Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, now, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host.
Guys, don’t forget Valentine’s Day. Sunday brunch is always a great possible option for the celebration and can be a bit less crazed. Remember Valentine’s Day is a tough occasion for restaurants. It’s a lot of tables for two and tension can be in the air along with romance.
On to a tempting preview of Saturday’s delectable and always healthy show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s absolutely a good thing…
Chef Neal Fraser is well-known to Angelenos for BLD, Fritzi Dog at the Original Farmers Market and Redbird at Vibiana Events Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Chef Neal and the Vibiana Events Center were even part of the recent Beefsteak episode of Season 13 of Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Fritzi is now Downtown, too, sharing space in The Arts District with the Arts District Brewing Co. It’s lunch and dinner for elevated pub-grub.
Hundreds of premium wine varieties, sweet and savory chocolate confections, gourmet food samples from acclaimed Pechanga Resort & Casino restaurants, live music, a silent auction and helping out a good cause are all on the agenda for February 26 and 27 at Pechanga Resort & Casino. Tickets for the 8th annual Chocolate Decadence and Pechanga Wine Festival are on sale now. Proceeds from both events benefit Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley. Pechanga Resort & Casino’s Executive Chef, Duane Owen, joins us with all the sweet and savory details.
The proudly Family-owned Terlato Wine Group is a holding company for several independent businesses specializing in the marketing and production of exceptional wines. They are probably best known for pioneering the popularity of Pinot Grigio in the United States. Representing the 2nd generation of Family ownership is John Terlato, our guest. John will soon be in Southern California for the Santa Barbara Wine Auction.
Bill Bracken is a well-known executive chef who traded in luxury hotels (The Peninsula Beverly Hills and Island Hotel, Newport Beach) for Betsy, a well-worn food truck with a lot of miles. He’s now feeding people in need in Orange County. Chef Bill shares his new mission with us.
Our resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of The Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, is curating The Wine Village (along with partner Tristen Beamon) for LA Weekly’s “The Essentials” food and wine extravaganza on February 20th at The California Mart Center. Kyle uncorks his wine pairings. Also a few practical tips on storing wine once the bottle is uncorked.
Finally, we’ll get some practical thoughts about surviving Valentine’s Day dining out from our Co-host, Chef Andrew Gruel. He’s been there…
All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!
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