Show 228, June 17, 2017: Pechanga’s Assistant Executive Chef, Damian Stanley

The Team from Umi Shushi and Oyster Bar winning the 2017 Peachanga Resort and Casino Chili CookoffLast Saturday was the 9th Annual Pechanga Microbrew Festival & Chili Cook-Off in Temecula wine country. Chef Marlene Moore’s (Temptations Food Walk) back-to-back wins (2015 & 2016) as Pechanga’s resident Chili Champ was again on the line…

Joining us with the outcome of this heated battle for “Best Chili” (and a full-year of bragging rights) is Pechanga’s Assistant Executive Chef Damian Stanley (a two-time Chili Champ himself in 2013 & 2014.)

Only 10 votes separated the top 2 chili creations!

Save

Show 210, February 11, 2017: Jean-Jacques Granet, Executive Pastry Chef, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Jean Jacques GranetFriday, February 10th is the always incredible Chocolate Decadence at Pechanga. An eye-popping array of truly decadent chocolates and pastries are featured from the bakeshops of Pechanga’s Executive Pastry Chef, Jean-Jacques Granet.

New this year to the dazzling lineup of treats was edible chocolate lipstick presented in a tube!

Jean-Jacques Granet, an acclaimed pastry chef who has worked on three continents, is the Executive Pastry Chef at Pechanga Resort & Casino. After spending nearly 15 years as pastry chef at two of the most prestigious luxury resorts in Las Vegas, Granet is now happy to call Southern California home.

Chef Jean-Jacques arrived at Pechanga in March 2015 and has implemented positive changes to the 22-person in-house bakery and pastry shop. He has changed the lineup of desserts offered at Journey’s End golf course restaurant, The Great Oak Steakhouse, Paisano’s Italian restaurant and Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar.

He’s always working on improvements to the desserts and pastries offered at Blends Coffee & Wine Bar. Ongoing is efforts with each of the 11 dining outlets and banquets departments to fulfill and exceed  guests’ expectations in the sweets’ department. Two new restaurants (including a poolside bar & grill establishment) are on the way which will debut with the major hotel expansion by year’s end.

Chef Jean-Jacques puts down his whisk briefly to join us.

Show 173, May 28, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel

Happy Memorial Day Weekend to all. Enjoy, remember, and be safe.

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, most recently, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host. He’s just back from Chicago where he received Nation’s Restaurant News’ Trendsetter MenuMaster Award for Slapfish.

Now an enticing preview of Saturday’s calorie-laden and spirited show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a pretty good thing…

Paul Hobbs is a distinguished figure in California winemaking and beyond. We’ll find out why Forbes has described him as “the Steve Jobs of wine.” Joining us is Paul Hobbs Wines’ National Sales Director, Charlie Plummer, who is also a Certified Sommelier.

Bill Sysak, or as he’s more often referred to as, “Dr. Bill,” is the Craft Beer Ambassador for California’s Stone Brewing Co.. Dr. Bill is a Certified Cicerone, and has a demonstrated expertise in selecting, acquiring, and serving craft beers. He’s our guest.

The Funk Zone in Santa Barbara is the new night life spot in America’s Riviera. Among the other attractions there are premium wine tasting rooms (Urban Wine Trail) and a variety of destination restaurants for both locals and visitors alike. One of the biggest success stories in this vibrant district is The Lark owned by the growing Acme Hospitality group. Director of Operations Treg Finney joins us with all the needed 411.

The 8th Annual Pechanga Microbrew & Craft Beer Festival and Chili Cook-off returns to the Pechanga Grand Ballroom on Saturday, June 11th. One of the participating breweries is Los Angeles’ and Orange County’s Golden Road Brewing. Brewmaster Victor Novak taps the keg with a thirst-quenching preview.

France’s Alsace region produces 18 per cent of the total French production of still white AOC wines. Our resident wine authority Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange is here to give us an overview of the prominent region. Kyle will also chat with us about how wine professionals navigate their way through large trade tastings.

