Show 391, September 19, 2020: Food Journalist Steve Dolinsky, ABC 7 TV’s (Chicago) “Hungry Hound” Part One

Steve Dolinsky and Andreew GruelFood journalist Steve Dolinsky, ABC 7 TV’s “Hungry Hound” in Chicago, is the recipient of an impressive 13 James Beard Foundation Awards for journalistic excellence.

In addition to his considerable journalistic talents Steve in an accomplished podcaster and pizza afficionado. “Every other Friday, Steve talks to some of the world’s greatest pizzaiolos, bakers and artisans about their craft (in the Pizza City, USA podcast.) Hear their backstories, discover their secrets, techniques and inspirations, while listening to their meticulous process as they describe how they make their truly sublime pizzas.”

The James Beard Foundation Awards Gala is in Chicago on Friday evening, September 25th in virtual format to be broadcast via Twitter. Steve previews the dramatically reformatted (and virtual) 2020 James Beard Foundation Awards Gala.

Restaurant and Chef awards in 23 categories have been nominated. None of these awards will be announced. Instead, the previously announced winners will be honored in the categories of America’s Classics, Lifetime Achievement, Humanitarian of the Year, Design Icon and Leadership Awards. All the previously announced Nominees (in twenty-three categories) will also be honored as a group according to the James Beard Foundation.

Steve Dolinsky joins us to untangle the convoluted specifics.

Show 391, September 19, 2020: Food Journalist Steve Dolinsky, ABC 7 TV’s (Chicago) “Hungry Hound” Part Two

Steve Dolinsky and Andreew GruelFood journalist Steve Dolinsky, ABC 7 TV’s “Hungry Hound” in Chicago, is the recipient of an impressive 13 James Beard Foundation Awards for journalistic excellence.

In addition to his considerable journalistic talents Steve in an accomplished podcaster and pizza afficionado. “Every other Friday, Steve talks to some of the world’s greatest pizzaiolos, bakers and artisans about their craft (in the Pizza City, USA podcast.) Hear their backstories, discover their secrets, techniques and inspirations, while listening to their meticulous process as they describe how they make their truly sublime pizzas.”

The James Beard Foundation Awards Gala is in Chicago on Friday evening, September 25th in virtual format to be broadcast via Twitter. Steve previews the dramatically reformatted (and virtual) 2020 James Beard Foundation Awards Gala and what the future holds.

Restaurant and Chef awards in 23 categories have been nominated. None of these awards will be announced. Instead, the previously announced winners will be honored in the categories of America’s Classics, Lifetime Achievement, Humanitarian of the Year, Design Icon and Leadership Awards. All the previously announced Nominees (in twenty-three categories) will also be honored as a group according to the James Beard Foundation.

Steve Dolinsky continues with us to untangle the convoluted specifics.

Show 388, August 29, 2020: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel savoring a New Jersey style PizzaOur 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. Dine-in is slowly, with multiple hiccups, starting to come back but with a lot of new rules that restrict guest counts. Alternately Take-Out / Delivery when you can surely helps…

The James Beard Foundation Awards set for a rescheduled virtual presentation in Chicago on September 25th have been cancelled. The balance of the chef and restaurant awards (nominations announced previously) will not be presented this year. The voting for the Awards had already taken place. The live presentation will instead salute the already announced winners in categories including America’s Classics, Lifetime Achievement and Humanitarian of the Year. If you were a Nominee in any of the 23 awards categories how would you feel? What does the future hold? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Show 353, December 28, 2019: Executive Chef / Proprietress Café Pasqual’s, Santa Fe, NM Part One

Katharine Kagel of Cafe PasqualsKatharine Kagel is the Founder/Owner and Executive Chef of the acclaimed Café Pasqual’s in Santa Fe, New Mexico which is celebrating its fortieth year of success. Café Pasqual’s serves organic foods and wines. The emphatically flavored cuisine is inspired by the culinary traditions of New Mexico, Old Mexico, the Mediterranean and Asia.

Chef Kagel also curates the adjacent Café Pasqual’s Gallery.

Chef Kagel’s passion for feeding those in need continues; she is a guiding founder of Santa Fe’s response to food insecurity – with first vision for the Food Depot, Santa Fe’s food bank and she is also co-chair of Kitchen Angels capital campaign, the group that provides free hot meals delivered to Santa Fe’s homebound.

