Show 167, April 9, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel

Program Note for Saurday, April 16thOur Halos are playing an unusual 11:10 a.m. start on the road with the Minnesota Twins. We’ll be back with another big show on April 23rd at 10:00 a.m. See you then.

Andrew Gruel and his son WilliamExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, most recently, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Now an enticing sneak peak of Saturday’s mouthwatering show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a good thing…

The annual Dine LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week is taking place April 23 – May 1, 2016. Each participating restaurant from twelve unique neighborhoods in the city offers a three course menu priced at $20, $30, $40 or $50, either per guest with wine pairing options at fine dining locations OR dinner for two priced at $20, $30, $40 or $50, where diners share an appetizer, each enjoy their own entree, then share a dessert at more casual establishments. Producer Terri Henry and Executive Chef David MacLennan of James Republic (an encoring participating restaurant) are our guests.

The Pacific Food & Beverage Museum is inaugurating The Thoughtful Feast,” a new series of curated dinners that highlight the culinary heritage of Southern California, the Pacific Coast, American West, and beyond. The first dinner on April 11th will focus on a region of the American South that in the early 1700s developed a cosmopolitan cuisine. Host Chef Brian Dunsmoor of Hatchet Hall in Culver City and The Pacific Food & Beverage’s Museum’s Philip Dobard are with us to set the ample table.

Noted gourmand Darrell Corti of Corti Brothers gourmet grocery and spirit purveyors in Sacramento is the Chairman of the globally respected L.A. International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition. We’ll chat about the Best of Show award recipients and lots more. TheDailyMeal.com has dubbed him one of the coolest people in food and drink in America.

Chef Michael Puglisi (ex-Bouchon Beverly Hills) is the Electric City Butcher at the 4th Street Market in Santa Ana. He was greatly influenced by a cousin in Sicily who has a popular, neighborhood butcher shop there. Chef Michael is a custom, whole animal, artisan butcher. We’ll meet him.

Executive Chef Amar Santana (a C-CAP graduate) is the Proprietor of Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach and the new Vaca in Costa Mesa. Both restaurants have highly innovative beverage programs to compliment the stellar cuisine. Chef Amar was also one of two finalists on Bravo’s Top Chef Season 13 which just concluded with a cliff-hanger of a two-part finale in Las Vegas. Chef Amar is our guest.

The 3rd Annual “The Big Cheese” Grilled Cheese Festival & Competition returns to Provisions Market in Orange on Tuesday, April 19th. Provisions Market and OC Baking Co. will celebrate National Grilled Cheese Month with fellow OC Chefs and a ProAm Challenger in an intense (but light-hearted) grilled cheese competition. Event co-founder, Chef Greg Daniels of Provisions, joins us with the gooey overview courtesy of Tillamook County Creamery Association.

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

Show 167, April 9, 2016: Chef Greg Daniels, “The Big Cheese” Grilled Cheese Festival & Competition

The Big Cheese Grilled Cheese CompetitionThe 3rd Annual “The Big Cheese” Grilled Cheese Festival & Competition returns to Provisions Market in Orange on Tuesday, April 19th. Provisions Market and OC Baking Co. will celebrate National Grilled Cheese Month with fellow OC Chefs and a ProAm Challenger in an intense grilled cheese competition. All are in competition for the coveted title of “The Big Cheese.”

OC Baking Company Master Baker Dean Kim will supply locally produced freshly baked bread to the competing chefs, while the farmer-owned dairy cooperative Tillamook will offer a selection of its award-winning cheeses and butter for use at the festival. Participating chefs will present their own spin on the classic grilled cheese sandwich that festival attendees will sample and then vote on.

“Now in our third year, this event has served to unite our local chefs and engage them in a lighthearted competition,” commented Chef Greg Daniels, who oversees the kitchens at Provisions Market and Haven Gastropub.

This year’s event will again feature one ProAm competitor who will be selected by event organizers in an Instagram contest to join the professional chefs at The Big Cheese 2016. To enter, the public must create and present an original grilled cheese creation on Instagram and use the hashtag #thebigcheese2016 by Thursday, April 14th. The winning entry will be announced Friday, April 15th and the ProAm contender for “The Big Cheese” will participate in the festival on Tuesday, April 19th.

Tickets for the event must be purchased for $60 in advance (will include limited tasters of select craft beer) through Universe. This event will be limited to 100 guests (tickets will be sold at the door, if capacity permits).

Event co-founder, Chef Greg Daniels of Provisions, joins us with all the gooey specifics.

April 9: Amar Santana, James Republic, Brian Dunsmoor, Corti Brothers, Electric City Butcher, Big Cheese

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Executive Chef David MacLennan, James Republic, Long Beach
Segment Three: Executive Chef Brian Dunsmoor of Hatchet Hall & Philip Dobard, The Pacific Food & Beverage Museum
Segment Four: Darrell Corti, Corti Brothers, Sacramento & Chair of the L.A. International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition Part One
Segment Five: Darrell Corti, Corti Brothers, Sacramento & Chair of the L.A. International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition Part One
Segment Six: Chef Michael Puglisi, Electric City Butcher, 4th Street Market, Santa Ana
Segment Seven: Executive Chef Amar Santana, Broadway by Amar Santana & Vaca
Segment Eight: Chef Greg Daniels, “The Big Cheese” Grilled Cheese Festival & Competition

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, most recently, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Now an enticing sneak peak of Saturday’s mouthwatering show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a good thing…

The annual Dine LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week is taking place April 23 – May 1, 2016. Each participating restaurant from twelve unique neighborhoods in the city offers a three course menu priced at $20, $30, $40 or $50, either per guest with wine pairing options at fine dining locations OR dinner for two priced at $20, $30, $40 or $50, where diners share an appetizer, each enjoy their own entree, then share a dessert at more casual establishments. Producer Terri Henry and Executive Chef David MacLennan of James Republic (an encoring participating restaurant) are our guests.

