Show 528, June 3, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

The OC Brewers Guild is hosting OC Beer Week from Saturday, June 17th to Saturday June 24th. OC Beer Week is a collection of events county-wide showcasing the best of what OC has to offer. For example, at Riip Beer Co they are crafting 3 special beers for the week.  A pair are collaborations, one with There Does Not Exist (San Luis Obispo) and the other with North Park Brewing Company (San Diego). All participating Orange County craft breweries are also brewing a fundraiser beer for the OC Brewers Guild called Guilded Together

OC Brewers Guild President and Board Member, and Director of Brewing & Operations for Riip Beer Co, Ian McCall, joins us in-studio along with other members of the OCBG to tap the keg on all that is OC Beer Week.

“To kick off the summer season, Salt & Straw ice cream has launched one of their most renowned and innovative monthly menus of the year to highlight creative and delicious solutions to help rescue wasted food: The Upcycled Food Series. With 229 million tons of food going unsold or uneaten each year, Salt & Straw was able to rescue over 38,000 pounds to use in the creation of these special flavors. To help craft this menu, they have partnered with five thoughtful brands that are dedicated to reducing food waste in the USA. Each ice cream flavor uses groundbreaking recipe development tactics and tells a unique story about different ways brands and people alike can rescue wasted food. Salt & Straw is proud to announce this menu and each flavor is officially Upcycled Certified®, awarded by the Upcycled Food Association (UFA).” Salt & Straw’s Co-Founder, Tyler Malek, and Urban GleanersNico Nordin (Executive Director) are our guests.
 
“Hidden away inches from the sand, overlooking the gorgeous Makaiwa Bay and historic Kalahuipuaʻa fishponds you will find Napua Restaurant (open daily for Lunch and Dinner) at the Mauna Lani Beach Club in Waikoloa Village on The Big Island of Hawaii. Owners Brandon and Chef Keoni (Brothers-in Law) strive to bring back the nostalgia of old Hawaii with new techniques and a fresh twist on the classics. With an honest farm-to-table concept the restaurant offers dishes sourced directly from Kaunamano Farms (owned and operated by Brandon and Chef Keoni) and other small local farmers in order to perpetuate a more sustainable Hawaii.” Think farm-raised pork from pampered Berkshire pigs. Come see their Hawaii which is a memorable contrast to dining at the exclusive, high-end restaurants at the nearby Kohala Coast destination resorts. Joining us from Napua is Brandon Lee, the Co-Proprietor.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. How do you feel about accessing a menu at a better restaurant by scanning a QR code? Is that really user friendly to the guest? There are also other practical uses for a QR code at a restaurant. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Food journalist Steve Dolinsky, NBC 5 TV Chicago’s The Food Guy, is the recipient of an impressive 13 James Beard Foundation Awards for journalistic excellence. The James Beard Foundation Awards Gala for Restaurant and Chef Awards is in Chicago at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on Monday evening, June 5th. Steve will preview the 2023 James Beard Foundation Awards Gala and what it means to Chicago to again host such a prestigious event. “The James Beard Media Awards honoring broadcast media, cookbook, and journalism nominees from around the country is Saturday evening, June 3rd at Columbia College Chicago.” Steve Dolinsky is our well-informed, on-the-scene guide to all the Beard Awards festivities this Weekend in Chicago.

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

Show 528, June 3, 2023: OC Brewers Guild’s Preview of OC Beer Week with riip Beer Co., Everywhere Beer Co. and Green Cheek Brewing Co. Part One

Ian McCall of Riip Beer Company

The OC Brewers Guild is hosting OC Beer Week from Saturday, June 17th to Saturday June 24th.

OC Beer Week is a collection of events county-wide showcasing the best of what OC has to offer. For example, at Riip Beer Co they are crafting 3 special beers for the week. A pair are collaborations, one with There Does Not Exist (San Luis Obispo) and the other with North Park Brewing Company (San Diego). All participating Orange County craft breweries are also brewing a fundraiser beer for the OC Brewers Guild called Guilded Together.

OC Brewers Guild President & Board Member and Director of Brewing & Operations for Rip Beer Co, Ian McCall, joins us in-studio along with other members of the OCBG to tap the keg on all that is OC Beer Week.

