Show 564, February 10, 2024: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Chef Duff Goldman is a New York Times bestselling author who stars on many of Food Network’s most watched shows including the Baking Championship series, Kids Baking Championship and The Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown. He just signed a new multiyear deal at the network. His most recent cookbook Super Good Cookies for Kids was released in 2022 and Super Good Baking for Kids in 2020.  Duff is the owner of the successful bakery, Charm City Cakes based in Baltimore. His bakery has created famous cakes for everything from Obama’s inauguration to an R2-D2 cake for Lucasfilm to Lady Gaga’s birthday cake for Tony Bennett. His signature cakes are now available nationwide on GoldbellyChef Duff Goldman joins us with pastry bag in hand.

We’re delighted to welcome food journalist Farley Elliott back to the show. Farley Elliott is the new SoCal Bureau Chief for SFGATE. Previously, he was the Senior Editor for Eater Los Angeles, covering food and culture around LA, and his work has also appeared in print, film, and television. He’s also the author of Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks, a book about the long, winding saga of street food in Los Angeles. Farley joins us to chat about his new beat. Along the way he’ll discuss an unusual form of Street Art in Venice with a social message which has attracted national attention and his recent visit to greater Palm Springs where (among other activities) he interviewed chefs and restaurateurs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger at their new restaurant, Alice B., located in Downtown Palm Springs.

We’re checking in with our helpful foodservice experts at SoCal Gas to be updated on their various programs to assist Chefs and Restaurateurs.

Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) will be explaining what’s available at the Energy Resource Center in Downey and their upcoming Seminar Calendar. Carmen Oliver (Customer Programs Advisor) joins the conversation to describe new rebate measures and the qualified product list categories. Joe Frausto (On-Bill Financing Program Manager) concludes with an overview of On Bill Financing and GoGreen Financing for business owners. SoCal Gas’Energy Resource Center (ERC) offers seminars, demonstrations and consulting services to help your business find cost-effective, energy-efficient solutions.

PINE & CRANE DTLA is a casual and hospitable Taiwanese restaurant located in the South Park neighborhood of downtown Los Angeles. This location follows up their original, far more compact restaurant in Silver Lake and aims, as ever, to bring their guests delicious Taiwanese fare in a comfortable, modern setting. They are passionate about what they do, and take pride in preparing their food using simple, fresh ingredients. In addition to familiar favorites from the Silver Lake location, DTLA features dishes specific to DTLA, still offering a variety of small plates, traditional cold appetizers, dumplings, noodles, and rice dishes. Along with an extensive tea menu, Pine & Crane also features beer, wine, unusual whiskies and specialty cocktails.” Producer Andy Harris provides the salivating overview of Pine & Crane DTLA based on his recent dining experiences there.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Valentine’s Day (coming up next week) is a time of high anxiety for restaurants. It’s typically groups of two with a lot of high expectations and stress. Chef Andrew shares some of his more humorous Valentine’s Day restaurant experiences over the years along with a few tips..

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

Show 564, February 10, 2024: Pine & Crane in Downtown Los Angeles – A Profile

PINE & CRANE DTLA is a casual Taiwanese restaurant located artfully designed by Preen in the South Park neighborhood of downtown Los Angeles. This location follows up their original, far more compact restaurant in Silver Lake “and aims, as ever, to bring their guests delicious Taiwanese fare in a comfortable, modern setting. They are passionate about what they do, and take pride in preparing their food using simple, fresh ingredients.” 

“In addition to familiar favorites from the Silver Lake location, DTLA features dishes specific to DTLA, still offering a variety of small plates, traditional cold appetizers, dumplings, noodles, and rice dishes. Along with an extensive tea menu, Pine & Crane also features beer, wine, unusual whiskies and specialty cocktails.”

Standout dishes are the Dan Dan Noodles with sesame-peanut sauce, cucumber and cilantro ; Beef Roll with 5-spice beef, hoisin, cucumber and cilantro; and Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken.