Katharine has authored two well-received cookbooks; Cooking with Café Pasqual’s, Ten Speed Press and Spirited Recipes from Café Pasqual’s, Chronicle Books. Both are still in print.

Café Pasqual’s received the prestigious James Beard Foundation award as an America’s Classics (1999). The same year she was nominated by the James Beard Foundation as Best Chef: Southwest.

Show 353, December 28, 2019: Executive Chef / Proprietress Café Pasqual’s, Santa Fe, NM Part Two

Katharine Kagel of Cafe PasqualsCafé Pasqual’s (Santa Fe, New Mexico) Founder and Chef Katharine Kagel, originally from Northern California, studied cooking in Japan and Hawaii, and then developed a passion for Chinese cooking before moving to the Southwest. In 1978 she moved to Santa Fe and opened Cafe Pasqual’s the following year.

Being part of the community is important to Katharine. She helped to found the international association of prepared and perishable food rescue programs, Foodchain, as well as Santa Fe’s local program, The Food Brigade.

Café Pasqual’s Gallery (adjacent to Café Pasqual’s on the 2nd Floor) features handmade mica cook pots in both the Jicarilla – Apache style and of the Northern New Mexico Pueblos. The gallery represents 24 artists in an array of media.

It’s first come, first served for Breakfast and Lunch at Café Pasqual’s. Reservations accepted (and advised) for Dinner. All the ingredients are organic and sourced locally as much as possible.

Show 304, December 29, 2018: Restaurateur Trisha Langer, Daughter’s Deli – A Family Tradition, West Hollywood

Tricia LangerLanger’s Deli’s pastrami is legendary in Jewish deli appreciators’ circles. In 2001 Langer’s was awarded the distinction of “America’s Classics” by The James Beard Foundation, a prestigious honor for an independent, family-owned restaurant. Trisha Langer is the granddaughter of Al Langer, the founder of Langer’s Deli located across the street from MacArthur Park in Los Angeles.

After many years learning the deli trade at Langer’s from her Grandparents and Father (Al) she has branched off on her own (with her husband) to found Daughter’s Deli – A Family Tradition in the heart of The Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.

It’s a more modest establishment in size than Langer’s but the pastrami is still outstanding and hand carved. You order at the counter and your food is delivered to your table. There is also comfortable covered patio seating with a view of the action on the Sunset Strip. It’s breakfast and lunch, 7-days.

“Growing up with a family in the Deli business exposed me to a world of tastes, smells, stories, and experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise. My first job as a little girl was rolling swiss cheese under the supervision of my Nana because I wasn’t old or tall enough to make my own catering tray for the holidays. Years later after graduating college and realizing the restaurant business was in my blood, I went to work with my family as they taught me some of the tricks and trades of the business. I spent fourteen years being mentored by my father bonding over Family traditions and recipes created by my Nana, Papa, and himself over the years.”

“In 2015, I married a family man who had passion for the restaurant business. He insists the moment he fell in love with me is when he asked how my day was, and I told him I had to pull my hair back and hand cut pastrami that day with my dad because we were busy. Three years later after having two sons, I decided to begin a new venture with him to create something like my family had created for me. Daughter’s Deli is a place we hope will emulate the feeling of A Family Tradition while serving quality food.” – Trisha Langer

We pull Trisha away from skillfully hand-slicing the ethereal pastrami for a visit.

Show 172, May 21, 2016: Carlyn Berghoff, Chief Executive Officer, Berghoff Catering & Restaurant Group, Chicago

Carlyn BerghoffThe Berghoff is a celebrated institution in Chicago and was inaugurated as a James Beard America’s Classic establishment in 1999. It’s also prominently featured in the new book, James Beard’s All-American Eats – Recipes and Stories From Our Best-Loved Local Restaurants. Carlyn Berghoff, representing the fourth generation of proud Berghoff Family stewardship, is our guest.

The Berghoff first opened in 1898 as a men-only saloon whose sole menu items were the corned beef sandwiches served free with the purchase of a stein of the German-born owners’ proprietary beer. Over the years the spot evolved into a beloved full-service restaurant famous for traditional German fare like wiener schnitzel, knockwurst, spaetzli, and creamed herring.

