Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and, now, Newport Beach is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Now a crave-worthy preview of Saturday’s high octane, overloaded show.

Acclaimed pastry chef Emily Luchetti is Chief Pastry Officer at Big Night Restaurant Group in San Francisco (Cavalier, Marlowe and Park Tavern), the Chairman of the James Beard Foundation, and a James Beard Award recipient. Her new mission is “#dessertworthy”, a social media movement to empower individuals to be mindful of their dessert and sugar indulgences.

Kyle Meyer, co-proprietor of the Wine Exchange in Santa Ana is one of our on-point, resident wine authorities. He’s back with us to discuss old vine wines. You see this designation on a lot of wine labels. What should the casual wine aficionado know about buying old vine wines?

Larner Vineyard & Winery is a small, family-run estate located at the heart of the best Rhone grape-growing region in Santa Barbara: the new Ballard Canyon AVA inside the Santa Ynez Valley. Founded by Stevan and Christine Larner as solely a vineyard in 1999, the property today is both a vineyard and winery, established in 2009. It’s now run by the second generation of Larners. Winemaker Michael Larner is our guest.

“The restaurant world is a blend of business and poetry” states renowned restaurateur Piero Selvaggio, who, after over 43 years in the business, has mastered the perfect balance of both. He is one of the true pioneers in bringing the foods of Italy, with style and authenticity, to Los Angeles. Piero just returned from Expo Milano (every four years) in Italy and will share his experience there.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel is an authority on the impact of Social Media and on-line reviews on restaurants. That’s actually one of the key reasons he was cast as the co-host of his new FYI series, “Say It To My Face.” Chef Andrew will discuss Social Media, the impact it has on restaurants and the obligations the restaurant-goer has in this realm.

Don’t miss Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel’s new restaurant makeover series, “Say It To My Face” on FYI. An original episode is aired every Thursday evening with an encore episode thereafter. Check your local listings. On-line food reviewers confront restaurateurs with the shortcomings of their establishments. It’s then up to Chef Andrew and his colleague, Chef Anthony Dispensa, to coach the chef and restaurateur to achieve a much higher level of guest satisfaction when the on-line reviews return for another look! Sometimes it’s tough-love…

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

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