Show 345, October 19, 2019: Travel Journalist Darley Newman, “Travels with Darley” on KCET Part One

Darley Newman“Travels with Darley” takes viewers around the world with Emmy-nominated host Darley Newman and locals as the guides to experience culture, cuisine, history and outdoor adventure.

The broadcast version debuted locally on Public Television’s KCET in September, taking viewers through Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and the USA. For Southern California viewers “Travels with Darley” airs Monday through Friday at 6:30 p.m. The new season marks the 41st half hour of the series aired over 7 seasons.

Season 8 of “Travels with Darley” is in production right now. The Greater L.A. and Orange County show includes visits in Costa Mesa to Wahoo’s Fish Taco, Vaca Restaurant (with Chef Amar Santana) and Blackmarket Bakery.

“Darley Newman is a travel expert, media entrepreneur, and author who channeled her passion for travel and storytelling into a dream career. Through her production company, DCN Creative, she is the creator, producer and host of internationally broadcast travel shows, “Travels with Darley” and Emmy Award-winning, “Equitrekking.” She also popularized the niche genre of equestrian tourism and often appears as a travel expert on leading media, including USA Today, The Washington Post and Forbes.”

The globe-trotting Darley Newman is our guest.

Show 184, August 13, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel

Andrew Gruel and his son WilliamExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Brea, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, most recently, The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for Rams and USC Football, is back as today’s Co-Host. In May in Chicago during the National Restaurant Association’s annual conclave he received Nation’s Restaurant News’ Trendsetter MenuMaster Award for Slapfish.

Now a (hopefully) tantalizing preview of Saturday’s overloaded 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…

Rachel Klemek’s Blackmarket Bakery is a home-grown institution in The Camp in Costa Mesa and now in Santa Ana, too, in the Santora Building. Rachel also has a pop-up at The OC Fair in the OC Promenade. It’s time for our annual visit with baker, Rachel Klemek.

The Bellwether is the debut restaurant (launched in early August of 2015) and bar from Executive Chef/Owner Ted Hopson and Beverage Director/Owner Ann-Marie Verdi. The market-inspired menu aims to capitalize on the abundance of California produce in order to showcase one-of-a-kind food and drink menus that feature family style shareable dishes, unique infusion based cocktails, and a hand-selected list of beer and wine. Chef Ted and Ann-Marie are our guests.

Newly launched in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone is Acme Hospitality’s Helena Avenue Bakery. It’s primarily a small-production, wholesale bakery operation but the proudly, from-scratch operation features a small retail counter open to the public daily from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Acme Hospitality’s Sherry Villanueva joins us.

Ascension Cellars is a premium, boutique winery specializing in barrel-select, handcrafted Rhône and Bordeaux-style wines from the central coast of California. Ascension Cellars began when friends were enjoying a glass of wine together one summer day.  “You know, this is good,” they said, “but there is something missing.”  And so, the quest for something better began.  Winemaker & Proprietor Erick Allen is our guest.

It’s that most wonderful time of the year – Hatch Chile season! Grown only in the Mesilla Valley of New Mexico they are only available fresh for a few shorts weeks annually, now through mid-September. Joining us for an informative update with all the provocative Hatch Chile 411, including where to find sure-to-please recipes, is our resident Produce authority, Robert Schueller of Melissa’s World Variety Produce. Let the roasting begin.

Tilapia is particularly appreciated in the Asian and Hispanic communities but needs more love in the United States. It’s flavorful, easy-to-prepare and value priced. It’s been called the “aqua-chicken.” Our resident seafood authority and Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, provides the informed perspective with no fish tales.

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

Show 184, August 13, 2016: Rachel Klemek, Blackmarket Bakery, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana

Rachel Klemek of Blackmarket Bakery and the CampRachel Klemek’s Blackmarket Bakery is a home-grown institution in The Camp in Costa Mesa and now in Santa Ana, too, in the Santora Building. Her newest location, in the City of San Diego, will launch soon. Rachel also has a pop-up at The OC Fair in the OC Promenade through August 14th. It’s time for our annual visit with baker, Rachel Klemek.

Chef Rachel, grew up in the South, influenced by her two sugar-loving Grandmas. Baking and eating cookies, Bojangles (biscuits), breads and other delicacies were forms of communication, a way of showing — and sharing — family love. After experimentation and hands on experience in the industry, she attended the Culinary Institute of America, Napa Valley, in Baking & Pastry, graduating at the top of her class.

In 2004, she struck out on her own, founding Blackmarket Bakery in an inauspicious industrial space in Irvine, CA. Since then, her product line, legend and lore have grown. Her incredible cakes, cookies, brownies made from wine flour and fresh breads are just a few items that showcase Chef Rachel’s culinary playfulness.  Her new egg sandwiches have also generated a loyal following.

Furthering her goal of empowering the community with quality, Blackmarket Bakery offers a selection of fresh, whole-food based items that are pleasing to the body and the mind.  By using fundamentals – butter, flour, sugar, eggs (all black market goods during WWII) – Chef Rachel focuses on delivering what the community is missing.

