Show 552, November 18, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

“Solvang, California has added new features for this year’s Solvang Julefest (pronounced ‘Yule-Fest’), the Santa Ynez Valley wine country town’s annual celebration of all things “holidays.” The season’s event stretch will begin Friday, November 24, 2023, and run through Saturday, January 6, 2024. Solvang Julefest 2023 will include multiple holiday-themed happenings all located within the walkable California Central Coast travel destination, frequently described as one of the nation’s “most Christmassy towns.”” Susan Lee (a native) of the Solvang Visitor Center joins us to provide the festive Holiday Cheer.

The partners in the popular Luchador Brewing Company are hosting the family-friendly Desert Brewfest: The First Coachella Valley Beer Festival on Sunday December 10th at the Cathedral City Amphitheater in Cathedral City. It’s a festive holiday-themed outdoor craft beer festival with music, Lucha Libre wrestling, local food vendors, pictures with Santa, and beer sampling from distinctive craft breweries near and far. In the spirit of the season the Luchador Brewing Company is also raising funds for charities along with a Holiday Toy Drive. It’s truly a beer lovers paradise. The partners in Luchador Brewing Company, Jaime Benson and Brent Miller join us to tap the keg on Desert Brewfest.

What is sourdough and why is San Francisco Sourdough held in such high esteem? A few weeks ago we introduced you to Baker Matt Kosoy of Rosalind Bakery in Pacifica with a newly launched retail bakery store in Downtown San Francisco near the Ferry Building. Matt is a recognized sourdough specialist and is with us providing the 411 on this popular bread variety. “Pacifica’s Rosalind Bakery’s delectable sourdough bread, pizzas, and pastries are made with a dash of love, a sprinkle of nostalgia, and a lot of dedication by proprietor and baker Matt Kosoy. They do more than just bake bread; they bring people together, creating moments of joy and connection. Named after the Matt’s maternal grandmother, Rosalind Bakery began in 2017 by building a community around food.”

Discover and Learn at Discovery Center at Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation in Carlsbad. “An extraordinaire collection of hands-on nature activities that allow visitors to taste nature experiencing both the lagoon and the ecological reserve that resides in Carlsbad.
The mission of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is to energize people through education and outreach to preserve Agua Hedionda Lagoon as an accessible and healthy watershed. Their vision is to be Stewards of the Watershed as they inspire future generations so all of us have access to a healthy lagoon. A safe place in nature…for all.”

Erin Hardin, Director of Community Relations for Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is our well-informed guide.

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. The Holidays are arriving soon and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the objective. The Holidays are here and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and Family. Chef Andrew joins us with his continuing series of genuinely useful “Turkey Talk” cooking tips. Chef Andrew shares a simple recipe for cranberry sauce that easily outshines the version in the can. Also hints on crave-worthy gravy that adds excitement to the Holiday Table.

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

Show 552, November 18, 2023: “Solvang Julefest” with Susan Lee, Solvang Visitor Center Part One

Susan Lee of the Solvang Visitors Center

Solvang, California has added new features for this year’s Solvang Julefest (pronounced ‘Yule-Fest’), the Santa Ynez Valley wine country town’s annual celebration of all things “holidays.” The season’s event stretch will begin Friday, November 24, 2023, and run through Saturday, January 6, 2024. Solvang Julefest 2023 will include multiple holiday-themed happenings all located within the walkable California Central Coast travel destination, frequently described as one of the nation’s “most Christmassy towns.”

“The Month-Long Holiday Event includes Daily Light & Music Shows, Ongoing “Nisser Adventure” Scavenger Hunt, Nighttime Makers Market, and Newly-Added Candlelight Tours. Solvang, also known as “The Danish Capital of America,” presents an ideal getaway opportunity for travelers looking for a European-style holiday atmosphere without the transatlantic travel, whether a midweek or weekend escape.” Susan Lee of the Solvang Visitor Center joins us to provide the Holiday Cheer.

“The popular Solvang Julefest Candlelight Tours will be offered December 8, 9, 15, and 16, and as schools traditionally pause for the holiday season, the Candlelight Tours will run weeklong, Monday, December 18, through Saturday, December 23. Starting at 5:00 PM, the Solvang Julefest Candlelight Tours will provide special holiday experiences for locals and visitors as they traverse the streets of Solvang, accompanied by Christmas carols and an entertaining education about some Danish traditions and Solvang history. Guided by a costumed host, all tour participants will receive an LED candle to hold during the tour. Advance purchase is required.”

