Show 287, August 25, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

First our heartiest congratulations to Chef Andrew & Lauren Gruel on the arrival of (Baby) Jack Stone Gruel. Lauren, Andrew & Jack are all are doing well…

Now a tempting preview of Saturday’s properly decadent 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…
Chef Romeo Garcia of Romeo Chocolates in Downtown Long Beach is a Master Chocolatier with a global reach. In addition to decadent chocolates (artisan bars & truffles) his chocolate boutique serves a variety of appealing chocolate beverages. Think Frozen Hot Chocolate, an ice-blended beverage. He also offers creative chocolate pairings with wine and beer. Chef Romeo is our guest.

As the L.A. Times Test Kitchen director, Noelle Carter oversees the testing of all recipes that appear in The Times. She is also part of The Taste held on the Paramount Pictures Studios backlot over three nights during Labor Day Weekend. Noelle puts down her spatula for a preview.

Tuxton China Inc., a leading tabletop supplier to the foodservice industry, will again (for the 3rd year) partner with C-CAP, the Careers through Culinary Arts Program, to raise vitally needed funds. By purchasing Tuxton products during September, Tuxton will make a generous donation to help provide thousands of high school students across the United States with scholarships, training, internships and much more. Tuxton’s Vice President of Business Development, Jennifer Rolander, joins us with the details.

On the heels of its 20th anniversary, the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) will host the 3rd Annual “Tastemakers of Orange County” culinary event on Wednesday, September 5th in the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. This culinary event celebrates the Asian and Pacific Islander community, culture, and heritage by giving guests the opportunity to taste and indulge in Asian and Pacific Island-inspired cuisines and beverages from distinguished chefs throughout Orange County. Proceeds from tickets sold for this event benefit OCAPICA to support mental health, health, workforce, youth in education, and civic engagement opportunities for low income families throughout Orange County. Participants Tarit and Sora (Chair of OCAPICA) Tanjasiri of The Crema Caféand Crema Artisan Bakers provide all the tempting details.

For the entire month of August, FOODBEAST is bringing you SPAM® Restaurant Month! This month-long event showcases the versatility of SPAM® and its place on the restaurant scene nationwide, from fast-casual to fine dining concepts. Think of everything from $100 Gold SPAM® Musubis in San Francisco to SPAM® Tamales in Orlando. <strong>FOODBEAST’s Geoff Kutnick opens the tin for us on these wild chef creations.

Chef Andrew Gruel, the founder of The Slapfish Restaurant Group, joins us with another installment of “Ask the Chef.” Consider the poor, misunderstood sardine. There is actually a lot more to it than what is packed in a flat tin with olive oil, tomato sauce or mustard. Fresh sardines (when available) grilled, fried or broiled are a healthy treat.

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

Show 287, August 25, 2018: Chocolatier Romeo Garcia, Romeo Chocolates, Long Beach

Romeo GarciaChef Romeo Garcia of Romeo Chocolates in Downtown Long Beach is a Master Chocolatier with a global reach. He is so highly regarded in Long Beach that the buildout of the retail shop was partially underwritten by a successful Kickstarter Campaign.

In addition to decadent chocolates (artisan bars & truffles) his chocolate boutique serves a variety of appealing chocolate beverages and decadent plated desserts. Think Frozen Hot Chocolate, an incredibly rich ice-blended beverage.

Romeo Chocolates also offers creative chocolate pairings with wine and beer.

“It’s easy to fall in love with chocolate. Romeo became enamored with the artistry of design, flavors, and the richness of the story of chocolate-making from around the world. An avid learner and traveler, Romeo graduated from Ecole Professional School of Chocolate Arts, completed the Master Chocolatier Program in Belgium, and traveled across Europe, South Pacific, and other regions to carefully source chocolates and ingredients. Proudly made in Long Beach, California. Enjoy our artisanal, micro-batch chocolate bars and confections!”

Chef Romeo Garcia is our guest.

August 25: Romeo Chocolates, The Taste, Tuxton China, C-CAP Los Angeles, Tastemakers of OC, FoodBeast’s Spam Restaurant Month

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chocolatier Romeo Garcia, Romeo Chocolates, Long Beach
Segment Three: Noelle Carter, Test Kitchen Director, Los Angeles Times, The Taste
Segment Four: Jennifer Rolander, Tuxton China Inc.
Segment Five: “Tastemakers of Orange County” Benefiting OCAPICA
Segment Six: FOODBEAST’s SPAM Restaurant Month Part One
Segment Seven: FOODBEAST’s SPAM Restaurant Month Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Founder, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Our congratulations to Chef Andrew & Lauren Gruel on the arrival of (Baby) Jack Stone Gruel. Lauren, Andrew & Jack are all are doing well…

Now a tempting preview of this Saturday’s properly decadent 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…

Chef Romeo Garcia of Romeo Chocolates in Downtown Long Beach is a Master Chocolatier with a global reach. In addition to decadent chocolates (artisan bars & truffles) his chocolate boutique serves a variety of appealing chocolate beverages. Think Frozen Hot Chocolate, an ice-blended beverage. He also offers creative chocolate pairings with wine and beer. Chef Romeo is our guest.

