September 22: Mad Hungry Woman, Suzanne Tracht, Antonia Lofaso, Golden Road Brewing, Break of Dawn, LA Kitchen

Podcasts

Segment One: Anita Lau, Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman
Segment Two: Proprietress / Executive Chef Suzanne Tracht, Jar, Los Angeles
Segment Three: Executive Chef Antonia Lofaso, DAMA, City Market South, Downtown Los Angeles
Segment Four: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing, Los Angeles & Anaheim
Segment Five: Chef/Proprietor Dee Nguyen, Break of Dawn, Laguna Hills
Segment Six: Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen, Founder & CEO Part One
Segment Seven: Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen, Founder & CEO Part Two

Program Note:
Please join us at the special time this Saturday afternoon from 1 to 3:00 p.m. following Fighting Irish Football. It’s not the same without you.

Now an inspiring preview of this Saturday afternoon’s mouthwatering show. Let us temp you…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…

Our favorite Mad Hungry Woman blogger, Anita Lau, has been traveling in Northern Baja. She was recently an esteemed judge at the 5th Annual Sabor de Baja, an annual food and wine pairing event staged on the lawn of the iconic Rosarita Beach Hotel overlooking the beach and blue Pacific. Sabor de Baja is a friendly culinary competition among 25 of Baja’s top chefs, each paired with the finest Mexican wines and artisanal beer producers. It’s an all-white affair.

Jar, a modern chophouse in the heart of Los Angeles, dazzles Angelenos with the allure of Chef Suzanne Tracht’s familiar retro dishes from the American culinary repertoire, including her signature Pot Roast, Kansas City Steak, wild and sustainable Fish, Lemon Grass Chicken, Black Mussels with Lobster Bearnaise and Fennel Salt, award -winning French Fries, market-fresh sides and perfect martinis. It’s been an L.A. staple since 2001. Chef Suzanne Tracht is our guest.

DAMA is a Latin-inspired restaurant just launched in Fashion District of Downtown Los Angeles in City Market South featuring culinary dishes from Executive Chef Antonia Lofaso (Venice’s Scopa Italian Roots) and standout cocktails from Pablo Moix and Steve Livigni. Chef Antonia takes a break from her busy kitchens to join us.

It’s time to again “Ask the Brewers.” Joining us in-studio is the dynamic duo of Golden Road Brewing’s distinguished Brewmaster, Victor Novak, and Anaheim Head Brewer Steven Torres. On tap is a discussion of the trend of craft brewers to now create their take on Baja-style lagers brewed with premium ingredients and what craft beer styles match with pickles and other fermented veggies. Thirst-quenching conversation for sure…

Back in 2006 rising-star, fine-dining chef Dee Nguyen (Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel) was looking to simplify his life and spend more time with his growing Family. He bravely branched out on his own to launch the modest Break of Dawn in Laguna Hills. Fortunately he quickly developed a loyal following of inspired guests. It’s a very personal statement for Chef Dee who serves breakfast, lunch and brunch Wednesday through Sunday only. It’s creative, fine-dining comfort foods with a Vietnamese twist. Chef Dee puts down the spatula and joins us.

L.A. Kitchen, a pioneering non-profit, is again rallying Angelenos to take a stand and participate in a city-wide party (October 5 to 7) to raise awareness and fight food waste, hunger and unemployment. Shared Plates is L.A Kitchen’s anti-gala, a weekend of dinner parties for good that invites thousands of Angelenos to sit around the table in their backyards, restaurants, businesses and schools across Los Angeles. Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen Founder & CEO sets the table for us.

100% of the ticket sales help in feeding LA’s homeless and senior population, offering culinary job training to the formerly incarcerated or formerly homeless and towards diverting thousands of pounds of food that would have otherwise gone to waste.

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

Anita Lau of Mad Hungry WomanOur favorite Mad Hungry Woman blogger, Anita Lau, has been traveling in Northern Baja. She was recently an esteemed judge at the 5th Annual Sabor de Baja, an annual food and wine pairing event staged on the lawn of the iconic Rosarita Beach Hotel overlooking the beach and blue Pacific.

Sabor de Baja is a friendly culinary competition among 27 of Baja’s top chefs, each paired with the finest Mexican wines and artisanal beer producers. It’s an all-white affair.

“The intent of the Sabor de Baja is to promote gastronomy and tourism between the U.S. and Baja. Each attendee enjoys a pairing of all the chefs creations together with the wine or beer producers. There are two main awards given that night: The first is decided by a panel of distinguished judges and the second is called the “People’s Choice” which is decided by popular voting from every attendee who submits a ballot.”

Suzanne TrachtJar, a modern chophouse in the heart of Los Angeles, dazzles Angelenos with the allure of Chef Suzanne Tracht’s familiar retro dishes from the American culinary repertoire, including her signature Pot Roast, Kansas City Steak, wild and sustainable Fish, Lemon Grass Chicken, Black Mussels with Lobster Bearnaise and Fennel Salt, award -winning French Fries, market-fresh sides and perfect martinis. It’s been an L.A. staple since 2001.

“Suzanne Tracht, chef and owner of the critically-acclaimed Jar Restaurant, was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She began cooking professionally at the age of 19, when she left college for an apprenticeship under Siegbert Wendler, legendary chef at the four-star Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa. After three years she moved to Southern California to work in the kitchen of the prestigious Hotel Bel-Air and later served as sous-chef at Noa Noa. In 1992, she became chef de cuisine at Nancy Silverton and Mark Peel’s Campanile. Four years later, she embarked on her first solo venture at executive chef at the Cal-Asian restaurant, Jozu. In its debut year, Jozu ranked number two for “L.A.’s Best New Restaurants” in Los Angeles magazine’s restaurant issue.”

“In 2001, she opened her modern chophouse, Jar, with her longtime chef de cuisine Preech Narkthong. Quickly, Tracht and Narkthong built a reputation for cooking cozily familiar American retro food – pot roast, steaks, pork chops, braised lamb shanks — with a modern twist.”

Chef / Proprietress Suzanne Tracht is our guest.

Antonio Lofaso of Black Market Liquor Bar and Scopa Italian RootsDAMA is a Latin-inspired restaurant just launched in the Fashion District of Downtown Los Angeles in City Market South featuring culinary dishes from Executive Chef Antonia Lofaso (Venice’s Scopa Italian Roots) and standout cocktails from Pablo Moix and Steve Livigni.

