Show 564, February 10, 2024: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Chef Duff Goldman is a New York Times bestselling author who stars on many of Food Network’s most watched shows including the Baking Championship series, Kids Baking Championship and The Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown. He just signed a new multiyear deal at the network. His most recent cookbook Super Good Cookies for Kids was released in 2022 and Super Good Baking for Kids in 2020.  Duff is the owner of the successful bakery, Charm City Cakes based in Baltimore. His bakery has created famous cakes for everything from Obama’s inauguration to an R2-D2 cake for Lucasfilm to Lady Gaga’s birthday cake for Tony Bennett. His signature cakes are now available nationwide on GoldbellyChef Duff Goldman joins us with pastry bag in hand.

We’re delighted to welcome food journalist Farley Elliott back to the show. Farley Elliott is the new SoCal Bureau Chief for SFGATE. Previously, he was the Senior Editor for Eater Los Angeles, covering food and culture around LA, and his work has also appeared in print, film, and television. He’s also the author of Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks, a book about the long, winding saga of street food in Los Angeles. Farley joins us to chat about his new beat. Along the way he’ll discuss an unusual form of Street Art in Venice with a social message which has attracted national attention and his recent visit to greater Palm Springs where (among other activities) he interviewed chefs and restaurateurs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger at their new restaurant, Alice B., located in Downtown Palm Springs.

We’re checking in with our helpful foodservice experts at SoCal Gas to be updated on their various programs to assist Chefs and Restaurateurs.

Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) will be explaining what’s available at the Energy Resource Center in Downey and their upcoming Seminar Calendar. Carmen Oliver (Customer Programs Advisor) joins the conversation to describe new rebate measures and the qualified product list categories. Joe Frausto (On-Bill Financing Program Manager) concludes with an overview of On Bill Financing and GoGreen Financing for business owners. SoCal Gas’Energy Resource Center (ERC) offers seminars, demonstrations and consulting services to help your business find cost-effective, energy-efficient solutions.

PINE & CRANE DTLA is a casual and hospitable Taiwanese restaurant located in the South Park neighborhood of downtown Los Angeles. This location follows up their original, far more compact restaurant in Silver Lake and aims, as ever, to bring their guests delicious Taiwanese fare in a comfortable, modern setting. They are passionate about what they do, and take pride in preparing their food using simple, fresh ingredients. In addition to familiar favorites from the Silver Lake location, DTLA features dishes specific to DTLA, still offering a variety of small plates, traditional cold appetizers, dumplings, noodles, and rice dishes. Along with an extensive tea menu, Pine & Crane also features beer, wine, unusual whiskies and specialty cocktails.” Producer Andy Harris provides the salivating overview of Pine & Crane DTLA based on his recent dining experiences there.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Valentine’s Day (coming up next week) is a time of high anxiety for restaurants. It’s typically groups of two with a lot of high expectations and stress. Chef Andrew shares some of his more humorous Valentine’s Day restaurant experiences over the years along with a few tips..

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

Show 564, February 10, 2024: SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center and Ongoing Programs Supporting Foodservice Entities

Gina Christian of SoCal Gas

We’re checking in with our helpful foodservice experts at SoCal Gas to be updated on their various programs to assist Chefs and Restaurateurs.

Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) will be explaining what’s available at the Energy Resource Center in Downey and their upcoming Seminar Calendar. Carmen Oliver (Customer Programs Advisor) joins the conversation to describe new rebate measures and the qualified product list categories. Joe Frausto (On-Bill Financing Program Manager) concludes with an overview of On Bill Financing and GoGreen Financing for business owners.

SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center (ERC) offers seminars, demonstrations and consulting services to help your business find cost-effective, energy-efficient solutions.

February 10: Duff Goldman, Farley Elliott, SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center, Pine & Crane

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes Part One
Segment Three: Chef Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes Part Two
Segment Four: Journalist Farley Elliott, SF Gate, Southern California Bureau Chief Part One
Segment Five: Journalist Farley Elliott, SF Gate, Southern California Bureau Chief Part Two
Segment Six: SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center and Ongoing Programs Supporting Foodservice Entities
Segment Seven: Pine & Crane in Downtown Los Angeles – A Profile
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host and Proprietor of Calico Fish House, with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.

Chef Duff Goldman is a New York Times bestselling author who stars on many of Food Network’s most watched shows including the Baking Championship series, Kids Baking Championship and The Elf on the Shelf:Sweet Showdown.He just signed a new multiyear deal at the network. His most recent cookbook Super Good Cookies for Kids was released in 2022 and Super Good Baking for Kids in 2020. Duff is the owner of the successful bakery, Charm City Cakes based in Baltimore. His bakery has created famous cakes for everything from Obama’s inauguration to an R2-D2 cake for Lucasfilm to Lady Gaga’s birthday cake for Tony Bennett. His signature cakes are now available nationwide on Goldbelly. Chef Duff Goldman joins us with pastry bag in hand.

