Show 466, March 19, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris including Anne Marie Panoringan

Food Journalist Anne Marie Panoringan

Anne Marie Panoringan is Voice of OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. The column publishes every other Friday. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to profile how two Orange County restaurants weathered Covid 19 in very different ways and also discusses her upcoming column about the burgeoning restaurant scene in Fullerton which publishes on Friday, March 25th. Anne Marie also reports on highlights from last week’s Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Convention Center. It’s the 2nd biggest convention held annually at the ACC. Anne Marie, in-studio, is part of this segment.

We first introduced Chef Eric Klein to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” when he was the high-profile Executive Chef and Partner of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops. Later Chef Eric transitioned with a giant promotion to Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering based at The Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Every year for over two-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony. This year The Oscars return to the Dolby Theater on Sunday, March 27th. Talk about great expectations…Chef Eric Klein takes a brief break from his busy kitchens to join us.

Baker Arturo Enciso’s Gusto Bread is an organic panadería in Long Beach, California, specializing in pan and pan dulce made only with masa madre (natural leaven: sourdough starter).Find freshly made loaves, conchas, long breads, nixtamal, polvorones, horchata, café de olla, yerba mate, as well as delicious pantry goods (sardinas, beans), and so much more.” “Gusto Bread is a homey, creative, latinx operation, with a love for tradition and nutrition, serving and supported by their local community.”
Gusto loves putting their heart and soul into their acclaimed work. Baker Arturo has a passionate connection to bread and baking.” Arturo takes a break from his busy deck ovens and joins us.

Talley Vineyards (cool climate wines from the SLO Coast) Owner & Vintner Brian Talley is a third- generation farmer and second- generation winegrower born and raised in Arroyo Grande.  While attending UC Berkeley, where he earned degrees in History and Natural Resource Economics, he worked in a wine shop where he fell in love with wine. Brian began his career in the family business at age 12 when he started harvesting vegetables at Talley Farms.  He became General Manager of Talley Vineyards in 1991 and now serves as President of Talley Vineyards and Talley Farms.” Brian Talley is our guest to uncork all that is Talley Vineyards.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew’s favorite charity benefit of the year is the high-profile OC Chef’s Table benefiting the Illumination Foundation. It’s set for Sunday, March 27th at the Disneyland Hotel. The long-term goal of Illumination Foundation is to end homelessness in the OC. The event last year raised over $1.3 million. Chef Andrew provides the overview.

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

Show 466, March 19, 2022: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino

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

Chef Andrew’s favorite charity benefit of the year is the OC Chef’s Table benefiting the Illumination Foundation. It’s set for Sunday, March 27th at the Disneyland Hotel. The long-term goal of Illumination Foundation is to end homelessness in the OC. The event last year raised over $1.3 million. The headlining chef is Jet Tila, the emeritus Host of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” and the author of the newly published 101 Thai Dishes You Need To Cook Before You Die. Chef Andrew provides the overview of this very special evening.

Show 313, March 2, 2019: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosOur own Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group, is again hosting a sumptuous table at the 6th Annual OC Chef’s Table (as a total donation) benefiting the Illumination Foundation. Its theme is “Take a Seat to End Homelessnes.” It takes place at The Disneyland Hotel.

Impressively the high-end Benefit is already sold out and tickets are now on sale for 2020. Chef Andrew will detail why he’s a multi-year, enthusiastic supporter of the good work of the Illumination Foundation.

“Today in Orange County alone, there are more than 32,000 children that are homeless or unstably housed in cars and motels. An excess of 55,000 homeless individuals reside in Southern California alone.”

“The non-profit organization, Illumination Foundation, was founded in 2007 with the sole mission to break the cycle of homelessness. From its start, Illumination Foundation has focused on providing permanent housing solutions, along with emergency housing for families in dire need, recuperative care centers for homeless individuals recovering from hospital care, and a cadre of mental and physical health services, career counseling and placement, children’s resource centers for tutoring and healthy socialization and more.”

Show 265, March 17, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a tantalizing preview of Saturday’s decadent show. No blarney or four-leaf clovers here…but plenty of fresh Irish Soda Bread. 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.

The 5th Annual Firkfest Cask Beer Festival is back on March 24th at the Anaheim Packing District Farmers Park. This year, again, it’s a Tiki theme. All the cask beers served are made specifically for the event. They may never be brewed again. Founder, organizer, and local beer writer Greg Nagel taps the cask for us.