They are currently open every day, with all day service running from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Breakfast Hours are 8 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and Lunch & Dinner Hours are 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Producer Andy Harris provides the salivating overview of Pine & Crane DTLA based on his recent dining experiences there. They really know hospitality and the staff is well-trained and helpful.

February 10: Duff Goldman, Farley Elliott, SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center, Pine & Crane

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes Part One
Segment Three: Chef Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes Part Two
Segment Four: Journalist Farley Elliott, SF Gate, Southern California Bureau Chief Part One
Segment Five: Journalist Farley Elliott, SF Gate, Southern California Bureau Chief Part Two
Segment Six: SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center and Ongoing Programs Supporting Foodservice Entities
Segment Seven: Pine & Crane in Downtown Los Angeles – A Profile
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host and Proprietor of Calico Fish House, with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.

Chef Duff Goldman is a New York Times bestselling author who stars on many of Food Network’s most watched shows including the Baking Championship series, Kids Baking Championship and The Elf on the Shelf:Sweet Showdown.He just signed a new multiyear deal at the network. His most recent cookbook Super Good Cookies for Kids was released in 2022 and Super Good Baking for Kids in 2020. Duff is the owner of the successful bakery, Charm City Cakes based in Baltimore. His bakery has created famous cakes for everything from Obama’s inauguration to an R2-D2 cake for Lucasfilm to Lady Gaga’s birthday cake for Tony Bennett. His signature cakes are now available nationwide on Goldbelly. Chef Duff Goldman joins us with pastry bag in hand.

We’re delighted to welcome food journalist Farley Elliott back to the show. Farley Elliott is the new SoCal Bureau Chief for SFGATE. Previously, he was the Senior Editor for Eater Los Angeles, covering food and culture around LA, and his work has also appeared in print, film, and television. He’s also the author of Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks, a book about the long, winding saga of street food in Los Angeles. Farley joins us in-studio to chat about his new beat. Along the way he’ll discuss an unusual form of Street Art in Venice with a social message which has attracted national attention and his recent visit to greater Palm Springs where (among other activities) he interviewed chefs and restaurateurs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger at their new restaurant, Alice B., located in Downtown Palm Springs.

We’re checking in with our helpful foodservice experts at SoCal Gas to be updated on their various programs to assist Chefs and Restaurateurs.

Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) will be explaining what’s available at the Energy Resource Center in Downey and their upcoming Seminar Calendar. Carmen Oliver (Customer Programs Advisor) joins the conversation to describe new rebate measures and the qualified product list categories. Joe Frausto (On-Bill Financing Program Manager) concludes with an overview of On Bill Financing and GoGreen Financing for business owners. SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center (ERC) offers seminars, demonstrations and consulting services to help your business find cost-effective, energy-efficient solutions.

“PINE & CRANE DTLA is a casual Taiwanese restaurant located in the South Park neighborhood of downtown Los Angeles. This location follows up their original, far more compact restaurant in Silver Lake and aims, as ever, to bring their guests delicious Taiwanese fare in a comfortable, modern setting. They are passionate about what they do, and take pride in preparing their food using simple, fresh ingredients. In addition to familiar favorites from the Silver Lake location, DTLA features dishes specific to DTLA, still offering a variety of small plates, traditional cold appetizers, dumplings, noodles, and rice dishes. Along with an extensive tea menu, Pine & Crane also features beer, wine, unusual whiskies and specialty cocktails.” Producer Andy Harris provides the overview of Pine & Crane DTLAbased on his recent dining experiences there.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm(New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Valentine’s Day (coming up next week) is a time of high anxiety for restaurants. It’s groups of two with a lot of high expectations and stress. Chef Andrew shares some of his more humorous Valentine’s Day restaurant experiences over the years.

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

Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes

Chef Duff Goldman is a New York Times bestselling author who stars on many of Food Network’s most watched shows including the Baking Championship series, Kids Baking Championship and The Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown. He just signed a new multiyear deal at the network.”

“His most recent cookbook Super Good Cookies for Kids was released in 2022 and Super Good Baking for Kids in 2020.”