We’re delighted to welcome food journalist Farley Elliott back to the show. Farley Elliott is the new SoCal Bureau Chief for SFGATE. Previously, he was the Senior Editor for Eater Los Angeles, covering food and culture around LA, and his work has also appeared in print, film, and television. He’s also the author of Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks, a book about the long, winding saga of street food in Los Angeles. Farley joins us in-studio to chat about his new beat. Along the way he’ll discuss an unusual form of Street Art in Venice with a social message which has attracted national attention and his recent visit to greater Palm Springs where (among other activities) he interviewed chefs and restaurateurs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger at their new restaurant, Alice B., located in Downtown Palm Springs.

We’re checking in with our helpful foodservice experts at SoCal Gas to be updated on their various programs to assist Chefs and Restaurateurs.

Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) will be explaining what’s available at the Energy Resource Center in Downey and their upcoming Seminar Calendar. Carmen Oliver (Customer Programs Advisor) joins the conversation to describe new rebate measures and the qualified product list categories. Joe Frausto (On-Bill Financing Program Manager) concludes with an overview of On Bill Financing and GoGreen Financing for business owners. SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center (ERC) offers seminars, demonstrations and consulting services to help your business find cost-effective, energy-efficient solutions.

“PINE & CRANE DTLA is a casual Taiwanese restaurant located in the South Park neighborhood of downtown Los Angeles. This location follows up their original, far more compact restaurant in Silver Lake and aims, as ever, to bring their guests delicious Taiwanese fare in a comfortable, modern setting. They are passionate about what they do, and take pride in preparing their food using simple, fresh ingredients. In addition to familiar favorites from the Silver Lake location, DTLA features dishes specific to DTLA, still offering a variety of small plates, traditional cold appetizers, dumplings, noodles, and rice dishes. Along with an extensive tea menu, Pine & Crane also features beer, wine, unusual whiskies and specialty cocktails.” Producer Andy Harris provides the overview of Pine & Crane DTLAbased on his recent dining experiences there.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm(New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Valentine’s Day (coming up next week) is a time of high anxiety for restaurants. It’s groups of two with a lot of high expectations and stress. Chef Andrew shares some of his more humorous Valentine’s Day restaurant experiences over the years.

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

Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes

Chef Duff Goldman is a New York Times bestselling author who stars on many of Food Network’s most watched shows including the Baking Championship series, Kids Baking Championship and The Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown. He just signed a new multiyear deal at the network.”

“His most recent cookbook Super Good Cookies for Kids was released in 2022 and Super Good Baking for Kids in 2020.”

“Duff is the owner of the successful bakery, Charm City Cakes based in Baltimore. His bakery has created famous cakes for everything from Obama’s inauguration to an R2-D2 cake for Lucasfilm to Lady Gaga’s birthday cake for Tony Bennett. His signature cakes are now available nationwide on Goldbelly.”

“When his dream of slaying on the guitar in a rock band wasn’t paying the bills, Chef Duff Goldman turned to his talents as a classically trained pastry chef and metal craftsman and founded Charm City Cakes in Baltimore, MD in 2002. Duff and his intrepid team of cake decorators churned out cakes the world had never seen before: cakes with sound, cakes with smoke, cakes with motorized moving components, life-sized baby elephant cakes- no cake was too crazy to tackle.”

“It wasn’t long before Charm City Cakes caught the eye of the Food Network where the hit reality cake decorating series Ace of Cakes [AH1] was born. The Baltimore bakery has had the pleasure of making their awesome clients’ cake dreams come true for over two decades!”

Chef Duff Goldman joins us with pastry bag in hand.

Farley Elliott at the KLAA Studios

We’re delighted to welcome food journalist Farley Elliott back to the show. Farley Elliott is the new SoCal Bureau Chief for SFGATE. Previously, he was the Senior Editor for Eater Los Angeles, covering food and culture around LA, and his work has also appeared in print, film, and television. He’s also the author of Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks, a book about the long, winding saga of street food in Los Angeles.

Farley joins us in-studio to chat about his new beat. Along the way he’ll discuss an unusual form of Street Art in Venice with a social message which has attracted national attention and his recent visit to greater Palm Springs where (among other activities) he interviewed Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger at their new restaurant, Alice B. located in Downtown Palm Springs.

Launched in 1994, SFGATE.com was one of the first large-market media sites in the world and served as the exclusive digital home of the San Francisco Chronicle for 19 years. The site, which was initially known as The Gate until officially becoming SFGATE in 1998, was co-founded by Allen Weiner and John Coate.”

“In 2013, the Chronicle launched a paywalled premium website, sfchronicle.com. Over the next six years, varying amounts of free and premium Chronicle content appeared on SFGATE, then in 2019, the Chronicle and SFGATE officially became two separately run entities with their own editorial staffs and independent newsrooms.”