Chef Zov Karamardian, founder of Zov’s Restaurants, will receive the Epicenter Award honoring her passion and commitment for creating a strong and healthy community from the Alzheimer’s Association at their Women #ENDALZ Luncheon at the Fashion Island Hotel in Newport Beach on April 13th. Chef Zov and Anne Grey, Executive Director for the Alzheimer’s Association, join us.

From the Arabian Sea to the peaks of the Himalayas, cuisine in Karachi is as diverse as its inhabitants and draws influences from across South, Central, and West Asia. Acclaimed Pakistani chef, culinary educator, humanitarian, and food stylist, Kausar Ahmed, has curated and created mouth-watering recipes in her first cookbook, The Karachi Kitchen – Classic and Contemporary Flavors of Pakistan. Chef Kausar is unusually in Santa Monica on Sunday, March 25th presenting a multi-course Pakistan feast from The Karachi Kitchen to benefit the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.) Chef Kausar is our guest.

Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Wines are made by Buellton Hitching Post owner / chef Frank Ostini (made famous in in the Oscar-winning feature motion picture “Sideways”) and his good friend, former fisherman Gray Hartley. Frank and Gray first made wine at home in 1979. They found their first Pinot Noir in 1981. The project moved to a winery in 1984 to make wines exclusively for the Hitching Post Restaurant. Their passioned focus has been to work with the California Central Coast’s best vineyards producing many Pinot Noirs, a couple Syrahs and a red blend of Merlot.

Figueroa Philly, arguably Los Angeles’ number one destination for the most authentic Cheese Steaks and Hoagies, is celebrating its favorite holiday, National Philly Cheese Steak Day, on Saturday, March 24, with a delicious giveaway. The first 100 fans on line next Saturday morning will receive a signature Classic Figueroa Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich absolutely free of charge ($8.85 value). Rocky would be proud. Proprietor Danny Hizami slathers on the processed Cheez Whiz.

Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his “Ask the Chef” series. Tilapia is one of those better-for-you fish that just doesn’t get enough deserved respect or visibility. It’s slowly changing. Tilapia can be successfully farm-raised in a healthy, pristine environment. It’s mild tasting and versatile for use in a lot of satisfying recipes. The fish is also hugely affordable. Chef Andrew reels the specifics in for us.

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

March 17: FIrkFest, Zov Karamardian, Kausar Ahmed, Hitching Post Wines, Figueroa Philly

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Greg Nagel, Founder & Producer, Firkfest Castaway Tiki Cask Beer Festival
Segment Three: Chef Zov Karmardian, Zov’s & Anne Grey, Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association
Segment Four: Chef Kausar Ahmed, The Karachi Kitchen – Classic and Contemporary Flavors of Pakistan
Segment Five: Gray Hartley, Founder & Co-Winemaker, Hitching Post Wines, Buellton Part One
Segment Six: Gray Hartley, Founder & Co-Winemaker, Hitching Post Wines, Buellton Part Two
Segment Seven: National Philly Cheese Steak Day with Figueroa Philly
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel’s “Ask the Chef”

Now a tantalizing preview of this Saturday’s decadent show. No blarney or four-leaf clovers here…but plenty of fresh Irish Soda Bread. 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.

The 5th Annual Firkfest Cask Beer Festival is back on March 24th at the Anaheim Packing District Farmers Park. This year, again, it’s a Tiki theme. All the cask beers served are made specifically for the event. They may never be brewed again. Founder, organizer, and local beer writer Greg Nagel taps the cask for us.

Chef Zov Karamardian, founder of Zov’s Restaurants, will receive the Epicenter Award honoring her passion and commitment for creating a strong and healthy community from the Alzheimer’s Association at their Women #ENDALZ Luncheon at the Fashion Island Hotel in Newport Beach on April 13th. Chef Zov and Anne Grey, Executive Director for the Alzheimer’s Association join us.

From the Arabian Sea to the peaks of the Himalayas, cuisine in Karachi is as diverse as its inhabitants and draws influences from across South, Central, and West Asia. Acclaimed Pakistani chef, culinary educator, humanitarian, and food stylist, Kausar Ahmed, has curated and created mouth-watering recipes in her first cookbook, The Karachi Kitchen – Classic and Contemporary Flavors of Pakistan. Chef Kausar is unusually in Santa Monica on Sunday, March 25th presenting a multi-course Pakistan feast from The Karachi Kitchen to benefit the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.) Chef Kausar is our guest.

Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Wines are made by Buellton Hitching Post owner/chef Frank Ostini (made famous in in the Oscar-winning feature “Sideways”) and his good friend, former fisherman Gray Hartley. Frank and Gray first made wine at home in 1979. They found their first Pinot Noir in 1981. The project moved to a winery in 1984 to make wines exclusively for the Hitching Post Restaurant. Their passioned focus has been to work with the California Central Coast’s best vineyards producing many Pinot Noirs, a couple Syrahs and a red blend of Merlot.

Figueroa Philly, arguably Los Angeles’ number one destination for the most authentic Cheese Steaks and Hoagies, is celebrating its favorite holiday, National Philly Cheese Steak Day, on Saturday, March 24, with a delicious giveaway. The first 100 fans on line next Saturday morning will receive a signature Famous Figueroa Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich absolutely free of charge ($9.85 value). Rocky would be proud. Proprietor Danny Hizami slathers on the processed Cheez Whiz.

Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his “Ask the Chef” series. Tilapia is one of those better-for-you fish that just doesn’t get enough deserved respect or visibility. It’s slowly changing. Tilapia can be successfully farm-raised in a healthy, pristine environment. It’s mild tasting and versatile for use in a lot of recipes. The fish is also hugely affordable. Chef Andrew reels the specifics in for us.

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

Greg NagelThe 5th Annual Firkfest Cask Beer Festival is back on March 24th at the Anaheim Packing District Farmers Park. This year, again, it’s a Tiki theme. All the cask beers served are made specifically for the event. They may never be brewed again.

“Of the hundreds of different flavors of beer, a large portion can be described as “tropical”. Whether it be IPAs bursting with mango, pineapple, or passion fruit hoppy notes; stouts with Pina Colada and Mai Tai vibes, or even Belgian-style beers with Zombie cocktail overtones…don’t be surprised to see this year’s Firkfest beers to include “aged in rum barrel” or have actual barbecued pineapple making up the event’s beers.”

New this year is the well-respected OC Bartenders Cabinet will be shaking up actual Tiki cocktails for demonstration and sampling. Several bartenders are teaming up with breweries to also collaborate on tropical/tiki-style cask beers.

“Looking at the previous 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.

Tickets are $50 including fees, all profits supporting the historic Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade, an event that celebrates a 95-year history. Event tickets are by-design, limited, as the producer keeps things intimate. “It’s a park-like atmosphere, where people chill on beach blankets and chairs,” says fest-man Nagel.

Founder, organizer, and local beer writer Greg Nagel taps the cask for us.

Zov Karamardian or Zov's in TustinChef Zov Karamardian, founder of the long-running and popular Zov’s Restaurants, will receive the Epicenter Award honoring her passion and commitment for creating a strong and healthy community from the Alzheimer’s Association at their Women #ENDALZ Luncheon (from 12 Noon to 2:00 p.m.) at the Fashion Island Hotel in Newport Beach on April 13th.

“WOMEN #ENDALZ celebrates the power and influence of women. By using our collective voices, we can create awareness of the impact Alzheimer’s on our health, our families and our nation. Women are disproportionally affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Almost two-thirds of Americans with the disease are women and 65 percent of caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s are women. THE RISK IS REAL FOR WOMEN A woman’s estimated lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s at age 65 is 1 in 6.”

“A woman’s estimated lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s at age 65 is 1 in 6. As real a concern as breast cancer is to women’s health, women in their 60s are about twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as they are to develop breast cancer. Not only are women more likely to have Alzheimer’s, they are also more likely to be caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.”

$200 per ticket includes valet parking, champagne reception and lunch with wine.

Kausar AhmedFrom the Arabian Sea to the peaks of the Himalayas, cuisine in Karachi is as diverse as its inhabitants and draws influences from across South, Central, and West Asia. Acclaimed Pakistani chef, culinary educator, humanitarian, and food stylist, Kausar Ahmed, has curated and created mouth-watering recipes in her first cookbook, The Karachi Kitchen – Classic and Contemporary Flavors of Pakistan.

Chef Kausar is unusually in Santa Monica on Sunday, March 25th presenting a multi-course Pakistan feast from The Karachi Kitchen to benefit the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.) Think Champagne Reception with passed appetizers (Mini Shaami Kababs & Green Coconut Chutney) and dual entrees of Murgh Hara Masala (Green Chicken) Lentil and Rice Pilaf (meatless) paired with premium wines and local craft beers.

Each guest also receives a personally signed copy of Chef Kausar’s The Karachi Kitchen – Classic and Contemporary Flavors of Pakistan.

