Show 176, June 18, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Happy Father’s Day to all of our listening Dads! You really deserve some extra credit, too…

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

Chef Maeve Rochford is the proprietress of the ever-popular Sugar & Scribe Bakery Café in La Jolla. She is also the winner of Food Network’s “Holiday Baking Championship” and the cool $50,000 cash prize. Chef Maeve is our guest.

It’s a good sign of the times. The old-fashioned, full-service, neighborhood butcher shop is back in fashion. This is where you can source the exact cut of meat or poultry that you need and get expert advice from a master butcher who also knows how to prepare and cook everything they sell. What a concept. Master butcher Jim Cascone of Huntington Meats and Farmers Market Poultry at The Original Farmers Market at Third & Fairfax in Los Angeles brings us up-to-date.

One of the most personal wineries and tasting rooms operating in Santa Barbara County as part of the Urban Wine Trail is former race car driver’s Jamie Slone’s, Jamie Slone Wines. They specialize in limited production, premium wines from the best vineyards of Santa Barbara County, featuring red blends, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and more. We’ll meet him.

Last year celebrated the 50th anniversary of the iconic Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. It also marked the start of the just-completed revitalization which includes a new look for The Greenhouse room and the addition of the new Cooper’s Bar. Overseeing the renovations with great care is our guest, Jim Colombo, the General Manager of Five Crowns (who is also a skilled chef by training).

James Republic, under the culinary direction of Chef David MacLennan and Proprietor / Chef Dean James Max, sets the standard for unpretentious fine dining with imagination in Long Beach. Their popular Summer Dinner Bell Supper Series showcasing the fresh products of local farmers kicks off on Sunday, June 26th. Chef David pops out of the kitchen to provide us with the fresh-from-the-field details.

Our resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, is just back from a visit (and many tastings) to a couple of Australia’s premier wine producing areas. We’ll get the delightfully quaffable highlights…Cheers.

Chef Andrew Gruel is in Manhattan this week exhibiting at the International Franchise Expo at Javits Center. We’ll pull him away from the action on the show floor for a chat. He’ll also talk about his debut experience at last Saturday’s Tacolandia on Los Angeles’ historic Olvera Street.

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

Show 176, June 18, 2016: Jim Colombo, General Manager, Five Crowns, Corona del Mar

Jim ColomboLast year celebrated the 50th anniversary of the iconic Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. It also marked the start of the just-completed revitalization which includes a new look for The Greenhouse room and the addition of the new Cooper’s Bar.

Overseeing the renovations with great care at every step of the way is our guest, Jim Colombo, the General Manager of Five Crowns (who is also a skilled chef by training).

“We’ve invigorated the Five Crowns experience,” said Ryan O’Melveny Wilson, Executive Chef and Vice President. “From our updated sign out front, to refreshed dining rooms, the new bar and a menu that honors our classics and highlights seasonality, we’re setting the table for the next 50 years.”

Complementing the renovation, Five Crowns’ forward-looking menu balances innovative seasonality with the classic dishes that have made the restaurant a landmark. Guests can now enjoy greater flexibility by pairing seasonal small plates with a shared main dish or a heritage entrée from the Crown Classics section.

“The new menu offers favorites from our 50-year menu archives in addition to a daily selection of fresh fish, hand cut pasta and interesting wines,” commented Wilson. “There is something for every discerning palate, long-time guest or first time Five Crowns diner.”

There is a serious by-the-glass wine program at Five Crowns. They are one of the very few restaurants in the world to have California’s Screaming Eagle Winery’s wines (a limited-production cult favorite) available by the glass.

 

June 18: Maeve Rochford, Huntington Meats, Jamie Slone Wines, Five Crowns, James Republic, Wine Exchange, Andrew Gruel

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Maeve Rochford, Sugar and Scribe, La Jolla, CA
Segment Three: Jim Cascone, Huntington Meats and Farmers Market Poultry, Los Angeles
Segment Four: Jamie Slone Wines, El Paseo, Santa Barbara
Segment Five: Jim Colombo, General Manager, Five Crowns, Corona del Mar
Segment Six: Executive Chef Dave MacLennan, James Republic, Long Beach
Segment Seven: Kyle Meyer, Wine Exchange, Tasting in Australia’s Top Three Wine Regions
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group, Huntington Beach

Happy Father’s Day to all of our listening Dads! You deserve some credit, too…

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

Chef Maeve Rochford is the proprietress of the ever-popular Sugar & Scribe Bakery Café in La Jolla. She is also the winner of Food Network’s “Holiday Baking Championship” and the cool $50,000 cash prize. Chef Maeve is our guest.

It’s a good sign of the times. The old-fashioned, full-service, neighborhood butcher shop is back in fashion. This is where you can source the exact cut of meat or poultry that you need and get expert advice from a master butcher who also knows how to prepare and cook everything they sell. What a concept. Master butcher Jim Cascone of Huntington Meats and Farmers Market Poultry at The Original Farmers Market at Third & Fairfax in Los Angeles brings us up-to-date.

