Show 378, June 20, 2020: Anne Marie Panoringan, Voice of OC’s Food Columnist Part One

Anne Marie Panoringan of Voice of OC at KLAA Studios holding a bottle of Hand Sanitizer from Blinking Owl DistilleryAnne Marie Panoringan is Voice of OC’s well-informed food columnist She adroitly reports industry news, current events and trends. Panoringan’s prior work includes writing about food for 8 years at the OC Weekly in which she interviewed more than 330 chefs, restaurateurs and industry professionals for her weekly “On the Line column.” She has been recognized by the Orange County Press Club.”

Since dine-in is back in Orange County Anne Marie has been making the rounds to observe the “new normal” in eating out. She joins us to share how OC restaurants are adapting including Break of Dawn in Laguna Hills and Whitestone Restaurant & Bar in Dana Point.

Show 367, April 4, 2020: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

It’s a disconcerting and confusing time for all of us and our “SoCal Restaurant Show” mission, until the Covid-19 crisis is fully abated, is to provide reliable and genuinely useful information on how the restaurant business is coping with the rapidly evolving events. With an emphasis on the health, safety and well-being of our listeners we’ll be detailing what the range of services restaurants can provide to their guests. Creativity is at the forefront. There are inspiring accomplishments out there in this time of great need. We’re keeping it upbeat…

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and CasinoAlso expect more helpful cooking tips along the way from Chef Andrew Gruel because we’re all doing more meal prep at home. Chef Andrew is an incredible resource because he’s a real, working chef who cooks simply for his own family at home.

Thanks so very much for the highly positive response to last month’s restaurant guests.

Chefs and restaurateurs are the most generous people I know. In times of need they are always the very first in generously giving back and meaningfully supporting their communities. Truly remarkable…Right now restaurants urgently need our support to stay afloat. Kindly keep this in mind and please do what you possibly can as you are able to support a community-focused, local restaurant….

As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience. Truly couldn’t do it without the engaged foodie community.

After a long day at work (in normal times,) heading home to cook a fussy, complicated meal is the last thing anyone wants to do. Keeping it Simple – Easy Weeknight One-Pot Recipes by Yasmin Fahr is the ultimate collection to have on hand for these moments, featuring over 60 quick, impressive, healthyish, and delicious one-pot/pan/tray dinners that can be whipped up in the time it takes to have a glass of wine.

Food writer and recipe developer Yasmin Fahr joins us.

“Those who want to support small businesses and get great, high-quality artisan-made food to take home, will enjoy an Artisan Pop-Up, every weekday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at OC Baking Company (1960 N. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92865). Guests can pick up with the convenience of one-stop shopping delicious fresh-baked breads from OC Baking Company; heart-warming curries from ADYA; wholesome stews from Break of Dawn; croissants, pastries and quiche from Crema Artisan Bakery; hot sauce and dressings from Sessions; and Italian family meals from Sessions. Artisans and offerings vary daily.”

A group of community-spirited, local chefs is offering those on the front line at local Urgent Care and Emergency Rooms a free meal to take to their family. As their way of showing appreciation, Break of Dawn Chef/Owner Dee Nguyen, OC Baking Company Baker/Owner Dean Kim, and Crema Artisan Cafe Baker/Owner Tarit Tanjasiri will offer these local heroes the opportunity to pick up home-made chicken noodle soup, a loaf of fresh-baked bread, and a decadent gourmet cookie. Pickup for local Healthcare Workers is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at OC Baking Company, 1960 N. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92865. Chef Dee Nguyen of Break of Dawn joins us to explain the program.

One of our informed 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. Since we’re now cooking more at home for the interim we might persuade Jay to share some practical cooking advice, too.

The Ranch Restaurant in Anaheim is, of course, not available for dine-in during the present health crisis. Executive Chef Michael Rossi has artfully shifted to a new, a la carte Curbside Pick-Up Menu including some of their signature house specialties that travel reasonably well. There are ample choices of Starters, Salads, Pasta, Sandwiches & Burgers, Steak, Fish & Chicken, and Pastry Chef David Rossi’s incredibly decadent desserts (including the award-winning Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream by the pint.) Contemplate an 8 oz. Prime Flat Iron Steak with Baby Dutch Potatoes, House-Made Pancetta, Saint Agur Blue Cheese and Wild Arugula. Executive Chef Michael Rossi joins us from curbside at The Ranch.