 

August 13: Blackmarket Bakery, The Bellwether, Helena Avenue Bakery, Ascension Cellars, Melissa’s Hatch Chile Season

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Rachel Klemek, Blackmarket Bakery, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana
Segment Three: Chef Ted Hopson & Beverage Director Ann-Marie Verdi, The Bellwether, Studio City
Segment Four: Sherry Villanueva, Acme Hospitality, Helena Avenue Bakery, Santa Barbara
Segment Five: Erick Allen, Winemaker and Proprietor, Ascension Cellars, Paso Robles
Segment Six: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s World Variety Produce, Hatch Chile Season Part One
Segment Seven: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s World Variety Produce, Hatch Chile Season Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish – In Defense of Tilapia

Andrew Gruel and his son WilliamExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Brea, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, most recently, The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for Rams and USC Football, is back as today’s Co-Host. In May in Chicago during the National Restaurant Association’s annual conclave he received Nation’s Restaurant News’ Trendsetter MenuMaster Award for Slapfish.

Now a (hopefully) tantalizing preview of Saturday’s overloaded 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…

Rachel Klemek’s Blackmarket Bakery is a home-grown institution in The Camp in Costa Mesa and now in Santa Ana, too, in the Santora Building. Rachel also has a pop-up at The OC Fair in the OC Promenade. It’s time for our annual visit with baker, Rachel Klemek.

The Bellwether is the debut restaurant (launched in early August of 2015) and bar from Executive Chef/Owner Ted Hopson and Beverage Director/Owner Ann-Marie Verdi. The market-inspired menu aims to capitalize on the abundance of California produce in order to showcase one-of-a-kind food and drink menus that feature family style shareable dishes, unique infusion based cocktails, and a hand-selected list of beer and wine. Chef Ted and Ann-Marie are our guests.

Newly launched in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone is Acme Hospitality’s Helena Avenue Bakery. It’s primarily a small-production, wholesale bakery operation but the proudly, from-scratch operation features a small retail counter open to the public daily from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Acme Hospitality’s Sherry Villanueva joins us.

Ascension Cellars is a premium, boutique winery specializing in barrel-select, handcrafted Rhône and Bordeaux-style wines from the central coast of California. Ascension Cellars began when friends were enjoying a glass of wine together one summer day.  “You know, this is good,” they said, “but there is something missing.”  And so, the quest for something better began.  Winemaker & Proprietor Erick Allen is our guest.

It’s that most wonderful time of the year – Hatch Chile season! Grown only in the Mesilla Valley of New Mexico they are only available fresh for a few shorts weeks annually, now through mid-September. Joining us for an informative update with all the Hatch Chile 411, including where to find sure-to-please recipes, is our resident Produce authority, Robert Schueller of Melissa’s World Variety Produce. Let the roasting begin.

Tilapia is particularly appreciated in the Asian and Hispanic communities but needs more love in the United States. It’s flavorful, easy-to-prepare and value priced. It’s been called the “aqua-chicken.” Our resident seafood authority and Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, provides the informed perspective with no fish tales.

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

Rachel Klemek of Blackmarket Bakery and the CampRachel Klemek’s Blackmarket Bakery is a home-grown institution in The Camp in Costa Mesa and now in Santa Ana, too, in the Santora Building. Rachel also has a pop-up at The OC Fair in the OC Promenade through August 14th. It’s time for our annual visit with baker, Rachel Klemek.

Chef Rachel, grew up in the South, influenced by her two sugar-loving Grandmas. Baking and eating cookies, Bojangles (biscuits), breads and other delicacies were forms of communication, a way of showing — and sharing — family love.  After experimentation and hands on experience in the industry, she attended the Culinary Institute of America, Napa Valley, in Baking & Pastry, graduating at the top of her class.

In 2004, she struck out on her own, founding Blackmarket Bakery in an inauspicious industrial space in Irvine, CA. Since then, her product line, legend and lore have grown. Her incredible cakes, cookies, brownies made from wine flour and fresh breads are just a few items that showcase Chef Rachel’s culinary playfulness.

Furthering her goal of empowering the community with quality, Blackmarket Bakery offers a selection of fresh, whole-food based items that are pleasing to the body and the mind. By using fundamentals – butter, flour, sugar, eggs (all black market goods during WWII) – Chef Rachel focuses on delivering what the community is missing.

Ann Marie Verdi and Ted Hopson of the BellwetherThe Bellwether is the debut restaurant (launched in early August of 2015) and bar from Executive Chef/Owner Ted Hopson and Beverage Director/Owner Ann-Marie Verdi. The market-inspired menu aims to capitalize on the abundance of California produce in order to showcase one-of-a-kind food and drink menus that feature family style shareable dishes, unique infusion based cocktails, and a hand-selected list of beer and wine.

Equal attention is warranted for the thoughtful beverage program created by Ann-Marie Verdi (also formerly of Father’s Office) who has worked closely with Chef Hopson to create complementary cocktails infused with much of the same seasonal produce found in the menu.

“Our years of combined industry experience have impacted every decision we have made throughout this process and seeing our ideas turn into reality has been incredibly rewarding,” says Hopson. “We focused on creating the type of experience we would want as guests, and we couldn’t be more excited to be able to share that with everyone !”

Chef Ted and Ann-Marie are our guests.

Sherry VillanuevaNewly launched in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone is Acme Hospitality’s Helena Avenue Bakery. It’s primarily a small-production, wholesale bakery operation but the proudly, from-scratch operation features a small retail counter open to the public daily from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

“It’s exciting to see the growth in high quality businesses opening up in the Funk Zone.  The need for a wholesome bakery that appeals to people of all ages became quite clear to us as the neighborhood continues to unfold,” states Sherry Villanueva. “Having a bakery was a logical

progression for us. The key ingredient was putting together the right talent, and we have a passionate and talented team. We’ve been serving the donuts, bagels, scones, muffins and cookies at Lucky Penny for several months now and they’ve been a huge hit.”