One of the most personal wineries and tasting rooms operating in Santa Barbara County as part of the Urban Wine Trail is former race car driver’s Jamie Slone’s, Jamie Slone Wines. They specialize in limited production, premium wines from the best vineyards of Santa Barbara County, featuring red blends, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and more. We’ll meet him.

Last year celebrated the 50th anniversary of the iconic Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. It also marked the start of the just-completed revitalization which includes a new look for The Greenhouse room and the addition of the new Cooper’s Bar. Overseeing the renovations with great care is our guest, Jim Colombo, the General Manager of Five Crowns (who is also a skilled chef by training).

James Republic, under the culinary direction of Chef David MacLennan and Proprietor / Chef Dean James Max, sets the standard for unpretentious fine dining with imagination in Long Beach. Their popular Summer Dinner Bell Supper Series showcasing the fresh products of local farmers kicks off on Sunday, June 26th. Chef David pops out of the kitchen to provide us with the fresh-from-the-field details.

Our resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, is just back from a visit (and many tastings) to a couple of Australia’s premier wine producing areas. We’ll get the delightfully quaffable highlights…Cheers.

Chef Andrew Gruel is in Manhattan this week exhibiting at the International Franchise Expo at Javits Center. We’ll pull him away from the action on the show floor for a chat. He’ll also talk about his debut experience at last Saturday’s Tacolandia on Los Angeles’ historic Olvera Street.

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

“Be Sweet. Be Tempted.”

Mauve RochfordChef Maeve Rochford is the proprietress of the ever-popular Sugar & Scribe Bakery Café in La Jolla. She is also the winner of Food Network’s “Holiday Baking Championship” and the cool $50,000 cash prize. Chef Maeve is our guest.

“Born an only child in Cincinnati, Ohio to an Irish-born mother and third generation German Father, Maeve’s life was destined to be greatly influenced by food! She attended an all-girls high school, St. Ursula Academy, and rowed her way into college. After graduating from Boston University on a rowing scholarship, Maeve started her career quest!”

“After college Maeve struggled to settle on a direction. She checked out a few career paths in NYC and then spent several months in South Africa. While cooking dinner for the family she was living with in Walvis Bay, it finally became clear: “I’M A CHEF!” Looking back, Maeve realized she had been on this path since she was two. She moved to Los Angeles and landed her first job as a private chef. It was Maeve’s husband’s career that brought her to San Diego.”

“With the move, Maeve started all over again, but this time she followed her passion, threw caution to the wind, and in the middle of a major recession, opened Sugar and Scribe, a small upscale bakery in Pacific Beach on a shoestring budget. Sugar and Scribe launched in November 2010. The current Sugar and Scribe location opened in La Jolla in February of 2015.”

“Maeve’s love of food and the memories that great foods inspire drive her to create morsels of excellence every day. “I think my keen understanding of flavor combinations comes from mixing leftovers, never being afraid of food and loving the experience of cooking. When I’m happy, I eat. When I’m sad, I eat. When I’m angry, I eat. So it’s important to have great food for every emotion!””

Jim CasconeIt’s a good sign of the times. The old-fashioned, full-service, neighborhood butcher shop is back in fashion. This is where you can source the exact cut of meat or poultry that you need and get expert advice from a master butcher who also knows how to prepare and cook everything they sell. What a concept.

Master butcher Jim Cascone of Huntington Meats and Farmers Market Poultry at The Original Farmers Market at Third & Fairfax in Los Angeles brings us up-to-date.

Located at the Farmer’s Market at 3rd and Fairfax since 1986, Huntington Meats is proud to offer the finest quality meats and sausages.

“A true old-fashioned butcher shop, Huntington Meats offers traditional roasts, steaks, chops, ground beef and much more. You’ll discover an astonishing selection of sausages here (Cajun, three-cheese, chicken sausage, Italian from mild to Wow! and many more). For parties, select a variety to barbecue so everyone can have a taste! Huntington is also one of the city’s exclusive purveyors of Harris Ranch meats.”

They also offer educational classes.

Find them at Stall 350.

Jim Cascone of Huntington Meats has also taken flight with the experts at Farmers Market Poultry. The chicken here is more flavorful than any found on freezer shelves in chain stores, the turkey comes from several exceptional purveyors (try the ground turkey as an outstanding substitute for ground beef), and fresh eggs and exotic fowl are also readily available. Find them at Stall 216.

Jamie SloneOne of the most personal wineries and tasting rooms operating in Santa Barbara County as part of the Urban Wine Trail is former race car driver’s Jamie Slone’s, Jamie Slone Wines. The destination Tasting Room is located in Downtown Santa Barbara’s Wine Collection of El Paseo. This is at Historic El Paseo in The Presidio neighborhood.

They specialize in limited production, premium wines from the best vineyards of Santa Barbara County, featuring red blends, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and more. We’ll meet him.

“At Jamie Slone Wines we are committed to providing an Outstanding Santa Barbara County Wine Experience. This begins with the goal of producing wines of balance and character that are handcrafted, personal and full of the obsession we’ve come to be known for, the Terroir of Santa Barbara County! Our focus is exclusively on exceptional vineyard sites in Santa Barbara County.”

