Show 564, February 10, 2024: Journalist Farley Elliott, SF Gate, Southern California Bureau Chief Part One

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 to chat about his new beat and provide a preview of what’s soon to come.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.”

Show 444, September 25, 2021: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

“Be a part of the fifth annual Masters of Taste, as L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival returns and will be taking place on Sunday, April 3rd, 2022, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl with 100% of the proceeds going directly to benefit Union Station Homeless Services!

Masters of Taste introduces Chef Vanda Asapahu as Host Chef of Masters of Taste 2022 which also happens to mark the 5th Anniversary of this celebrated event which had to be canceled in 2020 due to the Pandemic. Masters of Taste 2022 Culinary Master and Host Chef Vanda Asapahu is the chef and owner of Ayara Thai Cuisine and she has participated since its inception in April 2016.”

Chef Vanda joins us with all the tasty details.

BBQ Mexicana, a quick service concept from celebrity Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, is located across from their Border Grill restaurant and adjacent to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas in Las Vegas and inside the new Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders (with two locations.)” Chef Susan Feniger is our guest with tongs at the ready.

“Winemaking at Matthiasson Wines (Steve and Jill) is a natural extension of farming. The Matthiasson’s have both worked for many years in the sustainable agriculture and the local food movement, and in 2003 they started Matthiasson Wines based on those values. The wines are classical expressions of different grape varieties, some well-known like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, and some rare like Ribolla Gialla and Refosco. The wines are refreshing, complement food, and are moderate in alcohol.” Matthiasson Wines is a 6-time James Beard Award nominee. Winemaker Steve Matthiasson is with us to gently pull the cork on all that is Matthiasson Winery.

Made In California – The California-Born Burger Joints, Diners, Fast Food & Restaurants That Changed America chronicles the history and influence of some of America’s best-known California-born restaurants. A&W Root Beer. Foster’s Freeze. IHOP. Der Wienerschnitzel. See’s Candies. Jack in the Box. You name the American food icon, and chances are its roots are in California. Food historian and Chef George Geary tells the remarkable stories of the early 20th-century food startups that captured America’s hearts and stomachs, from Bob’s Big Boy to McDonald’s, Winchell’s Donuts to In-N-Out, Peet’s Coffee to Taco Bell. With more than 200 historic and contemporary photos.” Author George Geary joins us.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is the Host Chef for the very special Outstanding in the Field Dinner on the Huntington Beach Pier on October 12th. Sustainably caught seafood fresh from the ocean is on the menu. We’ll get a preview of this unusual dining spectacular.

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

September 23: Masters of Taste with Ayara Thai, Susan Feniger, Matthiasson Wines, George Geary

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef & Restaurateur Vanda Asapahu, Ayara Thai Cuisine. Preview of Masters of Taste 2022 at The Rose Bowl
Segment Three: Chef Susan Feniger, BBQ Mexicana at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders
Segment Four: Winemaker Steve Matthiasson, Matthiasson Wines, Napa Part One
Segment Five: Winemaker Steve Matthiasson, Matthiasson Wines, Napa Part Two
Segment Six: George Geary with Made in California – The California-Born Burger Joints, Diners, Fast Food & Restaurants That Changed America Part One
Segment Seven: George Geary with Made in California – The California-Born Burger Joints, Diners, Fast Food & Restaurants That Changed America Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

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

“Be a part of the fifth annual Masters of Taste, as L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival returns and will be taking place on Sunday, April 3rd, 2022, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the Iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl with 100% of the proceeds going directly to benefit Union Station Homeless Services!

Masters of Taste introduces Chef Vanda Asapahu as Host Chef of Masters of Taste 2022 which also happens to mark the 5th Anniversary of this celebrated event which had to be canceled in 2020 due to the Pandemic. Masters of Taste 2022 Culinary Master and Host Chef Vanda Asapahu is the chef and owner of Ayara Thai Cuisine and she has participated since its inception in April 2016.”

