Show 294, October 20, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel

Now a tantalizing preview of Saturday’s properly mouthwatering show. It’s burger mania with a side of outrageous fries…It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

Battle ofv the BurgersWe’re live from the Pechanga Resort Casino in the beautiful Temecula Valley wine country for the “2nd Annual Battle of the Burgers” and the new “Loaded Fries” competition. This is a benefit for the Career Technical Education students in the Culinary Arts program at Temecula Valley High School.

First we’re delighted to briefly welcome back our peripatetic Co-Host, Chef AndrewGruel, of Slapfish fame. He’s been busily on the road speaking at high profile hospitality industry gatherings and opening new Slapfish restaurants on the East Coast. Like to have his frequent flyer miles…

The defending champ from the inaugural “Battle of the Burgers” is owner/chef Sid Hamilton of Mad Madeline’s Grill located in Old Town Temecula. Their winning Tractor Racer Burger from 2017 is a half-pound beef patty lathered with homemade BBQ sauce, special seasoning, and topped with a thick, beer-battered onion ring. We’ll hear what new creation Chef Sid has in store for 2018!

Regular listeners will remember Chef Ivan Flowers as a past show guest when he was overseeing the creative, seafood-centric menu at Top of the Market in San Diego. Chef Instructor Ivan is now part of the Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation program at Temecula Valley High School. “Battle of the Burgers” is a benefit for Chef Ivan’s culinary students.

El Cholo Restaurants are celebrating its 95th year in Los Angeles by offering its all-time bestselling dish, a Number 1 combination plate (cheese enchilada, rolled beef taco, Spanish rice and refried beans), for 95 cents all day on Tuesday, October 23rd at its six restaurant locations, including three locations in Orange County:  Corona del Mar, Anaheim Hills and La Habra. 3rd generation Family Patriarch, Senor Ron Salisbury, is our guest with all the celebratory details.

Seasoned Executive Chef Duane Owen oversees all the busy, high-volume kitchens at the Pechanga Resort Casino. He’s coordinating Pechanga’s participation in the “Loaded Fries” competition and also is serving as a Competition Judge. Thirteen Pechanga Resort Casino chefs are partnering with third year CTE students at Temecula Valley High School to create their original Loaded Fries recipes. The culinary arts students are the executive chefs while the Pechanga chefs function as their sous chefs. Chef Duane joins us with the hot and crispy specifics.

One of the esteemed judges for “Battle of the Burgers” is food entrepreneur Lawrence Longo. He’s on a mission to eat a burger each and every day in 2018. He’s also the architect of the Off The Menu app. Off The Menu discovers and curates secret menu items from restaurants, bars and cafes across North America. Their mandate is to: “Make Every Meal More Exciting.” We’ll meet burger devotee Lawrence Longo.

Visit Temecula Valley created and organizes “Battle of the Burgers.” On our Oct. 6th show we met their Director of Public Relations, Annette Brown, and previewed the “2nd Annual Battle of the Burgers.” Visit Temecula Valley is the region’s official tourism marketing organization and an online resource for visitors at VisitTemeculaValley.com. Temecula Valley Visitors Center is located in Old Town Temecula (Third Street and Mercedes). Visit Temecula Valley’s Annette Brown encores with more juicy details.

Pechanga’s Chef Krystle Schenk was promoted to Garde Manger Chef a year ago. Chef Krystle has been with Pechanga since 2010, starting off as a line cook in the production kitchen and was quickly promoted to other positions at the Pechanga Buffet, Kelsey’s, and Garde Manger before she became its head chef. For “Loaded Fries” Chef Schenk is serving as Sous Chef for a 3rd Year CTE TVHS Student.

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

Show 294, October 20, 2018: Annette Brown, Director of Public Relations, Visit Temecula Valley

Annette BrownVisit Temecula Valley originally created and organizes “Battle of the Burgers.” The first year was so successful that they outgrew the original Old Town location and needed to move to the bigger space at Pechanga’s Summit. (More parking, too…)

On our Oct. 6th show we met their Director of Public Relations, Annette Brown, and previewed the “2nd Annual Battle of the Burgers.” Visit Temecula Valley is the region’s official tourism marketing organization and an online resource for visitors at VisitTemeculaValley.com.

Temecula Valley Visitors Center is located in Old Town Temecula (Third Street and Mercedes).

Visit Temecula Valley’s Annette Brown encores with more juicy details and a tempting overview of all the attractions for visitors to the area.

October 20: Live from Battle of the Burgers at Pechanga

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Owner / Chef Sid Hamilton, Mad Madeline’s Grill, Temecula
Segment Three: Chef Instructor Ivan Flowers, Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation, Temecula Valley High School
Segment Four: Restaurateur Ron Salisbury, El Cholo Restaurants, Celebrating 95 Years
Segment Five: Executive Chef Duane Owen, Pechanga Resort Casino, Temecula
Segment Six: Food Entrepreneur Lawrence Longo, Judge for “Battle of the Burgers”
Segment Seven: Annette Brown, Director of Public Relations, Visit Temecula Valley
Segment Eight: Chef Krystle Schenk, Garde Manger, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Now a tantalizing preview of this Saturday’s properly mouthwatering show. It’s burger mania with a side of outrageous fries…It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

Battle ofv the BurgersWe’re live from the Pechanga Resort Casino in the beautiful Temecula Valley wine country for the “2nd Annual Battle of the Burgers” and the new “Loaded Fries” competition. This is a benefit for the Career Technical Education students in the Culinary Arts program at Temecula Valley High School.