For over 52 years Stan Berman has baked some of the world’s best donuts at Stan’s Corner Donut Shop in Westwood located across from UCLA. Now it had grown to the Midwest with the addition of 6 busy Stan’s Donuts & Coffee cafes in Chicago and nearby suburbs. Chicago restaurateur and baker Rich Labriola is the proud architect of the expansion. We’ll meet him and talk crullers.

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

May 28: Paul Hobbs Wines, Stone and Golden Road Brewing, Funk Zone, Wine Exchange, Stan’s Donuts

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Charlie Plummer, Paul Hobbs Wines & Paul Hobbs Selections
Segment Three: “Dr.” Bill Sysak, Craft Beer Ambassador, Stone Brewing Co., San Diego
Segment Four: The Lark, Santa Barbara, California
Segment Five: Golden Road Brewing & the Pechanga Microbrew Festival
Segment Six: Kyle Meyer, Co-Proprietor, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana
Segment Seven: Stan’s Donuts & Coffee Part One
Segment Eight: Stan’s Donuts & Coffee Part Two

Happy Memorial Day Weekend to all. Enjoy, and be safe.

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, most recently, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host. He’s just back from Chicago where he received Nation’s Restaurant News’ Trendsetter MenuMaster Award for Slapfish.

Now an enticing preview of Saturday’s calorie-laden show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a pretty good thing…

Paul Hobbs is a distinguished figure in California winemaking and beyond. We’ll find out why Forbes has described him as “the Steve Jobs of wine.” Joining us is Paul Hobbs Wines’ National Sales Director, Charlie Plummer, who is also a Certified Sommelier.

Bill Sysak, or as he’s more often referred to as, “Dr. Bill,” is the Craft Beer Ambassador for California’s Stone Brewing Co. Dr. Bill is a Certified Cicerone, and has a demonstrated expertise in selecting, acquiring, and serving craft beers. He’s our guest.

The Funk Zone in Santa Barbara is the new night life spot in America’s Riviera. Among the other attractions there are premium wine tasting rooms and a variety of destination restaurants for both locals and visitors alike. One of the biggest success stories in this vibrant district is The Lark owned by the growing Acme Hospitality group. Director of Operations Treg Finney joins us with all the needed 411.

The 8th Annual Pechanga Microbrew & Craft Beer Festival and Chili Cook-off returns to the Pechanga Grand Ballroom on Saturday, June 11th. One of the participating breweries is Los Angeles’ and Orange County’s Golden Road Brewing. Brewmaster Victor Novak taps the keg with a thirst-quenching preview.

France’s Alsace region produces 18 per cent of the total French production of still white AOC wines. Our resident wine authority Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange are here to give us an overview of the prominent region. Kyle will also chat with us about how wine professionals navigate their way through trade tastings.

For over 52 years Stan Berman has baked some of the world’s best donuts at Stan’s Corner Donut Shop in Westwood located across from UCLA. Now it had grown to the Midwest with the addition of 6 busy Stan’s Donuts & Coffee cafes in Chicago and nearby suburbs. Chicago restaurateur and baker Rich Labriola is the proud architect of the expansion. We’ll meet him and talk crullers.

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

Charlie PlummerPaul Hobbs is a very prominent figure in California winemaking and beyond. We’ll find out why Forbes has described him as “the Steve Jobs of Wine.” Joining us is Paul Hobbs Wines’ National Sales Director, Charlie Plummer, who is also a Certified Sommelier.

The Golden Chef Series, co-hosted by Charlie Plummer, is in its fifth year showcasing great chefs in Orange County. This year’s Golden Chef Series, presented by Fisher & Paykel and DCS, takes place at the Irvine Spectrum in Big Wheel Court. Chefs will demonstrate how to prepare their signature dishes. This event is free.

The next dates are June 4th and 18th.

Doctor Bill SysakBill Sysak, or as he’s more often referred to as, “Dr. Bill,” is the Craft Beer Ambassador for California’s Stone Brewing Co. Dr. Bill is a Certified Cicerone, and has a demonstrated expertise in selecting, acquiring, and serving craft beers. He’s our always-thirsty guest.

