Show 476, May 28, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Anajak Thai in Sherman Oaks is a 40-year old neighborhood bistro serving up Thai specialties with a notable wine list. Chef Justin Pichetrungsi pays homage to his father, Chef Chavalit Pichetrungsi with his traditional recipes alongside his own creations using locally sourced, seasonal farmers market produce. Their unique Thai Taco Tuesday (TTT) is chef-collaboration driven. Among recent national honors for Anajak Thai are Chef Jason being a semi-finalist for a distinguished James Beard Award for “Best Chef: California.” Chef Justin Pichetrungsi joins us Thai fish sauce in hand.

Kali is a petit neighborhood restaurant tucked in between Hollywood and Larchmont village. Created in 2016 by lifelong friends/co-workers Chef Kevin Meehan and Drew Langley (Wine Director,) the two have had always dreamed about creating a high-end restaurant without pretension. Stripping away all facades of what fine dining should be, Kali focuses strictly on the ingredient, technique, and service creating a casual environment everyone can enjoy. At Kali the focus is on local and hyper-seasonal farmers’ market ingredients with a contemporary twist and Californian sensibilities.” Kali’s design includes an open-air patio. Chef Kevin Meehan is our guest.

Karachi Kitchen Foods is a family-owned and operated (mother and daughter) Seattle-based business specializing in small batch traditional Pakistani Chutneys and Spice Blends. The foods are inspired by family recipes and created by Kausar Ahmed, Pakistani-born chef, food stylist, and author of the award-winning cookbook The Karachi Kitchen.” Chef Kausar Ahmed and daughter Sadaf Ahmed join us from Seattle with Chaat Masala seasoning in hand.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of the always anticipated Summer grilling season. Chef Andrew shares some timely hints and thoughts with economy in mind.

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

Show 476, May 28, 2022: Chef Kevin Meehan, Partner, Kali Restaurant, Hollywood Part One

Kevin Meehan of Kali Restaurant

Kali is a petit neighborhood restaurant tucked in between Hollywood and Larchmont Village. Created by lifelong friends/co-workers Chef Kevin Meehan and Drew Langley (Wine Director,) the two have had always dreamed about creating a high-end restaurant without pretension. Stripping away all facades of what fine dining should be, Kali focuses strictly on the ingredient, technique, and service creating a casual environment everyone can enjoy.”

“At Kali the focus is on local and hyper-seasonal farmers’ market ingredients with a contemporary twist and Californian sensibilities.”

Ingredients are proudly sourced from local California farms resulting in the menu being 90 per cent organic and sustainable. In addition to the regular menu (Whole Roasted Carpenter’s Ranch Squab) Chef Kevin offers a choice of two, 8-course Tasting Menus with optional wine pairings. Kali’s design includes an open-air patio.

“For Meehan, Kali represents the evolution of not just Kali Dining, his roving private dinner pop-up, but the rigorous years he spent refining his craft. The contemporary California restaurant blends the precision and hospitality of the white tablecloth kitchens where Chef Kevin developed his culinary acumen, with the accessibility and ease of a local’s favorite neighborhood haunt.”

Chef Kevin Meehan is our guest.

Show 476, May 28, 2022: Chef Kevin Meehan, Partner, Kali Restaurant, Hollywood Part Two

Kevin Meehan of Kali Restaurant

Kali is a petit neighborhood restaurant tucked in between Hollywood and Larchmont Village. Created by lifelong friends/co-workers Chef Kevin Meehan and Drew Langley (Wine Director,) the two have had always dreamed about creating a high-end restaurant without pretension. Stripping away all facades of what fine dining should be, Kali focuses strictly on the ingredient, technique, and service creating a casual environment everyone can enjoy.”

“At Kali the focus is on local and hyper-seasonal farmers’ market ingredients with a contemporary twist and Californian sensibilities.”

