January 3: Mad Hungry Woman, Ken Addington, Love & Salt, Shirley Chung, Stacie Tran, Dog Haus

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Anita Lau, Mad Hungry Woman
Segment Three: Executive Chef Ken Addington, L.A. Chapter
Segment Four: Food and Travel Journalist, Steve Bramucci
Segment Five: Sylvie Gabriele, Love & Salt, Manhattan Beach Part One
Segment Six: Sylvie Gabriele, Love & Salt, Manhattan Beach Part Two
Segment Seven: Executive Chef Shirley Chung & Stacie Tran, Twenty Eight Modern Chinese
Segment Eight: Dog Haus and Pasadena’s Cheeseburger Week

Happy New Year to all of our loyal listeners. We thank you for your support over the last two years and three months, and wish you nothing but the very best in dining in 2015!

Andy Harris at the KLAA Studios Producer and occasional Co-Host Andy Harris is going solo in the host chair this morning. Now a preview of today’s abundant show, the first of the bright new year…

Anita Lau, The Mad Hungry Woman, is one of the most widely read food bloggers covering Southern California. She concentrates on dining finds in Orange County and San Diego with an occasional side of L.A. eating. Lau’s approach is interactive with her readers as they frequently have the opportunity to win meals at the restaurants she profiles. Anita will graciously share with us her “5 Favorite Asian Restaurants of 2014.”

The Ace Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles arrived with a bang about a year ago. Their destination restaurant is L.A. Chapter along with three bars including a very busy rooftop bar with sweeping views of Downtown. It’s traditional American fare prepared with both classic and modern techniques using local and organic ingredients. The executive chef and co-owner is Ken Addington who also oversees the popular Five Leaves in Greenpoint Brooklyn. Many dishes are L.A. adaptations of signature Five Leaves items. Chef Ken Addington joins us.

Steve Bramucci is a freelance food and travel writer based in Laguna Beach. For the final issue of OC Register Magazine he researched and wrote the provocative piece, “The 20-Mile Meal.” “With the help of The Haven Collective’s Executive Chef Greg Daniels, writer Steve Bramucci tests the limits of the “Eat Local” concept by sourcing a multicourse dinner from within 20 miles of his Laguna Beach apartment.” Steve Bramucci takes us through that journey.

Love & Salt is the latest addition to the dynamic Manhattan Brach dining scene. It’s located on the site of the long-running Café Pierre (and the ownership group includes the partners from the former Café Pierre.) It’s now a high-energy Italian inspired restaurant under the culinary direction of partner Michael Fiorelli (ex- mar’sel at the Terranra Resort.) He blends accessibility and innovation with a menu that celebrates the soul of Italian cuisine reflected through a distinctly Southern California personality. Co-owner Sylvie Gabriele (Farm Stand) is our guest.

Newly opened in Irvine is Twenty Eight Restaurant & Lounge which features a fresh, modern approach to traditional Chinese cuisine. The menu is contemporary Chinese dishes that utilize local, seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. The modern Chinese cuisine menu was created by Executive Chef & Partner Shirley Chung, best known from Season 11 of Bravo’s “Top Chef New Orleans.” Partnered with Chef Shirley in Twenty Eight is seasoned restaurateur Stacie Tran, who has experienced a long history in the hospitality industry. We’ll be joined by both Chef Shirley and Stacie Tran.

The slider eating competition at Dog Haus Biergarten (gourmet hot dog concept) in Old Pasadena will kick off the community’s fourth annual Cheeseburger Week (January 11^th to 16^th) with a challenge for their fans. Ten competitors, selected through qualifying rounds held at each Dog Haus location during the month of December and early January will face off to see who can eat the most Dog Haus sliders in six minutes. Last year the victor consumed 38 sliders in 6 minutes! Founding Dog Haus partner Hagop Giragossian provides a briefing.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show

Anita Lau, The Mad Hungry Woman, is one of the most widely read food bloggers covering Southern California. She concentrates on dining finds in Orange County and San Diego with an occasional side of L.A. eating. Lau’s approach is interactive with her readers as they frequently have the opportunity to win meals at the restaurants she profiles.