Chef Vanda joins us with all the details.

“BBQ Mexicana, a quick service concept from celebrity Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, is located across from Border Grill restaurant and adjacent to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas and inside the new Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders (with two locations.)” Chef Susan Feniger is our guest with tongs at the ready.

“Winemaking at Matthiasson Wines (Steve and Jill) is a natural extension of farming. The Matthiasson’s have both worked for many years in the sustainable agriculture and local food movement, and in 2003 they started Matthiasson Wines based on those values. The wines are classical expressions of different grape varieties, some well-known like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, and some rare like Ribolla Gialla and Refosco. The wines are refreshing, complement food, and are moderate in alcohol.” Matthiasson Wines is a 6- time James Beard Award nominee. Winemaker Steve Matthiasson is with us to gently pull the cork on all that is Matthiasson Winery.

“Made In California – The California-Born Burger Joints, Diners, Fast Food & Restaurants That Changed America chronicles the history and influence of some of America’s best-known California-born restaurants. stomachs, A&W Root Beer. Foster’s Freeze. IHOP. Der Wienerschnitzel. See’s Candy. Jack in the Box. You name the American food icon, and chances are its roots are in California. Food historian and chef George Geary tells the remarkable stories of the early 20th-century food startups that captured America’s hearts and stomachs, from Bob’s Big Boy to McDonald’s, Winchell’s Donuts to In-N-Out, Peet’s Coffee to Taco Bell. With more than 200 historic and contemporary photos.” Author George Geary joins us.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is the Host Chef for the Outstanding in the Field Dinner on the Huntington Beach Pier on October 12th. Sustainably caught seafood fresh from the ocean is on the menu. We’ll get a preview of this unusual dining spectacular.

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

Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Thai Cuisine

“Be a part of the fifth annual Masters of Taste, as L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival returns and will be taking place on Sunday, April 3rd, 2022, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the Iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl with 100% of the proceeds going directly to benefit Union Station Homeless Services!”

“Masters of Taste is introducing Chef Vanda Asapahu as Host Chef of Masters of Taste 2022 which also happens to mark the 5th Anniversary of this celebrated event which had to be canceled in 2020 due to the Pandemic. Masters of Taste 2022 Culinary Master and Host Chef Vanda Asapahu is the chef and owner of Ayara Thai Cuisine and she has participated since its inception in April 2016.”

“Asapahu went to college at UCLA and to graduate school at Yale, then she spent four years living, traveling, and working her way through Thailand before returning home to Los Angeles. During Asapahu’s stay in her native country, she took extensive notes, which included absorbing Bangkok’s street food scene and reviving old family recipes. After cooking with relatives and eating her way through the streets and countryside, Asapahu brought back these treasured old recipes and new flavors to share at Ayara Thai. While her mother Anna Asapahu still helms the family kitchen, Asapahu is the vanguard, taking up the torch of her family’s culinary tradition at Ayara Thai Cuisine.”

“I have had the pleasure of participating in Masters of Taste since its inaugural year,” states Asapahu. “As a proud UCLA alum (Go Bruins!), I’d give anything for the opportunity to cook, eat and dance on the field of the Rose Bowl. The most amazing thing about Masters of Taste is that 100% of the proceeds go directly to benefit Union Station Homeless Services and not many food festivals can say that. Union Station Homeless Services is committed to ending homelessness in Los Angeles.”

“The fifth annual Masters of Taste 2022 is expected to bring over 3,000 food and beverage enthusiasts together for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 100 Culinary Masters and restaurants, delectable sweets prepared by L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, top Beverage Masters who will be featuring signature handcrafted cocktail tastings from over 25 spirit brands and bars, a premier 50-Yard-Line Cocktail Bar featuring top Mixologists from four of L.A.’s most distinguished drinking destinations, select wineries, local craft breweries, cold-pressed juices, cold brew coffee, live entertainment and much, much more.”

