Show 272, May 5, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a tantalizing preview of Saturday’s appropriately satiating show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a pretty good thing…

It’s Cinco de Mayo (our favorite created holiday to, of course, encourage responsible imbibing) so our thoughts are certainly on festively appropriate food and craft beer. Just across the street from us at Angel Stadium is the new Golden Road Pub OC. We’ll see what tasty morsels Executive Chef Henry Tran (ex-TAPS) has on the menu. We guarantee you won’t go thirsty there either!

We’re going to start referring to Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger as “The Festival Queen.” She is back with us this morning previewing her events for the ongoing Los Angeles Times Food Bowl including “Plant Power – The No Beast Feast – An All-Star Chef Celebration of Vegetable Cuisine” on Saturday, May 19th at Coral Tree Plaza at Border Grill Downtown LA.

Crustacean Beverly Hills, the 20-year old, award-winning restaurant from House of AN hospitality group, reopened in March following an eight-month-long, $10 million dollar ambitious redesign and reconcepting. It now houses two high-end restaurants. House of An’s Elizabeth An joins us with the stylish details.

A new quality burger concept (originating in New York in 2015) Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is on its way to an eagerly anticipated West Coast launch at Downtown Disney. Meanwhile you can experience Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer at The Venetian in Las Vegas. Think perfectly outrageous shakes, too. They are also part of Vegas Uncork’d festivities on Saturday evening, May 12th. We’ll meet Founder Joe Isidori, a 3rd generation chef.

The respected food journalist Steve Dolinsky, ABC 7 TV’s “Hungry Hound” in Chicago, is the recipient of an impressive 13 James Beard Foundation Awards for journalistic excellence. For this year’s James Beard Foundation Media Awards in New York (held on April 27th) he was again nominated for outstanding “TV Segment.” The James Beard Foundation Awards Gala is in Chicago at the Lyric Opera on Monday evening, May 7th. Steve will report on the outcome of the Media Awards and preview the 2018 James Beard Foundation Awards Gala.

Our culinary Team USA 2019 was in Mexico City on April 12th & 13th competing in The Bocuse d’Or America’s selection semi-finals leading up to the Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition in Lyon in January of 2019. Five of the 11 countries represented won the right to compete in the Lyon finals. Head Coach for Team USA 2019 Chef Robert Sulatycky and Culinary Council member Chef Paul Bartolotta join us with the outcome. Time to proudly wave the flag…

“Ask the Chef” with our own Chef Andrew Gruel is back.

Barramundi is appearing on high-end restaurant menus and available at better seafood retailers. For the uninitiated it’s both delicious, eco-friendly and well-managed. It’s a member of the sea bass family. Chef Andrew will give us all the needed 411.

All of this and much more deliciousness on today’s overflowing show!

Show 272, May 5, 2018: Elizabeth An, House of An, Crustacean Beverly Hills

Elizabeth AnCrustacean Beverly Hills, the 20-year old, award-winning restaurant from House of AN hospitality group, reopened in March following an eight-month-long, $10 million dollar ambitious redesign and reconcepting. It now houses two high-end restaurants. House of An’s Elizabeth An joins us with the stylish details.

Crustacean launched its new lunch service this last week. Lunch service is available Tuesday – Friday from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Some of the new and notable lunch menu items are the BAHN MI (all served with house made potato crisps and Yuzu crème fraîche) and NOODLES & RICE (three varieties of pho, including a Vegan option, and those XO cognac noodles) sections.

Crustacean will be open exclusively for Mother’s Day brunch service on Sunday, May 13 from 11:30 AM – 3 PM.  The restaurant is not usually open for brunch on weekends but the “mother of fusion” cuisine, Chef Helene An wants to treat fellow mothers with her acclaimed fare on this extra special day.  The menu will be the full dinner menu, which includes the An family iconic Secret Kitchen dishes garlic noodles and garlic roasted crab.