Ian is joined by fellow OCBG members Keith Pumilia (Co-Founder) of Everywhere Beer Co. (Orange) and Brian Rauso (Co-founder) of Green Cheek Brewing Co. (Orange, Costa Mesa and Sunset Beach.)

“The Orange County Brewers Guild founded in 2015 is an organization dedicated to educating the public about the great American tradition of craft beer and its rich brewing culture in Orange County. With over 40 established craft breweries within the county’s borders, the OC Brewers Guild strives to bring to the public visibility and knowledge of the rich and constantly growing brewing culture present in Orange County.”

Show 528, June 3, 2023: OC Brewers Guild’s Preview of OC Beer Week with riip Beer Co., Everywhere Beer Co. and Green Cheek Brewing Co. Part Two

Keith Pumilia at the KLAA Studios

The OC Brewers Guild is hosting OC Beer Week from Saturday, June 17th to Saturday June 24th.

OC Beer Week is a collection of events county-wide showcasing the best of what OC has to offer. For example, at Riip Beer Co they are crafting 3 special beers for the week. A pair are collaborations, one with There Does Not Exist (San Luis Obispo) and the other with North Park Brewing Company (San Diego). All participating Orange County craft breweries are also brewing a fundraiser beer for the OC Brewers Guild called Guilded Together.

OC Brewers Guild President & Board Member and Director of Brewing & Operations for Rip Beer Co, Ian McCall, continues with us in-studio along with other members of the OCBG to tap the keg on all the effervescent specifics of OC Beer Week. Ian remains joined by fellow OCBG members Keith Pumilia (Co-Founder) of Everywhere Beer Co. (Orange) and Brian Rauso (Co-founder) of Green Cheek Brewing Co. (Orange, Costa Mesa and Sunset Beach)

Brian Rauso of Green Cheek Beer at the KLAA Studios

“The Orange County Brewers Guild founded in 2015 is an organization dedicated to educating the public about the great American tradition of craft beer and its rich brewing culture in Orange County. With over 40 established craft breweries within the county’s borders, the OC Brewers Guild strives to bring to the public visibility and knowledge of the rich and constantly growing brewing culture present in Orange County.”

June 3: OC Beer Week, Salt & Straw Upcycled Food Series, Napua Restaurant, Steve Dolinsky

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: OC Brewers Guild’s Preview of OC Beer Week with riip Beer Co., Everywhere Beer Co. and Green Cheek Brewing Co. Part One
Segment Three: OC Brewers Guild’s Preview of OC Beer Week with riip Beer Co., Everywhere Beer Co. and Green Cheek Brewing Co. Part Two
Segment Four: Salt & Straw’s “The Upcycled Food Series” for June Part One
Segment Five: Salt & Straw’s “The Upcycled Food Series” for June Part Two
Segment Six: Napua Restaurant at Mauna Lani Beach Club, Waikoloa Village, The Big Island of Hawaii
Segment Seven: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”
Segment Eight: Steve Dolinsky, Food Journalist & NBC5 Chicago’s “The Food Guy”

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

The OC Brewers Guild is hosting OC Beer Week from Saturday, June 17th to Saturday June 24th. OC Beer Week is a collection of events county-wide showcasing the best of what OC has to offer. For example, at Riip Beer Co they are crafting 3 special beers for the week. A pair are collaborations, one with There Does Not Exist (San Luis Obispo) and the other with North Park Brewing Company (San Diego). All participating Orange County craft breweries are also brewing a fundraiser beer for the OC Brewers Guild called Guilded Together.

OC Brewers Guild Board Member and Director of Brewing & Operations for Rip Beer Co, Ian McCall, joins us in-studio along with other members of the OCBG to tap the keg on all that is OC Beer Week.

“To kick off the summer season, Salt & Straw ice cream is launching one of their most renowned and innovative monthly menus of the year to highlight creative and delicious solutions to help rescue wasted food: The Upcycled Food Series. With 229 million tons of food going unsold or uneaten each year, Salt & Straw was able to rescue over 38,000 pounds to use in the creation of these special flavors. To help craft this menu, they have partnered with five thoughtful brands that are dedicated to reducing food waste in the USA. Each ice cream flavor uses groundbreaking recipe development tactics and tells a unique story about different ways brands and people alike can rescue wasted food. Salt & Straw is proud to announce this menu and each flavor is officially Upcycled Certified®, awarded by the Upcycled Food Association (UFA).” Salt & Straw’s Co-Founder, Tyler Malek, and Urban Gleaners’ Nico Nordin (Executive Director) are our guests.

