March 21: Ayara Thai, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, Harold and Belle’s, Selanne Steak Tavern and the Penalty Box

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef / Proprietress Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Thai, Westchester Part One
Segment Three: Chef / Proprietress Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Thai, Westchester Part Two
Segment Four: Chef / Partner Yvon Goetz, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
Segment Five: Chef Andrew Gruel of The Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”
Segment Six: Ryan Legaux, Harold & Belle’s, Jefferson Park, Los Angeles
Segment Seven: Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef” – “Cooking at Home”
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Vincent, Selanne Steak Tavern, Laguna Beach

It’s a disconcerting and confusing time for all of us and our “SoCal Restaurant Show” mission, until the Covid-19 crisis is abated, is to provide reliable and genuinely useful information on how the restaurant business is coping with the evolving events. With an emphasis on the health, safety and well-being of our listeners we’ll be detailing what the range of services restaurants can provide to their guests. Creativity is at the forefront. We’re keeping it upbeat…

Chefs and restaurateurs are the most generous people I know. In times of need they are always first in generously giving back and meaningfully supporting their communities. Truly remarkable…Right now restaurants urgently need our support to stay afloat. Please keep this in mind….

As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience. Truly couldn’t do it without you.

Chef / Proprietress Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Thai in Westchester is the Host Chef for the 5th Anniversary Masters of Taste benefit at the Rose Bowl. Originally scheduled for Sunday, April 5th it has been necessarily postponed. When that new date is established Chef Vanda will be back with us with all the delectable details. In the meantime Ayara Thai is open for Take-Out and Delivery and would love to serve you. Chef Vanda is our guest with all the tempting menu details.

“At the original location of The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar in Tustin Executive Chef / Partner Yvon Goetz is offering a menu of his California contemporary regional cuisine for curbside pick-up (priced 15% off regular pricing) at his Tustin and La Jolla locations. Chef Yvon Goetz is also offering guests select cuts of meats to grill at home, based on availability.” Chef Yvon 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 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. Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

In September of 1986, Harold Legaux Sr. along with his wife Mary Belle opened Harold and Belle’s in the Jefferson Park area of Los Angeles. It had been a dream of Harold’s to have a place where friends and family from back home (New Orleans) would gather, talk about old times, shoot pool and just socialize. The short menu consisted of Po-Boy Sandwiches, Red Beans & Rice and File-Gumbo (served only on Fridays.) The restaurant has come a long way in 50 years and is now owned and operated by 3rd generation Legaux’s, the husband and wife team Ryan & Jessica Legaux. Together Ryan and Jessica have enhanced and expanded the brand of Harold & Belle’s through various avenues. They also have added a new state of the art private banquet room. We’re stirring the roux with Chef Ryan Legaux.

Back in January we introduced you to Executive Chef Vincent Terusa of Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach. During the unfortunate embargo on dining-in Selanne is providing discounted curbside take-out and free delivery to Seniors. They also also offering the menu from their casual spot, the Penalty Box. Chef Terusa joins us with all the details.

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

Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Thai CuisineChef / Proprietress Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Thai in Westchester is the Host Chef for the upcoming 5th Anniversary Masters of Taste benefit at the Rose Bowl. Originally scheduled for Sunday, April 5th it has been necessarily postponed. When that new date is established Chef Vanda will be back with us with all the delectable details. In the meantime Ayara Thai is open for Take-Out and Delivery and would love to serve you.

“Growing up in a Thai-Chinese community in the Samsen District along the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, chef and restaurateur Andy Asapahu received his cooking and business prowess by helping his mother cook. Not only did Grandma’s (Andy’s mother) large batches of food feed her family of eight, but also those in the neighborhood, who would stop by to purchase her well-known curries.”

Anna, wife of Andy and self-taught chef, hails from the city of Lampang in the heart of northern Thailand and grew up in a family that primarily cooked with home and locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Since Ayara Thai’s opening day, head chef Anna remains a leader in the kitchen and continues her family tradition by using home-grown herbs in the restaurant’s dishes. Reflecting both the dishes she ate in the past, as well as her family’s values in sustainable dining, she ensures dishes inspired and prepared with only the freshest ingredients that the season has to offer.”

“Today, the family traditions of Andy and Anna are continued and developed into the third generation, through their daughter Vanda. Living and working in Thailand for four years has given Vanda the experience to revive old family recipes, while traveling through the nation’s different regions has allowed her to discover new tastes and inspirations. After cooking with relatives and eating her way through the streets and countryside, it is these old recipes and new flavors that Vanda brought back to share at Ayara Thai.”

Chef Vanda is our guest with all the tempting menu details.

We’re continuing our interview with Chef / Proprietress Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Thai in Westchester who is the Host Chef for the upcoming 5th Anniversary Masters of Taste benefit at the Rose Bowl. Originally scheduled for Sunday, April 5th it has been necessarily postponed. When that new date is established Chef Vanda will be back with us with all the delectable details. It’s a wonderful, walk-around charity tasting event on the field of the iconic Rose Bowl.

