Show 562, January 27, 2024: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Nancy Silverton, the author of The Cookie That Changed My Life and More Than 100 Other Classic Cakes, Cookies, Muffins, and Pies That Will Change Yours, changed the way America bakes. As the original pastry chef at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago (celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year,) she made us rethink how we make and eat bread. Now this “pastry doyenne” (Los Angeles Times) has not only returned to her roots, she has surpassed anything she has done before. Biting into a particularly delicious peanut butter cookie one day from Friends & Family’s Roxana Jullapat, she and had an epiphany: every single thing we bake should taste this good. And so she decided to return to her roots, and set to work perfecting the rest of the American baking canon. ”
Nancy Silverton joins us with a whisk at the ready.

Chef Sandra Cordero’s Gasolina Café + Mercado in Woodland Hills is a lively Spanish Café, Market and Natural Wine Shop now serving seasonal Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Gasolina features specialty coffee, Spanish Natural Wines, snacks and tinned fish to enjoy in-house or To Go. Paella Nights have returned and are every Third Friday and Saturday of the Month. Friday, February 16th and Saturday, February 17th are available for reservations now. Chef Sandra Cordero joins us with a properly seasoned paella pan at the ready.

Afghan Kitchen in South Surrey, British Columbia is the manifestation of a young boy’s dream. He roamed the streets of Kabul in his sandals and saw how hard his family worked to sustain themselves. In the times of war, they moved to different neighboring countries until they finally came to Canada. Afghan Kitchen presents the guest with the vision of the young boy’s very own restaurant since he was six years old. Every corner of Afghan Kitchen is thoughtfully curated. Every dish uses Mum’s recipe. (“Mum Sarwari” presides in the busy kitchen.) This is a proudly family-owned and-run business that reflects the best of Afghan roots, traditions, and values. Afghan Kitchen is the taste of home.” Upon entering you are transported into a tastefully decorated and spacious residence in Kabul with original art on the walls. There is an alternate traditional seating area where guests take off their shoes to enter. General Manager Zabi Sarwari joins us to embark on the culinary journey that is Afghan Kitchen.

“Winemaker Paul Warson of Warson Wine Co. grew up in Los Angeles, attended UC Davis where he eventually studied Fermentation Science. Before his final year he worked at a sparkling winery in Carneros when he decided he would spend his career doing what he did for his summer vacation. Upon completion of his degree, he was invited back to see, “the other side of things.” Feeling he needed a change of perspective, Paul traveled to Australia, where he lived and worked for six months. Desiring to seek outside perspectives to winemaking, when Paul returned to California, he worked at Chateau Potelle, back when it was owned by both Jean-Noel and Marketta Fourmeaux and sat atop Mount Veeder. It was here Paul integrated his schooling, his experience from Australia, along with what he learned from the owners: that with each wine that is created, the winemaker has an intimate commitment to both the wine and the consumer, to craft wines that are distinctive and true to their place. Warson Wine Company started as a need Paul felt he had to fulfill. An inner call, to again make wine on his terms, for people to enjoy, but now with the fruit he chooses.” Paul Warson joins us to uncork all that is Warson Wine Co.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. What’s the best cooking oil to use is various applications? Chef Andrew provides a measure of guidance. We’ve been asked to talk about the specific impact of the increase in minimum wage in California on restaurants and its effect on staffing levels. Chef Andrew weighs in on this.

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

January 27: Nancy Silverton, Sandra Cordero, Afghan Kitchen, Warson Wine Co.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef and Restaurateur Nancy Silverton with The Cookie That Changed My Life Part One
Segment Three: Chef and Restaurateur Nancy Silverton with The Cookie That Changed My Life Part Two
Segment Four: Restaurateur and Chef Sandra Cordero, Gasolina Café + Mercado, Woodland Hills Part One
Segment Five: Restaurateur and Chef Sandra Cordero, Gasolina Café + Mercado, Woodland Hills Part Two
Segment Six: Afghan Kitchen, Surrey, BC with General Manager Zabi Sarwari
Segment Seven: Winemaker Paul Warson, Warson Wine Co., Santa Barbara County
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host and Proprietor of Calico Fish House, with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.

“Nancy Silverton, the author of The Cookie That Changed My Life and More Than 100 Other Classic Cakes, Cookies, Muffins, and Pies That Will Change Yours, changed the way America bakes. As the original pastry chef at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago (celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year,) she made us rethink how we make and eat bread. Now this “pastry doyenne” (Los Angeles Times) has not only returned to her roots, she has surpassed anything she has done before. Biting into a particularly delicious peanut butter cookie one day from Friends & Family’s Roxana Jullapat, she and had an epiphany: every single thing we bake should taste this good. And so she decided to return to her roots, and set to work perfecting the rest of the American baking canon.”