“Santa Barbara County is truly Diversity Perfected with it’s wonderful blend of microclimates, each defined by unique soils that run the list from chirt and limestone to ancient beach and diatomaceous earth. Couple that with transverse mountain ranges that have cool and moderate temperatures toward the west and warm daytimes and cold nights to the east and the results are complex wines full of acids, tannins, and a myriad of flavors. We are about making authentic and compelling wine from special vineyard sites with subtle nuances and characteristics that tell a particular wine’s story.”

“We are our toughest critic and our micro boutique production level means we can pay attention to the details, producing wines that we personally enjoy, not only approachable today but wines that will age for a long time to come.”

Jim ColomboLast year celebrated the 50th anniversary of the iconic Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. It also marked the start of the just-completed revitalization which includes a new look for The Greenhouse room and the addition of the new Cooper’s Bar.

Overseeing the renovations with great care at every step of the way is our guest, Jim Colombo, the General Manager of Five Crowns (who is also a skilled chef by training).

“We’ve invigorated the Five Crowns experience,” said Ryan O’Melveny Wilson, Executive Chef and Vice President. “From our updated sign out front, to refreshed dining rooms, the new bar and a menu that honors our classics and highlights seasonality, we’re setting the table for the next 50 years.”

Complementing the renovation, Five Crowns’ forward-looking menu balances innovative seasonality with the classic dishes that have made the restaurant a landmark. Guests can now enjoy greater flexibility by pairing seasonal small plates with a shared main dish or a heritage entrée from the Crown Classics section.

“The new menu offers favorites from our 50-year menu archives in addition to a daily selection of fresh fish, hand cut pasta and interesting wines,” commented Wilson. “There is something for every discerning palate, long-time guest or first time Five Crowns diner.”

Dave MaclennanJames Republic under the culinary direction of Chef David MacLennan and Proprietor / Chef Dean James Max sets the standard for unpretentious fine dining with imagination in Long Beach.

Their popular Summer Dinner Bell Supper Series showcasing the fresh products of local farmers kicks off on Sunday, June 26th. Chef David pops out of the kitchen to provide us with all the fresh-from-the-field details.

“Join our table as we share passion for food, combining new and traditional flavors, fresh ingredients and all naturally raised meats, poultry and seafood during our celebration of spring. We’ll be spending Sunday morning at the Long Beach Farmers Market, finding the best in seasonality and locality, coming back to our kitchen to prepare an inspired family style dinner.”

“Our market inspired reception includes seasonal cocktails and canapes beginning at 4:30 pm, followed by dinner from 5 pm to 7 pm. Each delicious course features three distinct dishes served in a communal setting.”

“Our local farmers will be dining with us and be available for questions and discussing what they do best!”

Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeOur resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, is just back from a visit (and many tastings) to a couple of Australia’s premier wine producing areas. We’ll get the delightfully quaffable highlights…

On Kyle’s ambitious down under trek were the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale in South Australia and Margaret River in Western Australia.

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosChef Andrew Gruel is in Manhattan this week exhibiting at the International Franchise Expo at Javits Center. We’ll pull him away from the action on the show floor for a chat.

He’ll also talk about his debut experience at last Saturday’s Tacolandia on Los Angeles’ historic Olvera Street. It was super busy…

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Maeve Rochford, Sugar and Scribe, La Jolla, CA
Segment Three: Jim Cascone, Huntington Meats and Farmers Market Poultry, Los Angeles
Segment Four: Jamie Slone Wines, El Paseo, Santa Barbara
Segment Five: Jim Colombo, General Manager, Five Crowns, Corona del Mar
Segment Six: Executive Chef Dave MacLennan, James Republic, Long Beach
Segment Seven: Kyle Meyer, Wine Exchange, Tasting in Australia’s Top Three Wine Regions
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group, Huntington Beach

Show 115, March 21, 2015: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Louie Jocson and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Louie JocsonOne of the OC’s best and brightest, youthful culinary talents, Chef Louie Jocson, joins us this morning as Guest Host. He’s the new Directory of Culinary Operations for the growing Zov’s family of restaurants. Now a preview of today’s over-stuffed show…

Cochon 555, probably the country’s most talked about culinary competition returns to Los Angeles on March 29, 2015 to celebrate family farms, heritage breed pigs and today’s emerging chef community. Attendees of this one-of-a-kind culinary competition embark on a journey to the new hyper-local culinary landscape, one whole pig at a time. Brady Lowe, the founder of Cochon 555, joins us with the pork-a-licious details.

Spring is here so the time is right to get an overview of the highlights in Spring produce. Our favorite produce savant, Robert Schueller, of Melissa’s World Variety Produce is with us to share what’s fresh from the fields. We’ll be talking about Kale, Kumquats, Rhubarb and Ojai Pixie Tangerines with a few cooking tips added for good measure.