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 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. Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness (with proper Social Distancing) on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 367, April 4, 2020: Dean Kim of OC Baking Co. & Chef Dee Nguyen of Break of Dawn

Dean Kim of OC Baking CompanyThose who want to support small businesses and get great, high-quality artisan-made food to take home, will enjoy an Artisan Pop-Up, every weekday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at OC Baking Company (1960 N. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92865).

Guests can pick up delicious fresh-baked breads from OC Baking Company; heart-warming curries from ADYA; wholesome stews from Break of Dawn; croissants, pastries and quiche from Crema Artisan Bakery ; hot sauce and dressings from Sessions; and Italian family meals from BELLO by Sandro Nardone. Artisans and offerings vary daily.

Master Baker Dean Kim of OC Baking Co.is with us along with Chef Dee Nguyen of Break of Dawn providing all the well-proofed details.

Show 367, April 4, 2020: Chef Dee Nguyen of Break of Dawn & Dean Kim of OC Baking Co. – Feeding Healthcare Workers

Dee Nguyen of Break of DawnA group of community-spirited, local chefs is offering those on the front line at local Urgent Care and Emergency Rooms a free meal to take to their family. As their way of showing appreciation,

Break of Dawn Chef / Owner Dee Nguyen, OC Baking Company Baker / Owner Dean Kim, and Crema Artisan Cafe Baker / Owner Tarit Tanjasiri will offer these local heroes the opportunity to pick up home-made chicken noodle soup, a loaf of fresh-baked bread, and a decadent gourmet cookie. Also involved in this act of generosity to acknowledge the hard work and long hours put in by our local healthcare workers, are Glenn Tanaka of Tanaka Farms and Anne Cutner of Solutions for Urban Agriculture, who have donated their fresh produce for the chicken noodle soup.

Pickup for local Healthcare Workers is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m to 8 p.m. at OC Baking Company, 1960 N. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92865

This team has already made deliveries to local care centers and are attempting to make their meals available to more who may not have time to pick up food or make meals after long shifts. Those interested in assisting in feeding local healthcare workers who are keeping our community safe, may contact Dee Nguyen. Any assistance will be graciously accepted, from hands-on kitchen assistance, to product and monetary donations.

Chef Dee takes a break from the simmering soup caldron (along with Master Baker Dean Kim) to join us.

April 4: Yasmin Fahr, OC Baking Company, Break of Dawn, West Coast Prime Meats, The Ranch Restaurant and Saloon

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Food Writer Yasmin Fahr, Keeping it Simple – Easy Weeknight One-Pot Recipes Part One
Segment Three: Food Writer Yasmin Fahr, Keeping it Simple – Easy Weeknight One-Pot Recipes Part Two
Segment Four: Dean Kim of OC Baking Co. & Chef Dee Nguyen of Break of Dawn
Segment Five: Chef Dee Nguyen of Break of Dawn & Dean Kim of OC Baking Co. – Feeding Healthcare Workers
Segment Six: “Meathead” Jay Henderson of West Coast Prime Meats – WCPM’s New Retail Program for Consumers
Segment Seven: Executive Chef Michael Rossi of The Ranch Restaurant in Anaheim
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

It’s a disconcerting and confusing time for all of us and our “SoCal Restaurant Show” mission, until the Covid-19 crisis is fully abated, is to provide reliable and genuinely useful information on how the restaurant business is coping with the rapidly evolving events. With an emphasis on the health, safety and well-being of our listeners we’ll be detailing what the range of services restaurants can provide to their guests. Creativity is at the forefront. We’re keeping it upbeat…

Also expect more helpful cooking tips from Chef Andrew Gruel because we’re all doing more meal prep at home. Chef Andrew is an incredible resource because he’s a real, working chef who cooks for his own family.

Thanks so very much for the highly positive response to last month’s restaurant guests.