Show 552, November 18, 2023: “Solvang Julefest” with Susan Lee, Solvang Visitor Center Part Two

Susan Lee of the Solvang Visitors Center

Solvang, California has added new features for this year’s Solvang Julefest (pronounced ‘Yule-Fest’), the Santa Ynez Valley wine country town’s annual celebration of all things “holidays.” The season’s event stretch will begin Friday, November 24, 2023, and run through Saturday, January 6, 2024. Solvang Julefest 2023 will include multiple holiday-themed happenings all located within the walkable California Central Coast travel destination, frequently described as one of the nation’s “most Christmassy towns.”

“The Month-Long Holiday Event includes Daily Light & Music Shows, Ongoing “Nisser Adventure” Scavenger Hunt, Nighttime Makers Market, and Newly-Added Candlelight Tours. Solvang, also known as “The Danish Capital of America,” presents an ideal getaway opportunity for travelers looking for a European-style holiday atmosphere without the transatlantic travel, whether a midweek or weekend escape.” Susan Lee of the Solvang Visitor Center joins us to provide the Holiday Cheer.

“Solvang, known for its Danish-American vibe, architecture and design details, pastries and bakeries, and array of wine tasting options, also boasts dozens of unique boutiques, restaurants and gourmet food purveyors. Carefully-curated indie booksellers and high-end home goods suppliers mingle with fairy tale-like children’s stores and museum gift shops. Solvang’s foodie destinations offer everything from elevated street cuisine – like locally-sourced fish tacos on hand-made tortillas, and comforting ramen noodles – to European-style pretzels and sausages, to Italian standbys or iconic Danish dishes, to elevated new-Californian fare in the form of Michelin-honored menus.”

Keep in mind you’ll never find a parking meter or pay parking lot in Solvang. Parking is always free.

November 18: Solvang Julefest, Desert Brewfest, Rosalind Bakery, Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: “Solvang Julefest” with Susan Lee, Solvang Visitor Center Part One
Segment Three: “Solvang Julefest” with Susan Lee, Solvang Visitor Center Part Two
Segment Four: Desert Brewfest, Cathedral City with Luchador Brewing Company Part One
Segment Five: Desert Brewfest, Cathedral City with Luchador Brewing Company Part Two
Segment Six: Baker Matt Kosoy, Rosalind Bakery, Pacifica, CA
Segment Seven: Discovery Center and Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, Carlsbad, CA
Segment Eight: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

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

Solvang, California has added new features for this year’s Solvang Julefest (pronounced ‘Yule-Fest’), the Santa Ynez Valley wine country town’s annual celebration of all things “holidays.” The season’s event stretch will begin Friday, November 24, 2023, and run through Saturday, January 6, 2024. Solvang Julefest 2023 will include multiple holiday-themed happenings all located within the walkable California Central Coast travel destination, frequently described as one of the nation’s “most Christmassy towns.” Susan Lee of the Solvang Visitor Center joins us to provide the Holiday Cheer.

The partners in the popular Luchador Brewing Company are hosting the family-friendly Desert Brewfest: The First Coachella Valley Beer Festival on Sunday December 10th at the Cathedral City Amphitheater in Cathedral City. It’s a festive holiday-themed outdoor craft beer festival with music, Lucha Libre wrestling, local food vendors, pictures with Santa, and beer sampling from distinctive craft breweries near and far. In the spirit of the season the Luchador Brewing Company is also raising funds for charities. It’s truly a beer lovers paradise. The partners in Luchador Brewing Company, Jaime Benson and Brent Miller join us to tap the keg on Desert Brewfest.

What is sourdough and why is San Francisco Sourdough held in such high esteem? A few weeks ago we introduced you to Baker Matt Kosoy of Rosalind Bakery in Pacifica with a newly launched retail bakery store in Downtown San Francisco. Matt is a recognized sourdough specialist and is with us providing the 411 on this popular bread variety. “Pacifica’s Rosalind Bakery’s delectable sourdough bread, pizzas, and pastries are made with a dash of love, a sprinkle of nostalgia, and a lot of dedication by proprietor and baker Matt Kosoy. They do more than just bake bread; they bring people together, creating moments of joy and connection. Named after the Matt’s maternal grandmother, Rosalind Bakery began in 2017 by building a community around food.

Discover and Learn at Discovery Center at Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation in Carlsbad. “An extraordinaire collection of hands-on nature activities that allow visitors to taste nature experiencing both the lagoon and the ecological reserve that resides in Carlsbad.