“Chef Antonia Lofaso’s menu draws from her time spent in Mexico City, Spain, Colombia and the Caribbean. The cocktail menu, from Pablo Moix, features long-forgotten classics and spectacular blended drinks like pina coladas and daiquiris. A sprawling, multi-level outdoor patio establishes Dama as a go-to spot for taking in LA’s flawless weather.”

Think Whole Soft Shell Crab Taco with hot pickled onions, radish, Persian cucumbers and cilantro. On the cocktail side look for Sandia y Mezcal with mezcal, watermelon, citrus and salt and pepper.

Chef Antonia takes a break from her busy kitchens to join us.

Victor Novak and Steven TorresIt’s time to once again Ask the Brewers. Joining us in-studio is the dynamic duo of Golden Road Brewing’s distinguished Brewmaster, Victor Novak, and Anaheim Head Brewer Steven Torres.

On tap is a discussion of the current trend of craft brewers to now create their own take on the popular Baja-style lagers brewed with premium ingredients. Also, what craft beer styles match with pickles and other fermented veggies. Thirst-quenching conversation for sure…

Dee NguyenBack in 2006 rising-star, fine-dining chef Dee Nguyen (ex-Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel) was looking to simplify his life and spend more time with his growing family. He bravely branched out on his own to launch the modest, 50-seat Break of Dawn in Laguna Hills.

Fortunately he quickly developed a loyal following of inspired guests. It’s a very personal statement for Chef Dee who serves breakfast, lunch and brunch Wednesday through Sunday only. It’s creative, fine-dining comfort foods with a Vietnamese twist.

“Guests can select from a variety of dishes, including bison sausage, French toast crème brulee, flax seed and quinoa oatmeal and mac and cheese. All foods are prepared with fresh ingredients and are designed to meld flavors and textures together. A children’s menu and beverage list with cocktails is also available.”

Think the unexpected including Goat Chili with morita, goat cheese, Mexican chocolate and chickpeas.

Chef Dee puts down the spatula and joins us.

Robert EggarL.A. Kitchen, a pioneering non-profit, is again rallying Angelenos to take a stand and participate in a city-wide party (October 5 to 7) to raise awareness and fight food waste, hunger and unemployment. Shared Plates is L.A Kitchen’s anti-gala, a weekend of dinner parties for good that invites thousands of Angelenos to sit around the table in their backyards, restaurants, businesses and schools across Los Angeles.

100% of the ticket sales help in feeding LA’s homeless and senior population, offering culinary job training to the formerly incarcerated or formerly homeless and towards diverting thousands of pounds of food that would have otherwise gone to waste.

Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen Founder & CEO sets the table for us.

Now in its third year, the 2017 Shared Plates campaign provided over 100 dinners arranged by participating restaurants and private individuals, engaging 1,000 Angelenos for the cause and contributing over $120,000 to the non-profit for its services to those in need.

“This is our 3rd year of Shared Plates. We love that more and more people from across the region are hosting simple dinners in their homes to support L.A. Kitchen. We love that there’s no age, income or geographic barriers to our event….anybody can be a host, anyone can participate, and everyone can benefit. This is food democracy.”

Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen Founder & CEO

Podcasts

Segment One: Anita Lau, Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman
Segment Two: Proprietress / Executive Chef Suzanne Tracht, Jar, Los Angeles
Segment Three: Executive Chef Antonia Lofaso, DAMA, City Market South, Downtown Los Angeles
Segment Four: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing, Los Angeles & Anaheim
Segment Five: Chef/Proprietor Dee Nguyen, Break of Dawn, Laguna Hills
Segment Six: Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen, Founder & CEO Part One
Segment Seven: Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen, Founder & CEO Part Two

Show 258, January 27, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now an intriguing preview of this Saturday’s appetizing 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… Keep in mind we’re always here with you live every Saturday morning with a fresh show.

Barbara Fairchild, a distinguished member of The James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of American Food & Beverage and the former, long-time Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appetit Magazine, has a new volunteer assignment to add to her very full schedule. Barbara is Chairperson of the C-CAP L.A.’s Council. We’ll meet her and chat about C-CAP’s upcoming Full Circle Dinner Benefit on Friday evening, February 9th in the private dining rooms at Chef Neal Fraser’s Redbird in Downtown Los Angeles.

Real-deal Kansas City-style barbecue has arrived in Orange County with the launch of Ember BBQ in Santa Ana under the watchful direction of Chefs Derrick Foster and Kylie Gordon. Chef Derrick was born and raised in Kansas City. Ember BBQ is located within Native Son Alehouse. We’re getting fired up with Chef Derrick.

Our favorite, and always opinionated, “Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman” blogger, Anita Lau, has been dining in the Bay Area. One of her recent finds is Brown Sugar Kitchen. Think Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Cornmeal Waffle. The owner/chef Tanya Holland is a Cheftestant on the current season of Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Anita has the bite-by-bite report for us.

If you’re in the gourmet specialty food business Las Vegas is the land of opportunity. There are multiple high-end, fine-dining restaurants located on The Strip as well as in the affluent suburbs of Summerlin and Henderson. A great local success story is Chef Michael Stamm of MGP Specialty Food. “Specialty Products for the Gourmand.” He brings out the imported cheese and foie gras just for us.

The current thinking is that a lot of fine wines are released for sale way too early. What wines have aging potential and for how long? What are the suggested storing conditions? Our resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, provides the need insight.

Our always in-the-know Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, returns with his “Ask the Chef” series. Chilean Sea Bass (actually Antarctic toothfish or Patagonian toothfish) is back on restaurant menus. Only a few years ago diners were asked to not order it due to illegal overfishing. Is this desirable fish a good choice now?

Program Note: On Saturday, February 3rd we follow Ducks Hockey at the special time of 2 to 4:00 p.m.