100 per cent of the $175 ticket price goes to C-CAP to support their programming with local, at-risk high school students. Limited to 18 guests.

Chef Kausar is our guest.

Gray HartleyHartley-Ostini Hitching Post Wines are made by Buellton Hitching Post owner / chef Frank Ostini (made famous in in the Oscar-winning feature “Sideways”) and his good friend, former fisherman Gray HartleyFrank and Gray first made wine at home in 1979. They found their first Pinot Noir in 1981. The project moved to a winery in 1984 to make wines exclusively for the Hitching Post Restaurant.

Their passioned focus has been to work with the California Central Coast’s best vineyards producing many Pinot Noirs, a couple Syrahs and a red blend of Merlot named Gen Red. They also produce a dry barrel fermented rose named Pinks.

Hitching Post Wines strives to create handcrafted, flavorful wines that possess poise and balance so that they may complement the food at Frank Ostini’s wildly popular Hitching Post Restaurant.

Co-Winemaker & Partner, Gray Hartley pulls the cork for us.

Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley of Hitching Post Wines believe that great wines are made in the vineyard. Their winemaking philosophy is that they are caretakers who guide the wine into the bottle. As the wine matures it is simply left to gently age in the barrel. This minimalist approach allows Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Wines to reflect the character of the vineyard and the vintage, preserving the essence of the grape for you to enjoy when you open the bottle.

Hitching Post Wines are admired by those who appreciate Santa Barbara wines for their fresh fruit, spice, earthy complexities, and refreshing acidity. Their goal is to put a “slice of Santa Barbara County in each bottle and a piece of their soul in every glass of Hitching Post Wine.”

“Highliner is the “Best fisherman in the fleet” and our flagship Santa Barbara Pinot Noir. Each vintage is crafted from our best vineyards and best barrels.”

Highliner was featured in the 2014 Oscar-winning film, “Sideways” that brought international attention to the Hitching Post brand.

“We shaped this cuvee to include mostly Bien Nacido, Sanford & Benedict, and Fiddlestix Vineyards grapes. Delicious today with flavors of red cherry, plum, mint, white pepper sand blood orange, this Highliner (2014) is destined to give pleasure for many years.”

Danny HizamiFigueroa Philly, arguably Los Angeles’ number one destination for the most authentic Cheese Steaks and Hoagies, on Saturday, March 24, with a delicious giveaway. The first 100 fans on line next Saturday morning will receive a signature Famous Figueroa Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich absolutely free of charge ($8.95 value). Rocky would be proud.

Proprietor Danny Hizami slathers on the processed Cheez Whiz.

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at the Fifth Anniversary of the SoCal Restaurant ShowOur always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his Ask the Chef series. Tilapia is one of those better-for-you fish that just doesn’t get enough deserved respect or visibility. It’s slowly changing. Tilapia can be successfully farm-raised in a healthy, pristine environment.

Tilapia is mild tasting and versatile for use in a lot of satisfying recipes. The fish is also hugely affordable. Chef Andrew reels the specifics in for us.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Greg Nagel, Founder & Producer, Firkfest Castaway Tiki Cask Beer Festival
Segment Three: Chef Zov Karmardian, Zov’s & Anne Grey, Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Association
Segment Four: Chef Kausar Ahmed, The Karachi Kitchen – Classic and Contemporary Flavors of Pakistan
Segment Five: Gray Hartley, Founder & Co-Winemaker, Hitching Post Wines, Buellton Part One
Segment Six: Gray Hartley, Founder & Co-Winemaker, Hitching Post Wines, Buellton Part Two
Segment Seven: National Philly Cheese Steak Day with Figueroa Philly
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel’s “Ask the Chef”

Show 264, March 10, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a captivating preview of this Saturday’s scrumptious 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.

Ever consider the delights of top quality peanut butter? The style (with no sugar) that is dense with spreadable crunch and oozing with the rich taste and aroma of freshly roasted peanuts? Kiwi Pic Picot certainly has. Since founding Pic’s Really Good Peanut Butter Co. in his garage in Nelson, NZ back in 2008 he is now the best-selling (and best loved) peanut butter in New Zealand with over 40 per cent of the market! Pic’s is now conquering California. The inspirational NZ peanut butter baron, Pic Picot, is our in-studio guest with his unlikely story.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s 13th annual Simply diVine, the premier food and wine event for LGBT people and their allies, will take place on Saturday, March 24, from 6–9 p.m. Held for the first time at Hollywood Forever—one of the world’s most fascinating landmarks best known as the final resting place to more of Hollywood’s founders and stars than anywhere else on Earth—guests will sample extraordinary food and drinks from L.A.’s most popular restaurants, food trucks, wineries, distilleries, breweries, and more. All proceeds support the Center’s life-changing and life-saving programs and services. Event Co-Chair Chef Susan Feniger joins us with all the absolutely fabulous details.