“Take two Stone and call me in the morning.”

He received his nickname through his work as a combat medic in the military Army National Guard, and the moniker has stuck with him throughout his career in the craft beer industry. At Stone, he’s responsible for setting the beverage standard and ensuring the beverage philosophy is followed at all Stone Brewing Co. venues.

Dr. Bill suggests the beer, wine, and food pairings for the restaurants’ menus, and also coordinates and hosts many Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens events including: Beer & Cigar Dinners, Master Pairing events, SourFest, Oakuinox, Stone Pour it Black, and Rare Beer Breakfast.

Treg FinneyThe Funk Zone in Santa Barbara is the new night life spot in America’s Riviera. Among the other attractions there are wine tasting rooms and a variety of destination restaurants for both locals and visitors alike. One of the biggest success stories in this vibrant district is The Lark owned by the fast-growing Acme Hospitality group. Director of Operations Treg Finney joins us with all the needed 411.

“A shared dining experience featuring artisanal and seasonal ingredients celebrating the bounty of the Central Coast.”

The Lark, named for the sleek overnight Pullman train of the Southern Pacific Railroad that serviced Santa Barbara from 1910 -1968, is a 130 seat full-service restaurant located in the historic Santa Barbara Fish Market building. Situated in the heart of the Funk Zone, a vibrant arts district and home to local surf shops, galleries and the popular Urban Wine Trail, The Lark brings the entire Santa Barbara community together to celebrate their unique place.

Menus for The Lark, under the direction of Executive Chef Jason Paluska, are locally sourced and responsibly grown, using seasonal ingredients based on the abundant bounty available on the Central Coast. Food is served family style intended for sharing. The Lark’s full bar features classic as well as craft cocktails using the finest in artisan spirits, mixers and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Their comprehensive wine list highlights small Santa Barbara County producers and artisan winemakers from afar.

“Our vision was to create an environment that captivates a wide audience and brings them together in an exceptional space. Doug Washington, owner of the acclaimed Town Hall and Salt House restaurants in San Francisco, was able to do just that by designing the interior and exterior space with an urban style that integrates vintage and repurposed materials for a sophisticated yet casual sensibility. Original lighting, handmade furniture and a 24-seat live-edge communal table stacked on vintage radiators create a space that is warm yet exciting. Doug collaborated with Dan Bush Design/Build of Portland, OR along with AB Design Studio and Young Construction of Santa Barbara, CA.”

Victor Novak of Taps Fish House and Brewery in BreaThe 8th Annual Pechanga Microbrew & Craft Beer Festival and Chili Cook-off returns to the Pechanga Grand Ballroom on Saturday, June 11th. One of the participating breweries is Los Angeles’ and Orange County’s Golden Road Brewing. Brewmaster Victor Novak taps the keg with a thirst-quenching preview.

In 2011, beer enthusiasts Meg Gill and Tony Yanow founded Golden Road Brewing to bring fresh beer to the local market in the most sustainable way possible.  Golden Road is committed to engaging and supporting the growing community of socially-minded beer enthusiasts.

Golden Road’s year-round offerings include 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.

Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeFrance’s Alsace region produces 18 per cent of the total French production of still white AOC wines. Our resident wine authority Kyle Meyer of Wine Exchange is here to give us an overview of the prominent region. Kyle will also chat with us about how wine professionals navigate their way through trade tastings.

Alsace is located on France’s eastern border and on the west bank of the upper Rhine, adjacent to Germany and Switzerland. In 1962, centuries of winemaking excellence were rewarded when Alsace received AOC status.

Alsace produces 10 per cent of all Riesling consumed worldwide. It is regarded as one of the finest white wines in the world and widely considered to reach its peak form in Alsace.

Stan and Ina Berman and Rich LabriolaFor over 52 years Stan Berman has baked some of the world’s best donuts at Stan’s Corner Donut Shop in Westwood located across from UCLA. Now it had grown to the Midwest with the addition of 6 busy Stan’s Donuts & Coffee cafes in Chicago and nearby suburbs. Two new stores, including a unit on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, debuted last Saturday, May 21st.