Gina Christian of SoCal Gas

We’re checking in with our helpful foodservice experts at SoCal Gas to be updated on their various programs to assist Chefs and Restaurateurs.

Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) will be explaining what’s available at the Energy Resource Center in Downey and their upcoming Seminar Calendar. Carmen Oliver (Customer Programs Advisor) joins the conversation to describe new rebate measures and the qualified product list categories. Joe Frausto (On-Bill Financing Program Manager) concludes with an overview of On Bill Financing and GoGreen Financing for business owners.

SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center (ERC) offers seminars, demonstrations and consulting services to help your business find cost-effective, energy-efficient solutions.

PINE & CRANE DTLA is a casual Taiwanese restaurant located artfully designed by Preen in the South Park neighborhood of downtown Los Angeles. This location follows up their original, far more compact restaurant in Silver Lake “and aims, as ever, to bring their guests delicious Taiwanese fare in a comfortable, modern setting. They are passionate about what they do, and take pride in preparing their food using simple, fresh ingredients.”

“In addition to familiar favorites from the Silver Lake location, DTLA features dishes specific to DTLA, still offering a variety of small plates, traditional cold appetizers, dumplings, noodles, and rice dishes. Along with an extensive tea menu, Pine & Crane also features beer, wine, unusual whiskies and specialty cocktails.”

They are currently open every day, with all day service running from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Breakfast Hours are 8 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and Lunch & Dinner Hours are 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Producer Andy Harris provides the salivating overview of Pine & Crane DTLA based on his recent dining experiences there.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Valentine’s Day (coming up next week) is a time of high anxiety for restaurants. It’s parties of two with a lot of stress. Chef Andrew shares some of his humorous Valentine’s Day restaurant experiences over the years.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes Part One
Segment Three: Chef Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes Part Two
Segment Four: Journalist Farley Elliott, SF Gate, Southern California Bureau Chief Part One
Segment Five: Journalist Farley Elliott, SF Gate, Southern California Bureau Chief Part Two
Segment Six: SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center and Ongoing Programs Supporting Foodservice Entities
Segment Seven: Pine & Crane in Downtown Los Angeles – A Profile
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host and Proprietor of Calico Fish House, with “Ask the Chef”

Show 522, April 22, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

What’s a new season of Angels Baseball without a home run of new food items to contemplate and savor. Joining us to make us incredibly hungry is new Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe of Legends Hospitality at Angel Stadium. We’re chatting about what’s new in the concession stands, at Brewery X, and the Premium Suites. Angel Stadium also has an in-house pastry chef. Think fresh-baked brownie bites and oversized caramel (Granny Smith) apples! It’s everything from the Out-of-the-Park Dog to the juicy BX Burger on at Brewery X.

When we last visited Luchador Brewing Co. they were just operating their original craft brewery and restaurant in Chino Hills. A new location in Cathedral City joined the collection last year.
“Co-owner Brent Miller was inspired by the nostalgia of the Luchador wrestling he watched as a child and co-owner Jaime Benson had strong connections to both Chino Hills and the Coachella Valley, and thus, Luchador Brewing Co was born. The flagship location in Chino Hills opened its doors in March 2020 & their second location, Cathedral City in the Coachella Valley, opened in August 2022. Coming soon: LBC Distribution Center in Banning, CA.” Restaurateur Brent Miller joins us in-studio to tap the keg on Luchador Brewing Co.

“As a former professional athlete and a self- proclaimed health junkie Cristina Kown and Christian Gerloff were always trying to keep up with the latest health trends and best new wellness products. But when they started looking closely at labels and saw the amount of artificial ingredients, sugar, coloring and junk that was going into drinks that were made “healthy and natural” they just knew that they could create something better. Christina and Christian set out to make drinks that tasted great and could actually be helpful in supporting wellness. They had to be as clean as possible and contain real and organic ingredients. Their drinks had to contain meaningful levels of nutrition- not just buzz words on a label. And so, the idea for all Phenoms was born.” All Phenoms’ Cristina Kown and Christian Gerloff join us to pull the tab on all Phenoms sparkling functional beverages for us.

SoCalGas is hosting the 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (2 days) on Tuesday, April 25th and Wednesday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey. “With no-cost registration, the 10th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Innovate at one of the industry’s largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates.” SoCalGas Co.’s Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) and William Morris (Senior Foodservice Program Advisor) are our guests providing all the details.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. If servers (middle-income earners at best) at full-service restaurants didn’t have it rough already coming back after the Pandemic there is a new force of concern out there to contend with. The IRS has a new campaign out there to aggressively audit servers looking at their gratuities. Hardly going after the possible big ticket tax cheats as promised. Chef Andrew explains.