Look who is turning 50 this year! 2015 marks the 50-year legacy of memorable dining at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. To celebrate, the Lawry’s family and Executive Chef Steve Kling have unveiled a brand new menu and beverage program unlike any other menu this fabled establishment has offered in it’s 50-year history. It’s not your Grandparents’ Five Crowns anymore (although they are still most welcome.) General Manager Jim Colombo (who is also a chef by training) and resident Mad Bar Scientist Amber join us with a tempting overview of the enhancements.

Top of the Market located on the Bay in San Diego just South of the USS Midway Museum offers an extensive variety of fresh fish, oysters and shellfish with a sophisticated twists. New executive chef, Ivan Flowers, has only enhanced the already proven concept. Incomparable views of San Diego Bay, Coronado and Point Loma make Top of the Market the ideal location for destination dining while in San Diego. Chef Ivan is our guest highlighting the addition of the new Spring ingredients.

EAT LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week returns for its big 2nd year from March 22nd to March 28th. One of the participating restaurants is the newly opened Panxa Cocina. It’s in the former Christy’s space on E. Broadway. Chef Arthur Gonzalez (ex-ROE Restaurant) is the Executive Chef and Co-Owner. It’s Santa Fe, New Mexico-style cuisine with rich, bold flavors and a lot of imagination. Chef Art is with us for the menu highlights.

Finally a chance to chat with Guest Host Chef Louie Jocson, the new Director of Culinary Operations for the growing Family of Zov’s restaurants. Chef Louie most recently created the highly regarded Red Table in Huntington Beach, a locals’ favorite. He sold his interest to his former partners to join Zov’s. Earlier in his career he was the Co-Executive Chef of the highly regarded Antonello’s in South Coast Plaza Villagee.

We’re stepping aside for Ducks Hockey on Saturday morning, March 28th. (The Ducks are facing-off against the New York Islanders in Uniondale, Long Island.) We’ll be back, as usual, with the “SoCal Restaurant Show” on Saturday morning, April 4th at 10:00 a.m. Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish returns as Guest Host.

 

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

Show 115, March 21, 2015: General Manager Jim Colombo and Mad Bar Scientist Amber, Five Crowns

Jim ColomboLook who is turning 50 this year! 2015 marks the 50-year legacy of dining at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar.

To celebrate, the Lawry’s family and newly promoted Executive Chef Steve Kling have unveiled a brand new menu and beverage program unlike any other menu this fabled establishment has offered in its 50-year history. It’s not your Grandparents’ Five Crowns anymore (although they are still most welcome.)

The refreshed menu presents nearly three times the culinary selections of past menus including a broad array of starters, main dishes, new family-style options and seafood selections. It breaks guests out of the expected course structure of fine dining. The fare pays homage to some of the Five Crowns heritage items, but with a modern twist. The new menu and beverage program are only the beginning of exciting Five Crowns at 50 announcements expected throughout the year.

There is also some quiet conversation about a “rediscovered” hidden speakeasy.

General Manager Jim Colombo (who is also a chef by training) and resident “Mad Bar Scientist Amber” join us with a tempting overview of the creative enhancements.

Show 115, March 21, 2015: General Manager Jim Colombo and Mad Bar Scientist Amber, Five Crowns. Continues…

Jim ColomboThe Five Crowns General Manager, Jim Colombo (who is also a chef by training) and resident “Mad Bar Scientist Amber” continue with their tempting overview of the creative enhancements to the restaurant to celebrate their 50th Anniversary in Corona del Mar.

There is lots more than the wonderful Lawry’s prime rib on the menu these days!

Amber is doing a whole bar program with Absinthe. She explains why Absinthe has been rediscovered in the United States.

March 21: Louie Jocson, Cochon 555, Melissa’s Produce, Five Crowns, Top of the Market, Panxa Cocina

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Louie Jocson and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Brady Lowe, Cochon 555
Segment Three: Produce Guru Robert Schueller, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce
Segment Four: General Manager Jim Colombo and Mad Bar Scientist Amber, Five Crowns Part One
Segment Five: General Manager Jim Colombo and Mad Bar Scientist Amber, Five Crowns Part Two
Segment Six: Executive Chef Ivan Flowers, Top of the Market, San Diego
Segment Seven: Chef Arthur Gonzalez, Panxa Cocina
Segment Eight: Chef Louie Jocson, Zov’s Bistro

One of the OC’s best and brightest, youthful culinary talents, Chef Louie Jocson, joins us this morning as Guest Host. He’s the new Directory of Culinary Operations for the growing Zov’s family of restaurants. Now a preview of today’s over-stuffed show…

Cochon 555, the country’s most talked about culinary competition returns to Los Angeles on March 29, 2015 to celebrate family farms, heritage breed pigs and today’s emerging chef community. Attendees of this one-of-a-kind culinary competition embark on a journey to the new hyper-local culinary landscape, one whole pig at a time. Brady Lowe, the founder of Cochon 555, joins us with the pork-a-licious details.

Spring is here so the time is right to get an overview of the highlights in Spring produce. Our favorite produce savant, Robert Schueller, of Melissa’s World Variety Produce is with us to share what’s fresh from the fields. We’ll be talking about Kale, Kumquats, Rhubarb and Ojai Pixie Tangerines with a few cooking tips added for good measure.