 

May 5: Golden Road Pub OC, Susan Feniger, Crustacean Beverly Hills, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, Steve Dolinsky, Robert Sulatycky, Paul Bartolotta

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Henry Tran, Golden Road Pub OC, Anaheim
Segment Three: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger, Border Grill, Los Angeles & Las Vegas
Segment Four: Elizabeth An, House of An, Crustacean Beverly Hills
Segment Five: Chef Joe Isidori, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, Las Vegas
Segment Six: Food TV’s Steve Dolinsky, “The Hungry Hound”, ABC 7 TV, Chicago
Segment Seven: Team USA’s Chef Robert Sulatycky and Chef Paul Bartolotta
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish & Raw Bar by Slapfish

We’re back on The Mainland…

Now a tantalizing preview of this Saturday’s appropriately satiating show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a pretty good thing…

It’s Cinco de Mayo (our favorite created holiday to encourage responsible imbibing) so our thoughts are certainly on festively appropriate food and craft beer. Just across the street from us at Angel Stadium is the new Golden Road Pub OC. We’ll see what tasty morsels Executive Chef Henry Tran (ex-TAPS) has on the menu. We guarantee you won’t go thirsty there either!

We’re going to start referring to Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger as “The Festival Queen.” She is back with us previewing her events for the ongoing Los Angeles Times Food Bowl including “Plant Power – The No Beast Feast – An All-Star Chef Celebration of Vegetable Cuisine” on Saturday, May 19th at Coral Tree Plaza at Border Grill Downtown LA.

Crustacean Beverly Hills, the 20-year old, award-winning restaurant from House of AN hospitality group, reopened in March following an eight-month-long, $10 million dollar ambitious redesign and reconcepting. It now houses two high-end restaurants. House of An’s Elizabeth An joins us with the stylish details.

A new quality burger concept (originating in New York in 2015) Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is on its way to an eagerly anticipated West Coast launch at Downtown Disney. Meanwhile you can experience Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer at The Venetian in Las Vegas. Think perfectly outrageous shakes, too. They are also part of Vegas Uncorked festivities on Saturday evening, May 12th. We’ll meet Founder Joe Isidori, a 3rd generation chef.

Food journalist Steve Dolinsky, ABC 7 TV’s “Hungry Hound” in Chicago, is the recipient of an impressive 13 James Beard Foundation Awards for journalistic excellence. For this year’s James Beard Foundation Media Awards in New York (held on April 27th) he was again nominated for outstanding “TV Segment.” The James Beard Foundation Awards Gala is in Chicago at the Lyric Opera on Monday evening, May 7th. Steve will report on the outcome of the Media Awards and preview the 2018 James Beard Foundation Awards Gala.

Our culinary Team USA 2019 was in Mexico City on April 12th & 13th competing in The Bocuse d’Or America’s selection semi-finals leading up to the Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition in Lyon in early 2019. Five of the 11 countries represented won the right to compete in the Lyon finals. Head Coach for Team USA 2019 Chef Robert Sulatycky and Culinary Council member Chef Paul Bartolotta join us with the outcome. Time to proudly wave the flag…

“Ask the Chef” with our own Chef Andrew Gruel is back.
Barramundi is appearing on high-end restaurant menus and available at better seafood retailers. For the uninitiated it’s both delicious, eco-friendly and well-managed. It’s a member of the sea bass family. Chef Andrew will give us all the needed 411.

Henry TranIt’s Cinco de Mayo (our favorite created holiday to encourage responsible imbibing) so our thoughts are certainly on festively appropriate food and craft beer. Just across the street from us at Angel Stadium is the new Golden Road Pub OC.

We’ll see what tasty morsels Executive Chef Henry Tran (ex-TAPS) has on the menu. We guarantee you won’t go thirsty there either!

Thankfully this is not typical pub grub served at Golden Road. You’ll initially come for the incredible craft beer selection (40 rotating selections on tap) but the food is destination-worthy, too. Chef Henry comes from TAPS and The Catch so he knows his way around a menu. Surprisingly there are many Vegan options, too.

