Show 432, July 3, 2021: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is continually updating us on the real impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the continued survival of restaurants during the initial, highly fluid stages of the hoped-for recovery which remains a genuine concern.

Chef Andrew gives us his insider’s perspective on how the restaurant business is bouncing back from the pandemic. What will change? Right now it’s a matter of trying to hang on to your existing staff.

He also reports on the progress of his new ambitious Save the Brave Burger” fundraiser to benefit Veterans with PTS. Participating SoCal Slapfish locations are Huntington Beach, Laguna, Tustin, Brea and Irvine.

Show 375, May 30, 2020: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host & Slapfish Restaurant Group

Chef Andrew Gruel savoring a New Jersey style PizzaOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants as dine-in now slowly returns. Take-out / delivery when you can surely helps…Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first.

Takeout packaging is now of concern because its everywhere and used in much greater volume. Is it finally becoming more green and recyclable? How about affordability?

Slapfish is a fast- casual restaurant concept. Is the future installing take-out windows or drive-thrus?

Slapfish is hosting Doctors, Nurses, Medical Personnel, Police, Firefighters & EMT’s to a complimentary meal To-Go. Need to be in uniform or have appropriate ID to qualify. The participating Slapfish locations are Huntington Beach, Brea, Irvine and Laguna Beach.

Kids eat free at Slapfish, too, when their parents order Takeout.

Show 374, May 23, 2020: Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant GroupOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants. Take-out / delivery when you can surely helps…Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first.

Chef Andrew will conclude his revealing commentary on 3rd Party Delivery Services for restaurants and explain why he suggests you tip the delivery driver in cash. The City of L.A. is going to cap 3rd Party Delivery fees until the Covid 19 crisis is abated. Is there an unexpected potential downside to this ?

It’s the start of the eagerly anticipated Summer Grilling Season. Chef Andrew has some meaty tips for the backyard master of the grill. How often should you clean the grill?

Slapfish is hosting Doctors, Nurses, Medical Personnel, Police, Firefighters & EMT’s to a complimentary meal To-Go. Need to be in uniform or have appropriate ID to qualify. The participating Slapfish locations are Huntington Beach, Brea, Irvine and Laguna Beach.

Kids eat free at Slapfish, too, when their parents order Takeout.

Show 372, May 9, 2020: Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel savoring a New Jersey style PizzaOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

Pizza is always a popular snack and now that we’re cooking more at home it’s time to elevate your pizza game. Growing up in New Jersey Chef Andrew has a special affinity for the pie with all the variations. It all starts with the dough. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Simple Pizza Recipe

4 cups All Purpose Flour
2 ½ teaspoon instant yeast
1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup warm water
¾ cup room temp water

Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl

Mix yeast with the warm water. Allow to bloom for 1-2 minutes, then mix in remaining water.

Combine “yeast water” with the dry ingredients and mix with a whisk or wooden spoon until combined.

Knead the dough on a floured surface and then place into an olive oil lined bowl and allow to rise for 1 hour at room temp.

Once dough has risen, press it down to remove the air, then stretch it on a cutting board or counter lined with flour.

Toss or roll the dough out. Smother a baking pan with olive oil and place dough on the baking sheet. Top with desired ingredients and bake in a 450F oven until golden!

Slapfish is hosting Doctors, Nurses, Medical Personnel, Police, Firefighters & EMT’s to a complimentary meal To-Go. Need to be in uniform or have appropriate ID to qualify. The participating Slapfish locations are Huntington Beach, Brea, Irvine and Laguna Beach.

Kids eat free at Slapfish, too, when their parents order Takeout.

Show 371, May 2, 2020: Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and CasinoOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants. Take-out / Delivery when you can surely helps…Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first.

What about those sometimes confusing “Code Dates” or “Use By Dates” on fresh & packaged food products? What do they really mean? You certainly don’t want to potentially waste anything right now that’s safely edible.

We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Slapfish is now hosting Doctors, Nurses, Medical Personnel, Police, Firefighters & EMT’s to a complimentary meal To-Go. Need to be in uniform or have appropriate ID to qualify. The participating Slapfish locations are Huntington Beach, Brea, Irvine and Laguna Beach.