Look who is turning 50 this year! 2015 marks the 50-year legacy of dining at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. To celebrate, the Lawry’s family and Executive Chef Steve Kling have unveiled a brand new menu and beverage program unlike any other menu this fabled establishment has offered in its 50-year history. It’s absolutely not your Grandparents’ Five Crowns anymore (although they are still most welcome.) General Manager Jim Colombo (who is also a chef by training) and resident “Mad Bar Scientist Amber” join us with a tempting overview of the enhancements.

Top of the Market, located on the Bay in San Diego just South of the USS Midway Museum offers an extensive variety of fresh fish, oysters and shellfish with a sophisticated twists. New executive chef, Ivan Flowers, has only enhanced the already proven concept. Incomparable views of San Diego Bay, Coronado and Point Loma make Top of the Market the ideal location for destination dining while in San Diego. Chef Ivan is our guest highlighting the addition of the new Spring ingredients.

EAT LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week returns for its big 2nd year from March 22nd to March 28th. One of the participating restaurants is the newly opened Panxa Cocina. It’s in the former Christy’s space on E. Broadway. Chef Arthur Gonzalez (ex-ROE Restaurant) is the Executive Chef and Co-Owner. It’s Santa Fe, New Mexico-style cuisine with rich, bold flavors and a lot of imagination. Chef Art is with us for the menu highlights.

Finally a chance to chat with Guest Host Chef Louie Jocson, the new Director of Culinary Operations for the growing Family of Zov’s restaurants. Chef Louie most recently created the highly regarded Red Table in Huntington Beach, a locals’ favorite. He sold his interest to his former partners to join Zov’s. Earlier in his career he was the Co-Executive Chef of the highly regarded Antonello’s in South Coast Plaza Village.

Blue Ribbon Cupcake ChallengeThe 3rd Annual Blue Ribbon Culinary Cupcake Challenge 2015 is March 22nd from 1 to 4:00 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom of the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula. Professional and amateur bakers will compete for cash prizes, category awards and Temecula’s “People’s Choice Award.” Admission, including tastings, is a modest $25.00 per guest. The charitable beneficiary is Rancho Damacitas Children & Family Services.

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

 

 

Brady Lowe of Cochon 555Cochon 555, the country’s most talked about culinary competition returns to Los Angeles on March 29, 2015 to celebrate family farms, heritage breed pigs and today’s emerging chef community. Attendees of this one-of-a-kind culinary competition embark on a journey to the new hyper-local culinary landscape, one whole pig at a time. The tour is aligned with the modern-day good food movement – notable chefs, barrier-breaking women, artist-like butchers, spirited bartenders, top winemakers, brewers, distillers and brazen pastry talent working together to prepare an epic feast celebrating responsible family farming.

This culinary experience features five top chefs in a one-of-a-kind culinary competition featuring over 36 dishes prepared from locally-raised whole heritage breed pigs with virtually endless wine, brews and spirits. This year’s competing chefs include Tony DiSalvo of CAST at the Viceroy Santa Monica – The Official Host & Hotel, Ricardo Zarate of Chef Zarate, Walter Manzke of Republique, Kris Morningstar of Terinne, and Steven Fretz of The Church Key. The five chefs, champions of whole hog utilization, will prepare a maximum of six dishes each with hopes to win voters from a crowd of hungry gourmands and celebrated judges.

Brady Lowe, the founder of Cochon 555, joins us with all the pork-a-licious details.

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety ProduceSpring is here so the time is right to get an authoritative overview of the highlights in Spring produce. Our favorite produce savant, Robert Schueller, of Melissa’s World Variety Produce is with us to share what’s really fresh from the fields.

We’ll be talking about Kale, Kumquats, Rhubarb and Ojai Pixie Tangerines with a few practical cooking tips added for good measure.

Jim ColomboLook who is turning 50 this year! 2015 marks the 50-year legacy of dining at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar.

To celebrate, the Lawry’s family and newly promoted Executive Chef Steve Kling have unveiled a brand new menu and beverage program unlike any other menu this fabled establishment has offered in its 50-year history. It’s not your Grandparents’ Five Crowns anymore (although they are still most welcome.)

The refreshed menu presents nearly three times the culinary selections of past menus including a broad array of starters, main dishes, new family-style options and seafood selections. It breaks guests out of the expected course structure of fine dining. The fare pays homage to some of the Five Crowns heritage items, but with a modern twist. The new menu and beverage program are only the beginning of exciting Five Crowns at 50 announcements expected throughout the year.

There is also some quiet conversation about a “rediscovered” hidden speakeasy.

General Manager Jim Colombo (who is also a chef by training) and resident “Mad Bar Scientist Amber” join us with a tempting overview of the creative enhancements.

The Five Crowns General Manager, Jim Colombo (who is also a chef by training) and resident “Mad Bar Scientist Amber” continue with their tempting overview of the creative enhancements to the restaurant to celebrate their 50th Anniversary in Corona del Mar.

There is lots more than the wonderful Lawry’s prime rib on the menu these days!

