Show 334, July 27, 2019: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on July 28, 2019 by abell

Show 334, July 27, 2019: Beach City Food Tour’s (Long Beach) Founder, Layla Ali-AhmadNow an appealing preview of Saturday’s delectable 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 that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience. Couldn’t do it without you.

It’s a special morning as we’re broadcasting from the newly renovated Westin Long Beach at the kickoff party for DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week. It launches Saturday, August 3^rd running through Sunday, August 11^th. Two Weekends of dining goodness! It’s a prime time to dine in a possible new restaurant discovery in Long Beach.

Navy Proof Food & Spirits, located in the Westin Long Beach, is their newly debuted destination restaurant. A concept created by Howe & Brown Hospitality, the restaurant offers locals and travelers alike new-American fare and craft cocktails with bold flavors. Inspired by the history of maritime traditions and the sea, the cuisine emphasizes technique and texture to highlight the versatility of seasonal ingredients and locally-sourced seafood and meat. We gently pull executive Chef Chris Garasic out of his busy kitchen for a chat.

Executive Chef Eric Samaniego and Michael’s on Naples on Naples Island are part of DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week. Chef Eric celebrated his 3^rd Anniversary with Michael’s a few months back.

We’ll get updated on Michael’s on Naples with Chef Eric and preview their DINE LBC menu.

For the 2^nd year the nifty Kynbo App is available as a genuinely useful tool for effortlessly navigating DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week. Kynbo is the direct access for getting up-to-date menu info and photos for DINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week. It’s available to download for free on either smart phone platform or via their Website. Co-Founder Thao Doan joins us with the intriguing specifics.

Terri Henry is the Founder and Organizer of DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week which debuted in 2014. Participating restaurants offer value-oriented dining menus during the nine days of the event from Saturday, August 3^rd through Sunday, August 11^th. We’ll meet Terri Henry.

San Pedro’s Crazy Fish Grill and Market in Garden Village center is new to DINE LBC. Crazy Fish was founded by a group of five guys who share a “crazy” passion for fresh seafood. We’ve reeled in partner Dannesh Alam to explain more…

The Westin Long Beach is celebrating the completion of an ambitious $23 million renovation which includes the debut of their destination restaurant, Navy Proof Food & Spirits. The refreshing includes a spacious lobby and revitalized guest rooms. Managing Director John Thompson (J.T.) is our hospitable guide.

A great way to be introduced to the foods of a new area is to partake of the highest rated food walking tour of that neighborhood. Beach City Food Tours has been doing that very successfully in Long Beach for the last couple of years with their flagship tour, Downtown Long Beach Walking Tour. Last year they added the irresistible East Village Craft Cocktail Tour. Proprietress Layla Ali-Ahmad joins us with all the tempting details of what’s on the menu.

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

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Show 334, July 27, 2019: Beach City Food Tour’s (Long Beach) Founder, Layla Ali-Ahmad

Posted on July 28, 2019 by abell

A great way to be introduced to the foods of a new area is to partake of the highest rated food walking tour of that neighborhood. Beach City Food Tours has been doing that very successfully in Long Beach for the last couple of years with their flagship tour, Downtown Long BeachWalking Tour. Last year they added the irresistible East Village Craft Cocktail Tour.

Proprietress Layla Ali-Ahmad joins us with all the details of what’s on the menu.

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July 27: Live from the Dine LBC Launch Party

Posted on July 25, 2019 by abell

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Chris Garasic, Navy Proof Food and Spirits and The Westin Long Beach
Segment Three: Executive Chef Eric Samaniego, Michael’s on Naples, Long Beach
Segment Four: Kynbo App for Foodies with Co-Creator Thao Doan
Segment Five: Terri Henry, Founder, DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week
Segment Six: Crazy Fish Grill and Market, San Pedro
Segment Seven: John (J.T.) Thompson, Managing Director, The Westin Long Beach
Segment Eight: Beach City Food Tour’s (Long Beach) Founder, Layla Ali-Ahmad

Now an appealing preview of this Saturday’s delectable show.

It’s a special morning as we’re broadcasting from the newly renovated Westin Long Beach at the kickoff party for DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week. It launches Saturday, August 3^rd running through Sunday, August 11^th. It’s a prime time to dine in a possible new restaurant discovery in Long Beach.

We’ll get updated on Michael’s on Naples with Chef Eric and preview their DINE LBC menu.