Chefs and restaurateurs are the most generous people I know. In times of need they are always the very first in generously giving back and meaningfully supporting their communities. Truly remarkable…Right now restaurants urgently need our support to stay afloat. Kindly keep this in mind and please do what you possibly can to support a community-focused, local restaurant…

As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience. Truly couldn’t do it without the engaged foodie community.

After a long day at work (in normal times,) heading home to cook a fussy, complicated meal is the last thing anyone wants to do. Keeping it Simple – Easy Weeknight One-Pot Recipes by Yasmin Fahr is the ultimate collection to have on hand for these moments, featuring over 60 quick, impressive, healthyish, and delicious one-pot/pan/tray dinners that can be whipped up in the time it takes to have a glass of wine.

Food writer Yasmin Fahr joins us.

“Those who want to support small businesses and get great, high-quality artisan-made food to take home, will enjoy an Artisan Pop-Up, every weekday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at OC Baking Company (1960 N. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92865). Guests can pick up with the convenience of one-stop shopping delicious fresh-baked breads from OC Baking Company; heart-warming curries from ADYA; wholesome stews from Break of Dawn; croissants, pastries and quiche from Crema Artisan Bakery; hot sauce and dressings from Sessions; and Italian family meals from BELLO by Sandro Nardone. Artisans and offerings vary daily.”

A group of community-spirited, local chefs is offering those on the front line at local Urgent Care and Emergency Rooms a free meal to take to their family. As their way of showing appreciation,

Break of Dawn Chef / Owner Dee Nguyen, OC Baking Company Baker / Owner Dean Kim, and Crema Artisan Cafe Baker / Owner Tarit Tanjasiri will offer these local heroes the opportunity to pick up home-made chicken noodle soup, a loaf of fresh-baked bread, and a decadent gourmet cookie. Pickup for local Healthcare Workers is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at OC Baking Company, 1960 N. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92865. Chef Dee Nguyen of Break of Dawn joins us to explain the program.

One 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. Since we’re now cooking more at home for the interim we might persuade Jay to share some practical cooking advice, too.

The Ranch Restaurant in Anaheim is, of course, not available for dine-in during the present health crisis. Executive Chef Michael Rossi has artfully shifted to a new, a la carte Curbside Pick-Up Menu including some of their signature house specialties that travel reasonably well. There are ample choices of Starters, Salads, Pasta, Sandwiches & Burgers, Steak, Fish & Chicken, and Pastry Chef David Rossi’s incredibly decadent desserts (including the award-winning Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream by the pint.) Contemplate an 8 oz. Prime Flat Iron Steak with Baby Dutch Potatoes, House-Made Pancetta, Saint Agur Blue Cheese and Wild Arugula. Executive Chef Michael Rossi joins us from curbside at The Ranch.

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 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. Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness (with proper Social Distancing) on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Food Writer Yasmin FahrAfter a long day at work (in normal times,) heading home to cook a fussy, complicated meal is the last thing anyone wants to do. Keeping it Simple – Easy Weeknight One-Pot Recipes by Yasmin Fahr is the ultimate collection to have on hand for these moments, featuring over 60 quick, impressive, healthyish, and delicious one-pot/pan/tray dinners that can be whipped up in the time it takes to have a glass of wine.

Inspired by her column for Serious Eats, One-Pot Wonders, author, food writer and recipe developer Yasmin Fahr’s recipes offer sneaky gems and low-key showstoppers that work every time, and promises each recipe will teach readers a new skill in the kitchen. The ultimate goal is to get dinner on the table quickly, but also to create something truly delicious as a weeknight reward.

Chapters include: Oven to Table; Faster Than Delivery; Bright Dishes for Cold Days; Gluten, Grains and Good Stuff; Salad for Dinner; and Look More Impressive Than They Are. Recipes like Miso-Ghee Chicken with Roasted Radishes, Warm Couscous Salad with Salmon and Mustard-Dill Dressing, Ginger-Curried Lamb Chops with Braised Greens, and Squid Ink Pasta will enliven any weeknight meal repertoire!