Instead of Avocado Toast look for Fried Avocado Tacos with corn slaw, black beans, shaved cabbage, tomatillo salsa and chipotle cream. How about Duck Confit Fries?

From the sea the IPA Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels with Vietnamese sausage in a yuzu burre blanc is a standout.

Susan Feniger of Mud Hen TavernWe’re going to start referring to Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger as “The Festival Queen.” She is back with us previewing her events for the ongoing Los Angeles Times Food Bowl including “Plant Power – The No Beast Feast – An All-Star Chef Celebration of Vegetable Cuisine” on Saturday, May 19th (5:30 p.m. VIP / 6:30 p.m. GA) at Coral Tree Plaza at Border Grill Downtown LA.

For LA Times Food Bowl, Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken will host Plant Power, the No Beast Feast, a garden party focusing on the region’s bountiful produce. On the upper plaza of Border Grill in downtown Los Angeles, guests will be treated to a variety of signature bites and an interactive dessert bar at this al fresco strolling event.Featuring an international lineup of prominent chefs, this seasonal, vegetarian and vegan extravaganza will showcase innovative vegetable-driven cuisine paired with fine wines, beers and handcrafted cocktails from female winemakers, brewers and distillers.

Besides Milliken and Feniger, participating chefs include cookbook author Nadine Redzepi (Noma), Monique Fiso of New Zealand (Hiakai), Akasha Richmond (Akasha), Antonia Lofaso (Scopa Italian Roots), April Bloomfield (Hearth & Hound), Brooke Williamson (Playa Provisions), Dahlia Narvaez (Mozza), Dakota Weiss (Sweetfin Poké), Jazz Singsanong (Jitlada), Niki Nakayama (n/naka), Nyesha Arrington (Native Santa Monica), Roxana Jullapat (Friends & Family), Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson (Kismet), Sherry Yard (iPic Theaters), Shirley Chung (Ms. Chi), Tanya Holland (Brown Sugar Kitchen), Valerie Gordon (Valerie Confections), and more.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to Girls Inc. and the James Beard Foundation Women’s Leadership Programs to support the advancement of young girls and the empowerment of women in the hospitality industry.

Elizabeth AnCrustacean Beverly Hills, the 20-year old, award-winning restaurant from House of AN hospitality group, reopened in March following an eight-month-long, $10 million dollar ambitious redesign and reconcepting. It now houses two high-end restaurants. House of An’s Elizabeth An joins us with the stylish details.

Crustacean launched its new lunch service this week. Lunch service is available Tuesday – Friday from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Some of the new and notable lunch menu items are the BAHN MI (all served with house made potato crisp and Yuzu crème fraîche) and NOODLES & RICE (three varieties of pho, including a VEGAN option, and those XO cognac noodles) sections.

Crustacean will be open exclusively for Mother’s Day brunch service on Sunday, May 13 from 11:30 AM – 3 PM.  The restaurant is not usually open for brunch on weekends but the “mother of fusion” cuisine, Chef Helene An wants to treat fellow mothers with her famous fare on this extra special day.  The menu will be the full dinner menu, which includes the An family iconic Secret Kitchen dishes garlic noodles and garlic roasted crab.

Joe IsidoriA new quality burger concept (originating in New York in 2015) Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is on its way to an eagerly anticipated West Coast launch at Downtown Disney. Meanwhile you can experience Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer at The Venetian in Las Vegas. Think perfectly outrageous shakes, too.

They are also part of Vegas Uncork’d festivities on Saturday evening, May 12th.

“Kick it late night at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer for a night of burgers, beats, and of course, shakes on Saturday evening, May 12th., Join Chef/Owner Joe Isidori and chow down on Black Tap’s award-winning craft burgers, and for one-time-only, create your very own CrazyShake™ milkshake. With a curated list of specialty “Vegas Uncork’d” ingredients, guests can let their imagination and taste buds go wild with a custom shake. For those ready to show their talents, there’ll be a lip-sync battle to wow the crowds with your favorite 80s pop and 90s hip hop, including special prizes! Attendees will sample mouthwatering snacks, burgers, and signature cocktails with a live DJ spinning tunes to keep the vibes pumping.”