Chef Vanda joins us with all the enticing details.

Susan Feniger of Socalo and Border Grill

BBQ Mexicana, a quick service concept from celebrity Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, is located across from Border Grill restaurant and adjacent to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas and inside the new Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders (with two locations.)”

“Inspired by Mary Sue and Susan’s travels to Mexico, where they fell in love with delicious barbacoa and smoked meats, the menu offers a variety of bowls, salads, and burritos filled with mesquite smoked chicken, pulled pork, slow smoked brisket and tofu in addition to aguas frescas, beers and margaritas to go. BBQ Mexicana utilizes seasonal, locally grown ingredients, organic rice and beans, and meats and poultry raised without antibiotics or hormones.”

Chef Susan Feniger is our guest with tongs at the ready.

Steve Matthiasson of Matthiasson WInes

“Winemaking at Matthiasson Wines (Steve and Jill) is a natural extension of farming. The Matthiasson’s have both worked for many years in the sustainable agriculture and local food movement, and in 2003 they started Matthiasson Wines based on those values. The wines are classical expressions of different grape varieties, some well-known like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, and some rare like Ribolla Gialla and Refosco. The wines are refreshing, complement food, and are moderate in alcohol.” Matthiasson Wines is a 6-time James Beard Award nominee.

“Matthiasson fervently believe the old maxim that “wine is made in the vineyard,” and consider themselves farmers first. They carefully tailor organic viticultural practices to each vineyard — this is how Matthiasson harvests healthy and fully ripe fruit with balanced levels of alcohol and acidity. They do their best to protect and enhance the natural environment in the process.”

“Matthiasson Winery in Napa is open for in-person tastings at the winery and vineyard! They host a limited number of outdoor tastings by appointment 7 days a week. The tastings are approximately 60-75 minutes in length and include a comprehensive lineup of 5 to 6 wines.”

Winemaker Steve Matthiasson is with us to pull the cork on all that is Matthiasson Winery.

Cookbook Author George Geary

Made In California – The California-Born Burger Joints, Diners, Fast Food & Restaurants That Changed America chronicles the history and influence of some of America’s best-known California-born restaurants.”

A&W Root Beer. Foster’s Freeze. IHOP. Der Wienerschnitzel. See’s Candies. Jack in the Box. You name the American food icon, and chances are its roots are in California. Food historian and chef George Geary tells the remarkable stories of the early 20th-century food startups that captured America’s hearts and stomachs, from Bob’s Big Boy to McDonald’s, Winchell’s Donuts to In-N-Out, Peet’s Coffee to Taco Bell. With more than 200 historic and contemporary photos.”

“George Geary is the author of many hit books, including L.A.’s Legendary Restaurants and The Cheesecake Bible. He is a cooking teacher, pastry chef, culinary travel guide, and in-demand public speaker. A California native, he lives in the Los Angeles area.”

George Geary is our guest with a cup of Peet’s Coffee in hand.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

Chef Andrew is the Host Chef for the high-profile Outstanding in the Field Dinner on the Huntington Beach Pier on October 12th. Sustainably caught seafood fresh from the ocean is on the menu. Chef Andrew is joined by Chef Craig Brady of Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar and Chef Brian Bornemann of Crudo e Nudo. We’ll get a preview of this unusual and very special dining spectacular.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef & Restaurateur Vanda Asapahu, Ayara Thai Cuisine. Preview of Masters of Taste 2022 at The Rose Bowl
Segment Three: Chef Susan Feniger, BBQ Mexicana at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders
Segment Four: Winemaker Steve Matthiasson, Matthiasson Wines, Napa Part One
Segment Five: Winemaker Steve Matthiasson, Matthiasson Wines, Napa Part Two
Segment Six: George Geary with Made in California – The California-Born Burger Joints, Diners, Fast Food & Restaurants That Changed America Part One
Segment Seven: George Geary with Made in California – The California-Born Burger Joints, Diners, Fast Food & Restaurants That Changed America Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Show 380, July 4, 2020: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Happy 4th of July to all. Please do celebrate safely.

