserie, BBQ and Asian specialties.”

Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food and Beverage at Chumash Casino Resort (and a chef by training) is our guide to all the varied cuisine available at the Resort.

Deam Kim of OC Baking Company

Baker Dean Kim is again hosting his Annual Festive Christmas Pop-Up Store by OC Baking at his commercial bakery in Orange on Friday, December 22nd from 8:00 a.m. until sell out. It’s an incredible array of scrumptious food and sweet treats from small producers who are passionate about their gourmet specialty food products. It’s everything from baked goods from Crema Artisan Bakery to Pascal Coffee.

Chef Lisa Gilmore will be there with her popular line of seasonally-changing Soup’d Up soups packaged in quart containers. Look fer her Italian Wedding, Cream of Mushroom and Potato Sausage soups.

Baker Dean Kim and Chef Lisa Gilmore join us with all the delectable specifics.

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.

The Holidays are here and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the ultimate objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and discerning Family. Chef Andrew joins us with his continuing series of genuinely useful holiday cooking tips. This week it’s roasted goose as the centerpiece for the Holiday Table. Goose has always been popular at the Holidays in Europe but also deserves a spot on the bountiful American table.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: The LA Chef Con / LATTC Student Mentorship Program with Pastry Chef Della Gossett and Daisy Garcia
Segment Three: San Pedro Fish Market with Michael Ungaro
Segment Four: Chumash Casino Resort (Santa Ynez) Dining with Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food & Beverage Part One
Segment Five: Chumash Casino Resort (Santa Ynez) Dining with Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food & Beverage Part Two
Segment Six: OC Baking’s Festive Christmas Pop-Up Store Part One
Segment Seven: OC Baking’s Festive Christmas Pop-Up Store Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Show 312, February 23, 2019: Paul Hohe, Food and Beverage Director, Chumash Casino Resort

Paul HoheIn the last three years the Chumash Casino Resort has expanded to 320 rooms and 58 suites. It’s a AAA Four Diamond rated property. The 135 foot tall Hotel Tower provides guests exquisite views of the Santa Ynez Valley.

Under the supervision of Executive Chef Peter Sherlock the food options range from specialty Tacos and fresh Sushi in the Food Court to formal dining in The Willows Steakhouse. There is also The Buffet, the well-stocked Grains and Grounds grab & go (24 Hours,) the Pool Bar & Grill and The Café.

For Summer 2019 the luxury Cabana Experience is coming to the Pool at Chumash. It includes elevated food and beverage options. For sheer convenience the luxe Cabanas can be reserved online.

On the guest menu is Paul Hohe, the Director of Food & Beverage for Chumash.

Show 112, February 28, 2015: Chef Marlene Moore, Temptations Food Walk, Pechanga Resort

Marlene MooreFor the last seven years Chef Marlene Moore has been overseeing the busy Temptations Food Court, the Poker Room, and Bingo Parlor at Pechanga Resort & Casino. The Food Court features American, Italian, Mexican, Fried Chicken, Espresso, Pastries, Bahn Mi, Hot Dogs, finished-to-order Donuts and fresh Lemonade.

The outlet names at Temptations are American Classics, Agave Mexican Delights, Pronto Italiano, Caffe Cocoa, Little Wok Asian Specialties, and Pechanga Fried Chicken.

Chef Marlene explains why her special fried chicken (prepared to order) is well-worth waiting for!

 

Show 106, January 17, 2015: Chef Eric Greenspan

Eric GreenspanChef Eric Greenspan of Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese and The Roof on Wilshire is back with us. We’ll get an update on the prime time run of his new series, Eric Greenspan is Hungry for the National Geographic Channel, which just completed its initial run (six episodes) and is available “On Demand” on cable. We’ll also chat about his experience with the six-hour National Geographic series, “Eat – The Story of Food,” aired in 2-hour installments over 3 nights. Chef Eric was prominent in all the episodes.

Starting on Sunday, Jan. 18th Chef Eric is launching a Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese Pop Up at Westfield Century City (2nd level of the Dining Terrace) through the end of March 2015. In Century City there will also be some exclusive menu items for Greenspan’s first West L.A. outpost. Think the Westfield Melt on sourdough with Muenster cheese, red onion, short rib, tomato and garlic aioli.

August 3: Chaya Brasserie, Kedric Francis, Nancy Zavlasky, Cooks County, Life is Beautiful Festival, Kevin West

Podcasts

Segment One: Thoughts on Breakfast
Segment Two: CHAYA Brasserie Beverly Hills Part One
Segment Three: CHAYA Brasserie Beverly Hills Part Two
Segment Four: Kedric Francis, Executive Editor of Coast Magazine and the Orange County Register Magazine
Segment Five: Nancy Zaslavsky, food journalist, author, food tour guide specializing in the foods of Mexico, cooking instructor, and culinary historian
Segment Six: Daniel Mattern, Chef / Proprietor of Cook’s County
Segment Seven: Life Is Beautiful Festival in Las Vegas
Segment Eight: Kevin West, food blogger and journalist

Please join us at our new starting time of 10:00 a.m. “The SoCal Restaurant Show” expands to 2-hours on August 3rd. We’re now with you from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon every Saturday morning for the most appetizing food talk..