For the 2^nd year the nifty KYNBO App is available as a genuinely useful tool for effortlessly navigating DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week. KYNBO is the direct access for getting up-to-date menu info and photos for DINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week. It’s available to download for free on either smart phone platform or via their Website. Founders Thao Doan and John Doolan join us with the intriguing specifics.

A great way to be introduced to the foods of a new area is to partake of the highest rated food walking tour of that neighborhood. Beach City Food Tours has been doing that very successfully in Long Beach for the last couple of years with their flagship tour, Downtown Long Beach Walking Tour. Last year they added the irresistible East Village Craft Cocktail Tour. Proprietress Layla Ali-Ahmad joins us with all the tempting details of what’s on the menu.

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

“Executive Chef Chris Garasic has combined the resilient spirit, sense of adventure and love with the sea, with local ingredients and modern techniques to create his beautifully plated and flavorful dishes. Highlights of the menu include Smoked and Crispy Fried Chicken, served with honey & green goddess dressing; Duck Confit Banh Mi, piled high with duck pate, pickled vegetables, and spicy aioli; and Fried Green Tomato with burrata & roasted beets for lunch.”

“Guests may enjoy a variety of entrees from the land or sea for dinner, including Dry Aged Organic Ribeye with potato rosti, black kale, and porcini jus; Roasted Zucchini Cavatelli topped with harissa, lemon, mint and creme fraiche; and Grilled Spanish Octopus accompanied by potato salad and green romesco.”

“As a graduate of Western Culinary School in Portland, Oregon, Executive Chef Chris Garasic joined Navy Proof after previously leading kitchens at Mucho Ultima, The Shade Hotel, and Malibu Farm Lido, and consulting for Rock’N Fish. Using his finely tuned culinary skills to develop menus that are both simple and unique, Chef Chris has continued to leave a lasting impression on the culinary industry for more than two decades.”

We gently pull executive Chef Chris Garasic out of his busy kitchen (Breakfast service is on…) for a chat.

Executive Chef Eric Samaniego and Michael’s on Naples on Naples Island are part of DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week. Chef Eric celebrated his 3^rd Anniversary of success with Michael’s a few months back.

“Our highest priority is providing you with an unforgettable dining experience. We partner with local farms to source fresh, seasonal produce. We believe in making everything from scratch—pasta to sauces, mozzarella to gelato.”

“We know where everything on your plate came from, and we believe it’s your right to know as well. Quality is our highest priority; we don’t cut corners, and it shows. We invite you to dine with us so you can see—and taste—for yourself.”

We’ll get updated on Michael’s on Naples with Chef Eric and preview their DINE LBC menu.

For the 2^nd year the nifty KYNBO App is available as a genuinely useful tool for effortlessly navigating DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week.

KYNBO is the direct access for getting up-to-date menu info and photos for DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week participating restaurants. It’s available to download for free on either smart phone platform or via their Website.

“We are parents, high-tech professionals, and active community members with a passion for food, especially when shared with family and friends. We believe in simplicity and getting to the point as quickly as possible, and within context. Kynbo™ means “vicinity” in Japanese.”

“We built the Kynbo™ app for diners mainly for us. We want to see menus from nearby restaurants with one-click and not five. We want the ability to find exactly what we want to eat and drink way beyond Cuisine. We also want restaurants to let us know of any Specials, Events, or Rewards in real time to help us decide where to eat. Restaurants can now do this with the Kynbo™ restaurant portal.”

“Our goal is for Kynbo™ to be helpful and accessible by anyone, anywhere, and at any time. The Kynbo™ app for diners is free, and it is also free for restaurants to be on Kynbo™. We want diners to search and find whatever food or drink they crave at any price point. As food lovers, we love the hole in the wall Pho place as much as the French Laundry. Kynbo™ will forever change how diners and restaurants interact, for the better. We hope you join us in this needed disruptive change.”

Founders Thao Doan and John Doolan join us with the intriguing specifics.

“Experience the diverse cuisine that delights the palate and defines the art of dining in Long Beach. Held annually, DINE LBC features value-oriented two or three course menus from dozens of Long Beach’s best restaurants located in twelve unique neighborhoods throughout the City.”

Each participating restaurant offers a three-course menu priced at $15, $25, $35, $45, $55 or $65 per guest with wine pairing options at select fine dining locations OR dinner for two priced at $25, $35, $45, $55 or $65, where diners share an appetizer, each enjoy their own entree, then share a dessert at more casual establishments.”

“The only meal planning you’ll need to worry about during Dine LBC week is which restaurant to try every night of the week.”