The Pacific Food & Beverage Museum is inaugurating “The Thoughtful Feast,” a new series of curated dinners that highlight the culinary heritage of Southern California, the Pacific Coast, American West, and beyond. The first dinner on April 11th will focus on a region of the American South that in the early 1700s developed a cosmopolitan cuisine. Host Chef Brian Dunsmoor of Hatchet Hall in Culver City and The Pacific Food & Beverage’s Museum’s Philip Dobard are with us to set the ample table.

Noted gourmand Darrell Corti of Corti Brothers gourmet grocery and spirit purveyors in Sacramento is the Chairman of the globally respected L.A. International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition. We’ll chat about the Best of Show award recipients and lots more. TheDailyMeal.com has dubbed him one of the coolest people in food and drink in America.

Chef Michael Puglisi (ex-Bouchon Beverly Hills) is the Electric City Butcher at the 4th Street Market in Santa Ana. He was greatly influenced by a cousin in Sicily who has a popular, neighborhood butcher shop there. Chef Michael is a custom, whole animal, artisan butcher. We’ll meet him.

Executive Chef Amar Santana (a C-CAP graduate) is the Proprietor of Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach and the new Vaca in Costa Mesa. Both restaurants have highly innovative beverage programs to compliment the stellar cuisine. Chef Amar was also one of two finalists on Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 13 which just concluded with a cliff-hanger of a two-part finale in Las Vegas. Chef Amar is our guest.

The 3rd Annual “The Big Cheese” Grilled Cheese Festival & Competition returns to Provisions Market in Orange on Tuesday, April 19th. Provisions Market and OC Baking Co. will celebrate National Grilled Cheese Month with fellow OC Chefs and a ProAm Challenger in an intense (but light-hearted) grilled cheese competition. Event co-founder, Chef Greg Daniels of Provisions, joins us with the gooey overview courtesy of Tillamook County Creamery Association.

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

David McLennan of Dine LBCThe annual Dine LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week is taking place April 23 – May 1, 2016. Each participating restaurant from twelve unique neighborhoods in the city offers a three course menu priced at $20, $30, $40 or $50, either per guest with wine pairing options at fine dining locations OR dinner for two priced at $20, $30, $40 or $50, where diners share an appetizer, each enjoy their own entree, then share a dessert at more casual establishments.

James Republic encores in 2016 as a participating restaurant in DINE LBC. They hosted the launch party this year.

“Our menus are a labor of love – a love of the finest foods. We proudly serve a large array of local artisan products.  Organic is important to us, but more importantly we believe in all natural products without the use of steroids, growth hormones, and animals raised responsibly.  As well as our preference for products and practices that are sustainable, we try to embrace the idea of localism to strengthen our community.   Most of our items are priced under $20 which is incredible considering the high quality of products we serve.  Our passion for the seasons and what it brings to us in food keeps us always searching for great new combinations.  Come join us for a journey in cuisine.”

Producer Terri Henry and Executive Chef David MacLennan of James Republic (an encoring participating restaurant) are our guests with all the tempting specifics.

Brian Dunsmoor of Hatchet HallThe Pacific Food & Beverage Museum is inaugurating The Thoughtful Feast,” a new series of curated dinners that highlight the culinary heritage of Southern California, the Pacific Coast, American West, and beyond. The first dinner on April 11th will focus on a region of the American South that in the early 1700s developed a cosmopolitan cuisine, one that is not generally available in greater Los Angeles.

Host Chef Brian Dunsmoor of Hatchet Hall in Culver City and The Pacific Food & Beverage’s Museum’s Philip Dobard are with us to set the ample table.

Charleston, South Carolina, was the South’s leading port in the Colonial Era, and the city’s wealth and trade links came to be expressed in a cuisine that included French, African, South Asian, and native foods and techniques. Chef Brian Dunsmoor of Hatchet Hall studied in Charleston and brings his personal experience to recreating a meal that would have been enjoyed in Colonial America but has flavors that are surprising and beguiling to a modern palate. Between courses, Chef Brian will explain the dishes and discuss the region’s culinary culture.

Darrell CortiNoted gourmand Darrell Corti of Corti Brothers gourmet grocery and spirit purveyors in Sacramento is the Chairman of the Los Angeles International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition. We’ll chat about the Best of Show award recipients and lots more about gourmet specialty food with the revered Mr. Corti. TheDailyMeal.com has dubbed him one of the coolest people in food and drink in America.