As the L.A. Times Test Kitchen director, Noelle Carter oversees the testing of all recipes that appear in The Times. She is also part of The Taste held on the Paramount Pictures Studios backlot over three nights during Labor Day Weekend. Noelle puts down her spatula for a preview.

Tuxton China Inc., a leading tabletop supplier to the foodservice industry, will again (for the 3rd year) partner with C-CAP, the Careers through Culinary Arts Program, to raise vitally needed funds. By purchasing Tuxton products during September, Tuxton will make a generous donation to help provide thousands of high school students across the United States with scholarships, training, internships and much more. Tuxton’s Vice President of Business Development, Jennifer Rolander, joins us with the details.

On the heels of its 20th anniversary, the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) will host the 3rd Annual “Tastemakers of Orange County” culinary event on Wednesday, September 5th in the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. This culinary event celebrates the Asian and Pacific Islander community, culture, and heritage by giving guests the opportunity to taste and indulge in Asian and Pacific Island-inspired cuisines and beverages from distinguished chefs throughout Orange County. Proceeds from tickets sold for this event benefit OCAPICA to support mental health, health, workforce, youth in education, and civic engagement opportunities for low income families throughout Orange County. Participants Tarit and Sora Tanjasiri of The Crema Café and Crema Artisan Bakers provide all the tempting details.

For the entire month of August, FOODBEAST is bringing you SPAM® Restaurant Month! This month-long event showcases the versatility of SPAM® and its place on the restaurant scene nationwide, from fast-casual to fine dining concepts. Think $100 Gold SPAM® Musubis in San Francisco to SPAM® Tamales in Orlando. FOODBEAST’s Geoff Kutnick opens the tin for us on these wild creations.

Chef Andrew Gruel, the founder of The Slapfish Restaurant Group, joins us with another installment of “Ask the Chef.” Consider the poor, misunderstood sardine. There is actually a lot more to it than what is packed in a flat tin with olive oil, tomato sauce or mustard. Fresh sardines (when available) grilled, fried or broiled are a treat.

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

Romeo GarciaChef Romeo Garcia of Romeo Chocolates in Downtown Long Beach is a Master Chocolatier with a global reach. He is so highly regarded in Long Beach that the buildout of the retail shop was partially underwritten by a successful Kickstarter Campaign.

In addition to decadent chocolates (artisan bars & truffles) his chocolate boutique serves a variety of appealing chocolate beverages and plated desserts. Think Frozen Hot Chocolate, an incredibly rich ice-blended beverage.

Romeo Chocolates also offers creative chocolate pairings with wine and beer.

“It’s easy to fall in love with chocolate.  Romeo became enamored with the artistry of design, flavors, and the richness of the story of chocolate-making from around the world.  An avid learner and traveler, Romeo graduated from Ecole Professional School of Chocolate Arts, completed the Master Chocolatier Program in Belgium, and traveled across Europe, South Pacific, and other regions to carefully source chocolates and ingredients.  Proudly made in Long Beach, California.  Enjoy our artisanal, micro-batch chocolate bars and confections!”

Chef Romeo Garcia is our guest.

Noelle CarterAs the L.A. Times Test Kitchen director, Noelle Carter oversees the testing of all recipes that appear in The Times. She is also part of The Taste held on the Paramount Pictures Studios backlot over three nights during Labor Day Weekend.

On Sunday night of The Taste, Noelle is performing a Southern Cooking Demonstration with Chef Sean Lowenthal of Little Beast.

“This Labor Day weekend, join the Los Angeles Times for 3 evenings of amazing food, wine, spirits and chef experiences, plus unique culinary pop-ups and collaborations. Dozens of hand-picked local restaurants each evening will showcase our city’s rich and diverse culinary scene by serving you their best. Sip, savor, and celebrate Southern California’s most inspired food and drink. 21 and over only.”

In addition to her Test Kitchen duties, Noelle writes features, pens the “Culinary SOS column, and contributes daily kitchen tips, recipes and videos to Food’s Daily Dish blog, and is also a regular contributor to “The Splendid Table” radio program. A native Southern Californian, she also holds a degree in film from the University of Southern California and, when she’s not cooking, loves watching old movies.

Noelle puts down her trusty spatula for an enticing preview.

Jennifer RolanderTuxton China Inc., a leading tabletop supplier to the foodservice industry, will again (for the 3rd year) partner with C-CAP, the Careers through Culinary Arts Program, to raise vitally needed funds. By purchasing Tuxton products during September, Tuxton will make a generous donation to help provide thousands of high school students across the Nation with scholarships, training, internships and much more.

“At Tuxton, giving back is an important part of our company’s core values, and our continuing partnership with the Careers through Culinary Arts Program gives us the opportunity to help disadvantaged high school students become part of our industry, says Vice President of Business Development Jennifer Rolander. Our continued support of this organization as one of our “Tuxton Cares” partners is a priority for us, and we are looking forward to providing funds for scholarships and their competition plates for years to come!