Ingredients are proudly sourced from local California farms resulting in the menu being 90 per cent organic and sustainable. In addition to the regular menu (Whole Roasted Carpenter’s Ranch Squab) Chef Kevin offers a choice of two, 8-course Tasting Menus with optional wine pairings. Kali’s design includes an open-air patio.

“For Meehan, Kali represents the evolution of not just Kali Dining, his roving private dinner pop-up, but the rigorous years he spent refining his craft. The contemporary California restaurant blends the precision and hospitality of the white tablecloth kitchens where Chef Kevin developed his culinary acumen, with the accessibility and ease of a local’s favorite neighborhood haunt.”

Chef Kevin Meehan continues as our guest.

May 28: Anajak Thai, Kali, Karachi Kitchen Foods

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Proprietor / Executive Chef Justin Pichetrungsi, Anajak Thai, Sherman Oaks Part One
Segment Three: Proprietor / Executive Chef Justin Pichetrungsi, Anajak Thai, Sherman Oaks Part Two
Segment Four: Chef Kevin Meehan, Partner, Kali Restaurant, Hollywood Part One
Segment Five: Chef Kevin Meehan, Partner, Kali Restaurant, Hollywood Part Two
Segment Six: The Karachi Kitchen Foods, Seattle Part One
Segment Seven: The Karachi Kitchen Foods, Seattle Part Two
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Co-host Chef Andrew Gruel

We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

Anajak Thai in Sherman Oaks is a 40-year old neighborhood bistro serving up Thai specialties with a notable wine list. Chef Justin Pichetrungsi pays homage to his father, Chef Chavalit Pichetrungsi with his traditional recipes alongside his own creations using locally sourced, seasonal farmers market produce. Their unique Thai Taco Tuesday (TTT) is chef-collaboration driven. Among recent national honors for Anajak Thai are Chef Jason being a semi-finalist for a distinguished James Beard Award for “Best Chef: California.” Chef Justin Pichetrungsi joins us Thai fish sauce in hand.

“Kali is a petit neighborhood restaurant tucked in between Hollywood and Larchmont Village. Created by lifelong friends/co-workers Chef Kevin Meehan and Drew Langley (Wine Director,) the two have had always dreamed about creating a high-end restaurant without pretension. Stripping away all facades of what fine dining should be, Kali focuses strictly on the ingredient, technique, and service creating a casual environment everyone can enjoy. At Kali the focus is on local and hyper-seasonal farmers’ market ingredients with a contemporary twist and Californian sensibilities.” Kali’s design includes an open-air patio. Chef Kevin Meehan is our guest.

Karachi Kitchen Foods is a family-owned and operated (mother and daughter) Seattle-based business specializing in small batch traditional Pakistani Chutneys and Spice Blends. The foods are inspired by family recipes and created by Kausar Ahmed, Pakistani-born chef, food stylist, and author of the award-winning cookbook The Karachi Kitchen.” Chef Kausar Ahmed and daughter Sadaf Ahmed join us from Seattle with Chaat Masala seasoning in hand.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of the Summer grilling season. Chef Andrew shares some timely hints and thoughts with economy in mind.

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

Justin Pichetrungsi of Anajak Thai

Anajak Thai in Sherman Oaks is a 40-year old neighborhood bistro serving up Thai specialties with a notable wine list. Chef Justin Pichetrungsi pays homage to his father, Chef Chavalit Pichetrungsi with his traditional recipes alongside his own creations using locally sourced, seasonal farmers market produce. Their unique Thai Taco Tuesday (TTT) is chef-collaboration driven.

Among recent honors for Anajak Thai are Chef Jason being named a semi-finalist for a distinguished James Beard Award for “Best Chef: California.”

In addition to his regular menu with rotating specials Chef Justin creates an Omakase menu (by reservation only) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m. Optional supplements include a caviar pairing and a sommelier-selected wine pairing.

Seating at Anajak Thai is either inside or outside along the wall of spiffed-up alley adjacent to the restaurant. It’s a true “Family Affair” as Justin’s Mom and Aunt work the floor.