The bakery allows visitors to observe the chefs at work as they hand-shape baguettes, breads and pastries behind over-sized glass walls. The bakers’ ovens and state-of-the art equipment are exposed to the public, integrating modern machinery into the original architecture of the notable warehouse.

The entrance to the bakery is accessed through a shared door of the Santa Barbara Wine Collective. As guests enter, they are greeted by the inviting Picnic Counter which serves as the local shop for artfully displayed breads, pastries, sandwiches and salads prepared fresh daily.

Acme Hospitality’s Sherry Villanueva joins us.

Erick AllenAscension Cellars is a premium, boutique winery specializing in barrel-select, handcrafted Rhône and Bordeaux-style wines from the central coast of California.

Ascension Cellars began when friends were enjoying a glass of wine together one summer day.  “You know, this is good,” they said, “but there is something missing.”  And so, the quest for something better began.  They wanted wines with elegance, body, and grace that stimulated the senses.  They wanted wines that they would be proud to offer to their family and friends.

What followed was good fortune by the barrel. Vast support and inspiration came not only from knowledgeable mentors in Lake Arrowhead, who have been making wine together for decades, but also from Paso Robles winemakers who gave so generously of their time and expertise.

“We source our grapes and make our wine at Cass Vineyard. We are inspired by their focus on low yield, premium quality fruit as well as the impeccable care of their vineyards. Together, we share a love of the environment and promote sustainability of nature’s resources.”

“Our love of French Rhône and Bordeaux wines influence every wine we craft. We believe in a limited, light-handed approach to winemaking, allowing the true typicity of each varietal and the terroir of the vineyard to shine through as the star of each vintage, preserving the wine’s link to its place of origin. This allows us to create wines that are distinctive and hypnotic with personality, charm, balance and grace.”

“We embrace the use of stainless steel, cold core fermentation for our white wines, showcasing the floral tropical notes, fruit flavors, bright minerality and acidity of each varietal. Once our white wines are blended, we preserve these qualities by aging the wines in neutral, French oak barrels with limited contact to oxygen prior to bottling.”

“We barrel age our red wines for two years in French and American Appalachian Oak barrels where the use of new oak is done sparingly. We blend our Rhône and Bordeaux varietals to produce wines that are more complex, better balanced, and richer than single, varietal wines.”

Winemaker & Proprietor Erick Allen is our guest.

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety Produce in the AM830 KLAA StudioIt’s that most wonderful time of the year – Hatch Chile season! Grown only in the Mesilla Valley of New Mexico they are only available fresh for a few shorts weeks annually, now through mid-September.

Joining us for an informative update with all the Hatch Chile 411, including where to find sure-to-please recipes, is our resident Produce authority, Robert Schueller of Melissa’s World Variety Produce. Let the roasting begin.

Harvested from fertile soil along the Rio Grande, Hatch Chiles thrive in the river valley’s combination of nutrient-rich soil, intense sunlight, and cool desert nights. The peppers develop thick walls and meaty, flavorful flesh unlike any other chile.

Because their growing season is short, Hatch Chiles are typically bought in bulk, roasted immediately, and frozen for use throughout the year. Nutritionally speaking, a single fresh medium-size green chile has as much Vitamin C as six oranges. Hot chile peppers are believed to burn calories by triggering a thermodynamic response in the body that speeds metabolism.

Melissa's Hatch ChilesOnce roasted, Hatch Chiles are easy to peel and seed. Roasting heightens the robust earthy flavor of chiles and the texture of thick walls of the chile pod becomes lusciously rich. These unique qualities, and the peppers’ variable heat (unlike other chile peppers. Hatch Chiles come in varieties that cover the full spectrum of heat levels) have earned Hatch Chiles great popularity far beyond the local community of Hatch New Mexico.

Connoisseurs and chefs from all over the globe have adopted Hatch Chiles as a condiment of choice. Many a home cook and celebrity chef have gone further, incorporating Hatch Chiles into all kinds of superb dishes from burgers, pizzas, quiches, pancakes, milkshakes, pastries and even spiced ice cubes.

Mouth-watering Hatch Chile recipes are available on the Melissa’s Website. Perfected recipes for Hatch Chile Guacamole, Hatch Chile Chili and Hatch Chile Salsa are all right there at the ready.

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosTilapia is particularly appreciated in the Asian and Hispanic communities but needs more love in the United States. It’s flavorful, easy-to-prepare and value priced. It’s been called the “aqua-chicken.”

Our resident seafood authority and Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, provides the informed perspective with no fish tales.

According to Seafood Health Facts:

“Tilapia has progressively grown in popularity since 2002 when it first entered the top ten list of the most frequently consumed seafood products in the United States. It’s the third most popular aquaculture or farm raised seafood product behind shrimp and salmon. Since 2006, Americans have consumed over 1 pound of tilapia per person each year. Predictions suggest it will remain a popular selection due to its mild flavor and taste, versatility in preparation, and competitive prices.”

