Show 235, August 5, 2017: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a tempting preview of this Saturday’s abundant 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, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

The annual Golden Foodie Awards presented in a black-tie gala on September 24th in Newport Beach celebrate the very best in dining in Orange County in 15 categories. Voting by the dining public happens in 2, one-week waves starting on Saturday, August 5th. Founder Pam Waitt joins us with the details of this year’s voting.

The OC Fair continues in Costa Mesa (Wednesdays thru Sundays) until Sunday, August 13th in Costa Mesa. The Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri, encores with an update on Fair food happenings. How did Chef Dominic’s Fair menu rate at the Concessionaires’ Cup ? How are all the new Flamin’ Hot Cheetos creations doing…?

For some seven short weeks the incredible Hatch Chiles from New Mexico are available fresh. They are a Southwestern favorite. Unusually they can be purchased in a range of heats from mild to hot. Our resident produce guru, Robert Schuller of Melissa’s, steps away from the roaster to give us the piquant specifics.

DINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week is set for August 5th through August 13th, 2017. Some 60 diverse Long Beach restaurants spanning 12 neighborhoods will offer special multi-course menus at affordable prices. First we’ll chat with DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant founder, Terri Henry, for the overview for 2017.

New to the DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week is Chef Guy’s Crazy Creole Café – “Straight From The Heart and Soul of New Orleans.” We’ll meet proprietor Chef Guy DuPlantier, a.k.a. “The Crazy Cajun.” It’s a real taste of New Orleans right there on Long Beach Blvd.

As Beverly Hills Vietnamese fusion institution Crustacean undergoes a major five-month redesign this summer, Orange County diners will be treated to signature dishes prepared by Crustacean master chef Helene “Mama” An at AnQi, a sister restaurant at South Coast Plaza. Beginning August 1 and through September 30, diners at the upscale gourmet bistro AnQi will be able to savor a sampling of signature dishes from An’s famous Secret Kitchen that previously were not available at the Costa Mesa restaurant. Joining us to explain all the delicious specifics is House of AN’s Executive Chef, Tony Nguyen.

Once a year Zapien’s Salsa Grill in Pico Rivera hosts a series of Hatch Chile-themed events to celebrate the famous New Mexican spicy and savory pepper. Along with Chef Marco Zapien’s Hatch Chile Cooking Demonstration and Dinner on August 10th the restaurant hosts a daytime Hatch Chile Roast (and brunch) on September 9th were supplies of the roasted Hatch Chiles can be picked up by the case. The guest selects the level of spicy desired ranging from mild to hot.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!

Show 235, August 5, 2017: House of An Executive Chef Tony Nguyen, Pop-up Crustacean Menu at AnQi, Costa Mesa

Tony NguyenAs Beverly Hills Vietnamese fusion institution Crustacean undergoes a major five-month redesign this summer, Orange County diners will be treated to signature dishes prepared by Crustacean master chef Helene “Mama” An at AnQi, a sister restaurant at South Coast Plaza. Beginning August 1 and through September 30, diners at the upscale gourmet bistro AnQi will be able to savor a sampling of signature dishes from An’s famous Secret Kitchen that previously were not available at the Costa Mesa restaurant.

The pop-up version of Crustacean’s highly acclaimed menu will be available at dinner only Monday through Friday in the Q Lounge at AnQi, which like its Beverly Hills counterpart has won acclaim for its signature style of Euro-Vietnamese cuisine and An’s creative use of Asian herbs and spices in her cooking.

Reservations are required and are limited to 60 guests a night and should be made by phone: 714.557.5679. AnQi is located at South Coast Plaza, 333 Bristol St. Costa Mesa

The pop-up Crustacean menu at AnQi will include 10 appetizers, four main courses and two desserts.

The tantalizing appetizer options include Turmeric Grilled Calamari ($15), with saffron, orange zest and peanut mustard sauce; Sweet and Spicy Chicken Meatballs ($15), made with basil, tofu, tempura flakes and Gochujang sauce; and the addictive XO Noodles ($18) with scallops, shrimp, chicken, bird’s eye chili, shallots and Hennessy cognac.

Among the choices for the main courses are Rack of Lamb ($46), made with chardonnay flambé, Steamed Seabass ($49); and An’s Famous Roasted Crab ($65), featuring An’s garlic sauce and secret spices and available in or out of the shell.