We’ll meet Terri Henry.

San Pedro’s Crazy Fish Grill and Market in Garden Village center is new to DINE LBC. Crazy Fish was founded by a group of five guys who share a “crazy” passion for fresh seafood.

“We decided to take our passion for seafood and provide a fast casual restaurant that promotes sustainability without reducing affordability. We know that the City of San Pedro (Los Angeles) shares this passion with us, so we look forward to serving you fresh fish daily for years to come.”

We’ve reeled in partner Dannesh Alam to explain more…

The Westin Long Beach is celebrating the completion of an ambitious $23 million renovation which includes the launch of their destination restaurant, Navy Proof Food & Spirits. The refreshing includes a spacious lobby and revitalized guest rooms. The refurbished spaces reflect a modern, sophisticated style reflecting the property’s vibrant California coastline setting.

“This is such an exciting time to be in Long Beach. There is an abundance of growth as well as an overall elevation of our city, and we are thrilled to be able to contribute by offering Long Beach a chic and welcoming revamped destination in the heart of downtown,” said John Thompson, Westin Long Beach Managing Director. “Transformations like the one we are currently going through bring a new, fresh dynamic to the overall cityscape of Long Beach but also instill a sense of pride for our loyal team members who have been with us from the beginning. For the community and guests alike, the Westin’s new spaces will set the tone for an innovative way to gather, interact and connect.”

Managing Director John Thompson is our hospitable guide.

A great way to be introduced to the foods of a new area is to partake of the highest rated food walking tour of that neighborhood. Beach City Food Tours has been doing that very successfully in Long Beach for the last couple of years with their flagship tour, Downtown Long Beach Walking Tour. Last year they added the irresistible East Village Craft Cocktail Tour.

Proprietress Layla Ali-Ahmad joins us with all the details of what’s on the menu.

Podcasts

Show 301, December 8, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on December 10, 2018 by abell

Now an irresistible preview of Saturday’s sinfully delicious show. We’re in the true Holiday spirit…It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

What are the “Top 10” Specialty Produce items in 2018? What’s sprouting on the horizon for 2019? All will be revealed by our enthusiastic resident produce authority, Robert Schueller of Melissa’s.We respectfully refer to him as The Prince of Produce.

Chef Brian Huskey’s modest Tackle Box (Local Grub Shack,) located on the beach in Corona del Mar, is known for serving fine-dining cuisine out of a beach shack. Chef Brian has recently gone up-market with a more ambitious Tackle Box located at SoCo in Costa Mesa. We’ll reel Chef Brian in for an update.

You would not expect to find an incredible artisan bakery which also serves popular word-of-mouth breakfast and lunch (extraordinary sandwiches) in the small town of Los Alamos in Santa Barbara County just off the 101 Freeway. Bob’s Well Bread Bakery and Café delightfully defies expectations. We’re on the rise with Proprietor / Boulanger Bob Oswaks.

Yes, The Holidays and Craft Beer do pair together well. At Holiday time there are a number of seasonal Holiday pours available for the quaffing. For the best in holiday cheer we’re joined by our brewing authorities from Golden Road Brewing – Brewmaster Victor Novak and Anaheim Head Brewer Steven Torres.

A great way to be introduced to the foods of a new area is to partake of the highest rated food walking tour of that neighborhood. Beach City Food Tours has been doing just that very successfully in Long Beach for the last couple of years. They have just added the irresistible East Village Craft Cocktail Tour. Proprietress Layla Ali-Ahmad joins us with all the details of what’s on the menu.

Ryan Wilson, an accomplished chef, is part of the fourth generation of proud Frank / Van de Kamp family ownership of Lawry’s Restaurants, Inc. Most recently he served as Vice President and Corporate Executive Chef but recently transitioned to an expanded position with Lawry’s Restaurants looking to the future. We’ll talk to Ryan about the 80^thAnniversary of Lawry’s The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills this year as well as his new, expanded responsibilities.

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

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Show 301, December 8, 2018: Layla Ali-Ahmad, Beach City Food Tours’ East Village Cocktail Tour

Posted on December 10, 2018 by abell

They have just added the irresistible East Village Craft Cocktail Tour highlighting five thirst-quenching stops over the three-hour guided expedition.

It’s a carefully selected mélange of farm-to-table libations, Whiskey-centric craft cocktails, cider & mead and tequila and mezcal creations. There are also tasty small bar bites on the menu to be enjoyed along the way.

“Sip your way through Downtown Long Beach’s favorite watering holes, while learning about the City’s growing craft cocktail movement.”

