Tag Archives: breakfast

Show 494, October 8, 2022: Chef Henry Pineda, Proprietor, Lola’s by MFK, Anaheim Part One

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Henry Pineda of Lola's MFK

“With the full-service Lola’s by MFK in the former CaliVino Wine Pub space off Katella Avenue next door to Angel Stadium, Chef Henry Pineda, 31, is celebrating his mother’s Filipino and father’s Guatemalan roots through the lens of his favorite meal serving a Modern Filipino Brunch from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 7 days. Dinner will eventually follow. Chef Henry operates Lola’s by MFK with his wife and business partner, Amanda “Panda” Pineda.

“Every year on my birthday we don’t go to dinner, we go to breakfast,” said Pineda, who grew up in L.A and moved to Anaheim when he was six. “Breakfast was always the meal where my family ate together. My dad worked the graveyard shift and would just be coming home right before my mom was about to head out.”

“Pineda has worked in restaurants since age 18 starting at Mama Cozza’s in Anaheim. He’s also cooked at Orange Hill in Orange; ADYA in Anaheim; Starfish in Laguna Beach; Shabu Shabu in Santa Ana; Smoking Ribs in Garden Grove; and The Penthouse inside The Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica. Pineda opened MFK by Aysee’s original location on the border of Anaheim and Buena Park in 2016 at age 26. That restaurant tragically burned down one night in September 2020 when a fire spontaneously broke out.”

Pineda’s Brunch classics include Lola’s Crispy Sisig, Adobo Fried Rice Omelet, Ube Pancakes, Sweet Avocado Pancakes and Ube Tres Leches French Toast. Lola’s beer and wine license just came through so Filipino craft beer (unusually on tap) and exotic fruit-based libations will soon appear on the menu.

Chef Henry takes a break from the Brunch rush to join us with spatula in hand.

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Show 494, October 8, 2022: Chef Henry Pineda, Proprietor, Lola’s by MFK, Anaheim Part Two

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Henry Pineda of Lola's MFK

“With the full-service Lola’s by MFK in the former CaliVino Wine Pub space off Katella Avenue next door to Angel Stadium, Chef Henry Pineda, 31, is celebrating his mother’s Filipino and father’s Guatemalan roots through the lens of his favorite meal serving a Modern Filipino Brunch from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 7 days. Dinner will eventually follow. Chef Henry operates Lola’s by MFK with his wife and business partner, Amanda “Panda” Pineda.

“Every year on my birthday we don’t go to dinner, we go to breakfast,” said Pineda, who grew up in L.A and moved to Anaheim when he was six. “Breakfast was always the meal where my family ate together. My dad worked the graveyard shift and would just be coming home right before my mom was about to head out.”

“Pineda has worked in restaurants since age 18 starting at Mama Cozza’s in Anaheim. He’s also cooked at Orange Hill in Orange; ADYA in Anaheim; Starfish in Laguna Beach; Shabu Shabu in Santa Ana; Smoking Ribs in Garden Grove; and The Penthouse inside The Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica. Pineda opened MFK by Aysee’s original location on the border of Anaheim and Buena Park in 2016 at age 26. That restaurant tragically burned down one night in September 2020 when a fire spontaneously broke out.”

Pineda’s Brunch classics include Lola’s Crispy Sisig, Adobo Fried Rice Omelet, Ube Pancakes, Sweet Avocado Pancakes and Ube Tres Leches French Toast. Lola’s beer and wine license just came through so Filipino craft beer (unusually on tap) and exotic fruit-based libations will soon appear on the menu.

Chef Henry takes a second break from the Brunch rush to rejoin us with spatula in hand.

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Show 475, May 21, 2022: Restaurateur Denise Andreini, Café Andreini, Arroyo Grande, CA Part One

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Denise Andreini of Cafe Andreini

In the Village of Arroyo Grande in San Luis Obispo County the place for the best coffee (locally roasted) and full breakfast (since 1996) is the locals’ favorite, Cafe Andreini. This was Arroyo Grande’s first coffee house. Proprietress Denise Andreini was born and raised in Arroyo Grande and graduated from Cal Poly San Louis Obispo. She returned to Arroyo Grande after a time in the Bay Area to raise her Family.

Café Andreini is known for their abundant breakfast burritos, open-faced sandwiches, avocado toast, acai bowls and lots more. They serve local beer and wine on tap as well as Kombucha. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. with extended hours to 4:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

“Café Andreini prides itself on being part of the amazing community that is Arroyo Grande, and realizes that coffee isn’t just about a great cup of coffee but it’s about community. That’s why they have partnered with some stellar local businesses, to bring guests the freshest menu items. Giving back to the community goes beyond good food and wine. Over the many years Café Andreini has donated and participated in fundraisers with local charities, schools and businesses.”

Founder Denise Andreini joins us with an Americano in hand.