“Duff is the owner of the successful bakery, Charm City Cakes based in Baltimore. His bakery has created famous cakes for everything from Obama’s inauguration to an R2-D2 cake for Lucasfilm to Lady Gaga’s birthday cake for Tony Bennett. His signature cakes are now available nationwide on Goldbelly.”

“When his dream of slaying on the guitar in a rock band wasn’t paying the bills, Chef Duff Goldman turned to his talents as a classically trained pastry chef and metal craftsman and founded Charm City Cakes in Baltimore, MD in 2002. Duff and his intrepid team of cake decorators churned out cakes the world had never seen before: cakes with sound, cakes with smoke, cakes with motorized moving components, life-sized baby elephant cakes- no cake was too crazy to tackle.”

“It wasn’t long before Charm City Cakes caught the eye of the Food Network where the hit reality cake decorating series Ace of Cakes [AH1] was born. The Baltimore bakery has had the pleasure of making their awesome clients’ cake dreams come true for over two decades!”

Chef Duff Goldman joins us with pastry bag in hand.

Farley Elliott at the KLAA Studios

We’re delighted to welcome food journalist Farley Elliott back to the show. Farley Elliott is the new SoCal Bureau Chief for SFGATE. Previously, he was the Senior Editor for Eater Los Angeles, covering food and culture around LA, and his work has also appeared in print, film, and television. He’s also the author of Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks, a book about the long, winding saga of street food in Los Angeles.

Farley joins us in-studio to chat about his new beat. Along the way he’ll discuss an unusual form of Street Art in Venice with a social message which has attracted national attention and his recent visit to greater Palm Springs where (among other activities) he interviewed Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger at their new restaurant, Alice B. located in Downtown Palm Springs.

Launched in 1994, SFGATE.com was one of the first large-market media sites in the world and served as the exclusive digital home of the San Francisco Chronicle for 19 years. The site, which was initially known as The Gate until officially becoming SFGATE in 1998, was co-founded by Allen Weiner and John Coate.”

“In 2013, the Chronicle launched a paywalled premium website, sfchronicle.com. Over the next six years, varying amounts of free and premium Chronicle content appeared on SFGATE, then in 2019, the Chronicle and SFGATE officially became two separately run entities with their own editorial staffs and independent newsrooms.”

Gina Christian of SoCal Gas

We’re checking in with our helpful foodservice experts at SoCal Gas to be updated on their various programs to assist Chefs and Restaurateurs.

Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) will be explaining what’s available at the Energy Resource Center in Downey and their upcoming Seminar Calendar. Carmen Oliver (Customer Programs Advisor) joins the conversation to describe new rebate measures and the qualified product list categories. Joe Frausto (On-Bill Financing Program Manager) concludes with an overview of On Bill Financing and GoGreen Financing for business owners.

SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center (ERC) offers seminars, demonstrations and consulting services to help your business find cost-effective, energy-efficient solutions.

PINE & CRANE DTLA is a casual Taiwanese restaurant located artfully designed by Preen in the South Park neighborhood of downtown Los Angeles. This location follows up their original, far more compact restaurant in Silver Lake “and aims, as ever, to bring their guests delicious Taiwanese fare in a comfortable, modern setting. They are passionate about what they do, and take pride in preparing their food using simple, fresh ingredients.”

“In addition to familiar favorites from the Silver Lake location, DTLA features dishes specific to DTLA, still offering a variety of small plates, traditional cold appetizers, dumplings, noodles, and rice dishes. Along with an extensive tea menu, Pine & Crane also features beer, wine, unusual whiskies and specialty cocktails.”