“Tilapia is a sustainable farm-raised product. Because tilapia are herbivorous fish that feed on algae, there is no need for feeds produced from wild caught fish. Raising tilapia in some ponds or other small water bodies can actually help improve the quality of waters compromised by excessive algae blooms. Some farming operations are using a technique called aquaponics to cultivate fish and vegetables or herbs together to produce two or more products in the same water based system.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Rachel Klemek, Blackmarket Bakery, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana
Segment Three: Chef Ted Hopson & Beverage Director Ann-Marie Verdi, The Bellwether, Studio City
Segment Four: Sherry Villanueva, Acme Hospitality, Helena Avenue Bakery, Santa Barbara
Segment Five: Erick Allen, Winemaker and Proprietor, Ascension Cellars, Paso Robles
Segment Six: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s World Variety Produce, Hatch Chile Season Part One
Segment Seven: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s World Variety Produce, Hatch Chile Season Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish – In Defense of Tilapia

Show 154, January 9, 2016: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel & Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

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, now, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Next a tempting preview of Saturday’s hugely caloric but always healthy show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…

Charcoal Venice, the new inviting, neighborhood restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef and Proprietor Josiah Citrin (our guest), opened early last month on W. Washington Blvd., a burgeoning culinary destination in Venice, CA bordering Marina del Rey. A more casual concept than Citrin’s Melisse, Charcoal Venice upholds the chef’s philosophy “In Pursuit of Excellence,” with a simpler, more approachable menu.

The 3rd Annual Travel & Adventure Show returns to the San Diego Convention Center the weekend of January 16th and 17th. “The SoCal Restaurant Show” is broadcasting live from the Show on Saturday morning, January 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon. Planning your next vacation has never been easier. John Golicz, CEO of Unicomm, the event’s producer, joins us with a preview of what’s in store.

We’d love to see you in San Diego on Saturday, January 16th. The producers of The Travel & Adventure Show have graciously extended a exclusive discount offer for our listeners for both One Day & Two Day admissions. A One Day Adult admission is $10 (versus $16) and a Two Day Adult Admission is $18 (versus $25.) Use the Offer Code: “JOHN.” Just visit their website and click on “Buy Tickets.”

Inspired by a Chardonnay vineyard Elliott and Lynn Dolin planted behind their ocean-view Malibu home in 2006, Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards has quickly emerged as one of the leading producers in the new Malibu Coast AVA. Following the release of just five vintages of Chardonnay ($39), the Winery has plans to expand its Malibu production to include several more wines from the region. In fall 2014 Dolin Estate broadened its scope further with the release of a new line of Central Coast Pinot Noir wines. Elliott Dolin joins us to share his unusual wine story.

“Welcome to Viviane Restaurant, a collaboration between Bombet Hospitality Group and Proper Hospitality, located in the iconic Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills. Viviane features award-winning chef Michael Hung’s (Esquire Magazine’s Best New Restaurant) modern California interpretation of classic European and American cuisine. Chef Michael’s menu is paired with a curated wine list of boutique vineyards and 1950’s inspired seasonal cocktails. Join us daily for lunch and dinner, weekdays for breakfast, and weekends for brunch. Experience food, drink, and festivity indoors or poolside in our Kelly Wearstler-designed space, a mid-century modern oasis sequestered away from the hurried pace of Los Angeles.” Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower) is our guest.

Chef Rachel Klemek will be extending the reach of her award-winning made-from-scratch baked goods when she opens a new outpost,Blackmarket Bakery on Broadway, on Saturday, January 9th, 2016 in the downtown Santa Ana’s Santora building in the Artists Village (211 N. Broadway). Chef Klemek’s inspired approach to baking has set her apart within the county’s culinary landscape. Staying true to its roots, the new Santa Ana neighborhood bakery will highlight pastries made from her token “blackmarket” ingredients – butter, flour, sugar, and eggs. Chef Rachel joins us with all the sweet details.

Belfast-born Chef & restaurateur Geraldine (Gerri) Gilliland has been a major force on the hospitality scene in Santa Monica and environs since 1984. On St. Patrick’s Day in 2002 Gerri realized her most ambitious project to date and Finn McCool’s (a reassembled Irish pub from Newry, County Down) was launched. Irish nationals are among the employees. We’ll talk to Gerri about what authentic Irish pub food really is and her long-time friendship with the Irish Julia Child, Darina Allen of Ballymaloe Cookery School, Ireland’s best-known chef.

Anita Lau is better known to regular listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” as the Mad Hungry Woman blogger. She was living in Hong Kong in the 90s before the turnover to China. Anita is recently back from a 3-week visit. We’ll continue with her insider’s view of the dining scene there during the glory days of the British. It was a very different and colorful time…

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

Show 154, January 9, 2016: Pastry Chef Rachel Klemek, Blackmarket Bakery on Broadway, Santa Ana

Rachel Klemek of Blackmarket Bakery and the CampChef Rachel Klemek will be extending the reach of her award-winning made-from-scratch baked goods when she opens a new outpost, Blackmarket Bakery on Broadway, on Saturday, January 9th, 2016 in the downtown Santa Ana’s Santora building in the Artists Village (211 N. Broadway).

Chef Klemek’s inspired approach to baking has set her apart within the county’s culinary landscape. Staying true to its roots, the new Santa Ana neighborhood bakery will highlight pastries made from her token “blackmarket” ingredients – butter, flour, sugar, and eggs.

