Show 456, December 18, 2021: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

The Happiest of Happy Holidays to our loyal listening audience.

You’re appreciated! Thanks for making us your source for reliable food news. We’re giving the Team a break to be with Family and Friends during the Holidays. We’ll be back on Saturday morning, January 8th at 10:00 a.m. with a new year of tantalizing and informative food information.

“From the accomplished culinary minds of Chef John Park and Restaurateur Ed Lee of foodie favorite Toast Kitchen + Bakery in Costa Mesa comes Tableau Kitchen and Bar at South Coast Plaza. At Tableau, Chef Park elevates New American cuisine showcasing the inventive global influences and unexpected twists on classic dishes for which he is known. Tableau’s seafood-forward menu takes full advantage of the restaurant’s coastal location and features the freshest produce from local farms.” Chef John and Ed take a break from the busy soft opening to join us. 

Trademark Brewing is the ambitious result of one couple with many passions – food, science, beer and brewing. Founded by a husband and wife team, Sterling and Ilana Steffen, who brought Trademark Brewing to Long Beach, California.”“Trademark Brewing is the first production craft brewery in Long Beach, and one of the only sustainability-focused breweries in California. Their special equipment and processes allow Trademark to use less than half the water of other breweries their size, and 30% less energy. At Trademark Brewing, great beer isn’t enough. Their mantra is “we make it better.”” Founder Ilana Steffen and Head Brewer Valerie Adee are our guests to tap the keg on Trademark Brewing.

Since 2014 Sammy’s Original in Lake Forest has been the welcoming place to go in South Orange County for upscale sports bar food, craft cocktails, tap beers, live entertainment and premiere Mini Satellite Horse Wagering. The handsome and spacious interior features 120 Hi-Def Television screens. Nightly entertainment is on the menu, too. There is plenty of easy on-site parking and patio seating. Partner and General Manager Scott Terheggen joins us.

Between the two of them our resident Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson, have decades of practical experience with center plate proteins. They are both avid home cooks, too. Terry and Jay join us with some helpful Holiday cooking tips. They also answer some Listeners’ meaty questions about proteins.

What’s the difference between a Filet and Ribeye Steak?

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. It’s Holiday cooking time and Chef Andrew is here to help. He offers a few more genuinely useful Holiday Cooking Tips to make life a bit easier in your active kitchen.

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

Show 456, December 18, 2021: “The Meatheads” from West Coast Prime Meats – Terry Hanks & Jay Henderson

Jay Henderson one of the Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats

Between the two of them our resident Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson, have decades of practical experience with center plate proteins. They are both avid home cooks, too. Terry and Jay join us with some helpful Holiday cooking tips. They also answer some Listeners’ meaty questions about proteins.

What’s the difference between a Filet and Ribeye Steak? We’re asking “The Meatheads.”

“West Coast Prime Meats is a team collaboration of award-winning restaurant operators and professional steak cutters with decades of experience, so they understand the hospitality operator’s need for the best quality products, consistently prepared, and reliably delivered.”

December 18: Tableau Kitchen and Bar, Trademark Brewing, Sammy’s Original, The Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef John Park and Restaurateur Ed Lee, Tableau Kitchen and Bar at South Coast Plaza Part One
Segment Three: Chef John Park and Restaurateur Ed Lee, Tableau Kitchen and Bar at South Coast Plaza Part Two
Segment Four: Trademark Brewing, Long Beach with Founder Ilana Steffen and Head Brewer Valerie Adee Part One
Segment Five: Trademark Brewing, Long Beach with Founder Ilana Steffen and Head Brewer Valerie Adee Part Two
Segment Six: Sammy’s Original, Lake Forest, with General Manager / Partner Scott Terheggen
Segment Seven: “The Meatheads” from West Coast Prime Meats – Terry Hanks & Jay Henderson
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

The Happiest of Happy Holidays from the “SoCal Restaurant Show.”

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

“From the accomplished culinary minds of Chef John Park and Restaurateur Ed Lee of foodie favorite Toast Kitchen + Bakery in Costa Mesa comes Tableau Kitchen and Bar at South Coast Plaza. At Tableau, Chef Park elevates New American cuisine showcasing the inventive global influences and unexpected twists on classic dishes for which he is known. Tableau’s seafood-forward menu takes full advantage of the restaurant’s coastal location and features the freshest produce from local farms.” Chef John and Ed take a break from the busy soft opening to join us.

