Show 270, April 21, 2018: Chef Marlene Moore, Temptations Food Walk, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Chef Marlene Moore outside Cabana 14 at the CoveThe effervescent Chef Marlene Moore of Temptations Food Walk at Pechanga probably needs no introduction. At Temptations she even fries fresh donuts right there throughout the day & night.

Chef Marlene’s realm includes Caffee Cocoa – Fine Coffees and Coffee (24 hours), Pronto Italian, Agave Mexican Delights, American Classics (24 hours), Little Wok Asian Specialties, Pechanga Fried Chicken and Banh Mi (made to order) and hot dog carts.

In addition to Temptations Food Walk, Chef Marlene oversees all the food in the long-running Bingo Parlor and bustling Poker Room.

When it comes to Pechanga’s Annual Microbrew Fest & Chili Cookoff Chef Marlene (and her high energy team) are always in it to win it. Last year in a bit of an upset Chef Marlene (Pechanga’s 2-time Chili Champ) was unseated by Chef Ikeda of Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar whose sake-glazed Kobe beef chili reigned supreme. The heat is on for June 9th.…

Show 227, June 10, 2017: Chef Marlene Moore, Temptations Food Walk, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Marlene Moore at the Pechanga Wine FestivalChef Marlene Moore of the Temptations Food Walk at Pechanga is the 2-time, defending Chili Champ among the highly-talented chefs at Pechanga. For Saturday’s competition she is showcasing two chili creations. One creation is vegetarian made with tofu. Bragging rights are on-the-line.

All of the menu items at Temptations ranging from authentic Chinese stir-fry to Pechanga fried chicken are conveniently available to-go, too.

The offerings include Caffee Cocoa – Fine Coffees & Chocolates, Pronto Italiano, Agave Mexican Delights, American Classics, Little Wok Asian Specialties, Pechanga Fried Chicken and a Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) cart.

We talk about crowd pleasing, award-winning chili (and more) with the always engaging Chef Marlene.

 

Show 222, May 6, 2017: Executive Consulting Chef Brendan Collins, Tower 12, Hermosa Beach

Brendan CollinsTower 12, located on Hermosa Beach’s Pier Avenue, is a new hang that throws it back for the local community. The new South Bay spot incorporates vintage artifacts, furnishings and artwork that rep the laidback surf, music and beach scene. Wanting to create a welcoming, truly unique space for friends and neighbors to kick back and enjoy incredible food and drink, the Tower 12 team called on Consulting Chef Brendan Collins (Birch in Hollywood) to create California-inspired, updated spins on American classics.

Tower 12’s food program is guided by Consulting Chef Brendan Collins, one of Los Angeles’ most distinguished culinary names, alongside Executive Chef Alex Granados. The Tower 12 team created a menu full of delights for the hungry surfer

Shareable starters include Woodfired Garlic Blue Shrimp with Whole Caledonian Shrimp, garlic butter & charred sourdough, Cheese Steak Poppers with Yorkshire popovers, ribeye, peppers, onion & cheese sauce and Chicken Lollipop Wings with green apple & bourbon chipotle hot sauce. Tower 12 also offers an assortment of chef selected charcuterie and artisan cheese boards. Signature salads include Roasted Heirloom Beets with Caña de Cabre Goat Cheese, baby greens, cherry tomato, Banyuls vinaigrette and Smoked Chicken Waldorf with house-smoked chicken, candied walnuts, green apple, bleu cheese, baby gem & cranberry balsamic vinaigrette.

Hand-tossed pizzas baked in Tower 12’s woodfired oven include the Banzai Pipeline Hawaiian Pizza with parma cotto ham, pineapple, Fresno chilis, mint & tomato sauce and Magic Mushroom Pizza with forest mushrooms, truffle gremolata, crème fraiche & arugula. Among the “between the bread” offerings are a House-Smoked Pastrami Sandwich with double-smoked, hand-cut pastrami, Emmental cheese, coleslaw & house Russian dressing on grilled marble rye and Ahi Tuna Banh Mi Burger with sushi grade tuna, cucumber, Vietnamese mint, nam sauce, roasted peanuts, cilantro, hoisin, pickled carrots & cucumbers on a sesame seed bun.

Hearty entrees include a 12-Hour Braised Short Rib with brown butter mashed potatoes & grilled broccolini and Organic Salmon on Cedar with a miso glaze, grilled broccolini & chile marmalade. Rounding out the menu are vegetable sides such as Grilled Broccolini with lemon, garlic, shallots, extra virgin olive oil & chili flakes and Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes with Yukon potato & caramelized brown butter.

Tower 12 houses two full-service bars specializing in handcrafted cocktails, wine and 30 local brews on tap. Located on a second story deck with beautiful ocean views, Tower 12 features a wraparound, wooden outdoor balcony and interconnected rooms that feel more like a kickback for friends than a public space.