Now in its 17th year, the Los Angeles International Olive Oil Competition is the top ranking EVOO competition in the United States and fifth worldwide. The goal is to bring together the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in awarding medals to the best oils from around the globe.

For “Best of Show – Domestic” there is an award-winner in Delicate, Medium and Robust category oils. Best of Show – Robust is Pacific Sun, Riverview Ranch Tuscan Blend, Yolo County, California.

We’ve tasted this EVOO. It’s a grassy, bright, peppery olive oil.

Suggested Food Pairings: “Delicious with poultry, lamb, beans, soups, or any dish you want to add a little pepperiness to.”

Noted gourmand Darrell Corti of Corti Brothers gourmet grocery and spirit purveyors in Sacramento continues…

From TheDailyMeal.com:
One sign of how cool this Italian-American Sacramento grocer is is the fact that he’ll think the whole idea of being considered cool is just plain silly. Running the family business in the California capital is a full-time job, and he doesn’t have spare moments for a lot of folderol. Of course, Corti is a grocer like Itzhak Perlman plays some fiddle. Corti is simply one of the most deeply knowledgeable food and drink experts in America, able to expound with equal authority on Chinese tea, Spanish vinegar, Central Asian wine, Italian pasta, and about 30,000 other gastronomic topics.

The Corti Brothers online store, where you can buy their Italian specialties even if you don’t live in Sacramento, remains charmingly low-tech and straightforward, giving away very little about the vast treasures and culinary knowledge amassed by this family. At the store itself, you can shop for everything from toilet paper and skim milk to artisanal soy sauce and sherries so rare you can’t even find them in Spain — or just stand in line for one of the California capital’s best deli sandwiches.

Corti, a member of The Daily Meal Council, knows everybody worth knowing in his chosen field, and everybody knows him. They call him “The Professor.” If you’ve never heard of him, well, that sort of makes him even cooler, you know?

Michael PuglisiChef Michael Puglisi (ex-Bouchon Beverly Hills) is the Electric City Butcher at the 4th Street Market in Santa Ana. He was greatly influenced by a cousin in Sicily who has a popular, neighborhood butcher shop there. Chef Michael is a custom, whole animal, artisan butcher. We’ll meet him.

From Michael Puglisi:
“Electric City Butcher is built upon relationships – our relationship to you, our relationship to sustainable farmers and humanely raised animals, and your relationship to the food that you serve to your friends and family.  ECB is modeled after our family’s shop in Sicily, where guests arrive with an idea of what they’d like, have a conversation with the butcher and leave with freshly prepared cuts.  We take the time to offer personalized service and the highest quality products, because we believe that it matters what we serve to our family and we believe that you will taste the difference.”

Amar Santana at the Top Chef FinaleExecutive Chef Amar Santana (a C-CAP graduate) is the Proprietor of Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach and the new Vaca in Costa Mesa. Both restaurants have highly innovative beverage programs to compliment the stellar cuisine.

Chef Amar was also one of two finalists on Bravo’s Emmy-Award winning Top Chef Season 13 which just concluded with a two-part finale in Las Vegas. Amar battled Chef Jeremy Ford, the Chef de Cuisine of Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Matador Room in Miami.

Chef Amar’s “Top Chef” Official Bio:
Amar Santana serves as the Executive Chef and Partner at Broadway By Amar Santana in Laguna Beach, CA and Vaca in Costa Mesa, CA. Born in the Dominican Republic, he immigrated to the US at the age of 13 and began his culinary career at 16.

He has been mentored by some of the world’s most renowned chefs, including Charlie Palmer, who helped him develop his skills of expressing his passion through food. By combining flavors and culinary traditions from all over the world, Chef Amar provides a truly unforgettable gastronomical experience.

Chef Amar is our very special guest.

The Big Cheese Grilled Cheese CompetitionThe 3rd Annual “The Big Cheese” Grilled Cheese Festival & Competition returns to Provisions Market in Orange on Tuesday, April 19th. Provisions Market and OC Baking Co. will celebrate National Grilled Cheese Month with fellow OC Chefs and a ProAm Challenger in an intense grilled cheese competition. All are in competition for the coveted title of “The Big Cheese.”

OC Baking Company Master Baker Dean Kim will supply locally produced freshly baked bread to the competing chefs, while the farmer-owned dairy cooperative Tillamook will offer a selection of its award-winning cheeses and butter for use at the festival. Participating chefs will present their own spin on the classic grilled cheese sandwich that festival attendees will sample and then vote on.

“Now in our third year, this event has served to unite our local chefs and engage them in a lighthearted competition,” commented Chef Greg Daniels, who oversees the kitchens at Provisions Market and Haven Gastropub.

Tickets for the event must be purchased for $60 in advance (will include limited tasters of select craft beer) through Universe. This event will be limited to 100 guests (tickets will be sold at the door, if capacity permits).