One of the tour highlights is a stop at Great Society Cider & Mead, a one-of-a-kind establishment in Southern California. The entertaining Proprietor or General Manager there engagingly explains the flavor profiles of the four tasters of Cider each guest samples. There is also a food tasting there, too. On our tour they were serving a tasty Sausage & Pepper Penne Pasta creation.

This is a great Holiday Gift for that special someone who appreciates a well-crafted libation.

Proprietress Layla Ali-Ahmad joins us with all the details of what’s on the menu.

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December 8: Melissa’s World Variety Produce, Brian Huskey, Bob’s Well Bread, Golden Road Brewing, Beach City Food Tours, Lawry’s Restaurants

Posted on December 6, 2018 by abell

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s World Variety Produce’s “Prince of Produce”
Segment Three: Chef Brian Huskey, Tackle Box, SoCo, Costa Mesa
Segment Four: Bob Oswaks, Proprietor / Boulanger, Bob’s Well Bread Bakery, Los Alamos
Segment Five: Golden Road Brewing’s Brewmaster Victor Novak and Steven Torres (Anaheim Head Brewer)
Segment Six: Layla Ali-Ahmad, Beach City Food Tours’ East Village Cocktail Tour
Segment Seven: Ryan Wilson, Lawry’s Restaurants, Inc. Part One
Segment Eight: Ryan Wilson, Lawry’s Restaurants, Inc. Part Two

Now an irresistible preview of this Saturday’s sinfully delicious show. We’re in the true Holiday spirit…It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

Chef Brian Huskey’smodest Tackle Box (Local Grub Shack,) located on the beach in Corona del Mar, is known for serving fine-dining cuisine out of a beach shack. Chef Brian has recently gone up-market with a more ambitious Tackle Box located at SoCo in Costa Mesa. We’ll reel Chef Brian in for an update.

You would not expect to find an incredible artisan bakery which also serves ardent word-of-mouth breakfast and lunch (extraordinary sandwiches) in the small town of Los Alamos in Santa Barbara County just off the 101 Freeway. Bob’s Well Bread Bakery and Café delightfully defies expectations. We’re on the rise with Proprietor/ Boulanger Bob Oswaks.

Yes, The Holidays and Craft Beer do pair together well. At Holiday time there are a number of seasonal Holiday pours available for the quaffing. For the best in holiday cheer we’re joined by our brewing authorities from Golden Road Brewing –Brewmaster Victor Novak and Anaheim Head Brewer Steven Torres.

A great way to be introduced to the foods of a new area is to partake of the highest rated food walking tour of that neighborhood. Beach City Food Tours has been doing that very successfully in Long Beach for the last couple of years. They have just added the irresistible East Village Craft Cocktail Tour. Proprietress Layla Ali-Ahmad joins us with all the details of what’s on the menu.

Ryan Wilson, an accomplished chef, is part of the fourth generation of proud Frank / Van de Kamp family ownership of Lawry’s Restaurants, Inc. Most recently he served as Vice President and Corporate Executive Chef but recently transitioned to an expanded position with Lawry’s Restaurants. We’ll talk to Ryan about the 80^th Anniversary of Lawry’s The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills this year as well as his new, expanded responsibilities.

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

Melissa's Robert Schueller at the SoCal Restaurant Show 5th Anniversary

What are the “Top 10” Specialty Produce items in 2018? What’s sprouting on the horizon for 2019? We’ll tease that Jackfruit was the tenth most popular specialty produce item for 2018 based on sales.

All will be revealed by our enthusiastic resident produce authority, Robert Schueller of Melissa’s.We respectfully refer to him as The Prince of Produce.

Chef Brian Huskey’s modest Tackle Box (Local Grub Shack,) located on the beach in Corona del Mar, is known for serving fine-dining cuisine out of a beach shack. Chef Brian has recently gone up-market with a more ambitious Tackle Box located at SoCo in Costa Mesa. It’s Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Weekend Brunch.

“Tackle Box is the epicenter of fresh honest food. As a local grub shack, we provide our community with quick, simple, and unique flavors that appeal to the masses. We are inspired by local and sustainable purveyors in delivering the best quality product. Tackle Box is an interpretation of community through food, and we are here to share our everyday catch with you.”

“Huskey is a native of Pasadena, California. After attending and studying Economics at UCLA, where he had his first job as a short order cook at The Grove, Brian moved to San Francisco to get his formal culinary education at California Culinary Academy (CCA).”