They are currently open every day, with all day service running from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Breakfast Hours are 8 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and Lunch & Dinner Hours are 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Producer Andy Harris provides the salivating overview of Pine & Crane DTLA based on his recent dining experiences there.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Valentine’s Day (coming up next week) is a time of high anxiety for restaurants. It’s parties of two with a lot of stress. Chef Andrew shares some of his humorous Valentine’s Day restaurant experiences over the years.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes Part One
Segment Three: Chef Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes Part Two
Segment Four: Journalist Farley Elliott, SF Gate, Southern California Bureau Chief Part One
Segment Five: Journalist Farley Elliott, SF Gate, Southern California Bureau Chief Part Two
Segment Six: SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center and Ongoing Programs Supporting Foodservice Entities
Segment Seven: Pine & Crane in Downtown Los Angeles – A Profile
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host and Proprietor of Calico Fish House, with “Ask the Chef”

Show 473, May 7, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Mother’s Day best wishes to all the stellar Moms out there…Should be more than one celebration annually!

The Matzo Project, a discovery at the recent Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Convention Center, introduces carefully made, artfully packaged, legitimately scrumptious matzo to a stale, overlooked corner of the food marketplace. While it currently languishes in the “Ethnic” food isle The Matzo Project’s hope is to help matzo claim its rightful spot in the cracker isle right next to Rosemary Pita Chips and the Gorgonzola Fig Toast.” The Matzo Project’s product line includes Matzo Flats, Matzo Chips, a Matzo Ball Soup Kit and a Matzo Ball Mix.

The Matzo Project Co-founders Ashley Albert and Kevin Rodriguez join us.

“The wines of AOC Ventoux in the Rhone Valley of France are made at the foot of Mont-Ventoux, which culminates at 1912 meters, offering a unique freshness and balance. It has been an AOC since 1973. It is the only appellation with vineyards spreading over two Regional Natural Parks. It is also recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. Ventoux is first and foremost defined by its cooler climate : the influence of the mountain creates a wide variation of temperatures between days and nights.” Noted wine journalist Jonathan Cristaldi is our well-informed guide to Ventoux AOC.

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.

We’ll find out what’s on the menu for In-Seat Dining, at Diamond Club and in the Suites. Think BBQ Beef Brisket… Also on the menu are a preview of the wide variety of exclusive Halo merchandise items. There are unique (and limited edition) Shohei Ohtani items. Our guides to all this deliciousness are Executive Chef Hugo Miranda and Merchandise Buyer Roman Avila.

Chef Andrew Gruel is on the road so Co-Host Andy Harris covers “Ask the Chef.” Andy shares last-minute ideas for inspired Mother’s Day dining (Mother’s Day Brunch at Smorgasburg LA at ROW DTLA) and previews the very special South Coast Plaza 55th Anniversary Dinner on June 5th to benefit the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.) The headlining chefs for the “O.C. Chefs: The Next Generation” evening are Tony Esnault of the Michelin-starred Knife Pleat and Amar Santana (a C-CAP alum) of Vaca and Broadway by Amar Santana.

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

Show 473, May 7, 2022: “Ask the Chef” with Producer Andy Covering for Chef Andrew

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino

Chef Andrew Gruel is on the road so Co-Host Andy Harris covers “Ask the Chef.” Andy shares last-minute ideas for inspired Mother’s Day dining (Mother’s Day Brunch at Smorgasburg LA at ROW DTLA) and previews the very special South Coast Plaza 55th Anniversary Dinner on June 5th to benefit the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.)

The headlining chefs for the “O.C. Chefs: The Next Generation” evening are Tony Esnault of the Michelin-starred Knife Pleat and Amar Santana (a C-CAP alum) of Vaca and Broadway by Amar Santana.

May 7: Matzo Project, Jonathan Cristaldi on Ventoux AOC, Angels Baseball Food

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: The Matzo Project, Brooklyn, NY Part One
Segment Three: The Matzo Project, Brooklyn, NY Part Two
Segment Four: Ventoux AOC, Rhone Valley, France with Jonathan Cristaldi, Wine Journalist Part One
Segment Five: Ventoux AOC, Rhone Valley, France with Jonathan Cristaldi, Wine Journalist Part Two
Segment Six: Executive Chef Hugo Miranda and Roman Avila – Retail Operations Manager for Legends at Angel Stadium Part One
Segment Seven: Executive Chef Hugo Miranda and Roman Avila – Retail Operations Manager for Legends at Angel Stadium Part Two
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Producer Andy Covering for Chef Andrew

We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

“The Matzo Project, a discovery at the recent Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Convention Center, introduces carefully made, artfully packaged, legitimately scrumptious matzo to a stale, overlooked corner of the food marketplace. While it currently languishes in the “Ethnic” food isle The Matzo Project’s hope is to help matzo claim its rightful spot in the cracker isle right next to Rosemary Pita Chips and the Gorgonzola Fig Toast. The Matzo Project’s product line includes Matzo Flats, Matzo Chips, a Matzo Ball Soup Kit and a Matzo Ball Mix.