We’ll meet Founder & Chef Joe Isidori, a 3rd generation chef.

Steve Dolinsky and Andreew GruelRespected food journalist Steve Dolinsky, ABC 7 TV’s “Hungry Hound” in Chicago, is the recipient of an impressive 13 James Beard Foundation Awards for journalistic excellence. For this year’s James Beard Foundation Media Awards in New York (held on April 27th) he was again nominated for outstanding “TV Segment.”

The James Beard Foundation Awards Gala is in Chicago at the Lyric Opera on Monday evening, May 7th. Steve will report on the outcome of the Media Awards and preview the 2018 James Beard Foundation Awards Gala.

The James Beard Award-winning The Feed Podcast is a collaboration between Chicago Chef/Restaurateur Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, Xoco, Leña Brava) and 13-time James Beard Award winning food journalist Steve Dolinsky.

“They’ve known each other for 20 years, and have always craved a food program on the radio that included great sound. Sadly, there was none, so in January, 2014, they launched The Feed Podcast. The show jumps all over the globe – wherever their jobs take them – since Rick also hosts the Public Television series “Mexico: One Plate at a Time,” and Steve also writes for the Travel sections of the Chicago Tribune and The Globe and Mail in Canada.”

“Each show tackles a different subject: wine, spirits, food trends or audio postcards from foreign cities, but some also tackle issues like seafood sustainability and the ability of some diners to “buy” reservations at restaurants. The more evocative side of their reporting comes through in on-the-road shows where either Steve or Rick describe how a particular dish is made (Korean fried chicken, ramen, croissants) then devour it with pleasure as they describe what they’re tasting.”

Paul BartolottaOur culinary Team USA 2019 was in Mexico City on April 12th & 13th competing in The Bocuse d’Or America’s selection semi-finals leading up to the Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition in Lyon in late January of 2019. Five of the 11 countries represented won the right to compete in the Lyon finals.

Team USA (Chef Matthew Kirkley and Commis Mimi Chen) prepared Chilean Salmon Roulade and Suckling Pig Presented Three Ways.

“The Bocuse d’Or is about promoting local and traditional gastronomy, but also revealing young Chefs from all countries in the world. The candidates invest tremendous time and energy in the preparation for the contest, in the national and continental selections, to promote their culinary legacy and win their ticket to go to the Finale that can change their lives and careers.”

Head Coach for Team USA 2019 Chef Robert Sulatycky and Culinary Council member Chef Paul Bartolotta join us with the outcome from Mexico City. Time to proudly wave the flag…

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino“Ask the Chef” with our own Chef Andrew Gruel is back.

Barramundi is appearing on high-end restaurant menus and available at better seafood retailers.

For the uninitiated it’s both delicious, eco-friendly and well-managed. It’s a member of the sea bass family.

Chef Andrew will give us all the needed 411.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Henry Tran, Golden Road Pub OC, Anaheim
Segment Three: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger, Border Grill, Los Angeles & Las Vegas
Segment Four: Elizabeth An, House of An, Crustacean Beverly Hills
Segment Five: Chef Joe Isidori, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, Las Vegas
Segment Six: Food TV’s Steve Dolinsky, “The Hungry Hound”, ABC 7 TV, Chicago
Segment Seven: Team USA’s Chef Robert Sulatycky and Chef Paul Bartolotta
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish & Raw Bar by Slapfish

Show 235, August 5, 2017: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a tempting preview of this Saturday’s abundant show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

The annual Golden Foodie Awards presented in a black-tie gala on September 24th in Newport Beach celebrate the very best in dining in Orange County in 15 categories. Voting by the dining public happens in 2, one-week waves starting on Saturday, August 5th. Founder Pam Waitt joins us with the details of this year’s voting.