“After CCA, Brian went on a culinary journey, traveling to places as far as the Caribbean – but eventually landing back in Los Angeles.”

“Brian has been able to travel and cultivate his culinary voice by learning how to incorporate Asian, French, Peruvian and Californian influences into his food.”

Brian previously competed on BRAVO’s nationally acclaimed and Emmy-winning TV show, Top Chef Season 11: New Orleans, where he had a national audience of foodies each week to showcase his culinary talent. He cooked his way through the difficult Season to finish as the Number 5 Cheftestant.

We’ll reel Chef Brian in for an update.

You would not expect to find an incredible artisan bakery which also serves popular word-of-mouth breakfast and lunch (extraordinary sandwiches) in the small town of Los Alamos in the heart of Santa Ynez wine country located just off the 101 Freeway. Bob’s Well Bread Bakery and Café delightfully defies expectations.

Unusually there are two cottages (“The Cottages”) available for guests on the Bob’s Well Bread property.

“Bob’s Well Bread was started by an entertainment executive-turned-baker who was looking for some balance in his life, and found a passion and a new calling that was both delightful and unexpected. “When you make something naturally, and with your hands, there’s a magic to it. If you’re eating a loaf of our bread, or drinking a bottle of our local wine, and you know that someone put in the time to make it by hand, there is just this personal connection. It may not change the way it tastes, but it changes your experience, and that is what everyone wants—the experience.”

“Bob and Jane Oswaks designed Bob’s Well Bread out of an old 1920’s gas station historic Los Alamos, opening their doors on August 1,2014. They pride themselves on the finest ingredients, sourced locally and seasonally, in all of their products, including Jane’s house made jams, marmalades, marshmallows and gluten-free specialties.”

“Using natural fermentation for yeast and allowing the dough to rise slowly, Bob’s Well Bread makes artisan breads by hand in small batches, in a custom-built stone deck oven.”

We’re on the rise with Proprietor/ Boulanger Bob Oswaks.

Yes, The Holidays and Craft Beer do pair together well. At Holiday time there are a number of seasonal Holiday pours available for the quaffing.

Would you believe there is a trending new style of craft beer that tastes like Sparkling Wine? This festive pour is a Brut IPA. We’ll get the effervescent details.

For the best in holiday cheer we’re joined by our brewing authorities from Golden Road Brewing– Brewmaster Victor Novak and Anaheim Head Brewer Steven Torres.

They have just added the irresistible East Village Craft Cocktail Tour highlighting five thirst-quenching stops over the three-hour guided expedition.

“Sip your way through Downtown Long Beach’s favorite watering holes, while learning about the City’s growing craft cocktail movement.”

Proprietress Layla Ali-Ahmad joins us with all the details of what’s on the menu.

Ryan Wilson, an accomplished chef, is part of the fourth generation of proud Frank / Van de Kamp family ownership of Lawry’s Restaurants, Inc. Most recently he served a s Vice President and Corporate Executive Chef but recently transitioned to an expanded position with Lawry’s Restaurants. We’ll talk to Ryan about the 80^th Anniversary of Lawry’s The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills this year as well as his new, expanded responsibilities.

With a new Stanford Graduate School of Business Master of Sciencein Management for Experienced Leaders degree Ryan has transitioned into the new post as Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer.

Show 235, August 5, 2017: DINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week, Terri Henry, Producer & Founder

Posted on August 7, 2017 by abell

DINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week is set for August 5^th through August 13^th, 2017. More than 60 diverse Long Beach restaurants spanning 12 neighborhoods will offer special multi-course menus at affordable prices

Participating restaurants and food companies will be offering multi-course, “value-oriented” meals and special deals set at one of six price points: $15, $25, $35, $45, $55 or $65.

Founder and organizer Terri Henry, who brought restaurant week to Long Beach in 2014, said that besides attracting local “foodies”, Dine LBC allows those who view dining out as a luxury to also enjoy an exceptional experience. The nine-day event that includes two full weekends gives locals the opportunity to visit multiple participating restaurants and also allows those in neighboring cities who find it difficult to travel to Long Beach during the week more options.

For the first time this year, Dine LBC will be highlighting non-restaurant, food-centric companies in Long Beach, such as Beach City Food Tours, Romeo Chocolates and the anticipated RICE & SHINE pop-up brunch that took place August 5 and 6.