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

January 27: Barbara Fairchild, Ember BBQ, Mad Hungry Woman, MGP Specialty Food, Wine Exchange

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Barbara Fairchild, Food Journalist, Author & Chairperson, C-CAP L.A. Council
Segment Three: Chef Derrick Foster, Ember BBQ, Santa Ana
Segment Four: Anita Lau, “Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman” Blogger
Segment Five: Chef Michael Stamm, MGP Specialty Food, Cured & Whey, Las Vegas Part One
Segment Six: Chef Michael Stamm, MGP Specialty Food, Cured & Whey, Las Vegas Part Two
Segment Seven: Kyle Meyer, Managing Partner, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Now an intriguing preview of this Saturday’s appetizing 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… Keep in mind we’re always here with you live every Saturday morning with a fresh show.

Barbara Fairchild, a distinguished member of the The James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of American Food & Beverage and the former, long-time Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appetit Magazine, has a new volunteer assignment to add to her full schedule. Barbara is Chairperson of the C-CAP L.A.’s Council. We’ll meet her and chat about C-CAP’s upcoming Full Circle Winter Dinner Benefit on Friday evening, February 9th in the private dining rooms at Chef Neal Fraser’s Redbird in Downtown Los Angeles.

Real-deal Kansas City-style barbecue has arrived in Orange County with the launch of Ember BBQ in Santa Ana under the watchful direction of Chefs Derrick Foster and Kylie Gordon. Chef Derrick was born and raised in Kansas City. Ember BBQ is located within Native Son Alehouse. We’re getting fired up with Chefs Derrick and Kylie.

Our favorite, and always opinionated, “diary of a Mad Hungry Woman” blogger, Anita Lau, has been dining in the Bay Area. One of her recent finds is Brown Sugar Kitchen. Think Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Cornmeal Waffle. The owner/chef Tanya Holland is a Cheftestant on the current season of Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Anita has the bite-by-bite report for us.

If you’re in the gourmet specialty food business Las Vegas is the land of opportunity. There are multiple high-end, fine-dining restaurants located on The Strip as well as in the affluent suburbs of Summerlin and Henderson. A great local success story is Chef Michael Stamm of MGP Specialty Food. “Specialty Products for the Gourmand.” He brings out the foie gras just for us.

The current thinking is that a lot of fine wines are released for sale way too early. What wines have aging potential and for how long? What are the suggested storing conditions? Our resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, provides the need insight.

Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, returns with his “Ask the Chef” series. Chilean Sea Bass (actually Antarctic toothfish or Patagonian toothfish) is back on restaurant menus. Only a few years ago diners were asked to not order it due to illegal fishing. Is this desirable fish a good choice now?

Program Note: On Saturday, February 3rd we follow Ducks Hockey at the special time of 2 to 4:00 p.m.

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

Barbara FairchildBarbara Fairchild, a distinguished member of the The James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of American Food & Beverage and the former, long-time Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appetit Magazine, has a new volunteer assignment to add to her full schedule. Barbara is Chairperson the C-CAP L.A.’s Council. We’ll meet her and chat about C-CAP’s upcoming Full Circle Winter Dinner Benefit on Friday evening, February 9th in the private dining rooms at Chef Neal Fraser’s Redbird in Downtown Los Angeles.

Chef Neal Fraser of Redbird in Downtown Los Angeles is the Host Chef for the upcoming C-CAP Los Angeles Full Circle Winter Dinner Benefit on February 9th. Chef Neal has assembled an impressive group of celebrity chefs to join him for the stellar evening.

It’s 6:30 p.m. for the Cocktail Reception featuring a specialty libation created by mixologist Devon Espinosa of Sunset & Vinyl and also a C-CAP alum. The grand, five-course premium wine & craft beer-paired Dinner (and the Live Auction) is set for 7:30 p.m. The MC is Billy Harris.

The A-List chef brigade stars Host Chef Neal Fraser, Josiah Citrin (Melisse), Ben Ford (Ford’s Filling Station), Ray Garcia & Ivan Marquez (Broken Spanish), David LeFevre (Manhattan Beach Post), Jason Neroni (Rose Cafe), Amar Santana (Vaca & Broadway by Amar Santana), Michael Voltaggio (ink.well) and Sherry Yard (iPic Entertainment).

Derrick FosterReal-deal Kansas City-style barbecue has arrived in Orange County with the launch of Ember BBQ in Santa Ana under the watchful direction of Chefs Derrick Foster and Kylie Gordon. Chef Derrick was born and raised in Kansas City.

Ember BBQ is located within Native Son Alehouse. Ember BBQ serves a limited “Snack Menu” on Tuesday and Wednesday, and a full “Smokehouse Menu” Thursday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.

With an on-site smoker, Chef Derrick stays true to Kansas City-style barbecue tradition and history by featuring a variety of meats rubbed with a blend of spices and slow-smoked over hickory wood. His “Smokehouse Menu” features sliced-to-order 1855 Certified Angus Beef Brisket from Colorado, St. Louis Ribs, Smoked Chicken, and Pulled Pork. He showcases creativity in dishes such as Hogchos, his take on traditional nachos, using chicharron in place of tortilla chips, topped with pulled pork, smoked cheese sauce, pork jerky, pickled onion, sour cream, jalapenos and his housemade BBQ sauce.

Traditional sides are prepared with the utmost attention, including his Rancho Gordo BBQ Beans, which are peppered with brisket burnt ends; Cheesy Corn, which features a Mornay sauce and fresh-off-the-cobb corn; and made-from-scratch traditional banana pudding.

“Kansas City has more than 100 barbecue joints and many have national recognition – I’m trying to bring some of that excitement to Orange County,” explains Chef Derrick, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park who has worked in the kitchens of Corton, The Musket Room, The Rieger and Le Bernardin. “This is definitely food that requires patience and passion, and I’m excited to share my love for it with local diners.”

Kansas City-style barbecue refers to the specific regional style of slowly smoked meats that originated in the early 1900s in Kansas City, Missouri. Chef Derrick’s menu showcases a wide variety of meats, from pork and sausage, to chicken and beef, including Burnt Ends, which are distinctive to Kansas City.

We’re getting fired up with Chefs Derrick and Kylie.

Anita Lau of Mad Hungry WomanOur favorite, and always opinionated, “Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman” blogger, Anita Lau, has been dining in the Bay Area. One of her recent finds is Brown Sugar Kitchen in Oakland. Think Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Cornmeal Waffle. The owner/chef Tanya Holland is a Cheftestant on the current season of Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Anita has the bite-by-bite report for us.