The Berghoff was briefly closed in 2005 by its third-generation owners, but the restaurant’s basement café resumed business shortly thereafter, and in 2007 the entire restaurant again opened its doors and revealed a new menu that features several less iconically Bavarian items.

Although some of the dishes might be lighter, the restaurant still sells its famous Berghoff Root Beer and hosts an annual Oktoberfest. Berghoff also operates a café at O’Hare, serving sandwiches and beer.

Carlyn is also the author of three Berghoff-related cookbooks. Her most recent effort is Cooking for Your Gluten-Free Teen: Everyday Foods the Whole Family Will Love. It’s told from Carlyn’s and her teenage daughter’s, Sarah’s, perspective.

Show 166, April 2, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel

Andrew Gruel and his son WilliamExecutive 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.

Now an enticing peek at Saturday’s provocatively decadent 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 actually a good thing…

For the last ten years Executive Chef Michael Lomonaco has been at the culinary helm of Porter House New York at 10 Columbus Circle in Time Warner Center. After a carefully orchestrated month’s renovation the establishment has reopened as Porter House Bar & Grill. We’ll hear what’s new on the grill from Chef Lomonaco himself.

Every town has one: a humble restaurant serving up soul-satisfying food, a place that joins the whole community together. Since 1998, the James Beard Foundation has recognized nearly one hundred such establishments – local eateries distinguished as timeless institutions within their communities – by honoring them with their America’s Classic Awards. Newly published from The James Beard Foundation is James Beard’s All-American Eats – Recipes and Stories from Our Best-Loved Local Restaurants. Joining us is Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza (a 2015 Award Winner) and Alison Tozzi Liu, Editorial Director of JBF Media.

The annual Dine LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week is taking place April 23 – May 1, 2016. Each participating restaurant from twelve unique neighborhoods in the city offers a three course menu priced at $20, $30, $40 or $50, either per guest with wine pairing options at fine dining locations OR dinner for two priced at $20, $30, $40 or $50, where diners share an appetizer, each enjoy their own entree, then share a dessert at more casual establishments. Producer Terri Henry and Chef Philip Pretty of Restauration (a participating restaurant) are our guests.

Native Son Alehouse opened in Downtown Santa Ana in the Summer of 2014. It’s a relaxed, laid-back hangout with a rooftop lounge known for its extensive selection of 27 rotating, hand-selected craft brews on tap. We’ll tap the keg for all the 411 with proprietor Jon Sanchez.

When it comes to fresh seafood the term “Organic” is starting to be thrown around quite regularly. With fish and other seafood what does the organic label really mean? Are there even accepted standards in the United States for using this on a label? Our own resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish, will clear the haze for us on this one

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

Show 166, April 2, 2016: The James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Awards Continues…

Alison Tozzi IiuWe resume with Alison Tozzi Liu, Editorial Director, JBF Media and Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza (America’s Classics Award-Winner, 2015.)

Here’s Guelaguetza’s official video shown at The Beard Awards ceremony in Chicago in 2015 as part of the presentation of their America’s Classics Award:

Every town has one: a humble restaurant serving up soul-satisfying food, a place that joins the whole community together. Since 1998, the James Beard Foundation has recognized nearly one hundred such establishments – local eateries distinguished as timeless institutions within their communities – by honoring them with their America’s Classic Awards.

Guelaguetza is the most recent Los Angeles area recipient (2015) of The James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Award. Other area recipients are Langer’s Delicatessen, Philippe the Original and Yuca’s Hut.

Guelaguetza is well represented in the newly published James Beard’s All-American Eats: Recipes and Stories from Our Best-Loved Local Restaurants from the James Beard Foundation and Rizzoli. Bricia contributes an oral history of Guelaguetza along with their signature recipe for Estofado de Pollo (Chicken Estofado.)

“Guelaguetza first opened its doors in 1994 by immigrant husband and wife Fernando Lopez and Maria Monterrubio. Since then, our goal at Guelaguetza has been to showcase the best of our family recipes and stay true to authentic Oaxacan ingredients. Guelaguetza’s mission is for all of its patrons to live and experience Oaxaca through all of its dishes.