Chef Justin Pichetrungsi joins us fish sauce in hand.

Kevin Meehan of Kali Restaurant

Kali is a petit neighborhood restaurant tucked in between Hollywood and Larchmont Village. Created by lifelong friends/co-workers Chef Kevin Meehan and Drew Langley (Wine Director,) the two have had always dreamed about creating a high-end restaurant without pretension. Stripping away all facades of what fine dining should be, Kali focuses strictly on the ingredient, technique, and service creating a casual environment everyone can enjoy.”

“At Kali the focus is on local and hyper-seasonal farmers’ market ingredients with a contemporary twist and Californian sensibilities.”

Kali’s design includes an open-air patio.

“For Meehan, Kali represents the evolution of not just Kali Dining, his roving private dinner pop-up, but the rigorous years he spent refining his craft. The contemporary California restaurant blends the precision and hospitality of the white tablecloth kitchens where Chef Kevin developed his culinary acumen, with the accessibility and ease of a local’s favorite neighborhood haunt.”

Chef Kevin Meehan is our guest.

Sadaf and Kausar Ahmed of Karachi Kitchen in Seattle

Karachi Kitchen Foods is a family-owned and operated (mother and daughter) Seattle-based business specializing in small batch traditional Pakistani Chutneys and Spice Blends.”

“The foods are inspired by family recipes and created by Kausar Ahmed, Pakistani-born chef, food stylist, and author of the award-winning cookbook The Karachi Kitchen.”

“Chef Kausar has over 35 years of experience in culinary arts. She started cooking in her grandmother’s kitchen as a child and has devoted her career to opening worlds through food education. In Karachi, in addition to her own catering business, Kausar ran a program teaching culinary skills to women and youth in disadvantaged communities. Since 2019 she has been in Seattle as Project Feast Chef Instructor, charged with shepherding immigrant and refugee apprentices on their path to employment in Western Washington’s food industries.”

“Hoping to solve the problem of not being able to find high-quality, preservative-free Pakistani food products commercially, Karachi Kitchen Foods crafts all recipes from scratch using high quality, locally sourced ingredients. Foods are produced using traditional techniques and no artificial preservatives or additives to capture the authentic taste of Pakistani home cooking.”

Chef Kausar Ahmed and daughter Sadaf Ahmed join us from Seattle with Chaat Masala seasoning in hand.

Chef Andrew Gruel savoring a New Jersey style Pizza

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of the Summer grilling season. Chef Andrew shares some timely hints and helpful thoughts. Ponder advice on grilling satisfying meats on a budget.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Proprietor / Executive Chef Justin Pichetrungsi, Anajak Thai, Sherman Oaks Part One
Segment Three: Proprietor / Executive Chef Justin Pichetrungsi, Anajak Thai, Sherman Oaks Part Two
Segment Four: Chef Kevin Meehan, Partner, Kali Restaurant, Hollywood Part One
Segment Five: Chef Kevin Meehan, Partner, Kali Restaurant, Hollywood Part Two
Segment Six: The Karachi Kitchen Foods, Seattle Part One
Segment Seven: The Karachi Kitchen Foods, Seattle Part Two
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Co-host Chef Andrew Gruel

Show 267, March 31, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a tantalizing preview of Saturday’s enticing 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… Happy Easter and blessed Passover greetings to all our loyal listeners. Keep in mind we’re here with you live every Saturday morning with a fresh show.

Love The Wild is an innovative sustainable seafood company that produces an appealing line of tasty fish entrees for the home table. They were a discovery at this year’s Natural Products Expo West. “People are hungry for better solutions. Something that satisfies both hearts and taste buds. That’s why we’re spearheading a better way to raise our food. Partnering with compassionate farmers. Blazing a trail for frozen fish. Because as we’ve found out, the best practices make the best dishes. This isn’t just the most delicious fish you’ve ever tasted. It’s the lowest impact way to produce animal protein on the planet. And we’re here to stay. In fact, that’s the whole point.” We’re reeling in Founder, Jacqueline Claudia.