A mouthwatering dessert option is Grandma Diana’s Famous Banana Fritters ($12).

Joining us to explain all the delicious specifics is House of AN’s Executive Chef, Tony Nguyen.

 

August 5: Golden Foodies, Midway Gourmet, Melissa’s Hatch Chiles, Dine LBC, Crazy Creole Café, House of AN, Zapien’s Salsa Grill

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Pam Waitt, Founder, Orange County’s Golden Foodie Awards
Segment Three: Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet, OC Fair
Segment Four: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s World Variety Produce, Hatch Chile Season is on!
Segment Five: DINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week, Terri Henry, Producer & Founder
Segment Six: Chef / Proprietor Guy DuPlantier, Crazy Creole Café, Long Beach
Segment Seven: House of An Executive Chef Tony Nguyen, Pop-up Crustacean Menu at AnQi, Costa Mesa
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Marco Zapien, Hatch Chile Festivities at Zapien’s Salsa Grill

Now a tempting preview of this Saturday’s abundant 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, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

The annual Golden Foodie Awards presented in a black-tie gala on September 24th in Newport Beach celebrate the very best in dining in Orange County in 15 categories. Voting by the dining public happens in 2, one-week waves starting on Saturday, August 5th. Founder Pam Waitt joins us with the details of this year’s voting.

The OC Fair continues in Costa Mesa (Wednesdays thru Sundays) until Sunday, August 13th in Costa Mesa. The Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri, encores with an update on Fair food happenings. How did Chef Dominic’s Fair menu rate at the Concessionaires’ Cup ? How are all the new Flamin’ Hot Cheetos creations doing…?

For some seven short weeks the incredible Hatch Chiles from New Mexico are available fresh. They are a Southwestern favorite. Unusually they can be purchased in a range of heats from mild to hot. Our resident produce guru, Robert Schuller of Melissa’s, steps away from the roaster to give us the piquant specifics.

DINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week is set for August 5th through August 13th, 2017. More than 60 diverse Long Beach restaurants spanning 12 neighborhoods will offer special multi-course menus at affordable prices. First we’ll chat with DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant founder, Terri Henry, for the overview for 2017.

New to the DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week is Chef Guy’s Crazy Creole Café – “Straight From The Heart and Soul of New Orleans.” We’ll meet proprietor Chef Guy DuPlantier, a.k.a. “The Crazy Cajun.” It’s a real taste of New Orleans right there on Long Beach Blvd.

As Beverly Hills Vietnamese fusion institution Crustacean undergoes a major five-month redesign this summer, Orange County diners will be treated to signature dishes prepared by Crustacean master chef Helene “Mama” An at AnQi, a sister restaurant at South Coast Plaza. Beginning August 1 and through September 30, diners at the upscale gourmet bistro AnQi will be able to savor a sampling of signature dishes from An’s famous Secret Kitchen that previously were not available at the Costa Mesa restaurant. Joining us to explain all the delicious specifics is House of AN’s Executive Chef, Tony Nguyen.

Once a year Zapien’s Salsa Grill in Pico Rivera hosts a series of Hatch Chile-themed events to celebrate the famous New Mexican spicy and savory pepper. Along with Chef Marco Zapien’s Hatch Chile Cooking Demonstration and Dinner on August 10th the restaurant hosts a daytime Hatch Chile Roast on September 9th were supplies of the roasted Hatch Chiles can be picked up by the case. The guest selects the level of spicy desired ranging from mild to hot.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!

Golden Foodie AwardsThe annual 6th Annual Golden Foodie Awards will be presented in a black-tie gala evening on September 24th in Newport Beach celebrating the very best in dining in Orange County in 15 categories. Voting by the dining public happens in 2, one-week waves starting on Saturday, August 5th.

The Golden Foodies are a People’s Choice Food Awards. The event was created to honor extraordinary culinary talent in Orange County. Food lovers vote during the first 2 weeks of August with the winners being announced at The Golden Foodie Awards Gala at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel. The event exclusively recognizes chef-driven and independent restaurants.

Food Network’s Simon Majumdar is the Celebrity Host of the festive affair.

Founder Pam Waitt joins us with the details of this year’s voting.