The mission of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is to energize people through education and outreach to preserve Agua Hedionda Lagoon as an accessible and healthy watershed. Their vision is to be Stewards of the Watershed as they inspire future generations so all of us have access to a healthy lagoon. A safe place in nature…for all.”

Erin Hardin, Director of Community Relations for Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is our well-informed guide.

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 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. The Holidays are arriving soon and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the objective. The Holidays are arriving soon and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and Family. Chef Andrew joins us with his continuing series of genuinely useful “Turkey Talk” cooking tips. Chef Andrew shares a simple recipe for cranberry sauce that easily outshines the version on the can. Also hints on gravy and vegetable sides that add excitement to the Holiday Table.

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

Susan Lee of the Solvang Visitors Center

Solvang, California has added new features for this year’s Solvang Julefest (pronounced ‘Yule-Fest’), the Santa Ynez Valley wine country town’s annual celebration of all things “holidays.” The season’s event stretch will begin Friday, November 24, 2023, and run through Saturday, January 6, 2024. Solvang Julefest 2023 will include multiple holiday-themed happenings all located within the walkable California Central Coast travel destination, frequently described as one of the nation’s “most Christmassy towns.”

“The Month-Long Holiday Event includes Daily Light & Music Shows, Ongoing “Nisser Adventure” Scavenger Hunt, Nighttime Makers Market, and Newly-Added Candlelight Tours. Solvang, also known as “The Danish Capital of America,” presents an ideal getaway opportunity for travelers looking for a European-style holiday atmosphere without the transatlantic travel, whether a midweek or weekend escape.” Susan Lee of the Solvang Visitor Center joins us to provide the Holiday Cheer.

“The popular Solvang Julefest Candlelight Tours will be offered December 8, 9, 15, and 16, and as schools traditionally pause for the holiday season, the Candlelight Tours will run weeklong, Monday, December 18, through Saturday, December 23. Starting at 5:00 PM, the Solvang Julefest Candlelight Tours will provide special holiday experiences for locals and visitors as they traverse the streets of Solvang, accompanied by Christmas carols and an entertaining education about some Danish traditions and Solvang history. Guided by a costumed host, all tour participants will receive an LED candle to hold during the tour. Advance purchase is required.”

“Solvang, known for its Danish-American vibe, architecture and design details, pastries and bakeries, and array of wine tasting options, also boasts dozens of unique boutiques, restaurants and gourmet food purveyors. Carefully-curated indie booksellers and high-end home goods suppliers mingle with fairy tale-like children’s stores and museum gift shops. Solvang’s foodie destinations offer everything from elevated street cuisine – like locally-sourced fish tacos on hand-made tortillas, and comforting ramen noodles – to European-style pretzels and sausages, to Italian standbys or iconic Danish dishes, to elevated new-Californian fare in the form of Michelin-honored menus.”

Jamie Benson of Luchador Brewing Company

“The partners in the popular Luchador Brewing Company are hosting the family-friendly Desert Brewfest: The First Coachella Valley Beer Festival on Sunday December 10th at the Cathedral City Amphitheater in Cathedral City. It’s a festive holiday-themed outdoor craft beer festival with music, Lucha Libre wrestling, local food vendors, pictures with Santa, and beer sampling from distinctive craft breweries near and far. In the spirit of the season the Luchador Brewing Company is also raising funds for charities. It’s a beer lovers paradise.”

CRAFT BEER: Unlimited craft beers to sample from local and non-local breweries.

LIVE BANDS: They have some amazing performances lined up for you! Enjoy the incredible sounds of Queen Nation, a Queen tribute band, and Metalachi, a heavy metal Mariachi band. Their MC, DJ Carlos, will keep the energy high with great tunes and even give out prizes in between sets.

Brent Miller of Luuchador Brewing

LUCHA LIBRE WRESTLING: Throughout the day, there will be thrilling Lucha Libre matches.

FOOD TRUCKS: They know that good food is essential, so they have many outstanding food trucks on-site to keep guests’ bellies full and satisfied throughout the day.

SANTA CLAUS: Get into the holiday spirit and take your picture with jolly old St. Nick himself! Don’t forget to wear your UGLY SWEATERS to impress Santa and everyone around you.

TOY DRIVE: Help Desert Brewfest spread joy this holiday season by bringing an unwrapped toy valued over $10. By doing so, you’ll have a chance to win prizes. The goal is to collect over 250 gifts for children in need, so let’s make a difference together.

The partners in Luchador Brewing CompanyJaime Benson and Brent Miller join us to tap the keg on Desert Brewfest.