“Dishes like the 20-Minute Spicy Sausage with Crispy Broccoli or the Adult Instant Ramen are foolproof, back-pocket recipes you’ll be coming back to again and again. We’ll have a good time cooking together I promise.” –Yasmin

Featuring humorous and relatable anecdotes and musings on cooking and life, Keeping it Simple is the book to keep coming back to night after night for inspiration. And, as Yasmin says: “This book is meant to be spilled and splattered on…cooked from and used.”

“Yasmin has a penchant for cheesy phrases, lemons, fresh herbs, feta and cumin. She attended Cornell University and then completed a Master’s degree in Food Studies from New York University. She wrote a weekly one-pot recipe column for Serious Eats for two and a half years and, during that time, she worked as a luxury hotel and fine dining restaurant inspector for Forbes Travel Guide for four years, traveling the world in the process. Her writing and recipes have appeared online and in print publications such as The Kitchn, Epicurious, TASTE, Bon Appetit, Serious Eats, Food & Wine and others. She currently lives in NYC with previous stints in London and Los Angeles. Please say hi to her online at @yasminfahr!

Yasmin Fahr joins us.

Dean Kim of OC Baking CompanyThose who want to support small businesses and get great, high-quality artisan-made food to take home, will enjoy an Artisan Pop-Up, every weekday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at OC Baking Company (1960 N. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92865).

Guests can pick up delicious fresh-baked breads from OC Baking Company; heart-warming curries from ADYA; wholesome stews from Break of Dawn; croissants, pastries and quiche from Crema Artisan Bakery; hot sauce and dressings from Sessions; and Italian family meals from BELLO by Sandro Nardone. Artisans and offerings vary daily.

Master Baker Dean Kim of OC Baking Co. is with us providing all the well-proofed details.

Dee Nguyen of Break of DawnA group of community-spirited, local chefs is offering those on the front line at local Urgent Care and Emergency Rooms a free meal to take to their family. As their way of showing appreciation, Break of Dawn Chef / Owner Dee Nguyen, OC Baking Company Baker / Owner Dean Kim, and Crema Artisan Cafe Baker / Owner Tarit Tanjasiri will offer these local heroes the opportunity to pick up home-made chicken noodle soup, a loaf of fresh-baked bread, and a decadent gourmet cookie. Also involved in this act of generosity to acknowledge the hard work and long hours put in by our local healthcare workers, are Glenn Tanaka of Tanaka Farms and Anne Cutner of Solutions for Urban Agriculture, who have donated their fresh produce for the chicken noodle soup.

Pickup for local Healthcare Workers is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m to 8 p.m. at OC Baking Company, 1960 N. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92865

This team has already made deliveries to local care centers and are attempting to make their meals available to more who may not have time to pick up food or make meals after long shifts. Those interested in assisting in feeding local healthcare workers who are keeping our community safe, may contact Dee Nguyen. Any assistance will be graciously accepted, from hands-on kitchen assistance, to product and monetary donations.

Chef Dee takes a break from the simmering soup caldron to join us.

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. Since we’re now cooking more at home for the interim we might persuade Jay to share some practical cooking advice, too.

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.

Michael Rossi of the Ranch Restaurant and SaloonThe Ranch Restaurant in Anaheim is, of course, not available for dine-in during the present health crisis. Executive Chef Michael Rossi has artfully shifted to a new, a la carte Curbside Pick-Up Menu including some of their signature house specialties that travel reasonably well. There are ample choices of Starters, Salads, Pasta, Sandwiches & Burgers, Steak, Fish & Chicken, and Pastry Chef David Rossi’s incredibly decadent desserts (including the award-winning Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream by the pint.) Think 8 oz. Prime Flat Iron Steak with Baby Dutch Potatoes, House-Made Pancetta, Saint Agur Blue Cheese and Wild Arugula.

Available to Order & Pick-Up daily between 12 Noon and 7:00 p.m.

“Executive Chef, Michael Rossi and our talented culinary team craft our seasonally driven menu at The Ranch with hand selected produce harvested from our own farm. Our chefs have the unique ability to pick produce at the perfect time just before the peak of maturity to capture maximum flavor and within hours served at your table with old fashioned genuine hospitality and gracious service. To complete your dining experience, sample one of our many desserts created in house by Pastry Chef, David Rossi.”