Anita will graciously share with us her “5 Favorite Asian Restaurants of 2014.” Her top pick is Rakiraki Ramen and Tsukemen located in San Diego’s Chinatown.

The Ace Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles arrived with a bang about a year ago. It’s the renovated former 1927 United Artists office building and adjacent landmark United Artists Theater (which was their magnificent West Coast flagship.) Their destination restaurant is L.A. Chapter along with a coffee bar and three cocktail bars including a very busy rooftop bar and deck with sweeping views of Downtown.

It’s traditional American fare prepared with both classic and modern techniques using local and organic ingredients. The executive chef and co-owner is Ken Addington who also oversees the popular Five Leaves in Greenpoint Brooklyn. His business partner in both ventures is Jud Mongell. Many L.A. Chapter dishes are L.A. adaptations of signature Five Leaves items. Chef Ken’s motto is to have a fun place with good food.

Chef Ken Addington joins us.

Steve Bramucci is a freelance food and travel writer based in Laguna Beach. For what was the final issue of OC Register Magazine (November 6, 2014) he researched and wrote the provocative piece, “The 20-Mile Meal,” the cover story.

“With the help of The Haven Collective’s (Haven Gastropub and Provisions Market) Executive Chef Greg Daniels, writer Steve Bramucci tests the limits of the “Eat Local” concept by sourcing a multicourse dinner from within 20 miles of his Laguna Beach apartment.”

With a little navigating the article can be found within the Orange County Register’s Website. On the Home Page of The Register’s Web site click on the “Magazines” tab in the top right corner. Once you’re there click on “Coast.” On this subpage you’ll see the cover for the OC Register Magazine with the “20-Mile Meal” color cover in the lower right margin.

Steve Bramucci takes us through that journey.

It’s now a high-energy Italian inspired restaurant under the culinary direction of partner Michael Fiorelli (ex- mar’sel at the Terranea Resort.) He blends accessibility and innovation with a menu that celebrates the soul of Italian cuisine reflected through a distinctly Southern California personality.

Guy Gabriele (the larger-than-life executive chef and co-owner of the former Café Pierre) created the eclectic wine list.

There are two chef counters in Love & Salt. One looks into the pizza prep station and the other view is right into the main kitchen with the highly visible wood-burning oven as the highlight. There is also an unusual, long community table running down the length of the space.

Co-owner Sylvie Gabriele (Farm Stand) is our guest.

The modern Chinese cuisine menu was created by Executive Chef & Partner Shirley Chung, best known from Season 11 of Bravo’s “Top Chef New Orleans.” Partnered with Chef Shirley in Twenty Eight is seasoned restaurateur Stacie Tran, who has experienced a long history in the hospitality industry.

“The number twenty eight has always been important to me,” explained Stacie. “In traditional Chinese culture, the number holds significant meaning. In my personal life, it has always been an indicator of positive change and success.”

We’ll be joined by both Chef Shirley and Stacie Tran.

Dog Haus is Southern California’s craft casual hot dog concept with a passion for creativity quality and commitment to community. The first Dog Haus opened in Pasadena in 2010 offering signature 100 per cent all-beef skinless Haus dogs, Haus Sausages and natural Angus beef burgers on grilled King’s Hawaiian Rolls. Guests can customize their own creations, too, choosing from a selection of more than 40 quality toppings.

Fine-dining chef Michael Brown joined the team last year as Culinary Director. Food Network’s Chef Adam Gertler is Dog Haus’ official “Wurstmacher.”

In addition to five franchise restaurants, Dog Haus currently operates three-company owned locations in the greater Pasadena area.

Founding Dog Haus partner (one of the real Top Dogs) Hagop Giragossian provides a briefing.