Matt Kosoy of Rosalind Bakery

What is sourdough and why is San Francisco Sourdough held in such high esteem? A few weeks ago we introduced you to Baker Matt Kosoy of Rosalind Bakery in Pacifica with a newly launched retail bakery store in Downtown San Francisco. Matt is a recognized sourdough specialist and is with us providing the 411 on this ever popular bread variety.

“Pacifica’s Rosalind Bakery’s delectable sourdough bread, pizzas, and pastries are made with a dash of love, a sprinkle of nostalgia, and a lot of dedication by proprietor and baker Matt Kosoy. They do more than just bake bread; they bring people together, creating moments of joy and connection. Named after the Matt’s maternal grandmother, Rosalind Bakery began in 2017 by building a community around food. They take pride in every step of the baking process, from selecting the finest ingredients to handcrafting each loaf, pizza, and pastry. The result? Unparalleled flavors that ignite your senses.” Matt has recently closed an unusual, oversubscribed, $124,000 bond offering and expanded to a new location in Downtown San Francisco at 4 Embarcadero Center as part of the “Vacant to Vibrant Program.”

Erin Hardin of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation

Discover and Learn at Discovery Center at Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation in Carlsbad. “An extraordinaire collection of hands-on nature activities that allow visitors to taste nature experiencing both the lagoon and the ecological reserve that resides in Carlsbad.”

“The mission of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is to energize people through education and outreach to preserve Agua Hedionda Lagoon as an accessible and healthy watershed. Their vision is to be Stewards of the Watershed as they inspire future generations so all of us have access to a healthy lagoon. A safe place in nature…for all.”

“The Discovery Center is open to the public, and they primarily serve families with school-aged children who visit for active ways to involve their kids in fun, hands-on, educational experiences that give them a sense of accomplishment. The Foundation’s three initiatives include Environmental Education, Conservation and Access through Trails.”

Erin Hardin, Director of Community Relations for Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is our well-informed guide.

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.

The Holidays are arriving soon and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and Family. Chef Andrew joins us with his continuing series of genuinely useful “Turkey Talk” cooking tips. Chef Andrew shares an easy recipe for cranberry sauce that easily outshines the version on the can. Also hints on gravy and vegetable sides that add excitement to the Holiday Table.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: “Solvang Julefest” with Susan Lee, Solvang Visitor Center Part One
Segment Three: “Solvang Julefest” with Susan Lee, Solvang Visitor Center Part Two
Segment Four: Desert Brewfest, Cathedral City with Luchador Brewing Company Part One
Segment Five: Desert Brewfest, Cathedral City with Luchador Brewing Company Part Two
Segment Six: Baker Matt Kosoy, Rosalind Bakery, Pacifica, CA
Segment Seven: Discovery Center and Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation, Carlsbad, CA
Segment Eight: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Show 261, February 17, 2018: Laura Kath, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau Continues…

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingNew 2018 Take Amtrak to Solvang” offer nets savings and specials at Hotels, Restaurants, Wine Tasting, Museums and activities. Known as California’s Denmark, Solvang is 125 miles north of Los Angeles and 300 miles south of San Francisco and served via Amtrak Thruway Bus service connecting to trains from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara as well as San Luis Obispo six times daily (3 northbound, 3 southbound).

Solvang’s long-time Media Relations Director Laura Kath continues…

Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Tracy Farhad reveals, “Just show your current Amtrak train/bus ticket to Solvang at participating businesses and you’ll enjoy rewards for taking a vacation from your car. It’s so easy to be car free in Solvang year-round and enjoy our warm, Scandinavian hospitality with no passport required!”

Here are the current participating Solvang businesses in the 2018 “Take Amtrak to Solvang & Show Your Ticket for Specials” offer, valid now through December 31, 2018.

First, be sure to visit the Solvang Visitor Center, 1639 Copenhagen Drive, open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily (behind the Solvang Park bus stop) for FREE 2018 Destination Guide, maps, savings coupons and gift of audio ear buds—perfect for enjoying by downloading the new Solvang Heritage Walking Tour App.

Be sure to check back often since more are being added frequently to this list: Atterdag Inn; Grapeline Wine Tours; Hamlet Inn; Holiday Inn Express; Home Connection; Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates; King Frederik Inn; Segway Tours of Solvang; Solvang Antiques; Solvang Restaurant; The Good Life Cellar; Wandering Dog Wine Bar; Wheel Fun Rentals and Wildling Museum of Art & Nature.