Show 694, August 29, 2026: Smoke & Oak BBQ & Whiskey Fest with Qiana Mafnas, Producer

Posted on August 31, 2026 by Adam Bell

Qiana Mafras of Axiom Kitchen Smoked Meats & BBQ

Calling all BBQ lovers! The 2nd Annual Smoke & Oak BBQ Tasting event returns Saturday, September 5, 2026.

“Organized by Ian and Qiana Mafnas of Axiom Productions, and proprietors of the wildly popular Axiom Kitchen Smoked Meats & BBQ, the event is sponsored by non-profit NoahS’s Arc Foundation. Dozens of BBQ and other vendors will gather at Promenade Square Park on Saturday, September 5, 4 – 8:00 p.m. to offer smoked, sauced and rubbed tastings to BBQ lovers.”

Promenade Square Park is located at 215 E. 1st St, Long Beach.

“Enjoy unlimited tastings from participating pitmasters and chefs, premium whiskey experiences (with full experience ticket), live music, beer / wine / cocktails available for purchase. Tickets are available to purchase.”

Founder and PitMaster Qiana Mafnas puts down her tongs to join us.

Show 694, August 29, 2026: Smoke & Oak BBQ & Whiskey Fest with Vinegar and Smoke’s PitMaster Michael Ramirez, a participant

Posted on August 31, 2026 by Adam Bell

Calling all BBQ lovers! The 2nd Annual Smoke & Oak BBQ Tasting event returns Saturday, September 5, 2026.

Promenade Square Park is located at 215 E. 1st St, Long Beach.

“PitMaster Michael Ramirez is the Co-Founder of Vinegar & Smoke, a Orange County-based BBQ catering firm, They specialize in smoked meats, taco parties and gourmet pickles.”

They are part of the Smoke & Oak Tasting Event. We’ll meet PitMaster Michael.

Show 679, May 16, 2026: 4th Annual Long Beach BBQ Fest with Producer Qiana Mafnas

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Adam Bell

The 4^th Annual Long Beach BBQ Fest returns on the Weekend of May 23^rd and 24^th to Rainbow Lagoon celebrating enticing styles of the Pitmasters’ craft. May is National BBQ month!

“Organized by Ian and Qiana Mafnas, proprietors of the ever popular Axiom Kitchen Smoked Meats & BBQ, sponsored by non-profit NoahS’s Arc Foundation, dozens of BBQ and other vendors will gather at Rainbow Lagoon Park for the two day celebration, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. both days, to offer their smoked, sauced and rubbed specialties to BBQ lovers. Adding to the fun will be other food and craft vendors, whiskey tasting, music, dancing and games.”

“We are excited for year four of this delicious event”, said Ian and Qiana Mafnas in a joint statement. “We hope to give our fellow smokers and BBQ joints some great exposure and two days of memorable BBQ to all that attend.”

Fest founder, Qiana Mafnas, puts down her tongs to join us.

Show 654, November 22, 2025: Meathead, BBQ Hall of Famer and New York Times – Bestselling Author with Thanksgiving Cooking Tips

Posted on November 24, 2025 by Adam Bell

“From the BBQ Hall of Famer and New York Times bestselling author of Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling comes The Meathead Method, a masterclass in the science and art of outdoor cooking. Meathead offers readers an informative, comprehensive, and fun guide to BBQ, grilling, and griddling, all backed by the latest culinary science. With more than 110 creative and non-traditional recipes, The Meathead Method provides both indoor and outdoor cooks with tools to elevate their skills. From mastering fire, smoke, and heat to discovering the intricacies of flavors, this book is more than just a cookbook—it’s a reference manual which guides us on a journey into the heart of what makes great food.”

Meathead is our special encore guest providing insightful tips for outdoor cooking for preparing the Thanksgiving feast including some proven variations on cooking the bird to achieve even doneness. His tips include dry brining, Simon & Garfunkel Spice Rub and Stuffing Muffins. Also cooking that perfect standing rib roast if you’re willing to splurge.

Show 627, May 17, 2025: Long Beach BBQ Festival with Founder Qiana Mafnas of Axiom Kitchen

Posted on May 19, 2025 by Adam Bell

“Join, perhaps, the ultimate BBQ adventure at the 2025 Long Beach BBQ Festival – a BBQ & music event in Long Beach, Ca. Celebrating National BBQ Month!! It’s two days (Friday, May 23^rd and Saturday, May 24^th) of Food, Friends, Family and FUN – at Shoreline Aquatic Park in sunny Long Beach.”

“Step into the heart of Long Beach and brace yourself for an unforgettable BBQ festival extravaganza, hosted by Axiom Kitchen and in collaboration with NoahS’s Arc Foundation. The festival grounds will be alive with the sizzling aromas and lively tunes from local bands, creating a barbecue paradise that celebrates the diverse flavors of Southern California. Indulge in a gastronomic adventure with BBQ delights ranging from classic favorites to innovative culinary creations.”

Co-Founder Qiana Mafnas of Axiom Kitchen joins us with all the flavorful and succulent details.

Show 578, May 18, 2024: 2nd Annual Long Beach BBQ Festival with Organizer Qiana Mafnas of Axiom Kitchen

Posted on May 19, 2024 by Adam Bell

“Calling all BBQ lovers! The 2nd Annual Long Beach BBQ Fest will take place on Saturday, May 25. May is National BBQ Month.”

“Organized by Ian and Qiana Mafnas, proprietors of the wildly popular Axiom Kitchen Smoked Meats & BBQ, sponsored by non-profit NoahS’s Arc Foundation and in collaboration with Long Beach Living, dozens of BBQ and other vendors will gather at Shoreline Aquatic Park on Saturday, May 25, from Noon to 9 p.m. to offer their smoked, sauced and rubbed specialties to BBQ lovers.”

