Show 405, December 26, 2020: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

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 provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly 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 which is a genuine (and growing) concern. New (controversial) restrictions for restaurants are now in place for Southern California for the balance of the year (and possibly longer) as we’re in the all-important Holiday dining season.

Our thoughts turn to festive Holiday entertaining at home for New Year’s Eve. Chef Andrew to the rescue as he continues his series of genuinely useful Holiday cooking tips. How do you prepare and cook the ultimate Standing Rib Roast? Chef Andrew suggests the reverse sear resulting in a great crust on the roast. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

“Here are some basics on a reverse sear: Slow roast your meat at 250F in the oven (rub with butter and/or herbs if you want), then remove from the oven when it hits 120 degrees F. Pat it dry, then sear in a pan to finish and baste. Perfect crust. Let sit for 15 minutes before carving.”

“By slow roasting first at a low temp you are allowing the enzymes to break down the meat more. In addition, it reduces the moisture and allows the meat to sear harder and crispier at the end. Plus, it’s not as messy.”

Chef Andrew updates us on the early progress for the grass-roots, “86 Struggle” campaign to benefit local out-of-work and struggling restaurant workers. It’s gaining significant attention nationally. As of this posting over $136,000 has been raised. This doesn’t include the sales of the Community Burger at Slapfish Huntington Beach where 100 percent of the receipts are donated to assist struggling restaurant workers. (No expenses to cover food costs are deducted from the donation. Expenses are underwritten by West Coast Prime Meats & Slapfish.)

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