Show 299, November 24, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now an enticing and decadent preview of Saturday’s absolutely scrumptious, culinary celebrity-packed 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, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

The Proprietors of the phenomenally popular Bestia and the newly opened Bavel, Chef Ori Menashe and Pastry Chef Genevieve Gergis, are no strangers to the show. Just in time for the Holidays their debut cookbook, Bestia – Italian Recipes Created in the Heart of L.A., is now available. Ori and Genevieve join us.

“Eat, Drink & Game” at Chef Tim Hollingsworth’s (Otium) new Restaurant, Bar & Arcade, Free Play, located on the 2nd level of The Fields LA Food Hall in Exposition Park adjacent to Banc of California Stadium. (“Come for the Food – Stay for the Game.”) It’s a nostalgic menu representing the different comfort foods of L.A., presented with a touch of whimsey. The buzzy central bar serves craft beer and specialty cocktails.

We’re big fans of beloved TV chef (ABC’s Emmy Award-winning The Chew and fan favorite on Bravo’s Top Chef,) Carla Hall. In her 3rd cookbook, Carla Hall’s Soul Food – Everyday and Celebration, she takes us back to her own Nashville roots to offer a fresh, lip-smackin’ look at America’s favorite comfort cuisine. We’re in the Southern kitchen with Carla.

Two-star Michelin Chef and native Angeleno, Josiah Citrin (Melisse), has launched Openaire, a poolside oasis of green at the center of Koreatown in a glass-curtained greenhouse located on the roof of The Line Hotel on Wilshire Blvd. The ambitious menu (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) features the best of California’s ingredients from land and sea, embracing the seasons and presented in a shareable format. Simply, Openaire is a celebration of indoor / outdoor living at the center of the melting-pot that is LA.

Nathan Peitso, a second-generation farmer of Kenter Canyon Farms, is at the helm of FARMHOUSE together with Executive Chef Craig Hopson. Located on the ground floor of the refreshed Beverly CenterFARMHOUSE redefines the traditional restaurant model by placing a farmer at the forefront of the business and thus creating a new culinary movement focused on collaboration with the region’s top farmers to grow and harvest ingredients dictating the dining destination’s dishes.

Chef Bill Bracken and high-profile chef friends (Bracken’s Kitchen, “Driven to combat food insecurity one tasty meal at a time”) – are gathering together for a Holiday Open House benefit on Thursday, Nov. 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Bracken’s new kitchen in Garden Grove to help raise awareness and funds for Bracken’s Kitchen’s mission to feed those in need. Bill Bracken is grateful to be in a new 9,000 sq. ft. kitchen, yet with the growth comes more need to accomplish more that requires additional resources and funding. Our own Chef Andrew Gruel’s SlapfishTwo Birds and Butterleaf will be part of the festivities. Chef Andrew provides the details of what’s on the Deck The Halls (And The Kitchen!) menu.

When we spoke with celebrated Santa Monica restaurateur & philanthropist Geraldine Gilliland (Lula Cocina Mexicana and Finn McCool’s Irish Pub) last week her respected animal rescue (Chiquita’s Friends) was still displaced from her ranch in Malibu and her new rescue sanctuary, Cornell Sanctuary in Agoura. Gerri was currently encamped with 26 rescue dogs at a generous benefactor’s ranch in Lompoc. We’ll get updated on Gerri’s plight and how you can help.

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

Show 298, November 17, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Diestel Turkey Ranch from West Coast Prime MeatsIf you’re looking for perhaps the best in “hassle free” Thanksgiving cooking tips please listen to these informative podcast segments from earlier in the month with practical advice from our own Chef Andrew Gruel and The Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry and Jay.

Chef Andrew Gruel’s Chef’s Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining, Part 1
Chef Andrew Gruel’s Chef’s Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining, Part 2
The Meatheads Thanksgiving Cooking Tips and Recipes

Now a provocative preview of this Saturday’s incredibly appetizing 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, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

Chef Dean Thomas is the well-traveled and personable Innkeeper (along with his wife, Nicole) of the Inn at Europa Village located on a hill adjacent to Temecula’s Europa Village Winery. The long-in-the-works Groundbreaking for Europa Village’s Spanish winery, restaurant and casitas (Bolero) took place earlier in the month. Chef Dean will provide all the scrumptious details of what the future holds.

