Show 533, July 8, 2023: Aquaculture Stewardship Council with Athena Davis, Marketing Director, North America

Athena Davis of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council

“Aquaculture, the practice of raising fish, shellfish and seaweed, shares many qualities with modern agriculture. Although if offers a lower carbon footprint than other farmed proteins and great potential to deliver high quality, nutritious seafood to our growing population, it must be done responsibly.”

“That’s where the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) comes in. Since 2010 ASC’s sea green certification label means your seafood was raised according to the world’s strictest standards for responsible aquaculture, including care for people, fish and the environment.”

“Today, more than half of all seafood consumed in the U.S. is raised via aquaculture, also known as seafood farming. The industry has made incredible strides over the last few decades, but not all seafood farms are equal and neither are the certifications. ASC is the only certification that can verify your farmed seafood is what it claims to be, where it came from, how it was responsibly raised and how it got to you.”

Athena Davis, ASC’s Marketing Director for North America, joins us with the 411 on ASC certification.

Show 304, December 29, 2018: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group & Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef” – Part Two

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and CasinoOur own Chef Andrew Gruel joins us with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment. With the Holidays in progress it’s great to have a real working chef in our corner always providing handy and practical advice!

It’s time to further chew on a few significant food and restaurant trends from 2018 and what might be ahead for 2019.

Several industry publications as well as The New York Times predict “Sea Vegetables” as a menu trend. This is a fancy name for seaweed and Chef Andrew has been talking about its use on-the-air for a couple of years now. Rich in umami. It’s sustainable and doesn’t require chemicals and fertilizers to grow.

Show 203, December 24, 2016: Show Preview with Andy Harris, Co-Host & Executive Producer and Chef Andrew Gruel, Chief Seafood Officer, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays and the happiest of Happy New Years to all our loyal listeners. Where did 2016 go? Thanks for making us part of your Saturday morning. We’re here for you live through Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s.

Now a hunger-evoking preview of Saturday’s fully-loaded show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a pretty good thing…

For the last nine years Chef Eric Klein has been the face of Spago Las Vegas for Wolfgang Puck as Partner & Executive Chef. Chef Eric just earned a well-deserved promotion within the Wolfgang Puck organization. He’s now back in Los Angeles as Executive Chef and Vice President, Culinary of Wolfgang Puck Catering based at Hollywood & Highland, the home of the annual Academy Awards Ceremony at The Dolby Theater. We’ll rattle pans with Chef Eric.

There is a great tradition associated with the annual Rose Bowl Game and it’s not held in Pasadena. It’s the iconic Lawry’s Beef Bowl, now in its 61st year, hosted at Lawry’s the Prime Rib in Beverly Hills. The gridiron guests this year (on separate nights) are the USC Trojans and the Penn State Nittany Lions. Sports Historian Todd Erickson actually wrote the book on Lawry’s Beef Bowl (Road To The Rose Bowl: 50 Years of Lawry’s Beef Bowl) and is our guest along with long-time USC Sports Information Director Tim Tessalone.

The Holidays at the historic Hotel del Coronado (built in 1888) are an enchanting tradition. Distinctive food and beverage opportunities abound including the lavish Sunday Brunch in the architecturally amazing Crown Room. We’ll chat with Dieter Hissin, the new Director of Food and Beverage at this magical property. Orange County foodies know him from his long tenure at The Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.

For adventurous travelers Cuba is definitely on their minds. The former, long-time Editor of Bon Appetit, Barbara Fairchild, was just there with a small group for 7 days on a self-organized excursion. Barbara will give us a genuine food journalist’s perspective on the food and accommodations in Havana and Trinidad. You’ll be surprised…

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group is our resident seafood expert. He’ll be looking ahead at possible Seafood Trends for 2017. For instance, is Seaweed finally become a mainstream ingredient? It is nutritionally sound.