“diary of a Mad Hungry Woman began in 2008 as a food journal and has slowly evolved into a restaurant critique site. It follows the food adventures of Anita Lau, a 25-year veteran in the food writing business. Originally focusing solely on the culinary, the last year has seen the site shifting towards other topics dear to her heart — the arts, music and anything food related. A Travel section has been added to feature food adventures and getaways the Mad Hungry Woman takes out-of-state and overseas.”

Michael StammIf you’re in the gourmet specialty food business Las Vegas is the land of opportunity. There are multiple high-end fine-dining restaurants located on The Strip as well as in the affluent suburbs of Summerlin and Henderson. A great local success story is Chef Michael Stamm of MGP Specialty Food. “Specialty Products for the Gourmand.” He brings out the foie gras especially for us.

Chef Michael just returned from the 2018 Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco. We’re learn what products caught his attention.

Chef and owner, Michael Stamm, began Michael’s Gourmet Pantry in 1999.  Since that time, the business has grown to become the ultimate source for gourmet ingredients, servicing Las Vegas’s premier restaurants and the individual gourmand.

“It takes a lot of care and integrity to procure just the right products and deliver above and beyond what our customers need and want,” said Chef Michael.  Chef Michael’s philosophy is indeed a reflection of his commitment to quality and the extraordinaire.  He shares his manufacturers’ passion for excellence and takes great pride in the products and manufactures he personally selects to represent.

We continue our conversation with Chef Michael.

Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeThe current thinking is that a lot of fine wines are released for sale way too early. What wines have aging potential and for how long? What are the suggested storing conditions?

Our resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, provides the need insight.

 

Andrew and William GruelOur always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, returns with his “Ask the Chef” series.

Chilean Sea Bass (actually Antarctic toothfish or Patagonian toothfish) is back on restaurant menus. Only a few years ago diners were asked to not order it due to illegal fishing. Is this desirable fish a good choice now?

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Barbara Fairchild, Food Journalist, Author & Chairperson, C-CAP L.A. Council
Segment Three: Chef Derrick Foster, Ember BBQ, Santa Ana
Segment Four: Anita Lau, “Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman” Blogger
Segment Five: Chef Michael Stamm, MGP Specialty Food, Cured & Whey, Las Vegas Part One
Segment Six: Chef Michael Stamm, MGP Specialty Food, Cured & Whey, Las Vegas Part Two
Segment Seven: Kyle Meyer, Managing Partner, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Show 236, August 12, 2017: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

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

The new The Mar Vista restaurant in the Mar Vista area of Los Angeles is a chef-driven, food-first experience with locally sourced farm-to-table ingredients, unusual & rare- label wines and an eclectic lineup of live music. The culinary personalities behind it are Executive Chefs D. Brandon Walker and Jill Davie. It’s dinner nightly and Sunday Brunch. We’ll meet “Chef D.”

Out regular contributor, Anita Lau, “diary of a Mad Hungry Woman” blogger, is just back from a visit to the ever-evolving Hong Kong. She will share a pair of her memorable Hong Kong dining experiences, Haku and Ju Xing Home. It’s the last Weekend of DINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week. Anita has her Top 10 picks posted on her Website but provides us with two suggestions for now or future dining.

When we last visited Victor Novak, the accomplished Brewmaster for Golden Road Brewing, he had just started brewing in Anaheim in a new facility located just across the street (E. Orangewood Ave.) from Angel Stadium. In addition to the existing Taproom a distinctive brewery restaurant and expansive outdoor beer garden are moving toward completion. Victor joins us with the effervescent update.

The Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson, are back with us. In the smoker is advancing the great BBQ debate about which rates higher between Brisket and Tri-Tip. The Meatheads have spirited opinions. Also, some good information on the lesser known cuts of beef that are worthy of your attention, versatile and value priced.

Nutritionist & Chef Patricia Greenberg runs The Fitness Gourmet ushering in a new era of bite-size livable health, nutrition and fitness solutions. Her new cookbook, written with her teen-age daughter, Gabriella, is Scrumptious Sandwiches, Salads and Snacks – Simple, healthy recipes, for school, work and home. We’ll chat about healthy eating that also tastes good with The Fitness Gourmet.

CHAYA Downtown has established a popular tradition of hosting an annual summer festival. On now for weekdays through August 31st is the CHAYA Downtown Summer Festival 2017. It’s a Japanese beer garden, yakitori, sorbet cocktails, sake, video games, air hockey, foosball, shuffleboard and more. Second generation CHAYA proprietor Yuta Tsunoda joins us with the celebratory 411.

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

Show 236, August 12, 2017: Anita Lau, diary of a Mad Hungry Woman Blogger. Travels in Hong Kong

Anita Lau of Mad Hungry WomanOut regular contributor, Anita Lau, diary of a Mad Hungry Woman” blogger, is just back from a visit to the ever-evolving Hong Kong. She will share a pair of her memorable Hong Kong dining experiences, Haku and Ju Xing Home.

First we’re in Long Beach highlighting two recommendations (from her Top 10 List) for the last Weekend of DINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week. Think Aji Peruvian and Sura Korean BBQ and Tofu House.

On to Hong Kong…

“Haku is a French concept using predominantly Japanese ingredients. The restaurant is a collaboration between Chef Hideaki Matsuo of Kashiwaya in Osaka, Japan, and Chef Agustin Balbi, who is Argentinian. Chef Balbi has spent many years in Japan and his menu is a reflection of the aesthetically stunning cuisine, but is also, well thought out and exquisitely executed.”

Ju Xing Home is where Michelin-starred chefs go when they’re off duty, and wanting a bite before heading home for the night. “Chef/Owner Mr. Ng is a humble man who takes immense pride in preparing dishes for his customers. He is in the kitchen, personally cooking every single dish which hits the table.”

Here’s a lagniappe from Anita’s Hong Kong adventures that we didn’t get a chance to chat about…”Bamboo Noodles (竹昇麵) is a dying art-form, so rare that even in Hong Kong, it is getting extremely difficult to find. Lau Sum Kee in Sham Shui Po is one of the last eateries which still makes these bamboo noodles, a skill passed down by current owner, Lau Fat-Cheong’s grandfather, who brought this tradition from Guangzhou.”