Dominic Palmieri of Midway GourmetWe always look forward to sharing with you the new, creative and sometimes outrageous taste sensations at The Orange County Fair on now through August 13th. Selling big from The Midway Gourmet is Flamin’ Hot Cheetos on virtually everything edible including pizza and fresh corn. His unusual nito frozen dessert creations are also the talk of the Fair.

Last year, 50% of Fairgoers surveyed said their favorite part of the Fair is the food. We agree…Fried, sugary or savory – and sometimes all three at once – the delectable edibles are some of the big stars of the OC Fair.

Chef Dominic’s Fair edibles on the RCS Midway just swept the Concessionaires’ Cup 2017 Awards including the recognition for “Best of the Best” single fair food item. We’ll get a mouthwatering update from The Midway Gourmet as the OC Fair enters its concluding week.

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety Produce in the AM830 KLAA StudioFor some seven short weeks the incredible Hatch Chiles from New Mexico are available fresh. Unusually they can be purchased in a range of heats from mild to hot.

It’s no secret why everyone is obsessed with Hatch Chiles. Named after the original growing area in Hatch, New Mexico, authentic Hatch Chiles are truly a Southwestern favorite. No other chile is prized more than this variety which grows in the Hatch Valley, just north of Las Cruces. The valley, which stretches along the Rio Grande’s southern-most bend before crossing into Texas and Mexico, is covered with row after row of these green leafy chile plants for most of the summer. Chefs say that the intense sunlight and cool nights in this valley result in a uniquely flavored chile that’s unrivaled by any other.

Hatch Chiles have a meaty flesh and mild-medium heat making them ideal for use in Chile Con Queso, Chile Rellenos, and Chile Verde. But it doesn’t just stop there. You can also try roasting and using them in salads, soups, stews, dips, and sandwiches. For even more great ideas on how to use this incredible chile, purchase a copy of Melissa’s Hatch Chile Cookbook with over 150 unique, home-kitchen tested and classic Hatch Chile recipes.

Hatch chiles are so popular savvy folks load up each summer and freeze enough roasted chiles to enjoy year-round.

Our resident produce guru, Robert Schuller of Melissa’s, steps away from the roaster to give us the piquant specifics.

Terri HenryDINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week is set for August 5th through August 13th, 2017. More than 60 diverse Long Beach restaurants spanning 12 neighborhoods will offer special multi-course menus at affordable prices

Participating restaurants and food companies will be offering multi-course, “value-oriented” meals and special deals set at one of six price points: $15, $25, $35, $45, $55 or $65.

Founder and organizer Terri Henry, who brought restaurant week to Long Beach in 2014, said that besides attracting local “foodies”, Dine LBC allows those who view dining out as a luxury to also enjoy an exceptional experience. The nine-day event that includes two full weekends gives locals the opportunity to visit multiple participating restaurants and also allows those in neighboring cities who find it difficult to travel to Long Beach during the week more options.

For the first time this year, Dine LBC will be highlighting non-restaurant, food-centric companies in Long Beach, such as Beach City Food ToursRomeo Chocolates and the anticipated RICE & SHINE pop-up brunch that takes place August 5 and 6.

“Beach City Food Tours is obviously not an individual restaurant”, said Layla Ali-Ahmad, who started the downtown Long Beach food and architectural tour last summer. “But we are still introducing our clients to the great restaurants and food scene of Long Beach, so we were thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in Dine LBC this year.”

Foodie Instagrammers can also enter the “Dine. Snap. Share. And Be Entered to Win.” Dine LBC Instagram Contest, inviting diners to post photos of their dining experience on Instagram with the hashtag #DineLBC. At the conclusion of restaurant week, one winner will be chosen at random and win $1000 in gift certificates from various Long Beach restaurants, plus a mixed case of Coquelicot Wines, the signature wine of The Sky Room. Some restrictions apply. For complete rules visit the Dine LBC website.

Participating restaurants, menus, food companies and offers can be found at the DineLBC website.

First we’ll chat with DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant founder, Terri Henry, for the overview for 2017.

Guy DuPlantierNew to the DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week is Chef Guy’s Crazy Creole Café – “Straight From The Heart and Soul of New Orleans.”