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

Show 203, December 24, 2016: Executive Chef & Founder Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Andrew Gruel and his son WilliamChef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group is our resident seafood expert. He’ll be looking ahead at possible Seafood Trends for 2017.

For instance, is Seaweed finally become a mainstream ingredient? It is nutritionally sound.

Also, Abalone, previously a popular seafood standard in California, is making a well-deserved comeback. The inspiration/motivation is better awareness and successful farm-raised programs.

December 24: Eric Klein, Lawry’s Beef Bowl, Hotel del Coronado, Barbara Fairchild, Andrew Gruel

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Andy Harris, Co-Host & Executive Producer and Chef Andrew Gruel, Chief Seafood Officer, Slapfish Restaurant Group
Segment Two: Eric Klein, Executive Chef, Vice President Culinary, Wolfgang Puck Catering Part One
Segment Three: Eric Klein, Executive Chef, Vice President Culinary, Wolfgang Puck Catering Part Two
Segment Four: Lawry’s Beef Bowl with College Football Historian Todd Erickson & Tim Tessalone, Sports Information Director, USC
Segment Five: Dieter Hissin, Director of Food & Beverage, Hotel del Coronado
Segment Six: Food Journalist Barbara Fairchild (formerly Editor, Bon Appetit Magazine) Part One
Segment Seven: Food Journalist Barbara Fairchild (formerly Editor, Bon Appetit Magazine) Part Two
Segment Eight: Executive Chef & Founder Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays and the happiest of Happy New Years to all our loyal listeners. Where did 2016 go? Thanks for making us part of your Saturday morning. We’re here for you live through Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s.

Now a hunger-evoking preview of Saturday’s fully-loaded show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a pretty good thing…

For the last nine years Chef Eric Klein has been the face of Spago Las Vegas for Wolfgang Puck as Partner & Executive Chef. Chef Eric just earned a well-deserved promotion within the Wolfgang Puck organization. He’s now back in Los Angeles as Executive Chef of Wolfgang Puck Catering based at Hollywood & Highland, the home of the annual Academy Awards Ceremony at The Dolby Theater. We’ll rattle pans with Chef Eric.

There is a great tradition associated with the annual Rose Bowl Game and it’s not held in Pasadena. It’s the iconic Lawry’s Beef Bowl, now in its 61st year, hosted at Lawry’s the Prime Rib in Beverly Hills. The gridiron guests this year (on separate nights) are the USC Trojans and the Penn State Nittany Lions. Sports Historian Todd Erickson wrote the book on Lawry’s Beef Bowl (Road To The Rose Bowl : 50 Years of Lawry’s Beef Bowl) and is our guest along with long-time USC Sports Information Director Tim Tessalone.

The Holidays at the historic Hotel del Coronado (built in 1888) are an enchanting tradition. Distinctive food and beverage opportunities abound including the lavish Sunday Brunch in the architecturally amazing Crown Room. We’ll chat with Dieter Hissin, the new Director of Food and Beverage at this magical property. Orange County foodies know him from his long tenure at The Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.

For adventurous travelers Cuba is definitely on their minds. The former, long-time Editor of Bon Appetit, Barbara Fairchild, was just there with a small group for 7 days on a self-organized excursion. Barbara will give us a genuine food journalist’s perspective on the food and accommodations in Havana and Trinidad. You’ll be surprised…

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group is our resident seafood expert. He’ll be looking ahead at possible Seafood Trends for 2017. For instance, is Seaweed finally become a mainstream ingredient? It is nutritionally sound.

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

Eric KleinFor the last nine years Chef Eric Klein has been the face of Spago Las Vegas for Wolfgang Puck as Partner & Executive Chef. When superstars perform at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace they specifically ask to have Chef Eric cook for them.

Chef Eric just earned a well-deserved promotion within the Wolfgang Puck organization. He’s now back in Los Angeles as Executive Chef of Wolfgang Puck Catering based at Hollywood & Highland, the home of the annual Academy Awards Ceremony at The Dolby Theater. Wolfgang Puck Catering provides all the food for The Governor’s Ball which follows the Oscar ceremony every year. You can’t find a more prestigious client than The Oscars! Every winner passes through the Governor’s Ball. Talk about pressure…

We’ll rattle pans with Chef Eric.