August 12: The Mar Vista, Mad Hungry Woman, Golden Road Brewing, West Coast Prime Meats, Patricia Greenberg, CHAYA Downtown

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef D. Brandon Walker, The Mar Vista, Los Angeles
Segment Three: Anita Lau, diary of a Mad Hungry Woman Blogger. Travels in Hong Kong
Segment Four: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing Part One
Segment Five: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing Part Two
Segment Six: The Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry & Jay. For Best in BBQ is it Brisket or Tri-Tip?
Segment Seven: Patricia Greenberg, The Fitness Gourmet. Scrumptious Sandwiches, Salads and Snacks
Segment Eight: CHAYA Downtown Summer Festival, Yuta Tsunoda, President, CHAYA Restaurants

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

The new The Mar Vista restaurant in the Mar Vista area of Los Angeles is a chef-driven, food-first experience with locally sourced farm-to-table ingredients, unusual & rare- label wines and an eclectic lineup of live music. The culinary personalities behind it are Executive Chefs D. Brandon Walker and Jill Davie. It’s dinner nightly and Sunday Brunch. We’ll meet “Chef D.”

Out regular contributor, Anita Lau, “diary of a Mad Hungry Woman” blogger, is just back from a visit to the ever-evolving Hong Kong. She will share a pair of her memorable Hong Kong dining experiences, Haku and Ju Xing Home.

When we last visited Victor Novak, the accomplished Brewmaster for Golden Road Brewing, he had just started brewing in Anaheim in a new facility located just across the street from Angel Stadium. In addition to the existing Taproom a distinctive brewery restaurant and expansive outdoor beer garden are moving toward completion. Victor joins us with the effervescent update.

The Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson, are back with us. In the smoker is advancing the great BBQ debate about which rates higher between Brisket and Tri-Tip. Also, some good information on the lesser known cuts of beef that are worthy of your attention and value priced.

Nutritionist & Chef Patricia Greenberg runs The Fitness Gourmet ushering in a new era of bite-size livable health, nutrition and fitness solutions. Her new cookbook, written with her teen-age daughter, Gabriella, is Scrumptious Sandwiches, Salads and Snacks – Simple, healthy recipes, for school, work and home. We’ll chat about healthy eating that also tastes good with The Fitness Gourmet.

CHAYA Downtown has established a popular tradition of hosting an annual summer festival. On now for weekdays through August 31st is the CHAYA Downtown Summer Festival 2017. It’s a Japanese beer garden, yakitori, sorbet cocktails, sake, video games, air hockey, foosball, shuffleboard and more. CHAYA proprietor Yuta Tsunoda joins us with the celebratory 411.

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

Derek Brandon WalkerThe new The Mar Vista restaurant in the Mar Vista area of Los Angeles is a chef-driven, food-first experience with locally sourced farm-to-table ingredients, unusual & rare-label wines and an eclectic lineup of live music. The culinary personalities behind it are Executive Chefs D. Brandon Walker and Jill Davie. It’s dinner nightly and Sunday Brunch.

The Mar Vista’s menu, affectionately dubbed progressive Los Angeles cuisine, features renditions of local favorites enhanced by wide-ranging flavors from L.A.’s diverse communities. Walker, Davie, and Chef de Cuisine Jorge Rivas infuse dishes with flavors from North Africa, Central America, Asia, and the Mediterranean to represent the varied diaspora. Daily specials, a Brazilian churrasco, and Davie’s signature Cranked, a tableside device that uses vintage grinders to make “ugly” fruit into granita, complete the offerings.

Further enriching the community-driven concept, The Mar Vista presents live music performances on Friday and Saturday evenings with a late-night menu accompanying the mellow sounds from a bluegrass or jazz band, among others.

We’ll meet the always energetic “Chef D.”

Anita Lau of Mad Hungry WomanOut regular contributor, Anita Lau, diary of a Mad Hungry Woman” blogger, is just back from a visit to the ever-evolving Hong Kong. She will share a pair of her memorable Hong Kong dining experiences, Haku and Ju Xing Home.

“Haku is a French concept using predominantly Japanese ingredients. The restaurant is a collaboration between Chef Hideaki Matsuo of Kashiwaya in Osaka, Japan, and Chef Agustin Balbi, who is Argentinian. Chef Balbi has spent many years in Japan and his menu is a reflection of the aesthetically stunning cuisine, but is also, well thought out and exquisitely executed.”

Ju Xing Home is where Michelin-starred chefs go when they’re off duty, and wanting a bite before heading home for the night. “Chef/Owner Mr. Ng is a humble man who takes immense pride in preparing dishes for his customers. He is in the kitchen, personally cooking every single dish which hits the table.”

Victor Novak and his Blueberry Mocha Stout from Golden Road BrewingWhen we last visited Victor Novak, the accomplished Brewmaster for Golden Road Brewing, he had just started brewing in Anaheim in a new facility located just across the street from Angel Stadium. In addition to the existing Taproom a distinctive brewery restaurant and expansive outdoor beer garden are now moving toward completion.

In a fun historical footnote Victor and his brewmaster team and now brewing in Anaheim on the original 15- barrel brewing system that started Golden Road Brewing in their initial Atwater Village brewery in 2011.

The Anaheim Taproom is open 7 days a week. It features a rotating selection of 20 Golden Road styles and beer is also available to-go.

There is convenient & ample on-site parking. Here’s a great tip…On game-days at The Big A guests can park at Golden Road, partake of The Taproom and then walk across Orangewood to Angel Stadium.

Victor joins us with the effervescent update.

Golden Road’s year-round offerings include Wolf Pup Session IPA, Point the Way IPA, Golden Road Hefeweizen, Get Up Offa That Brown and Wolf Among Weeds IPA. Along with the core beers, Golden Road brewers are constantly experimenting with the freshest ingredients through a collection of rotating, seasonal and limited-edition brews including the Custom IPA Series, a line-up of diverse, hop-forward IPAs.

The Anaheim Taproom is open 7 days a week. It features a rotating selection of 20 Golden Road styles and beer is also available to-go.

Santa Maria style Trip Tip from West Coast Prime MeatsThe Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson, are back with us. In the smoker is advancing the great BBQ debate about which rates higher between Brisket and Tri-Tip.

Also, some good information on the lesser known cuts of beef that are worthy of your attention and value priced. The round primal is a good example.