“Hidden away inches from the sand, overlooking the gorgeous Makaiwa Bay and historic Kalahuipuaʻa fishponds you will find Napua Restaurant (open daily for Lunch and Dinner) at the Mauna Lani Beach Club. Owners Brandon and Chef Keoni (Brothers-in Law) strive to bring back the nostalgia of old Hawaii with new techniques and a fresh twist on the classics. With an honest farm-to-table concept the restaurant offers dishes sourced directly from Kaunamano Farms (owned and operated by Brandon and Chef Keoni) and other small local farmers in order to perpetuate a more sustainable Hawaii.” Think farm-raised pork from pampered Berkshire pigs. Come see their Hawaii which is a memorable contrast to dining at the exclusive, high-end restaurants at the nearby Kohala Coast destination resorts. Joining us from Napua is Johnny Holley the General Manager and Sommelier.”

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. How do you feel about accessing a menu at a better restaurant by scanning a QR code? Is that really user friendly to the guest? There are also other uses for a QR code at a restaurant. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Food journalist Steve Dolinsky, NBC 5 TV Chicago’s “The Food Guy”, is the recipient of an impressive 13 James Beard Foundation Awards for journalistic excellence. The James Beard Foundation Awards Gala for Restaurant and Chef Awards is in Chicago at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on Monday evening, June 5th. Steve will preview the 2023 James Beard Foundation Awards Gala and what it means to Chicago to again host such a prestigious event. “The James Beard Media Awards honoring broadcast media, cookbook, and journalism nominees from around the country is Saturday evening, June 3rd at Columbia College Chicago.”

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

Ian McCall of Riip Beer Company

The OC Brewers Guild is hosting OC Beer Week from Saturday, June 17th to Saturday June 24th.

OC Beer Week is a collection of events county-wide showcasing the best of what OC has to offer. For example, at Riip Beer Co they are crafting 3 special beers for the week. A pair are collaborations, one with There Does Not Exist (San Luis Obispo) and the other with North Park Brewing Company (San Diego). All participating Orange County craft breweries are also brewing a fundraiser beer for the OC Brewers Guild called Guilded Together.

OC Brewers Guild Board Member and Director of Brewing & Operations for Rip Beer Co, Ian McCall, joins us in-studio along with other members of the OCBG to tap the keg on all that is OC Beer Week.

“The Orange County Brewers Guild founded in 2015 is an organization dedicated to educating the public about the great American tradition of craft beer and its rich brewing culture in Orange County. With over 40 established craft breweries within the county’s borders, the OC Brewers Guild strives to bring to the public visibility and knowledge of the rich and constantly growing brewing culture present in Orange County.”

Tyler Malek of Salt and Straw

“To kick off the summer season, Salt & Straw ice cream is launching one of their most renowned and innovative monthly menus of the year to highlight creative and delicious solutions to help rescue wasted food: The Upcycled Food Series. With 229 million tons of food going unsold or uneaten each year, Salt & Straw was able to rescue over 38,000 pounds to use in the creation of these special flavors. To help craft this menu, they have partnered with five thoughtful brands that are dedicated to reducing food waste in the USA. Each ice cream flavor uses groundbreaking recipe development tactics and tells a unique story about different ways brands and people alike can rescue wasted food. Salt & Straw is proud to announce this menu and each flavor is officially Upcycled Certified®, awarded by the Upcycled Food Association (UFA).”

“Upcycled foods use ingredients that otherwise would not have gone to human consumption, are procured and produced using verifiable supply chains, and have a positive impact on the environment. The food Salt & Straw uses to Upcycle is what we would have considered to be “wasted food”. It’s the perfectly delicious bread or donuts that were baked this morning, but the grocery store can’t market as tomorrow’s “fresh” batch. Or the pulp left over from nut, oat, or soy milk that tends to be overlooked. Wasted food is happening on an individual and a brand level, and Salt & Straw is here to prove there is something that can be done about it. As a side note it can be incredibly delicious.”