For North Europeans in search of a summer trifecta of sun, sea and sand, Portugal’s southern coastline exerts an irresistible allure. Savvy International wine lovers are now following suit, on a separate voyage of discovery into the country’s hot, dry interior and the vineyards of southern Portugal’s Alentejo (ah-len-TAY-zhoo) region. As with many areas of Southern Europe, wine has been made in the Alentejo for time immemorial, most of it spent in quiet obscurity. But with a winemaking revival well underway, supported by the investment of EU funds, that is fast starting to change. Evan Goldstein, MS, an authority on the wines of Portugal, is our guide to one of the most promising wine regions in southern Europe today.

Executive Chef/Proprietor David Pratt of Brick Restaurant in San Clemente likes to challenge himself. He’s been very successful since opening 6 years ago with his gourmet pizzas from the wood-burning oven with a subspecialty in multi-meat meatballs cooked in the wood-burning oven. Chef David has newly installed an eye-popping Santa Maria-style grill and the appealing farm menu has broadened to include grilled lobster, rib-eye and hangar steaks, lamb chops and whole young kitchen. We divert Chef David from working the Santa Maria grill for a chat.

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar has opened its third Southern California location at San Diego’s Westfield UTC in La Jolla. The Winery Restaurant La Jolla provides guests with the same rich experience as its Orange County locations at The District in Tustin and overlooking the marina in Newport Beach. The Winery also operates a separate 1,300-square-foot wine bar within Westfield UTC, called The Wine Bar by The Winery, meant to provide a rich experience at a casual pace, perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or tasting flight and small bite. Managing Partner JC Clow is our guide.

Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his “Ask the Chef” series. The big Illumination Foundation Benefit, OC Chef’s Table, is set for Sunday, March 18th at Disney’s Grand Californian. Chef Andrew is again a participant in this high profile and worthy charity event. Each celebrity chef cooks with great fanfare for an exclusive table of ten. We’ll hear about it.

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

Show 264, March 10, 2018: Chef Andrew Gruel’s “Ask the Chef”

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosOur always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his Ask the Chef series. The significant Illumination Foundation Benefit, OC Chef’s Table, is set for Sunday, March 18th at Disney’s Grand Californian. Chef Andrew is again a participant in this high profile and worthy charity event. Each celebrity chef cooks with great fanfare for an exclusive (highly decorated & visually stunning) table of ten. We’ll hear about it.

March 10: Pic’s Peanut Butter, Susan Feniger, Portugal Wines, Brick Restaurant, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Pic Picot, Pic’s Really Good Peanut Butter, Nelson, New Zealand Part One
Segment Three: Pic Picot, Pic’s Really Good Peanut Butter, Nelson, New Zealand Part Two
Segment Four: Border Grill’s Susan Feniger, Simply DiVine
Segment Five: Evan Goldstein, MS, The Wines of Alentejo, Portugal
Segment Six: Executive Chef / Proprietor David Pratt, Brick Restaurant, San Clemente
Segment Seven: JC Clow, Founding Managing Partner, The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel’s “Ask the Chef”

Now a captivating preview of this Saturday’s scrumptious show. No blarney here…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.

Ever consider the delights of top quality peanut butter? The style (with no sugar) that is dense with spreadable crunch and oozing with the rich taste and aroma of freshly roasted peanuts? Kiwi Pic Picot certainly has. Since founding Pic’s Really Good Peanut Butter Co. in his garage in Nelson, NZ back in 2008 he is now the best-selling (and best loved) peanut butter in New Zealand. Pic’s is now conquering California. The inspirational NZ peanut butter baron, Pic Picot, is our in-studio guest with his unlikely story.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s 13th annual Simply diVine, the premier food and wine event for LGBT people and their allies, will take place on Saturday, March 24, from 6–9 p.m. Held for the first time at Hollywood Forever—one of the world’s most fascinating landmarks best known as the final resting place to more of Hollywood’s founders and stars than anywhere else on Earth—guests will sample extraordinary food and drinks from L.A.’s most popular restaurants, food trucks, wineries, distilleries, breweries, and more. All proceeds support the Center’s life-changing and life-saving programs and services. Event Co-Chair Chef Susan Feniger joins us with all the absolutely fabulous details.

