Tag Archives: Anaheim

Show 494, October 8, 2022: Chef Henry Pineda, Proprietor, Lola’s by MFK, Anaheim Part One

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Henry Pineda of Lola's MFK

“With the full-service Lola’s by MFK in the former CaliVino Wine Pub space off Katella Avenue next door to Angel Stadium, Chef Henry Pineda, 31, is celebrating his mother’s Filipino and father’s Guatemalan roots through the lens of his favorite meal serving a Modern Filipino Brunch from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 7 days. Dinner will eventually follow. Chef Henry operates Lola’s by MFK with his wife and business partner, Amanda “Panda” Pineda.

“Every year on my birthday we don’t go to dinner, we go to breakfast,” said Pineda, who grew up in L.A and moved to Anaheim when he was six. “Breakfast was always the meal where my family ate together. My dad worked the graveyard shift and would just be coming home right before my mom was about to head out.”

“Pineda has worked in restaurants since age 18 starting at Mama Cozza’s in Anaheim. He’s also cooked at Orange Hill in Orange; ADYA in Anaheim; Starfish in Laguna Beach; Shabu Shabu in Santa Ana; Smoking Ribs in Garden Grove; and The Penthouse inside The Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica. Pineda opened MFK by Aysee’s original location on the border of Anaheim and Buena Park in 2016 at age 26. That restaurant tragically burned down one night in September 2020 when a fire spontaneously broke out.”

Pineda’s Brunch classics include Lola’s Crispy Sisig, Adobo Fried Rice Omelet, Ube Pancakes, Sweet Avocado Pancakes and Ube Tres Leches French Toast. Lola’s beer and wine license just came through so Filipino craft beer (unusually on tap) and exotic fruit-based libations will soon appear on the menu.

Chef Henry takes a break from the Brunch rush to join us with spatula in hand.

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Show 494, October 8, 2022: Chef Henry Pineda, Proprietor, Lola’s by MFK, Anaheim Part Two

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Henry Pineda of Lola's MFK

“With the full-service Lola’s by MFK in the former CaliVino Wine Pub space off Katella Avenue next door to Angel Stadium, Chef Henry Pineda, 31, is celebrating his mother’s Filipino and father’s Guatemalan roots through the lens of his favorite meal serving a Modern Filipino Brunch from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 7 days. Dinner will eventually follow. Chef Henry operates Lola’s by MFK with his wife and business partner, Amanda “Panda” Pineda.

“Every year on my birthday we don’t go to dinner, we go to breakfast,” said Pineda, who grew up in L.A and moved to Anaheim when he was six. “Breakfast was always the meal where my family ate together. My dad worked the graveyard shift and would just be coming home right before my mom was about to head out.”

“Pineda has worked in restaurants since age 18 starting at Mama Cozza’s in Anaheim. He’s also cooked at Orange Hill in Orange; ADYA in Anaheim; Starfish in Laguna Beach; Shabu Shabu in Santa Ana; Smoking Ribs in Garden Grove; and The Penthouse inside The Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica. Pineda opened MFK by Aysee’s original location on the border of Anaheim and Buena Park in 2016 at age 26. That restaurant tragically burned down one night in September 2020 when a fire spontaneously broke out.”

Pineda’s Brunch classics include Lola’s Crispy Sisig, Adobo Fried Rice Omelet, Ube Pancakes, Sweet Avocado Pancakes and Ube Tres Leches French Toast. Lola’s beer and wine license just came through so Filipino craft beer (unusually on tap) and exotic fruit-based libations will soon appear on the menu.

Chef Henry takes a second break from the Brunch rush to rejoin us with spatula in hand.

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Show 473, May 7, 2022: Executive Chef Hugo Miranda and Roman Avila – Retail Operations Manager for Legends at Angel Stadium Part One

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Hugo Miranda

Sampling the creative variety of foods at Angel Stadium is always part of the game experience. A real Executive Chef oversees all of this. New this year is expanded In-Seat Service in various parts of the Big A. Be reminded it’s again cashless for food, beverage and merchandise.