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

Show 522, April 22, 2023: 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo and Restaurants Care Resilience Fund Grants

Gina Christian of SoCal Gas

SoCalGas is hosting the 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (2 days) on Tuesday, April 25thand Wednesday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey. “With no-cost registration, the 10th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Innovate at one of the industry’s largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates.” SoCalGas Co.’s Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) and William Morris (Senior Foodservice Program Advisor) are our guests providing all the details.

“Grant applications for the California Restaurant Foundation‘s (CRF) Restaurants Care Resilience Fund are open now to May 7, making $5,000 grants available to 177 restaurants in SoCalGas’ service area, with a total of 360 grants available statewide for qualifying independent restaurants. The grants will go towards technology adoption, equipment upgrades, employee onboarding and retention, or unforeseen hardships. This latest round of grants follows SoCalGas’ $1 million donation earlier this year to the foundation’s Restaurants Care Resilience Fund to support independently owned restaurants. Together, this brings this year’s fund total to $2.1 million, making it the largest Restaurants Care® Resilience Fund to date since the program started in 2021.”

SoCalGas is also a generous angel to C-CAP, The Careers through Culinary Arts Program. On Friday, April 21st was the 29th Annual C-CAP L.A. Scholarship Breakfast at Jonathan Club DTLA where over $485,000 in Scholarships was awarded to deserving, graduating High School students.

April 22: Angels Baseball Food, Luchador Brewing Co., All Phenoms Sparking Functional Beverages, SoCal Gas Foodservice Equipment Expo

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe, Legends Hospitality at Angel Stadium Part One
Segment Three: Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe, Legends Hospitality at Angel Stadium Part Two
Segment Four: Luchador Brewing Co., Chino Hills and Cathedral City with Co-Founder Brent Miller Part One
Segment Five: Luchador Brewing Co., Chino Hills and Cathedral City with Co-Founder Brent Miller Part Two
Segment Six: All Phenoms Sparkling Functional Beverages with Founders Cristina Kown and Christian Gerloff
Segment Seven: 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo and Restaurants Care Resilience Fund Grants
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel (Co-Host) of Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach with “Ask the Chef”

We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

What’s a new season of Angels Baseball without a home run of new food items to contemplate and savor. Joining us to make us incredibly hungry is new Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe and Pastry Chef Christy Petro of Legends Hospitality at Angel Stadium. We’ll be chatting about what’s new in the concession stands, at Brewery X, and the Premium Suites. Angel Stadium also has an in-house pastry chef. Think fresh-baked brownie bites and oversized caramel (Granny Smith) apples! It’s everything from the Out-of-the-Park Dog to the juicy BX Burger at Brewery X.

When we last visited Luchador Brewing Co. they were just operating their original craft brewery and restaurant in Chino Hills. A new location in Cathedral City has joined the collection last year.

Co-owner Brent Miller was inspired by the nostalgia of the Luchador wrestling he watched as a child and co-owner Jaime Benson had strong connections to both Chino Hills and the Coachella Valley, and thus, Luchador Brewing Co was born. The flagship location in Chino Hills opened its doors in March 2020 & their second location, Cathedral City in the Coachella Valley, opened in August 2022. Coming soon: LBC Distribution Center in Banning, CA.” Restaurateur Brent Miller joins us in-studio to tap the keg on Luchador Brewing Co.

“As a former professional athlete and a self- proclaimed health junkie Cristina Kown and Christian Gerloff were always trying to keep up with the latest health trends and best new wellness products. But when they started looking closely at labels and saw the amount of artificial ingredients, sugar, coloring and junk that was going into drinks that were made “healthy and natural” they just knew that they could create something better. Christina and Christian set out to make drinks that tasted great and could actually be helpful in supporting wellness. They had to be as clean as possible and contain real and organic ingredients. Their drinks had to contain meaningful levels of nutrition- not just buzz words on a label. And so, the idea for all Phenoms was born.” All Phenoms’ Cristina Kown and Christian Gerloff join us to pull the tab on all Phenoms sparkling functional beverages for us.

SoCalGas is hosting the 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (2 days) on Tuesday, April 25thand Wednesday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey. “With no-cost registration, the 10th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Innovate at one of the industry’s largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates.” SoCalGas Co.’s Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) and William Morris (Senior Foodservice Program Advisor) are our guests providing all the details.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. If servers (middle-income earners at best) at full-service restaurants didn’t have it rough already coming back after the Pandemic there is a new force of concern out there to contend with. The IRS has a new campaign out there to aggressively audit servers looking at their gratuities. Hardly going after the possible big ticket tax cheats as promised. Chef Andrew explains.

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

Dennis Radcliffe of Legends Hospitality

What’s a new season of Angels Baseball without a home run of new food items to contemplate and savor. Joining us to make us incredibly hungry is new Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe and Pastry Chef Christy Petro of Legends Hospitality at Angel Stadium.