“Fun illustrations and delightfully quirky characters bring the kitchen to life in The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids. Join Chef Pierre A. Lamielle on a kitchen adventure as he introduces you to the Munchy Munchy Gang, a team of characters here to educate kids on the art of cooking and the range of flavors they’ll encounter. Learn how to make over 28 different recipes, including ketchup, pancakes and other kid favorites with simple, easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations for every step. Pierre’s characters make complex cooking theories, like balancing the five tastes, accessible to kids of all ages. The perfect manual for a budding chef.” Chef Pierre Lamielle is our guest.

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Susan Feniger is best known for creating Border Grill (Los Angeles & Las Vegas) with her business partner Mary Sue Milliken. She was also one of the first stars on Food Network. The partners have made their return to Santa Monica with the launch of Socalo in the Gateway Hotel which has just reopened for expanded patio dining and curbside pickup.

“In his best-selling cookbook, Fair Foods: The Most Popular and Offbeat Recipes from America’s State and County Fairs, award-winning chef, best-selling author, and renowned educator George Geary celebrates the fun, delicious, strange and wonderful foods sold at state and county fairs.  Since we can’t go to the fair this year, George brings the fair to us with a volume of the most popular and iconic fair food recipes.” Think Funnel Cake with Berries and Deep-Fried Twinkies. Chef George Geary is with us, Cheesecake on a Stick in hand.

“Coming together for the very first time to celebrate restaurants all throughout Southern California, Los Angeles and Orange County unite to introduce Burger Week, which will be held from Sunday, July 12th, 2020 through Sunday, July 18th, 2020. Burger Week, produced by the Orange County Restaurant Association, will be a first-time event in Los Angeles and second annual event in Orange County. Burger Week was created to encourage diners all throughout the Southland (Orange County, Los Angeles County, Long Beach, and Pasadena) to celebrate and support SoCal restaurants while enjoying America’s favorite food – the almighty Burger!” Chef Michael Hung of Faith & Flower in Downtown Los Angeles is one of the participating chefs and restaurants in Burger Week. He’s offering three special burger creation meals To-Go including a plant-based Cheeseburger option. Chef Michael Hung temps us with all the juicy burger deliciousness.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants. Dine-in is slowly, with multiple hiccups, starting to come back but with a lot of new rules that restrict guest counts. Alternately take-out/delivery when you can surely helps… Chef Andrew launched a new Slapfish in downtown Indianapolis this week. What’s it like opening a restaurant away from California during the Covid 19 crisis? We’ll, of course, “Ask the Chef.”

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness (with proper Social Distancing) on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 380, July 4, 2020: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger, Socalo Santa Monica and Border Grill DTLA & Las Vegas Part One

Susan Feniger wearing a mask at Socalo in Santa MonicaCelebrity chef and restaurateur Susan Feniger is best known for creating Border Grill (Los Angeles & Las Vegas) with her business partner Mary Sue Milliken. She was also one of the first stars on Food Network. The partners have made their return to Santa Monica with the launch of Socalo in the Gateway Hotel which has just reopened for expanded patio dining for lunch, dinner & Happy Hour on Tuesday through Saturday.

Curbside pickup is available, too. A range of Family Meals are available by Tock. Also Margarita Kits, Wines by the Bottle, and Craft Beers.

Complimentary on-site parking is available.

We corral Chef Susan for a chat on what’s currently available at Socalo Santa Monica.

Show 380, July 4, 2020: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger, Socalo Santa Monica and Border Grill DTLA & Las Vegas Part Two

Susan Feniger wearing a mask at Socalo in Santa MonicaCelebrity chef and restaurateur Susan Feniger is best known for creating Border Grill (Los Angeles & Las Vegas) with her business partner Mary Sue Milliken. She was also one of the first stars on Food Network. The partners have made their return to Santa Monica with the launch of Socalo in the Gateway Hotel which has just reopened for expanded patio dining for lunch, dinner & Happy Hour on Tuesday through Saturday.