“Trademark Brewing is the ambitious result of one couple with many passions – food, science, beer and brewing. Founded by a husband and wife team, Sterling and Ilana Steffen, who brought Trademark Brewing to Long Beach, California.”“Trademark Brewing is the first production craft brewery in Long Beach, and one of the only sustainability-focused breweries in California. Their special equipment and processes allow Trademark to use less than half the water of other breweries their size, and 30% less energy. At Trademark Brewing, great beer isn’t enough. Their mantra is “we make it better.”” Founder Ilana Steffen and Head Brewer Valerie Adee are our guests to tap the keg on Trademark Brewing.

Since 2014 Sammy’s Original in Lake Forest has been the welcoming place to go in South Orange County for upscale sports bar food, craft cocktails, tap beers, live entertainment and premiere Mini Satellite Horse Wagering. The handsome and spacious interior features 120 Hi-Def Television screens. There is plenty of on-site parking. Partner and General Manager Scott Terheggen joins us.

Between the two of them our resident Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson, have decades of practical experience with center plate proteins. They are both avid home cooks, too. Terry and Jay join us with some helpful Holiday cooking tips. They also answer some Listeners’ meaty questions about proteins.

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. It’s Holiday cooking time and Chef Andrew is here to help. He offers a few more genuinely useful Holiday Cooking Tips to make life a bit easier in your active kitchen.

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

John Park of Toast Kitchen and Bakery

“From the accomplished culinary minds of Chef John Park and Restaurateur Ed Lee of foodie favorite Toast Kitchen + Bakery in Costa Mesa comes Tableau Kitchen and Bar at South Coast Plaza. At Tableau, Chef Park elevates New American cuisine showcasing the inventive global influences and unexpected twists on classic dishes for which he is known. Tableau’s seafood-forward menu takes full advantage of the restaurant’s coastal location and features the freshest produce from local farms.”

“Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus offer something for every palate, from sweet to savory, salads to sandwiches, scallops to steak. A full bar with craft cocktails, draft beers and a curated wine list and Chef Park’s famous pastries complement the exciting menu selections. At Tableau Kitchen and Bar, every meal makes a difference, with a percentage of proceeds donated to local charities.”

Chef John and Ed take a break from their busy soft opening to join us.

Ilana Steffen of Trademark Brewing

Trademark Brewing is the ambitious result of one couple with many passions – food, science, beer and brewing. Founded by a husband and wife team, Sterling and Ilana Steffen, who brought Trademark Brewing to Long Beach, California.”

“Trademark Brewing is the first production craft brewery in Long Beach, and one of the only sustainability-focused breweries in California. Their special equipment and processes allow Trademark to use less than half the water of other breweries their size, and 30% less energy. At Trademark Brewing, great beer isn’t enough. Their mantra is “we make it better.””

Guests can enjoy Trademark Brewing craft beers and cold brew coffee on draft in their Long Beach Taproom & Beer Garden. At any given time there is a choice of over 20 craft beers on tap. Represented styles include Hoppy, Light, Fruited + Sour, Dark, Belgian and even Beer Slushies. They also fill growlers. The Taproom is both dog and kid friendly.

Founder Ilana Steffen and Head Brewer Valerie Adee join us to tap the keg on Trademark Brewing.

“Since 2014 Sammy’s Original in Lake Forest has been the welcoming place to go in South Orange County for upscale sports bar food, craft cocktails, tap beers, live entertainment and premiere Mini Satellite Horse Wagering.” The handsome, well-appointed and spacious interior features 120 Hi-Def Television screens. There is plenty of on-site parking.

Breakfast is served until 12 Noon daily. Think Breakfast Enchiladas with scrambled eggs and Jack and Cheddar cheese…Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m., to 7:00 p.m. with both beverage and snack specials.

All the pizzas (12”) are created using house-prepared dough and sauce. New pizza additions include Ham & Pineapple and White with chicken breast, red onion and green onion.

The pastas are prepared in-house. The Lasagna with Nana’s meat sauce and Mozzarella and Ricotta is from one of the proprietor’s mother’s family recipes. All the soups are prepared from-scratch.

There are beverages aplenty. Typically there are 12 rotating beers on tap in addition to a wide variety of bottled beers including domestic, imported and craft selections. A signature cocktail is the Mango Peach Passion with Absolut Mango Vodka, passion fruit puree, DeKuyper Peachtree and pineapple juice.