Built in 1928, the Santora building houses the bakery’s 2,300-square-foot space, adding a “retro” feel with art-deco elements, reminiscent of simpler times. As the largest Blackmarket Bakery yet, the Santa Ana location remains family friendly as it sees the addition of new menu items, including craft beers and hard ciders. The menu will also feature a new lineup of savory “bar bite” offerings, sandwiches made with fresh-baked breads, seasonal salads and sweet and hearty brunch items (the latter of which will be coming this Spring).

Like its Costa Mesa counterpart, which opened in 2012, the Santa Ana restaurant focuses on its made-from-scratch daily retail offerings such as Chef Rachel’s artisanal breads and now-famous “eggywiches,” as well as delectable desserts, including the Total Eclipse Mousse Cake, Cookie Monster Bread Pudding, and her ever-popular Black Widow Tart. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in Blackmarket signature cookies, including Walnut Mudslides, Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, and the Classic Two Tone.

“

Expanding into the Santa Ana market will allow us to serve even more of our community,” explained Chef Rachel, who opened her first Blackmarket Bakery in an industrial park in Irvine back in 2004. “The addition of craft beer and hard cider, as well as an expanded menu of family friendly favorites, gives our Santa Ana location a little something for everyone.”

Chef Rachel joins us with all the savory & sweet details.

 

January 9: Josiah Citrin, Michael Hung, San Diego Travel and Adventure, Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards, Blackmarket Bakery, Gerri Gilliland, Mad Hungry Woman

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel & Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Josiah Citrin, Charcoal Venice, Venice, CA
Segment Three: 3rd Annual San Diego Travel & Adventure Show
Segment Four: Elliott Dolin, Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards”
Segment Five: Executive Chef Michael Hung, Viviane Restaurant, Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills
Segment Six: Pastry Chef Rachel Klemek, Blackmarket Bakery on Broadway, Santa Ana
Segment Seven: Chef & Restaurateur Geraldine Gilliland, Finn McCool’s Irish Pub, Santa Monica
Segment Eight: Anita Lau, Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman Blogger

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, now, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Next a tempting preview of Saturday’s hugely caloric but always healthy show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…

Charcoal Venice, the new inviting, neighborhood restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef and Proprietor Josiah Citrin (our guest), opened early last month on W. Washington Blvd., a burgeoning culinary destination in Venice, CA bordering Marina del Rey. A more casual concept than Citrin’s Melisse, Charcoal Venice upholds the chef’s philosophy “In Pursuit of Excellence,” with a simpler, more approachable menu.

The 3rd Annual Travel & Adventure Show returns to the San Diego Convention Center the weekend of January 16th and 17th. “The SoCal Restaurant Show” is broadcasting live from the Show on Saturday morning, January 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon. Planning your next vacation has never been easier. John Golicz, CEO of Unicomm, the event’s producer, joins us with a preview of what’s in store.

Inspired by a Chardonnay vineyard Elliott and Lynn Dolin planted behind their ocean-view Malibu home in 2006, Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards has quickly emerged as one of the leading producers in the new Malibu Coast AVA. Following the release of just five vintages of Chardonnay ($39), the Winery has plans to expand its Malibu production to include several more wines from the region. In fall 2014 Dolin Estate broadened its scope further with the release of a new line of Central Coast Pinot Noir wines. Elliott Dolin joins us to share his unusual wine story.

“Welcome to Viviane Restaurant, a collaboration between Bombet Hospitality Group and Proper Hospitality, located in the iconic Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills. Viviane features award-winning chef Michael Hung’s (Esquire Magazine’s Best New Restaurant) modern California interpretation of classic European and American cuisine. Chef Michael’s menu is paired with a curated wine list of boutique vineyards and 1950’s inspired seasonal cocktails. Join us daily for lunch and dinner, weekdays for breakfast, and weekends for brunch. Experience food, drink, and festivity indoors or poolside in our Kelly Wearstler-designed space, a mid-century modern oasis sequestered away from the hurried pace of Los Angeles.” Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower) is our guest.

Chef Rachel Klemek will be extending the reach of her award-winning made-from-scratch baked goods when she opens a new outpost, Blackmarket Bakery on Broadway, on Saturday, January 9th, 2016 in the downtown Santa Ana’s Santora building in the Artists Village (211 N. Broadway). Chef Klemek’s inspired approach to baking has set her apart within the county’s culinary landscape. Staying true to its roots, the new Santa Ana neighborhood bakery will highlight pastries made from her token “blackmarket” ingredients – butter, flour, sugar, and eggs. Chef Rachel joins us with all the sweet details.

Belfast-born Chef & restaurateur Geraldine (Gerri) Gilliland has been a major force on the hospitality scene in Santa Monica and environs since 1984. On St. Patrick’s Day in 2002 Gerri realized her most ambitious project to date and Finn McCool’s (a reassembled Irish pub from Newry, County Down) was launched. Irish nationals are among the employees. We’ll talk to Gerri about what authentic Irish pub food really is and her long-time friendship with the Irish Julia Child, Darina Allen of Ballymaloe Cookery School, Ireland’s best-known chef.

Anita Lau is better known to regular listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” as the Mad Hungry Woman blogger. She was living in Hong Kong in the 90s before the turnover to China. Anita is recently back from a 3-week visit. We’ll continue with her insider’s view of the dining scene there during the glory days of the British. It was a very different and colorful time…

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

Josiah CitrinCharcoal Venice, the new inviting, neighborhood restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef and Proprietor Josiah Citrin (our guest), opened early last month on W. Washington Blvd., a burgeoning culinary destination in Venice, CA bordering Marina del Rey. A more casual concept than Citrin’s Melisse, Charcoal Venice upholds the chef’s philosophy “In Pursuit of Excellence,” with a simpler, more approachable menu.