The Fields LA, a stylized urban culinary destination featuring award-winning chefs and restaurants, is located adjacent to LAFC’s Banc of California Stadium in Exposition Park next to the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. A three-floor space, the dining complex houses separate concepts to provide distinct dining experiences. The Fields LA (ground level) consists of nine different food vendors serving a variety of regional American and international cuisines along with an outdoor patio for craft beer and cocktails. The Fields LA’s Executive Chef, Michael Teich, and Connie Cossio of Coni’ Seafood (L.A.’s First Family of Mexican Seafood) are our guests.

Award-winning author Dorie Greenspan is the recipient of five prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards for her writing. Her newest title (her baker’s dozen effort) is Everyday Dorie – The Way I Cook.

It’s her most personal work to date and an incredible friend for the challenged home cook. We’re in the home kitchen with Dorie.

Chef / Proprietor Ross Pangilinan (Mix Mix Kitchen Bar) launched Terrace by Mix Mix in South Coast Plaza in late September. Located on Level 3 of the Crate and Barrel / Macy’s Home Store Wing, TERRACE by Mix Mix concentrates on well-priced, market-driven small plates. The cuisine showcases Pangilinan’s eclectic style, which is influenced by French, Italian, and modern Filipino flavors, as well as his refined technique. Chef Ross pops out of the kitchen for a chat.

It’s the best in premium wines priced at a value for your Holiday Table and gifting with our resident wine authority Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange. This is Part 2 of his special Holiday report. It includes a helpful recap of what wine grape varietals are really suitable for the abundant Thanksgiving Table.

Geraldine Gilliland is a well-known and long-time restaurateur in Santa Monica. Her proprieties on Main Street are Lula Cocina Mexicana and Finn McCool’s Irish Pub. She is also a long-time resident of Malibu and dedicated to animal rescue with Chiquita’s Friends. The tragic Woolsey fire necessitated her hurried evacuation from her new Agoura animal sanctuary with 26 of her rescue dogs. Gerri will bring us up-to-date on a very difficult week and how we can help.

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

Show 298, November 17, 2018: Chef / Innkeeper Dean Thomas, Inn at Europa Village, Europa Village Winery, Temecula

Dean ThomasChef Dean Thomas is the well-traveled and personable Innkeeper (along with his wife, Nicole) of the Inn at Europa Village located on a hill adjacent to Temecula’s Europa Village Winery. The panoramic views of the Temecula Valley from the property are very special. He has even cooked Spanish paella with Celebrity Chef Jose Andres at a charity benefit in the Cayman Islands.

The long-in-the-works Groundbreaking for Europa Village’s Spanish winery, restaurant and casitas (Bolero) took place earlier in the month. Chef Dean artfully prepared an abundant table of Spanish cheeses and proper accompaniments as well as two giant pans (imported from Spain) of incredibly tasty paella for the hungry VIPs. Looking at a debut date of early 2020 for Bolero.

Chef Dean will provide all the scrumptious details of what the future holds.

November 17: Europa Village, The Fields LA, Dorie Greenspan, Ross Pangilinan, Wine Exchange, Geraldine Gilliland

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef / Innkeeper Dean Thomas, Inn at Europa Village, Europa Village Winery, Temecula
Segment Three: The Fields LA
Segment Four: Cookbook Author Extraordinaire Dorie Greenspan, Everyday Dorie – The Way I Cook
Segment Five: Chef / Proprietor Ross Pangilinan, TERRACE by Mix Mix (South Coast Plaza) and Mix Mix Kitchen Bar
Segment Six: Kyle Meyer, Proprietor, Wine Exchange, Part 2 – Best Holiday Wine Picks for Value
Segment Seven: Chef & Restaurateur Geraldine Gilliland, Lula Cocina Mexicana, Finn McCool’s Irish Pub, Chiquita’s Friends Animal Rescue

Please don’t miss us at our special time this Saturday of 4 to 6:00 p.m. following Fighting Irish Football. We’re expecting you…

Now a provocative preview of this Saturday’s incredibly appetizing 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, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

Chef Dean Thomas is the well-traveled and personable Innkeeper (along with his wife, Nicole) of the Inn at Europa Village located on a hill adjacent to Temecula’s Europa Village Winery. The long-in-the-works Groundbreaking for Europa Village’s Spanish winery, restaurant and casitas (Bolero) took place earlier in the month. Chef Dean will provide all the scrumptious details of what the future holds.