Partner and General Manager Scott Terheggen is our guest.

Jay Henderson one of the Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats

Between the two of them our resident Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson, have decades of practical experience with center plate proteins. They are both avid home cooks, too. Terry and Jay join us with some helpful Holiday cooking tips. They also answer some Listeners’ meaty questions about proteins.

“West Coast Prime Meats is a team collaboration of award-winning restaurant operators and professional steak cutters with decades of experience, so they understand the hospitality operator’s need for the best quality products, consistently prepared, and reliably delivered.”

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.

It’s the height of Holiday cooking time and Chef Andrew is here to help. He offers a few more genuinely useful Holiday Cooking Tips to make life a bit easier in your active kitchen.

The happiest of Happy Holidays from the “SoCal Restaurant Show.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef John Park and Restaurateur Ed Lee, Tableau Kitchen and Bar at South Coast Plaza Part One
Segment Three: Chef John Park and Restaurateur Ed Lee, Tableau Kitchen and Bar at South Coast Plaza Part Two
Segment Four: Trademark Brewing, Long Beach with Founder Ilana Steffen and Head Brewer Valerie Adee Part One
Segment Five: Trademark Brewing, Long Beach with Founder Ilana Steffen and Head Brewer Valerie Adee Part Two
Segment Six: Sammy’s Original, Lake Forest, with General Manager / Partner Scott Terheggen
Segment Seven: “The Meatheads” from West Coast Prime Meats – Terry Hanks & Jay Henderson
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Show 350, December 7, 2019: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now an incredibly appetizing 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.

Thinking about buying a bottle of French Champagne as a gift or for the festive Holiday Table? Our resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, joins us with selection tips from an expert that, happily, won’t break the bank. Orange Wine is a new topic of conversation among wine aficionados. Kyle provides the needed overview.

Between the two of them our resident Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson, have decades of practical experience with center plate proteins. They are both avid home cooks, too. Terry and Jay join us with some genuinely useful Holiday cooking tips for that special holiday goose and roasted meats.

Cheesecake! The Emmy award winning show The Golden Girls made eating cheesecake a nightly ritual on the hit television series.  The pastry chef who made those luscious and delicious cheesecakes and many other foods for hit sitcoms is George Geary. Now Geary has expanded his cheesecake repertoire even more with the eagerly anticipated 2nd Edition of The Cheesecake Bible: 300 Sweet & Savory Recipes for Cakes and More.  Chef George is our guest with decadent ideas for the best in holiday cheesecakes and pro’s tips for stress-free holiday baking.

In the age of video chats and filtered “selfies”, sometimes real, human connection seems harder to come by, but it remains an important part of living a satisfying life. Eat, Laugh, Talk: The Family Dinner Playbook emerges from the brains behind The Family Dinner Project, a Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Academy-affiliated nonprofit that notes the profound impact that a fun family meal can have on the spirit, brain, and health of all family members. Co-authors (there are five) Brianne DeRosa and Shelly London join us to set the table.

Restaurateur Russ Bendel (and partners) are the respected operators of Ironwood (Laguna Hills), Olea (Newport Beach) and Vine (San Clemente) in Orange County. Russ was awarded Restaurateur of the Year honors at this year’s Golden Foodie Awards. Ironwood has a new lounge. Russ joins us with Chef-Partner Jared Cook to chat about the Holiday menus at Ironwood, Olea & Vine.

Show 350, December 7, 2019: The Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats with Holiday Cooking Advice

Jay Henderson one of the Meatheads from West Coast Prime MeatsBetween the two of them our resident Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson, have decades of practical experience with center plate proteins. They are both avid home cooks, too. Terry and Jay join us with some genuinely useful Holiday cooking tips.

Terry Hanks tells about the joy of putting goose on the Holiday Table. Preparing it with a delicious outcome is easier than you think.

Jay Henderson advises about Prime Rib and roasting brisket as a versatile and more economical Holiday main dish that garners raves.

December 7: Wine Exchange, West Coast Prime Meats, George Geary, The Family Dinner Project, Russ Bendel and Jared Cook

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Wine Authority Kyle Meyer, Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, with Champagne Buying Advice
Segment Three: The Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats with Holiday Cooking Advice
Segment Four: Chef George Geary on Celebratory Cheesecakes for the Holidays
Segment Five: EAT, LAUGH, TALK! – The Family Dinner Playbook Part One
Segment Six: EAT, LAUGH, TALK! – The Family Dinner Playbook Part Two
Segment Seven: Restaurateur Russ Bendel and Chef-Partner Jared Cook – Ironwood, Olea & Vine Part One
Segment Eight: Restaurateur Russ Bendel and Chef-Partner Jared Cook – Ironwood, Olea & Vine Part Two

Now an incredibly appetizing 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.