For North Europeans in search of a summer trifecta of sun, sea and sand, Portugal’s southern coastline exerts an irresistible allure. Savvy International wine lovers are now following suit, on a separate voyage of discovery into the country’s hot, dry interior and the vineyards of southern Portugal’s Alentejo (ah-len-TAY-zhoo) region. As with many areas of Southern Europe, wine has been made in the Alentejo for time immemorial, most of it spent in quiet obscurity. But with a winemaking revival well underway, supported by the investment of EU funds, that is fast starting to change. Evan Goldstein, MS, an authority on the wines of Portugal, is our guide to one of the most promising wine regions in southern Europe today.

Executive Chef/Proprietor David Pratt of Brick Restaurant in San Clemente likes to challenge himself. He’s been very successful since opening 6 years ago with his gourmet pizzas from the wood-burning oven with a subspecialty in multi-meat meatballs cooked in the wood-burning oven. Chef David has newly installed an eye-popping Santa Maria-style grill and the appealing farm menu has broadened to include grilled lobster, rib-eye and hangar steaks, lamb chops and whole young kitchen. We divert Chef David from working the Santa Maria grill for a chat.

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar has opened its third Southern California location at San Diego’s Westfield UTC in La Jolla. The Winery Restaurant La Jolla provides guests with the same rich experience as its Orange County locations at The District in Tustin and overlooking the marina in Newport Beach. In the coming weeks, The Winery will also open a separate 1,300-square-foot wine bar within Westfield UTC, called The Wine Bar by The Winery, meant to provide a rich experience at a casual pace, perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or tasting flight and small bite. Managing Partner JC Clow is our guide.

Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his “Ask the Chef” series. The big Illumination Foundation Benefit, OC Chef’s Table, is set for Sunday, March 18th at Disney’s Grand Californian. Chef Andrew is again a participant in this high profile and worthy charity event. Each celebrity chef cooks with great fanfare for an exclusive table of ten. We’ll hear about it.

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

Pic PicotEver consider the delights of top quality peanut butter? The style (with no sugar) that is dense with spreadable crunch and oozing with the rich taste and aroma of freshly roasted peanuts? Kiwi Pic Picot certainly has. Since founding Pic’s Really Good Peanut Butter Co. in his garage in Nelson, NZ back in 2008 he is now the best-selling (and best loved) peanut butter in New Zealand. Pic’s is now conquering California with availability in Pavilions, Gelson’s and Bristol Farms.

“In 2008 I sold 48 jars to our local supermarket and took to the road. Within a year you could buy Pic’s in 50 outlets around the country. Then we were picked up by both of NZ’s supermarket chains and suddenly Pic’s was available pretty much anywhere in New Zealand.” – Pic Picot

Today, in two bursting-at-the-seams peanut butter works in Nelson, Pic’s produces some 20,000 jars a day. A new 25,000 square foot production facility is under construction designed to accommodate comprehensive factory tours.

The inspirational NZ peanut butter baron, Pic Picot, is our in-studio guest with his in unlikely story.

“My Mum and Auntie had made a bit of peanut butter when I was little. They’d both bought a new Vitamix and peanut butter was one of the cool things you could make with them. Anyway, I bought a few kilos of peanuts, roasted them in the oven and squished them up with a bit of salt, blowing up my cheap modern blender in the process.”

“But the peanut butter was beautiful. A million times nicer than the stuff I’d got used to. I filled a few jars for friends, and one of my twelve year old son’s mates liked it so much he bought a jar with his pocket money.”

“I was fifty- five, going a bit blind (macular degeneration runs in the family) and had just had to close a little Laundromat that had been earning me a couple of hundred dollars a week. I figured if I could make 30 jars of peanut butter on Friday morning I could sell it at our farmers market on Friday afternoon and get my $200 back.”

“So that’s what I did. I made a roaster out of a concrete mixer and bought a bench top grinder and a tonne of peanuts from Australia and got to work.” –Pic Picot

Susan Feniger of Mud Hen TavernThe Los Angeles LGBT Center’s 13th annual Simply diVine, the premier food and wine event for LGBT people and their allies, will take place on Saturday, March 24, from 6–9 p.m. Held for the first time at Hollywood Forever—one of the world’s most fascinating landmarks best known as the final resting place to more of Hollywood’s founders and stars than anywhere else on Earth—guests will sample extraordinary food and drinks from L.A.’s most popular restaurants, food trucks, wineries, distilleries, breweries, and more. All proceeds support the Center’s life-changing and life-saving programs and services.