We’ll be chatting about what’s new in the concession stands, at Brewery X, and the Premium Suites. Angel Stadium also has an in-house pastry chef. Think fresh-baked brownie bites and oversized caramel (Granny Smith) apples!

It’s everything from the Out-of-the-Park Dog to the BX Burger at Brewery X. 

Also the Barbacoa Burrito and the California Steak Board in the Suites. A whole lot lot of deliciousness at the ready.

Brent Miller of Luuchador Brewing

When we last visited Luchador Brewing Co. they were just operating their original craft brewery and restaurant in Chino Hills. A new location in Cathedral City has joined the collection last year.

“Co-owner Brent Miller was inspired by the nostalgia of the Luchador wrestling he watched as a child and co-owner Jaime Benson had strong connections to both Chino Hills and the Coachella Valley, and thus, Luchador Brewing Co was born. The flagship location in Chino Hills opened its doors in March 2020 & their second location, Cathedral City in the Coachella Valley, opened in August 2022. Coming soon: LBC Distribution Center in Banning, CA.”

“Brewer Paul Marquez and his team head up Luchador’s custom brew system, made up of eight five-barrel brew tanks in Chino Hills and four ten-barrel tanks in Cathedral City. LBC has 15 rotating taps featuring a wide selection of beers & seltzers, all made in-house, as well as a solid selection of wine by the glass and bottle.

Luchador’s in-house food truck El Camión turns the brewery food truck tradition on its head and serves up delicious Mexican street food small plates, Tijuana-style. Specialties include Aguachile, Gorditas, Tortas, Tacos, Birria Ramen, Luchador Dog and a Mexi-Cali Cheesesteak. Growlers, crowlers, and their full menu are available for take-out. Check LBC’s beer and food links for our current selection.

Brent Miller joins us in-studio to tap the keg on Luchador Brewing Co. and also preview their upcoming Cinco de Mayo festivities.

Christian Gerloff and Christina Kown of All Phenoms

“As a former professional athlete and a self-proclaimed health junkie Cristina Kown and Christian Gerloff were always trying to keep up with the latest health trends and best new wellness products. But when they started looking closely at labels and saw the amount of artificial ingredients, sugar, coloring and junk that was going into drinks that were made “healthy and natural” they just knew that they could create something better.”

“Christina and Christian set out to make drinks that tasted great and could actually be helpful in supporting wellness. They had to be as clean as possible and contain real and organic ingredients. Their drinks had to contain meaningful levels of nutrition- not just buzz words on a label. And so, the idea for all Phenoms was born.”

“Christina and Christian crafted three delicious organic fruit infused sparkling waters to enjoy anytime of day. And each of all Phenoms drinks contain a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, botanicals, adaptogens and nootropics crafted to make getting the best in wellness a little bit easier.”

“Try Daily (sparling Mango Pineapple) for simple nutrition and daily wellness. Superboost (sparking Strawberry Mint) supports immune health and hydration and Motivate (sparking Citrus Ginger) is crafted for better energy and focus.”

All Phenoms also has partnered with 1% For The Planet, because we believe that all businesses need to do their part in supporting responsible environmental practices.

All Phenoms’ Cristina Kown and Christian Gerloff join us to pull the tab on all Phenoms sparkling beverages for us.

Gina Christian of SoCal Gas

SoCalGas is hosting the 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (2 days) on Tuesday, April 25thand Wednesday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey. “With no-cost registration, the 10th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Innovate at one of the industry’s largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates.” SoCalGas Co.’s Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) and William Morris (Senior Foodservice Program Advisor) are our guests providing all the details.

“Grant applications for the California Restaurant Foundation‘s (CRF) Restaurants Care Resilience Fund are open now to May 7, making $5,000 grants available to 177 restaurants in SoCalGas’ service area, with a total of 360 grants available statewide for qualifying independent restaurants. The grants will go towards technology adoption, equipment upgrades, employee onboarding and retention, or unforeseen hardships. This latest round of grants follows SoCalGas’ $1 million donation earlier this year to the foundation’s Restaurants Care Resilience Fund to support independently owned restaurants. Together, this brings this year’s fund total to $2.1 million, making it the largest Restaurants Care® Resilience Fund to date since the program started in 2021.”