Patricia GreenbergNutritionist & Chef Patricia Greenberg runs The Fitness Gourmet ushering in a new era of bite-size livable health, nutrition and fitness solutions.

Her new cookbook, written with her teen-age daughter, Gabriella, is Scrumptious Sandwiches, Salads and Snacks – Simple, healthy recipes, for school, work and home. The book contains 50 light and nutritious recipes using ingredients that you already have in your kitchen. It’s a perfect resource for back to school.

As a working parent, a teenager, a busy professional, single parent, young couple, or caretaker, this collection of scrumptious, simple, and healthy recipes will help you learn to prepare foods that taste good and are good for you. For on the go, as well as at home, made with readily available ingredients that are simple to prepare.

We’ll chat about healthy eating that also tastes really good with The Fitness Gourmet.

Yudo Tsunoda of Chaya BrasserieCHAYA Downtown has established a popular tradition of hosting an annual summer festival. On now on weekdays through August 31st is the CHAYA Downtown Summer Festival 2017. It’s a Japanese beer garden, yakitori, sorbet cocktails, sake, video games, air hockey, foosball, shuffleboard and more.

To partake of the celebration, come relax and bask in the lantern-covered Japanese Beer Garden located on the CHAYA patio while savoring a rare Japanese Whisky and cold premium Sapporo, or sip a Sparkling Sake or CHAYA Downtown’s special house-made Sangria. For those that want to cool down and indulge, CHAYA Downtown will also be preparing two refreshing and delicious Yuzu and Cherry Blossom Summer Sorbet Cocktails.

For those craving that perfect summer bite, CHAYA Downtown Executive Chef Joji Inoue is firing up the Yakitori Grill and has you covered with his Chicken,Tsukune and Shisito & Mushroom Yakitori Skewers for just $2.50 each. Chef Inoue is also preparing his Tako Tacos with grilled octopus, Asian slaw and wasabi Miso for $4, Fried Noodles made with pork belly, cabbage and pickled ginger for $6, Grilled Squid with a chili-miso dipping sauce for $12, and summer’s finest grilled Corn on the Cob with a sweet soy glaze for $4. And for the sweet tooth lovers, there is a choice of three Sweet CrepesMatcha and Azuki BeansNutella and Strawberry or the Banana Crème for just $7 each.

Any guests ready for some good old-fashioned summer fun after a long workday can enjoy a friendly game of air hockeyshuffleboardfoosball or choose from a selection of over 25 classic video games, all while reminiscing summers past.

The CHAYA Downtown Summer Festival will run every Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to close throughout the month of August and through August 31st, 2017 on the patio at CHAYA Downtown

CHAYA proprietor Yuta Tsunoda joins us with the celebratory 411.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef D. Brandon Walker, The Mar Vista, Los Angeles
Segment Three: Anita Lau, diary of a Mad Hungry Woman Blogger. Travels in Hong Kong
Segment Four: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing Part One
Segment Five: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing Part Two
Segment Six: The Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry & Jay. For Best in BBQ is it Brisket or Tri-Tip?
Segment Seven: Patricia Greenberg, The Fitness Gourmet. Scrumptious Sandwiches, Salads and Snacks
Segment Eight: CHAYA Downtown Summer Festival, Yuta Tsunoda, President, CHAYA Restaurants

Show 207, January 21, 2017: Show Preview with Andy Harris, Co-Host & Executive Producer

The Dumpling Trail in Richmond British Columbia“The SoCal Restaurant Show” is going international. On Saturday morning, January 28th the show is live from Richmond, B.C. (“Where the Far East Meets the Canadian West Coast”) for their festive celebration of Chinese New Year.

Now am enticing preview of this Saturday’s overflowing show with Co-Host & Executive Producer Andy Harris. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually probably a pretty good thing…

The Founder and Co-Proprietor of James Republic Restaurant in Long Beach is Chef Dean James Max of DJM Restaurants, a multiple James Beard Award nominee. His opening Executive Chef there is the talented David MacLennan. In a bit over three years they have made this relaxed vibe restaurant one of the prominent dining destinations in Long Beach. On February 8th at James Republic at Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Long Beach they are presenting a multi-course dining spectacular with Chef Amar Santana to benefit Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.) Chefs Dean & David join us to preview C-CAP’s Winter Harvest Benefit Dinner at James Republic on Wednesday, February 8th.

Our regular Contributor on the San Diego dining scene, Anita Lau, The Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman blogger, joins us. She will provide us with the highlights of her “Best Meal” of 2016. Surprisingly (because Orange County is her regular beat) it turns out to be the destination restaurant in a boutique hotel in Downtown San Diego!

The original Water Grill, one of the area’s premier fine-dining seafood restaurants, opened in Downtown Los Angeles in 1989. There are now busy locations in Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, San Diego, South Coast Plaza – Costa Mesa, and, just launched this month, Dallas. The new South Coast Plaza location is nearly 18,000 square feet. We’ll meet proprietor & distinguished restaurateur Sam King of King’s Seafood Company.

Chicken is a versatile protein, typically a good value, and much in the news these days. We’re talking Chicken 101 with our resident Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson. Between the two of them they clock in with over 50 years of experience in the business!

How about some premium wine to celebrate the New Year? Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, joins us. He’ll preview the expectations for the 2015 vintage in California and we’ll see what else he’ll uncork for us. Always highly informative & entertaining.

We love it when competitive chefs generously donate their time to support a worthy cause. Behold, the Pizza Throwdown on Sunday, January 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Master Baker Dean Kim’s OC Baking Co. in Orange benefiting Chef Bill Bracken’s Bracken’s Kitchen (created to help end food insecurity in Orange County and beyond.) Only 100 VIP and General Admission tickets are available.

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

Show 207, January 21, 2017: Anita Lau, “Diary of a Mag Hungry Woman” Blogger

Anita Lau of Mad Hungry WomanOur regular Contributor on the San Diego dining scene, Anita Lau, The Mad Hungry Woman blogger, joins us. She will provide us with the tempting highlights of her Best Meal” of 2016.

Surprisingly (because Orange County is her regular beat) It turns out to be the destination restaurant in a boutique hotel in Downtown San Diego! A new executive chef is stirring the pot there with the unexpected addition of some Filipino ingredients.