Nancy Silverton joins us with a whisk at the ready.

Chef Sandra Cordero’s Gasolina Café + Mercado in Woodland Hills is a lively Spanish Café, Market and Natural Wine Shop now serving seasonal Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Gasolina features specialty coffee, Spanish Natural Wines, snacks and tinned fish to enjoy in-house or To Go. Paella Nights have returned and are every Third Friday and Saturday of the Month. Friday, February 16th and Saturday, February 17th are available for reservations now. Chef Sandra Cordero joins us with a properly seasoned paella pan at the ready.

“Afghan Kitchen in South Surrey, British Columbia is the manifestation of a young boy’s dream. He roamed the streets of Kabul in his sandals and saw how hard his family worked to sustain themselves. In the times of war, they moved to different neighboring countries until they finally came to Canada. Afghan Kitchen presents the guest with the vision of the young boy’s very own restaurant since he was six years old. Every corner of Afghan Kitchen is thoughtfully curated. Every dish uses mum’s recipe. This is a proudly family-owned and-run business that reflects the best of Afghan roots, traditions, and values. Afghan Kitchen is the taste of home.” Upon entering you are transported into a lavishly decorated and spacious residence in Kabul with original art on the walls. There is an alternate traditional seating area where guest take off their shoes to enter. General Manager Zabi Sarwari joins us to embark on the culinary journey that is Afghan Kitchen.

“Winemaker Paul Warson of Warson Wine Co. grew up in Los Angeles, attended UC Davis where he eventually studied Fermentation Science. Before his final year he worked at a sparkling winery in Carneros when he decided he would spend his career doing what he did for his summer vacation. Upon completion of his degree, he was invited back to see, “the other side of things.” Feeling he needed a change of perspective, Paul traveled to Australia, where he lived and worked for six months. Desiring to seek outside perspectives to winemaking, when Paul returned to California, he worked at Chateau Potelle, back when it was owned by both Jean-Noel and Marketta Fourmeaux and sat atop Mount Veeder. It was here Paul integrated his schooling, his experience from Australia, along with what he learned from the owners: that with each wine that is created, the winemaker has an intimate commitment to both the wine and the consumer, to craft wines that are distinctive and true to their place. Warson Wine Company started as a need Paul felt he had to fulfill. An inner call, to again make wine on his terms, for people to enjoy, but now with the fruit he chooses.” Paul Warson joins us to uncork all that is Warson Wine Co.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. What’s the best cooking oil to use is various applications? Chef Andrew provides a measure of guidance. We’ve been asked to talk about the specific impact of the increase in minimum wage in California on restaurants and its effect on staffing levels. Chef Andrew weighs in on this.

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

Nancy Silverton of Mozza Restaurant Group

“Nancy Silverton, the author of The Cookie That Changed My Life and More Than 100 Other Classic Cakes, Cookies, Muffins, and Pies That Will Change Yours, changed the way America bakes. As the original pastry chef at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago (celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year,) she made us rethink how we make and eat bread. Now this “pastry doyenne” (Los Angeles Times) has not only returned to her roots, she has surpassed anything she has done before.”

“Biting into a particularly delicious peanut butter cookie one day from Friends & Family’s Roxana Jullapat, she and had an epiphany: every single thing we bake should taste this good. And so she decided to return to her roots, and set to work perfecting the rest of the American baking canon.”

“From Lattice-Topped Apple Pie to Carrot Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting (the secret? Carrot puree) to Cornbread (is it too much to ask that it actually taste like corn?), she shares recipes for the platonic ideals of our most beloved baked goods.”

“Alongside the classics—Lemon Bars, Key Lime Pie, Layered Buttermilk Biscuits—Silverton includes a handful of her own inventions: Double-Decker Chocolate Cookies (double the fun!), Iced Raisin Bars (a better fig newton), and Chocolate Brandy Cake (chocolate and brandy!)—all sure to become future classics. With more than a hundred perfected recipes, The Cookie That Changed My Life is a veritable encyclopedia of the very best things to bake.”

“Chef and Restaurateur Nancy Silverton is the co-owner of Osteria Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza, Chi Spacca, and Mozza2Go, in Los Angeles and Newport Beach, California. She is the founder of the La Brea Bakery and the only chef ever to be awarded both the Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Pastry Chef awards from the James Beard Foundation.”

Nancy Silverton joins us with a whisk at the ready.