The Kali Kollaboration is Kali’s owner / chef Kevin Meehan’s monthly dinner series where he invites 3 to 4 prominent L.A. chefs to have a night of fun with him preparing a special menu for guests at Kali. Next up is April 10th with “SoCal Restaurant Show” chef friends Antonio Lofaso and Ted Hopson along with Phillip Franklind Lee & Margarita Kallas-Lee. Chefs Kevin & Ted join us to explain what’s on the menu.

Revier Cattle Company (RCC) raises Prime / Choice-graded Black Angus cattle in Olivia, MN. All RCC’s purebred Black Angus operations seed stock is developed with no expense spared to achieve the highest quality beef. With decades of cattle raising experience dating back to 1867, RCC is a true expert when it comes to choosing and nurturing Premium Cattle. As a result of this commitment, consumers can be assured of safe, high quality, sustainable beef as part of a balanced, highly nutritious, and delicious diet at home and in the finest dining establishments. 4th generation cattle rancher Tom Revier is our guest.

Nestled between the San Francisco Bay and the Sierra Nevada Mountains lies Lodi Wine Country, a region fast becoming one of California’s true wine stars. Lodi Wine Country offers a rural atmosphere and relaxed pace for you to enjoy its beautiful vineyards and premium wines. Winemaker Stuart Spencer of Lodi’s St. Amant Winery and also the Program Manager for the Lodi Winegrape Commission pulls the cork for us.

Coast Fish Company is the relatively new brand and concept from the same family of restaurants (family owned and operated for 94 years) as El Cholo and The Cannery in Newport Beach. The fast-casual Coast located in the Los Olivos Marketplace in the Irvine Spectrum brings the best premium seafood from both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts to Orange County. 4th Generation restaurateur Brendon Salisbury is our guest.

Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, continues with his “Ask the Chef” series. It’s lobster madness in today’s “Ask the Chef” segment. To begin with why is lobster so expensive? What drives the price? Why does Maine Lobster carry such cache? How does Pacific Spiny Lobster compare to its cousin from Maine? Does size really matter for taste & flavor? What’s the best preparation method? Chef Andrew puts the bib on and has the tasty specifics for us.

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

Show 267, March 31, 2018: Owner / Chef Kevin Meehan, Kali, Los Angeles

Kevin MeehanThe Kali Kollaboration is Kali’s owner/chef Kevin Meehan’s monthly dinner series where he invites 3 to 4 prominent L.A. chefs to have a night of fun with him preparing a special menu for guests at Kali. Next up is April 10th with “SoCal Restaurant Show” chef friends Antonio Lofaso and Ted Hopson along with Phillip Franklind Lee & Margarita Kallas-Lee.

“We created the Kali Kollaboration Dinner Series to celebrate our talented culinary community by bringing chefs together for a fun night of great food, drinks, and camaraderie and to share this with our guests. On Tuesday evening, April 10th a special five course menu will be offered for $95 or $125 with wine pairing.”

“With the opening of Kali Restaurant a bit over 2-years ago, Chef Kevin Meehan’s broad 23-year culinary career reached its apex. At Kali, Meehan, whose deft hand was cultivated in Los Angeles’ most prestigious kitchens, joins forces with long-time friend and professional colleague, Drew Langley, previously the wine director at the iconic, Michelin-starred Providence.”

“For the 40-year-old Meehan, Kali represents the evolution of not just Kali Dining, his roving private dinner pop-up, but the rigorous years he spent refining his craft. The contemporary California restaurant blends the precision and hospitality of the white tablecloth kitchens where Meehan developed his culinary acumen, with the accessibility and ease of a local’s favorite neighborhood haunt.”

In Chef Kevin’s spare time he’s a small, urban Farmer. We’ll let him explain this unusual aspect of sourcing some of his fresh produce for the restaurant.…

Chefs Kevin Meehan and Ted Hopson join us to explain what is on the menu.