Chicken Poblano Enchiladas (a favorite from Border Grill) have been added to the menu. Also returning to dinner dine-in is Baja Seabass and Lamb Birria.

Curbside pickup is available, too. A range of Family Meals are available by Tock. Also Margarita Kits, Wines by the Bottle, and Craft Beers.

Complimentary on-site parking, a rarity in Santa Monica, is available.

Border Grill Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay is again welcoming guests for dine-in both inside and with expansive patio seating overlooking Mandalay Beach. Until Mary Sue’s and Susan’s adjacent BBQ Mexicana fast casual spot reopens its menu standouts are available on the Border Grill menu.

We continue our chat with Chef Susan highlighting what’s currently available for guests at Socalo Santa Monica.

 

July 4: Pierre A. Lamielle, Susan Feniger, George Geary, Burger Week with Faith & Flower

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Pierre A. Lamielle with The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids Part One
Segment Three: Chef Pierre A. Lamielle with The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids Part Two
Segment Four: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger, Socalo Santa Monica and Border Grill DTLA & Las Vegas Part One
Segment Five: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger, Socalo Santa Monica and Border Grill DTLA & Las Vegas Part Two
Segment Six: Chef George Geary with Fair Foods: The Most Popular and Offbeat Recipes from America’s State and County Fairs
Segment Seven: Preview of “Burger Week” with Chef Michael Hung of Faith & Flower DTLA
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Happy 4th of July to all. Please do celebrate safely.

“Fun illustrations and delightfully quirky characters bring the kitchen to life in The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids. Join Chef Pierre A. Lamielle on a kitchen adventure as he introduces you to the Munchy Munchy Gang, a team of characters here to educate kids on the art of cooking and the range of flavors they’ll encounter. Learn how to make over 28 different recipes, including ketchup, pancakes and other kid favorites with simple, easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations for every step. Pierre’s characters make complex cooking theories, like balancing the five tastes, accessible to kids of all ages. The perfect manual for a budding chef.” Chef Pierre Lamielle is our guest.

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Susan Feniger is best known for creating Border Grill (Los Angeles & Las Vegas) with her business partner Mary Sue Milliken. She was also one of the first stars on Food Network. The partners have made their return to Santa Monica with the launch of Socalo in the Gateway Hotel which has just reopened for expanded patio dining and curbside pickup.

“In his best-selling cookbook, Fair Foods: The Most Popular and Offbeat Recipes from America’s State and County Fairs, award-winning chef, best-selling author, and renowned educator George Geary celebrates the fun, delicious, strange and wonderful foods sold at state and county fairs.  Since we can’t go to the fair this year, George brings the fair to us with a volume of the most popular and iconic fair food recipes. Think Funnel Cake with Berries and Deep-Fried Twinkies.” Chef George Geary is with us, Cheesecake on a Stick in hand.

“Coming together for the very first time to celebrate restaurants all throughout Southern California, Los Angeles and Orange County unite to introduce Burger Week, which will be held from Sunday, July 12th, 2020 through Sunday, July 18th, 2020. Burger Week, produced by the Orange County Restaurant Association, will be a first-time event in Los Angeles and second annual event in Orange County. Burger Week was created to encourage diners all throughout the Southland (Orange County, Los Angeles County, Long Beach, and Pasadena) to celebrate and support SoCal restaurants while enjoying America’s favorite food – the almighty Burger!” Chef Michael Hung of Faith & Flower in Downtown Los Angeles is one of the participating chefs and restaurants in Burger Week. He’s offering three special burger creation meals including a plant-based Cheeseburger option. Chef Michael Hung temps us with all the juicy burger deliciousness.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants. Dine-In is slowly, with multiple hiccups, starting to come back but with a lot of new rules that restrict guest counts. Alternately Take-Out / Delivery when you can surely helps… Chef Andrew launched a new Slapfish in downtown Indianapolis this week. What’s it like opening a restaurant during the Covid 19 crisis? We’ll, of course, “Ask the Chef.”