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

If hard-working servers (middle-income earners at best) at full-service restaurants didn’t have it rough already coming back after the Pandemic there is a new force of concern out there to contend with. The IRS has a fresh campaign out there to aggressively audit servers looking at their gratuities. Hardly going after the possible big ticket tax cheats as promised. This impacts the restaurants, too. Chef Andrew explains.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe, Legends Hospitality at Angel Stadium Part One
Segment Three: Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe, Legends Hospitality at Angel Stadium Part Two
Segment Four: Luchador Brewing Co., Chino Hills and Cathedral City with Co-Founder Brent Miller Part One
Segment Five: Luchador Brewing Co., Chino Hills and Cathedral City with Co-Founder Brent Miller Part Two
Segment Six: All Phenoms Sparkling Functional Beverages with Founders Cristina Kown and Christian Gerloff
Segment Seven: 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo and Restaurants Care Resilience Fund Grants
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel (Co-Host) of Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach with “Ask the Chef”

Show 514, February 25, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

SoCalGas is hosting the 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (2 days) on Tuesday, April 25th and Wednesday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey. “With no-cost registration, the 10th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Innovate at one of the industry’s largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates.” SoCalGas Co.’s Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) and Carmen Oliver (Customer Programs Advisor) are our guides. Also joining us is SoCalGas’ Joe Frausto, the On-Bill Financing Program Manager, to explain the SoCal Gas program offering interest free financing for the purchase and installation of equipment covered by SoCalGas’ energy efficiency programs.

“The inaugural, first of its kind Pizza City Fest Los Angeles will take place April 29-30, 2023 at L.A. LIVE – Downtown Los Angeles’ Sports and Entertainment District – offering fans the unique opportunity to sample pizzas from Southern California’s best pizza makers all in one location over two days. Steve Dolinsky – a 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter and “The Food Guy” at NBC 5 Chicago – has turned his love of pizza into an all-encompassing endeavor. Now he hopes to bring that same experience to Los Angeles (as he did last year in Chicago) and showcase the diversity – in both geography and styles – that the region exemplifies.” We are previewing Pizza City Fest Los Angeles in multiple segments leading up to the event. Today we’ll meet the team from El Segundo Brewing Co’s Slice and Pint in El Segundo one of Steve Dolinsky’s hand-picked pizzerias of distinction sampling their slices on Saturday, April 29th.

“The 15th Anniversary of Orange County Restaurant Week returns on Sunday, March 5 and runs through Saturday, March 11. This year’s event highlights more than 165 restaurants that have crafted thoughtful menus and cocktails designed to showcase Orange County’s diverse dining options.” Chef/Restauranteur Ross Pangilinan is participating in OC Restaurant Week with Terrace By Mix Mix and Populaire at South Coast Plaza, and Verdant at the Orange County Museum of Art. Chef Ross joins us with all his enticing OC Restaurant Week menu highlights.

“The delicious flavors and aromas of chocolate will “Indulge the Senses” at the Big Island Chocolate Festival (Hawaii) April 28-29 at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. The “Indulge the Senses with Chocolate” theme marks the festival’s 10th anniversary. In-person activities include culinary demonstrations for the home cook, cacao growing and processing seminars by industry experts, a new VIP-PLUS pre-gala Sunset & Pupu Pairing and a festive evening gala with culinary booths, chocolate fountain, entertainment, dancing, a silent auction and some surprises! Guests can enjoy unlimited wine, beer and a custom spritzer by Ola Brew, iced tea and coffee. A general admission gala ticket is $99 while a VIP-PLUS ticket is $189. Also available are specially priced event room packages at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort. The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort’s John Dominguez (Director of Sales and Marketing) joins us with the details of the special Hotel Packages.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the recently launched, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. We’re picking up the conversation about some tipping oddities. Some full-service restaurants are now adding a “Mandatory Service Charge” to restaurant bills for parties of less than 6 guests. Is this a tip ? Does the server get all of this? What about a 4 to 5 per cent surcharge sometimes now added for “employee health care”? What’s right? We’ll ask the chef.

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

Show 514, February 25, 2023: Preview of The Gas Co’s 10th Annual Foodservice Equipment Expo

Gina Christian of SoCal Gas

SoCalGas is hosting the 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (2 days) on Tuesday, April 25th and Wednesday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey.

“With no-cost registration, the 10th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Innovate at one of the industry’s largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates.”

SoCalGas Co.’s Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) and Carmen Oliver (Customer Programs Advisor) are our guides.

Show 514, February 25, 2023: Preview of The Gas Co’s 10th Annual Foodservice Equipment Expo & On-Bill Financing

Carmen Oliver of the Gas Company

SoCalGas is hosting the 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (2 days) on Tuesday, April 25th and Wednesday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey.

“With no-cost registration, the 10th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Innovate at one of the industry’s largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates.”

SoCalGas Co.’s Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) and Carmen Oliver (Customer Programs Advisor) continue as our helpful guides.

Carmen will also talk about SoCalGas Co’s ongoing “try before you buy” program for restaurant equipment centered at SoCalGas’ Foodservice Equipment Center. Foodservice professionals have the opportunity to try more than 125 pieces of commercial equipment from 60 different manufacturers. There are also attractive rebates available.