Also new is Brewery X in right field on the Club Level. In addition to the limited- edition craft beers the food menu includes a Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich on a Black Sesame Seed Egg Bun with Roasted Aioli, Asian Citrus Coleslaw, Gochujang Sauce, House Made Kimchi and served with House Fries, and a House-Made Jumbo Pretzel with Jalapeno White Cheddar Cheese Sauce with a Honey-Beer Mustard Sauce.

We’ll find out what’s on the menu for In-Seat Dining, at Diamond Club and in the Suites. Think BBQ Beef Brisket for openers…

Also on the menu is an introduction to the variety of collectable Halo merchandise items. There are unique (and limited edition) Shohei Ohtani items. The Main Team Store at Angel Stadium carries exclusive items that you can’t buy anywhere else. The Team Store is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (On Game Days the Team Store closes 3 hours before the gates open to prepare for the game.)

Our guides to all this deliciousness are Executive Chef Hugo Miranda and Merchandise Buyer Roman Avila.

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Show 473, May 7, 2022: Executive Chef Hugo Miranda and Roman Avila – Retail Operations Manager for Legends at Angel Stadium Part Two

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Hugo Miranda

Sampling the creative variety of foods at Angel Stadium is always part of the game experience. A real Executive Chef oversees all of this. New this year is expanded In-Seat Service in various parts of the Big A. Be reminded it’s again cashless for food, beverage and merchandise.

Also new is Brewery X in right field on the Club Level. In addition to the limited- edition craft beers the food menu includes a Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich on a Black Sesame Seed Egg Bun with Roasted Aioli, Asian Citrus Coleslaw, Gochujang Sauce, House Made Kimchi and served with House Fries, and a House-Made Jumbo Pretzel with Jalapeno White Cheddar Cheese Sauce with a Honey-Beer Mustard Sauce.

We’ll find out what’s on the menu for In-Seat Dining, at Diamond Club and in the Suites. Think BBQ Beef Brisket for openers…

Also on the menu is an introduction to the variety of collectable Halo merchandise items. There are unique (and limited edition) Shohei Ohtani items. The Main Team Store at Angel Stadium carries exclusive items that you can’t buy anywhere else. The Team Store is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (On Game Days the Team Store closes 3 hours before the gates open to prepare for the game.)

Our continuing guides to all this deliciousness are Executive Chef Hugo Miranda and Merchandise Buyer Roman Avila.

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Show 458, January 15, 2022: Restaurateur Nika Shoemaker-Machado, Georgia’s Restaurant, Long Beach participating in Long Beach Black Restaurant Week

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Nika Shoemaker-Machado of Georgias Restaurants

“The city-wide inaugural Long Beach Black Restaurant Week will take place January 23-30, 2022. Long Beach Black Restaurant Week will be a platform to bring everyone to the table, from all walks of life, to showcase the city’s diverse Black food scene. Organized by Long Beach Food & Beverage, a California registered 501(c)3 non-profit, along with Velika Turner, former co-owner of Derricks on Atlantic, Long Black Restaurant Week will be an eight day event devoted to celebrating African, African American, and Caribbean fare in and around Long Beach. The event also seeks to highlight Black-owned food businesses as well as Black chefs and bartenders.”

Family-owned Georgia’s Restaurant in the Long Beach Exchange is a participating restaurant. Georgia’s Co-owner, Nika Shoemaker-Machado, joins us with what’s on her “Soul Food” menu.

“Gretchen Shoemaker (Nika’s Mom,) the heart of Georgia’s, would tell you Soul Food is the food you get when you cook with your whole heart and soul.”

“Georgia’s dishes are the comfort foods she learned to make with her grandma, the very ones she raised her daughters on, served in her successful catering service and has shared with family and friends throughout the years.”

The Long Beach Georgia’s is now serving Weekend Brunch. They also offer a comfortable outside patio.

“When you taste Georgia’s food, you taste the love and devotion that makes Georgia’s Soul Delicious!!”

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Show 453, November 27, 2021: Roxy’z Eat & Drink by Zov’s, Anaheim, with Armen Karamardian Part One

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Armen Karamardian of Zovs

Roxy’z Eat & Drink by Zov’s is a new concept with a full patio in the space at the corner of E. Katella Ave. and S. State College Blvd. in Anaheim that originally opened as a Zov’s. The establishment just debuted at the start of the month. It’s a bit more casual than Zov’s. Perfect for a business lunch, a group gathering or a quick bite with a craft beer before heading off to Angel Stadium or Honda Center. Everything is scratch-made including the bar mixers. Roxy was Zov’s astute Mother and the restaurant is a loving tribute to her. Ample free parking is on-site.