Second generation Chicago restaurateur and baker Rich Labriola is the proud architect of the expansion. We’ll meet him and talk crullers and premium coffee.

Stans Donuts and Coffee in ChicagoRich Labriola, president of the Labriola Baking Company, partnered with Stan Berman, founder of Stan’s Donuts, to bring the more than 52-year-old donut shop to the Midwest. Labriola, a well-known Chicago baking company, supplies high-end bread products including the company’s famed pretzel bread to grocers and restaurants. After seeing Stan on a TV travel show and admiring his passion for his donut business, Rich decided to reach out to Stan. The result of the new friendship was a partnership to bring the classic California-style donuts to Chicago with a Labriola twist.

Started in 1963, Stan’s Donuts has been a mainstay of Westwood Village in Los Angeles, California. The original location has happily served everyone from Hollywood royalty such as Elizabeth Taylor, Steve McQueen, and Ali McGraw to hungry UCLA students looking to fuel all-night study benders.

“Are you up for trying a deep-dish pizza donut? Just kidding, we won’t serve that anytime soon. But, our peanut butter pockets will knock your wool socks off, Chicago!”

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Charlie Plummer, Paul Hobbs Wines & Paul Hobbs Selections
Segment Three: “Dr.” Bill Sysak, Craft Beer Ambassador, Stone Brewing Co., San Diego
Segment Four: The Lark, Santa Barbara, California
Segment Five: Golden Road Brewing & the Pechanga Microbrew Festival
Segment Six: Kyle Meyer, Co-Proprietor, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana
Segment Seven: Stan’s Donuts & Coffee Part One
Segment Eight: Stan’s Donuts & Coffee Part Two

Show 161, February 27, 2016: Chef Bruno Amato, Paisano’s Italian Restaurant, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Andrew Gruel of Slapfish and Bruno Amato of Paisanos Italian Restaurant at PechangaBruno Amato is the new head chef of the popular Paisano’s Italian Restaurant at Pechanga Resort & Casino. A native of the Calabria region of Italy, Chef Amato injects his innate knowledge of traditional Italian fare and flavors to make Paisano’s dishes approachable, contemporary, and authentic to his home country.

Bruno Amato grew up in the 7,000-person town of Nicotera in Calabria, Italy. A popular fishing village, Bruno enjoyed casting ropes and hooks from rocks into the ocean to catch seafood. During his childhood, his mother worked in a neighborhood restaurant kitchen. After school and on weekends, Bruno went to the restaurant to help her. This would be his first taste of culinary life, and he would later develop an affinity for cooking fish. From the dishwashing station, he watched the chefs work frenetically creating their specialties. He continued to assist his mom and when he was 14, decided culinary was the direction he would take his career.

After high school, he enrolled in culinary school, free for all interested students in Italy. Following graduation, he moved to Guestalla, Italy to become a line cook. His subsequent gastronomic tour of Italy lasted 20 years and took him to Ostia, Milan, Rome and other well-known locales, working at some of the top restaurants and resorts in the country.

“I love cooking for people because it gives me the chance to improve myself every day,” said Amato. “When the food goes to each table, I watch the customers’ faces. To see their reactions makes me happy.”

Chef Bruno joins us.

Show 159, February 13, 2016: Executive Chef, Duane Owen, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula

Duane Owen of Pechanga Casino and ResortHundreds 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.

Wine enthusiasts can sip and explore new selections at the 8th annual Pechanga Wine Festival from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 27. Tickets for this unforgettable event are $65 and include a souvenir wine glass, unlimited two ounce samples of wine and spirits, gourmet food and dessert samples from Pechanga’s acclaimed chefs, as well as others in the Temecula Valley, live music and silent auction.

VIP tickets are $85 and include early entry at 12:00 p.m., upgraded souvenir wine glass, as well as all inclusions of the general admission tickets.