Think Venison Tartare…

“Venison Tartare ($16) catches my eye, and rightly so! The tartare is meticulously seasoned with horseradish, grain mustard and mustard flowers. Rye croutons, and barrel-aged Worcestershire sauce add another flavor dimension, but it is cured egg yolk grated into the venison mixture that enhances ever so subtly. Hands down one of the best tartares I’ve ever eaten!”

January 21: James Republic, Mad Hungry Woman, Sam King, West Coast Prime Meats, Wine Exchange, Pizza Throwdown

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Andy Harris, Co-Host & Executive Producer
Segment Two: Executive Chef / Restaurateur Dean James Max of DJM Restaurants & Executive Chef David MacLennan of James Republic, Long Beach
Segment Three: Anita Lau, “Diary of a Mag Hungry Woman” Blogger
Segment Four: Restaurateur Sam King, CEO, King’s Seafood Company Part One
Segment Five: Restaurateur Sam King, CEO, King’s Seafood Company Part Two
Segment Six: The “Meatheads” from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson on Chicken
Segment Seven: Kyle Meyer, Co-Proprietor, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana
Segment Eight: The Pizza Throwdown. OC Baking’s Dean Kim and Brent Omeste of Centro Collective

The Dumpling Trail in Richmond British Columbia“The SoCal Restaurant Show” is going international. On Saturday morning, January 28th the show is live from Richmond, B.C. (“Where the Far East Meets the Canadian West Coast”) for their festive celebration of Chinese New Year.

Now am enticing preview of this Saturday’s overflowing show with Co-Host & Executive Producer Andy Harris. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually probably a pretty good thing…

The Founder and Co-Proprietor of James Republic Restaurant in Long Beach is Chef Dean James Max of DJM Restaurants, a multiple James Beard Award nominee. His opening Executive Chef there is the talented David MacLennan. In a bit over three years they have made this relaxed vibe restaurant one of the best dining destinations in Long Beach. On February 8th at James Republic at Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Long Beach they are presenting a multi-course dining spectacular with Chef Amar Santana to benefit Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.) Chefs Dean & David join us to preview C-CAP’s Winter Harvest Benefit Dinner at James Republic on Wednesday, February 8th.

Our regular Contributor on the San Diego dining scene, Anita Lau, The Mad Hungry Woman blogger, joins us. She will provide us with the highlights of her “Best Meal” of 2016. Surprisingly (because Orange County is her regular beat) it turns out to be the destination restaurant in a boutique hotel in Downtown San Diego!

The original Water Grill, one of the area’s best fine-dining seafood restaurants, opened in Downtown Los Angeles in 1989. There are now busy locations in Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, San Diego, South Coast Plaza – Costa Mesa, and, just launched this month, Dallas. The new South Coast Plaza location is nearly 18,000 square feet. We’ll meet proprietor & distinguished restaurateur Sam King of King’s Seafood Company.

Chicken is a versatile protein, typically a good value, and much in the news these days. We’re talking Chicken 101 with our resident Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson. Between the two of them they clock in with over 50 years of experience in the business!

How about some premium wine to celebrate the New Year? Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, joins us. He’ll preview the expectations for the 2016 vintage in California and we’ll see what else he’ll uncork for us. Always highly informative & entertaining.

We love it when competitive chefs generously donate their time to support a worthy cause. Behold, the Pizza Throwdown on Sunday, January 28th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Master Baker Dean Kim’s OC Baking in Orange benefiting Chef Bill Bracken’s Bracken’s Kitchen (created to help end food insecurity in Orange County and beyond.) Only 100 VIP and General Admission tickets are available.

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

Dean James MaxThe Founder and Co-Proprietor of James Republic Restaurant in Long Beach is Chef Dean James Max of DJM Restaurants, a multiple James Beard Award nominee. His opening Executive Chef there is the talented David MacLennan. In a bit over three years they have made this relaxed vibe restaurant one of the best dining destinations in Long Beach. Their Brunch is a standout, too. Think Chorizo & Cheddar Croissant.

On February 8th at James Republic at Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Long Beach they are presenting a multi-course dining spectacular along with Chef Amar Santana (Vaca & Broadway by Amar Santana) to benefit the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.) Chef Amar is a distinguished C-CAP Alum.

The evening includes a cocktail reception with local craft beer, sparkling wine and still wine and passed hors d’oeuvres. Then it’s a sumptuous seated dinner with three waves of ample food platters served Family-style. Each wave of the three incudes separate platters from each chef. That’s three platters of delights for each wave. Dessert and gourmet chocolates conclude the festivities. If you go away hungry it’s your own fault. There is also both a live & silent auction with crave-worthy items with great appeal for any foodie.

Tickets (and there are only 150 reservations available) are $195 per guest with $150 of that being Tax Deductible.

Chefs Dean & David join us to preview C-CAP’s Winter Harvest Benefit Dinner at James Republic on Wednesday, February 8th.

Anita Lau of Mad Hungry WomanOur regular Contributor on the San Diego dining scene, Anita Lau, The Mad Hungry Woman blogger, joins us. She will provide us with the tempting highlights of her Best Meal” of 2016.

Surprisingly (because Orange County is her regular beat) It turns out to be the destination restaurant in a boutique hotel in Downtown San Diego! A new executive chef is stirring the pot there with the unexpected addition of some Filipino ingredients.

Think Venison Tartare…

Sam KingThe original Water Grill, one of the area’s best fine-dining seafood restaurants, opened in Downtown Los Angeles in 1989. There are now busy locations in Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, San Diego, South Coast Plaza – Costa Mesa, and, just launched this month, Dallas. The new South Coast Plaza location is nearly 18,000 square feet.

Focusing on first-of-season seafood, Water Grill prides itself in offering the broadest selection of fin fish, oysters, crustaceans and shellfish to its guests.

“It’s been a dream of ours to bring Water Grill to Orange County,” says Sam King, CEO of the Orange County based King’s Seafood Company. “We hold this project near and dear to our hearts, and we’re so excited to open Water Grill right here in our own backyard. We look forward to sharing our passion for outstanding quality seafood and attentive service with our longtime friends and neighbors.”