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness (with proper Social Distancing) on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Pierre A Lamielle“From a young age, kids can have strong opinions about which foods they enjoy and which foods they definitely do not want to see on their plate! The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids by “Chopped Canada” winner Chef Pierre Lamielle takes knowledge from a practiced chef, and adds the quirky characters of the Munchy Munchy Gang into the mix!”

“The Munchy Munchy Gang teach budding foodies and chefs about skills and flavor profiles through 28 different recipes and a myriad of fun illustrations. Readers will learn how to make favorites including ketchup, pancakes, and more, with simple instructions and illustrations (drawn by Chef Lamielle) for every step.”

“Pierre’s characters make complex cooking theories, like balancing the five tastes, accessible to kids of all ages!”

“Fun illustrations and delightfully quirky characters bring the kitchen to life in The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids. Join Chef Pierre A. Lamielle on a kitchen adventure as he introduces you to the Munchy Munchy Gang, a team of characters here to educate kids on the art of cooking and the range of flavors they’ll encounter. Learn how to make over 28 different recipes, including ketchup, pancakes and other kid favorites with simple, easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations for every step. Pierre’s characters make complex cooking theories, like balancing the five tastes, accessible to kids of all ages. The perfect manual for a budding chef”

Chef Pierre A. Lamielle is the award- winning cookbook author of Alice Eats: A Wonderland Cookbook and Kitchen Scraps: A Humorous Illustrated Cookbook. Both won “Best Illustrated Cookbook in the World” at the Gourmand Cookbook Awards. He loves to teach cooking to all ages. He prefers cooking with friends but is not afraid of a little friendly culinary competition. He even competed on “Top Chef Canada” and “Chopped Canada”, which he won.

Chef Pierre is very excited for you to meet the amazing cast of characters in The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids and to learn all about cooking and eating tasty food.

We entice Chef Pierre Lamielle out of the kitchen for a chat.

Susan Feniger wearing a mask at Socalo in Santa MonicaCelebrity chef and restaurateur Susan Feniger is best known for creating Border Grill (Los Angeles & Las Vegas) with her business partner Mary Sue Milliken. She was also one of the first stars on Food Network. The partners have made their return to Santa Monica with the launch of Socalo in the Gateway Hotel which has just reopened for expanded patio dining.

Curbside pickup is available, too. A range of Family Meals are available by Tock. Also Margarita Kits, Wines by the Bottle, and Craft Beers.

Complimentary on-site parking is available.

Chicken Poblano Enchiladas (a favorite from Border Grill) have been added to the menu. Also returning to dinner dine-in is Baja Seabass and Lamb Birria.

Curbside pickup is available, too. A range of Family Meals are available by Tock. Also Margarita Kits, Wines by the Bottle, and Craft Beers.

Complimentary on-site parking is available.

We corral Chef Susan for a chat on what’s currently available at Socalo Santa Monica.

Cookbook Author George GearyWith fair season unfortunately cancelled this year, accomplished chef and author, George Geary lets you enjoy the food of county fairs without leaving your house.

The summer season is a time for ice cream, summer camp and state and county fairs.  But this summer is different with fairs postponed until 2021 due to COVID 19.  But that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the fun foods we love to eat served up at the fair.

In his best-selling cookbook, Fair Foods: The Most Popular and Offbeat Recipes from America’s State and County Fairs, award-winning chef, best-selling author, and renowned educator George Geary celebrates the fun, delicious, strange and wonderful foods sold at state and county fairs.  Since we can’t go to the fair this year, George brings the fair to us with a volume of the most popular and iconic fair food recipes. Think Funnel Cake with Berries and Deep-Fried Twinkies.