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Show 475, May 21, 2022: Restaurateur Denise Andreini, Café Andreini, Arroyo Grande, CA Part Two

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Denise Andreini of Cafe Andreini

In the Village of Arroyo Grande in San Luis Obispo County the place for the best coffee (locally roasted) and full breakfast (since 1996) is the locals’ favorite, Cafe Andreini. This was Arroyo Grande’s first coffee house. Proprietress Denise Andreini was born and raised in Arroyo Grande and graduated from Cal Poly San Louis Obispo. She returned to Arroyo Grande after a time in the Bay Area to raise her Family.

Café Andreini is known for their abundant breakfast burritos, open-faced sandwiches, avocado toast, acai bowls, pastries and lots more. They serve local beer and wine on tap as well as Kombucha. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. with extended hours to 4:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It’s available as a special events spot at night.

“Café Andreini prides itself on being part of the amazing community that is Arroyo Grande, and realizes that coffee isn’t just about a great cup of coffee but it’s about community. That’s why they have partnered with some stellar local businesses, to bring guests the freshest menu items. Giving back to the community goes beyond good food and wine. Over the many years Café Andreini has donated and participated in fundraisers with local charities, schools and businesses.”

Founder Denise Andreini continues with us now with a breakfast burrito in hand.

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Show 462, February 19, 2022: Paul Tyler, Owner / General Manager, John O’Groats, West Los Angeles

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Paul Tyler of John O'Groats

“John O’Groats, a beloved, multi-award-winning restaurant based in the Rancho Park area of West Los Angeles, will celebrate its 40th Anniversary on Saturday, February 26, 2022. The restaurant has been owned and managed by the Jacoby / Tyler Family since its inception and has been cited by dozens of top national and Southern California media outlets as serving “The Best Breakfast in Los Angeles.””

“To celebrate this milestone, John O’Groats will award each of the first 40 Parties to arrive for Breakfast on the Morning of February 26, 2022, a $40 Gift Certificate!”

“Owner and General Manager Paul Tyler has been operating John O’Groats on a daily basis for decades, having taken up the baton from his parents – Angelica and (the late) Robert Jacoby – who originally founded the beloved restaurant on February 26, 1982.”

“Regarding the 40th anniversary milestone of his family-owned business, Paul Tyler said, “We love our customers – it’s as simple as that. Our customers are what drive our business, and we have long been humbled by the overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve received by the Southern California community over these past 40 years. Our customers simply love what we have to offer, which includes our famous fresh-made biscuits and pancakes, along with dozens of other breakfast and lunch specialties. We also pride ourselves on our catering and event services, and we are able to make any of our menu items available for take-out or to be included on an event’s catering menu.”

“Adds Angelica Jacoby, “The key to our success in this business is simple: you have to like people. My son Paul is a real people person – a very nice man who has always been an extrovert. His role here at John O’Groats isn’t a job for him – it’s his life.””

Paul, a Cornell University School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration graduate, is responsible for many signature menu items at John O’Groats. Vegetarian Hash and Eggs comes with fresh vegetables, home fries, apples, onion sauteed in olive oil and two eggs any style. Huevos O’Groats is a biscuit dough tortilla with black beans, onion, peppers, two eggs over medium, cheese, sour cream and fresh salsa.

Paul Tyler joins us with a plate of his Huevos O’Groats in hand.

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Show 457, January 8, 2022: Anne Marie Panoringan, Voice of OC’s Food Columnist Part One

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Food Journalist Anne Marie Panoringan

Anne Marie Panoringan is Voice of OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to profile a handful of her newly discovered restaurants in the OC in 2021, her “Five Wishes for 2022” and a look ahead at some noteworthy restaurant openings in the OC in 2022 on the horizon.

We’ll lastly get a tantalizing preview of Anne Marie’s next Voice of OC column which publishes on Thursday, January 14th. Anne Marie will share some of her favorite new dining spots of 2021.

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Show 423, May 1, 2021: Ika Taft, Proprietress, More Than Waffles, Encino

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The proudly family-owned More Than Waffles located in the Encino Town Center launched in 1975. Since 1998 the established has been owned and operated by the Taft Family. “They specialize in the authentic Belgian Waffle called, “Gaufre.” They are known for their thickness but have a light and airy texture which makes them lower in calories, only 140 calories per waffle. The waffles are made from the finest ingredients and served plain or with a variety of fresh toppings and are accompanied with house-made jam and melted butter. More than Waffles offers some 19 different waffles to choose from, and of course you can create your own.”

“More Than Waffles also offers a full breakfast menu that includes 21 omelets which are served with a Belgian Waffle or home fries, breakfast burritos, crepes, pancakes, various benedicts, hash and much more.”

“Besides breakfast, More Than Waffles offers a full lunch menu including Sandwiches, Salads, Pastas, Chicken Dishes, house-made Soups and juicy Hamburgers (including Vegi Burgers and Turkey Burgers.) More Than Waffles uses a variety of Organic products and offers many healthy and low-calorie dishes for a lighter touch.”