March 31: Love The Wild, Kevin Meehan, Revier Cattle Company, Lodi Wine, Coast Fish Company

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Jacqueline Claudia, Co-Founder, Love The Wild, Boulder, CO
Segment Three: Owner / Chef Kevin Meehan, Kali, Los Angeles
Segment Four: Revier Cattle Co’s Tom Revier and Paul Hillen Part One
Segment Five: Revier Cattle Co’s Tom Revier and Paul Hillen Part Two
Segment Six: Winemaker Stuart Spencer, Program Manager, Lodi Winegrape Commission
Segment Seven: Brendon Salisbury, 4th Generation Restaurateur, Coast Fish Co., Irvine
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel’s “Ask the Chef”

Now a tantalizing preview of this Saturday’s enticing 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… Easter and Passover greetings to all our loyal listeners. Keep in mind we’re here with you live every Saturday morning with a fresh show.

Love The Wild is an innovative sustainable seafood company that produces an appealing line of tasty fish entrees for the home table. They were a discovery at this year’s Natural Products West Expo. “People are hungry for better solutions. Something that satisfies both hearts and taste buds. That’s why we’re spearheading a better way to raise our food. Partnering with compassionate farmers. Blazing a trail for frozen fish. Because as we’ve found out, the best practices make the best dishes. This isn’t just the most delicious fish you’ve ever tasted. It’s the lowest impact way to produce animal protein on the planet. And we’re here to stay. In fact, that’s the whole point.” We’re reeling in Founder, Jacqueline Claudia.

The Kali Kollaboration is Kali’s owner/chef Kevin Meehan’s monthly dinner series where he invites 3 to 4 prominent L.A. chefs to have a night of fun with him preparing a special menu for guests at Kali. Next up is April 10th with “SoCal Restaurant Show” chef friends Antonio Lofaso and Ted Hopson along with Phillip Lee & Margarita Kallas-Lee. Chefs Kevin & Ted join us to explain what’s on the menu.

Revier Cattle Company (RCC) raises Prime/Choice-graded Black Angus cattle in Olivia, MN. All RCC’s purebred Black Angus operations seed stock is developed with no expense spared to achieve the highest quality beef. With decades of cattle raising experience dating back to 1867, RCC is a true expert when it comes to choosing and nurturing Premium Cattle. As a result of this commitment, consumers can be assured of safe, high quality, sustainable beef as part of a balanced, highly nutritious, and delicious diet at home and in the finest dining establishments. 5th generation cattle rancher Tom Revier is our guest.

Nestled between the San Francisco Bay and the Sierra Nevada Mountains lies Lodi Wine Country, a region fast becoming one of California’s true wine stars. Lodi Wine Country offers a rural atmosphere and relaxed pace for you to enjoy its beautiful vineyards and premium wines. Winemaker Stuart Spencer of Lodi’s St. Amant Winery and also the Program Manager for the Lodi Winegrape Commission pulls the cork for us.

Coast Fish Company is the relatively new brand and concept from the same family of restaurants (family owned and operated for 94 years) as El Cholo and The Cannery in Newport Beach. The fast-casual Coast located in the Los Olivos Marketplace in the Irvine Spectrum brings the best premium seafood from both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts to Orange County. 4th Generation restaurateur Brendon Salisbury is our guest.

Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, continues with his “Ask the Chef” series. It’s lobster madness in today’s “Ask the Chef” segment. To begin with why is lobster so expensive? What drives the price? Why does Maine Lobster carry such cache? How does Pacific Spiny Lobster compare to its cousin from Maine? Does size really matter for taste & flavor? What’s the best preparation method? Chef Andrew puts the bib on and has the tasty specifics for us.

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

Jacqueline ClaudiaLove The Wild is an innovative sustainable seafood company that produces an appealing line of tasty fish entrees for the home table. They were a discovery at this year’s Natural Products Expo West.