It seems appropriate to be talking about breakfast this morning. We’re chronicling some recent breakfast dining experiences from Orange County to Las Vegas.

CHAYA Brasserie Beverly HillsCHAYA Brasserie Beverly Hills (located adjacent to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center) is a pioneer in brining innovative Japanese cuisine served in a stylish environment to greater Los Angeles. Amazingly they are celebrating their 30th anniversary in Los Angeles this year. Their celebration kicked-off last Sunday with a “Summer Festival” tasting and celebratory activities continue through October.

Chaya owner Yuta Tsunoda and long-time CHAYA Executive Corporate Chef Shigefumi Tachibe are with us to give us the rich history.

The culinary roots of the founding Tsunoda Family stretch back 400 years when the first CHAYA opened in Japan. It is still in operation today as a restaurant.

CHAYA has four popular restaurants in California including the Flagship in Beverly Hills, Venice, Downtown Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Each location embraces the distinct neighborhood that surrounds it. For instance, CHAYA Brasserie San Francisco, located on the Embarcadero, features sweeping views of the Bay Bridge.

CHAYA also operates two Los Angeles-based locations of M Café, a casual macrobiotic eatery.

Kedric Francis of Coast Magazine and the Orange County Register MagazineMan about Orange County, the always debonair Kedric Francis, is with us in-studio. Kedric is the distinguished Executive Editor of the monthly Coast Orange County Magazine. Kedric is also the co-founder and Executive Editor of the OC Register Magazine.

Kedric will preview a couple of unusual staycation ideas for the OC as well as an exciting food & wine festival set for the Central Coast in late September.

It’s Margarita time! Food journalist and Mexican cuisine-authority, Nancy Zaslavsky, is with us to share the “World’s Best Margaritas Recipe.”

Zaslavsky is an author, cooking teacher, and culinary tour leader specializing in the foods of Mexico. She penned the James Beard Award-nominated, A Cook’s Tour of Mexico.

Daniel Mattern of Cooks CountyRegulars to the show know that Chef Jet is a huge fan of Cook’s County in Los Angeles and dines there often. Starting this month (every Tuesday) it’s their inaugural California Craft Beer and Food Festival.

Chef/Proprietor Daniel Mattern has invited seven of his favorite breweries to come pour their beer selection at the “California Craft Beer and Food Festival” at Cook’s County. The series of beer-centric dinners will take place on Tuesday evenings from August 6th to September 24th. Menus will be tailored around the different craft beers and many dishes will be prepared using beer as a significant ingredient. Each evening’s menu consists of five courses, and all courses, including dessert, will be thoughtfully paired with beer.

Las Vegas has never seen anything quite like this before and it’s a big one !

life-is-beautifulIt’s the Life is Beautiful festival set for many blocks of Downtown Las Vegas from October 25th through Sunday, October 27th. It’s an impressive line-up of world class music, food, art and learning. Tickets are on sale.

With more than 60 prominent chefs and restaurants, 24 wineries and 24 breweries participating in the culinary part of the festival alone, L.I.B presents the attendees with a full-scale food festival experience.

“The food experiences of L.I.B. were carefully designed to be interactive, innovative and unexpected,” says Jolene Mannina, Head of Culinary Arts for the festival. “Working with the vision of our Culinary Advisory Board of 12 world-renowned chefs, we’ve created an approach that we feel will set us apart from other food festivals, giving both our patrons and chefs a chance to enjoy something new, fresh and, of course, delicious.”

Kevin WestCanning, pickling, and preserving has really taken off in local home kitchens. Food journalist Kevin West, a certified food preserver, has just launched Saving the Season: A cook’s guide to home canning, pickling, and preserving from Knopf. In addition to the expected recipes West has mini profiles of his favorite farmers and farm adventures as part of the book.

Kevin is at The Beverly Hills Farmers Market on Sunday, August 4th as part of Pickle Fest. He’ll be signing the book there from 9 to 10:45 a.m.

The block-wide ethnic food court at the historic Grand Central Market (dating back to 1896) in Downtown Los Angeles is undergoing a renaissance. Kevin West is consulting on that effort to bring exciting, one-of-a-kind distinctive food businesses to the Market. It’s already happening…

Podcasts

Segment One: Thoughts on Breakfast
Segment Two: CHAYA Brasserie Beverly Hills Part One
Segment Three: CHAYA Brasserie Beverly Hills Part Two
Segment Four: Kedric Francis, Executive Editor of Coast Magazine and the Orange County Register Magazine
Segment Five: Nancy Zaslavsky, food journalist, author, food tour guide specializing in the foods of Mexico, cooking instructor, and culinary historian
Segment Six: Daniel Mattern, Chef / Proprietor of Cook’s County
Segment Seven: Life Is Beautiful Festival in Las Vegas
Segment Eight: Kevin West, food blogger and journalist