Event co-founder, Chef Greg Daniels of Provisions, joins us with all the gooey specifics.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Executive Chef David MacLennan, James Republic, Long Beach
Segment Three: Executive Chef Brian Dunsmoor of Hatchet Hall & Philip Dobard, The Pacific Food & Beverage Museum
Segment Four: Darrell Corti, Corti Brothers, Sacramento & Chair of the L.A. International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition Part One
Segment Five: Darrell Corti, Corti Brothers, Sacramento & Chair of the L.A. International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition Part One
Segment Six: Chef Michael Puglisi, Electric City Butcher, 4th Street Market, Santa Ana
Segment Seven: Executive Chef Amar Santana, Broadway by Amar Santana & Vaca
Segment Eight: Chef Greg Daniels, “The Big Cheese” Grilled Cheese Festival & Competition

Show 118, April 18, 2015: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Andrew GruelExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and, now, Newport Beach is today’s special Guest Host for the first segment. He’s off on location shooting FYI’s “Say It To My Face.”

Now a preview of today’s decadently overstuffed show.

In celebration of National Grilled Cheese Month in April Provisions Market (Chef Greg Daniels) and OC Baking Company (Dean Kim) will join forces to once again host The Big Cheese, Orange County’s grilled cheese festival and competition. Event Co-Founder Greg Daniels and his fellow Orange County Chefs will compete for the title of “The Big Cheese” on Monday, April 20th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Provisions Market. All proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to You Are Special, a local nonprofit that operates a food pantry to feed the hungry in the Orange community. This week we’ll continue our preview of the event with Co-Founder Chef Greg Daniels of Provisions Market and Haven Gastropub.

Time to set sail for the 5th annual Celebrity Cruises Great Wine Festival. The festivities on Saturday afternoon, May 2nd will feature unlimited tastings from more than 30 exceptional wineries, breweries and spirits, fine cuisine, a silent auction and live musical entertainment. The event benefits the Legal Aid Society of Orange County and Community Legal Services. Celebrity Cruises’ Sommelier Chanelle Duarte and Executive Chef David MacLennan of James Republic in Long Beach join us to preview the benefit.

It’s seemingly always tomato planting time somewhere in the U.S. From striped heirlooms to golden cherry tomatoes, and everything in between to be found at your local farmer’s market tomatoes are creating “Tomatomaniacs” everywhere. Now, Scott Daigre, the founder of the wildly popular, Tomatomania annual seedling sale in California, has teamed up with Jenn Garbee to bring the reader a beautiful and fun guide to growing, preparing and cooking tomatoes, with TOMATOMANIA! A Fresh Approach to Celebrating Tomatoes in the Garden and in the Kitchen. Scott is performing a cooking demonstration at the L.A. Times Festival of Books, Saturday afternoon, April 18th. He’s our guest.

ChocXO “Bean To Bar Chocolatier” starts with fine flavor cacao beans from Central and South America. ChocXO believes in the quality of the bean above all else. They process them using the latest technology and highest quality raw materials locally in their Irvine factory. From this incredible liquid chocolate ChocXO creates their own chocolate bars, filled chocolates, chocolate bark, and other chocolate specialties. The factory is available for tours Tuesday through Saturday. ChocXO Partner and General Manager Armon Demarco is our guest.

Del Frisco’s Grille’s (Irvine SpectrumExecutive Chef Sarah Daniels is joining forces with San Clemente’s award-winning craft brewery, Left Coast Brewery, to present a special beer dinner on Monday, April 27th. It’s four-courses along with four Left Coast Brewery pairings for a modest $35.00 per person plus tax and gratuity. The menu for the evening is a total original created for the evening by Chef Sarah, the first female executive chef in the Del Frisco’s Grille system. Chef Sarah Daniels and Shawn Hadjis of Left Coast Brewing Co. (Director of Sales and Marketing) join us with a preview.

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

Show 118, April 18, 2015: Executive Chef Greg Daniels, “The Big Cheese” Competition

Greg Daniels of Haven GastropubIn celebration of National Grilled Cheese Month in April Provisions Market (Chef Greg Daniels) and OC Baking Company (Dean Kim) will join forces to once again host The Big Cheese, Orange County’s grilled cheese festival and competition. Event Co-Founder Greg Daniels and his fellow Orange County Chefs will compete for the title of “The Big Cheese” on Monday, April 20th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Provisions Market. All proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to You Are Special, a local nonprofit that operates a food pantry to feed the hungry in the Orange community.

OC Baking Company Master Baker Dean Kim will supply locally produced freshly baked bread to the competing chefs. The competitors will present their own spin on the classic grilled cheese sandwich that festival attendees will sample and then vote on.

This year, the professional chefs will be joined by one ProAm competitor who will be selected by event organizers in an Instagram contest. The winning entry will be announced Sunday, April 19th and the ProAm contender for “The Big Cheese” will participate in the festival on Monday, April 20th.

Chef Greg Daniels (just back from France) of Provisions Market and Haven Gastropub joins us with all the needed 411.

April 18: Andrew Gruel, Greg Daniels, David MacLennan, Scott Daigre, ChocXO, Del Frisco’s Grille, Left Coast Brewing

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Greg Daniels, “The Big Cheese” Competition
Segment Three: Celebrity Cruises Great Wine Festival
Segment Four: Scott Daigre and Tomatomania!
Segment Five: ChocXo Bean to Bar Chocolatier Part One
Segment Six: ChocXo Bean to Bar Chocolatier Part Two
Segment Seven: Del Frisco’s Grille Plates & Pints Dinner with Left Coast Brewing
Segment Eight: Left Coast Brewing Co.

Andrew GruelExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and, now, Newport Beach is today’s special Guest Host.

