December 12: Andrew Gruel, Pechanga Casino and Resort, Richard Rosendale, Golden Road Brewing, Mad Hungry Woman, Lechuza VIneyard

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Marlene Moore, Temptations Food Court, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Segment Three: Chef Richard Rosendale, Bocuse d’Or Team USA 2013
Segment Four: Meg Gill, Co-Founder & President, Golden Road Brewing Part One”
Segment Five: Meg Gill is the Co Founder and President of Golden Road Brewing Part Two
Segment Six: Anita Lau, Mad Hungry Woman Blogger
Segment Seven: Ray Magnussen, Lechuza Winery, Guadalupe Valley, Baja
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel

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.

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 suggestions for creative Holidays dishes with a true Southern flair.

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 return 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 toast the harvest with 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 fare or great street food. Chef Andrew will discuss his finds ranging from a true Chicago hot dog experience to the best in deep dish pizza.

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

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.

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 Marlene shares some tempting tips for creative Holidays dishes with a true Southern flair.

Richard Rosendale of the Greenbrier Resort in Sulphur Springs West VirginiaThey 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.

This competition event, modeled after the world famous Bocuse d’Or, concludes with an esteemed chef panel who judge each of the four candidates’ presentations. Guests will be treated to a spectacular display of culinary skill and artistry during the intense 4 hour and 35 minute competition. Each candidate prepares a stunning meat platter showcasing Kurobuta Pork provided by Snake River Farms and a fish dish featuring the Norwegian Seafood Council’s Fjord Trout.

Meg Gill of Golden Road BrewingIn 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.

In a stellar example of private industry supporting worthy truly causes in a meaningful way Golden Road Brewing created Heal the Bay IPA as a seasonal style (May to July) for one season. It’s now an incredible success story and is an annuity style for Golden Road. Of course water quality is of prime importance to Golden Road so there is logic to the association!

Construction has started in Anaheim (across the street from the South entrance to Angel Stadium) of a new production brewery, restaurant, and tasting room for Golden Road. The temporary tasting room is already serving thirsty guests. The greatly respected brewmaster there, Victor Novak (ex-TAPS), is well-known to Orange County craft beer enthusiasts. We’ll talk to our guest, Meg Gill, about this ambitious new project.

It’s no secret that the mega breweries have started acquiring regional craft breweries to learn more about this fast growing area of the business. Golden Road was acquired earlier this year by Anheuser-Busch InBev which already owns Chicago-based craft brewer, Goose Island. Meg Gill will continue with the company. We’ll hear about what this means for Golden Road’s future expansion.

Anita Lau of Mad Hungry WomanAnita 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 by the British to China.

Anita was just back to Hong Kong from a 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.

Anita will fill us in on the impact of Michelin Stars in Hong Kong dining and also the best street food. We’ll get the morsel-by-morsel details of her favorite dining experience of the trip.

Born in Hong Kong and now living in Orange County, California, Anita Lau is an international author and writer who has lived in Malaysia, Australia, Nebraska, Oregon, San Francisco and also, Hawaii. Her obsession with food began at an early age but it wasn’t until her early 20s when her experimentation with cooking led her to start a small catering business which she would run in her spare time while at college in Australia.

Ray Magnussen One of the promising, 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.

“Lechuza” is Spanish for “burrowing ground owl.” This bird frequents the Lechuza vineyard property. The modest vineyard estate is adjacent to Laja, one of the most well-reviewed restaurants in Baja, California.

Lechuza currently offers Lechuza Amantes (Blend), Lechuza Cabernet Sauvignon, Lechuza Nebbiolo, Lerchuza Merlot, Lechuza Tempranillo and Lechuza Grenache Rose.

Their wines are conveniently available on-line via their San Diego-based distributor. This is a lot easier than bringing Mexican wines back through the border. www.LMAwines.com.

We’ll meet Ray.

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosOur 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 deep dish pizza.

