Show 181, July 23, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosExecutive 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. Last month in Chicago he received Nation’s Restaurant News’ Trendsetter MenuMaster Award for Slapfish.

On July 20th Chef Andrew was on ABC 7’s “Eyewitness News” with their Food Coach, Lori Corbin talking about tasty seafood alternatives to some over-fished varieties. Choose the Dish, not the Fish.”

Now a provocatively tempting preview of Saturday’s abundant 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…

Richmond, British Columbia is an incorporated city of 210,000 residents just South of Vancouver. It’s known for having some of the most authentic regional Chinese cuisine outside of China. The “SoCal Restaurant Show” was recently on assignment in Richmond B.C. Joining us to further delve into the vibrant Richmond food scene is Vancouver’s acclaimed Chef Alex Chen (ex-Beverly Hills Hotel.)

The OC Fair is on now through August 14th. What’s new in Fair Food? We’ll chat with the Midway Gourmet himself, Dominic Palmieri. Think Bacon Wrapped Pork Belly Dog and Deep Fried Butter! There’s more…

Cesar’s Bistro tucked away in Long Beach is one of our discoveries from DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week. Their specialty is “The New Latin American Cuisine.” Co-owner Luz Angelica Torres Vargas has all the delicious 411. Think creative Empanadas and Arepas.

Alta Baja Market, open in the 4th Street Market in Downtown Santa Ana, is the creation of Delilah Snell and Natasha Monnereau, who have invested many years into Downtown Santa Ana and the culture of the area. Their “not-the-usual” boutique market sources one-of-a-kind items from above and below the Southwestern border, including goods, specialty foods and more from California, Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico. Delilah Snell joins us to fill our virtual shopping carts.

Specialty salts are appearing everywhere. There are a whole variety of salts to cook and prepare foods with. There are also now pricey finishing salts available. Let’s not forget salt substitutes. It’s all a bit confusing. Our resident chef, Andrew Gruel, is here to cook-up some clarity…

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

Show 181, July 23, 2016: Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet, OC Fair

Dominic Palmieri of Midway GourmetThe OC Fair is hosting “Get Your Fair Face On!” from July 25th to August 14th in celebration of its 126th anniversary with culinary creations to suit all palates. Foodies can enjoy wild and new fare mixed in with the traditional fair food.

The word is already out on the new grilled, bacon-wrapped pork belly dog on a stick from Biggy’s. Also, consider if you will, Deep Fried Butter and Deep Fried Nutella. Not attention-getting gimmicks but worthy fair food…We’ll meet the creator, Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet!

Biggy’s big hit from previous years, The Big Rib, is back for an encore. It’s a 2-pound beef rib on a 17-inch bone (ala “the stick”). The weight is both the meat and the bone.

Also within the popular food stands of the RCS Midway is Pickle Fries at Pickle O’ Pete’s. If you enjoy the taste of dill pickles this will be a new winner for you.

Their motto : Bringing Everything Delicious! From Gourmet Fare to Wild and Wacky Treats.

Show 181, July 23, 2016: Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet, OC Fair Continues…

Dominic Palmieri of Midway GourmetThe OC Fair is hosting “Get Your Fair Face On!” from July 25th to August 14th in celebration of its 126th anniversary with culinary creations to suit all palates. Foodies can enjoy wild and new fare mixed in with the traditional fair food.

In 2015 at the OC Fair Biggy’s Meat Market (Dominic Palmieri) sold 2,500 pounds of Bacon-Wrapped Pork Belly skewers wrapped in 1.25 miles of thick-cut honey bacon plus 600 gluten-free burgers and 22,000 pounds of sausage.

Dominic is also part of RCS, the entity that operates the popular Midway (Carnival) at the OC Fair.

Ray Cammack Shows, Inc. (RCS) has been providing carnival entertainment to fairs and guests since 1963. Each year, RCS rides over 10 million people on their amusement rides. They pride themselves in attention to detail. That detail is reflected in their safety records, RCS’s guest satisfaction, and their capability to gross maximum revenues.

July 23: Boulevard Kitchen, Midway Gourmet, Cesar’s Bistro, Alta Baja Market

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Chef Alex Chen, Boulevard Kitchen, Vancouver, B.C.
Segment Three: Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet, OC Fair Part One
Segment Four: Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet, OC Fair Part Two
Segment Five: Luz Angelica Torres Vargas, Cesar’s Bistro, Long Beach
Segment Six: Delilah Snell, Co-Proprietress, Alta Baja Market, 4th Street Market, Downtown Santa Ana Part One
Segment Seven: Delilah Snell, Co-Proprietress, Alta Baja Market, 4th Street Market, Downtown Santa Ana Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group, Huntington Beach

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosExecutive 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. Last month in Chicago he received Nation’s Restaurant News’ Trendsetter MenuMaster Award for Slapfish.