Now a preview of today’s decadently overstuffed show.

In celebration of National Grilled Cheese Month in April Provisions Market (Chef Greg Daniels) and OC Baking Company (Dean Kim) will join forces to once again host The Big Cheese, Orange County’s grilled cheese festival and competition. Event Co-Founder Greg Daniels and his fellow Orange County Chefs will compete for the title of “The Big Cheese” on Monday, April 20th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Provisions Market. All proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to You Are Special, a local nonprofit that operates a food pantry to feed the hungry in the Orange community. This week we’ll preview the event with Co-Founder Chef Greg Daniels of Provisions Market and Haven Gastropub.

Time to set sail for the 5th annual Celebrity Cruises Great Wine Festival. The festivities on Saturday afternoon, May 2nd will feature unlimited tastings from more than 30 exceptional wineries, breweries and spirits, fine cuisine, a silent auction and live musical entertainment. The event benefits the Legal Aid Society of Orange County and Community Legal Services. Celebrity Cruises’ Sommelier Chanelle Duarte and Executive Chef David MacLennan of James Republic restaurant in Long Beach join us to preview the benefit.

It’s seemingly always tomato planting time somewhere in the U.S. From striped heirlooms to golden cherry tomatoes, and everything in between to be found at your local farmer’s market tomatoes are creating “Tomatomaniacs” everywhere. Now, Scott Daigre, the founder of the wildly popular, “Tomatomania” annual seedling sale in California, has teamed up with Jenn Garbee to bring the reader a beautiful and fun guide to growing, preparing and cooking tomatoes, with TOMATOMANIA! A Fresh Approach to Celebrating Tomatoes in the Garden and in the Kitchen. Scott is performing a cooking demonstration at the L.A. Times Festival of Books, Saturday afternoon, April 18th. He’s our guest.

ChocXO “Bean To Bar Chocolatier” starts with fine flavor cacao beans from Central and South America. ChocXO believes in the quality of the bean above all else. They process them using the latest technology and highest quality raw materials locally in their Irvine factory. From this incredible liquid chocolate ChocXO creates their own chocolate bars, filled chocolates, chocolate bark, and other chocolate specialties. The factory is available for tours Tuesday through Saturday. ChocXO Partner and General Manager Armon Demarco is our guest.

Del Frisco’s Grille’s (Irvine Spectrum) Executive Chef Sarah Daniels is joining forces with San Clemente’s award-winning craft brewery, Left Coast Brewery, to present a special beer pairing dinner on Monday, April 27th. It’s four-courses along with four Left Coast Brewery pairings for a modest $35.00 per person. The menu for the evening is a total original created for the event by Chef Sarah, the first female executive chef in the Del Frisco’s Grille system. Chef Sarah Daniels and Shawn Hadjis of Left Coast Brewing Co. (Director of Sales and Marketing) join us with a preview.

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

Greg Daniels of Haven GastropubIn celebration of National Grilled Cheese Month in April Provisions Market (Chef Greg Daniels) and OC Baking Company (Dean Kim) will join forces to once again host The Big Cheese, Orange County’s grilled cheese festival and competition. Event Co-Founder Greg Daniels and his fellow Orange County Chefs will compete for the title of “The Big Cheese” on Monday, April 20th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Provisions Market. All proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to You Are Special, a local nonprofit that operates a food pantry to feed the hungry in the Orange community.

OC Baking Company Master Baker Dean Kim will supply locally produced freshly baked bread to the competing chefs. The competitors will present their own spin on the classic grilled cheese sandwich that festival attendees will sample and then vote on.

This year, the professional chefs will be joined by one ProAm competitor who will be selected by event organizers in an Instagram contest. The winning entry will be announced Friday, April 17th and the ProAm contender for “The Big Cheese” will participate in the festival on Monday, April 20th.

Chef Greg Daniels (just back from France) of Provisions Market and Haven Gastropub joins us with all the needed 411.

Chanelle DuarteTime to set sail for the 5th annual Celebrity Cruises Great Wine Festival. The festivities on Saturday afternoon, May 2nd , in honor of Drink Wine Day, will feature unlimited tastings from more than 30 exceptional wineries, breweries and spirits, fine cuisine, a silent auction and live musical entertainment. Within the benefit Celebrity Cruises will also host Celebrity’s Wine Lounge featuring Jackson Family premium wines. The event will take place at Hangar 244 in the Orange County Great Park, the first great metropolitan park of the 21st century, located in the heart of Orange County.

The event benefits the Legal Aid Society of Orange County and Community Legal Services who provide free legal services to those in the community who would otherwise be denied access to justice.

Celebrity Cruises’ Sommelier Chanelle Duarte and Executive Chef David MacLennan of James Republic in Long Beach (a participating restaurant) join us to preview the benefit.

Scott DaigreIt’s seemingly always tomato planting time somewhere in the U.S. From striped heirlooms to golden cherry tomatoes, and everything in between to be found at your local farmer’s market tomatoes are creating “Tomatomaniacs” everywhere.

Now, Scott Daigre, the founder of the wildly popular, Tomatomania annual seedling sale in California, has teamed up with Jenn Garbee to bring the reader a beautiful and fun guide to growing, preparing and cooking tomatoes, with TOMATOMANIA! A Fresh Approach to Celebrating Tomatoes in the Garden and in the Kitchen.