First we’re delighted to briefly welcome back our peripatetic Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, of Slapfish fame. He’s been busily on the road speaking at high profile hospitality industry gatherings and opening new Slapfish restaurants on the East Coast. Like to have his frequent flyer miles…

The defending champ from the inaugural “Battle of the Burgers” is owner/chef Sid Hamilton of Mad Madeline’s Grill located in Old Town Temecula. Their winning Tractor Racer Burger from 2017 is a half-pound beef patty lathered with homemade BBQ sauce, special seasoning, and topped with a thick, beer-battered onion ring. We’ll hear what new creation Chef Sid has in store for 2018!

Regular listeners will remember Chef Ivan Flowers as a past show guest when he was overseeing the creative, seafood-centric menu at Top of the Market in San Diego. Chef Instructor Ivan is now part of the Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation program at Temecula Valley High School. “Battle of the Burgers” is a benefit for Chef Ivan’s culinary students.

El Cholo Restaurants are celebrating its 95th year in Los Angeles by offering its all-time bestselling dish, a Number 1 combination plate (cheese enchilada, rolled beef taco, Spanish rice and refried beans), for 95 cents all day on Tuesday, October 23rd at its six restaurant locations, including three locations in Orange County:  Corona del Mar, Anaheim Hills and La Habra. 3rd generation Family Patriarch, Senor Ron Salisbury, is our guest with all the celebratory details.

Seasoned Executive Chef Duane Owen oversees all the busy, high-volume kitchens at the Pechanga Resort Casino. He’s coordinating Pechanga’s participation in the “Loaded Fries” competition. Thirteen Pechanga Resort Casino chefs are partnering with third year CTE students at Temecula Valley High School to create their original Loaded Fries recipes. The culinary arts students are the executive chefs while the Pechanga chefs function as their sous chefs. Chef Duane joins us with the hot and crispy specifics.

One of the esteemed judges for “Battle of the Burgers” is food entrepreneur Lawrence Longo. He’s on a mission to eat a burger each and every day in 2018. He’s also the architect of the Off The Menu app. Off The Menu discovers and curates secret menu items from restaurants, bars and cafes across North America. Their mandate is to: “Make Every Meal More Exciting.” We’ll meet burger devotee Lawrence Longo.

Visit Temecula Valley created and organizes “Battle of the Burgers.” On our Oct. 6th show we met their Director of Public Relations, Annette Brown, and previewed the “2nd Annual Battle of the Burgers.” Visit Temecula Valley is the region’s official tourism marketing organization and an online resource for visitors at VisitTemeculaValley.com. Temecula Valley Visitors Center is located in Old Town Temecula (Third Street and Mercedes). Visit Temecula Valley’s Annette Brown encores with more juicy details.

Pechanga’s Chef Krystle Schenk was promoted to Garde Manager Chef a little over a year ago. Chef Krystle has been with Pechanga since 2010, starting off as a line cook in the production kitchen and was quickly promoted to other positions at the Pechanga Buffet, Kelsey’s, and Garde Manger before she became its head chef. We’ll meet Chef Krystle and find out what goes on in Garde Manager.

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

Mad Meline's Grill Chile Relleno BurgerThe defending champ from the inaugural “Battle of the Burgers” is owner/chef Sid Hamilton of Mad Madeline’s Grill located in Old Town Temecula. They launched back in 1991. It’s a real Family affair.

The outdoor patio is pet friendly.

Their winning Tractor Racer Burger is a half-pound beef patty lathered with homemade BBQ sauce, special seasoning, and topped with a thick, beer-battered onion ring. Sid says the secret to the winning burger is charbroiling.

“Prominently located on Front Street, Old Town Temecula, Mad Madeline’s Grill has a reputation based on the freshness of all their ingredients and friendly, hard-working staff. There are 18 different kinds of burgers, there’s also pastrami, chili, chicken and fish, and their special BBQ ribs every Friday! Come for the award-winning burgers, and save room for a good, old-fashioned root beer float, shake or malt. Mad Madeline’s is the place to be.”

We’ll hear what new creation Chef Sid has in store for 2018’s competition!

Ivan Flowers of Top of the MarketRegular listeners will remember Chef Ivan Flowers as a past show guest when he was overseeing the creative, seafood-centric menu at Top of the Market in San Diego.

Chef Instructor Ivan is now part of the Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation program at Temecula Valley High School. The teaching classroom is a $5.2 million state-of-the-art kitchen facility. All of the proceeds from the $10 admission price for “Battle of the Burgers” goes directly to the purchase of the needed food handler cards for the culinary students.

“Battle of the Burgers” is a benefit for Chef Ivan’s culinary students.

Ron SalisburyEl Cholo Restaurants are celebrating its 95th year in Los Angeles by offering its all-time bestselling dish, a Number 1 combination plate (cheese enchilada, rolled beef taco, Spanish rice and refried beans), for 95 cents all day on Tuesday, October 23rd at its six restaurant locations, including three locations in Orange County:  Corona del Mar, Anaheim Hills and La Habra. The original El Cholo (greatly expanded over the years) is located on S. Western Avenue in Los Angeles.

Since first opening its doors in 1923, El Cholo has operated as a family-owned business and today, the restaurants are run by Ron Salisbury, grandson of the founders, together with fourth, fifth and sixth generation family members. El Cholo’s legacy lies in its steadfast commitment to quality ingredients, long family history, loyal employees and devoted clientele.