Most of the Pechanga restaurants will be offering a duo of signature tastes from their respective outlets at The Pechanga Wine Festival. For instance, The Great Oak Steakhouse is serving Filet Mignon with mushroom and shallot confit and roasted bone marrow. Their 2nd item is a mini lump crab cake with Chipotle Aioli.

Pechanga Resort & Casino’s Executive Chef, Duane Owen, joins us with all the sweet and savory details. A 500-room expansion is now underway which will include The Pool Grill and another new restaurant.

Show 158, February 6, 2016: Jean-Jacques Granet, Executive Pastry Chef, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, CA

Jean Jacques GranetHundreds 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.

Chocolate Decadence on Friday, February 26 features more than 30 premium wine varietals that have been shown to masterfully partner with chocolate and other sweet desserts. The event runs from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and is $55 per person. Tickets include a souvenir wine glass, unlimited two ounce samples of wine and spirits, chocolate and confection tasting, live music and silent auction. VIP tickets are $75 and include early entry at 5:30 p.m., upgraded souvenir wine glass, fruit and cheese plates, passed hors d’oeurves, as well as all inclusions of general admission tickets.

Wine enthusiasts can sip and explore new selections at the 8th annual Pechanga Wine Festival from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 27. Tickets for this unforgettable event are $65 and include a souvenir wine glass, unlimited two ounce samples of wine and spirits, gourmet food and dessert samples from Pechanga’s acclaimed chefs, as well as others in the Temecula Valley, live music and silent auction. VIP tickets are $85 and include early entry at 12:00 p.m., upgraded souvenir wine glass, as well as all inclusions of the general admission tickets.

Pechanga Resort & Casino’s Executive Pastry Chef, Jean-Jacques Granet joins us with all the sweetly decadent details.

Show 153, January 2, 2016: Chef Ronnel Capacia, Kelsey’s, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula

Ronnel Capacia photo byy Todd MontgomeryKelsey’s is the long-running sports bar at The Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula. After a $2.5 million and nearly four-month renovation, Kelsey’s has transitioned into an upscale American pub with an emphasis on hand-cut, barbecued meats and craft beers. It now seats 303 guests but doesn’t feel cavernous.

Guests will immediately notice the industrial brick, concrete, exposed and reclaimed wood, juxtaposed with delicate glass and velvet textures as a major departure from the cherry-stained wood furnishings and closed-in booths that defined the restaurant’s prior look.

In developing the new menu, Kelsey’s culinary team initially conducted several guest polls. People were asked what kind of food and new concepts they would like to see in a new restaurant. The barbecue and craft beer theme surfaced repeatedly in the results.

“From there, we went to work developing recipes and methods for smoking and barbecuing meats, crafting sauces, and adding a few other items like gourmet burgers and pizzas we know guests in this restaurant appreciate,” said Kelsey’s Head Chef, Ronnel Capacia.

Smoked Meats at Kelsey's at PechangaWith 10 “From the Smoker” items and 14 southern specialty sides gracing the menu, Capacia and his team are confident diners will enjoy the new dishes. Other selections include several hearty salads and wraps, steak and seafood, and the beloved wood-fired, handmade pizzas held over from Kelsey’s pre-facelift menu.

There are now 48 beers on tap at Kelsey’s. All except three are craft or microbrews, and most are from Southern California-brewed breweries. Temecula is known for wines but there are now a handful of serious craft brewers there, too. Temecula’s Refuge Brewery is represented at Kelsey’s with their acclaimed Blood Orange Wit. A happy accident for them which has now become a huge hit in the area and way beyond.

A newer concept for casino restaurant table seating, Kelsey’s offers an indoor patio adjacent to the casino floor allowing guests to be next to the energy and excitement of slot machines and table games. Kelsey’s is open every day.

Ronnel Capacia, Kelsey’s Chef, joins us with the overview with Todd Montgomery providing the photgraphy.