Today, Mr. and Mrs. Lopez are retired and have paved the way for their children, Paulina, Fernando Jr, Elizabeth and Bricia Lopez. This new generation of Oaxaqueños has taken upon themselves the responsibility of not only continuing their family’s restaurant success but also expanding its legacy. The Lopez’s have undoubtedly become ambassadors to Oaxacan cuisine in Los Angeles.

April 2: Michael Lomonaco, America’s Classics, Philip Pretty, Native Son Alehouse, Andrew Gruel

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Executive Chef/Partner Michael Lomonaco, Porter House Bar and Grill, New York
Segment Three: The James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Awards Part One
Segment Four: The James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Awards Part Two
Segment Five: Chef Philip Pretty, Restauration, Long Beach Part One
Segment Six: Chef Philip Pretty, Restauration, Long Beach Part Two
Segment Seven: Jon Sanchez, Native Son Alehouse, Santa Ana
Segment Eight: “Organic” Seafood with Chef Andrew Gruel

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.

Now an enticing peek at Saturday’s provocatively decadent 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 actually a good thing…

For the last ten years Chef Michael Lomonaco has been at the culinary helm of Porter House New York at 10 Columbus Circle in Time Warner Center. After a carefully orchestrated month’s renovation the establishment has reopened as Porter House Bar & Grill. We’ll hear what’s new on the grill from Chef Lomonaco himself.

Every town has one: a humble restaurant serving up soul-satisfying food, a place that joins the whole community together. Since 1998, the James Beard Foundation has recognized nearly one hundred such establishments – local eateries distinguished as timeless institutions within their communities – by honoring them with their America’s Classic Awards. Newly published from The James Beard Foundation is James Beard’s All-American Eats – Recipes and Stories from Our Best-Loved Local Restaurants. Joining us is Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza (a 2015 Award Winner) and Alison Tozzi Liu, Editorial Director of JBF Media.

The annual Dine LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week is taking place April 23 – May 1, 2016. Each participating restaurant from twelve unique neighborhoods in the city offers a three course menu priced at $20, $30, $40 or $50, either per guest with wine pairing options at fine dining locations OR dinner for two priced at $20, $30, $40 or $50, where diners share an appetizer, each enjoy their own entree, then share a dessert at more casual establishments. Producer Terri Henry and Chef Philip Pretty of Restauration (a participating restaurant) are our guests.

Native Son Alehouse opened in Downtown Santa Ana in the Summer of 2014. It’s a relaxed, laid-back hangout with a rooftop lounge known for its extensive selection of 27 rotating, hand-selected craft brews on tap. We’ll tap the keg for all the 411 with proprietor Jon Sanchez.

When it comes to fresh seafood the term “Organic” is starting to be thrown around quite regularly. With fish and other seafood what does organic really mean? Are there even accepted standards for using this on a label? Our own resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish, will clear the haze for us on this one.

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

Michael LomonacoFor the last ten years Chef Michael Lomonaco has been at the culinary helm of Porter House New York at 10 Columbus Circle in Time Warner Center. After a carefully orchestrated month’s renovation the establishment has reopened as Porter House Bar & Grill.

Michael Lomonaco, Chef and Managing Partner of Porter House New York, has dedicated his life to the American kitchen, celebrating the generosity and abundance of the American spirit with food that is equally bountiful, bold and filled with flavor. A native New Yorker and veteran of the New York restaurant scene, Chef Lomonaco has brought his cuisine and leadership to some of New York’s most iconic restaurants. Along with returning glory to the storied ‘21 Club’, reviving the reputation to the magnificent Windows on the World and the memorable Wild Blue, Chef Lomonaco has been a well-respected, long-term participant in New York’s food world.

In 2006 Chef Lomonaco teamed up with Kenneth Himmel, an esteemed developer and restaurant operator, to bring Porter House New York and the neighboring Center Bar to the Time Warner Center.

We’ll hear what’s new from Chef Lomonaco himself.

Bricia LopezEvery town has one: a humble restaurant serving up soul-satisfying food, a place that joins the whole community together. Since 1998, the James Beard Foundation has recognized nearly one hundred such establishments – local eateries distinguished as timeless institutions within their communities – by honoring them with their America’s Classic Awards.