Growing up it was always interesting to see the diversity of Angelenos that came into the restaurant. Our food is what set us apart and everyone wanted a bite of it,” said owner Ron Salisbury. “By staying true to our original recipes, we have not only made it to 95 years, but we have also grown from one restaurant to six.”

3rd generation Family Patriarch, Senor Ron Salisbury, is our guest with all the celebratory details.

Duane Owen of Pechanga Casino and ResortSeasoned Executive Chef Duane Owen oversees all the busy, high-volume kitchens at the Pechanga Resort Casino. He’s coordinating Pechanga’s participation in the “Loaded Fries” competition. Thirteen Pechanga Resort Casino chefs are partnering with third year Career Technical Education (CTE) students at Temecula Valley High School to create their Loaded Fries recipes. The culinary arts students are the executive chefs for the afternoon while the Pechanga chefs function as their sous chefs.

Duane comes from a restaurant family, and was introduced to cooking at a young age through his three uncles, who were all professional chefs at a variety of East Coast restaurants. Duane began his culinary career while working summers in Cape Cod at the famous Chatham Bars Inn. From there, he moved on to some of the top resorts in the country, including the Belleview Biltmore Hotel in Clearwater, FL and The Inn at Mystic in Mystic, CT.

Chef Duane joins us with the hot and crispy specifics.

Lawrence LongoOne of the esteemed members of the judging panel for “Battle of the Burgers” is food entrepreneur Lawrence Longo. He’s on the enviable mission to eat a burger each and every day in 2018.

He’s also the architect of the Off The Menu app. Off The Menu discovers and curates secret menu items from restaurants, bars and cafes across North America. Their worthy mandate is to: “Make Every Meal More Exciting.”

We’ll meet burger devotee and “Battle of the Burgers” judge Lawrence Longo.

Annette BrownVisit Temecula Valley originally created and organizes “Battle of the Burgers.” The first year was so successful that they outgrew the original Old Town location and needed to move to the bigger space at Pechanga’s Summit. (More parking, too…)

On our Oct. 6th show we met their Director of Public Relations, Annette Brown, and previewed the “2nd Annual Battle of the Burgers.” Visit Temecula Valley is the region’s official tourism marketing organization and an online resource for visitors at VisitTemeculaValley.com. Temecula Valley Visitors Center is located in Old Town Temecula (Third Street and Mercedes).

Visit Temecula Valley’s Annette Brown encores with more juicy details.

Krystle SchenkPechanga’s Chef Krystle Schenk was promoted to Garde Manager Chef a year ago. Chef Krystle has been with Pechanga since 2010, starting off as a line cook in the production kitchen and was quickly promoted to other positions at the Pechanga Buffet, Kelsey’s, and Garde Manger before she became its head chef.

Prior to Pechanga, Krystle worked in the kitchen at a popular international hotel chain for five years and really honed in her best cooking techniques. She jumped straight into culinary school at The Art Institute of California at Orange County immediately after graduating high school, as she has thoroughly enjoyed the art of cooking since she was a child.

We’ll meet Chef Krystle and find out what goes on in Garde Manager. It’s both an important position, and place, in a restaurant kitchen.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Owner / Chef Sid Hamilton, Mad Madeline’s Grill, Temecula
Segment Three: Chef Instructor Ivan Flowers, Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation, Temecula Valley High School
Segment Four: Restaurateur Ron Salisbury, El Cholo Restaurants, Celebrating 95 Years
Segment Five: Executive Chef Duane Owen, Pechanga Resort Casino, Temecula
Segment Six: Food Entrepreneur Lawrence Longo, Judge for “Battle of the Burgers”
Segment Seven: Annette Brown, Director of Public Relations, Visit Temecula Valley
Segment Eight: Chef Krystle Schenk, Garde Manger, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Show 293, October 6, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a tantalizing preview of Saturday’s properly decadent show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

The Tualatin Valley, Oregon’s esteemed Ponzi Vineyards is one of Oregon’s premier wineries. Established in 1970 as one of the pioneering wineries in Willamette Valley, Ponzi is now being run by the family’s 2nd generation of two sisters. Luisa Ponzi (trained in Burgundy) is Winemaker and Anna Maria Ponzi is President & Director of Sales and Marketing. Maria Ponzi artfully pulls the cork for us.

It’s all about butter with Charles Duque, the Managing Director for The French Dairy Board and the French Cheese Board based in New York. Indispensable to new culinary trends, butter is a source of inspiration that never grows old. Butter is an emblem of French cuisine. We’ll find out why with Charles.

The StubHub Center in Carson is the interim home of LA Chargers Football and LA Galaxy Soccer. Executive Chef Ross Luciano of Levy Restaurants oversees the menu there. It’s the expected hot dogs, peanuts and nachos plus more upscale fare favorites including Chicken Caesar Salad and a Seared Tuna Poke Bowl. Vegetarian and gluten-free options on the menu, too.

On Saturday, Oct. 13th from 5 to 10:00 p.m. in Downtown Los Angeles the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles is presenting the 10th Annual Taste of Italy showcasing fine restaurants, world-class wines, live entertainment and celebrated chefs. Proceeds from Taste of Italy support educational programming and other initiatives related to the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles’ mission. Executive Director of IAMLA, Marianna Gatto, joins us with all the tempting details. Mangia, mangia…

The historic LA Memorial Coliseum (host of 2 previous Olympic Games) is home to SC Trojan Football and LA Rams Football. Executive Chef John Brenning of Legends Hospitality oversees the menu there. New for this season is Chef John’s LA Hot Chicken Sandwich with both “Hot” and “Extra Hot” versions!