The OC Fair continues in Costa Mesa (Wednesdays thru Sundays) until Sunday, August 13th in Costa Mesa. The Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri, encores with an update on Fair food happenings. How did Chef Dominic’s Fair menu rate at the Concessionaires’ Cup ? How are all the new Flamin’ Hot Cheetos creations doing…?

For some seven short weeks the incredible Hatch Chiles from New Mexico are available fresh. They are a Southwestern favorite. Unusually they can be purchased in a range of heats from mild to hot. Our resident produce guru, Robert Schuller of Melissa’s, steps away from the roaster to give us the piquant specifics.

DINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week is set for August 5th through August 13th, 2017. Some 60 diverse Long Beach restaurants spanning 12 neighborhoods will offer special multi-course menus at affordable prices. First we’ll chat with DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant founder, Terri Henry, for the overview for 2017.

New to the DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week is Chef Guy’s Crazy Creole Café – “Straight From The Heart and Soul of New Orleans.” We’ll meet proprietor Chef Guy DuPlantier, a.k.a. “The Crazy Cajun.” It’s a real taste of New Orleans right there on Long Beach Blvd.

As Beverly Hills Vietnamese fusion institution Crustacean undergoes a major five-month redesign this summer, Orange County diners will be treated to signature dishes prepared by Crustacean master chef Helene “Mama” An at AnQi, a sister restaurant at South Coast Plaza. Beginning August 1 and through September 30, diners at the upscale gourmet bistro AnQi will be able to savor a sampling of signature dishes from An’s famous Secret Kitchen that previously were not available at the Costa Mesa restaurant. Joining us to explain all the delicious specifics is House of AN’s Executive Chef, Tony Nguyen.

Once a year Zapien’s Salsa Grill in Pico Rivera hosts a series of Hatch Chile-themed events to celebrate the famous New Mexican spicy and savory pepper. Along with Chef Marco Zapien’s Hatch Chile Cooking Demonstration and Dinner on August 10th the restaurant hosts a daytime Hatch Chile Roast (and brunch) on September 9th were supplies of the roasted Hatch Chiles can be picked up by the case. The guest selects the level of spicy desired ranging from mild to hot.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!

August 5: Golden Foodies, Midway Gourmet, Melissa’s Hatch Chiles, Dine LBC, Crazy Creole Café, House of AN, Zapien’s Salsa Grill

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Pam Waitt, Founder, Orange County’s Golden Foodie Awards
Segment Three: Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet, OC Fair
Segment Four: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s World Variety Produce, Hatch Chile Season is on!
Segment Five: DINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week, Terri Henry, Producer & Founder
Segment Six: Chef / Proprietor Guy DuPlantier, Crazy Creole Café, Long Beach
Segment Seven: House of An Executive Chef Tony Nguyen, Pop-up Crustacean Menu at AnQi, Costa Mesa
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Marco Zapien, Hatch Chile Festivities at Zapien’s Salsa Grill

Now a tempting preview of this Saturday’s abundant show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

The annual Golden Foodie Awards presented in a black-tie gala on September 24th in Newport Beach celebrate the very best in dining in Orange County in 15 categories. Voting by the dining public happens in 2, one-week waves starting on Saturday, August 5th. Founder Pam Waitt joins us with the details of this year’s voting.

The OC Fair continues in Costa Mesa (Wednesdays thru Sundays) until Sunday, August 13th in Costa Mesa. The Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri, encores with an update on Fair food happenings. How did Chef Dominic’s Fair menu rate at the Concessionaires’ Cup ? How are all the new Flamin’ Hot Cheetos creations doing…?

For some seven short weeks the incredible Hatch Chiles from New Mexico are available fresh. They are a Southwestern favorite. Unusually they can be purchased in a range of heats from mild to hot. Our resident produce guru, Robert Schuller of Melissa’s, steps away from the roaster to give us the piquant specifics.

DINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week is set for August 5th through August 13th, 2017. More than 60 diverse Long Beach restaurants spanning 12 neighborhoods will offer special multi-course menus at affordable prices. First we’ll chat with DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant founder, Terri Henry, for the overview for 2017.