“Beach City Food Tours is obviously not an individual restaurant”, said Layla Ali-Ahmad, who started the downtown Long Beach food and architectural tour last summer. “But we are still introducing our clients to the great restaurants and food scene of Long Beach, so we were thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in Dine LBC this year.”

Foodie Instagrammers can also enter the “Dine. Snap. Share. And Be Entered to Win.” Dine LBC Instagram Contest, inviting diners to post photos of their dining experience on Instagram with the hashtag #DineLBC. At the conclusion of restaurant week, one winner will be chosen at random and win $1000 in gift certificates from various Long Beach restaurants, plus a mixed case of Coquelicot Wines, the signature wine of The Sky Room. Some restrictions apply. For complete rules visit the Dine LBC website.

Participating restaurants, menus, food companies and offers can be found at the DineLBC website.

First we’ll chat with DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant founder, Terri Henry, for the overview for 2017.

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Show 204, December 31, 2016: Show Preview with Andy Harris, Co-Host & Executive Producer

Posted on January 2, 2017 by abell

Happy Holidays and the happiest of Happy New Year’s to all our loyal listeners. Where did 2016 go? Thanks so much for making us part of your Saturday morning throughout the year. We have an over-stuffed year-end show for you.

Now a tempting preview of Saturday’s busting-out at the seams show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a pretty good thing…

Food tours are a great way of discovering the cuisine of a city. It’s even better when you can explore on foot. One of the area’s newest food walking tours is Beach City Food Tours offering a well-planned, highly informative and incredibly tasty Downtown Long Beach food and beverage tasting experience. We’ll meet proprietress Layla Ali-Ahmad.

The Union Square Hospitality Group in New York initiated a policy of “no tipping” (Hospitality Included) earlier last year. The gratuity is included in the menu pricing. The concept is an effort to resolve the inequality in the compensation of the Front of the House Staff versus the hard-working kitchen staff who are not tipped. The DirtytSexyHappiness Hospitality Group tried this in ARC and Restaurant Marin at SoCo in Costa Mesa. We’ll chat with proprietors Chef Noah and Marin Blom to see how this innovation has worked out in their properties.

We know award-winning food journalist Cathy Thomas as the former long-time Food Editor of The Orange County Register. She now has a new monthly, on-line feature in Orange Coast Magazine of a chef profile and accompanying cooking video recipe. We’ll catch up with her.

We conclude the year with one of our resident wine experts, Tristen Beamon, of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange. Wine Exchange is also in the import and distribution sector with BW Direct. They specialize in finding great values in Bordeaux wines from this legendary grape growing region in Southwestern France considered the pinnacle of global wine areas.

The Ritz Prime Seafood launched late last year in Newport Beach. It was a bit of a misfire initially as long-time guests of the departed The Ritz in Newport Center (famous for elegant Continental dining) were expecting a reworking of that legendary establishment and this was, instead, an entirely new, contemporary concept. Now let’s meet the totally fresh, The Ritz Prime Seafood “2.0”. Partner Ben Sabourui, a hospitality veteran, joins us with the details of the revitalized restaurant.

Executive Chef Sherry Yard, a multiple James Beard award-winner for culinary excellence, is the culinary goddess for the luxe iPic Theaters. Her latest creation is The Tuck Room Tavern destination restaurants located in new iPic theater complexes in Westwood, New York City at The South Street Seaport, North Miami and Houston. Chef Sherry is our guest.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group is our in-house hospitality industry expert. He’s now looking ahead at possible significant Restaurant Industry Trends for 2017. Breakfast, for instance, is hot. Also, what’s up with no cook menus and beer bars ?

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

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Show 204, December 31, 2016: Layla Ali-Ahmad, Proprietress, Beach City Food Tours, Long Beach

Posted on January 2, 2017 by abell

Beach City Food Tours has launched the first of its kind in Long Beach, a guided walking tour that offers residents and tourists alike the opportunity to taste and sip offerings from some of the city’s most popular eateries and food shops. Attendees experience Long Beach, a growing food lover’s city, through a unique sensory journey while learning about the city’s history, art and culture along the way. The tour is currently available for Downtown Long Beach, but will eventually expand to other parts of the city.

Founded by Long Beach resident Layla Ali-Ahmad, the idea was born from a mutual love of food and travel – and Long Beach, a city she proudly calls home. “Our goal is to introduce the amazing food culture we have in Long Beach to both locals and travelers alike” says Ali-Ahmad. “Long Beach is becoming known for its great food shops and delicious restaurants, but many people are unsure where to venture first, or they simply want to try new things. Our tour is designed to give the food lover a unique and delicious view of the city, and we look forward to adding more of the unique neighborhoods to the tour options soon.”