Love is in the air at More Than Waffles. Proprietress Ika Taft (who started there as a server) met her future husband, Greg, at the restaurant. As coincidence would have it Ika’s and Greg’s daughter, Henny, also was introduced to her future husband (Mike) at More Than Waffles. Henny is currently the General Manager of More Than Waffles representing the 2nd generation of caring, hands-on Taft Family stewardship.

Since they only have 17 tables available in their comfortable patio on the lower level of the Encino Town Center Ika suggests getting on their Yelp Waitlist during normal operating hours. If your party is on the list by the 2 p.m. daily close you’re guaranteed attentive & relaxed service even if you’re seated after 2:00 p.m. That’s real hospitality….

More Than Waffles was a beneficiary of Chef Andrew & Lauren Gruel’s “86 Restaurant Struggle” relief fund with support to both the Front and Back of The House Staff there.

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Show 381, July 11, 2020: Chef & Proprietor John Park, Toast Kitchen + Bakery, Costa Mesa

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John Park of Toast Kitchen and BakeryChef John Park’s Toast Kitchen + Bakery, now celebrating its 2nd Anniversary, is a welcome addition to the moderately priced dining scene in Costa Mesa. The actual anniversary date is July 24th but Toast will be celebrating with changing weekly specials for the entire month. From Tuesday, July 14th through Sunday, July 19th all the signature house-baked cookies are $2 each.

They serve Breakfast & Brunch daily (closed on Monday.) Early Dinner is Tuesday through Friday with Happy Hour (with food & libation specials) on Weekdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Some salivating new menu items have just been introduced including creative libations and both savory & sweet creations. Think Mapo Tofu Noodles with mapo tofu, noodles, zucchini, roasted sesame seeds and cilantro.

Chef John Park, the Chef of the Year at the 2019 Golden Foodie Awards, joins us.

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Show 345, October 19, 2019: Sandes of Time Bed and Breakfast (SE Portland, Oregon) with Proprietress Terry Sande

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Terry Sande of Sandes of Time Bed and BreakfastSandes of Time Bed and Breakfast located on a large property in the Milwaukie suburb of SE Portland, Oregon is a refreshing and comfortable change from the typical chain accommodations. This historic, two-story, farm-house style home is perfect for guests staying one night or several.

Built from 1904 to 1907 it has been restored and renovated to include four antique-filled guest rooms or suites with all the contemporary conveniences.  You’ll find the decorating warm and welcoming, the spacious yards and gardens peaceful and relaxing.

“The 2-course breakfast menu varies each day and is a very good reason to get up in the morning after a restful night’s sleep in our comfy beds.”

“Find a quiet porch swing, listen to the water as it trickles down the rocks and splashes over the waterfall, have a glass of lemonade and let time stand still for just a little while at the Sandes of Time Bed and Breakfast”

“Our goal is to make our guests as comfortable as possible so that staying at the Sandes of Time Bed & Breakfast will be one of the best parts of the trip!”

Proprietress Terry Sande welcomes us to Sandes of Time.

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Show 334, July 27, 2019: Executive Chef Chris Garasic, Navy Proof Food and Spirits and The Westin Long Beach

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Chef Chris GarasicNavy Proof Food & Spirits, located in the Westin Long Beach, is their newly debuted destination restaurant. A concept created by Howe & Brown Hospitality, the restaurant offers locals and travelers alike new-American fare and craft cocktails with bold flavors. Inspired by the history of maritime traditions and the sea, the cuisine emphasizes technique and texture to highlight the versatility of seasonal ingredients and locally-sourced seafood and meat.

“Executive Chef Chris Garasic has combined the resilient spirit, sense of adventure and love with the sea, with local ingredients and modern techniques to create his beautifully plated and flavorful dishes. Highlights of the menu include Smoked and Crispy Fried Chicken, served with honey & green goddess dressing; Duck Confit Banh Mi, piled high with duck pate, pickled vegetables, and spicy aioli; and Fried Green Tomato with burrata & roasted beets for lunch.”

“Guests may enjoy a variety of entrees from the land or sea for dinner, including Dry Aged Organic Ribeye with potato rosti, black kale, and porcini jus; Roasted Zucchini Cavatelli topped with harissa, lemon, mint and creme fraiche; and Grilled Spanish Octopus accompanied by potato salad and green romesco.”

“As a graduate of Western Culinary School in Portland, Oregon, Executive Chef Chris Garasic joined Navy Proof after previously leading kitchens at Mucho Ultima, The Shade Hotel, and Malibu Farm Lido, and consulting for Rock’N Fish. Using his finely tuned culinary skills to develop menus that are both simple and unique, Chef Chris has continued to leave a lasting impression on the culinary industry for more than two decades.”

We gently pull executive Chef Chris Garasic out of his busy kitchen (Breakfast service is on…) for a chat.

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