Kids eat free at Slapfish, too, when their parents order Takeout.

Show 370, April 25, 2020: Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group at the AM830 KLAA StudiosOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants. Take-out/delivery when you can surely helps…Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first.

Chef Andrew also provides an extra helping of some timely cooking tips for preparing satisfying meals at home. We’re talking about adding flavor to those home-cooked meals. Consider bringing out the herbs and spices. Fresh herbs are best used to finish a dish.

We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Slapfish is now hosting Doctors, Nurses, Medical Personnel, Police, Firefighters & EMT’s to a complimentary meal To-Go. Need to be in uniform or have appropriate ID to qualify. The participating Slapfish locations are Huntington Beach, Brea, Irvine and Laguna Beach.

Kids eat free at Slapfish, too, when their parents order Takeout.

Show 369, April 18, 2020: Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and CasinoOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants. Take-out / delivery when you can surely helps…Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first.

Chef Andrew also provides an extra helping of some timely cooking tips for preparing satisfying meals at home. We’re talking about that ever-popular, versatile & economical protein, chicken. Should you wash the chicken at home after you take it out of the wrapper?

We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Slapfish is now hosting Doctors, Nurses, Medical Personnel, Police, Firefighters & EMT’s to a complimentary meal to-go. Need to be in uniform or have appropriate ID to qualify. The participating Slapfish locations are Huntington Beach, Brea, Irvine and Laguna Beach.

Kids eat free at Slapfish, too, when their parents order Takeout.

Show 368, April 11, 2020: Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at the Fifth Anniversary of the SoCal Restaurant Show at Melissas World Variety ProduceOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants. Take-out/delivery when you can surely helps…Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first.

It’s Easter so Chef Andrew adds his thoughts on quick tips for Easter Dinner preparation at home.

We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Slapfish is now hosting Doctors, Nurses, Medical Personnel, Police, Firefighters & EMT’s to a complimentary meal to-go. Need to be in uniform or have appropriate ID to qualify. The participating Slapfish locations are Huntington Beach, Brea, Irvine and Laguna Beach.

Kids eat free at Slapfish, too, when their parents order Takeout.

Show 367, April 4, 2020: “Meathead” Jay Henderson of West Coast Prime Meats – WCPM’s New Retail Program for Consumers

Jay Henderson one of the Meatheads from West Coast Prime MeatsOne of our resident Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Jay Henderson, has decades of practical experience with center plate proteins and the intricacies of serving the Hospitality Industry. Restaurants have been severely impacted by the current health crisis. Jay has some perspective on how restaurants are coping with the growing crisis and still serving their guests.

It’s an especially difficult time to navigate the supermarkets right now (particularly with “Social Distancing”) and you want fresh proteins of the highest quality to cook at home in addition to your ability to take advantage of restaurant delivery/takeout. West Coast Prime Meats supplies the top restaurants and hotels in Southern California. Responding to the crisis they are now selling to the public for the very first time with next day pickup in their Brea facility between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. For information please call them Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

You can conveniently obtain a wide range of superior proteins in case packs at fair prices with their usual, wonderful customer service. Available are Beef, Grinds & Patties, Poultry, Pork and even Seafood. Their exemplary sanitary practices are way above Industry requirements. Call them to get an Inventory List emailed to you. 714.255.8560.

New this Week is the option of Home Delivery on Thursdays with a minimum order of $100. (Need to order no later than the Wednesday before by 3:00 p.m.) Click on the “Order Online” tab on the Website’s Home Page which takes you to the Meat Shop subpage. The program is launching with Orange County delivery and will be expanded in the coming weeks.

Show 367, April 4, 2020: Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group at the AM830 KLAA StudiosOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants. Take-out / delivery when you can surely helps…Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Slapfish is now hosting Doctors, Nurses, Medical Personnel, Police, Firefighters & EMT’s to a complimentary meal To-Go. Need to be in uniform or have appropriate ID to qualify. The participating Slapfish locations are Huntington Beach, Brea, Irvine and Laguna Beach.

Kids eat free at Slapfish, too, when their parents order Takeout.