Tuxton’s Vice President of Business Development, Jennifer Rolander, along with C-CAP Los Angeles Director Lisa Fontanesi, joins us with the details.

Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema CafeOn the heels of its 20th anniversary, the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) will host the 3rd Annual “Tastemakers of Orange County” culinary event on Wednesday, September 5th in the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. This culinary event celebrates the Asian and Pacific Islander community, culture, and heritage by giving guests the opportunity to taste and indulge in Asian and Pacific Island-inspired cuisines and beverages from distinguished chefs throughout Orange County.

Proceeds from tickets sold for this event benefit OCAPICA to support mental health, health, workforce, youth in education, and civic engagement opportunities for low income families throughout Orange County.

The celebration at Argyros Plaza will include food tastings, fun entertainment, and silent and live auctions for guests to enjoy. Tickets are available to the public for $125 for VIP, which allows early entry at 6 p.m., and $85 for General Admission, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. More information and tickets can be found here.

Participants Tarit and Sora Park Tanjasiri of The Crema Café and Crema Artisan Bakers provide all the tempting details. (Sora is a Board Member of OCAPICA)

Geoff KutnickFor the entire month of August, FOODBEAST is bringing you SPAM® Restaurant Month! This month-long event showcases the versatility of SPAM® and its place on the restaurant scene nationwide, from fast-casual to fine dining concepts. Think $100 Gold SPAM® Musubis in San Francisco to SPAM® Tamales in Orlando.

FOODBEAST has curated an impressive lineup of concepts across the United States to share their SPAM® creations. Each item is what FOODBEAST likes to call ‘FOODBEAST Approved’ for taste, creativity and newsworthiness, pushing restaurants to unprecedented lengths of SPAM® innovation.

FOODBEAST’s Geoff Kutnick opens the tin for us on these wild creations.

Locally in Santa Ana (4th Street Market) look for Dos Chinos’ Al Pastor SPAM Papas Fritas. It’s SPAM® marinated in Al Pastor sauce topped with onions, cilantro, sour cream and pineapple served on top of fries.

Andrew and William GruelChef Andrew Gruel, the founder of The Slapfish Restaurant Group, joins us with another installment of Ask the Chef.”

Consider the poor, misunderstood sardine. There is actually a lot more to it than what is packed in a flat tin with olive oil, tomato sauce or mustard. Fresh sardines (when available) grilled, fried or broiled are a treat.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chocolatier Romeo Garcia, Romeo Chocolates, Long Beach
Segment Three: Noelle Carter, Test Kitchen Director, Los Angeles Times, The Taste
Segment Four: Jennifer Rolander, Tuxton China Inc.
Segment Five: “Tastemakers of Orange County” Benefiting OCAPICA
Segment Six: FOODBEAST’s SPAM Restaurant Month Part One
Segment Seven: FOODBEAST’s SPAM Restaurant Month Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Founder, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Show 235, August 5, 2017: DINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week, Terri Henry, Producer & Founder

Terri HenryDINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week is set for August 5th through August 13th, 2017. More than 60 diverse Long Beach restaurants spanning 12 neighborhoods will offer special multi-course menus at affordable prices

Participating restaurants and food companies will be offering multi-course, “value-oriented” meals and special deals set at one of six price points: $15, $25, $35, $45, $55 or $65.

Founder and organizer Terri Henry, who brought restaurant week to Long Beach in 2014, said that besides attracting local “foodies”, Dine LBC allows those who view dining out as a luxury to also enjoy an exceptional experience. The nine-day event that includes two full weekends gives locals the opportunity to visit multiple participating restaurants and also allows those in neighboring cities who find it difficult to travel to Long Beach during the week more options.

For the first time this year, Dine LBC will be highlighting non-restaurant, food-centric companies in Long Beach, such as Beach City Food Tours, Romeo Chocolates and the anticipated RICE & SHINE pop-up brunch that took place August 5 and 6.

“Beach City Food Tours is obviously not an individual restaurant”, said Layla Ali-Ahmad, who started the downtown Long Beach food and architectural tour last summer. “But we are still introducing our clients to the great restaurants and food scene of Long Beach, so we were thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in Dine LBC this year.”

Foodie Instagrammers can also enter the “Dine. Snap. Share. And Be Entered to Win.” Dine LBC Instagram Contest, inviting diners to post photos of their dining experience on Instagram with the hashtag #DineLBC. At the conclusion of restaurant week, one winner will be chosen at random and win $1000 in gift certificates from various Long Beach restaurants, plus a mixed case of Coquelicot Wines, the signature wine of The Sky Room. Some restrictions apply. For complete rules visit the Dine LBC website.

Participating restaurants, menus, food companies and offers can be found at the DineLBC website.

First we’ll chat with DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant founder, Terri Henry, for the overview for 2017.