Nico Nordin of Urban Gleaners

One of Salt & Straw’s partners in the Upcycled Food Series is Portland’s Urban Gleaners. Their featured flavor creation is: Day-Old Bread Pudding & Chocolate Ganache. In 2006, Urban Gleaners founder Tracy Oseran began a local movement that has grown into a vibrant volunteer-powered organization feeding thousands of families every week by rescuing fresh, unsold food—made up of the region’s best ingredients, from hand-roasted coffee and organic produce to fried chicken, gourmet deli sandwiches, and gluten-free cookies. Urban Gleaners now feeds over 8,000 people every week through school pantries, summer free farmers markets, and Mobile Markets at low-income housing communities.

Salt & Straw’s Co-Founder, Tyler Malek, and Urban Gleaners’ Nico Nordin (Executive Director) are our guests.

Brandon Lee of Napua Restaurant

Hidden away inches from the sand, overlooking the gorgeous Makaiwa Bay and historic Kalahuipuaʻa fishponds you will find Napua Restaurant (open daily for Lunch and Dinner) at the Mauna Lani Beach Club. “Owners Brandon and Chef Keoni (Brothers-in Law) strive to bring back the nostalgia of old Hawaii with new techniques and a fresh twists on the classics. With a true farm- to-table concept the restaurant offers dishes sourced directly from Kaunamano Farms (owned and operated by Brandon and Chef Keoni) and other small local farmers in order to perpetuate a more sustainable Hawaii.” Think farm-raised pork from pampered Berkshire pigs. Come see their Hawaii which is a memorable contrast to dining at the exclusive, high-end restaurants at the nearby Kophala Coast destination resorts.

“At one time, Napua was a private club for homeowners within the Mauna Lani Resort, and exclusive access was provided as a benefit to them. Now, the resort security gate is open to the public at 5 p.m. when the restaurant is open, and beach and restaurant parking is limited to homeowners during the day.”

“For Lunch, daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. parking is at the Kalahuipuaa Historic Park on Pauoa Rd. across from the Mauna Lani Spa & Fitness Center. The restaurant is a short walk away along the beachfront and historic fishponds of Kalahuipuaa, and it’s the perfect way to whet your appetite as this area was once used to cultivate fish for the alii, or the rulers of the land. Sunset cocktails and dinner are served from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is accessible by car from the end of South Kaniku Drive with complimentary parking and a breathtaking ocean view.”

Joining us from Napua is Co-owner (and Farmer) Brandon Lee.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

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

How do you feel about accessing a menu at a better restaurant by scanning a QR code? There are other potential uses for QR codes at the table. Is that really inviting and user friendly to the guest? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Steve Dolinsky and Andrew Gruel

Food journalist Steve Dolinsky, NBC 5 TV Chicago’s The Food Guy, is the recipient of an impressive 13 James Beard Foundation Awards for journalistic excellence. The James Beard Foundation Awards Gala for Restaurant and Chef Awards is in Chicago at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on Monday evening, June 5th. Steve will preview the 2023 James Beard Foundation Awards Gala and what it means to Chicago to again host such a prestigious event.

“The James Beard Media Awards honoring broadcast media, cookbook, and journalism nominees from around the country is Saturday evening, June 3rd at Columbia College Chicago.”

“For more than 30 years, the James Beard Awards, among the nation’s most prestigious honors, have recognized leaders in the culinary and food media industries. This month, nominees and Award winners will be honored through a weekend of events sure to be the industry’s and food lovers’ highlight of the year, gathering nearly 1,500 of the country’s top chefs, restaurateurs, food media, and culinary enthusiasts in Chicago with millions more tuning in live and on TV. More than 70 Awards will recognize excellence in the categories of restaurants and chefs, books, broadcast media, journalism, leadership, and lifetime achievements.”

Steve Dolinsky is our well-informed, on-the-scene guide to all the Beard Awards festivities this Weekend in Chicago.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: OC Brewers Guild’s Preview of OC Beer Week with riip Beer Co., Everywhere Beer Co. and Green Cheek Brewing Co. Part One
Segment Three: OC Brewers Guild’s Preview of OC Beer Week with riip Beer Co., Everywhere Beer Co. and Green Cheek Brewing Co. Part Two
Segment Four: Salt & Straw’s “The Upcycled Food Series” for June Part One
Segment Five: Salt & Straw’s “The Upcycled Food Series” for June Part Two
Segment Six: Napua Restaurant at Mauna Lani Beach Club, Waikoloa Village, The Big Island of Hawaii
Segment Seven: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”
Segment Eight: Steve Dolinsky, Food Journalist & NBC5 Chicago’s “The Food Guy”