As the name suggests, the daily menu features craveable comfort foods cooked over a live fire via a wood oven, over charcoal, in the coals, or in a Big Green Egg – imparting a smoky, backyard barbeque flavor with the use of premium oak and hickory lump coals. Adding to the communal atmosphere of the restaurant, these dishes are all large, family-style portions meant to be shared.

Citrin also offers starters, including a unique tartare selection, such as beef heart and lamb, alongside a selection of farmers’ market vegetables including a whole head of cabbage baked in the coals until it’s completely black on the outside and smoky on the inside.

“This is the type of casual concept I’ve always wanted to open. It’s the food that I prepare for my friends and family in my backyard on the weekend. Not too fancy, just delicious food that you crave,” says Citrin. “Mélisse is your special occasion restaurant, while Charcoal Venice is an every night place for a refreshing beer and a perfectly grilled entrée.”

Travel and Adventure ShowThe 3rd Annual Travel & Adventure Show returns to the San Diego Convention Center the weekend of January 16th and 17th. “The SoCal Restaurant Show” is broadcasting live from the Show in the IFWTWA booth on Saturday morning, January 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon. Planning your next vacation has never been easier.

This year’s event features a larger expo hall, with more travel destinations and expanded content and seminars. America’s favorite Travel Show series is sure to spark your wanderlust. Consider it the trip you take before your trip!

The Travel & Adventure Show matches travel enthusiasts with the top travel providers from around the globe to craft custom experiences that turn your ordinary get-aways into extraordinary vacations creating lasting memories for years to come.

From Mammoth Lakes to Malaysia, Fiji to Florida, you will browse a huge variety of travel providers, and experience culture-rich demonstrations from your dream destinations. Interact with thousands of domestic and international destinations and travel experts that can help you plan your next vacation, customize your trip, and give you the expert, inside knowledge you need to “travel like a local”.

John Golicz, CEO of Unicomm, the event’s producer, joins us with a tempting preview of what’s in store.

Elliot DolinInspired by a Chardonnay vineyard Elliott and Lynn Dolin planted behind their ocean-view Malibu home in 2006, Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards has quickly emerged as one of the leading producers in the new Malibu Coast AVA.

Following the release of just five vintages of Chardonnay ($39), the winery has plans to expand its Malibu production to include several more wines from the region. In fall 2014 Dolin Estate broadened its scope further with the release of a new line of Central Coast Pinot Noir wines from such highly regarded vineyards as Talley Rincon, Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills. In 2015, Dolin Estate will introduce additional single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines from the Central Coast.

Following their first vintage of Dolin Estate Chardonnay, Elliott and Lynn Dolin looked to the Central Coast to find a winemaker whose experience exceeded what was available in Southern California. They set up a meeting with Kirby Anderson at their Malibu Coast Vineyard, and right away they knew they had found a winemaker who shared their appreciation for wines made in a seamless, silky and voluptuous style. In 2010 Kirby began making Dolin Estate’s Chardonnay, and in 2012 he helped expand the portfolio to include Central Coat Rose of Pinot Noir and Pinot Noir.

Elliott Dolin joins us to share his unusual wine story.

Michael Hung“Welcome to Viviane Restaurant, a collaboration between Bombet Hospitality Group and Proper Hospitality, located in the iconic Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills. Viviane features award-winning chef Michael Hung’s (Esquire Magazine’s Best New Restaurant) modern California interpretation of classic European and American cuisine.

Chef Michael’s menu is paired with a curated wine list of boutique vineyards and 1950’s inspired seasonal cocktails. Join us daily for lunch and dinner, weekdays for breakfast, and weekends for brunch. Experience food, drink, and festivity indoors or poolside in our Kelly Wearstler-designed space, a mid-century modern oasis sequestered away from the hurried pace of Los Angeles.”

“We love classic American and European cuisine. Dishes as simple as a properly roasted chicken or decadent as lobster cloaked in cognac and cream speak to us. At Viviane, we revive these flavors with a sense of California freshness. We present them to you with care. We hope a conversation begins with you.”

Tucked in a secluded residential neighborhood adjacent to some of Los Angeles’ most famous restaurants, shopping and cultural attractions, Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills was originally built in 1949 as the Beverly Carlton. Once a home-away-from-home for mid-century celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Mae West, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, the hotel got a second life and its current name when it was revamped by The Kor Group and Kelly Wearstler Interior Designs in 1999.

Today, the property comprises three unique structures – the Olympic Building, Beverly Tower and Cañon Building – and offers 84 guestrooms, a full-service wellness studio, an hourglass pool and patio with outdoor dining.

Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower) is our guest.

Rachel Klemek of Blackmarket Bakery and the CampChef Rachel Klemek will be extending the reach of her award-winning made-from-scratch baked goods when she opens a new outpost, Blackmarket Bakery on Broadway, on Saturday, January 9th, 2016 in the downtown Santa Ana’s Santora building in the Artists Village (211 N. Broadway). Chef Klemek’s inspired approach to baking has set her apart within the county’s culinary landscape. Staying true to its roots, the new Santa Ana neighborhood bakery will highlight pastries made from her token “blackmarket” ingredients – butter, flour, sugar, and eggs.