New to the DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week is Chef Guy’s Crazy Creole Café – “Straight From The Heart and Soul of New Orleans.” We’ll meet proprietor Chef Guy DuPlantier, a.k.a. “The Crazy Cajun.” It’s a real taste of New Orleans right there on Long Beach Blvd.

As Beverly Hills Vietnamese fusion institution Crustacean undergoes a major five-month redesign this summer, Orange County diners will be treated to signature dishes prepared by Crustacean master chef Helene “Mama” An at AnQi, a sister restaurant at South Coast Plaza. Beginning August 1 and through September 30, diners at the upscale gourmet bistro AnQi will be able to savor a sampling of signature dishes from An’s famous Secret Kitchen that previously were not available at the Costa Mesa restaurant. Joining us to explain all the delicious specifics is House of AN’s Executive Chef, Tony Nguyen.

Once a year Zapien’s Salsa Grill in Pico Rivera hosts a series of Hatch Chile-themed events to celebrate the famous New Mexican spicy and savory pepper. Along with Chef Marco Zapien’s Hatch Chile Cooking Demonstration and Dinner on August 10th the restaurant hosts a daytime Hatch Chile Roast on September 9th were supplies of the roasted Hatch Chiles can be picked up by the case. The guest selects the level of spicy desired ranging from mild to hot.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!

Golden Foodie AwardsThe annual 6th Annual Golden Foodie Awards will be presented in a black-tie gala evening on September 24th in Newport Beach celebrating the very best in dining in Orange County in 15 categories. Voting by the dining public happens in 2, one-week waves starting on Saturday, August 5th.

The Golden Foodies are a People’s Choice Food Awards. The event was created to honor extraordinary culinary talent in Orange County. Food lovers vote during the first 2 weeks of August with the winners being announced at The Golden Foodie Awards Gala at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel. The event exclusively recognizes chef-driven and independent restaurants.

Food Network’s Simon Majumdar is the Celebrity Host of the festive affair.

Founder Pam Waitt joins us with the details of this year’s voting.

Dominic Palmieri of Midway GourmetWe always look forward to sharing with you the new, creative and sometimes outrageous taste sensations at The Orange County Fair on now through August 13th. Selling big from The Midway Gourmet is Flamin’ Hot Cheetos on virtually everything edible including pizza and fresh corn. His unusual nito frozen dessert creations are also the talk of the Fair.

Last year, 50% of Fairgoers surveyed said their favorite part of the Fair is the food. We agree…Fried, sugary or savory – and sometimes all three at once – the delectable edibles are some of the big stars of the OC Fair.

Chef Dominic’s Fair edibles on the RCS Midway just swept the Concessionaires’ Cup 2017 Awards including the recognition for “Best of the Best” single fair food item. We’ll get a mouthwatering update from The Midway Gourmet as the OC Fair enters its concluding week.

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety Produce in the AM830 KLAA StudioFor some seven short weeks the incredible Hatch Chiles from New Mexico are available fresh. Unusually they can be purchased in a range of heats from mild to hot.

It’s no secret why everyone is obsessed with Hatch Chiles. Named after the original growing area in Hatch, New Mexico, authentic Hatch Chiles are truly a Southwestern favorite. No other chile is prized more than this variety which grows in the Hatch Valley, just north of Las Cruces. The valley, which stretches along the Rio Grande’s southern-most bend before crossing into Texas and Mexico, is covered with row after row of these green leafy chile plants for most of the summer. Chefs say that the intense sunlight and cool nights in this valley result in a uniquely flavored chile that’s unrivaled by any other.

Hatch Chiles have a meaty flesh and mild-medium heat making them ideal for use in Chile Con Queso, Chile Rellenos, and Chile Verde. But it doesn’t just stop there. You can also try roasting and using them in salads, soups, stews, dips, and sandwiches. For even more great ideas on how to use this incredible chile, purchase a copy of Melissa’s Hatch Chile Cookbook with over 150 unique, home-kitchen tested and classic Hatch Chile recipes.