On tap there is a serious bar program at Roxy’z. There are a rotating selection of Signature Cocktails and ten craft beers on tap plus a hand-selected assortment of distinctive bottled brews. Signature Cocktails include the Cucumber Greenie which is Tito’s Vodka, fresh-pressed cucumber and lime juice with pineapple/habanero shrub and house-made ginger beer. A complimentary selection of wines by the glass and bottle, too.

Naturally there is an assortment of hand-crafted pizzas on the menu. A standout is the Spicy Lamb Sausage with house-made lamb sausage, caramelized onions, pickled fresno chile, harissa, feta and organic tomato sauce. A signature is the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich with crispy buttermilk fried chicken, kale and napa cabbage slaw, a fresh pickle spear, chipotle and served on a toasted brioche bun. An appealing starter is the Pork Belly Hummus with slow-braised Duroc pork belly, house hummus, sumac, harissa and served with warm pita. An eye-catching dessert is the Apple Pie Pizza which is perfect for sharing.

Happy Hour is from 3 to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. $9.95 cocktails including Roxy’z House Margarita and Tito’s Moscow Mule with snacks like Eggplant Fries ($7.95) and Two Shrimp Tostados ($9.95.)

Roxy’z is part of the long-running and still growing Zov’s restaurant collection. “Founded in 1987 by Chef Zov Karamardian, legendary Zov’s Bistro and Bakery in Tustin, CA has become a culinary institution and a locals favorite. The restaurants feature her unique cuisine that blends contemporary with Eastern Mediterranean influences, in an upscale chic environment.”

Second generation restaurateur Armen Karamardian is our guest with a Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich at the ready.

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Show 453, November 27, 2021: Roxy’z Eat & Drink by Zov’s, Anaheim, with Armen Karamardian Part Two

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Armen Karamardian of Zovs

Roxy’z Eat & Drink by Zov’s is a new concept with a full patio in the space at the corner of E. Katella Ave. and S. State College Blvd. in Anaheim that originally opened as a Zov’s. The establishment just debuted at the start of the month. It’s a bit more casual than Zov’s. Perfect for a business lunch, a group gathering or a quick bite with a craft beer before heading off to Angel Stadium or Honda Center. Everything is scratch-made including the bar mixers. Roxy was Zov’s astute Mother and the restaurant is a loving tribute to her. Ample free parking is on-site.

On tap there is a serious bar program at Roxy’z. There are a rotating selection of Signature Cocktails and ten craft beers on tap plus a hand-selected assortment of distinctive bottled brews. Signature Cocktails include the Cucumber Greenie which is Tito’s Vodka, fresh-pressed cucumber and lime juice with pineapple/habanero shrub and house-made ginger beer. A complimentary selection of wines by the glass and bottle, too.

Naturally there is an assortment of hand-crafted pizzas on the menu. A standout is the Spicy Lamb Sausage with house-made lamb sausage, caramelized onions, pickled fresno chile, harissa, feta and organic tomato sauce. A signature is the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich with crispy buttermilk fried chicken, kale and napa cabbage slaw, a fresh pickle spear, chipotle and served on a toasted brioche bun. An appealing starter is the Pork Belly Hummus with slow-braised Duroc pork belly, house hummus, sumac, harissa and served with warm pita. An eye-catching dessert is the Apple Pie Pizza which is perfect for sharing.

Happy Hour is from 3 to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. $9.95 cocktails including Roxy’z House Margarita and Tito’s Moscow Mule with snacks like Eggplant Fries ($7.95) and Two Shrimp Tostados ($9.95.)

Roxy’z is part of the long-running and still growing Zov’s restaurant collection. “Founded in 1987 by Chef Zov Karamardian, legendary Zov’s Bistro and Bakery in Tustin, CA has become a culinary institution and a locals favorite. The restaurants feature her unique cuisine that blends contemporary with Eastern Mediterranean influences, in an upscale chic environment.”