Piero Selvaggio of Valentino, Santa Monica fame is one of the pioneers of Italian fine-dining in Los Angeles. He also has been one of the visionaries introducing premium wines of Sicily to the United States. Piero joins us to talk about the noble Nero d’Avola grape grown in Sicily and Sicily’s Planeta wines.

Visit Temecula Valley will hold its 2nd Annual Battle of the Burgers on Saturday, October 20, 2018 in conjunction with Pechanga Resort Casino and Temecula Valley Unified School District. Some 20 restaurants are expected to compete for the championship title at Pechanga Resort Casino. New to the event, is a “Loaded Fries” competition that will include thirteen Pechanga Resort Casino executive chefs partnering with third year Career Technical Education (CTE) students at Temecula Valley High School. The students will team up with the chefs to create their Loaded Fries recipes and will be the executive chefs for the day, while Pechanga chefs will be their sous chefs. Visit Temecula Valley’s Annette Brown serves up all the details.

Program Note for October 13th:
We’re graciously stepping aside for Notre Dame Football on Saturday morning, October 13 and will return to the airwaves at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20th. We’re live from Pechanga Resort Casino for the 2nd Annual Battle of the Burgers competition to benefit the culinary arts students at Temecula Valley High School.

Show 293, October 6, 2018: 2nd Annual “Battle of the Burgers,” Annette Brown, Director of Public Relations, Visit Temecula Valley

Battle of the BurgersVisit Temecula Valley will hold its 2nd Annual Battle of the Burgers on Saturday, October 20, 2018 in conjunction with Pechanga Resort Casino and Temecula Valley Unified School District. Some 20 restaurants are expected to compete for the championship title at Pechanga Resort Casino. New to the event, is a “Loaded Fries” competition that will include thirteen Pechanga Resort Casino executive chefs partnering with third year Career Technical Education (CTE) students at Temecula Valley High School. The students will team up with the chefs to create their Loaded Fries recipes and will be the executive chefs for the day, while Pechanga chefs will be their sous chefs.

Temecula Valley Unified School District CTE students will volunteer for the event, with the third-year students competing in the cooking challenge. The school is selling tickets to the event for $10 each as a fundraiser. All the proceeds will go directly to purchase food handler cards for their culinary students.

Attendees will be able to try several burgers from participating restaurants, as well as loaded fries from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The winners will be announced after 3:00 p.m. at the event, and posted online right here.

Visit Temecula Valley’s Director of Public Relations, Annette Brown, serves up all the juicy details.

October 6: Ponzi Vineyards, French Cheese Board, Chargers and Rams Football Food, Taste of Italy, Piero Selvaggio, Battle of the Burgers

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Maria Ponzi, President & Director of Sales and Marketing, Ponzi Vineyards, Tualatin Valley, Oregon
Segment Three: Charles Duque, Managing Director, French Dairy Board and French Cheese Board, New York
Segment Four: Executive Chef Ross Luciano for Levy Restaurants, StubHub Center, Carson
Segment Five: Marianna Gatto, Executive Director, Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, Taste of Italy Benefit
Segment Six: Executive Chef John Brenning, Legends Hospitality for LA Memorial Coliseum
Segment Seven: Restaurateur Piero Selvaggio of Santa Monica’s Valentino, Planeta wines of Sicily
Segment Eight: 2nd Annual “Battle of the Burgers,” Annette Brown, Director of Public Relations, Visit Temecula Valley

Now a tantalizing preview of this Saturday’s properly decadent show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

The Tualatin Valley, Oregon’s esteemed Ponzi Vineyards is one of Oregon’s premier wineries. Established in 1970 as one of the pioneering wineries in Willamette Valley, Ponzi is now being run by the family’s 2nd generation of two sisters. Luisa Ponzi (trained in Burgundy) is Winemaker and Anna Maria Ponzi is President & Director of Sales and Marketing. Maria Ponzi artfully pulls the cork for us.

It’s all about butter with Charles Duque, the Managing Director for The French Dairy Board and the French Cheese Board. Indispensable to new culinary trends, butter is a source of inspiration that never grows old. Butter is an emblem of French cuisine. We’ll find out why with Charles.

The StubHub Center in Carson is the interim home of LA Chargers Football and LA Galaxy Soccer. Executive Chef Ross Luciano of Levy Restaurants oversees the menu there. It’s the expected hot dogs, peanuts and nachos plus more upscale fare favorites including Chicken Caesar Salad and a Seared Tuna Poke Bowl. Vegetarian and gluten-free options on the menu, too.

On Saturday, Oct. 13th from 5 to 10:00 p.m. in Downtown Los Angeles the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles is presenting the 10th Annual Taste of Italy showcasing fine restaurants, world-class wines, live entertainment and celebrated chefs. Proceeds from Taste of Italy support educational programming and other initiatives related to the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles’ mission. Executive Director of IAMLA, Marianna Gatto, joins us with all the tempting details. Mangia, mangia…

The historic LA Memorial Coliseum (host of 2 previous Olympic Games) is home to USC Trojan Football and LA Rams Football. Executive Chef John Brenning of Legends Hospitality oversees the menu there. New for this season is Chef John’s LA Hot Chicken Sandwich with both “Hot” and “Extra Hot” versions!