Also joining us is SoCalGas’ Joe Frausto, the On-Bill Financing Program Manager, to explain the SoCal Gas program offering interest free financing for the purchase and installation of equipment covered by SoCalGas’ energy efficiency programs.

February 25: SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo, ESBC Slice and Pint, Ross Pangilinan, Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Preview of The Gas Co’s 10th Annual Foodservice Equipment Expo
Segment Three: Preview of The Gas Co’s 10th Annual Foodservice Equipment Expo & On-Bill Financing
Segment Four: ESBC’s Slice + Pint, El Segundo with Thomas Kelley, Chief Innovation Officer. Preview of Pizza City Fest Los Angeles Part One
Segment Five: ESBC’s Slice + Pint, El Segundo with Thomas Kelley, Chief Innovation Officer. Preview of Pizza City Fest Los Angeles Part Two
Segment Six: Preview of OC Restaurant Week with Chef & Restaurateur Ross Pangilinan of Populaire, Terrace by Mix Mix and Verdant
Segment Seven: Preview of 10th Annual Big Island Chocolate Festival at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort, Hawaii
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”

We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

SoCalGas is hosting the 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (2 days) on Tuesday, April 25th and Wednesday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey. “With no-cost registration, the 10th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Innovate at one of the industry’s largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates.” SoCalGas Co.’s Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) and Carmen Oliver (Customer Programs Advisor) are our guides.

“The inaugural, first of its kind Pizza City Fest Los Angeles will take place April 29-30, 2023 at L.A. LIVE – Downtown Los Angeles’ Sports and Entertainment District – offering fans the unique opportunity to sample pizzas from Southern California’s best pizza makers all in one location over two days. Steve Dolinsky – a 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter and “The Food Guy” at NBC 5 Chicago – has turned his love of pizza into an all-encompassing endeavor. Now he hopes to bring that same experience to Los Angeles (as he did last year in Chicago) and showcase the diversity – in both geography and styles – that the region exemplifies.” We are previewing Pizza City Fest Los Angeles in multiple segments leading up to the event. Today we’ll meet the team from The El Segundo Brewing Co’s Slice and Pint in El Segundo one of Steve Dolinsky’s hand-picked pizzerias of distinction sampling their slices on Saturday, April 29th.

“The 15th Anniversary of Orange County Restaurant Week returns on Sunday, March 5 and runs through Saturday, March 11. This year’s event highlights more than 165 restaurants that have crafted thoughtful menus and cocktails designed to showcase Orange County’s diverse dining options.” Chef/Restauranteur Ross Pangilinan is participating in OC Restaurant Week with Terrace By Mix Mix and Populaire at South Coast Plaza, and Verdant at the Orange County Museum of Art. Chef Ross joins us with all his enticing OC Restaurant Week menu highlights.

“The delicious flavors and aromas of chocolate will “Indulge the Senses” at the Big Island Chocolate Festival (Hawaii) April 28-29 at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. The “Indulge the Senses with Chocolate” theme marks the festival’s 10th anniversary. In-person activities include culinary demonstrations for the home cook, cacao growing and processing seminars by industry experts, a new VIP-PLUS pre-gala Sunset & Pupu Pairing and a festive evening gala with culinary booths, chocolate fountain, entertainment, dancing, a silent auction and some surprises! Guests can enjoy unlimited wine, beer and a custom spritzer by Ola Brew, iced tea and coffee. A general admission gala ticket is $99 while a VIP-PLUS ticket is $189. Also available are specially priced event room packages at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort. The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort’s John Dominguez (Director of Sales and Marketing) joins us with the details of the special Hotel Package.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. We’re picking up the conversation about some tipping oddities. Some full-service restaurants are now adding a “Mandatory Service Charge” to restaurant bills for parties of less than 6 guests. Is this a tip? What about a 4 to 5 per cent surcharge added for “employee health care”? What’s right? We’ll ask the chef. Bring on the shrimp….Chef Andrew also tells us about Fair Trade, wild blue Mexican shrimp.

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

Gina Christian of SoCal Gas

SoCalGas is hosting the 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (2 days) on Tuesday, April 25th and Wednesday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey.

“With no-cost registration, the 10th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Innovate at one of the industry’s largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates.”

SoCalGas Co.’s Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) and Carmen Oliver (Customer Programs Advisor) are our guides.

Carmen Oliver of the Gas Company

Carmen will also talk about SoCalGas Co’s ongoing “try before you buy” program for restaurant equipment centered at SoCalGas’ Foodservice Equipment Center. Foodservice professionals have the opportunity to try more than 125 pieces of commercial equipment from 60 different manufacturers. There are also attractive rebates available.

Also joining us is SoCalGas’ Joe Frausto, the On-Bill Financing Program Manager, to explain the SoCal Gas program offering interest free financing for the purchase and installation of equipment covered by SoCalGas’ energy efficiency programs.