Now a provocatively tempting preview of Saturday’s abundant 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…

Richmond, British Columbia is an incorporated city of 210,000 residents just South of Vancouver. It’s known for having some of the most authentic regional Chinese cuisine outside of China. The “SoCal Restaurant Show” was recently on assignment in Richmond B.C. Joining us to further delve into the vibrant Richmond food scene is Vancouver’s acclaimed Chef Alex Chen (ex-Beverly Hills Hotel.)

The OC Fair is on now through August 14th. What’s new in Fair Food ? We’ll chat with the Midway Gourmet himself, Dominic Palmieri. Think Bacon Wrapped Pork Belly Dog and Deep Fried Butter ! There’s more…

Cesar’s Bistro tucked away in Long Beach is one of our discoveries from DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week. Their specialty is “The New Latin American Cuisine.” Co-owner Luz Angelica Torres Vargas has all the delicious 411. Think creative Empanadas and Arepas.

Alta Baja Market, open in the 4th Street Market in Downtown Santa Ana, is the creation of Delilah Snell and Natasha Monnereau, who have invested many years into Downtown Santa Ana and the culture of the area. Their “not-the-usual” boutique market sources one-of-a-kind items from above and below the Southwestern border, including goods, specialty foods and more from California, Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico. Delilah Snell joins us to fill our virtual shopping carts.

Specialty salts are appearing everywhere. There are a whole variety of salts to cook and prepare foods with. There are also now pricey finishing salts available. Let’s not forget salt substitutes. It’s all a bit confusing. Our resident chef, Andrew Gruel, is here with some clarity…

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

Alex Chen of Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster BarRichmond, British Columbia is an incorporated city of 210,000 residents just South of Vancouver. 65 per cent of the residents are Asian and half of that group is of Chinese ancestry. It’s known for having some of the most authentic regional Chinese cuisine outside of China.

It’s home to Vancouver International Airport and the iconic Richmond Olympic Oval. It’s nestled where the Pacific Ocean and the mighty Fraser River meet. Richmond is a thriving multicultural destination city offering a growing range of cultural, heritage, culinary and leisure experiences.

The “SoCal Restaurant Show” was recently on assignment in Richmond B.C. Joining us to further delve into the vibrant Richmond food scene is Vancouver’s acclaimed Chef Alex Chen (ex-Beverly Hills Hotel.) He is currently the greatly respected chef at Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar in Vancouver.

Where does Chef Chen eat on his time away from Boulevard Kitchen? He particularly enjoys the Chinese street food in Richmond. Cantonese specialties are at the top of the list but he savors food discoveries from all eight principal culinary regions of China. They are all represented in Richmond.

We talk about some of his favorites. Pass the tea, please…

Dominic Palmieri of Midway GourmetThe OC Fair is hosting “Get Your Fair Face On!” from July 25th to August 14th in celebration of its 126th anniversary with culinary creations to suit all palates. Foodies can enjoy wild and new fare mixed in with the traditional fair food.

The word is already out on the new grilled, bacon-wrapped pork belly dog on a stick from Biggy’s. We’ll meet the creator, Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet!

Biggy’s big hit from previous years, The Big Rib, is back for an encore. It’s a 2-pound beef rib on a 17-inch bone (ala “the stick”). The weight is both the meat and the bone.

Their motto: Bringing Everything Delicious! From Gourmet Fare to Wild and Wacky Treats.

The OC Fair is hosting “Get Your Fair Face On!” from July 25th to August 14th in celebration of its 126th anniversary with culinary creations to suit all palates. Foodies can enjoy wild and new fare mixed in with the traditional fair food.

 In 2015 at the OC Fair Biggy’s Meat Market (Dominic Palmieri) sold 2,500 pounds of Bacon-Wrapped Pork Belly skewers wrapped in 1.25 miles of thick-cut honey bacon plus 600 gluten-free burgers and 22,000 pounds of sausage.

Dominic is also part of RCS, the entity that operates the popular Midway (Carnival) at the OC Fair.

Ray Cammack Shows, Inc. (RCS) has been providing carnival entertainment to fairs and guests since 1963. Each year, RCS rides over 10 million people on their amusement rides. They pride themselves in attention to detail. That detail is reflected in their safety records, RCS’s guest satisfaction, and their capability to gross maximum revenues.