The Matzo Project Co-founders Ashley Albert and Kevin Rodriguez join us.

“The wines of AOC Ventoux in the Rhone Valley of France are made at the foot of Mont-Ventoux, which culminates at 1912 meters, offering a unique freshness and balance. It has been an AOC since 1973. It is the only appellation with vineyards spreading over two Regional Natural Parks. It is also recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. Ventoux is first and foremost defined by its cooler climate : the influence of the mountain creates a wide variation of temperatures between days and nights.” Noted wine journalist Jonathan Cristaldi is our well-informed guide to Ventoux AOC.

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.

We’ll find out what’s on the menu for In-Seat Dining, at Diamond Club and in the Suites. Think BBQ Beef Brisket… Also on the menu are a preview of the wide variety of exclusive Halo merchandise items. There are unique (and limited edition) Shohei Ohtani items. Our guides to all this deliciousness are Executive Chef Hugo Miranda and Merchandise Buyer Roman Avila.

Chef Andrew Gruel is on the road so Co-Host Andy Harris covers “Ask the Chef.” Andy shares last-minute ideas for inspired Mother’s Day dining and previews the very special South Coast Plaza 55th Anniversary Dinner on June 5th to benefit the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.) The headlining chefs for the “O.C. Chefs: The Next Generation” evening are Tony Esnault of the Michelin-starred Knife Pleat and Amar Santana (a C-CAP alum) of Vacaand Broadway by Amar Santana.

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

Ashley Albert and Kevin Rodriguez of the Matzo Project

The Matzo Project, a discovery at the recent Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Convention Center, introduces carefully made, artfully packaged, legitimately scrumptious matzo to a stale, overlooked corner of the food marketplace.”

“Summer Camp friends Ashley Albert and Kevin Rodriguez set out to bake a new take on the culturally beloved, but traditionally flavorless box of matzo. Instead, they created a super-snappy, extra-sturdy, crazy-versatile cracker that goes with virtually every single thing they’ve tried to put on it.”

“Ashley had been tinkering with the idea of updating matzo for nearly 20 years and casually mentioned it to Kevin when they were charting about him making a change. He began experimenting in his kitchen.”

“The two would taste test Kevin’s recipes while Ashley started sketching out plans for The Matzo Project’s branding and packaging. That work led to their muse – the grandmother on their box – asking “Would it kill you to try something new?”

“After selling out their first trial batch in a single day, the two moved out of their tiny commissary kitchen and into a larger Kosher bakery in Brooklyn to take their unleavened show on the road.”

“While it currently languishes in the “Ethnic” food isle The Matzo Project’s hope is to help matzo claim its rightful spot in the cracker isle right next to Rosemary Pita Chips and the Gorgonzola Fig Toast.”

The Matzo Project’s product line includes Matzo Flats, Matzo Chips, a Matzo Ball Soup Kit and a Matzo Ball Mix.

“The Bubbe” of The Matzo Project has given Ashley and Albert permission to join us. She is thinking we’re looking skinny…

Sommelier and Wine Journalist Jonathan Cristaldi

“The wines of AOC Ventoux in the Rhone Valley of France are made at the foot of Mont-Ventoux, which culminates at 1912 meters, offering a unique freshness and balance. It has been an AOC since 1973. It is the only appellation with vineyards spreading over two Regional Natural Parks. It is also recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. Ventoux is first and foremost defined by its cooler climate: the influence of the mountain creates a wide variation of temperatures between days and nights.”