Thomas Kelley of El Segundo Brewing and ESBC Slice and Pint

“The inaugural, first of its kind Pizza City Fest Los Angeles will take place April 29-30, 2023 at L.A. LIVE – Downtown Los Angeles’ Sports and Entertainment District – offering fans the unique opportunity to sample pizzas from Southern California’s best pizza makers all in one location over two days. Steve Dolinsky – a 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter and “The Food Guy” at NBC 5 Chicago – has turned his love of pizza into an all-encompassing endeavor. Now he hopes to bring that same experience to Los Angeles (as he did last year in Chicago) and showcase the diversity – in both geography and styles – that the region exemplifies.”

We are previewing the upcoming Pizza City Fest Los Angeles in multiple segments leading up to the event. Today we’ll meet the team from the El Segundo Brewing Co’s Slice and Pint in El Segundo one of Steve Dolinsky’s hand-picked pizzerias of distinction sampling their slices on Saturday, April 29th.

El Segundo Brewing Company’s The Slice & Pint is the restaurant spinoff of the successful El Segundo Brewing Company, one of the first craft brewers in the South Bay. They just celebrated their 4th year anniversary. On the menu are a variety of pizzas (by-the-slice, too) created from a dough that ferments and proofs for multiple days, and creative salads and sandwiches. Chief Vision Officer for ESBC, Thomas Kelley joins us to celebrate the anniversary with a slice and pint (maybe some wings, too?).

Ross Pangilinan of Mix Mix Kitchen Bar

“The 15th Anniversary of Orange County Restaurant Week returns on Sunday, March 5 and runs through Saturday, March 11. This year’s event highlights more than 165 restaurants that have crafted thoughtful menus and cocktails designed to showcase Orange County’s diverse dining options.” “Diners have an opportunity to partake in a variety of Prix-Fixe Menus ranging from $15 to $45; romance-infused Date Night Menus and thoughtfully curated Luxe Menus for indulgent experiences. Diners will be able to find participating restaurants and search menus by price online.

Chef/Restauranteur Ross Pangilinan is participating in OC Restaurant Week with Terrace By Mix Mix and Populaire at South Coast Plaza, and Verdant at the Orange County Museum of Art. Chef Ross joins us with all his salivating OC Restaurant Week menu highlights.

John Dominguez of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort

“The delicious flavors and aromas of chocolate will “Indulge the Senses” at the Big Island Chocolate Festival (Hawaii) April 28-29 at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. The “Indulge the Senses with Chocolate” theme marks the festival’s 10th anniversary.”

“In-person activities include culinary demonstrations for the home cook, cacao growing and processing seminars by industry experts, a new VIP-PLUS pre-gala Sunset & Pupu Pairing and a festive evening gala with culinary booths, chocolate fountain, entertainment, dancing, a silent auction and some surprises! Guests can enjoy unlimited wine, beer and a custom spritzer by Ola Brew, iced tea and coffee.”

A general admission gala ticket is $99 while a VIP-PLUS ticket is $189. Also available are specially priced event room packages at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort.

The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort’s John Dominguez (Director of Sales and Marketing) joins us with the details of the Hotel Package.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the recently launched, full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

We’re picking up the conversation about some tipping oddities. Some full-service restaurants are now adding a “Mandatory Service Charge” to restaurant bills for parties of less than 6 guests. Is this a tip? What about a 4 to 5 per cent surcharge added for “employee health care”? What’s right? We’ll ask the chef. Bring on the shrimp…. Chef Andrew also tells us about Fair Trade, wild blue Mexican shrimp.

Chef Andrew and Lauren Gruel have a new fast casual concept, Burger 101, coming soon to the 2-level, Kitchen United complex on the 3rd St. Promenade in Santa Monica. It’s Chef Andrew’s version of a value-priced, honest burger (and loaded fries) using quality ingredients including a premium burger patty sourced from West Coast Prime Meats. He’ll also launch a casual Mexican concept there, Lolo’s Tacos, specializing in clean and simple tacos, burritos and standout specialty sauces.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Preview of The Gas Co’s 10th Annual Foodservice Equipment Expo
Segment Three: Preview of The Gas Co’s 10th Annual Foodservice Equipment Expo & On-Bill Financing
Segment Four: ESBC’s Slice + Pint, El Segundo with Thomas Kelley, Chief Innovation Officer. Preview of Pizza City Fest Los Angeles Part One
Segment Five: ESBC’s Slice + Pint, El Segundo with Thomas Kelley, Chief Innovation Officer. Preview of Pizza City Fest Los Angeles Part Two
Segment Six: Preview of OC Restaurant Week with Chef & Restaurateur Ross Pangilinan of Populaire, Terrace by Mix Mix and Verdant
Segment Seven: Preview of 10th Annual Big Island Chocolate Festival at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort, Hawaii
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”