Executive Chef Michael Rossi joins us from curbside at The Ranch.

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.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Food Writer Yasmin Fahr, Keeping it Simple – Easy Weeknight One-Pot Recipes Part One
Segment Three: Food Writer Yasmin Fahr, Keeping it Simple – Easy Weeknight One-Pot Recipes Part Two
Segment Four: Dean Kim of OC Baking Co. & Chef Dee Nguyen of Break of Dawn
Segment Five: Chef Dee Nguyen of Break of Dawn & Dean Kim of OC Baking Co. – Feeding Healthcare Workers
Segment Six: “Meathead” Jay Henderson of West Coast Prime Meats – WCPM’s New Retail Program for Consumers
Segment Seven: Executive Chef Michael Rossi of The Ranch Restaurant in Anaheim
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Show 291, September 22, 2018: Chef/Proprietor Dee Nguyen, Break of Dawn, Laguna Hills

Dee NguyenBack in 2006 rising-star, fine-dining chef Dee Nguyen (ex-Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel) was looking to simplify his life and spend more time with his growing family. He bravely branched out on his own to launch the modest, 50-seat Break of Dawn in Laguna Hills.

Fortunately he quickly developed a loyal following of inspired guests. It’s a very personal statement for Chef Dee who serves breakfast, lunch and brunch Wednesday through Sunday only. It’s creative, fine-dining comfort foods with a Vietnamese twist.

“Guests can select from a variety of dishes, including bison sausage, French toast crème brulee, flax seed and quinoa oatmeal and mac and cheese. All foods are prepared with fresh ingredients and are designed to meld flavors and textures together. A children’s menu and beverage list with cocktails is also available.”

Think the unexpected including Goat Chili with morita, goat cheese, Mexican chocolate and chickpeas.

Chef Dee also stages infrequent dinner pop-ups that have a fanatical following. Check his Facebook regularly to stay informed.

Chef Dee puts down his well-worn spatula and joins us.

 

September 22: Mad Hungry Woman, Suzanne Tracht, Antonia Lofaso, Golden Road Brewing, Break of Dawn, LA Kitchen

Podcasts

Segment One: Anita Lau, Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman
Segment Two: Proprietress / Executive Chef Suzanne Tracht, Jar, Los Angeles
Segment Three: Executive Chef Antonia Lofaso, DAMA, City Market South, Downtown Los Angeles
Segment Four: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing, Los Angeles & Anaheim
Segment Five: Chef/Proprietor Dee Nguyen, Break of Dawn, Laguna Hills
Segment Six: Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen, Founder & CEO Part One
Segment Seven: Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen, Founder & CEO Part Two

Program Note:
Please join us at the special time this Saturday afternoon from 1 to 3:00 p.m. following Fighting Irish Football. It’s not the same without you.

Now an inspiring preview of this Saturday afternoon’s mouthwatering show. Let us temp you…It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

Our favorite Mad Hungry Woman blogger, Anita Lau, has been traveling in Northern Baja. She was recently an esteemed judge at the 5th Annual Sabor de Baja, an annual food and wine pairing event staged on the lawn of the iconic Rosarita Beach Hotel overlooking the beach and blue Pacific. Sabor de Baja is a friendly culinary competition among 25 of Baja’s top chefs, each paired with the finest Mexican wines and artisanal beer producers. It’s an all-white affair.

Jar, a modern chophouse in the heart of Los Angeles, dazzles Angelenos with the allure of Chef Suzanne Tracht’s familiar retro dishes from the American culinary repertoire, including her signature Pot Roast, Kansas City Steak, wild and sustainable Fish, Lemon Grass Chicken, Black Mussels with Lobster Bearnaise and Fennel Salt, award -winning French Fries, market-fresh sides and perfect martinis. It’s been an L.A. staple since 2001. Chef Suzanne Tracht is our guest.