“I want people to grow tomatoes,” says Daigre, “but I wanted to create a book that guides people in a fun way, and not get so serious about success. It’s about the challenge – and sometimes it IS a challenge.” Daigre doesn’t sugar coat things, either. TOMATOMANIA! is a reality gardening book. Sometimes you’ll have a good year, sometimes…not so good. But Daigre makes sure anyone, from beginner to seasoned gardener, will have fun while they try.

Scott is performing a cooking demonstration at the L.A. Times Festival of Books, Saturday afternoon, April 18th at 3:30 p.m. on the Cooking Stage.

Scott Daigre is our guest.

ChocXOCraving chocolate? Who doesn’t?

ChocXO “Bean To Bar Chocolatier” starts with fine flavor cacao beans from Central and South America. ChocXO believes in the quality of the bean above all else. They process them using the latest technology and highest quality raw materials locally in their Irvine factory. From this incredible liquid chocolate ChocXO creates their own chocolate bars, filled chocolates, chocolate bark, and other chocolate specialties. The factory is available for informative tours Tuesday through Saturday.

ChocXO Partner and General Manager Armon Demarco is our guest.

ChocXO is the brainchild of Richard Foley, a third generation chocolate guy. Richard literally bleeds chocolate. For the past 30 years, Richard has immersed himself in the chocolate industry. From distribution to manufacturing, he’s about done it all.

“Come visit our Irvine factory and look through our viewing windows and see our factory for yourself. Take a tour while you’re here or just stop in to buy a chocolate bar. We’re proud of what we’re doing and look forward to sharing it with you.”

Sarah Daniels of Del Frisco's Grille in IrvineDel Frisco’s Grille’s (Irvine Spectrum) Executive Chef Sarah Daniels is joining forces with San Clemente’s award-winning craft brewery, Left Coast Brewery, to present a special beer dinner on Monday, April 27th. It’s four-courses along with four Left Coast Brewery pairings for a modest $35.00 per person. The menu for the evening is a total original created for the dinner by Chef Sarah, the first female executive chef in the Del Frisco’s Grille system.

Left Coast Brewing Co. is a family-owned craft brewery in San Clemente specializing in IPAs and ales. All eight of the year-round craft beers available at the popular Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co. restaurants in Orange County and beyond are brewed by Left Coast Brewing Co.

One of the courses at the Craft Beer Dinner on May 27th is cioppino with mussels, shrimp, chorizo and a rich tomato broth paired with Left Coast’s Red Tide. Red Tide is a seasonal American Belgian-style Red Ale.

Chef Sarah Daniels and Shawn Hadjis of Left Coast Brewing Co. (Director of Sales and Marketing) join us with a preview.

Shawn HadjisLeft Coast Brewing Co. primarily distributes beer to bars and restaurants in kegs and bottles. The brewery also produces 8 full-time beers for the Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Co. restaurants. They project to produce 15,000 barrels of beer in 2015.

They also operate a Taproom at The Brewery in San Clemente that is open at night on Weekdays and extended hours on Weekends. All of the year-round styles and the current seasonal beers are available to sample in 5 oz., 10 oz. and 16 oz. pours. All beers are available in half-gallon growlers to go.

Left Coast produces six beers year-round with the flagship beer being Hop Juice Double IPA. The other year-round beers are the Asylum Belgian Style Tripel Ale, Trestles IPA, Voo Doo American Stout, Del Mar St. Dortmunder Style Export Lager and Una Mas Amber Lager. The seasonal beer for Spring is Red Tide Belgian-Style Red Ale.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Greg Daniels, “The Big Cheese” Competition
Segment Three: Celebrity Cruises Great Wine Festival
Segment Four: Scott Daigre and Tomatomania!
Segment Five: ChocXo Bean to Bar Chocolatier Part One
Segment Six: ChocXo Bean to Bar Chocolatier Part Two
Segment Seven: Del Frisco’s Grille Plates & Pints Dinner with Left Coast Brewing
Segment Eight: Left Coast Brewing Co.

Show 104, January 3, 2015: Food and Travel Journalist, Steve Bramucci

Steve BramucciSteve Bramucci is a freelance food and travel writer based in Laguna Beach. For what was the final issue of OC Register Magazine (November 6, 2014) he researched and wrote the provocative piece, “The 20-Mile Meal,” the cover story. This was also picked up by Coast Magazine.

“With the help of The Haven Collective’s (Haven Gastropub and Provisions Market) Executive Chef Greg Daniels, writer Steve Bramucci tests the limits of the “Eat Local” concept by sourcing a multicourse dinner from within 20 miles of his Laguna Beach apartment.” With incredible resourcefulness (read the piece) Steve and Chef Greg were able to source everything locally with the exception of a bit of olive oil! (That was California olive oil used by the way so they were very close…)

With a little navigating the article can be found within the Orange County Register’s Website. On the Home Page of The Register’s Web site click on the “Magazines” tab in the top right corner. Once you’re there click on Coast.” On this subpage you’ll see the cover for the OC Register Magazine with the 20-Mile Meal cover.

Steve Bramucci takes us through that journey.