The Fields LA, a stylized urban culinary destination featuring award-winning chefs and restaurants, is located adjacent to LAFC’s Banc of California Stadium in Exposition Park next to the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. A three-floor space, the dining complex houses separate concepts to provide distinct dining experiences. The Fields LA (ground level) consists of nine different food vendors serving a variety of regional American and international cuisines along with an outdoor patio for craft beer and cocktails. The Fields LA’s Executive Chef, Michael Teich, and Connie Cossio of Coni’ Seafood (L.A.’s First Family of Mexican Seafood) are our guests.

Award-winning author Dorie Greenspan is the recipient of five prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards for her writing. Her newest title (her baker’s dozen effort) is Everyday Dorie – The Way I Cook.

We’re in the home kitchen with Dorie.

Chef / Proprietor Ross Pangilinan (Mix Mix Kitchen Bar) launched Terrace by Mix Mix in South Coast Plaza in late September. Located on Level 3 of the Crate and Barrel/Macy’s Home Store Wing, TERRACE by Mix Mix concentrates on well-priced, market-driven small plates. The cuisine showcases Pangilinan’s eclectic style, which is influenced by French, Italian, and modern Filipino flavors, as well as his refined technique. Chef Ross pops out of the kitchen for a chat.

It’s the best in premium wines priced at a value for your Holiday Table and gifting with our resident wine authority Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange. This is Part 2 of his special Holiday report.

Geraldine Gilliland is a well-known and long-time restaurateur in Santa Monica. Her proprieties on Main Street are Lula Cocina Mexicana and Finn McCool’s Irish Pub. She is also a long-time resident of Malibu and dedicated to animal rescue with Chiquita’s Friends. The tragic Woolsey fire necessitated her hurried evacuation from Malibu with 26 of her rescue dogs. Gerri will bring us up-to-date on a very difficult week and how we can help.

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

Dean ThomasChef Dean Thomas is the well-traveled and personable Innkeeper (along with his wife, Nicole) of the Inn at Europa Village located on a hill adjacent to Temecula’s Europa Village Winery. He has even cooked Spanish paella with Celebrity Chef Jose Andres at a charity benefit.

The long-in-the-works Groundbreaking for Europa Village’s Spanish winery, restaurant and casitas (Bolero) took place earlier in the month. Chef Dean artfully prepared an abundant table of Spanish cheeses and proper accompaniments as well as two giant pans (from Spain) of paella for the hungry VIPs.

Chef Dean will provide all the scrumptious details of what the future holds.

Michael TeichThe Fields LA, a stylized urban culinary destination featuring award-winning chefs and restaurants, is located adjacent to LAFC’s Banc of California Stadium in Exposition Park adjacent to the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. A three-floor space, the dining complex houses separate concepts to provide distinct dining experiences.

The Fields LA (ground level) consists of nine different food vendors serving a variety of regional American and international cuisines along with an outdoor patio for craft beer and cocktails. On The Fields LA menu are C.J Boyd’s Fried Chicken (Tim Hollingsworth,) Akko Port (Middle Eastern,) Ms. Chi (Chinese from Shirley Chung,) Barbara Jean (Soul Food,) Coni’ Seafood (Nayarit-style), Burritos La Palma, Al Pastor (Street Style Tacos,) Piccolio Antico Pizzeria Focacceria (Chad Colby) and Sweet & Savory.

The Fields LA’s Executive Chef, Michael Teich, and Connie Cossio of Coni’ Seafood (L.A.’s First Family of Mexican Seafood) are our guests.

Dorie Greenspan and her cookbook Dories CookiesAward-winning author Dorie Greenspan is the recipient of five prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards for her writing. Her newest title (her baker’s dozen effort) is Everyday Dorie – The Way I Cook.