DAMA is a Latin-inspired restaurant just launched in Fashion District of Downtown Los Angeles in City Market South featuring culinary dishes from Executive Chef Antonia Lofaso (Venice’s Scopa Italian Roots) and standout cocktails from Pablo Moix and Steve Livigni. Chef Antonia takes a break from her busy kitchens to join us.

It’s time to again “Ask the Brewers.” Joining us in-studio is the dynamic duo of Golden Road Brewing’s distinguished Brewmaster, Victor Novak, and Anaheim Head Brewer Steven Torres. On tap is a discussion of the trend of craft brewers to now create their take on Baja-style lagers brewed with premium ingredients and what craft beer styles match with pickles and other fermented veggies. Thirst-quenching conversation for sure…

Back in 2006 rising-star, fine-dining chef Dee Nguyen (Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel) was looking to simplify his life and spend more time with his growing Family. He bravely branched out on his own to launch the modest Break of Dawn in Laguna Hills. Fortunately he quickly developed a loyal following of inspired guests. It’s a very personal statement for Chef Dee who serves breakfast, lunch and brunch Wednesday through Sunday only. It’s creative, fine-dining comfort foods with a Vietnamese twist. Chef Dee puts down the spatula and joins us.

L.A. Kitchen, a pioneering non-profit, is again rallying Angelenos to take a stand and participate in a city-wide party (October 5 to 7) to raise awareness and fight food waste, hunger and unemployment. Shared Plates is L.A Kitchen’s anti-gala, a weekend of dinner parties for good that invites thousands of Angelenos to sit around the table in their backyards, restaurants, businesses and schools across Los Angeles. Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen Founder & CEO sets the table for us.

100% of the ticket sales help in feeding LA’s homeless and senior population, offering culinary job training to the formerly incarcerated or formerly homeless and towards diverting thousands of pounds of food that would have otherwise gone to waste.

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

Anita Lau of Mad Hungry WomanOur favorite Mad Hungry Woman blogger, Anita Lau, has been traveling in Northern Baja. She was recently an esteemed judge at the 5th Annual Sabor de Baja, an annual food and wine pairing event staged on the lawn of the iconic Rosarita Beach Hotel overlooking the beach and blue Pacific.

Sabor de Baja is a friendly culinary competition among 27 of Baja’s top chefs, each paired with the finest Mexican wines and artisanal beer producers. It’s an all-white affair.

“The intent of the Sabor de Baja is to promote gastronomy and tourism between the U.S. and Baja. Each attendee enjoys a pairing of all the chefs creations together with the wine or beer producers. There are two main awards given that night: The first is decided by a panel of distinguished judges and the second is called the “People’s Choice” which is decided by popular voting from every attendee who submits a ballot.”

Suzanne TrachtJar, a modern chophouse in the heart of Los Angeles, dazzles Angelenos with the allure of Chef Suzanne Tracht’s familiar retro dishes from the American culinary repertoire, including her signature Pot Roast, Kansas City Steak, wild and sustainable Fish, Lemon Grass Chicken, Black Mussels with Lobster Bearnaise and Fennel Salt, award -winning French Fries, market-fresh sides and perfect martinis. It’s been an L.A. staple since 2001.

“Suzanne Tracht, chef and owner of the critically-acclaimed Jar Restaurant, was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She began cooking professionally at the age of 19, when she left college for an apprenticeship under Siegbert Wendler, legendary chef at the four-star Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa. After three years she moved to Southern California to work in the kitchen of the prestigious Hotel Bel-Air and later served as sous-chef at Noa Noa. In 1992, she became chef de cuisine at Nancy Silverton and Mark Peel’s Campanile. Four years later, she embarked on her first solo venture at executive chef at the Cal-Asian restaurant, Jozu. In its debut year, Jozu ranked number two for “L.A.’s Best New Restaurants” in Los Angeles magazine’s restaurant issue.”

“In 2001, she opened her modern chophouse, Jar, with her longtime chef de cuisine Preech Narkthong. Quickly, Tracht and Narkthong built a reputation for cooking cozily familiar American retro food – pot roast, steaks, pork chops, braised lamb shanks — with a modern twist.”

Chef / Proprietress Suzanne Tracht is our guest.