Chef George Geary is with us, Cheesecake on a Stick in hand.

Michael Hung of Faith and Flower“Coming together for the very first time to celebrate restaurants all throughout Southern California, Los Angeles and Orange County unite to introduce Burger Week, which will be held from Sunday, July 12th, 2020 through Sunday, July 18th, 2020. Burger Week, produced by the Orange County Restaurant Association, will be a first-time event in Los Angeles and second annual event in Orange County. Burger Week was created to encourage diners all throughout the Southland (Orange County, Los Angeles County, Long Beach, and Pasadena) to celebrate and support SoCal restaurants while enjoying America’s favorite food – the almighty Burger!”

“Burger Week will feature burger creations from participating restaurants all across Southern California and during this week-long event running from Sunday, July 12th through Sunday, July 18th, 2020, diners will be able to explore a variety of Burgers, ranging from classic to creative, featuring proteins including beef, chicken, turkey, mushroom, and plant-based options, on menus priced at $10, $15, $20, and luxe menus at $25. Many restaurants will also be featuring special outdoor Dine-in, Takeout and Delivery packages, along with specialty featured Cocktails made with Maker’s Mark or Knob Creek Bourbon Whiskey. The restaurants participating in Burger Week, their Menus, and their featured Cocktails are all highlighted at BurgerWeek.com.”

Chef Michael Hung of Faith & Flower in Downtown Los Angeles is one of the participating chefs and restaurants in Burger Week. He’s offering three special burger creation meals including a plant-based Cheeseburger option. Chef Michael Hung temps us with all the juicy burger deliciousness.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant GroupOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants. Dine-in is slowly starting to come back but with a lot of new rules that restrict guest counts. Alternately Take-Out / Delivery when you can surely helps…

Chef Andrew launched a new Slapfish in downtown Indianapolis this week. What’s it like opening a restaurant during the Covid 19 crisis? We’ll, of course, “Ask the Chef.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Pierre A. Lamielle with The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids Part One
Segment Three: Chef Pierre A. Lamielle with The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids Part Two
Segment Four: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger, Socalo Santa Monica and Border Grill DTLA & Las Vegas Part One
Segment Five: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger, Socalo Santa Monica and Border Grill DTLA & Las Vegas Part Two
Segment Six: Chef George Geary with Fair Foods: The Most Popular and Offbeat Recipes from America’s State and County Fairs
Segment Seven: Preview of “Burger Week” with Chef Michael Hung of Faith & Flower DTLA
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Show 363, March 7, 2020: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Now an inspiring preview of this Saturday’s scrumptious show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will hopefully leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience. Truly couldn’t do it without you.

Orange County Restaurant Week, possibly the region’s most eagerly anticipated Restaurant Week for more than a decade, returns Sunday, March 8th through Saturday, March 14th. This year, nearly 150 restaurants will participant in OC Restaurant Week, offering diners a wide variety of options, from casual and family friendly establishments, to upscale and fine dining, which will once again allow for a “luxe experience” with a select group of menus priced at a $80 price point! This year, the Cocktails of Restaurant Week will be highlighted to complete dining experiences and many participating restaurants will offer a Spicy Food Lover option for the many flavor cravers out there!”

Descanso – A Modern Taqueria’s (Costa Mesa) Proprietor (Rob Arellano) and Executive Chef (Sergio Ortega) joins us as well as the Proprietor / Executive Chef (Cathy Pavlos) of Newport Beach’s Provenance with an enticing preview.

“In 2017, Andy and Kim Busch started a business in their 50’s which they knew nothing about. Andy, coming from a long line of St. Louis beer barons, had worked not in the beverage business but rather at Grant’s Farm, the original prototype for the Busch Gardens parks started by his father, Gussie. Their newest property, Folded Hills Winery, Farmstead, Ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley, focuses on top notch wine making rather than beer.” Proprietress Kim Busch and General Manger Tymari Lore are our guests and gently pull the cork on the unusual story of Folded Hills Winery for us.