Thinking about buying a bottle of French Champagne as a gift or for the festive Holiday Table? Our resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, joins us with selection tips from an expert that, happily, won’t break the bank. Orange Wine is a new topic of conversation among wine aficionados. Kyle provides the needed overview.

Between the two of them our resident Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson, have decades of practical experience with center plate proteins. They are both avid home cooks, too. Terry and Jay join us with some genuinely useful Holiday cooking tips.

Cheesecake! The Emmy award winning show The Golden Girls made eating cheesecake a nightly ritual on the hit television series.  The pastry chef who made those luscious and delicious cheesecakes and many other foods for hit sitcoms is George Geary. Now Geary has expanded his cheesecake repertoire even more with the eagerly anticipated 2nd Edition of The Cheesecake Bible: 300 Sweet & Savory Recipes for Cakes and More.  Chef George is our guest with decadent ideas for the best in holiday cheesecakes and pro’s tips for stress-free holiday baking.

In the age of video chats and filtered “selfies”, sometimes real, human connection seems harder to come by, but it remains an important part of living a satisfying life. Eat, Laugh, Talk: The Family Dinner Playbook emerges from the brains behind The Family Dinner Project, a Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Academy-affiliated nonprofit that notes the profound impact that a fun family meal can have on the spirit, brain, and health of all family members. Co-authors (there are five) Brianne DeRosa and Shelly London join us to set the table.

Restaurateur Russ Bendel (and partners) are the respected operators of Ironwood (Laguna Hills), Olea (Newport Beach) and Vine (San Clemente) in Orange County. Russ was awarded Restaurateur of the Year honors at this year’s Golden Foodie Awards. Ironwood has a new lounge. Russ joins us with Chef-Partner Jared Cook to chat about the Holiday menus at Ironwood, Olea & Vine.

Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeThinking about buying a bottle of French Champagne as a gift or for the festive Holiday Table? Our resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, joins us with selection tips from an expert that, happily, won’t break the bank.

Orange Wine is a new topic of conversation among wine aficionados. Kyle provides the needed overview.

Jay Henderson one of the Meatheads from West Coast Prime MeatsBetween the two of them our resident Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson, have decades of practical experience with center plate proteins. They are both avid home cooks, too. Terry and Jay join us with some genuinely useful Holiday cooking tips.

 

Cookbook Author George GearyCheesecake! The Emmy award winning show The Golden Girls made eating cheesecake a nightly ritual on the hit television series.  The pastry chef who made those luscious and delicious cheesecakes and many other foods for hit sitcoms is George Geary. He later became the first award winning pastry chef for the Walt Disney Company at Disneyland.

Geary’s cheesecakes became one of his most popular culinary calling cards so he then published his favorite recipes in his first cookbook, 125 Best Cheesecake Recipes in 2002, and it was such a hit that a follow up book, The Cheesecake Bible was published in 2008 and became a best-seller.

Now Geary has expanded his cheesecake repertoire even more with the highly anticipated 2nd Edition of The Cheesecake Bible: 300 Sweet & Savory Recipes for Cakes and More George provides home cooks with extensive how-to instructions, tips and techniques to make the perfect cheesecake.

Recipes in the book range from holiday favorites, savory and citrus cheesecakes, no-bake cheesecakes, to bars, pies, toppings and sauces, and breakfast items. Some of the delicious recipes in the book include: Artichoke Cheesecake, Maine Lobster Cheesecake, Passover Honey Cheesecake, Blood Orange Spiced Cheesecake, Eggnog Rum Cheesecake, Italian Zabaglione Cheesecake Bars, Blood Orange Cheesecake Crępes, Cheesecake Bonbons and many more unique flavored desserts.

Chef George is our encore guest offering decadent ideas for the best in holiday cheesecakes and pro’s tips for stress-free holiday baking.

Shelly London of the Family Dinner ProjectIn the age of video chats and filtered “selfies”, sometimes real, human connection seems harder to come by, but it remains an important part of living a satisfying life. In fact, over 20 years of research has shown what parents have known for a long time: regular family meals lead to long-term benefits, including higher resilience, self-esteem, and grade-point-averages, and LOWER rates of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, eating disorders, and depression.