Ivan Flowers of Top of the MarketTop of the Market, located on the Bay in San Diego just South of the USS Midway Museum offers an extensive variety of fresh fish, oysters and shellfish with a sophisticated twists. New executive chef, Ivan Flowers, has only enhanced the already proven concept. Incomparable views of San Diego Bay, Coronado and Point Loma make Top of the Market the ideal location for destination dining while in San Diego.

One of the house specialties is Oregon Dungeness Crab Cioppino. It has mussels, clams, prawns, fish, scallops and linguini in an herb wine tomato broth.

Arriving for the Spring Menu are Wild Salmon, Alaskan Halibut, White Seabass and Rockfish.

Chef Ivan is our guest highlighting the addition of the new Spring ingredients.

Arthur GonzalezEAT LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week returns for its big 2nd year from March 22nd to March 28th. One of the participating restaurants is the newly opened Panxa Cocina. It’s in the former Christy’s space on E. Broadway. Chef Arthur Gonzalez (ex-ROE Restaurant) is the Executive Chef and Co-Owner. It’s Santa Fe, New Mexico-style cuisine with rich, bold flavors and a lot of imagination with accents from Mexico and South America, too. Look for distinctive, seasonal Hatch chiles (from Hatch, NM) as a key ingredient.

“In Latin, “panxa” (pronounced “pan-zah”) means “belly” which is fitting because at Panxa Cocina, your belly will always be naturally filled with love, flavors and wonderful food.”

“Panxa reflects a youthful exuberance of timeless, beautiful Latin culture, fresh ingredients home-grown, exciting foods and flavors hand-crafted with love, home comfort, family and friends, tequila and other exciting drinks and so much more.”

Chef Art is with us for the menu highlights.

Louie JocsonFinally a chance to chat with Guest Host Chef Louie Jocson, the new Director of Culinary Operations for the growing Family of Zov’s restaurants. Chef Louie most recently created the highly regarded Red Table in Huntington Beach, a locals’ favorite. He sold his interest to his former partners right before joining Zov’s.

Chef Louie has come full circle with Zov Karamardian. He started his career in the restaurant business at age 15 washing dishes and helping in the kitchen at Zov’s Bistro before enrolling in culinary school in San Francisco (California Culinary Academy) and working his way up the ranks at many of Orange County’s top restaurants in the ensuring years. As it happens Zov wrote the needed Letter of Recommendation for Louie to be accepted to culinary school.

Earlier in his career he was the Co-Executive Chef of the highly regarded Antonello’s in South Coast Plaza Village.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Louie Jocson and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Brady Lowe, Cochon 555
Segment Three: Produce Guru Robert Schueller, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce
Segment Four: General Manager Jim Colombo and Mad Bar Scientist Amber, Five Crowns Part One
Segment Five: General Manager Jim Colombo and Mad Bar Scientist Amber, Five Crowns Part Two
Segment Six: Executive Chef Ivan Flowers, Top of the Market, San Diego
Segment Seven: Chef Arthur Gonzalez, Panxa Cocina
Segment Eight: Chef Louie Jocson, Zov’s Bistro

Show 94, October 25, 2014: Show Preview with Producer Andy Harris

Producer and occasional Co-Host Andy Harris is going solo in the host chair this morning. Now a preview of today’s show…

Often dubbed the “Culinary Olympics,” the international Bocuse d’Or World Cooking Contest faces chefs from 24 countries against one another in an exhausting and intensive 5 and one-half hour cooking challenge in front of thousands of cheering fans. Teams consist of one chef and one commis assistant, with Team USA trained and financially supported by the ment’or BKB Foundation (previously known as the Bocuse d’Or USA Foundation.) Executive Director Young Yun (of ment’or BKB Foundation) is our guest.

AKASHA, in the historic Hull Building, is one of the pioneering restaurants in the revival of Downtown Culver City. The restaurant debuted in early 2008. It’s a contemporary restaurant, bar and café with patio seating, too, featuring New American cooking representing the creative vision of Executive Chef, Caterer, & Proprietress Akasha Richmond. We’ll hear about Chef Akasha’s newest venture.

It’s time to catch-up with the iconic Five Crowns and Side Door in Corona del Mar. The restaurant is a charming replica of one of England’s oldest country inns. The adjscent side door is a gastropub with its own identity. The Holidays are always a special time there and General Manager Jim Colombo will give us a preview of all the special Holiday happenings.

The “SoCal Restaurant Show” recently was aboard Holland America Line’s ms Zaandam on the Vancouver, BC to San Diego sailing of a longer 22-day Inca Discovery Tour ending in Valparaiso, Chile. This morning we continue our exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the key people who oversee this 716 room floating luxury hotel with some 1,400 guests aboard. With us is the ms Zaandam’s Executive Chef, Orly Obierna. He’s responsible for a kitchen staff of 90 who work in shifts around-the-clock.

A year ago on the show you met Cris Peterson and Tom Gordon of The Pepper Project. The Pepper Project is a not-for-profit enterprise devoted to introducing the unique products of Cambodia to the United States. Pepper from the Kampot region of southwestern Cambodia is their primary offering. A fully stocked Pepper Project retail store with one-of-a-kind items opens this Weekend in Orange.