The largest Water Grill to date, the nearly 18,000 square-foot restaurant and adjacent patio were designed in partnership with Hatch Design Group. Taking inspiration from a refurbished ship, the restaurant features reclaimed locally-sourced woods and authentic nautical components paired with rustic and iron finishes. A central, copper-top bar anchors the space, while an additional bar is located in the outdoor patio area, offering a multitude of seating options.

The 500-seat restaurant boasts several private dining options and multiple event spaces, ideal for intimate celebrations, business gatherings, large parties and charity events.

We’ll meet proprietor & distinguished restaurateur Sam King of King’s Seafood Company.

King’s Seafood Distribution, the company’s private seafood distribution operation based in Santa Ana, CA provides all the seafood for Water Grill’s menu. Streamlining the process from ocean to table, King’s Seafood Company provides the best quality and largest variety of available seafood to its 20 restaurants. Menus are crafted daily to account for freshly caught fish and seasonal culinary changes for Water Grill guest to enjoy.

“We’re lucky to have incredibly long-lasting relationships with fishermen and purveyors along both coasts, providing a vast selection of quality products for our restaurants,” said King. “We pride ourselves in having a wide variety of fresh seafood. Our continued goal is to have as many live products as possible.”

King’s Seafood Company is based in Costa Mesa, California and has evolved from more than 70 years of family restaurant and hospitality experience, opening their first restaurant in Los Angeles in 1945. Founded by cousins Sam and Jeff King, the company operates six different restaurant concepts that include the King’s Fish House concept with 11 locations throughout Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona.  King’s also operates King Signature Group, which includes Water Grill in Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica South Coast Plaza, Dallas and San Diego, 555 East in Long Beach, Lou & Mickey’s in San Diego’s Gaslamp District, Pier Burger on the Santa Monica Pier, and Fish Camp in Huntington Beach.

Chicken 101 from the Meatheads at West Coast Prime MeatsChicken is a versatile protein, typically a good value, and much in the news these days. What should you know about the antibiotics in fresh chicken that many of the fast food chains have promised to eliminate?

Also, what is Free Range Chicken anyway? Is it really worth the premium price?

We’re talking Chicken 101 with our resident Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson. Between the two of them they clock in with over 50 years of experience in the business!

Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeHow about some premium wine to celebrate the New Year? Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, joins us.

Kyle will preview the expectations for the 2016 vintage in California and we’ll see what else he’ll uncork for us. Always highly informative & entertaining.

Pizza ThrowdownWe love it when competitive chefs generously donate their time to support a worthy cause. Behold, the Pizza Throwdown on Sunday, January 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Master Baker Dean Kim’s OC Baking Co. in Orange benefiting Chef Bill Bracken’s Bracken’s Kitchen (created to help end food insecurity in Orange County and beyond.) Only 100 VIP & Regular Admission tickets available.

It all began when Chefs Chad Urata and Brent Omeste of the embryonic Centro Collective challenged OC Baking Company’s Master Baker Dean Kim to a pizza throwdown. Not realizing that Dean thrives on wagers, Dean took it one step further and enlisted veteran OC pizza master Sandro Nardone to join him.

When other chefs caught wind of it via social media, The Veterans’ team is now six strong with the addition of Chef Dee Nyugen, Chef Greg Daniels, Lisa Gilmore and of course, Chef Bill Bracken.

On Sunday, January 29th, the friendly rivalry will include both teams creating their best pizza to be judged by participants at the event. Who will win the challenge? You be the judge!

All tickets (VIP @ $50 & General Admission @ $20) include pizza, non-alcoholic beverages and a token to vote for your favorite team.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Andy Harris, Co-Host & Executive Producer
Segment Two: Executive Chef / Restaurateur Dean James Max of DJM Restaurants & Executive Chef David MacLennan of James Republic, Long Beach
Segment Three: Anita Lau, “Diary of a Mag Hungry Woman” Blogger
Segment Four: Restaurateur Sam King, CEO, King’s Seafood Company Part One
Segment Five: Restaurateur Sam King, CEO, King’s Seafood Company Part Two
Segment Six: The “Meatheads” from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson on Chicken
Segment Seven: Kyle Meyer, Co-Proprietor, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana
Segment Eight: The Pizza Throwdown. OC Baking’s Dean Kim and Brent Omeste of Centro Collective

Show 191, October 1, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

In August the James Beard Foundation announced the ten inaugural recipients of the JBF National Scholars Program. We’ll meet the West recipient of the National Scholars Program, Holland Dougherty, who is at University of California, Davis.

We’re hearing a lot from high-end steakhouses talking about premium aged beef. There is even a butcher shop/restaurant locally highlighting a burger with a 100-day dry-aged beef patty. What should we know about aging beef ? Joining us to chat about aging beef are the “Meatheads” from West Coast Prime Meats, Jay Henderson and Terry Hanks. They have over 50-years of combined, hands-on experience in the business! 

The Mad Hungry Woman blogger, Anita Lau, joins us with a gem of a San Diego County dining discovery in Del Mar. Earlier in his career the chef there was part of the opening team at Marche Moderne in South Coast Plaza as well as Charlie Palmer’s at Bloomingdales in South Coast Plaza.

Our friend and colleague, Anne Marie Panoringan (OC Weekly’s blog), was the first journalist to break the story (August 30th) that Executive Chef Jason Montelibano was departing EATS Kitchen at Hotel Irvine to return to Chapter One: The Modern Local in Santa Ana. Time to catch-up with Chef Jason (a.k.a. Chef Chicken Wing.)

Our colleagues at Pacific Food & Beverage Museum are at it again. There’s a lot of interest in fine whiskey here IN California, but do you know about the fine whiskeys FROM California? And you probably haven’t had the chance to experience the range for yourself, but with the latest edition of “The Thoughtful Feast: A California Whiskey Dinner,” all that’s changed. PacFAB’s Richard Foss and Master Distiller Steve Gertman of Ascendant Spirits uncork the flask for us on this one.

Organizers of Dine LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week just announced the upcoming sale of the Dine LBC Long Beach Kitchen Ink 2017 Calendar featuring stunning photos of 13 Long Beach chefs and one local urban farm owner for each of twelve months plus front and back covers. Calendar sales benefit Dine LBC Originals Marketing Fund that provides marketing and public relations support to participating independently owned restaurants year-round. Dine LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week founder, Terri Henry, is our guest.

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