Built in 1928, the Santora building houses the bakery’s 2,300-square-foot space, adding a “retro” feel with art-deco elements, reminiscent of simpler times. As the largest Blackmarket Bakery yet, the Santa Ana location remains family friendly as it sees the addition of new menu items, including craft beers and hard ciders. The menu will also feature a new lineup of savory “bar bite” offerings, sandwiches made with fresh-baked breads, seasonal salads and sweet and hearty brunch items (the latter of which will be coming this Spring).

Like its Costa Mesa counterpart, which opened in 2012, the Santa Ana restaurant focuses on its made-from-scratch daily retail offerings such as Chef Rachel’s artisanal breads and now-famous “eggywiches,” as well as delectable desserts, including the Total Eclipse Mousse Cake, Cookie Monster Bread Pudding, and her ever-popular Black Widow Tart. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in Blackmarket signature cookies, including Walnut Mudslides, Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, and the Classic Two Tone.

“Expanding into the Santa Ana market will allow us to serve even more of our community,” explained Chef Rachel, who opened her first Blackmarket Bakery in an industrial park in Irvine back in 2004. “The addition of craft beer and hard cider, as well as an expanded menu of family friendly favorites, gives our Santa Ana location a little something for everyone.”

Chef Rachel joins us with all the sweet details.

Geraldine GilliliandBelfast-born Chef & restaurateur Geraldine (Gerri) Gilliland has been a major force on the hospitality scene in Santa Monica and environs since 1984. On St. Patrick’s Day in 2002 Gerri realized her most ambitious project to date and Finn McCool’s (a reassembled Irish pub from Newry, County Down) was launched. Irish nationals are among the employees. The ambiance is genuine Irish charm.

“Finn McCool’s is a stunning old world Gastro-pub with a modern sensibility & heavy emphasis on quality food & drinks. Designed with rich wood, antique Gaelic stained glass and gorgeous original art that was dis-assembled, shipped over from Belfast, Northern Ireland through the Panama canal and meticulously re-assembled on Main Street in Santa Monica. Finns boasts over 18 beers on tap, 200 whiskeys and an impressive menu of quality traditional & modern offerings from the newer “Build your own Burger” and “R&D Menu” (where customers get to help choose the next menu items) to classic offerings like “Fish & Chips in a Newspaper”, “Guinness Irish Stew” and the iconic “Irish Breakfast”.

Executive Chef & Restaurateur Geraldine Gilliland, whose career spans 3 decades, 2 continents & several lauded restaurants, launched Finn McCool’s in 2002 hot on the heels of her much loved restaurant “Gilliland’s”, “Jake & Annies” and her other restaurant, “LULA Cocina Mexicana”, also in Santa Monica.”

“2015 Irish Woman of the Year” was awarded to Chef Geraldine Gilliland by The City of Los Angeles and the L.A. City Council. She was nominated for the honor by Mary McAleese, the President of Ireland from 1997 to 2011.

We’ll talk to Gerri about what authentic Irish pub food really is and her long-time friendship with the Irish Julia Child, Darina Allen of Ballymaloe Cookery School, Ireland’s best-known chef.

2016 has been designated the year of food and drink in Northern Ireland, and Gerri will give us some insight on contemporary food tourism there.

Anita Lau of Mad Hungry WomanAnita Lau is better known to regular listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” as the Mad Hungry Woman blogger. She was living in Hong Kong in the 90s before the turnover to China. Anita is recently back from a 3-week visit. We’ll continue with her insider’s view of the dining scene there during the glory days of the British. It was a very different and colorful time…

British Hong Kong showcased traditional, authentic and refined cuisine. The perfect surviving example is the fine cuisine that is still available at the always elegant Peninsula Hotel. Contemporary fine dining in Hong Kong right now is more ostentatious.

“This blog (diary of a MAD HUNGRY WOMAN) is a journal of mostly my eating adventures, but also, other things I’m passionate about, including travel, the arts, and also, necessities to complete my life. Centered predominantly in and around Orange County, CA, some will extend to Los Angeles, San Diego and beyond. I am constantly searching for delicious food to eat and fun things to do, nothing is out of bounds. Sometimes it doesn’t end well, but I can definitely say, it will always be an interesting journey.” Anita Lau

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel & Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Josiah Citrin, Charcoal Venice, Venice, CA
Segment Three: 3rd Annual San Diego Travel & Adventure Show
Segment Four: Elliott Dolin, Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards”
Segment Five: Executive Chef Michael Hung, Viviane Restaurant, Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills
Segment Six: Pastry Chef Rachel Klemek, Blackmarket Bakery on Broadway, Santa Ana
Segment Seven: Chef & Restaurateur Geraldine Gilliland, Finn McCool’s Irish Pub, Santa Monica
Segment Eight: Anita Lau, Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman Blogger

Show 140, October 3, 2015: 100eats.com and Foodbeast’s Ooze Fest

Foodbeast OozefestWe’re celebrating American Cheese Month with the World’s Tallest Cheese Stack (hopefully) as part of the inaugural Ooze Fest on October 10th. Bobby Navarro’s 100eats Team has partnered with Foodbeast to create a stream of unique and creative events with (promised) never seen before activations and food items unique to Ooze Fest.