Second generation restaurateur Armen Karamardian continues as our guest with a Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich at the ready.

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Show 443, September 18, 2021: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing – collaboration with Kombrewcha Hard Kombucha

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Victor Novak of Golden Road Brewing

“This summer, Brooklyn-born Kombrewcha Hard Kombucha and Los Angeles-based Golden Road Brewing came together to create a one-of-kind product, Passion Fruit Hard Kombucha.”

“Now on shelves throughout California for a limited-run, Passion Fruit Hard Kombucha reflects the unique personalities of both collaborators – nailing Kombrewcha’s penchant for refreshing fruit flavors and Golden Road’s fan-favorite fruit-forward beers and seltzers. This tangy, refreshing, gluten-free, 100% organic beverage is brewed to 6% ABV through natural fermentation.”

“Passion Fruit Hard Kombucha will not only appeal to hard kombucha lovers, but all consumers, including those who may love hard seltzers, wine, craft beers, or are seeking alternative and refreshing beverage options to cap off the remaining weeks of the summer season.”

“Working with the Kombrewcha team to create this new flavor was a complete collaboration and we couldn’t be prouder of the final result,” said Victor Novak, Brewmaster, Golden Road Brewing. “The Passion Fruit Hard Kombrewcha is a harmonious balance that’s true to both Golden Road and Kombrewcha’s craft, with a hint of classic kombucha acidity on the nose and palate, complemented by the passion fruit. We’re thrilled to have had the opportunity to create something new in the kombucha space and hope folks love it as much as we do.”

“Passion Fruit Hard Kombucha is now available in 12 oz. can six-packs at select retailers throughout California while supplies last as well as in the Golden Road Pubs in Los Angeles, Anaheim and Huntington Beach.”

Golden Road’s acclaimed Brewmaster Victor Novak pops the tab on a can of a properly chilled Passion Fruit Hard Kombucha and joins us.

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Show 418, March 27, 2021: Executive Chef Michael Rossi, The Ranch Restaurant, Anaheim

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Michael Rossi of the Ranch Restaurant and Saloon

The Ranch Restaurant in Anaheim is, again, available for full service dine-in for lunch and dinner on an open-air patio and with inside dining (at a reduced capacity) with proper social distancing between tables. To-Go meals are also on the menu.

The Ranch Restaurant features true American regional cuisine. It’s cooking from scratch with the finest ingredients possible to capture the rustic style of wine country and the freshest flavors of the farm. The Ranch honors California’s great ranches, farms and dairies, the artisan bread bakers and cheese and wine makers. Their seasonally driven menu showcases the freshest produce in season – as nature intended. The emphasis is on farm to table, fresh organically grown fruits and vegetables from local farms and from The Ranch’s own ranch in the Santa Ana Mountains.”

“In the kitchen, brothers Michael Rossi (Executive Chef) and Dave Rossi (Pastry Chef) create menus that journey between classic dishes and elevated interpretations of global fare.”

Executive Chef Michael Rossi joins us from The Ranch.

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Show 412, February 13, 2021: Sara O’Shea, General Manager at Golden Road Pub – Anaheim

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Sara O'Shea of Golden Road Pub OC in Anaheim

General Manager Sara O’Shea was part of the opening team for the Golden Road Pub Anaheim (also a production brewery) located across the street from the E. Orangewood Ave., southern entrance t Angel Stadium. A highlight of the operation is their large outdoor Biergarden (with shade) which is again welcoming guests. Well-behaved canine friends can accompany their human parents.

The food is creatively elevated from the typical brew pub fare (there is a real chef (Henry) cooking in the kitchen) and there is always an intriguing variety of craft beers to sample. Think Korean Chicken Salad for openers along with Pork Belly Bahn Mi with sweet chili glaze.

Also on the extensive beer menu are eye-catching, limited production craft styles brewed right there that are exclusive to the Anaheim location. A current example is Happy Daze Double IPA with subtle flavors of candied berries, orange citrus and pineapple. It’s brewed with Southern Sublime hops from South Africa.

We’ll explore the menu with Sara and also find out how their “Big Game” viewing celebration went last Sunday afternoon.

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