We’ll meet proprietress Layla Ali-Ahmad.

Special Discount Offer:

Layla is graciously offering a 10 per cent discount on any bookings made in January as a perk to our Listeners.

This includes future tours and gift cards.

Use the “Discount Code” KLAA (all caps) at checkout.

We recommend Layla and the Tour based on personal experience. Please know this is not an advertisement but pure editorial support.

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December 31: Beach City Food Tours, DirtySexyHappiness. Cathy Thomas, Wine Exchange, Ritz Prime Seafood, Sherry Yard

Posted on December 29, 2016 by abell

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Andy Harris, Co-Host & Executive Producer
Segment Two: Layla Ali-Ahmad, Proprietress, Beach City Food Tours, Long Beach
Segment Three: Marin & Executive Chef Noah von Blom, DirtySexyHappiness Hospitality Group, Costa Mesa
Segment Four: Food Journalist and Author, Cathy Thomas
Segment Five: Tristen Beamon, Proprietor, Wine Exchange & BW Direct, Santa Ana
Segment Six: Ben Sabouri, Partner, The Ritz Prime Seafood, Newport Beach
Segment Seven: Executive Chef Sherry Yard, The Tuck Room Tavern
Segment Eight: Executive Chef & Founder Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Happy Holidays and the happiest of Happy New Year’s to all our loyal listeners. Where did 2016 go? Thanks for making us part of your Saturday morning this festive Holiday Weekend and throughout the year. We have an over-stuffed show for you.

The Union Square Hospitality Group in New York initiated a policy of “no tipping” (Hospitality Included) earlier last year. The gratuity is included in the menu pricing. The concept is an effort to resolve the inequality in the compensation of the Front of the House Staff versus the hard-working kitchen staff who are not tipped. The DirtytSexyHappiness Hospitality Group tried this in ARC and Restaurant Marin at SoCo in Costa Mesa. We’ll chat with proprietors Chef Noah and Marin Blom to see how this innovation has worked out in their properties.

The Ritz Prime Seafood launched late last year in Newport Beach. It was a bit of a misfire as long-time guests of the departed The Ritz in Newport Center (famous for elegant Continental dining) were expecting a reworking of that legendary establishment and this was, instead, an entirely new, contemporary concept. Now let’s meet the totally fresh, The Ritz Prime Seafood 2.0. Partner Ben Sabourui, a hospitality veteran, joins us with the details.

Chef Sherry Yard, a multiple James Beard award-winner for culinary excellence, is the culinary goddess for the luxe iPic Theaters. Her latest creation is the Tuck Room Tavern destination restaurants located in new iPic theater complexes in Westwood, New York City at The South Street Seaport, North Miami and Houston. Chef Sherry is our guest.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group is our resident hospitality industry expert. He’ll be looking ahead at possible significant Restaurant Industry Trends for 2017. Breakfast, for instance, is hot. Also, what’s up with no cook menus and beer bars?

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

We’ll meet proprietress Layla Ali-Ahmad.

The (greatly respected and always trendsetting) Union Square Hospitality Group (Union Square Café, the Modern, North End Grill…) in New York initiated a policy of “no tipping” earlier last year. The gratuity is included in the menu pricing. The concept is an effort to resolve the inequality in the compensation of the Front of the House Staff versus the hard-working kitchen staff who are not tipped.

The DirtytSexyHappiness Hospitality Group tried this in ARC and Restaurant Marin at SoCo in Costa Mesa. We’ll chat with proprietors Chef Noah and Marin Blom to see how this innovation has worked out in their properties.

They are also about to open their 3^rd concept at SoCo, The Guild Club. We’ll get a preview.

We know award-winning food journalist Cathy Thomas as the former long-time Food Editor of The Orange County Register and the author of 3 well-received cookbooks. She now has a new monthly, on-line feature in Orange Coast Magazine of a chef profile and accompanying cooking video recipe. The feature with the video for December is “Making Scrumptious Salmon with Herb-Spiked Soffrito with Chef Michael Doctulero” (Waterman’s Harbor in Dana Point.)

She has also recently been a part of the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival in Orlando and journeyed to France.

Look for her helpful e-Newsletter, Cathy Thomas Cooks!

We’ll catch up with her.

We conclude the year with one of our resident wine experts, Tristen Beamon, of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange. Wine Exchange is also in the import and distribution sector with BW Direct – Bordeaux and Beyond. They specialize in finding great values in Bordeaux wines from this legendary grape growing region in Southwestern France considered the pinnacle of global wine areas.