It covers some 14,000 acres of vineyards with the resulting wines being 54 per cent Red, 38 per cent Rose and 8 per cent White. There are 150 wineries in the AOC representing private ownership, co-ops and negociants.

“Vines have been grown in the Ventoux area since ancient times; archaeological digs around the village of Mazan uncovered a potter’s workshop dating from the 1st century BC, where the first known wine amphorae in France were produced.”

“The vineyards flourished during the Avignon Papacy, and over the centuries Ventoux wines, alongside other leading French wines, were served to the kings of France at the Royal Court.”

Wine journalist Jonathan Cristaldi is our well-informed guide to Ventoux AOC.

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.

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

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino

Chef Andrew Gruel is on the road so Co-Host Andy Harris covers “Ask the Chef.” Andy shares last-minute ideas for inspired Mother’s Day dining and previews the very special South Coast Plaza 55th Anniversary Dinner on June 5th to benefit the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.)

The headlining chefs for the “O.C. Chefs: The Next Generation” evening are Tony Esnault of the Michelin-starred Knife Pleat and Amar Santana (a C-CAP alum) of Vaca and Broadway by Amar Santana.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: The Matzo Project, Brooklyn, NY Part One
Segment Three: The Matzo Project, Brooklyn, NY Part Two
Segment Four: Ventoux AOC, Rhone Valley, France with Jonathan Cristaldi, Wine Journalist Part One
Segment Five: Ventoux AOC, Rhone Valley, France with Jonathan Cristaldi, Wine Journalist Part Two
Segment Six: Executive Chef Hugo Miranda and Roman Avila – Retail Operations Manager for Legends at Angel Stadium Part One
Segment Seven: Executive Chef Hugo Miranda and Roman Avila – Retail Operations Manager for Legends at Angel Stadium Part Two
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Producer Andy Covering for Chef Andrew

Show 360, February 15, 2020: The Challenges of Valentine’s Day Dining for Restaurants

Andy Harris at the KLAA StudiosValentine’s Day is a particularly difficult Holiday for restaurants to manage. Expectations are high on the part of couples and it’s all tables of two who want to linger. What are the operational and food preparation challenges of Valentine’s Day from the restaurant’s perspective?

Executive Producer Andy Harris (who has a background in restaurant operations) explores this with the show’s Producer/Engineer/Board Operator Aaron Fry, who moonlights as a proficient bartender and server with years of experience. Valentine’s Day extends into the Weekend this year so it’s possibly 3-nights of elevated, high-pressure Valentine’s Day dining.

Show 351, December 14, 2019: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef” Part Two

Andy Harris, Andrew Gruel and JC Clow of the Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar at the SoCal Restaurant Show 5th AnniversaryOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group is in-studio with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment.

Valet parking charges (and overages) at fine-dining establishments are starting to skyrocket in the greater L.A. area. In certain congested areas of the City there are few alternatives. Destinations with no street parking or public garages. What’s reasonable?

Andy discusses a recent restaurant valet parking experience that will surprise you. To the new establishment’s credit the restaurant manager graciously turned the situation around.

Show 296, November 3, 2018: Executive Producer Andy Harris with more musings on Cabo San Lucas aboard Ruby Princess

Producer Andy Harris riding NakaiThere are more high seas adventures to share on our 5-day voyage to Cabo San Lucas aboard Princess CruisesRuby Princess celebrating the 6-year Anniversary of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” on AM 830 KLAA.

Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris will highlight notable shore excursions in Cabo San Lucas (including the not-to-be-missed Cabo Dolphin Center) and also recount a meaningful example of exemplary customer service aboard Ruby Princess.

Show 268, April 7, 2018: Co-host, Andy Harris, “Your Questions & Our Answers”

Andy Harris at the KLAA StudiosWe’re encouraged to receive many thoughtful questions via Social Media and e-mail. While Chef Andrew Gruel is hanging out at Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival, Executive Producer Andy Harris will answer a few recent inquiries of the most general interest along with a major announcement of emeritus host Chef Jet’s Tila’s new Food TV adventure.