In her latest cookbook Dorie’s legion of loyal fans can find the irresistible food she turns to for weekday and weekend meals. These are the meals she makes for friends in Paris, where she has lived for part of the year for more than twenty years, and the ones she prepares in her small New York City kitchen and her rural Connecticut home.

“The recipes, most of which are simple, none of which needs skills beyond basic, turn out food that’s comforting, satisfying and inviting,” she says.

“Whenever I’m cooking, I like to sneak in a little surprise. I love it when there’s something unexpected in a dish, especially when it’s in one we know well.”—From the Introduction

“Greenspan prides herself on being a practical cook. She prefers to use common ingredients found in supermarkets, farmers’ markets, and her pantry and fridge. Often her fresh touches come from the way she appropriates what she has on hand to create a new dish, like Pasta with Cabbage, Winter Squash, and Walnuts, which gets a pert burst from dried cranberries and a splash of cider vinegar.”

We’re in the home kitchen with Dorie.

Ross PangilinanChef / Proprietor Ross Pangilinan (Mix Mix Kitchen Bar) launched Terrace by Mix Mix in South Coast Plaza in late September. Located on level 3 of the Crate and Barrel / Macy’s Home Store Wing, TERRACE by Mix Mix concentrates on well-priced, market-driven small plates.

The cuisine showcases Pangilinan’s eclectic style, which is influenced by French, Italian, and modern Filipino flavors, as well as his refined technique. An approachable wine list offers varietals by the glass and bottle as well as rotating craft beers.

True to its name, the restaurant features full-service evening dining (and Weekend Brunch) in a beautifully designed covered terrace off the west end of Bridge of Gardens. A small wine bar, additional seating, an open kitchen and a counter offering a weekday lunch quick-service menu is inside.

Pangilinan opened his first restaurant, Mix Mix Kitchen Bar, in downtown Santa Ana in 2016. The name “Mix Mix” is inspired by the English translation of the Filipino dessert Halo-Halo and is also a play on Pangilinan’s culinary style and Filipino-American identity. The restaurant has been an unqualified success since opening, garnering accolades as best new restaurant from Orange Coast Magazine and earning the chef critical praise.

Pangilinan’s culinary journey began upon graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena. He traveled to France to work in the Michelin-starred Les Trois Marches in Versailles. Back in the U.S., he was hired as sous chef to open the critically acclaimed, fine dining Sinatra restaurant at Wynn Las Vegas. Returning to Southern California, Pangilinan worked as sous chef at the Patina flagship and became a protégé of founder chef Joachim Splichal. The Patina Group recognized his talent and named him executive chef at Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge, which is part of South Coast Plaza’s fine dining collection.

Chef Ross pops out of the kitchen for a chat.

Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeIt’s the best in premium wines priced at a value for your Holiday Table and gifting with our resident wine authority Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange. This is Part 2 of his special Holiday 2018 report.

There is more depth to Italian Lambrusco than you probably are aware of.

 

Geraldine GillilandGeraldine Gilliland is a well-known and long-time restaurateur and philanthropist in Santa Monica. Her proprieties on Main Street are Lula Cocina Mexicana and Finn McCool’s Irish Pub.

She is also a long-time resident of Malibu and dedicated to animal rescue with Chiquita’s Friends. All of the proceeds from the Lula Cocina Cookbook benefit Chiquita’s Friends. The tragic Woolsey fire necessitated her hurried evacuation from Malibu with 26 of her rescue dogs.

Gerri will bring us up-to-date on a very difficult week and how we can help.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef / Innkeeper Dean Thomas, Inn at Europa Village, Europa Village Winery, Temecula
Segment Three: The Fields LA
Segment Four: Cookbook Author Extraordinaire Dorie Greenspan, Everyday Dorie – The Way I Cook
Segment Five: Chef / Proprietor Ross Pangilinan, TERRACE by Mix Mix (South Coast Plaza) and Mix Mix Kitchen Bar
Segment Six: Kyle Meyer, Proprietor, Wine Exchange, Part 2 – Best Holiday Wine Picks for Value
Segment Seven: Chef & Restaurateur Geraldine Gilliland, Lula Cocina Mexicana, Finn McCool’s Irish Pub, Chiquita’s Friends Animal Rescue