“Like Wine Exchange, BW Direct has the best prices, best selection, and best service. Our fantastic wines will wow your guests and increase your profits.”“Welcome to BW Direct, the wholesale arm of Wine Exchange.”

“We pride ourselves on the strong relationships Tristen, Kyle, Eddie and the entire team have formed over their collective 50+ years in the wine industry. These relationships have helped us secure some of the world’s best wines at the most competitive prices in the business. Our business model differs from other distributors:

We have a unique, and often exclusive, selection of wines at some of the lowest prices in the country.
We are proud to carry a wide selection of Chateau-direct Bordeaux inventory, as well as cutting edge selections from the Languedoc.
We don’t charge any broken case fees when orders are picked up from our Orange County showroom.
We encourage buyers to come shop our showroom, at their leisure, for a complete buying experience.
We have no “quota” obligations to our suppliers, allowing us to create a stress free and no pressure environment.
We love what we do and we’re here to help!”

The Ritz Prime Seafood launched late last year in Newport Beach. The $5 million update to the previous Chart House location was lavish.

It was a bit of a misfire as long-time guests of the departed The Ritz in Newport Center (famous for elegant Continental dining) were expecting a refreshening of that legendary and venerable establishment and this was actually an entirely new, contemporary concept. Oops…Now let’s meet the totally fresh The Ritz Prime Seafood 2.0.

“Located along Newport’s scenic Mariner’s Mile, The Ritz Prime Seafood offers a fine dining experience harbor side, with a globally influenced menu featuring sustainable fish and seafood flown in daily, as well as dry-aged steaks, chops and Jidori chicken. It’s a reconceived, all new and different incarnation of the past three-decade-old The Ritz. This chic, upscale restaurant has new culinary offerings and its own look, social buzz and vibe – already becoming a Southern California “modern legend” with its own distinctive personality.”

“Dinner is served nightly and highlighted by entrees, including from the Sea: Branzino with sunchoke, pistachio, couscous and sultana; Sea Scallop with cauliflower, pomegranate and hazelnut brown butter; and Alaskan Halibut with red bell pepper, eggplant puree and confit tomatoes. From the Land are Lamb Rack with zucchini mint puree and Israeli couscous; 16oz Tomahawk Steak with bone marrow butter, broccoli potato au gratin and marsala jus; Jidori Chicken; and other entrees.”

Partner Ben Sabourui, a hospitality veteran, joins us with the details.

There is a cocktail countdown and DJ in Westwood for New Year’s Eve. Limited availabilities remain for the 2^nd seating with a Midnight Champagne Toast.

Weekend Brunch includes the Brunch Box (with multiple entrée choices) and alcoholic beverage for $19.99.

For the last night of Hanukkah enjoy Chef Sherry’s Crispy Latke Fries with apple sauce and sour cream.

Sherry Yard is our guest.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group is our resident hospitality industry expert. He’ll be looking ahead at possible Restaurant Industry Trends for 2017. Breakfast, for instance, is hot. Also, what’s up with no cook menus and beer bars?

Chef Andrew opens the newest Slapfish in the Outlets at San Clemente in San Clemente next week. In later January look for his new concepts, Two Birds and Butterleaf, to debut in Trade in Irvine.

SoCal Restaurant Show Saturdays 10:00AM PT on AM 830 KLAA Los Angeles

Tag Archives: Beach City Food Tours

Show 334, July 27, 2019: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Show 334, July 27, 2019: Beach City Food Tour’s (Long Beach) Founder, Layla Ali-Ahmad

July 27: Live from the Dine LBC Launch Party

Podcasts

Podcasts

Show 301, December 8, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Show 301, December 8, 2018: Layla Ali-Ahmad, Beach City Food Tours’ East Village Cocktail Tour

December 8: Melissa’s World Variety Produce, Brian Huskey, Bob’s Well Bread, Golden Road Brewing, Beach City Food Tours, Lawry’s Restaurants

Show 204, December 31, 2016: Show Preview with Andy Harris, Co-Host & Executive Producer

Show 204, December 31, 2016: Layla Ali-Ahmad, Proprietress, Beach City Food Tours, Long Beach

Special Discount Offer:

December 31: Beach City Food Tours, DirtySexyHappiness. Cathy Thomas, Wine Exchange, Ritz Prime Seafood, Sherry Yard

Podcasts

Podcasts