Show 558, December 30, 2023: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

It should be Dungeness Crab Season in California right now but it’s been delayed yet again in many areas. Chef Andrew explains. Beverages are now getting more attention from fast casual restaurants. We’ll take a closer look at McDonald’s (CosMc’s) and In-N-Out as current examples.

Look for Chef Andrew’s new cooking video with Cathy Thomas on the Orange Coast Magazine Website. He prepares One-Pan Seared Salmon with Sweet Potatoes (from Melissa’s), mushrooms, and garbanzo beans.

Check out Chef Andrew’s handy and practical cooking tips on Substack at “American Gravy.” There is an accessible free level as well as a premium option with a modest cost.

Show 556, December 16, 2023: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

The Holidays are here and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the ultimate objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and discerning Family. Chef Andrew joins us with his continuing series of genuinely useful holiday cooking tips. This week it’s roasted goose as the centerpiece for the Holiday Table. The flavorful taste profile is between duck and turkey. Egg prices are on the rise again. Chef Andrew explains what’s going on and how you can cushion the expected price increases.

Check out Chef Andrew’s handy and practical cooking tips on Substack at “American Gravy.” There is a accessible free level as well as a premium option with a modest cost.

Show 555, December 9, 2023: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel savoring a New Jersey style Pizza

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Sea Bream (both ocean and fresh water) is a fish with dense, juicy white flesh that’s more prevalent on European restaurant menus but now finding it’s place on menus in the United States. There are many varieties and it’s being successfully farmed. Good source of healthy protein. Chef Andrew provides the enhanced 411 on Sea Bream.

Check out Chef Andrew’s handy and practical cooking tips on Substack at “American Gravy.” There is a accessible free level as well as a premium option with a modest cost.

Show 554, December 2, 2023: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Can you successfully prepare a premium steak cooked to juicy and tender deliciousness with eye appeal in a microwave oven? Strong opinions here…Perhaps another spirited culinary controversy in the making heightened in Social Media? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Check out Chef Andrew’s handy and practical cooking tips on Substack at “American Gravy.” There is a accessible free level as well as a premium option with a modest cost.

Show 553, November 25, 2023: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

The Holidays are arriving soon and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the ultimate objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and Family. Chef Andrew joins us with his continuing series of genuinely useful, stress-free holiday cooking tips. The Thanksgiving Turkey has been carved and the remaining turkey and the bountiful side dishes are tucked in the refrigerator. Chef Andrew provides some tasty thoughts for creativity with leftovers.

Show 552, November 18, 2023: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

The Holidays are arriving soon and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and Family. Chef Andrew joins us with his continuing series of genuinely useful “Turkey Talk” cooking tips. Chef Andrew shares a simple recipe for cranberry sauce that easily outshines the version in the can. Also hints on preparing crave-worthy gravy that add excitement to the Holiday Table.

Check out his handy and practical cooking tips on Substack at “American Gravy.” There is a free level as well as a premium option with a modest cost.

Show 550, November 4, 2023: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

The Holidays are arriving soon and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of hands-on experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and extended Family. Chef Andrew now shares his first, in a continuing series, of genuinely useful Holiday cooking tips. Get out the roasting pan…

Looking for an underutilized cut of beef that good for the Family? Chef Andrew has the 411 on Round Eye Roast.

Check out his handy and practical cooking tips on Substack at “American Gravy.” There is a free level as well as a premium option with a modest cost.

Show 548, October 21, 2023: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

It’s National Seafood Month and that’s cause for celebration. Chef Andrew explains why this is of significance and the fact that we really need to support sustainable domestic seafood and enjoy more fish in our regular diets. The United States is recognized as a global leader in sustainable seafood for both wild-caught and farmed species.

Show 546, October 7, 2023: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

As nutty as it sounds both Houses of the California legislature have passed a bill prohibiting the sale of the popular plastic gift cards usable at a specific business. This would include your favorite restaurant’s branded gift cards. Are these cards really a threat to the environment? Chef Andrew shares his always opinionated thoughts.

Show 545, September 30, 2023: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Chef Andrew has previously discussed the Fast Act in California that regulates fast-food chains. It has been repealed but returned, rewritten and somewhat modified. Of particular concern (among other aspects) is the creation of a Fast Food Wage Council. Chef Andrew explains the particulars.