Show 213, March 4, 2017: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Team USA wins Hold at the 2017 Bocuse D'orWe have been enthusiastically following the incredible “Road to Lyon” for Team USA in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition since Chef Mathew Peters (formerly with Thomas Keller’s per se) and his Commis, Harrison Turone, reigned supreme in a fierce cooking competition at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas in December 2015 to win the honor of representing Team USA in 2017 sat the Bocuse d’Or . For the first time in the 30- year history of the biannual Bocuse d’Or, Team USA took the coveted First Place Gold Statue in late January in Lyon.

You can join in an exclusive, well-deserved salute to our proud Team USA at a reception of specialty cocktails and canapes at Chef Walter Manzke’s (member of the ment’or BKB Culinay Council) Republique in Los Angeles on Monday evening, March 13th from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Both Chefs Mathew and Harrison will be there as well as the prized Gold Statue. Tickets are available right here. See you there!

Now an appetizing preview of this Saturday’s fully-loaded 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 that’s actually a pretty good thing…

L.A.’s Legendary Restaurants – Celebrating the Famous Places Where Hollywood Ate, Drank, and Played is an illustrated history (with rare & unusual recipes) of dozens of landmark eateries from throughout the City of Angels. From such classics as Musso & Frank and The Brown Derby in the 1920s to the see-and-be-seen crowds at Chasen’s, Romanoffs, and Ciro’s in the mid-20th century to the dawn of California cuisine at Ma Maison and Spago Sunset in the 1970s and ‘80s, L.A.’s Legendary Restaurants celebrates the famous locations where Hollywood ate, drank, and played. Author, chef, culinary instructor and Certified Culinary Professional George Geary is our guest.

Chef Dino Ferraro is affectionately known as the “Godfather of Italian Cuisine” in Huntington Beach with three popular Italian/Mediterranean Restaurants located in this prominent beach community know as Surf City USA. Chef Dino’s flagship is the recently expanded Capone’s Cucina and his other establishments are Black Trumpet Bistro and Mona Lisa Cucina.

Laurel Tavern, an American Gastropub, is new in Hermosa Beach. The menu maker is Chef Roger Hayot who is known to local foodies for his pioneering work as Owner/Chef at Los Angeles’ (now departed) Authentic Café. GM Lee Farrell is the architect of the civilized libation program there including an ambitious selection of rotating craft beers. We’ll meet them.

Cochon 555 is a national culinary competition for a cause in support of safe, honest foodways and family farms producing heritage breed pigs. The Los Angeles edition of the event takes place on March 12, at Viceroy Santa Monica. Among the five competing chefs is Bruce Kalman of Pasadena’s Union (Farmhouse Italian Fare.) Chef Bruce is our guest along with Cochon 555’s Communications Director Robert McKeown.

The 4th Annual FirkFest is back at the Anaheim Packing District on Saturday, March 11th and this year it’s a Tiki theme. It’s unlimited tastes from 50 casks. Talk about wild & unrestrained. Founder Greg Nagel taps the keg for us on this year’s event to benefit the Orange County Brewer’s Guild.

San 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. Executive Creative Chef Katy Smith is our guest.

Our Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, is a recognized expert on seafood. Poke outlets are seemingly popping up on every corner and fresh sushi is now available at your neighborhood convenience store. How do you know your poke and sushi is really fresh ? Raw fish needs to be handled, and stored, with care. Chef Andrew to the rescue with what you should know to be better informed!

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

March 4: George Geary, Dino Ferraro, Laurel Tavern, Cochon555, FirkFest, Puesto

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef George Geary, Author of L.A.’s Legendary Restaurants
Segment Three: Executive Chef / Restaurateur Dino Ferraro, Capone’s Cucina, Huntington Beach
Segment Four: Laurel Tavern, Hermosa Beach
Segment Five: Executive Chef Bruce Kalman, Union & Cochon 555 L.A. Competitor
Segment Six: Greg Nagel, Founder, FirkFest Caskaway
Segment Seven: Katy Smith, Executive Creative Chef, Puesto, Irvine’s Los Olivos Marketplace
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Team USA wins Hold at the 2017 Bocuse D'orWe have been enthusiastically following the incredible “Road to Lyon” for Team USA in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition since Chef Mathew Peters (formerly with Thomas Keller’s per se) and his Commis, Harrison Turone, reigned supreme in a fierce cooking competition at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas in December 2015 to win the honor of representing Team USA in 2017 sat the Bocuse d’Or . For the first time in the 30- year history of the biannual Bocuse d’Or, Team USA took the coveted First Place Gold Statue in late January in Lyon.