Piero Selvaggio of Valentino, Santa Monica fame is one of the pioneers of Italian fine-dining in Los Angeles. He also has been one of the visionaries introducing premium wines of Sicily to the United States. Piero joins us to talk about the noble Nero d’Avola grape grown in Sicily and Sicily’s Planeta wines.

Visit Temecula Valley will hold its 2nd Annual Battle of the Burgers on Saturday, October 20, 2018 in conjunction with Pechanga Resort and Casino and Temecula Valley Unified School District. Some 20 restaurants are expected to compete for the championship title at Pechanga Resort Casino. New to the event, is a “Loaded Fries” competition that will include thirteen Pechanga Resort Casino executive chefs partnering with third year Career Technical Education (CTE) students at Temecula Valley High School. The students will team up with the chefs to create their Loaded Fries recipes and will be the executive chefs for the day, while Pechanga chefs will be their sous chefs. Visit Temecula Valley’s Annette Brown serves up all the details.

Program Note for October 13th:
We’re graciously stepping aside for Notre Dame Football on Saturday morning, October 13 and will return to the airwaves at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20th. We’re live from Pechanga Resort Casino for the 2nd Annual Battle of the Burgers competition to benefit the culinary arts students at Temecula Valley High School.

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

Anna Maria PonziThe Tualatin Valley, Oregon’s esteemed Ponzi Vineyards is one of Oregon’s premier wineries. Established in 1970 as one of the pioneering wineries in Willamette Valley, Ponzi is now being run by the family’s 2nd generation of two sisters. Luisa Ponzi (trained in Burgundy) is Winemaker and Anna Maria Ponzi is President & Director of Sales and Marketing.

Founders Dick and Nancy Ponzi moved their young family to the Willamette Valley in the late 1960s with a spirit of adventure and a passion for making world class Pinot Noir. After many research trips to Burgundy and an extensive search for the ideal location, they purchased 20 acres on a small farm just southwest of Portland, Oregon. It was a daring risk — at the time, the Pacific Northwest was not thought to be a place to grow Pinot noir, but Dick and Nancy realized the Northern Willamette Valley’s climate was ideal for cool climate varieties. Pinot noir cuttings were planted, and in 1970 Ponzi Vineyards was founded.

The methods, philosophies and winemaking passion established nearly 50 years ago are still practiced today under the family’s second generation.

Ponzi Vineyards continues to set the standard for Oregon’s viticultural innovation while maintaining an unwavering commitment to a tradition of winemaking excellence. For the last 25 years, this philosophy has been carried on by the Ponzi family’s second generation.

All 130 acres of family-owned vineyards are LIVE Certified Sustainable, the world’s highest standard for sustainable viticulture and enology. Driven by the concept that the varietal must match the terroir and climate, Ponzi Vineyards continues to set the bar for Oregon and remains at the forefront of the nation’s top wine producers.

Maria Ponzi pulls the cork for us.

Charles DuqueIt’s all about butter with Charles Duque, the Managing Director for The French Dairy Board and the French Cheese Board. Indispensable to new culinary trends, butter is a source of inspiration that never grows old. Butter is an emblem of French cuisine.

Butter is an entirely natural product in its pure state. To make 35 oz. of butter, you need 23 quarts of milk.

Butter has survived for thousands of years. It has not aged in the slightest and is still smooth, soft and melting. Even through the ages, it has remained a natural and traditional product.

Butter production methods have remained virtually unchanged for 5,000 years. The churning system has been perfected over the centuries and health precautions have improved, especially with pasteurization, but, incredibly, the process has remained essentially the same.

We’ll find out why with Charles.

Ross LucianoThe StubHub Center in Carson is the interim home of LA Chargers Football and LA Galaxy Soccer. The menu changes a bit between Soccer and Football. The LA Galaxy plays a lot more home games and their season is currently winding down.

Executive Chef Ross Luciano of Levy Restaurants oversees the menu there. It’s the expected hot dogs, peanuts and nachos plus more upscale fare favorites including Chicken Caesar Salad and a Seared Tuna Poke Bowl (for the Chargers.) In the Galaxy’s Healthy Kitchen are rotating chef-created healthy options including Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Mary’s organic chicken. Vegetarian and gluten-free options on the menu, too.

We’ll meet Chef Luciano.

Marianna GattoOn Saturday, Oct. 13th from 5 to 10:00 p.m. in Downtown Los Angeles the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles is presenting the 10th Annual Taste of Italy showcasing fine restaurants, world-class wines, live entertainment and celebrated chefs. Proceeds from Taste of Italy support educational programming and other initiatives related to the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles’ mission.

General Admission ($60) and Premiere tickets ($125) are still available but the event does sell out before October 13th. Capacity is thoughtfully limited to ensure the comfort of all guests.

Executive Director of IAMLA, Marianna Gatto, joins us with all the tempting details. Mangia, mangia…

John BrenningThe historic LA Memorial Coliseum (host of 2 previous Olympic Games) is home to USC Trojan Football and LA Rams Football. Executive Chef John Brenning of Legends Hospitality oversees the menu there. New for this season is Chef John’s LA Hot Chicken Sandwich with both “Hot” and “Extra Hot” versions!

Chef Brenning began his career in the culinary arts more than 20 years ago. Before joining Legends and spending the past three years in the sports and entertainment side of the business at The Coliseum, Chef John held positions at the Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons Hotels across California.