Hatch chiles are so popular savvy folks load up each summer and freeze enough roasted chiles to enjoy year-round.

Our resident produce guru, Robert Schuller of Melissa’s, steps away from the roaster to give us the piquant specifics.

Terri HenryDINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week is set for August 5th through August 13th, 2017. More than 60 diverse Long Beach restaurants spanning 12 neighborhoods will offer special multi-course menus at affordable prices

Participating restaurants and food companies will be offering multi-course, “value-oriented” meals and special deals set at one of six price points: $15, $25, $35, $45, $55 or $65.

Founder and organizer Terri Henry, who brought restaurant week to Long Beach in 2014, said that besides attracting local “foodies”, Dine LBC allows those who view dining out as a luxury to also enjoy an exceptional experience. The nine-day event that includes two full weekends gives locals the opportunity to visit multiple participating restaurants and also allows those in neighboring cities who find it difficult to travel to Long Beach during the week more options.

For the first time this year, Dine LBC will be highlighting non-restaurant, food-centric companies in Long Beach, such as Beach City Food ToursRomeo Chocolates and the anticipated RICE & SHINE pop-up brunch that takes place August 5 and 6.

“Beach City Food Tours is obviously not an individual restaurant”, said Layla Ali-Ahmad, who started the downtown Long Beach food and architectural tour last summer. “But we are still introducing our clients to the great restaurants and food scene of Long Beach, so we were thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in Dine LBC this year.”

Foodie Instagrammers can also enter the “Dine. Snap. Share. And Be Entered to Win.” Dine LBC Instagram Contest, inviting diners to post photos of their dining experience on Instagram with the hashtag #DineLBC. At the conclusion of restaurant week, one winner will be chosen at random and win $1000 in gift certificates from various Long Beach restaurants, plus a mixed case of Coquelicot Wines, the signature wine of The Sky Room. Some restrictions apply. For complete rules visit the Dine LBC website.

Participating restaurants, menus, food companies and offers can be found at the DineLBC website.

First we’ll chat with DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant founder, Terri Henry, for the overview for 2017.

Guy DuPlantierNew to the DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week is Chef Guy’s Crazy Creole Café – “Straight From The Heart and Soul of New Orleans.”

“We offer authentic Creole and Cajun food, with most of our products being shipped in weekly from New Orleans like our crawfish, Lake Pontchartrain blue crab, fresh alligator meat, farm-raised catfish, wild caught gulf shrimp. Also, the Blue Plate Mayonnaise we use on our Po’ Boys and ya’ll know it’s not a Po’ Boy unless you use bread from home. We use the famous Leidenheimers French bread. Come and try our Boudin & Boudin Balls made in house along with my wife Chef Aliza’s Asian Cajun Boudin Egg Rolls. We only use the best ingredients. Created by the fusion of African, Native American and the European ancestry, Louisiana cuisine is at the heart and soul of our unique culture.”

“You are guaranteed to enjoy the great flavors of New Orleans and we will show you what Southern hospitality is all about. In New Orleans we have a saying, Laissez les bons temps rouler, which means Let the good times roll. That is what Crazy Creole Cafe is all about, good food, good music and good times. We’ll do our best to put a big smile on your face and make you stomp your feet. So what are you waiting for? Come on and laissez les bons temps rouler with the Crazy Creole Cafe.”

We’ll meet proprietor Chef Guy DuPlantier, a.k.a. “The Crazy Cajun.” It’s a real taste of The Crescent City right there on Long Beach Blvd.

Tony NguyenAs Beverly Hills Vietnamese fusion institution Crustacean undergoes a major five-month redesign this summer, Orange County diners will be treated to signature dishes prepared by Crustacean master chef Helene “Mama” An at AnQi, a sister restaurant at South Coast Plaza. Beginning August 1 and through September 30, diners at the upscale gourmet bistro AnQi will be able to savor a sampling of signature dishes from An’s famous Secret Kitchen that previously were not available at the Costa Mesa restaurant.