“This year, with our new home at the iconic Hollywood Forever, Simply diVine is giving you more than ever before—more of L.A.’s premier food, wine, and spirits, more space, more fun,” said event co-chair Susan Feniger. “There’s never been a better time to show up and support the LGBT community. We need everyone in this fight as we keep working to build a world where all of us can thrive.”

Those looking for a more intimate experience can get a one-hour exclusive early entry to the main event at 5 p.m. with a CLUB VIP Lounge ticket offering private bartenders from The Chapel at the Abbey; tastings of rare wines and Tito’s Handmade Vodka; entertainment by Rachel Sorsa Band; magic by Bill Bailey (from Magic Castle); celebrity chef experiences with Susan Feniger (Border Grill) and Mary Sue Milliken (Border Grill Restaurants & Truck); and more. Complimentary VIP parking included.

Event Co-Chair Chef Susan Feniger joins us with all the absolutely fabulous details.

Evan GoldsteinFor North Europeans in search of a summer trifecta of sun, sea and sand, Portugal’s southern coastline exerts an irresistible allure. Savvy International wine lovers are now following suit, on a separate voyage of discovery into the country’s hot, dry interior and the vineyards of southern Portugal’s Alentejo (ah-len-TAY-zhoo) region.

As with many areas of Southern Europe, wine has been made in the Alentejo for time immemorial, most of it spent in quiet obscurity. But with a winemaking revival well underway, supported by the investment of EU funds, that is fast starting to change.

Alentejo is blessed with an astonishing array of native grapes. With over 250 indigenous grape varieties, Portugal, has the highest density of native grapes per square mile of any country in the world, including Italy. Proud local producers concentrate on those native grapes, which are often blended.

Evan Goldstein, MS, an authority on the wines of Portugal, is our guide to one of the most promising wine regions in southern Europe today.

David PrattExecutive Chef/Proprietor David Pratt of Brick Restaurant in San Clemente likes to challenge himself. He’s been very successful since opening 6 years ago with his distinctive gourmet pizzas from the wood-burning oven with a subspecialty in massive, multi-meat (beef, pork and veal) meatballs cooked in the wood-burning oven.

Chef David has newly installed an eye-popping Santa Maria-style grill and the appealing farm menu has broadened to include grilled lobster, rib-eye and hangar steals, lamb chops and whole young chicken.

“David Pratt, a visionary and true foodie at heart, is passionate about fresh, sustainable and flavorful food. He cares deeply about the food he creates, but he cares even more that people are happy with it. “I try to talk to each table that comes in,” David says. “I want to make sure everyone has a good experience.” “

“His hands are in each aspect of the business, from making pasta and shopping at farmers markets to overseeing the wine list and meeting guests.  One bite into a wood-fired Margherita pizza or the house roasted Porchetta and it all comes full circle.”

We divert Chef David from working the Santa Maria grill for a chat.

Andy Harris, Andrew Gruel and JC Clow of the Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar at the SoCal Restaurant Show 5th AnniversaryThe Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar has opened its third Southern California location at San Diego’s Westfield UTC in La Jolla. The Winery Restaurant La Jolla provides guests with the same rich experience as its Orange County locations at The District in Tustin and overlooking the marina in Newport Beach.

In the coming weeks, The Winery will also open a separate 1,300-square-foot wine bar within Westfield UTC, called The Wine Bar by The Winery, meant to provide a rich experience at a casual pace, perfect for enjoying a glass of wine or tasting flight and small bite.

“At The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, we pride ourselves on really focusing on our guest experience. Our third location now open in La Jolla provides the same level of service, with highly skilled Chefs orchestrating a warm and passionate menu created by our award-winning Chef Yvon Goetz, and a team of Certified Sommeliers to oversee an incredible wine program,” explained JC Clow, Founding Partner of The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar. “It’s exciting to join a group of retailers that are among the best in their respective fields. We anticipate endless possibilities, with something to suit every palate.”

Managing Partner JC Clow is our hospitable guide.