“It’s all about the food and service. The food and service will only be as good as the passion and heart put into it.” – Chef John Brenning

Piero Salvaggio of Valentino Santa MonicaPiero Selvaggio of Valentino, Santa Monica fame is one of the pioneers of Italian fine-dining in Los Angeles. He also has been one of the visionaries introducing the premium wines of Sicily to the United States. Piero joins us to talk about the noble Nero d’Avola grape grown in Sicily and Sicily’s Planeta wines.

“We travelled through Sicily as on a great wine continent, establishing our estates in five different areas from west to east, seeking our interpretation of them through research into indigenous varieties, including those by now forgotten, and into the suitability of the different terroirs to welcome international varieties as well. We planned to eventually build around each territory a comprehensive system of experience composed of hospitality, cooking, nature and culture. On these elements the history of our company has always been based. This instinct for the future, together with our curiosity to see the world and compare ourselves with it, has guided our choices.”

Battle of the BurgersVisit Temecula Valley will hold its 2nd Annual Battle of the Burgers on Saturday, October 20, 2018 in conjunction with Pechanga Resort Casino and Temecula Valley Unified School District. Some 20 restaurants are expected to compete for the championship title at Pechanga Resort Casino. New to the event, is a “Loaded Fries” competition that will include thirteen Pechanga Resort Casino executive chefs partnering with third year Career Technical Education (CTE) students at Temecula Valley High School. The students will team up with the chefs to create their Loaded Fries recipes and will be the executive chefs for the day, while Pechanga chefs will be their sous chefs.

Temecula Valley Unified School District CTE students will volunteer for the event, with the third-year students competing in the event. The school is selling tickets to the event for $10 each as a fundraiser. All the proceeds will go directly to purchase food handler cards for their culinary students.

Attendees will be able to try several burgers from participating restaurants, as well as loaded fries from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The winners will be announced after 3:00 p.m. at the event, and posted online right here.

Visit Temecula Valley’s Director of Public Relations, Annette Brown, serves up all the juicy details.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Maria Ponzi, President & Director of Sales and Marketing, Ponzi Vineyards, Tualatin Valley, Oregon
Segment Three: Charles Duque, Managing Director, French Dairy Board and French Cheese Board, New York
Segment Four: Executive Chef Ross Luciano for Levy Restaurants, StubHub Center, Carson
Segment Five: Marianna Gatto, Executive Director, Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, Taste of Italy Benefit
Segment Six: Executive Chef John Brenning, Legends Hospitality for LA Memorial Coliseum
Segment Seven: Restaurateur Piero Selvaggio of Santa Monica’s Valentino, Planeta wines of Sicily
Segment Eight: 2nd Annual “Battle of the Burgers,” Annette Brown, Director of Public Relations, Visit Temecula Valley

Show 175, June 11, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at the Pechanga Wine Festival for Angels Radio AM830 KLAAIt’s full immersion with craft beer and outrageous, chef-driven chili as the “SoCal Restaurant Show” is live at the Pechanga Resort & Casino for the 8th Annual Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cook-off benefiting Habitat For Humanity Inland Valley. Cheers…

Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, most recently, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host. He’s recently back from Chicago where he received Nation’s Restaurant News’ Trendsetter MenuMaster Award for Slapfish. Next week is Manhattan…

Now a lip-smacking preview of Saturday’s thirst-quenching and tantalizing show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a pretty good thing…

As part of the Pechanga Microbrew Festival nine of the talented Pechanga chefs are creating a signature chili recipe to be enjoyed (and ultimately judged) by the guests. Chef Marlene Moore of Temptations Food Court is the defending chili champ. She is here to stir the slow-simmering pot.

Upland’s Last Name Brewing (formerly known as Dale Bros Brewing) is one of the fine craft breweries participating in the Pechanga Microbrew Festival. Co-owners Andy Dale and Karen McMillen join us to tap the keg.

Chef Damien Stanley is the Executive Sous Chef at the Pechanga Resort & Casino. Chef Stanley held the Pechanga chili throne for two years in 2015 and 2014. He’s not competing this year but will provide an expert’s overview of the nine chef-created chilies in competition for 2016.

One of the smallest craft breweries participating in the Pechanga Microbrew Festival is Mason Jar Brewing in Menifee. It’s the creation of the determined husband and wife team of Robert Carter and Grace Santiago. They transitioned into becoming a production brewery from their hobby as passionate home-brewers.

Ronnel Capacia is the chef at Kelsey’s at Pechanga Resort and Casino. Last year his chili creation was the runner-up. For 2016 he’s back with a new, enhanced recipe. All we know for sure is that the revised creation uses Golden Road Brewing’s Get Up Offa That Brown, a toasty brown ale, in the recipe. We’ll learn a bit more in our chat with Chef Capacia.

Temecula Valley has evolved into a diverse visitors’ destination. In addition to the attractions of the Pechanga Resort & Casino, there is historic Old Town and dozens of praise-worthy wineries. Visit Temecula Valley is the umbrella organization for promoting Temecula Valley as a destination. Marketing & PR Manager Annette Brown and 1st Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors Ken Westmyer (GM of Temecula’s Quality Inn) join us.

Pechanga Resort & Casino has been one of the most successful Indian gaming properties in the West. A new hotel wing is under construction which will add two restaurants, a spa, and a Las Vegas-style resort pool deck with all the upscale amenities including cabanas. Ciara Green, Pechanga’s Public Relations Manager, takes off her hard hat to discuss the ambitious expansion efforts with us.