The pop-up version of Crustacean’s highly acclaimed menu will be available at dinner only Monday through Friday in the Q Lounge at AnQi, which like its Beverly Hills counterpart has won acclaim for its signature style of Euro-Vietnamese cuisine and An’s creative use of Asian herbs and spices in her cooking.

Reservations are required and are limited to 60 guests a night and should be made by phone: 714.557.5679. AnQi is located at South Coast Plaza, 333 Bristol St. Costa Mesa

The pop-up Crustacean menu at AnQi will include 10 appetizers, four main courses and two desserts.

The tantalizing appetizer options include Turmeric Grilled Calamari ($15), with saffron, orange zest and peanut mustard sauce; Sweet and Spicy Chicken Meatballs ($15), made with basil, tofu, tempura flakes and Gochujang sauce; and the addictive XO Noodles ($18) with scallops, shrimp, chicken, bird’s eye chili, shallots and Hennessy cognac.

Among the choices for the main courses are Rack of Lamb ($46), made with chardonnay flambé, Steamed Seabass ($49); and An’s Famous Roasted Crab ($65), featuring An’s garlic sauce and secret spices and available in or out of the shell.

A mouthwatering dessert option is Grandma Diana’s Famous Banana Fritters ($12).

Joining us to explain all the delicious specifics is House of AN’s Executive Chef, Tony Nguyen.

Marco Zapien of Zapiens Salsa Grill and TaqueriaOnce a year Zapien’s Salsa Grill in Pico Rivera hosts a series of interactive Hatch Chile-themed events to celebrate the famous New Mexican spicy and savory pepper. Along with Chef Marco Zapien’s Hatch Chile Cooking Demonstration and Dinner on August 10th the restaurant hosts a daytime Hatch Chile Roast on September 9th were cases of the roasted Hatch Chiles can be picked up and enjoyed.

At The Roast the guest selects the level of spicy desired ranging from mild to hot. Alongside the roasting on Saturday September 9th Chef Marco will be featuring a special Hatch Chile Brunch menu at Zapien’s.

Chef Marco Zapien shares his Hatch Chile secrets with us.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Pam Waitt, Founder, Orange County’s Golden Foodie Awards
Segment Three: Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet, OC Fair
Segment Four: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s World Variety Produce, Hatch Chile Season is on!
Segment Five: DINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week, Terri Henry, Producer & Founder
Segment Six: Chef / Proprietor Guy DuPlantier, Crazy Creole Café, Long Beach
Segment Seven: House of An Executive Chef Tony Nguyen, Pop-up Crustacean Menu at AnQi, Costa Mesa
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Marco Zapien, Hatch Chile Festivities at Zapien’s Salsa Grill

Show 172, May 21, 2016: Restaurateur Jacqueline An, House of An, California

Jacqueline An of House of AnIn Vietnamese, “AN” means “TO EAT,” a happy coincidence, since the An family has built an award-winning restaurant empire— including the renowned celebrity favorite Crustacean Beverly Hills.

Helene An, executive chef and matriarch of the House of An, is hailed as the “mother of fusion” and was inducted into the Smithsonian Institute for her signature style that brings together Vietnamese, French, and California- fresh influences.

Now her daughter Jacqueline tells the family story and shares her mother’s delicious and previously “secret” recipes, including “Mama’s” Beef Pho, Drunken Crab, and Oven-Roasted Lemongrass Chicken in An: To Eat – Recipes and Stories from a Vietnamese Family Kitchen. Jacqueline An is here to share the truly incredible story

Helene’s transformation from pampered “princess” in French Colonial Vietnam, to refugee then restaurateur, and her journey from Indochina’s lush fields to family kitchen gardens in California are beautifully chronicled throughout the book. The result is a fascinating peek at a lost world, and the evolution of an extraordinary cuisine. The 100 recipes in An: To Eat feature clean flavors, simple techniques, and unique twists that could only have come from Helene’s personal story.