Show 477, June 4, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

“Farmer and chef Nathan Peitso of Los Angeles-originated restaurant brand, Farmhouse (formerly located at the Beverly Center,) is now owner/executive chef at Solvang’s Sear Steakhouse. The Santa Barbara County wine country steakhouse, which initially opened in March 2021 under previous ownership, is located in the heart of the Danish-settled village (adjacent to the Landsby Inn) along California’s Central Coast.

Peitso’s plans for the restaurant include a rebrand and name change in the coming months to “Crawford’s Steakhouse,” in honor of his family name, and a variety of menu and service additions and expansions. Sear will also see an elevated Santa Barbara seafood presence on its dinner menu and an increase in vegetable-based dishes, in addition to multiple steak cuts and other proteins. As a second-generation, Californian farmer – and now, a Santa Ynez Valley resident – Peitso intends to keep menu pricing accessible, relying on his close network of fellow farmers, fisherman, and ranchers.” Chef / Proprietor Nathan Peitso is our guest.

Casa Vega is an iconic Mexican restaurant that has been operating in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles for over 65 years. Casa Vega is located on Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks and is one of the longest continuously family-owned restaurants in all of greater Los Angeles. Casa Vega’s roots go back to famous Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles. Rafael “Ray” Vega opened Casa Vega in 1956 after being inspired by the success of his parents’ earlier restaurant, Café Caliente, which operated on Olvera Street throughout the 1930s. Casa Vega serves authentic, delicious food and drinks in a warm and festive atmosphere.

Founder Ray passed away in January of 2021. Today the Vega Family keeps the family legacy alive with Christina (Christy) Vega at the helm. Christina worked side-by-side with her father for over 15 years. Nothing made Ray prouder than knowing his family legacy would continue.” Christy Vega is our guest with a signature Casa Vega Margarita in hand.

Amy Dixon’s The Baker’s Table in Santa Ynez is an artisan bakery (serving Breakfast and Lunch) feeding the body and soul through the time-honored craft of baking. They hold quality ingredients to heart and incorporate them into the way we live. The Baker’s Table is dedicated to combining organic, local and fair-trade ingredients to honor the earth and the hands that cultivate it. Thoughtfully choosing fair-trade, local and organic ingredients when possible, Amy Dixon tends to each recipe with the passion of an artist, persistence of a chemist, and patience of a mother.” Baker Amy Dixon joins us with rolling pin in hand.

Our 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. It’s National Cheese Day. Chef Andrew explains that seafood and cheese can be friends. We’re all looking to save some money on our food purchases. Chef Andrew shares his wisdom on lesser known varieties of fish that represent good value and are also delicious.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

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