You can join in an exclusive, well-deserved salute to our proud Team USA at a reception of specialty cocktails and canapes at Chef Walter Manzke’s (member of the ment’or BKB Culinay Council) Republique in Los Angeles on Monday evening, March 13th from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Both Chefs Mathew and Harrison will be there as well as the prized Gold Statue. Tickets are available right here. See you there!

Now an appetizing preview of this Saturday’s fully-loaded 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 that’s actually a pretty good thing…

L.A.’s Legendary Restaurants – Celebrating the Famous Places Where Hollywood Ate, Drank, and Played is an illustrated history (with coveted recipes) of dozens of landmark eateries from throughout the City of Angels. From such classics as Musso & Frank and The Brown Derby in the 1920s to the see-and-be-seen crowds at Chasen’s, Romanoffs, and Ciro’s in the mid-20th century to the dawn of California cuisine at Ma Maison and Spago Sunset in the 1970s and ‘80s, L.A.’s Legendary Restaurants celebrates the famous locations where Hollywood ate, drank, and played. Author, chef, culinary instructor and Certified Culinary Professional George Geary is our guest.

Chef Dino Ferraro is affectionately known as the “Godfather of Italian Cuisine” in Huntington Beach with three popular Italian/Mediterranean Restaurants located in this prominent beach community know as Surf City USA. Chef Dino’s flagship is Capone’s Cucina and his other establishments are Black Trumpet Bistro and Mona Lisa Cucina.

Laurel Tavern, an American Gastropub, is new in Hermosa Beach. The menu maker is Chef Roger Hayot who is known to local foodies for his pioneering work as Owner/Chef at Los Angeles’ (now departed) Authentic Café. GM Lee Farrell is the architect of the civilized libation program there including an ambitious selection of rotating craft beers. We’ll meet them.

Cochon555 is a national culinary competition for a cause in support of safe, honest foodways and family farms producing heritage breed pigs. The Los Angeles edition of the event takes place on March 12, at Viceroy Santa Monica. Among the five competing chefs is Bruce Kalman of Pasadena’s Union (Farmhouse Italian Fare.) Chef Bruce is our guest along with Cochon 555’s Communications Director Robert McKeown. 

The 4th Annual FirkFest is back at the Anaheim Packing District on Saturday, March 11th and this year it’s a Tiki theme. It’s unlimited tastes from 50 casks. Talk about wild & unrestrained. Founder Greg Nagel taps the keg for us on this year’s event to benefit the Orange County Brewer’s Guild.

San 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. Executive Creative Chef Katy Smith is our guest.

Our Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, is a recognized expert on seafood. Poke outlets are seemingly popping up on every corner and fresh sushi is now available at your neighborhood convenience store. How do you know your poke and sushi is really fresh ? Raw fish needs to be handled, and stored, with care. Chef Andrew to the rescue with what you should know to be better informed!

George GearyL.A.’s Legendary Restaurants – Celebrating the Famous Places Where Hollywood Ate, Drank, and Played is an illustrated history (with coveted recipes) of dozens of landmark eateries from throughout the City of Angels. From such classics as Musso & Frank and The Brown Derby in the 1920s to the see-and-be-seen crowds at Chasen’s, Romanoffs, and Ciro’s in the mid-20th century to the dawn of California cuisine at Ma Maison and Spago Sunset in the 1970s and ‘80s, L.A.’s Legendary Restaurants celebrates the famous locations where Hollywood ate, drank, and played.

Author George Geary leads you into the glamorous restaurants inhabited by the stars through a lively narrative filled with colorful anecdotes and illustrated with vintage photographs, historic menus, and timeless ephemera. Over 100 iconic recipes for entrees, appetizers, desserts, and vintage drinks are included, and all are updated for today’s cook and kitchen.