In the meantime Ayara Thai is open for Take-Out and Delivery and would love to serve you. Think Laab Duck with roasted duck breast, lemongrass, sawtooth coriander, scallions, shallots, lime, roasted chili and toasted rice.

“With family recipes and cooking styles passed down through generations, the Asapahu family of Ayara Thai is pleased to offer a taste of authentic Thai food, where quality is never compromised. Using the freshest ingredients, each dish is prepared from scratch and enhanced individually by herbs and spices to ensure the boldest, most genuine flavors.”

Chef Vanda continues with all the tempting To-Go and Delivery menu details.

Yvon Goetz of the Winery Restaurant and Bar“At the original location The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar in Tustin Executive Chef / Partner Yvon Goetz is offering a menu of his California contemporary regional cuisine for curbside pick-up (priced 15% off regular pricing) at his Tustin and La Jolla locations. Chef Yvon Goetz is also offering guests select cuts of meats to grill at home, based on availability.”

“Allow The Winery family to cook for yours — orders can be placed by calling Tustin at (714) 258-7600. Menus for each location are online. Delivery is available in the coming days on Postmates and Grubhub.” The Winery’s Newport Beach location is temporarily closed.

There is a Gift Card promotion in the mix, too. Purchase $300 in Gift Cards and receive a complimentary $50 Gift Card; Purchase $500 in Gift Cards and receive a complimentary $100 Gift Card. The Gift Card bonus offer is available through April 30, 2020.

Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group at the AM830 KLAA StudiosOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group joins us with another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is 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. Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Ryan Legaux of Harold and Belles“In September of 1986, Harold Legaux Sr. along with his wife Mary Belle opened Harold and Belle’s in the Jefferson Park area of Los Angeles. It had been a dream of Harold’s to have a place where friends and family from back home (New Orleans) would gather, talk about old times, shoot pool and just socialize. His kitchen was small and the limited menu consisted of Po-Boy Sandwiches, Red Beans & Rice and File-Gumbo (served only on Fridays.)”

“After the passing of Harold Sr. in 1979, Harold Jr. and his wife Denise took over ownership and operation of the restaurant. Unlike his father, who enjoyed the pool playing and bar atmosphere, the younger Harold preferred a finer dining experience with linen tablecloths and candlelight. Having a passion for cooking, Harold Jr. introduced several new items to the menu including his version of Shrimp Scampi, Shrimp Creole, Crawfish Etouffee and Clam Chowder. He even offered File Gumbo every day.”

“In 1984, Harold and Denise brought in partners Al and Sue Honore. Together they expanded the restaurant from 12 tables to 35 dining tables and tripled the size of the kitchen. In 2011 Harold Jr. sadly passed away.”

“The restaurant is now owned and operated by 3rd generation Legaux’s, the husband and wife team of Ryan & Jessica Legaux. Together Ryan and Jessica have expanded and enhanced the brand of Harold & Belle’s through various avenues. They also have added a new state of the art private banquet room (The Peacock Lounge) to the renovated establishment.”

“Right now Harold & Belle’s is offering daily specials for pickup orders and are able to provide curbside service as well. In addition, Harold & Belle’s is happy to offer delivery through both GrubHub and UberEats for your convenience.”

We’re stirring the roux with Chef Ryan.

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and CasinoOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group rejoins us with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to Listeners’ thoughtful inquiries based on his expansive, insider’s knowledge and practical hospitality experience. For a short while (we hope) we’re going to be cooking a bit more at home. Chef Andrew has some suggestion for quick and easy (healthy and satisfying) dishes that require a minimum of ingredients. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Vince Terusa of Selanne Steak TavernBack in January we introduced you to Executive Chef Vincent Terusa of Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach. During the unfortunate embargo on dining-in Selanne is providing discounted curbside take-out. They also are offering the menu from their casual spot, the Penalty Box. Also on offer is their “From the Butcher” Take-Out Menu featuring Cedar River Farms All-Natural Beef, Darling Downs Australian Wagyu Beef, Mary’s Chicken and Skuna Bay Alaskan Salmon.

Selanne Steak Tavern, an upscale tavern and steak house, is located in a historic 1934 converted residence on Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach serving modern American fare, a stellar wine collection, artisan cocktails and a range of beers in a light and airy ambiance. The various dining rooms include a warm tavern-style bar, a bistro-style wine room, a more formal upstairs and beautiful outdoor dining. The ownership team includes NHL Hall of Famer Teemu Selanne – also known as The Finnish Flash – a 2007 Stanley Cup winner, former star player for the Anaheim Ducks, and six-time Olympian.

Executive Chef Vince Terusa, who has been at the restaurant since the beginning (and was promoted to Executive Chef,) is our guest.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef / Proprietress Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Thai, Westchester Part One
Segment Three: Chef / Proprietress Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Thai, Westchester Part Two
Segment Four: Chef / Partner Yvon Goetz, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
Segment Five: Chef Andrew Gruel of The Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”
Segment Six: Ryan Legaux, Harold & Belle’s, Jefferson Park, Los Angeles
Segment Seven: Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef” – “Cooking at Home”
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Vincent, Selanne Steak Tavern, Laguna Beach

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