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

Show 175, June 11, 2016: Visit Temecula Valley

Visit Temecula Valley Wine CountryTemecula Valley has evolved into a diverse and appealing visitors’ destination. In addition to the attractions of the Pechanga Resort & Casino, there is historic Old Town and dozens of praise-worthy wineries. Visit Temecula Valley is the umbrella organization for promoting Temecula Valley as a destination. Marketing & PR Manager Annette Brown and 1st Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors Ken Westmyer (GM of Temecula’s Quality Inn) join us.

“Come play with us in Temecula Valley, Southern California Wine Country. Nestled quietly among rolling hills and vineyards, under clear azure skies, Temecula Valley Wine Country is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. “

“Have a glass of wine during lunch at one of our many award-winning wineries. Gaze upon our lush vineyards, beautiful estates and awe-inspiring scenery from high above in a hot-air balloon. Stroll upon our verdant golf courses as you putt your worries away. Test lady luck and play the night away at Pechanga Resort and Casino. Explore Old Town with the kids where the Wild West still lives.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to partake of one of the early morning departure hot air balloon experiences floating over the Temecula Valley Wine Country. The views are simply spectacular. The calming sensation of floating in air with the birds is unrivaled. You might end your journey at one of Temecula’s premium wineries for a glass of sparkling wine and breakfast. That’s a really soft landing !

June 11: Live from the Pechanga Microbrew & Craft Beer Festival and Chili Cook-Off

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Chef Marlene Moore, Tempations Food Court, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Segment Three: Last Name Brewing, Upland (previously known as Dale Bros. Brewing)
Segment Four: Damien Stanley, Executive Sous Chef, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Segment Five: Mason Jar Brewing Company, Menifee
Segment Six: Chef Ronnel Capacia, Kelsey’s, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Segment Seven: Visit Temecula Valley
Segment Eight: Pechanga Resort’s $285 Million Expansion

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at the Pechanga Wine Festival for Angels Radio AM830 KLAAIt’s full immersion with craft beer and outrageous, chef-driven chili as the “SoCal Restaurant Show” is live at The Pechanga Resort & Casino for the 8th Annual Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cook-off benefiting Habitat For Humanity Inland Valley. Cheers…

Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, most recently, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host. He’s recently back from Chicago where he received Nation’s Restaurant News’ Trendsetter MenuMaster Award for Slapfish. Next week is Manhattan…

Now a lip-smacking preview of Saturday’s thirst-quenching and tantalizing show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a pretty good thing…

As part of the Pechanga Microbrew Festival nine of the talented Pechanga chefs are creating a signature chili recipe to be enjoyed (and ultimately judged) by the guests. Chef Marlene Moore of Temptations Food Court is the defending chili champ. She is here to stir the slow-simmering pot.

Upland’s Last Name Brewing (formerly known as Dale Bros Brewing) is one of the fine craft breweries participating in the Pechanga Microbrew Festival. Co-owners Andy Dale and Karen McMillen join us to tap the keg.

Chef Damien Stanley is the Executive Sous Chef at the Pechanga Resort & Casino. Chef Stanley held the Pechanga chili throne for two years in 2015 and 2014. He’s not competing this year but will provide an expert’s overview of the nine chef-created chilies in competition for 2016.

One of the smallest craft breweries participating in the Pechanga Microbrew Festival is Mason Jar Brewing in Menifee. It’s the creation of the determined husband and wife team of Robert Carter and Grace Santiago. They transitioned into becoming a production brewery from their hobby as passionate home-brewers.

Ronnell Capacia is the chef at Kelsey’s at Pechanga Resort and Casino. Last year his chili creation was the runner-up. For 2016 he’s back with a new, enhanced recipe. All we know for sure is that the revised creation uses Golden Road Brewing’s Get Up Offa That Brown, a toasty brown ale, in the recipe. Perhaps we’ll learn more in our chat with Chef Capacia.

Temecula Valley has evolved into a diverse visitors’ destination. In addition to the attractions of the Pechanga Resort & Casino, there is historic Old Town and dozens of praise-worthy wineries. Visit Temecula Valley is the umbrella organization for promoting Temecula Valley as a destination. Marketing & PR Manager Annette Brown and 1st Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors Ken Westmyer (GM of Temecula’s Quality Inn) join us.

Pechanga Resort & Casino has been one of the most successful Indian gaming properties in the West. A new hotel wing is under construction which will add two restaurants, a spa, and a Las Vegas-style resort pool deck with all the upscale amenities including cabanas. Ciara Green, Pechanga’s Public Relations Manager, takes off her hard hat to discuss the ambitious expansion efforts with us.

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

As part of the Pechanga Microbrew Festival nine of the talented Pechanga chefs are creating a signature chili recipe to be enjoyed (and judged) by the guests.

Marlene MooreChef Marlene Moore of Temptations Food Court is the defending chili champ for her Temptation” Hearty Southern Style Chili. At Temptations she is especially known for her “wait-in-line” worthy fried chicken. Chef Marlene is here to stir the slow-simmering pot.

With 219 votes out of a total of 914 votes from 2015 Microbrew Festival attendees, Chef Moore, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, unseated Chef Damian Stanley (Pechanga’s Executive Sous Chef) who had held the coveted chili crown for the previous two years.

Andy Dale and Karen McMillen of Last Name Brewing at Innovate PasadenaLast Name Brewing (formerly known as Dale Bros Brewing in Upland) is one of the fine craft breweries participating in the Pechanga Microbrew Festival. Co-owners Andy Dale and Karen McMillen join us to tap the keg.