Antonio Lofaso of Black Market Liquor Bar and Scopa Italian RootsDAMA is a Latin-inspired restaurant just launched in the Fashion District of Downtown Los Angeles in City Market South featuring culinary dishes from Executive Chef Antonia Lofaso (Venice’s Scopa Italian Roots) and standout cocktails from Pablo Moix and Steve Livigni.

“Chef Antonia Lofaso’s menu draws from her time spent in Mexico City, Spain, Colombia and the Caribbean. The cocktail menu, from Pablo Moix, features long-forgotten classics and spectacular blended drinks like pina coladas and daiquiris. A sprawling, multi-level outdoor patio establishes Dama as a go-to spot for taking in LA’s flawless weather.”

Think Whole Soft Shell Crab Taco with hot pickled onions, radish, Persian cucumbers and cilantro. On the cocktail side look for Sandia y Mezcal with mezcal, watermelon, citrus and salt and pepper.

Chef Antonia takes a break from her busy kitchens to join us.

Victor Novak and Steven TorresIt’s time to once again Ask the Brewers. Joining us in-studio is the dynamic duo of Golden Road Brewing’s distinguished Brewmaster, Victor Novak, and Anaheim Head Brewer Steven Torres.

On tap is a discussion of the current trend of craft brewers to now create their own take on the popular Baja-style lagers brewed with premium ingredients. Also, what craft beer styles match with pickles and other fermented veggies. Thirst-quenching conversation for sure…

Dee NguyenBack in 2006 rising-star, fine-dining chef Dee Nguyen (ex-Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel) was looking to simplify his life and spend more time with his growing family. He bravely branched out on his own to launch the modest, 50-seat Break of Dawn in Laguna Hills.

Fortunately he quickly developed a loyal following of inspired guests. It’s a very personal statement for Chef Dee who serves breakfast, lunch and brunch Wednesday through Sunday only. It’s creative, fine-dining comfort foods with a Vietnamese twist.

“Guests can select from a variety of dishes, including bison sausage, French toast crème brulee, flax seed and quinoa oatmeal and mac and cheese. All foods are prepared with fresh ingredients and are designed to meld flavors and textures together. A children’s menu and beverage list with cocktails is also available.”

Think the unexpected including Goat Chili with morita, goat cheese, Mexican chocolate and chickpeas.

Chef Dee puts down the spatula and joins us.

Robert EggarL.A. Kitchen, a pioneering non-profit, is again rallying Angelenos to take a stand and participate in a city-wide party (October 5 to 7) to raise awareness and fight food waste, hunger and unemployment. Shared Plates is L.A Kitchen’s anti-gala, a weekend of dinner parties for good that invites thousands of Angelenos to sit around the table in their backyards, restaurants, businesses and schools across Los Angeles.

100% of the ticket sales help in feeding LA’s homeless and senior population, offering culinary job training to the formerly incarcerated or formerly homeless and towards diverting thousands of pounds of food that would have otherwise gone to waste.

Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen Founder & CEO sets the table for us.

Now in its third year, the 2017 Shared Plates campaign provided over 100 dinners arranged by participating restaurants and private individuals, engaging 1,000 Angelenos for the cause and contributing over $120,000 to the non-profit for its services to those in need.

“This is our 3rd year of Shared Plates. We love that more and more people from across the region are hosting simple dinners in their homes to support L.A. Kitchen. We love that there’s no age, income or geographic barriers to our event….anybody can be a host, anyone can participate, and everyone can benefit. This is food democracy.”

Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen Founder & CEO

Podcasts

Segment One: Anita Lau, Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman
Segment Two: Proprietress / Executive Chef Suzanne Tracht, Jar, Los Angeles
Segment Three: Executive Chef Antonia Lofaso, DAMA, City Market South, Downtown Los Angeles
Segment Four: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing, Los Angeles & Anaheim
Segment Five: Chef/Proprietor Dee Nguyen, Break of Dawn, Laguna Hills
Segment Six: Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen, Founder & CEO Part One
Segment Seven: Robert Egger, L.A. Kitchen, Founder & CEO Part Two