Sandra Cordero

Chef Sandra Cordero’s Gasolina Café + Mercado in Woodland Hills is a lively Spanish Café, Market and Natural Wine Shop now serving seasonal Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Gasolina features specialty coffee, Spanish Natural Wines, snacks and tinned fish to enjoy in-house or To Go.”

Paella Nights have returned and are every Third Friday and Saturday of the Month. Friday, February 16th and Saturday, February 17th are available for reservations now.

“Opened in 2015, on Ventura Blvd. in Woodland Hills, Chef Sandra Cordero’s Gasolina Café brought Spanish influenced food to the table in an entirely new way. Seasonally driven, sustainably raised and grown and locally sourced, Gasolina Cafe has always taken pride in honoring Chef Sandra’s Spanish heritage.”

Chef Sandra Cordero joins us with a properly seasoned paella pan at the ready.

Zabi Sarwari of Afghan Kitchen

Afghan Kitchen in South Surrey, British Columbia is the manifestation of a young boy’s dream. He roamed the streets of Kabul in his sandals and saw how hard his family worked to sustain themselves. In the times of war, they moved to different neighboring countries until they finally came to Canada.”

“Afghan Kitchen presents the guest with the vision of the young boy’s very own restaurant since he was six years old. Every corner of Afghan Kitchen is thoughtfully curated. Every dish uses mum’s recipe.”

“This is a proudly family-owned and-run business that reflects the best of Afghan roots, traditions, and values. Afghan Kitchen is the taste of home.” Upon entering you are transported into a lavishly decorated and spacious residence in Kabul with original art on the walls. There is also a traditional seating area where guest take off their shoes to enter.

Specialties include the Bolani (appetizer, and Mantu which are steamed, minced beef dumplings topped with split peas, tomato sauce and yogurt. Also specialty cocktails like the Gulrang Rose and Afghan Chutney Caesar created with house-prepared ingredients and fresh Afghani spices.

General Manager Zabi Sarwari joins us to embark on the culinary journey that is Afghan Kitchen.

Paul Warson of Warson Wine Company

“Winemaker Paul Warson of Warson Wine Co. grew up in Los Angeles, attended UC Davis where he eventually studied Fermentation Science. Before his final year he worked at a sparkling winery in Carneros when he decided he would spend his career doing what he did for his summer vacation. Upon completion of his degree, he was invited back to see, “the other side of things.””

“Feeling he needed a change of perspective, Paul traveled to Australia, where he lived and worked for six months. With the change in varietals, climate, and overall attitude to winemaking, Paul discovered a different approach to the craft he studied and trained in for so long. Desiring to seek outside perspectives to winemaking, when Paul returned to California, he worked at Chateau Potelle, back when it was owned by both Jean-Noel and Marketta Fourmeaux and sat atop Mount Veeder. It was here Paul integrated his schooling, his experience from Australia, along with what he learned from the owners: that with each wine that is created, the winemaker has an intimate commitment to both the wine and the consumer, to craft wines that are distinctive and true to their place.”

“After working an additional nine years in Napa Valley, a conversation with Bill Foley brought Paul to Firestone Vineyard, in the Santa Ynez Valley, where he was winemaker and General Manager for nine years. By this time, estate vineyards had become Paul’s specialty, and he was able to elevate all of the tiers for each winery he worked for.”

Warson Wine Company started as a need Paul felt he had to fulfill. An inner call, to again make wine on his terms, for people to enjoy, but now with the fruit he chooses.” At present Paul is primarily sourcing fruit from familiar, esteemed vineyards in Santa Barbara County.

Paul Warson joins us to uncork all that is Warson Wine Co.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

What’s the best cooking oil to use in various applications? Chef Andrew provides a measure of guidance. We’ve been asked to talk about the specific impact of the increase in minimum wage in California on restaurants and its effect on staffing levels. Chef Andrew weighs in on this.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef and Restaurateur Nancy Silverton with The Cookie That Changed My Life Part One
Segment Three: Chef and Restaurateur Nancy Silverton with The Cookie That Changed My Life Part Two
Segment Four: Restaurateur and Chef Sandra Cordero, Gasolina Café + Mercado, Woodland Hills Part One
Segment Five: Restaurateur and Chef Sandra Cordero, Gasolina Café + Mercado, Woodland Hills Part Two
Segment Six: Afghan Kitchen, Surrey, BC with General Manager Zabi Sarwari
Segment Seven: Winemaker Paul Warson, Warson Wine Co., Santa Barbara County
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host and Proprietor of Calico Fish House, with “Ask the Chef”

Show 286, August 18, 2018: Josh Kopel and Executive Chef Sammy Monsour, South City Fried Chicken, Los Angeles

Sammy MonsourNewly arrived in DTLA is South City Fried Chicken, where not one, but eight great Southern cities are uniquely represented via the most delicious mother cluckin’ Fried Chicken Sandwiches this side of the Rio Grande! Guests have the opportunity to get lost in their nuanced mouth-watering, finger-lickin’ Fried Chicken Sandwiches prepared with the highest-quality ingredients and packed with the finest flavors the South has to offer.