“[LAST NAME] Brewing is a craft brewery and tap room in Upland, CA. We brew the kind of beer we like to drink. Beer that’s smooth, balanced and that pairs up well with food. Turns out other people like to drink it, too. Sometimes, they even like it enough to give it a gold medal (or two.) We’re not brewing beer to put trophies on our mantels, but it’s nice to be appreciated.”

“From the first foamy sip to the last, our goal has always been to create beer that tastes great. Our base ingredients are deceptively simple: San Francisco Lager Yeast. Two-Row Malt. Yet the fullness and depth of flavor come from knowing how to make those ingredients (and a few select others) shine.”

Danian StanleyChef Damien Stanley is the Executive Sous Chef at the Pechanga Resort & Casino. He’s responsible for creating the menu for the newest, full-service restaurant at Pechanga, the well-received Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar.

Umi means “sea” in Japanese. On the extensive menu are sushi, sashimi, nigiri, rolls, oysters on the half shell, seafood platters, specialty cocktails and so much more.

Chef Stanley held the Pechanga chili crown for two years in 2015 and 2014. He’s not competing this year but will provide an expert’s overview for us of the nine chef-created chilies in competition for 2016.

Mason Jar Brewing CompanyOne of the smallest craft breweries participating in the Pechanga Microbrew Festival is Mason Jar Brewing in Menifee founded in 2014. It’s the creation of the determined husband and wife team of Robert Carter and Grace Santiago. They transitioned into becoming a production brewery from their hobby as passionate and award-winning home-brewers.

Husband and wife team, Robert Carter and Grace Santiago, are active and participating residents of Menifee, California. Robert, a home inspector/youth football coach and Grace a local Real Estate agent, have both found their true creative calling in brewing beer.

Now, they have launched their next dream… Menifee’s first Craft Brewery! Locally known for their homebrew, Robert and Grace have won 22 medals out of 24 competitions entered over their last two years as home brewers for their delicious traditional and dessert inspired beers.

The most recent medal won as home brewers (2014) was in the fruit beer category at the National Homebrew Competition (NHC).  At NHC, they took home a GOLD medal for their dark chocolate, raspberry, coconut stout besting hundreds of competitors.

Currently on tap is their signature IPA. It’s characterized by nice citrus notes, a slightly dry finish and is incredibly tasty! 7.2% ABV and 58 IBU.

Ronnel Capacia photo byy Todd MontgomeryRonnell Capacia is the chef at Kelsey’s at Pechanga Resort and Casino. Last year his chili creation was the runner-up.

For 2016 he’s back with a new recipe. All we know for sure is that the revised creation uses Golden Road Brewing’s Get Up Offa That Brown, a toasty brown ale, in the recipe. Perhaps we’ll learn more in our chat with Chef Capacia.

The revamped Kelsey’s is an all-American pub with a fine flair for hand-cut, barbequed meats and an outstanding, rotating selection of premium craft beers.

Kelsey’s restaurant is named after C.E. Kelsey, a progressive U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs agent assigned to work with and address concerns of California tribes in the early 1900’s. In 1907, the U.S, government purchased 235 acres (with a sustainable water source) to be added to the Pechanga Tribe’s land. This came to be known as the Kelsey tract on which nearly 100 years later, Pechanga Resort & Casino would be built.

Visit Temecula Valley Wine CountryTemecula Valley has evolved into a diverse and appealing visitors’ destination. In addition to the attractions of the Pechanga Resort & Casino, there is historic Old Town and dozens of praise-worthy wineries. Visit Temecula Valley is the umbrella organization for promoting Temecula Valley as a destination. Marketing & PR Manager Annette Brown and 1st Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors Ken Westmyer (GM of Temecula’s Quality Inn) join us.

“Come play with us in Temecula Valley, Southern California Wine Country. Nestled quietly among rolling hills and vineyards, under clear azure skies, Temecula Valley Wine Country is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. “

“Have a glass of wine during lunch at one of our many award-winning wineries. Gaze upon our lush vineyards, beautiful estates and awe-inspiring scenery from high above in a hot-air balloon. Stroll upon our verdant golf courses as you putt your worries away. Test lady luck and play the night away at Pechanga Resort and Casino. Explore Old Town with the kids where the Wild West still lives.”

Ciara Green of PechangaPechanga Resort & Casino has been one of the most successful Indian gaming properties in the West. A new luxury hotel wing is under construction which will add two restaurants, a 2-level spa, and a Las Vegas-style resort pool deck with all the upscale amenities including cabanas. Ciara Green, Pechanga’s Public Relations Manager, takes off her hard hat to discuss the ambitious expansion efforts with us.

It’s all tentative at this point but the hope is that the new parking garage will be available in late November and the 568-room and suite, AAA Four Diamond hotel addition/expansion will debut in the Fall of 2017.

“We estimate the expansion will result in an economic output of over $550 million, generating roughly 2,944 jobs up front as a result of construction-related activities,” said Dr. Christopher Thornberg, Founding Partner of Beacon Economics. “We estimate the local economy will benefit from an additional 560 jobs per year going forward as a result of expanded operations at Pechanga Resort & Casino.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Chef Marlene Moore, Tempations Food Court, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Segment Three: Last Name Brewing, Upland (previously known as Dale Bros. Brewing)
Segment Four: Damien Stanley, Executive Sous Chef, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Segment Five: Mason Jar Brewing Company, Menifee
Segment Six: Chef Ronnel Capacia, Kelsey’s, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Segment Seven: Visit Temecula Valley
Segment Eight: Pechanga Resort’s $285 Million Expansion