“We are passionate about, and have put our efforts toward protecting and providing fantastic fish. More specifically, we want to change the way people eat one of the most efficient, healthy proteins in the world.”

“The seriousness of overfishing, pollution, and acidification of our oceans is well documented and incredibly frightening. So the question then is: How do we save our oceans and fish, while at the same time make sure people still continue to eat fish? Our answer: help preserve our wild fish stocks by not depleting (overfishing) them all. We are doing that by supporting our awesome friends who are doing amazing things with aquaculture, and utilizing their fantastic farmed fish to create the most mind-blowing fish dishes you’ll find in stores.”

“These dishes can’t suck though. Frozen fish is generally thought of as gross, and cooking fish is perceived as difficult. And we’re changing those perceptions. With a culinary taste-first approach we have created the perfect equation. World-class aquacultured fish + mouth-watering delicious sauce + your dinner table = pure culinary bliss.”

“We believe the world “wild” means many things, from protecting and respecting our wild fish populations, to creating wildly delicious sauces, to pursuing a wildly adventurous lifestyle. Most people equate the words “wild fish” to “sustainable” or “higher quality”. Without question, wild fish can be sustainable in limited quantities, in ideal conditions. Without question, farmed fish can be higher quality and even more sustainable. Our passion is to prove that to the world. That is why we built this company.”

We’re reeling in Founder, Jacqueline Claudia.

Kevin MeehanThe Kali Kollaboration is Kali’s owner/chef Kevin Meehan’s monthly dinner series where he invites 3 to 4 prominent L.A. chefs to have a night of fun with him preparing a special menu for guests at Kali. Next up is April 10th with “SoCal Restaurant Show” chef friends Antonio Lofaso and Ted Hopson along with Phillip Franklind Lee & Margarita Kallas-Lee.

“We created the Kali Kollaboration Dinner Series to celebrate our talented culinary community by bringing chefs together for a fun night of great food, drinks, and camaraderie and to share this with our guests. On Tuesday evening, April 10th a special five course menu will be offered for $95 or $125 with wine pairing.”

“With the opening of Kali Restaurant, Chef Kevin Meehan’s broad 23-year culinary career reaches its apex. At Kali, Meehan, whose deft hand was cultivated in Los Angeles’ most prestigious kitchens, joins forces with long-time friend and professional colleague, Drew Langley, previously the wine director at the iconic, Michelin-starred Providence.”

“For the 40-year-old Meehan, Kali represents the evolution of not just Kali Dining, his roving private dinner pop-up, but the rigorous years he spent refining his craft. The contemporary California restaurant blends the precision and hospitality of the white tablecloth kitchens where Meehan developed his culinary acumen, with the accessibility and ease of a local’s favorite neighborhood haunt.”

Chefs Kevin Meehan and Ted Hopson join us to explain what is on the menu.

Tom RevierRevier Cattle Company (RCC) raises Prime/Choice-graded Black Angus cattle in Olivia, MN. All RCC’s purebred Black Angus operations seed stock is developed with no expense spared to achieve the highest quality beef. With decades of cattle raising experience, RCC is a true expert when it comes to choosing and nurturing Premium Cattle.

As a result of this commitment, consumers can be assured of safe, high quality, sustainable beef as part of a balanced, highly nutritious, and delicious diet at home and in the finest dining establishments.

“Revier Cattle Company (RCC) effectively and efficiently manages livestock production while protecting the environment. Livestock manure is full of natural soil nutrients. Utilizing manure as fertilizer reduces the need for mined and manufactured sources. The fence lines and pastures necessary for livestock production add diversity to the environment by protecting soil and providing a habitat for wildlife.”

“RCC facilities incorporate tertiary anaerobic digester technology to capture and treat animal waste. The solids and liquids are separated to provide flexibility in application of this natural soil enhancer. In the future, plans are to capture additional energy from animal waste and convert it in to compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel for company trucks and equipment.”