Zov’s which started in Tustin in 1987 is growing again. This week they launched the prototype of Zov’s Kitchen & Bar located at 1801 E. Katella Ave within walking distance of both Honda Center and Angel Stadium. Veteran OC General Manager Kevin Hall is at the door. Many new items are on this menu including “Who Gives a Shitake Pitza” with rotisserie chicken, shitake mushrooms, basil puree, goat cheese, and olives and cooked in a deck oven. Chief Executive Office Armen Karamardian (representing the 2nd generation of proud Family Ownership) is with us to walk us through.

Did you know there are truly wonderful Italian sparkling wines that you don’t see much of in the United States ? These sparkling wines should not be confused with Prosecco which is actually a grape variety. Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Best Wines in Santa Ana, gives us the needed 411.

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

Show 94, October 25, 2014: Jim Colombo, General Manager, Five Crowns and Side Door

Jim ColomboIt’s time to catch-up with the iconic Five Crowns and Side Door in Corona del Mar. The restaurant is a charming replica of one of England’s oldest country inns.

The adjacent Side Door is a popular gastropub with its own identity and a youthful vibe. The Holidays are always a special time there and General Manager Jim Colombo (also a trained chef) will give us a preview of all the special Holiday happenings.

The food in the kitchens of both establishments is under the watchful eye of Lawry’s Restaurants corporate executive chef, Ryan O’Melveny Wilson. He represents the fourth generation of proud Family ownership!

October 25: ment’or BKB Foundation, Akasha Richmond, Five Crowns, Side Door, ms Zaandam, Pepper Project, Zov’s Anaheim, Best Wines

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: ment’or BKB Foundation
Segment Three: Akasha Restaurant, Culver City
Segment Four: Jim Colombo, General Manager, Five Crowns and Side Door
Segment Five: Executive Chef Orly Obierna of the ms Zaandam
Segment Six: The Pepper Project
Segment Seven: Zov´s Kitchen & Bar, Anaheim
Segment Eight: Kyle Meyer, Best Wines

Producer and occasional Co-Host Andy Harris is going solo in the host chair this morning. Now a preview of today’s show…

Often dubbed the “Culinary Olympics,” the international Bocuse d’Or World Cooking Contest faces chefs from 24 countries against one another in an exhausting and intensive 5 and one-half hour cooking challenge in front of thousands of cheering fans. Teams consist of one chef and one commis assistant, with Team USA trained and financially supported by the ment’or BKB Foundation (previously known as the Bocuse d’Or USA Foundation.) Executive Director Young Yun (of ment’or BKB Foundation) is our guest.

AKASKA, in the historic Hull Building, is one of the pioneering restaurants in the revival of Downtown Culver City. The restaurant debuted in early 2008. It’s a contemporary restaurant, bar and café with patio seating, too, featuring New American cooking representing the creative vision of Executive Chef, Caterer, & Proprietress Akasha Richmond. We’ll hear about Chef Akasha’s newest venture.

It’s time to catch-up with the iconic Five Crowns and Side Door in Corona del Mar. The restaurant is a charming replica of one of England’s oldest country inns. The adjscent side door is a gastropub with its own identity. The Holidays are always a special time there and General Manager Jim Colombo will give us a preview of all the special Holiday happenings.

The “SoCal Restaurant Show” recently was aboard Holland America Line’s ms Zaandam on the Vancouver, BC to San Diego sailing of a longer 22-day Inca Discovery Tour ending in Valparaiso, Chile. This morning we continue our exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the key people who oversee this 716 room floating luxury hotel with some 1,400 guests aboard. With us is the ms Zaandam’s Executive Chef, Orly Obierna. He’s responsible for a kitchen staff of 90 who work in shifts around-the-clock.

A year ago on the show you met Cris Peterson and Tom Gordon of The Pepper Project. The Pepper Project is a not-for-profit enterprise devoted to introducing the unique products of Cambodia to the United States. Pepper from the Kampot region of southwestern Cambodia is their primary offering. A fully stocked Pepper Project retail store with one-of-a-kind items opens this Weekend in Orange.

Zov’s which started in Tustin in 1987 is growing again. This week they launched the prototype of Zov’s Kitchen & Bar located at 1801 E. Katella Ave within walking distance of both Honda Center and Angel Stadium. Veteran OC General Manager Kevin Hall is at the door. Many new items are on this menu including “Who Gives a Shitake Pitza” with rotisserie chicken, shitake mushrooms, basil puree, goat cheese, and olives and cooked in a deck oven. Chief Executive Office Armen Karamardian (representing the 2nd generation of proud Family Ownership) is with us to walk us through.

Did you know there are truly wonderful Italian sparkling wines that you don’t see much of in the United States ? These sparkling wines should not be confused with Prosecco which is actually a grape variety. Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Best Wines in Santa Ana, gives us the needed 411.