While many people have heard the story of Elizabeth Taylor requesting that Chasen’s famous chili be flown to her on the set of Cleopatra in Rome, L.A.’s Legendary Restaurants offers facts and trivia that aren’t as well known to the general public, such as Bob Hope’s favorite place to enjoy a hot fudge sundae after the Academy Awards, the restaurant where part of a table was sawed off to accommodate a pregnant Lana Turner, and the pharmacy where composer Harold Arlen wrote “Over the Rainbow” for The Wizard of Oz.

The glamour of the golden age of drive-ins, drugstores, nightclubs, and hotels are also honored. What book on L.A. restaurants would be complete without tales of ice cream sundaes at C.C. Brown’s, cafeteria-style meals at Clifton’s, a late-night breakfast at Ben Frank’s, or a mai tai at Don the Beachcomber?

Author, chef and Certified Culinary Professional George Geary is our guest.

Dino FerraroChef Dino Ferraro is affectionately known as the “Godfather of Italian Cuisine” in Huntington Beach with three popular Italian/Mediterranean Restaurants located in this prominent beach community. Chef Dino’s flagship is Capone’s Cucina and his other establishments are Black Trumpet Bistro and Mona Lisa Cucina.

Capone’s Pasta and Pizza opened in Westminster in 1997. It was at this location that Dino expanded his repertoire and added specials to the standard menu. Customers were hooked on Dino’s ability to transform everyday ingredients into culinary works of art and became regulars.

He sold Capone’s Pasta and Pizza in 2000 and moved to Huntington Beach where he opened Capone’s Cucina with a goal of creating a more gourmet dining experience. In 2002, Dino hired friend and fellow chef, Francois Lieutaud to create a unique paring of French and Italian cuisine. The combination made for an old world European feel and customers loved the larger selection of dishes. Capone’s remodeled and expanded into the space next door late last year.

Dino and Francois rejoined again and started Mona Lisa Cucina with a large variety of gourmet pasta’s and pizza’s to serve the Huntington Beach community. From their early experiments with simple, basic foods grew an appreciation for the sensuality of texture, presentation and fragrance.

The newest addition to Chef Dino’s family of restaurants is The Black Trumpet. This establishment specializes in Mediterranean tapas, small plates that bring the guest the flavors of Italy, France, Greece and Morocco.

Roger HayotLaurel Tavern, an American Gastropub, is new in Hermosa Beach. The menu maker is Chef Roger Hayot who is known to local foodies for his pioneering work as Owner/Chef at Los Angeles’ (now departed) Authentic Café. GM Lee Farrell is the architect of the civilized libation program there including an ambitious selection of craft beers.

It’s a youthful vibe with moderate prices. You order at The Bar and a friendly server brings you your libations and food.

Weekend Brunch includes specialties like Lemon Ricotta Stuffed French Toast and Mohawk Smoked Bacon.

Dinner specialties are the Sausage Board with bratwurst, apple & smoked gouda sausage, andouille sausage and accompaniments, and Smoked Chicken Salad with mahon cheese, marcona almonds, piquillio peppers, mushrooms, chickpeas and pickled red onion.

The ample bar program includes an international “Build Your Own Mule” option.

We’ll meet both Chef Roger and GM Lee.

Bruce Kalman on Union PasadenaCochon555 is a national culinary competition for a cause in support of safe, honest foodways and family farms producing heritage breed pigs. The Los Angeles edition of the event takes place on March 12, at Viceroy Santa Monica. Among the five competing local chefs is Bruce Kalman of Pasadena’s Union (Farmhouse Italian Fare.)

At the center of Cochon555 is a cook-off featuring five chefs cooking five whole, heritage breed pigs with innovative techniques and bold flavor profiles. One week before the event, the five competing chefs receive a 200-pound heritage breed pig from a local farmer. They are each tasked to create and present a “Judge’s Plate” of 6 dishes scored on categories such as utilization; cooking techniques; and overall flavor. The winner from each city is crowned the “Prince of Porc,” and given a place at Cochon’s national championship, Grand Cochon, to be held in Chicago during October 2017. This year, Chef Larry Monaco of Viceroy Santa Monica’s CAST Restaurant will lead the judging.