“In 1867, the Revier family homesteaded in Renville County, an area abundant with rich soil and quality water. Through hard work and dedication, generations of Reviers have made their livelihood by farming and raising beef cattle on the fertile prairie land.”

“From the very beginning, the Revier family of farmers continuously found ways to raise better beef, preserve, and protect the land and water. Today, the Reviers continue this tradition with Revier Cattle Company (RCC) and Revier Farms. Brothers Tom and Dave, graduates of Concordia College in Moorhead Minnesota, work together to balance and support the complex operations and economics of a successful farm.”

“With a solid foundation of education and a lifetime of hands-on experience, they continue building a sustainable future in agriculture for themselves, their family and the world.”

5th generation cattle rancher Tom Revier is our guest.

Stuart SpencerNestled between the San Francisco Bay and the Sierra Nevada Mountains lies Lodi Wine Country, a region fast becoming one of California’s true wine stars. Lodi Wine Country offers a rural atmosphere and relaxed pace for you to enjoy its beautiful vineyards and premium wines.

Lodi is predominately a red winegrowing region, with approximately two-thirds of the acreage dedicated to red varieties.  Lodi is home to all of California’s leading varieties, and has long been the leading producer and California’s best kept secret for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel.  However, with over 100 varieties now in production, Lodi offers a vast portfolio of diverse and interesting wines.

“The most obvious distinction that sets Lodi apart is our treasure trove of own-rooted old vineyards. There are literally hundreds of these old blocks throughout the region that, in many cases, have yet to be discovered or had the opportunity to truly express their real character.” –Stuart Spencer

Lodi is the self-proclaimed Zinfandel Capital of the World producing over 40 percent of California’s premium Zinfandel.  Journalists and wine enthusiasts alike have long recognized Lodi as the home of highly acclaimed Old Vine Zinfandels, with some plantings dating back to 1888. These vines, many of which are still planted on their own roots, are naturally low-yielding due to their age and consistently produce high quality fruit. Although expensive to maintain, Lodi winegrowers are committed to continuing this California heritage.

Winemaker Stuart Spencer of Lodi’s St. Amant Winery and also the Program Manager for the Lodi Winegrape Commission pulls the cork for us.

Brendon SalisburyCoast Fish Company is the relatively new brand and concept from the same family of restaurants (family owned and operated for 94 years) as El Cholo and The Cannery in Newport Beach. The fast-casual Coast located in the Los Olivos Marketplace in the Irvine Spectrum brings the best premium seafood from both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts to Orange County.

What’s a bit unusual is that the taco or entrée choices comes with the guest’s selection of fish. Seasonal options include Ahi Tuna, Barramundi, Catfish, Halibut, Mahi Mahi, Salmon, Swordfish, and Tilapia.

Sides include the expected chips & salsa and avocado but also feature mushroom risotto.

Happy Hour is new on the menu with $1.50 beers and half-price appetizers.

4th Generation restaurateur Brendon Salisbury is our guest.

William, Andrew and Lauren GruelOur always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, continues with his Ask the Chef series.

It’s lobster madness in today’s “Ask the Chef” segment. To begin with why is lobster so expensive? What drives the price? Why does Maine Lobster carry such cache? How does Pacific Spiny Lobster compare to its cousin from Maine? Does size really matter for taste & flavor? What’s the best preparation method?

Chef Andrew puts the bib on and has the tasty specifics for us.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Jacqueline Claudia, Co-Founder, Love The Wild, Boulder, CO
Segment Three: Owner / Chef Kevin Meehan, Kali, Los Angeles
Segment Four: Revier Cattle Co’s Tom Revier and Paul Hillen Part One
Segment Five: Revier Cattle Co’s Tom Revier and Paul Hillen Part Two
Segment Six: Winemaker Stuart Spencer, Program Manager, Lodi Winegrape Commission
Segment Seven: Brendon Salisbury, 4th Generation Restaurateur, Coast Fish Co., Irvine
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel’s “Ask the Chef”