Show 150, December 12, 2015: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

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

West Coast Prime Meats CookbookWe got a tremendous response to our segment last week on the publication of the West Coast Prime Meats CooksProfessional Recipes for the Home Kitchen cookbook. It’s the ideal gift for the serious home cook and it’s also a worthy coffee table volume. All the chefs’ recipes have been tested to be duplicated in the home kitchen. It’s available through their website at www.WestCoastPrimeMeats.com

for a modest $25.00. Five Dollars of the purchase price goes to a pair of outstanding supports groups for our Veterans, The Wounded Warrior Project and The Gary Sinise Foundation – Serving Honor and Need. It’s the Holiday gift you can feel really good about giving.

Next a mouthwatering preview of Saturday’s high-energy and appropriately festive show and not, with apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…

For the last seven years Chef Marlene Moore has been overseeing the busy Temptations Food Court, the Poker Room, and Bingo Parlor at Pechanga Resort & Casino. The Food Court features American, Italian, Mexican, Fried Chicken, Espresso and Pastries, Bahn Mi, Hot Dogs and Lemonade. Chef Marlene shares some tips for creative Holidays dishes with a true Southern flair. Think marination and jerk seasoning.

They always do it B-I-G in Las Vegas. What’s billed as the culinary event of the year, Ultimo – A Weekend of Excellence, hosted by The Venetian and The Palazzo, will take culinary extravagance to new levels, December 17th through the 20th. The highlight of the festivities will be the competition to select Team USA representing the United States in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or international cooking competition in Lyon, France in early 2017. This is the Olympics of the culinary arts.

Chef Richard Rosendale (Richard Rosendale Collective) is our guest. He is on the Chef Jury on Dec. 17th in Las Vegas and led Team USA at the Bocuse d’Or in 2013.

In 2011, beer enthusiasts Meg Gill and Tony Yanow founded Golden Road Brewing to bring fresh beer to the local market in the most sustainable way possible.  “Golden Road is committed to engaging and supporting the growing community of socially-minded beer enthusiasts.” “Brewed and canned in Los Angeles,” Golden Road’s year-round offerings include Point the Way IPA, Golden Road Hefeweizen, Get Up Offa That Brown and Wolf Among Weeds IPA. Co-founder Meg Gill is our guest

Anita Lau is better known to regular listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” as the Mad Hungry Woman blogger. She was living in Hong Kong in the 90s before the turnover to China. Anita is just back from a 3-week visit. We’ll get a insider’s view of the dining scene there during the glory days of the British and now under Chinese authority.

One of the up-and-coming wineries in the Guadalupe Valley in Northern Baja is Lechuza, founded in 2005. It’s owned by Ray Magnussen (with his wife, Patty) who is also the hands-on winemaker. They are Americans. We’ll meet Ray.

Our regular Guest Host, Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish, was just in Chicago, a great dining out city whether you’re going for high-end gourmet or great street food. Chef Andrew will discuss his finds ranging from a true Chicago hot dog experience to the best in coal-fired pizza.

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

Show 150, December 12, 2015: Chef Marlene Moore, Temptations Food Court, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Marlene MooreFor the last seven years Chef Marlene Moore has been overseeing the busy Temptations Food Court, the Poker Room, and Bingo Parlor at Pechanga Resort & Casino. The Food Court features American, Italian, Mexican, Fried Chicken, Espresso and Pastries, Bahn Mi, Hot Dogs and Lemonade. Chef Marlene shares some tempting tips for creative Holidays dishes with a true Southern flair.

The outlet names at Temptations are American Classics, Agave Mexican Delights, Pronto Italiano, Caffe Cocoa, Little Wok Asian Specialties, and Pechanga Fried Chicken.

This year Chef Marlene was crowned the Chili Champ at the Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cookoff with her winning creation of “Temptation” Hearty Southern Style Chili. She competed against seven other dedicated Pechanga chefs and even bested the incumbent champ, Chef Damien Stanley, who is the executive sous chef of Pechanga. Chef Moore is originally from Trinidad and Tobago.

Chef Marlene explains how jerk seasoning can jazz up your Holiday roast, turkey ham or even salmon. She also shares tips for the basic chicken including her variation of hearty stew chicken.

Think mac & cheese is just an ordinary side dish? Try Chef Marlene’s Mac Pie with sharp cheddar. Might be the start of something big…