The debut of 20 original cheese dishes from energized area restaurants will be on the tasting menu including creations from SOCIAL Costa Mesa (Best New Restaurant at The Golden Foodies,) Chef Andrew Gruel’s Slapfish (Lobster Marscapone Beignets,) Little Sparrow, Blackmarket Bakery and Grits Fullerton. A variety of craft beers will be there on-tap to quench the thirst of all melted cheese-lovers.

“Ooze Fest. Where the cheese drools as much as the people who are anxiously waiting to eat. The national food publication, Foodbeast, is bringing record breaking, heart burn amounts of cheese at Ooze Fest, a cheese festival located in Santa Ana.”

Foodbeast.com is working toward the goal of making internet food a reality to their legion of fans, and the local community. Nguyen Tran of Starry Kitchen and the new Button Mash in LA is coming to OC to host. Tran will rally the crowd and share about the cheese love.

Standard and VIP tickets include all-you-can-eat-and-drink food and beer. Cheers! Nosh on one of a kind, never before seen fare, brought to you by local restaurants that love cheese just as much as you do. VIP tickets include early admittance to the event, along with a t-shirt and a commemorative glass.

The standard ticket is 50 dollars and VIP is 75 dollars. The event is broken up into two sessions, first session is from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and second session is from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. (VIP’s enjoy 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. respectively). Early birds in the first session get the glory of seeing the world’s tallest grilled cheese stack first ever attempt.  The second session will feature the Famous Eaters Grilled Cheese Eating Competition and the award for best cheese item of the festival.

 

Show 107, January 24, 2015: Show Preview with Chef Andrew Gruel (Guest Host) and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and, soon-to-be, Newport Beach is today’s special Guest Host.

Now a preview of today’s delightfully overflowing show

Chef Rory Herrmann (the opening chef at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Beverly Hills) is the corporate chef for the Sprout L.A. restaurant group. Along with Santa Anita Park they have inaugurated an exclusive Saturday Guest Chef Series in the Chandelier Room there. The next date is today, January 24th, from 12 Noon to 5:00 p.m. Chef Herrmann (with a surprise guest) is live from Santa Anita with the mouth-watering details.

The OC Fair Celebrates their 125th Anniversary this Summer from July 17th to August 16th. The theme is “OC Fair – One Big Party.” To get things going the Blackmarket Bakery in Costa Mesa (celebrating their 2nd Anniversary) is hosting an OC Fair Pop-Up Party at their location at The Camp on Sunday, January 25th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They are providing free sweet treats for the first 125 guests.

Chef Gary Arabia, the caterer to the stars, has operated the food and beverage operation on The Lot (previously known as Warner Brothers Hollywood) in Hollywood for 15 years. It’s also the base for his busy catering and event production firm, Global Cuisine by Gary Arabia.

Late last year Arabia launched a new venture, GC Marketplace by Gary Arabia, on Cahuenga Blvd. W. near Universal Studios. It’s a dazzling culinary destination for eating-in or grab-and-go. There are artisan food stations where the customers can interact with knowledgeable pros. There is an impressive cheese case, a charcuterie counter, smoked meats display, a pizza oven, rotisserie meats, prepared salad station, an ample dessert counter, a coffee bar, a wine bar (with an in-house sommelier) and a visually striking retail wine wall. Virtually everything is made there from scratch. That includes the croissants, breakfast pastries breads, and all the desserts. Gary Arabia joins us with an appetizing overview of GC Marketplace.

Louie’s of Mar Vista is a gem of a discovery in the Mar Vista area of Los Angeles. It’s American Bar Food A.S.A.P. (as Southern as possible.) Chef John Atkinson is the owner along with his wife Laura Develle Atkinson (who is from New Orleans.) “Louie’s of Mar Vista is an enthusiastic celebration of Southern California food and lifestyle, living in the present with an eye on the past.” They also own North End Caffe in Manhattan Beach.

We now have a chance to catch-up with Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish, today’s Guest Host. Gruel is giving one lucky person the opportunity to contribute their culinary genius to his restaurant menu with a dish named in their honor. In conjunction with the opening of Slapfish’s third Orange County location in Newport Beach on February 2nd, guests are invited to submit their own recipes for a seafood dish to be featured on the new menu. Also Chef Andrew provides us some very helpful pointers on what to look for when buying farm-raised fish.

dineL.A.’s Winter Restaurant Week is underway and continuing until February 1, 2015. Fixed price lunch and dinner menus created by acclaimed L.A. chefs (at a great value) are available from over 300 participating restaurants. Diners can enjoy lunch menus for $15, $20, or $25 or plan a night out on the town with dinner options priced at $30, $40, or $50 per person. The restaurants are in this to “Wow.” dineL.A.’s Director, Stacey Sun joins us with all the details along with Donato Poto, co-owner of Connie & Ted’s (who is participating for the first time.)

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

Show 107, January 24, 2015: Blackmarket Bakery’s Rachel Klemek

Rachel Klemek of Blackmarket Bakery and the CampThe OC Fair Celebrates their 125th Anniversary this Summer from July 17th to August 16th. The theme is “OC Fair – One Big Party.

To get things going the Blackmarket Bakery in Costa Mesa (celebrating their 2nd Anniversary) is hosting an OC Fair Pop-Up Party at their location at The Camp in Costa Mesa on Sunday, January 25th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They are providing free sweet treats for the first 125 guests.

Proprietress & Baker Rachel Klemek has all the decadent details.