Road to the Rose Bowl 50 Years of Lawry's Beef BowlThere is a great tradition associated with the annual Rose Bowl Game and it’s not held in Pasadena. It’s the iconic Lawry’s Beef Bowl, now in its 61st year, hosted at Lawry’s the Prime Rib in Beverly Hills. The gridiron guests this year (on separate nights) are the USC Trojans and the Penn State Nittany Lions.

The Tournament of Roses – Lawry’s partnership was the first of its kind in college football. It claims the distinction of being the longest running sponsor partnership in bowl game history.

Football Historian Todd Erickson wrote the book on Lawry’s Beef Bowl (Road To The Rose Bowl: 50 Years of Lawry’s Beef Bowl) and is our guest along with long-time USC Sports Information Director Tim Tessalone.

Dieter HissinThe Holidays at the historic Hotel del Coronado (built in 1888 and thoughtfully maintained) are an enchanting tradition. Distinctive, celebratory food and beverage opportunities abound including the lavish Sunday Brunch in the architecturally amazing Crown Room.

“Each year, families and friends gather at Hotel del Coronado to celebrate the Holiday season. As America’s beachfront legend, The Del is a sight to behold, bedecked in thousands of white lights and swaths of greenery. The resort transforms into a Winter Wonderland of ice and festive lights, sparkles and snowflakes. Carolers stroll about singing joyful tunes, while skaters glide across the rink at sunset or under a full moon. Trees are trimmed and glisten with pretty packages underneath.”

“This year Hotel del Coronado is celebrating all things shiny and bright with the Holiday theme – a season to sparkle. It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year.”

We’ll chat with Dieter Hissin, the new Director of Food and Beverage at this magical property. Orange County foodies know him from his long tenure at The Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.

Barbara FairchildFor adventurous travelers Cuba is definitely on their minds. The former, long-time Editor of Bon Appetit Magazine, Barbara Fairchild, was just there with a small group for 7 days, on a self-organized excursion. Barbara will give us a genuine food journalist’s perspective on the food and accommodations in Havana and Trinidad. You’ll be surprised…

In Havana she stayed at the Hotel Parque Central and toured the landmark Hotel Nacional. They mainly dined at the paladares which are entrepreneurial restaurants and more representative of the local fare.

Outside of Havana, Barbara’s group visited Trinidad de Cuba and Cienfuegos. The accommodations there were in well-maintained Casa Particulares. These are Cuba’s version of Bed & Breakfast establishments.

One thing to keep in mind about Cuba is that Wi-Fi and internet access is spotty at best. Service can be intermittent, even in the luxury hotels.

Andrew Gruel and his son WilliamChef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group is our resident seafood expert. He’ll be looking ahead at possible Seafood Trends for 2017.

For instance, is Seaweed finally become a mainstream ingredient? It is nutritionally sound.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Andy Harris, Co-Host & Executive Producer and Chef Andrew Gruel, Chief Seafood Officer, Slapfish Restaurant Group
Segment Two: Eric Klein, Executive Chef, Vice President Culinary, Wolfgang Puck Catering Part One
Segment Three: Eric Klein, Executive Chef, Vice President Culinary, Wolfgang Puck Catering Part Two
Segment Four: Lawry’s Beef Bowl with College Football Historian Todd Erickson & Tim Tessalone, Sports Information Director, USC
Segment Five: Dieter Hissin, Director of Food & Beverage, Hotel del Coronado
Segment Six: Food Journalist Barbara Fairchild (formerly Editor, Bon Appetit Magazine) Part One
Segment Seven: Food Journalist Barbara Fairchild (formerly Editor, Bon Appetit Magazine) Part Two
Segment Eight: Executive Chef & Founder Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group