“Inspired by the mixture of fun and learning about food and drink for which Julia Child, a longtime resident and fan of Santa Barbara, advocated so passionately, the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience (SBCE) in partnership with the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, welcomes visitors and the local community from March 13th to 16th to celebrate the bounty of what is grown in and around this beautiful region.” Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger of Border Grill (Los Angeles and Las Vegas) and SOCALO (Santa Monica) fame are behind “Border Grill on the Beach: SBCE Signature Luncheon” on March 14th in Santa Barbara. Susan Feniger temps us with all the details and remembers Julia Child.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group joins us from the road with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment. Tuna in a can is represented in most home pantries. Very versatile in uses for a quick, satisfying meal. Who can resist a premium Tuna Melt? Is all canned tuna about the same ? Is it okay to buy just what’s on special ? Chef Andrew gently suggests otherwise. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

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

Show 363, March 7, 2020: Chef Susan Feniger Previewing the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience Part One

Susan Feniger of Socalo and Border Grill“Inspired by the mixture of fun and learning about food and drink for which Julia Child, a longtime resident and fan of Santa Barbara, advocated so passionately, the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience (SBCE) in partnership with the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, welcomes visitors and the local community from March 13th to 16th to celebrate the bounty of what is grown in and around this beautiful region. “Join us to celebrate, learn and invoke Julia’s spirit, while shining a light on Santa Barbara’s culinary, hospitality, tourism and artisan communities.””

Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger of Border Grill (Los Angeles and Las Vegas) fame and SOCALO (Santa Monica) are behind “Border Grill on the Beach: SBCE Signature Luncheon” on March 14th in Santa Barbara.

Mary Sue and Susan are also the past recipients of the prestigious Julia Child Award.

“Join Julia Child Award recipients Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, chefs and owners of Border Grill and Socalo restaurants, as they take you on a culinary journey through their signature modern Mexican dishes. Chefs Mary Sue and Susan are best known for their critically acclaimed conscientiously-sourced, seasonal SoCal Mexican fare in Los Angeles and Las Vegas and as Food Network’s Too Hot Tamales. Enjoy curated cocktails by Elyx Absolut, Jackson Family Wines and Calidad Mexican-Style Lager.”

Susan Feniger is with us providing all the details.

Show 363, March 7, 2020: Chef Susan Feniger Previewing the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience Part Two

Susan Feniger of Socalo and Border GrillInspired by the mixture of fun and learning about food and drink for which Julia Child, a longtime resident and fan of Santa Barbara, advocated so passionately, the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience (SBCE) in partnership with the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, welcomes visitors and the local community from March 13th to 16th to celebrate the bounty of what is grown in and around this beautiful region. “Join us to celebrate, learn and invoke Julia’s spirit, while shining a light on Santa Barbara’s culinary, hospitality, tourism and artisan communities.”

Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger of Border Grill (Los Angeles and Las Vegas) fame and SOCALO (Santa Monica) are behind “Border Grill on the Beach: SBCE Signature Luncheon” on March 14th in Santa Barbara.

Mary Sue and Susan are also the past recipients of the prestigious Julia Child Award.

“Join Julia Child Award recipients Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, chefs and owners of Border Grill and Socalo restaurants, as they take you on a culinary journey through their signature modern Mexican dishes. Chefs Mary Sue and Susan are best known for their critically acclaimed conscientiously-sourced, seasonal SoCal Mexican fare in Los Angeles and Las Vegas and as Food Network’s Too Hot Tamales. Enjoy curated cocktails by Elyx Absolut, Jackson Family Wines and Calidad Mexican-Style Lager.”

Susan Feniger continues with us providing all the details.