“We offer authentic Creole and Cajun food, with most of our products being shipped in weekly from New Orleans like our crawfish, Lake Pontchartrain blue crab, fresh alligator meat, farm-raised catfish, wild caught gulf shrimp. Also, the Blue Plate Mayonnaise we use on our Po’ Boys and ya’ll know it’s not a Po’ Boy unless you use bread from home. We use the famous Leidenheimers French bread. Come and try our Boudin & Boudin Balls made in house along with my wife Chef Aliza’s Asian Cajun Boudin Egg Rolls. We only use the best ingredients. Created by the fusion of African, Native American and the European ancestry, Louisiana cuisine is at the heart and soul of our unique culture.”

“You are guaranteed to enjoy the great flavors of New Orleans and we will show you what Southern hospitality is all about. In New Orleans we have a saying, Laissez les bons temps rouler, which means Let the good times roll. That is what Crazy Creole Cafe is all about, good food, good music and good times. We’ll do our best to put a big smile on your face and make you stomp your feet. So what are you waiting for? Come on and laissez les bons temps rouler with the Crazy Creole Cafe.”

We’ll meet proprietor Chef Guy DuPlantier, a.k.a. “The Crazy Cajun.” It’s a real taste of The Crescent City right there on Long Beach Blvd.

Tony NguyenAs Beverly Hills Vietnamese fusion institution Crustacean undergoes a major five-month redesign this summer, Orange County diners will be treated to signature dishes prepared by Crustacean master chef Helene “Mama” An at AnQi, a sister restaurant at South Coast Plaza. Beginning August 1 and through September 30, diners at the upscale gourmet bistro AnQi will be able to savor a sampling of signature dishes from An’s famous Secret Kitchen that previously were not available at the Costa Mesa restaurant.

The pop-up version of Crustacean’s highly acclaimed menu will be available at dinner only Monday through Friday in the Q Lounge at AnQi, which like its Beverly Hills counterpart has won acclaim for its signature style of Euro-Vietnamese cuisine and An’s creative use of Asian herbs and spices in her cooking.

Reservations are required and are limited to 60 guests a night and should be made by phone: 714.557.5679. AnQi is located at South Coast Plaza, 333 Bristol St. Costa Mesa

The pop-up Crustacean menu at AnQi will include 10 appetizers, four main courses and two desserts.

The tantalizing appetizer options include Turmeric Grilled Calamari ($15), with saffron, orange zest and peanut mustard sauce; Sweet and Spicy Chicken Meatballs ($15), made with basil, tofu, tempura flakes and Gochujang sauce; and the addictive XO Noodles ($18) with scallops, shrimp, chicken, bird’s eye chili, shallots and Hennessy cognac.

Among the choices for the main courses are Rack of Lamb ($46), made with chardonnay flambé, Steamed Seabass ($49); and An’s Famous Roasted Crab ($65), featuring An’s garlic sauce and secret spices and available in or out of the shell.

A mouthwatering dessert option is Grandma Diana’s Famous Banana Fritters ($12).

Joining us to explain all the delicious specifics is House of AN’s Executive Chef, Tony Nguyen.

Marco Zapien of Zapiens Salsa Grill and TaqueriaOnce a year Zapien’s Salsa Grill in Pico Rivera hosts a series of interactive Hatch Chile-themed events to celebrate the famous New Mexican spicy and savory pepper. Along with Chef Marco Zapien’s Hatch Chile Cooking Demonstration and Dinner on August 10th the restaurant hosts a daytime Hatch Chile Roast on September 9th were cases of the roasted Hatch Chiles can be picked up and enjoyed.

At The Roast the guest selects the level of spicy desired ranging from mild to hot. Alongside the roasting on Saturday September 9th Chef Marco will be featuring a special Hatch Chile Brunch menu at Zapien’s.

Chef Marco Zapien shares his Hatch Chile secrets with us.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Pam Waitt, Founder, Orange County’s Golden Foodie Awards
Segment Three: Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet, OC Fair
Segment Four: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s World Variety Produce, Hatch Chile Season is on!
Segment Five: DINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week, Terri Henry, Producer & Founder
Segment Six: Chef / Proprietor Guy DuPlantier, Crazy Creole Café, Long Beach
Segment Seven: House of An Executive Chef Tony Nguyen, Pop-up Crustacean Menu at AnQi, Costa Mesa
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Marco Zapien, Hatch Chile Festivities at Zapien’s Salsa Grill