Eat, Laugh, Talk: The Family Dinner Playbook52 Weeks of Easy Recipes, Engaging Conversation, and Hilarious Games emerges from the brains behind The Family Dinner Project, a Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Academy-affiliated nonprofit that notes the profound impact that a fun family meal can have on the spirit, brain, and health of all family members.

The Family Dinner Project’s new book gives readers the tools to kickstart a habit of putting together fun family dinners, including:

  • Conversation starters
  • Quick and easy recipes
  • Fun table games for everyone to play
  • Tips for overcoming obstacles, setting dinnertime goals, managing busy schedules, and engaging everyone in the conversation

With anecdotes from real families who have become a part of The Family Dinner Project’s growing movement, this book will inspire readers of all ages to look forward to dinner (together)!

Co-authors (there are five) Brianne DeRosa and Shelly London join us to set the table.

“What if there was a single activity you could do at home, requiring no special equipment or training of any kind, that could have lifelong benefits for the physical, emotional, academic and social health of every member of your family? That activity exists, and it’s the family dinner.”

Building on decades of research and over ten years of experience working with real families who are overcoming the common challenges that keep people from sharing regular meals, The Family Dinner Project — a nonprofit initiative based at Massachusetts General Hospital — has written a step-by-step playbook to help make family dinners possible.

Eat, Talk, Laugh: The Family Dinner Playbook (Familius Publishing) is packed with practical advice and inspiration to help you overcome common mealtime challenges and get the most out of your family dinners. Organized in sections according to common mealtime obstacles, Eat, Laugh, Talk provides 52 weeks of food, fun and conversation that will appeal to people of all ages.  Laid out in an easy-to-follow, week-by-week format, Eat, Laugh, Talk is a book of real stories, real experiences and real family dinners that will inspire you and your family.

 “The Family Dinner Project, a nonprofit initiative started in 2010, champions family dinner as an opportunity for family members to connect with each other through food, fun and conversation about things that matter.  More than 20 years of scientific research shows “why” family mealtimes are so important.  The Family Dinner Project provides the “how” for today’s busy families. Our team members have come from varied personal and professional backgrounds. We are parents and non-parents, and our ages range from “young professional” to “Medicare-eligible.”  Our collective professional experience includes education, family therapy, research, food, social work, marketing and communication.  With nonprofit partners and local champions, The Family Dinner Project team works online and at community events to help families increase the frequency, meaning and long-term benefits of their shared meals.  We are based in Boston at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Psychiatry Academy.”

Co-authors (there are five) Brianne DeRosa and Shelly London continue their conversation with us at the family dinner table.

Chef Jared CookRestaurateur Russ Bendel (and partners) are the respected operators of Ironwood (Laguna Hills), Olea (Newport Beach) and Vine (San Clemente) in Orange County. Russ was awarded Restaurateur of the Year honors at this year’s Golden Foodie Awards. Ironwood has a new lounge. Russ joins us with Chef-Partner Jared Cook to chat about the Holiday menus at Ironwood, Olea & Vine.

Ironwood features a full bar, open kitchen, and an enclosed outdoor heated patio with views of the Saddleback Mountains. It offers South Orange County residents a fine dining night out with a complete food and wine experience.”

“OLEA, named for a genus of trees that flourish in warm and tropical regions, is a European twist on the Napa/Sonoma-inspired cuisine and spirits at Vine, the restaurant Bendel assumed ownership of seven years ago.” The restaurant is characterized as Wine Country Cuisine at a chef-driven American bistro.

VINE is an all-encompassing Wine Country dining experience, a full bar, featuring craft cocktails, Open Kitchen, and a Semi-Private Dining table in our Wine Room. It offers South Orange County residents a fine dining night out with a complete food and wine experience.

VINE highlights Wine Country Cuisine influenced by the Napa Valley and other notable wine producing regions. In addition, the wine selection includes more than 100 bottles – more than 25 of which are available by the glass.”

Russ Bendel of Ironwood, Olea and VIneRuss Bendel was born and raised in Philadelphia and relocated with his mother, father, and sister to California when he was a child. Russ grew up in the restaurant industry and always knew it was in his blood at an early age.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from The Collins College at Cal Poly Pomona with an emphasis on Restaurants and Business Management. During that time, Russ worked with Bloomin Brands Restaurant Group for 15 years, six years with Outback Steakhouse and nine years with Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. He was promoted to partner of the flagship Newport Beach location at the age of 25, youngest ever in company history.