Chef Andrew was extensively quoted (representing his expertise in Social Media) in a lengthy New York Times article entitled “A Bad Review Is Forever: How to Counter Online Complaints” which appeared on December 9th.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Marlene Moore, Temptations Food Court, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Segment Three: Chef Richard Rosendale, Bocuse d’Or Team USA 2013
Segment Four: Meg Gill, Co-Founder & President, Golden Road Brewing Part One”
Segment Five: Meg Gill is the Co Founder and President of Golden Road Brewing Part Two
Segment Six: Anita Lau, Mad Hungry Woman Blogger
Segment Seven: Ray Magnussen, Lechuza Winery, Guadalupe Valley, Baja
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel

Black Bean Chili Con Carne, Poblano Rajas with Crispy Pork and Shishito Peppers

Pechanga Chili CookoffUmi Sushi & Oyster Bar at Pechanga Casino & Resort
Chef Damian Stanley’s Chili Recipe (makes 6 servings)

Carnitas prepared 1lb (cooked pork shoulder)
Ground beef 1lb
Onions diced ½ yellow onion
Garlic minced fresh 1 tbsp
Bay Leaves 2 ea
Cumin Ground 1 tsp
Chili powder 2 tbsp
Aji Panca Paste (optional) 1 tbsp
Tabasco Sauce (to taste)
Worchestshire Sauce (1 dash)
Stewed tomatoes (3) 14.5 ounce cans​
1 Roasted Poblano pepper cut into strips
Shishito Peppers (no stem)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Green or Red Bell Pepper diced 1 ea
Beans (Ranch Style) Pinto (2) 15 ounce cans
Beans Black Beans (1) 15 ounce can
Chicken Base 2 tsp
Sapporo Beer (1 can)
Vegetable oil 2 tbsp
Water 1 cup

Directions:
Brown the meat in the oil. Add the onions, black pepper, and bay leaves until onions are soft. Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer, approx. 45min. Add the beans with liquid last, so that the beans do not overcook. Adjust seasoning, serve hot.

Show 123, May 23, 2015: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing Continues…

Victor Novak of Taps Fish House and Brewery in BreaWe’re previewing the 7th Annual Pechanga Microbrew and Chili Cookoff.

Microbrew Festival tickets are $50.00. Guests receive a two ounce souvenir glass to sample unlimited beer tastings. Designated driver tickets are available for $30.00. Both ticket levels let attendees taste all chili and other gourmet food samples, take in live music by two bands including iconic bassist Lee Rocker of The Stray Cats, and an extensive silent auction. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. For tickets or more information, visit www.Pechanga.com or call 877.711.2946.

One of the participating craft breweries at the Perchanga Microbrew Festival is the fast-growing Golden Road Brewing in Los Angeles and with a new brewery and tap room soon to be located across the street from Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Long-time TAPS brewmaster Victor Novak has moved to Golden Road Brewing to be the brewmaster for Orange County.

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. Brewed and canned in Los Angeles, Golden Road’s year-round offerings include Point the Way IPA, Golden Road Hefeweizern, Get Up Offa That Brown and Wolf Among Weeds IPA.

In concluding Victor also explained the quality benefits of canning beer. Light and air are the enemies of keeping beer fresh. Cans are a great way to insure the freshness of the beer and also reduces the carbon footprint. (The weight of glass bottles becomes an issue in the shipping process.)

Show 111, February 21, 2015: Executive Chef & Innkeeper Dean Thomas and Events Director Lisa Ferguson, Europa Village

Dean ThomasWe’re continuing our preview of Chocolate Decadence and the Pechanga Wine Festival set for Friday evening, February 27th and Saturday afternoon, February 28th at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Europa Village winery in Temecula is part of both events.

We’re now joined by their Events Director, Lisa Ferguson, and Executive Chef and Innkeeper (The Inn at Europa Village,) Dean Thomas.

The Inn at Europa Village is a unique Spanish mission-style wine country inn featuring 10 well-appointed guestrooms perfect for that romantic getaway or casual business retreat. The Inn is located on a hill overlooking the expansive Europa Village property. Hot air balloons (a Temecula signature) for visitors depart and, later, land on the property in early a.m. expeditions.

Every morning Chef Dean prepares (and serves) a sumptuous, 2-course breakfast (using the freshest of local ingredients) for the Inn’s fortunate guests that surpasses anything you can get at a luxury hotel. Even the honey is local…It’s a very special, one-of-a-kind experience that brings guests back time and again.

Lisa organizes special events on the property that make use of the expansive grounds of the Winery, their wine cave special events room, and the grounds of the Inn at Europa Village. Weddings are particularly popular. Chef Dean artfully creates distinctive special menus for all occasions.