Show 86, August 30, 2014: Guest Host Kedric Francis and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris preview the show

Kedric Francis and Andy HarrisGuest Host Kedric Francis of The Orange County Register Magazine & Coast Orange County Magazine and Producer Andy Harris preview the show.

The always debonair Kedric Francis, our dashing man about Orange County, is the Executive Editor of both publications.

You’ll remember the always opinionated Chef Shirley Chung (Las Vegas – based) as a finalist in Season 11 of Bravo’s “Top Chef” in New Orleans. She is opening a modern Chinese restaurant in Irvine at the end of September.

It’s the Orange International Street Fair in Old Towne Orange this Labor Day Weekend. In the center of the action in a restored historic bungalow on W. Chapman is Wahoo’s Fish Taco. Co-founder Wing Lam joins us to discuss what’s new at Wahoo’s.

The Palm Restaurant, known for classic steakhouse fare, has been an institution in West Hollywood since its launch in 1975. That location is closing at the end of September. In early November a new, 6,000 square foot Palm will begin welcoming guests in Beverly Hills.

Chef-comedienne Nadia G. is widely known as the creator and host of Nadia G’s Bitchin’ Kitchen,” a brand defining series for Cooking Channel and the first ever online show to successfully transition from the internet to primetime. Her new primetime Cooking Channel series is Bite This.” The always unpredictable Nadia G. is our guest.

Brad A. Johnson is the James Beard award-winning restaurant critic for both the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Register. Brad is back with us this week to talk about sushi and his favorites in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. He’ll also preview an intriguing piece he’s writing for the Orange County Register Magazine on the new wave of Italian restaurants.

Five years ago Haven Gastropub opened on S. Glassell St. in Old Towne Orange during the annual Orange International Street Festival. That Festival attracts some 500,000 hungry and thirsty guests for the three-days. Executive Chef Greg Daniels is with us to talk about their five-year anniversary.

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

Show 86, August 30, 2014: Executive Chef Greg Daniels, Haven Gastropub and Provisions, Orange

Greg Daniels of Haven GastropubFive years ago Haven Gastropub opened on S. Glassell St. in Old Towne Orange during the Orange International Street Festival. That Festival attracts some 500,000 guests for the three-days. Executive Chef Greg Daniels is with us to talk about their five-year anniversary.

Thursday, September 4th marks the actual 5-Year anniversary. Within minutes of the original opening guests were 3-deep at the long bar. Fortunately for Chef Greg and his partners It hasn’t stopped since…

On Thursday, September 4th Haven Gastropub will be celebrating with one of their most impressive line-ups of craft beers on tap to date. There will be specials on signature items throughout the day. ($5 Haven Burgers, anyone ?). Check their Facebook Page for all the details.

August 30: Kedric Francis, Shirley Chung, Wing Lam, The Palm, Nadia G, Brad A. Johnson, Haven Gastropub

Podcasts

Segment One: Guest Host Kedric Francis and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris preview the show
Segment Two: Executive Chef Shirley Chung of TWENTY Eight
Segment Three: Wing Lam, Wahoo’s Fish Taco
Segment Four: Bruce Bozzi, Jr., of the Palm
Segment Five: Cooking Channel’s Chef Nadia G. Part One
Segment Six: Cooking Channel’s Chef Nadia G. Part Two
Segment Seven: Brad A. Johnson, Restaurant Critic, Orange County and Los Angeles Registers
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Greg Daniels, Haven Gastropub and Provisions, Orange

Kedric Francis and Andy HarrisGuest Host Kedric Francis of The Orange County Register Magazine & Coast Orange County Magazine and Producer Andy Harris preview the show.

The always debonair Kedric Francis, our dashing man about Orange County, is the Executive Editor of both publications.

You’ll remember the always opinionated Chef Shirley Chung (Las Vegas – based) as a finalist in Season 11 of Bravo’s “Top Chef.” She is opening a modern Chinese restaurant in Irvine at the end of September.

It’s the Orange International Street Fair in Old Towne Orange this Labor Day Weekend. In the center of the action in a restored bungalow on W. Chapman is Wahoo’s Fish Taco. Co-founder Wing Lam joins us to discuss what’s new at Wahoo’s.

The Palm Restaurant, known for classic steakhouse fare, has been an institution in West Hollywood since its launch in 1975. That location is closing at the end of September. In early November a new, 6,000 square foot Palm will begin welcoming guests in Beverly Hills.

Chef-comedienne Nadia G. is widely known as the creator and host of “Nadia G’s Bitchin’ Kitchen,” a brand defining series for Cooking Channel and the first ever online show to successfully transition from the internet to primetime. Her new primetime Cooking Channel series is “Bite This.” The always unpredictable Nadia G. is our guest.

Brad A. Johnson is the James Beard award-winning restaurant critic for both the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Register. Brad is back with us this week to talk about sushi and his favorites in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. He’ll also preview an intriguing piece he’s writing for the Orange County Register Magazine on the new wave of Italian restaurants.

Five years ago Haven Gastropub opened on S. Glassell St. in Old Towne Orange during the Orange International Street Festival. That Festival attracts some 500,000 guests for the three-days. Executive Chef Greg Daniels is with us to talk about their five-year anniversary.