Chef-Partner Jared Cook was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. After graduating from Western Culinary Institute in Portland Oregon, he relocated to Southern California. Since then Jared worked in restaurants such as French 75 in Laguna Beach, Chat Noir in Costa Mesa, and was promoted to Executive Chef at the Crow Bar and Kitchen, in addition to working at Vine Restaurant & Bar for the third time as a Cook, Sous Chef, and now Executive Chef.

Russ joins us with Chef-Partner Jared Cook to continue their chat about the Holiday menus at Ironwood, Olea & Vine.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Wine Authority Kyle Meyer, Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, with Champagne Buying Advice
Segment Three: The Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats with Holiday Cooking Advice
Segment Four: Chef George Geary on Celebratory Cheesecakes for the Holidays
Segment Five: EAT, LAUGH, TALK! – The Family Dinner Playbook Part One
Segment Six: EAT, LAUGH, TALK! – The Family Dinner Playbook Part Two
Segment Seven: Restaurateur Russ Bendel and Chef-Partner Jared Cook – Ironwood, Olea & Vine Part One
Segment Eight: Restaurateur Russ Bendel and Chef-Partner Jared Cook – Ironwood, Olea & Vine Part Two

Show 313, March 2, 2019: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now an intriguing preview of Saturday’s tempting show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience.

Orange County Restaurant Week returns Sunday, March 3th through Saturday, March 9th. 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. The new Toast in Costa Mesa is participating for the first time with special menus for both Lunch and Dinner. Proprietor Ed Lee and Proprietor/Chef John Park join us with all the delectable specifics.

One of our most reliable sources of key restaurant news in Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is a staff writer for The Las Vegas Review Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. Al has been masterfully working the Vegas food scene since 2003. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas annual restaurant guide series. Al has just visited Honda Center for the first time catching the Vegas Golden Knights on the ice and also done some local dining. We’ll get a morsel by morsel report from Al.

Owner/ Chef Craig Strong (Ex-Studio at Montage Laguna Beach) has just debuted his new Weekend Brunch Menu at Laguna Beach’s Ocean at Main. Bottomless mimosas and specialty cocktails are featured, too. Chef Craig cooks up all the details for us.

Our resident “Meatheads” from West Coast Prime Meats (the protein experts) are back with answers to your “meaty” inquiries. Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson provide genuinely useful insight into your Easter dinner cooking questions.

Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, joins us to talk about Bordeaux wines. The Union Des Grands Crus De Bordeaux was just in West Hollywood with a comprehensive tasting. This was the 14th edition of this anticipated Tasting in the United States. Kyle shares his professional insights with us and also explains how a Sommelier or Wine Merchant navigates such a vast tasting. It’s honestly real work…Cheers!

Our own Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group, is again hosting a sumptuous table at OC Chef’sTable (as a total donation) benefiting the Illumination Foundation. Its theme is “Take a Seat to End Homelessness.” Impressively the high-end Benefit is already sold out and tickets are now on sale for 2020. Chef Andrew will detail why he’s a multi-year, enthusiastic supporter of the good work of the Illumination Foundation.

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

Show 313, March 2, 2019: West Coast Prime Meats “Meatheads” – Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson with Easter Cooking Tips

Jay HendersonOur resident Meatheads” from West Coast Prime Meats (the protein experts) are back with answers to your “meaty” inquiries.

The very knowledgeable Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson provide insight into your Easter dinner cooking questions submitted to us in advance via our Twitter (@SoCalRestaurant.)

Keep those questions coming…

We’ll initially offer inspired ideas for cooking the Easter lamb and ham. The Meatheads also give us insight into “Colorado Lamb” and “Australia/New Zealand Lamb.” What’s the flavor profile of each ?

From the West Coast Prime Meats cookbook, West Coast Prime Meats Cooks, The Meatheads share the recipe for Grilled Marinated Leg of Lamb and the technique, “How to Debone a Leg of Lamb.”