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosOur always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his Ask the Chef series. The significant Illumination Foundation Benefit, OC Chef’s Table, is set for Sunday, March 18th at Disney’s Grand Californian. Chef Andrew is again a participant in this high profile and worthy charity event. Each celebrity chef cooks with great fanfare for an exclusive (highly decorated & visually stunning) table of ten. We’ll hear about it.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Pic Picot, Pic’s Really Good Peanut Butter, Nelson, New Zealand Part One
Segment Three: Pic Picot, Pic’s Really Good Peanut Butter, Nelson, New Zealand Part Two
Segment Four: Border Grill’s Susan Feniger, Simply DiVine
Segment Five: Evan Goldstein, MS, The Wines of Alentejo, Portugal
Segment Six: Executive Chef / Proprietor David Pratt, Brick Restaurant, San Clemente
Segment Seven: JC Clow, Founding Managing Partner, The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel’s “Ask the Chef”

Show 212, February 25, 2017: Executive Chef Andrew Sutton, Napa Rose, Preview of OC Chef’s Table 2017

Andrew Sutton of Disney's Grand Californian Resort and SpaIllumination Foundation (IF) will host the 2nd Annual OC Chef’s Table 2017 on Sunday, March 12, 2017, at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, to raise funds for the construction of a second emergency home for homeless families with children.

OC Chef’s Table is one of the county’s most exclusive charitable culinary events where OC’s top chefs come together to create a delectable five-course meal prepared tableside at tables decorated to reflect the personality and brand of each participating restaurant. Every restaurant and chef participating has been personally chosen to host a table at the gala due to their earned accolades for their impressive culinary skills or innovations.

“Nearly 1 in 6 children face homelessness in OC. There are too many families with children that struggle to secure a roof over their heads every night. It shouldn’t be like this. Children should have the right to a happy and stable childhood. We can’t thank these extraordinary chefs enough for accepting to donate their time, talent and culinary knowledge to help us build a second emergency house in Orange County. This event is going to be an amazing experience for our guests, a creative challenge for the chefs and eye-opening for everybody. With every emergency house we build we start rebuilding the lives of 100 suffering families per year. The more money we raise, the more houses and services we offer and that means less people on our county’s streets. I want to thank all the chefs, restaurants, guests and sponsors for joining us in our mission to break the cycle of homelessness,” said Paul Leon, Illumination Foundation CEO and President.

Host Chef Andrew Sutton of Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian is our guest with a preview. Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish Restaurant Group will also be personally cooking for ten lucky guests at an OC Chef’s Table.

Show 160, February 20, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel, Founder, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, now, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Next a mouthwatering preview of Saturday’s promisingly scrumptious and always healthy show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s positively a good thing…

Leave it to our local celebrity chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger to have some real fun with Leap Day on February 29th at Border Grill Downtown Los Angeles. For one night only on Leap Day, Mary Sue’s and Susan’s fondly remembered CITY will return for an encore. Mary Sue Milliken takes us back to the beginning in 1981.

Disney’s “OC Chef’s Table” culinary event will be held March 13, 2016 at the Disney Grand Californian Resort & Spa’s Grand Ballroom. The event features 30 of Orange County’s top chefs coming together to create a delectable five-course meal prepared tableside at tables decorated to reflect the personality and brand of each restaurant represented. All proceeds from the event go to Illumination Foundation. Host Chef Andrew Sutton of Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian joins us with all the details.

For the first time ever, Planned Parenthood Los Angeles (PPLA) is recognizing a Restaurateur of the Year for the upcoming 2016 PPLA Food Fare on March 3rd in Santa Monica. This inaugural honor has been proudly presented to Jenny Rush, head and founder of the Blue Plate Restaurant Group in Santa Monica and Los Angeles. Honoree Jenny Rush is our guest.

Berlin Bistro, a favorite casual dining destination in Long Beach’s eclectic East Village neighborhood, is partnering with the Art Theatre and DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week, in bringing attention to the very important issue of edible food waste and to raise vitally needed funds for local non-profit Food Finders food rescue organization. The benefit on March 6th is a special screening of the highly-praised documentary, Just Eat It. A Food Waste Story followed by a specialty multi-course “Root-to-Stem” lunch created by Berlin Bistro’s chef, Tim Balen. Chef Tim and the Producer of DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week, Terri Henry, join us with the 411.

Hundreds of premium wine varieties, sweet and savory chocolate confections, gourmet food samples from acclaimed Pechanga Resort & Casino restaurants, live music, a silent auction and helping out a good cause are all on the agenda for February 26 and 27 at Pechanga Resort & Casino. Tickets for the 8th annual Chocolate Decadence and Pechanga Wine Festival are on sale now. Proceeds from both events benefit Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley. Pechanga Resort & Casino’s Executive Banquet Chef, Colin McGinley, joins us with all the sweet and savory details.

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