Adding to the fun will be other food and craft vendors, craft beers, whiskey tasting, music, dancing and games. Tickets are $15 – $150 and can be purchased here.

“We are excited for year two of this very unique event”, said Ian and Qiana Mafnas in a joint statement. “We hope to give our fellow smokers and BBQ joints some great exposure and to all those attending a delicious and memorable afternoon and evening.”

Long Beach’s newly launched ISM Brewing will be pouring a couple of their distinctive styles. ISM last month won a pair of prestigious Gold Medals at the World Beer Cup for CalfFiend (infused with coffee) and Western Standard Time (West Coast IPA.)

Qiana Mafnas joins us with tongs in hand.

Show 427, May 29, 2021: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on May 30, 2021 by Adam Bell

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

“Executive Chef Kenneth Williams is an American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York, Chef Ken brings a wealth of professional expertise to overseeing Agua Caliente Resort Rancho Mirage’s diverse dining options.” “Chef Ken believes in utilizing the best, highest quality products, and he considers it a part of his job to inspire and educate his culinary staff to produce delicious dining experiences on a consistent basis. His arrival at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage (in early 2019) coincided with the opening of 360 Sports, with its full-service dining and bar menu options, and the property’s new dining marketplace, The District, offering an array of regional cuisines from Mexican to a selection of Asian and delicatessen foods. These new eateries joined the existing, casual Waters Café, and the fine-dining flagship, The Steakhouse.” Chef Ken is our guest.

“2021 marks Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery’s 50th year (located on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley) and it is still family owned and operated. Founders Bob and Sue Brakesman’s three children, Heather, Brian, and Danny were all raised at Summit Lake and have worked hard to continue their parent’s legacy. Sue passed away in 2003 but you can still find Bob working hard repairing equipment and tending the vineyards. Brian has taken over the winemaking, Heather is the general manager and Danny caretakes the property. In addition to Zinfandel, Summit Lake Vineyards produces estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel Port, Petite Sirah, a red blend and rosé. All are named for Bob and Sue’s granddaughters; Emily Kestrel, Clair Riley, Sophia Lynn, and Blythe Susan and grandsons Ben and Shane.” Heather Griffin and Brian Brakesman join us to gently pull the cork on Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery.

“Gasolina Café launched in 2015 on Ventura Blvd. in Woodland Hills under the direction of Chef/Proprietor Sandra Cordero. It’s Spanish influenced food with a fresh approach. The menu is seasonally driven and foodstuffs are sustainably raised and grown, and locally sourced. Gasolina Cafe always takes pride in honoring Chef Sandra’s Spanish heritage.” Newly opened for Dinner on Thursday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.” Open for Breakfast and Lunch on Wednesday through Sunday. Chef Sandra Cordero joins us paella pan in hand.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is continually updating us on the real impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants during the early, highly fluid stages of the hoped-for recovery which remains a genuine concern. It’s the first big grilling weekend of the unofficial start of Summer. Chef Andrew shares some valuable tips. Chef Andrew is in Texas on his annual Texas BBQ tasting road tour. What distinguishes BBQ in the Lone Star State ? Chef Andrew will point us in the right direction.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness (with proper Social Distancing) on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 427, May 29, 2021: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Posted on May 30, 2021 by Adam Bell

Chef Andrew Gruel savoring a New Jersey style Pizza

It’s the first big grilling weekend of the unofficial start of Summer. Chef Andrew shares some valuable tips for success on the grill.

Chef Andrew is in Texas on his annual Texas BBQ tasting road tour. Just as we were about to discover what distinguishes BBQ in the Lone Star State from other regions we lost the connection with Chef Andrew. We’ll regroup and pick up this conversation next week.

Keep in mind the juicy and delicious Community Burger (more than a mouthful) is available at all Southern California locations of Slapfish. The worthy burger is free with any donation to “86 Restaurant Struggle.” 100 per cent of that money goes to benefit struggling restaurant workers.

Show 422, April 24, 2021: Chef Brian Huskey, Proprietor, Tackle Box, Corina del Mar

Posted on April 26, 2021 by Adam Bell

“Top Chef” Season 11– New Orleans Alum Brian Huskey brings his talents to Big Corona Beach in Corona del Mar serving up the freshest seafood grub beachside at Tackle Box. Established in 2016 he likes to refer to it as a “Local Grub Shack.” Beachgoers and diners can enjoy a variety of classic seafood dishes at this casual oceanfront eatery. Only open Thursday to Sunday.

For Newport Beach Restaurant Week (concluding May 2^nd) Chef Brian is offering a $15 prix fixe Lunch menu available from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It includes a choice of sandwich with house potato chips, a side and a Tackle Box cookie for dessert plus beverage. Sandwich options include BBQ Pork Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Club, Albacore Tuna Melt, Truffle Burger and an Avocado Burger.

Chef Brian joins us with tongs in hand.

Show 399, November 14, 2020: Drew Brahs of Harper Barbecue in Costa Mesa

Posted on November 15, 2020 by Adam Bell

Drew Brahs of Harper Barbecue (Costa Mesa based) is well-known in the West as the go-to builder (via word-if-mouth and Instagram) of hand-crafted, custom smokers for skilled pitmasters and backyard barbecue fans alike. He crafts everything from small backyard pits to large versions on trailers. Drew is responsible for creating the twin, 1,000 gallon smokers offset smokers used at Danny Castillo’s Heritage Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano.

Drew is a fan of the Central Texas style of barbecue. In the early stages of development and construction is his long-in-the works restaurant, Harper Barbecue, in Costa Mesa which will be a Family affair. While the restaurant is being built Drew will shift the smoker enterprise to selling stock items. Website coming soon…

We’ll meet barbecue entrepreneur Drew Brahs.