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

Young YunOften dubbed the “Culinary Olympics,” the international Bocuse d’Or World Cooking Contest pits chefs from 24 culinary-centric countries against one another in an exhausting and intensive 5 and one-half hour cooking challenge in front of thousands of cheering fans. Teams consist of one chef and one commis assistant, with Team USA trained and financially supported by the ment’or BKB Foundation (previously known as the Bocuse d’Or USA Foundation.) The Foundation was created in 2008 by Chefs Jerome Bocuse, Daniel Boulud, and Thomas Keller.

Executive Director Young Yun (of ment’or BKB Foundation) is our guest.

“The goal of the Foundation is to give back and to acknowledge, inspire, and mentor the next generation of chefs,” notes Executive Director Yun. “For now, we are primarily focused on those in the kitchen, but the long-term goal is to facilitate successful careers in all aspects of the culinary world, from the front of the house to operations.”

Chef Philip Tessier and his Commis Skylar Stover of The French Laundry in Yountville, CA are going for the gold in Lyon in January 2015 as the Bocuse d’Or USA Team.

Akasha RichmondAKASHA, in the historic Hull Building, is one of the pioneering restaurants in the revival of Downtown Culver City. The restaurant debuted in early 2008. It’s a contemporary restaurant, bar and café with patio seating, too, featuring New American cooking representing the creative vision of Executive Chef, Caterer, & Proprietress Akasha Richmond.

Akasha knows her reputation is hard-earned, and she takes that trust very seriously. “I am very selective about the suppliers I work with for AKASHA – they must share my values to keep their ingredients on our menu.” Akaska says.

Akasha has just leased the coveted former Ford’s Filling Station location in Downtown Culver City for a new concept.

Jim ColomboIt’s time to catch-up with the iconic Five Crowns and Side Door in Corona del Mar. The restaurant is a charming replica of one of England’s oldest country inns.

The adjacent Side Door is a popular gastropub with its own identity and a youthful vibe. The Holidays are always a special time there and General Manager Jim Colombo (also a trained chef) will give us a preview of all the special Holiday happenings.

Orly ObiernaThe “SoCal Restaurant Show” recently was aboard Holland America Line’s ms Zaandam on the Vancouver, BC to San Diego sailing of a longer 22-day Inca Discovery Tour ending in Valparaiso, Chile. Today the ship is at sea with a Port of Call tomorrow at Coquimbo (La Serena.)

This morning we continue our exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the key people who oversee this 716 room floating luxury hotel with some 1,400 guests aboard. With us is the ms Zaandam’s veteran Executive Chef, Orly Obierna. He’s responsible for a kitchen staff of 90 who work in shifts around-the-clock.

The Pepper ProjectA year ago on the show you met Cris Peterson and Tom Gordon of The Pepper Project. The Pepper Project is a not-for-profit enterprise devoted to introducing the unique products of Cambodia to the United States. Pepper from the Kampot region of southwestern Cambodia is their flagship offering. The pepper has long been used in the finest restaurants of Europe and one goal of The Pepper Project is to make it available in the U.S. at an affordable price.

A fully stocked Pepper Project retail store with unusual and one-of-a-kind items opens this Weekend in Orange at 940 W. Chapman, Suite 106.

Armen KaramardianZov’s which started in Tustin in 1987 is growing again. This week they launched the prototype of Zov’s Kitchen & Bar located at 1801 E. Katella Ave within walking distance of both Honda Center and Angel Stadium. Veteran OC General Manager Kevin Hall is at the door.

Many new items are on this menu including “Who Gives a Shitake Pitza” with rotisserie chicken, shitake mushrooms, basil puree, goat cheese, and olives and cooked in a deck oven. From the sea is Sumac Roasted Seabass with shaved Brussels sprouts, baby spinach, tomato, rice pilaf, and caper citrus butter sauce.

The new Corporate Executive Chef for Zov’s is rising star chef Louie Jocson who previously created the highly-regarded Red Table in Huntington Beach..

Chief Executive Officer Armen Karamardian (representing the 2nd generation of proud Family Ownership) is with us to walk us through.

“We are delighted to be a part of the ever-evolving and dynamic community of Anaheim,” said Armen Karamardian, who has overseen the expansion of the family operations from the original restaurant in Tustin to include the Irvine and Newport Coast locations as well as 2 at Orange County Airport.  “We look forward bringing Zov’s to Anaheim, the epicenter of Orange County, and being a part of the community.”

Kyle Meyer of Best WiinesDid you know there are truly wonderful Italian sparkling wines that you don’t see much of in the United States ? These sparkling wines should not be confused with Prosecco which is actually an Italian grape variety.

Our new resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer, President and Director of Purchasing for Best Wines in Santa Ana, gives us the authoritative 411.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: ment’or BKB Foundation
Segment Three: Akasha Restaurant, Culver City
Segment Four: Jim Colombo, General Manager, Five Crowns and Side Door
Segment Five: Executive Chef Orly Obierna of the ms Zaandam
Segment Six: The Pepper Project
Segment Seven: Zov´s Kitchen & Bar, Anaheim
Segment Eight: Kyle Meyer, Best Wines