Communal feasting is an integral part of the Cochon555 culinary fabric. Beyond the 30 chef-competitor dishes – all told, some 1,500-plus pounds of heritage pork from family farms – guests can sample beef tartare with the wines of Antica Napa Valley; farmhouse cheeses; a pop-up bakery featuring La Brea; a Reserve Salami Snack Bar from Creminelli and Divina paired with wines from Nielson; a ramen noodle soup bar paired with the racy wines from Wines of Germany; organic pâté offerings from Les Trois Petit Cochons; a Luxury Butter Bar featuring Sabatino truffle butter, foie gras, and more; wines from Twomey and Silver Oak Cellars paired with bites prepared by Chef Dominic Orsini and an innovative take on classic pastry presented by Perfect Puree of Napa Valley.

Tickets for general admission start at $125; VIP tickets (early admission + exclusive sommelier and cocktail competition tastings) are $200; and BESPOKE tickets $400 (includes a multi-course charity dinner prepared by 3 celebrity chefs on Saturday night; super early admission + exclusive private tasting and tour of Somm-Selected wines and the Barkeep competition by a Cochon555 director on Sunday; and a donation to Piggy Bank charity). You can purchase tickets right here.

Chef Bruce Kalman is our guest along with Cochon 555’s Communications Director, Robert McKeown. 

Greg NagelThe 4th Annual FirkFest is back at the Anaheim Packing District on Saturday, March 11th and this year it’s a Tiki theme. It’s unlimited tastes from 50 casks. Talk about wild & unrestrained. It’s beers, food and all-Tiki-themed décor.

“Looking at the previous three Firkfest events, I saw a common denominator: tropical-style beers seemed to stand out. As a huge cocktail nerd that loves Tiki culture, it’s time for the area’s craft brewers to come together, throw on some grass skirts, and make something truly unique,” says founder, organizer, and local beer writer Greg Nagel, @OCBeerBlog.

Food vendors include Tiki-style slider restaurant Hatch and the Iron Press bringing pulled-pork fries and sliders, Adya: Fresh Indian Flavors is bringing tropical Kebab and nacho-like pineapple chaat, and Salt & Ash from P-town is coming up with a pork Musubi-like dish (tbd).

Founder Greg Nagel taps the keg for us on this year’s event to benefit the Orange County Brewer’s Guild.

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.

Andrew and William GruelOur Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, is a recognized expert on seafood. Poke outlets are seemingly popping up on every corner and fresh sushi is now available at your neighborhood convenience store.

How do you know if your poke and sushi are really fresh? Raw fish needs to be handled, and stored, with care. Chef Andrew to the rescue with what you should know to be better informed!

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef George Geary, Author of L.A.’s Legendary Restaurants
Segment Three: Executive Chef / Restaurateur Dino Ferraro, Capone’s Cucina, Huntington Beach
Segment Four: Laurel Tavern, Hermosa Beach
Segment Five: Executive Chef Bruce Kalman, Union & Cochon 555 L.A. Competitor
Segment Six: Greg Nagel, Founder, FirkFest Caskaway
Segment Seven: Katy Smith, Executive Creative Chef, Puesto, Irvine’s Los Olivos Marketplace
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Show 163, March 12, 2016: Greg Nagel, Producer, FirkFest, OC Cask Beer Festival

Greg NagelIt’s 2016, which means it’s time to put on the wooden barrel pants, held up by suspenders. Firkfest 2016 is being planned for March 19, 2016, in Anaheim at Farmers Park, which is in-between the Packing House and Umami Burger.

From Event Producer Greg Nagel @OCBeerBlog:

“While standing in a 200 person line for a cask of Noble Ale Works Naughty Sauce at a beer festival this past summer, it dawned on me. Orange County needs a proper cask ale festival.”

“Expect fifty-ish casks from true craft beer makers. Brewers love the fest, the press loves the fest, and I’ve heard nothing but praise from guests. So buy your tickets early and tell a friend!”

“Why a cask ale festival? A cask is simply a vessel filled with liquid meant to be served within a day or so once tapped. Brewers fill the cask with beer for conditioning and then can treat it like a blank canvas; adding fresh hops, blending beers, adding tea/coffee or other creative ingredients. It’s a one-time shot to try something new and fun.”

This is an event that doesn’t over-sell tickets. There is a ceiling on admissions so everyone can comfortably move around. Lines are typically easy to navigate. Nice…

There are also a variety of compatible International foods available for purchase including nibbles from Adya.

Greg will tap one of the 50 plus casks for us and provide a full pour on all the thirst-quenching ingredients of Firkfest 3.0 supporting the OCBrewersGuild.