Chef Brendan joins us with the highlights and the surf report.

 

Show 210, February 11, 2017: Chef Marlene Moore, Temptations Food Walk, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Marlene Moore at the Pechanga Wine FestivalChef Marlene Moore is Pechanga’s two-time chili champ. She oversees the always busy Temptations Food Walk.

Her realm includes Caffee Cocoa – Fine Coffees and Coffee (24 hours), Pronto Italian, Agave Mexican Delights, American Classics (24 hours), Little Wok Asian Specialties, Pechanga Fried Chicken and Banh Mi (made to order) and hot dog carts.

In addition to Temptations Food Walk, Chef Marlene oversees all the food in the long-running Bingo Parlor and bustling Poker Room. In the well-appointed Poker Room the food comes to the Poker Table in custom tray tables. There is even a carving station.

We’ll chat with Chef Marlene about what’s new on her menus.

Show 199, November 26, 2016: Chef Marlene Moore, Temptations Food Walk, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Marlene Moore at the Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili CookoffChef Marlene Moore is the high-energy chef at the popular Temptations Food Walk at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula. She is famous for the signature Pechanga Fried Chicken.

Earlier this year she successfully defended her title as Pechanga’s Chili Champ by, again, besting eight other talented Pechanga chefs in the 8th Annual Pechanga Microbrew Fest & Chili Cook-off which was a benefit for Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley.

Her winning chili creation is “Temptation” Hearty Southern Style Chili.

Chef Moore, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, retained her title despite stiff competition from Chef Ronnel Capacia of Kelsey’s, who serves southwestern chili in his appetizer selections for lunch and dinner every day. Now in its eighth year, 1,459 people came to enjoy craft and microbrews, chili and music at the 2016 Pechanga Microbrew Festival.

We’ll catch-up with the always on-the-move Chef Marlene.

Keep in mind the “Temptation” Hearty Southern Style Chili is an inspired side dish for Holiday entertaining and the upcoming college football bowl game viewing parties in late December. The recipe is posted on our Website courtesy of Chef Marlene :

Also, by popular demand, Chef Marlene’s championship “Temptation” Hearty Southern Style Chili (with a side of Chef Marlene’s signature corn bread) will be available at American Classics in the Temptations Food Walk at Pechanga for December, January & February.

Pechanga is your Personal Chef for the Holidays. Complete Christmas dinners (Turkey or Bone-in Prime Rib) are available to go with all the trimmings. Convenient pickup on December 25th between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Hotel Valet adjacent to Blends Coffee & Wine Bar. Call (951) 770-2307. Please order by December 23rd.

We’ll catch-up with the always on-the-move Chef Marlene.

Show 150, December 12, 2015: Chef Marlene Moore, Temptations Food Court, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Marlene MooreFor the last seven years Chef Marlene Moore has been overseeing the busy Temptations Food Court, the Poker Room, and Bingo Parlor at Pechanga Resort & Casino. The Food Court features American, Italian, Mexican, Fried Chicken, Espresso and Pastries, Bahn Mi, Hot Dogs and Lemonade. Chef Marlene shares some tempting tips for creative Holidays dishes with a true Southern flair.

The outlet names at Temptations are American Classics, Agave Mexican Delights, Pronto Italiano, Caffe Cocoa, Little Wok Asian Specialties, and Pechanga Fried Chicken.

This year Chef Marlene was crowned the Chili Champ at the Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cookoff with her winning creation of “Temptation” Hearty Southern Style Chili. She competed against seven other dedicated Pechanga chefs and even bested the incumbent champ, Chef Damien Stanley, who is the executive sous chef of Pechanga. Chef Moore is originally from Trinidad and Tobago.

Chef Marlene explains how jerk seasoning can jazz up your Holiday roast, turkey ham or even salmon. She also shares tips for the basic chicken including her variation of hearty stew chicken.

Think mac & cheese is just an ordinary side dish? Try Chef Marlene’s Mac Pie with sharp cheddar. Might be the start of something big…

Show 112, February 28, 2015: Chef Marlene Moore, Temptations Food Walk, Pechanga Resort

Marlene MooreFor the last seven years Chef Marlene Moore has been overseeing the busy Temptations Food Court, the Poker Room, and Bingo Parlor at Pechanga Resort & Casino. The Food Court features American, Italian, Mexican, Fried Chicken, Espresso, Pastries, Bahn Mi, Hot Dogs, finished-to-order Donuts and fresh Lemonade.

The outlet names at Temptations are American Classics, Agave Mexican Delights, Pronto Italiano, Caffe Cocoa, Little Wok Asian Specialties, and Pechanga Fried Chicken.

Chef Marlene explains why her special fried chicken (prepared to order) is well-worth waiting for!