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

Shirley ChungYou’ll remember the always opinionated Chef Shirley Chung (Las Vegas – based) as a finalist in Season 11 of Bravo’s “Top Chef.”

Prior to her ride to fame on “Top Chef” she held the Executive Chef position at China Poblano by Jose Andres at The Cosmopolitan.

Chef Shirley is opening a modern Chinese restaurant in Irvine at the end of September. “I like my cuisine to tell a story,” commented Chef Shirley, who has developed the innovative menu of sharable plates for TWENTY EIGHT. “My inspiration for this menu is reflective of my childhood years in Beijing, my past experiences, and my travels, all of which have inspired me to push the envelope.”

“In addition to the menu of modern Chinese specialties, diners can look forward to an enticing Dim Sum and Small Plates menu, a full bar with a focus on craft cocktails, and private dining options for both large and small gatherings.”

Wing Lam of Wahoo's Fish TacosIt’s the Orange International Street Fair in Old Towne Orange this Labor Day Weekend. In the center of the action on W. Chapman is Wahoo’s Fish Taco. Co-founder Wing Lam joins us to discuss what’s new at Wahoo’s.

Raymond Martin is the new executive chef for Wahoo’s. New on the menu are Street Tacos, a Kale Kai Salad, and Wahoo’s Wings.

Opening soon is a long-in-the-works Wahoo’s location at Honda Center.

The Palm Beverly HillsThe iconic Palm Restaurant in West Hollywood will close and lock its doors for the last time on September 30th after almost 40 years. The better news is that their new 6,000 square foot restaurant seating 185 guests will debut at in Beverly Hills at 267 N. Canon Dr. in early November.

“Serving its classic steakhouse cuisine and generous “Palm-size” portions since 1975, The Palm in West Hollywood is equally famous for the caricatures of its celebrity customers and the entertainment industry power players that adorn its walls.”

“This Palm has been here for almost 40 years, and while we are sad to leave our home on Santa Monica Blvd., we are excited to be opening a new Palm just a few minutes away in Beverly Hills,” said Bruce Bozzi, Jr., great-grandson of Pio Bozzi, who, with John Ganzi, co-founded The Palm in 1926. “Through four generations, we have followed a simple recipe for success that focuses on making our guests feel that they belong at The Palm. We look forward to continuing that tradition in our new location.”

Nadia GChef-comedienne Nadia G. is widely known as the creator and host of Nadia G’s Bitchin’ Kitchen,” a brand defining series for Cooking Channel and the first ever online show to successfully transition from the internet to primetime. She also hosts an original online design series, “Sick Kitchens,” and is the author of two bestselling cookbooks.

Her new primetime Cooking Channel series is Bite This.” It’s a fusion of food, travel and comedy following Nadia as she travels the nation featuring the coolest chefs and finding hidden gems and signature flavors in each city – from Los Angeles to Harlem and the Bronx, to Louisville to Nashville, Chicago and more.

The always unpredictable Nadia G. is our guest.

“Nadia G. rocked your kitchen, now it’s time to rock your city! We’re hitting the road, G-style.” The first city visited for “Bite This” was Los Angeles.

“First up : Badmaash – An outrageous Indian-fusion Poutine with Chicken Tikka at this downright bad ass downtown gastropub.”

“Next up, the freshest and tastiest Lobster Roll you can find West of the Rockies at Blue Plate Oysterette in Santa Monica.”

“Finally, the G and the crew is off to Father’s Office where they’ll meet Chef Sang Yoon and taste the Office Burger – a burger so good that it was names “best burger in the world.” PSST. Insider info : They’ll also unveil for the first time EVER Sang Yoon’s latest tasty creation : The Patricia Melt.”

Photography by Brad A JohnsonBrad A. Johnson is the James Beard award-winning restaurant critic for both the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Register.

Brad is back with us this week to discuss sushi and his favorites places to enjoy the preparation in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. He’ll also preview an intriguing piece he’s writing for the Orange County Register Magazine on the new wave of Italian restaurants.

Greg Daniels of Haven GastropubFive years ago Haven Gastropub opened on S. Glassell St. in Old Towne Orange during the Orange International Street Festival. That Festival attracts some 500,000 guests for the three-days. Executive Chef Greg Daniels is with us to talk about their five-year anniversary.

Thursday, September 4th marks the actual 5-Year anniversary. Within minutes of the original opening guests were 3-deep at the long bar. It hasn’t stopped…

On Thursday, September 4th Haven Gastropub will be celebrating with one of their most impressive line-ups of craft beers on tap to date. There will be specials on signature items throughout the day. ($5 Haven Burgers, anyone ?).

Podcasts

Segment One: Guest Host Kedric Francis and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris preview the show
Segment Two: Executive Chef Shirley Chung of TWENTY Eight
Segment Three: Wing Lam, Wahoo’s Fish Taco
Segment Four: Bruce Bozzi, Jr., of the Palm
Segment Five: Cooking Channel’s Chef Nadia G. Part One
Segment Six: Cooking Channel’s Chef Nadia G. Part Two
Segment Seven: Brad A. Johnson, Restaurant Critic, Orange County and Los Angeles Registers
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Greg Daniels, Haven Gastropub and Provisions, Orange