Show 385, August 8, 2020: Filippo Fusco, Managing Partner, Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana, Irvine

Filippo Fusco of Angelina's Pizzeria NapoletanaAngelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana is a fine-casual Italian restaurant located in Irvine in the Los Olivos Marketplace. At Angelina’s, guests dine on authentic Italian food made with only the finest ingredients imported from Italy and fresh produce from local farms. From one-of-a-kind artwork to hand-picked fixtures, the modern, upscale interior redefines the concept of a pizzeria.”

Angelina’s Pizzeria specializes in authentic Neapolitan-style pizza (pizza Napoletana). Each pizza is made using traditional techniques and cooked in their twin Ferrara wood-burning pizza ovens, making Angelina’s one of the few restaurants in the United States to hold a VPN Certification (Vera Pizza Napoletana). Overseen by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana in Napoli, the VPN certifies that Angelina’s adheres to the strict requirements that make their pizzas “true Neopolitan Pizza.”

Scheduled to open early next year is the ambitious Bottega Angelina in Laguna Niguel. It’s an upscale Italian marketplace and ristorante.

Angelina’s Managing Partner, Filippo Fusco, is our guest, pizza peel at the ready.

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: Brendon Salisbury, 4th Generation Restaurateur, Coast Fish Co., Irvine

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. The Salisburys’ prefer to brand it “fine casual.”

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.

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”

Show 213, March 4, 2017: Katy Smith, Executive Creative Chef, Puesto, Irvine’s Los Olivos Marketplace

Katy SmithSan Diego’s thriving taco hotspot, Puesto, has expanded to Orange County with a new restaurant in Irvine’s Los Olivos Marketplace. The concept is a fresh, contemporary take on authentic Mexican fare in a relaxed environment.

Puesto’s menu encourages guests to mix and match from an offering of specialty tacos such as the Filet Mignon Taco with crispy melted cheese, avocado & spicy pistachio serrano salsaChicken Al Pastor Taco with crispy melted cheese, hibiscus & chipotle tinga, avocado & piña habanero pico, vegetarian options such as the Zucchini & Cactus Taco with crispy melted cheese, zucchini, corn, tomato, cactus, avocado & cilantro-tomatillo, and sustainable seafood options like the Tamarindo Shrimp Tacos with crispy tamarindo-chile shrimp nestled in guacamole & cilantro. All of Puesto’s salsas are made from scratch using local ingredients, with tortillas made in-house using organic, non-GMO, blue corn masa sourced from local purveyor, Kernel of Truth.

Puesto’s extensive beverage program offers nearly 50 kinds of tequila and mezcal, 12 local and Mexican beers on draft, six wines on tap and specialty cocktails made with freshly squeezed juices and house-made liqueurs and sodas. Popular libations include the Puesto Perfect Margarita with blue agave reposado tequila, lime & agave nectarEl Mezcalito with Vida mezcal, Guanabana, tamarindo, lime & charred orange and La Rosita with house-made strawberry-cilantro infused vodka, lemon & cane sugar.

Puesto’s Executive Creative Chef Katy Smith is our guest.