“After a year on the road getting in touch with their roots and cultivating the essence of Southern cuisine, South City Fried Chicken Co-Owners Joshua Kopel and Chef Sammy Monsour returned to Los Angeles with the innovation and grit to tackle their second venture together. “South City Fried Chicken is the canvas on which to experience a story that is important to Josh and I,” says Monsour. “Our food honors Southern culture, the people we come from, and connects us with our guests.””

“Setting out with the intent to not only create the most delectable Fried Chicken Sandwiches in the West, but as an homage to the people of the South, Chef Sammy set his standards high from the get-go with an adamant motto: No heat lamps, no freezers, no excuses. Everything on the South City Fried Chicken menu is made-to-order, maintaining farm-to-table concepts by utilizing the same local vendors as fine dining big sister restaurant Preux & Proper. No detail is too small, from the homemade pepper mixes and sauces, to the employment of Jidori chicken, an artisan-take on poultry farming by utilizing hand-pulled methods over machines, and brioche buns from La Brea Bakery.”

Each Fried Chicken Sandwich begins with succulent Jidori chicken in marinade and buttermilk brine, marinating together for a minimum of 24 hours. When it is finally ready to go, the last step is dredging the chicken in the “stay crispy batter” before getting fried to perfection and seasoned according to each sandwiches destination. Described by Chef Sammy as “A love letter to the South written in flavor,” the South City Fried Chicken Sandwich Menu highlights nine crispy on the outside, succulent on the inside offerings, eight of which feature namesake cities that are major players in Southern cuisine.

Owner Joshua Kopel and Partner & Executive Chef Sammy Monsour join us to crow about the opening.

Show 171, May 14, 2016: Executive Pastry Chef Dahlia Narvaez, Osteria Mozza & Pizzeria Mozza

Dahlia Narvaez at the James Beard AwardsCongratulations to native Angeleno, Chef Dahlia Narvaez, the Executive Pastry Chef of both Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza in Hollywood. Chef Dahlia was presented with the 2016 James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef in Chicago at Lyric Opera on May 2nd. She is our special guest.

Dahlia Narvaez developed a love for food when cooking for her family after school in Highland Park. Trading the classroom for the kitchen, Narvaez left school for a job at the Conga Room at the age of 22.

Looking to take the next step in her career, Dahlia confidently strode through the doors of La Brea Bakery and asked for a counter job. But she never worked a minute behind the counter, vaulting immediately to the kitchen at Nancy Silverton’s Campanile where, in 2003, she was name Executive Pastry Chef.

Dahlia left Campanile in 2006 to assume the role of Executive Pastry Chef for what was to soon become Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza. Dahlia developed the menus and pastry departments for all of Mozza’s LA restaurants and oversees the department in Newport Beach and Singapore.

As a side project Chef Dahlia also created the distinctive dessert menu at Chef Chris Feldmeier’s Moruno located in the Original Farmers Market at Third & Fairfax. We enthusiastically recommend the Fried Biscuits with tangerine thyme marmalade and vanilla bean ice cream. It’s really all in the Family as Chef Dahlia and Chef Chris are married.

Show 53, December 21, 2013: Troy Johnson, Editor-at-Large & Food Critic of San Diego Magazine

Troy JohnsonTroy Johnson, the Food Critic of San Diego Magazine, represents the enthusiastic new breed of youthful restaurant journalists with a point-of-view.

You perhaps remember him on Food TV from his Cooking Channel series, “Crave.” He’s also one of the regular judges on Food Network’s new Sunday evening “Guy’s (Fieri) Grocery Games.”

There is a lot happening on the San Diego restaurant scene. The big noise is that chef and restaurateur Richard Blais is leaving his base in Atlanta to open Juniper & Ivy in the Little Italy area of San Diego. It will seat 200 when open so this is an ambitious project! Chef Blais is probably best known nationally for his multiple seasons on Bravo’s “Top Chef.”

In addition to his reviews in San Diego Magazine, Troy also writes about restaurant comings and goings in San Diego County.