Show 119, April 25, 2015: Show Preview with Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

It’s celebrity chef season on the “SoCal Restaurant Show” and we’re well-represented ! Now a preview of today’s delightfully overstuffed show.

First, a recap of “The Big Cheese” Grilled Cheese Festival & Competition held last Monday night, April 20th at Provisions Market in Orange hosted by The OC Baking Co. and Provisions Market and benefiting You Are Special, a local nonprofit that operates a food pantry to feed the hungry in the Orange Community.

One of the most exciting collections of Awards presented by the James Beard Foundation annually is the America’s Classics. This honor is given to regional establishments, often family-owned, that are treasured for their quality food, local character, and lasting appeal. One of the five recipients for 2015 is Los Angeles’ Guelaguetza located in Koreatown and founded in 1994. Representing the second generation of proud family ownership is our in-studio guest, Bricia Lopez.

A really unusual Rioja Gran Reserva Dinner featuring incredible vintage years from Spain’s Bodegas Faustino is coming up at Scott’s Restaurant in Costa Mesa on Thursday evening May 7th. This is part of the ongoing Wine Exchange’s Wine + Food series. The 2001 Gran Reserva was selected by Decanter magazine as their “Wine of the Year” in 2013. Scott’s Executive Chef Michael Doctulero has created a dazzling four-course menu especially for the evening. Chef Doctulero and Wine Exchange’s Kyle Meyer join us with all the salivating details.

Chef Jet Tila, the Emeritus Host of the “SoCal Restaurant Show,” really needs no introduction. He’s the Royal Thai Government’s official Culinary Ambassador to the United States. Jet is the most-used permanent solo judge on Food Network’s hit series, “Cutthroat Kitchen” with host Alton Brown. Jet is with us to discuss his participation in Food Network’s upcoming “Chopped All-Stars Tournament.” A cool $75,000 is on the line for the winning celebrity chef’s charity!

ou know celebrity chef Eric Greenspan from his National Geographic Channel series, “Eric Greenspan is Hungry.” Chef Eric is back on Food Network with the “Chopped All-Star Tournament: Part 1.” It premiers on Tuesday, April 28th. Each celebrity chef is playing for the $75,000 grand prize for their favorite charity. In Heat 1 Chef Eric is pitted against Madison Cowan, Brian Malarkey and Art Smith.

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar presents its 7th Annual “Sunday in the Vineyard” fundraiser on Sunday, May 17th, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The benefit features a wine tasting with more than 80 wines, many of which are considered unique and rare finds from boutique wineries spanning the globe. The walk-around event will be held alongside a collection of rare automobiles at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin. It benefits the Marconi Foundation for Kids and the Eddie Guardado Foundation. The afternoon also includes a sampling of passed hors d’oeuvres by The Winery’s Executive Chef and Partner, Yvon Goetz along with live and silent auctions. Priscilla Marconi, representing The Marconi Foundation For Kids, is our guest.

San Diegans fondly remember Chef Riko Bartolome as the chef/proprietor of the highly regarded Asia –Vous in Escondido. Chef Riko is now the executive chef of Montage Kapalua Bay in Maui where he oversees all culinary experiences there including the resort’s signature restaurant, Cane & Canoe. Chef Riko joins us from Maui.

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

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