Cesar’s Bistro tucked away in Long Beach is one of our discoveries from the 2016 DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week. Their specialty is “The New Latin American Cuisine.”

Co-owner Luz Angelica Torres Vargas has all the delicious 411. Think creative Empanadas and Arepas.

One of their new poultry dishes is Gaucho Chicken. It’s two boneless chicken thighs marinated in house-made chimichurri sauce and garlic & onion mojo. It’s served with the house salad and rustic potatoes.

“Here at Cesar’s Bistro we select our ingredients from the best quality sources. We offer friendly and respectful attention toward our customers and partners; we provide great service in our family-friendly casual atmosphere.”

“We make good moments.” – Chef Cesar Villarreal.

Delilah SnellAlta Baja Market, open in the 4th Street Market in Downtown Santa Ana, is the creation of Delilah Snell and Natasha Monnereau, who have invested many years into Downtown Santa Ana and the culture of the area.

Their “not-the-usual” boutique market sources one-of-a-kind items from above and below the Southwestern border, including goods, specialty foods and more from California, Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico. Delilah Snell joins us to fill our virtual shopping carts.

The market is a love letter to the unique fare and rare finds from above and below the border including kitchen items, dry goods, gifts, books, wines and beers, chiles, moles, heirloom beans, spices, fresh produce, aguas frescas from backyard fruit, and gourmet meats and cheeses from California, Arizona, New Mexico, Tijuana, Ensenada, Valle De Guadalupe and beyond.

Michelada Menu at Alta Baja Market“Latinos make up a significant percentage of the population in Southern California and Orange County. Mexican food is incredibly popular and now, more than ever, the border is an important topic of conversation,” said Delilah Snell. “We will celebrate culture and bring community together by sharing, discovering and enjoying the foods that connect us.”

The market will also host cooking classes and lectures, hands-on activities, and monthly community dinners using 4th Street Market’s incubator kitchens. Guest chefs from professional and home kitchens will host pop-ups. Co-ops and artisan makers will be highlighted regularly.

“Alta Baja Market is the perfect fit for the area. Delilah is heavily immersed, involved, and most importantly, respected, in the community. The Alta Baja Market team brings a level of expertise, connectivity and programming that will take things to the next level,” said Ryan Chase, 4th Street Market owner. “This market will be an important bridge for our Latino and non-Latino communities, which is an important bridge for Downtown Santa Ana and the community as a whole.”

Andrew Gruel and his son WilliamSpecialty salts are appearing everywhere. There are a whole array of salts to cook and prepare foods with. There are also now pricey, very precious finishing salts available. Let’s not forget salt substitutes. It’s all a bit confusing. Our resident chef, Andrew Gruel, is here with some clarity…

According to the 4th Edition of Food Lover’s Companion there is table-salt, iodized salt, Kosher salt, sea salt, Celtic salt, rock salt, pickling salt, sour salt and seasoned salt. See what we mean…

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Chef Alex Chen, Boulevard Kitchen, Vancouver, B.C.
Segment Three: Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet, OC Fair Part One
Segment Four: Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet, OC Fair Part Two
Segment Five: Luz Angelica Torres Vargas, Cesar’s Bistro, Long Beach
Segment Six: Delilah Snell, Co-Proprietress, Alta Baja Market, 4th Street Market, Downtown Santa Ana Part One
Segment Seven: Delilah Snell, Co-Proprietress, Alta Baja Market, 4th Street Market, Downtown Santa Ana Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group, Huntington Beach

Show 137, September 5, 2015: Dominic Palmieri, Midway Gourmet Continues…

Dominic Palmieri of Midway GourmetWe last chatted with the Midway Gourmet, Dominic Palmieri, at the beginning of the 125th Anniversary OC Fair. His standout new item at Biggy’s, located on the Midway at The OC Fair was as Bacon-Wrapped Pork Belly on a stick.

“With my first OC Fair on the books, I fully appreciate all of the hard work that goes into creating this exciting summer tradition for 125 years. From the Deep-Fried Slim Fast Bar to a cattle drive down Harbor Boulevard to the cute piglets and beautiful competitive entries, the OC Fair is an amazing summer tradition that I am proud to have shared with more than one million guests and staff,” said OC Fair & Event Center CEO Kathy Kramer, who was appointed in January.

Biggy’s Meat Market (Dominic Palmieri) sold 2,500 pounds of Bacon-Wrapped Pork Belly skewers wrapped in 1.25 miles of thick-cut honey bacon plus 600 gluten-free burgers and 22,000 pounds of sausage.