Show 152, December 26, 2015: Dining on Christmas – Executive Producer & Co-host Andy Harris

Baby Kale, Snow Pea and Winter Citrus Salad with Ginger Ranch Dressing and Puffed RiceChristmas Day is a difficult day to dine-out. For the most part the restaurants that are open are Chinese restaurants or restaurants located in Hotels.

Executive Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower) of Viviane Restaurant at the Avalon Beverly Hills really went the extra mile for his Christmas Day Dinner Menu. Executive Producer Andy was there and talks about the upbeat experience.

In that Christmas movie classic, “A Christmas Story” (1983) the Parker Family’s Christmas meal is spoiled by the neighbor’s hounds making off with their beautiful golden brown turkey. They end up at Chop Suey Palace for neighborhood Chinese instead.

5-Spiced Scented Beignets with Black Sesame Anglaise for dessertChef Hung’s special menu on Christmas was a thoughtful tribute to the meal at Chop Suey Palace. It was four courses and two desserts served family-style. The entire staff from the host to the bartenders was energized and seemed to be fine with having to work on Christmas. That’s a sign of a well-managed restaurant…Chef Michael Hung was right there, too, in the kitchen.

The first course was a refreshing Baby Kale, Snow Pea and Winter Citrus Salad with Ginger Ranch Dressing and Puffed Wild Rice. Producer Andy’s standout of the two desserts was the 5-Spiced Scented Beignets with Black Sesame Anglaise.

For New Year’s Day Chef Hung is featuring a special Hangover Brunch menu from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Specials include Fried Egg & Porchetta Ham Hoagie with Jack Cheese, House-made Hot Sauce and served on a Puff Pastry Roll.