Newly published from The James Beard Foundation is James Beard’s All-American Eats – Recipes and Stories from Our Best-Loved Local Restaurants. This impressive reference book also compiles over 75 tested recipes from these beloved restaurants so the home cook can re-create regional favorites such as The Shed’s Red Chile Enchiladas, Frank Pepe’s White Clam Pizza and Guelaguetza’s Chicken Estofado.

Joining us is Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza (a 2015 America’s Classics Award Winner) and Alison Tozzi Liu, Editorial Director of JBF Media.

Alison Tozzi IiuGuelaguetza is the most recent Los Angeles area recipient (2015) of The James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Award. Other area recipients are Langer’s Delicatessen, Philippe the Original and Yuca’s Hut.

“Guelaguetza first opened its doors in 1994 by immigrant husband and wife Fernando Lopez and Maria Monterrubio. Since then, our goal at Guelaguetza has been to showcase the best of our family recipes and stay true to authentic Oaxacan ingredients. Guelaguetza’s mission is for all of its patrons to live and experience Oaxaca through all of its dishes.

Today, Mr. and Mrs. Lopez are retired and have paved the way for their children, Paulina, Fernando Jr, Elizabeth and Bricia Lopez.  This new generation of Oaxaqueños has taken upon themselves the responsibility of not only continuing their family’s restaurant success but also expanding its legacy. The Lopez’s have undoubtedly become ambassadors to Oaxacan cuisine in Los Angeles.

philip-prettyThe annual Dine LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week is taking place April 23 – May 1, 2016. Each participating restaurant from twelve unique neighborhoods in the city offers a three course menu priced at $20, $30, $40 or $50, either per guest with wine pairing options at fine

dining locations OR dinner for two priced at $20, $30, $40 or $50, where diners share an appetizer, each enjoy their own entree, then share a dessert at more casual establishments.

Producer Terri Henry and Chef Philip Pretty of Restauration (a participating restaurant) are our guests with all the hunger-inducing specifics.

DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week is April 23 to May 1, 2016. Experience cuisine that delights the palate and defines the art of dining in Long Beach. Held annually, DINE LBC features value-oriented three-course menus from dozens of Long Beach’s best restaurants in twelve unique neighborhoods throughout the city.

“What’s old is new again. Restauration is a combination of two of our favorite words that are defining pillars of the Long Beach community: restaurant+restore. Situated in the vibrant and creative stretch on 4th street between Cherry and Temple dubbed Retro Row, our little eatery brings the Long Beach family together to pay tribute to the American culinary spirit while embracing modern fare.”

“Menus for Restauration are locally sourced and responsibly grown, using seasonal ingredients based on the abundant bounty available on the Southern and Central Coast. Many options are served family style intended for sharing. Our beer offerings feature craft beer on draft and in large bottles from all over the world. The comprehensive wine list highlights small producers from California and other unique wine growing regions from afar.”

Jon SanchezNative Son Alehouse opened in Downtown Santa Ana in the Summer of 2014. It’s a relaxed, laid-back hangout with a rooftop lounge known for its extensive selection of 27 rotating, hand-selected craft brews on tap.

There is a limited menu of nibbles available to go along with the craft beer. The Brussel Chips are a particular favorite.

Just concluded is their own version of March Madness, the Thursday Thursday Championship Bracket. 12 craft breweries have been competing. It came down to The Finals with Almanac Beer Co. from the Bay Area pitted again Anaheim’s Noble Ale House.

We’ll tap the keg for all the 411 with proprietor Jon Sanchez.

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosWhen it comes to fresh seafood the term “Organic” is starting to be thrown around quite regularly as a buzzword. With fish and other seafood what does organic really mean? Are there even accepted standards for using this on a label? We’ll find out…

Our own resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel, will expertly clear the haze for us on this one.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Executive Chef/Partner Michael Lomonaco, Porter House Bar and Grill, New York
Segment Three: The James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Awards Part One
Segment Four: The James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Awards Part Two
Segment Five: Chef Philip Pretty, Restauration, Long Beach Part One
Segment Six: Chef Philip Pretty, Restauration, Long Beach Part Two
Segment Seven: Jon Sanchez, Native Son Alehouse, Santa Ana
Segment Eight: “Organic” Seafood with Chef Andrew Gruel