March 2: Toast Kitchen + Bakery, Al Mancini, Ocean at Main, West Coast Prime Meats, Wine Exchange

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Toast Costa Mesa’s Restaurateur Ed Lee & Chef / Proprietor John Park, OC Restaurant Week
Segment Three: Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal Part One
Segment Four: Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal Part Two
Segment Five: Owner / Chef Craig Strong, Ocean at Main, Laguna Beach
Segment Six: West Coast Prime Meats “Meatheads” – Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson with Easter Cooking Tips
Segment Seven: Wine Authority Kyle Meyer, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana – Bordeaux Tasting
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Now an intriguing preview of this Saturday’s tempting show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience.

Orange County Restaurant Week returns Sunday, March 3th through Saturday, March 9th. 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. The new Toast in Costa Mesa is participating with special menus for both Lunch and Dinner. Proprietor Ed Lee and Proprietor/Chef John Park join us with all the delectable specifics.

One of our most reliable sources of key restaurant news in Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is a staff writer for The Las Vegas Review Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. Al has been masterfully working the Vegas food scene since 2003. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas annual restaurant guide series. Al has just visited Honda Center for the first time catching the Vegas Golden Knights on the ice and also done some local dining. We’ll get a morsel by morsel report from Al.

Owner/ Chef Craig Strong (Ex-Studio at Montage Laguna Beach) has just debuted his new Weekend Brunch Menu at Laguna Beach’s Ocean at Main. Bottomless mimosas and specialty cocktails are featured, too. Chef Craig cooks up all the details for us.

Our resident “Meatheads” from West Coast Prime Meats (the protein experts) are back with answers to your “meaty” inquiries. Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson provide genuinely useful insight into your Easter dinner cooking questions.

Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, joins us to talk about Bordeaux wines. The Union Des Grands Crus De Bordeaux was just in West Hollywood with a comprehensive tasting. This was the 14th edition of this anticipated Tasting in the United States. Kyle shares his professional insights with us and also explains how a Sommelier or Wine Merchant navigates such a vast tasting. It’s honestly real work…Cheers!

Our own Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group, is again hosting a sumptuous table at OC Chef’s Table (as a total donation) benefiting the Illumination Foundation. Its theme is “Take a Seat to End Homelessness.” Impressively the high-end Benefit is already sold out and tickets are now on sale for 2020. Chef Andrew will detail why he’s a multi-year, enthusiastic supporter of the good work of the Illumination Foundation.

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

John ParkOrange County Restaurant Week returns Sunday, March 3th through Saturday, March 9th. 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. The new Toast in Costa Mesa is participating with special menus for both Lunch and Dinner.

Proprietor Ed Lee and Proprietor/Chef John Park join us with the delectable specifics.

They are featuring a special $15, 3-course Lunch Menu and a $20, 3-course Dinner menu. Choices within each course. There is also a “Featured Cocktail” for $11 for OC Restaurant Week. It’s Whiskey Business with Makers Mark Bourbon, lemon & egg white.

Al ManciniOne of our most reliable sources of key restaurant news in Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is a staff writer for The Las Vegas Review Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. Al has been working the Vegas food scene since 2003. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas restaurant guide series.

Al has just visited Honda Center for the first time catching the Vegas Golden Knights on the ice and also done some local dining. We’ll get a morsel by morsel report from Al who joins us in-studio.

A Vegas Golden Knights player, Ryan Reaves, has a new craft beer label 7Five. The first release is Training Day Golden Ale. A lager for Summer is probably next.

Craig StrongOwner/ Chef Craig Strong (Ex-Studio at Montage Laguna Beach) has just debuted his new Weekend Brunch Menu at Laguna Beach’s Ocean at Main. Bottomless mimosas and specialty cocktails are featured, too.

“Ocean at Main’s Weekend Brunch is offered Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Chef Craig Strong draws inspiration from culinary experiences – both personal and professional – to create a menu of sweet & savory brunch classics presented with his signature style and plated with panache.”

“Enjoy savory brunch classics like Chilaquiles made with Chef Strong’s salsa fuerte and sweet selections like Scarlet’s Favorite Five-Spice Pancakes. Toast to the weekend with bottle service, bottomless mimosas, or specialty brunch cocktails.”

Chef Craig cooks up all the mouthwatering details for us.

Jay HendersonOur resident Meatheads” from West Coast Prime Meats (the protein experts) are back with answers to your “meaty” inquiries.

The very knowledgeable Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson provide insight into your Easter dinner cooking questions submitted to us in advance via our Twitter (@SoCalRestaurant.)

We’ll initially offer inspired ideas for cooking the Easter lamb and ham.

Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeOur resident wine expert Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange joins us to talk about Bordeaux wines. The Union Des Grands Crus De Bordeaux was just in West Hollywood with a comprehensive tasting.

This was the 14th edition of this Tasting in the United States. Kyle shares his professional insights with us and also explains how a Sommelier or Wine Merchant navigates such a vast tasting. It’s honestly real work…Cheers!

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosOur own Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group, is again hosting a sumptuous table at the 6th Annual OC Chef’s Table (as a total donation) benefiting the Illumination Foundation. Its theme is “Take a Seat to End Homelessnes.” It takes place at The Disneyland Hotel.

Impressively the high-end Benefit is already sold out and tickets are now on sale for 2020. Chef Andrew will detail why he’s a multi-year, enthusiastic supporter of the good work of the Illumination Foundation.

“Today in Orange County alone, there are more than 32,000 children that are homeless or unstably housed in cars and motels. An excess of 55,000 homeless individuals reside in Southern California alone.”

“The non-profit organization, Illumination Foundation, was founded in 2007 with the sole mission to break the cycle of homelessness. From its start, Illumination Foundation has focused on providing permanent housing solutions, along with emergency housing for families in dire need, recuperative care centers for homeless individuals recovering from hospital care, and a cadre of mental and physical health services, career counseling and placement, children’s resource centers for tutoring and healthy socialization and more.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Toast Costa Mesa’s Restaurateur Ed Lee & Chef / Proprietor John Park, OC Restaurant Week
Segment Three: Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal Part One
Segment Four: Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal Part Two
Segment Five: Owner / Chef Craig Strong, Ocean at Main, Laguna Beach
Segment Six: West Coast Prime Meats “Meatheads” – Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson with Easter Cooking Tips
Segment Seven: Wine Authority Kyle Meyer, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana – Bordeaux Tasting
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Show 302, December 15, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a tempting preview of Saturday’s delectable show. We’re in the true Holiday spirit…It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

Freelance food, libation and travel writer, Anne Marie Panoringan, is on the go, again, and with us in-studio. This time she is reporting for Coast Magazine (Orange County Register) and her travel destination is Healdsburg in picturesque Sonoma County wine country. Anne Marie graciously shares some worthy restaurant, winery, and lodging tips.

We’ve been in Las Vegas this week covering ment’or BKB Foundations’ Fifth Annual Young Chef and Third Annual Commis Competition held on the Campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The winners are awarded the extraordinary opportunity to travel to Lyon, France and support Team USA at the 2019 Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition Finale in January. Team USA will be defending their Gold Medal win from 2017 (an extraordinary achievement.) We’ll introduce the talented winner of the Young Chef Competition!

The new Toast Kitchen + Bakery in Costa Mesa (on the site of the revered Golden Truffle) is the creation of Chef/Partner John Park and restaurateur Ed Lee (Wahoo’s Fish Taco.) There is some incredible food, baked goods & desserts coming out of this kitchen. Think Hot Chicken and Hawaiian Malasadas for Brunch. We’ll meet the creative team from Toast.

After an incredible 46-year run Piero Selvaggio’s Valentino Ristorante will serve its last dinner on New Year’s Eve. Valentino is one of the pioneers of modern Italian food in Los Angeles. Valentino also is credited with introducing premium Italian wines as part of a deep cellar along with polished, unfussy wine service. Our own West Coast Prime Meats Meathead, Terry Hanks, along with Restaurateur Piero Selvaggio share some engaging memories.

Las Vegas Insider Eric Gladstone is the principal of The Feast of Friends. In Las Vegas Eric produces food festivals and provides creative marketing services to restaurants. His specialty is independent, chef-driven projects. Eric is the organizer of the inaugural Vegas UnStripped food festival in Downtown Las Vegas which will return in 2019. We’ll meet him.

Chef Steve Samson’s Rossoblu has been a resounding success since its opening Downtown mid-last year in the Fashion District. On Sept. 13th during service a small kitchen fire temporarily closed the establishment. The better news is that Rossoblu just reopened last week. Congrats, also, to Chef Steve and Dina Samson for having both Rossoblu and Sotto (his other restaurant) included in the closely watched Los Angeles Times’101 Restaurants We Love” list. Chef Steve is our guest.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel joins us with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment. With the Holidays upon us it’s great to have a real working chef in our corner providing handy advice! Tuna in a can, a staple of everyone’s home pantry, is, incredibly, losing popularity with Millennials. We’ll open the can on this one and explain…

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