Show 415, March 6, 2021: Restaurateur Kate Failor of Hudson House, Redondo Beach

Hudson House in Redondo Beach was opened in early 2008 by Chefs Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts, aptly named after their newborn son, Hudson. For over 11 years, they built a restaurant focused on the neighborhood, good food and cocktails which quickly helped grow the business into what it is today, a loved South Bay staple. In 2020, Nick & Brooke sadly stepped away from the business as a result of the stresses of COVID-19.”

“In a happy turn of events, their former Director of Operations, Kate Failor, partnered up with the owner of the former A Basq Kitchen in Redondo Beach, Jessica Ibarra, to help keep Hudson House alive. With a few enhancements and a lot of love, the new Hudson House was born.”

“With a surf shack vibe Hudson House now displays a curation of pieces from local artists and photographers all inspired by the beach and Southern California lifestyle. Blending together good food, amazing cocktails and a welcoming space, Hudson House aspires to be your favorite local bar and restaurant in the South Bay!”

Menu highlights include Brown Sugar Pork Ribs with crispy shallots and cilantro and Sweet Corn Cake with roasted plantain, fermented black garlic, stewed lentils and avocado cotija cream. For fruit pie lovers don’t miss a slice (a la mode of course) from Pastry Chef Lindsay Miller’s A Little Salty Pie Co.

Proprietress Kate Failor is our guest.

Show 239, September 2, 2017: Restaurateur & Chef Michael McCarty, Michael’s Santa Monica & Michael’s New York Part One

Michael McCartyWhen Chef & Restaurateur Michael McCarty opened the landmark Michael’s in Santa Monica back in 1979 I’m not sure he even suspected that he would become one of the pioneers of what is known as California cuisine along with Alice Waters and Wolfgang Puck. He pioneered having museum quality art on the restaurant’s wall with not a hint of pretention. A Michael’s in New York came on the scene about a decade later serving breakfast, lunch & dinner to the media elite.

Michael is also known for mentoring rising, young culinary talent. This distinguished alumni club includes Jonathan Waxman, Nancy Silverton, Brooke Williamson, Mark Peel, Ken Frank and Sang Yoon.

McCarty still can be seen at The Santa Monica Farmers Market on Wednesday mornings with his culinary team. He actually was one of the founders of this showcase Farmers Market now known throughout the world. When he’s home in Santa Monica he’s at the restaurant nightly still touching tables and amiably welcoming guests.

Just about a year ago Michael totally rejuvenated Michael’s Santa Monica by bringing-in a 28-year old rising-star chef with avant-garde ideas. Chef Miles Thompson is already earning deserved accolades from food critics. Dining in the lush garden patio at Michael’s all these years later is still a uniquely L.A. experience.

Chef & Restaurateur Michael McCarty is our guest.

 

Show 197, November 12, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Be listening for your chance next Saturday morning, Nov. 19th to win our VIP Brunch for 2 package at SideDoor on December 3rd at 10:00 a.m. SideDoor is graciously throwing us a party to celebrate the show’s 4th Anniversary. We’ll be broadcasting live from SideDoor that morning.

Now a provocatively tempting preview of Saturday’s full-measure 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…

The Ment’or BKB Foundation (founded by Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller and Jerome Bocuse) supports Team USA at the bi-annual Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition and mentors up-and-coming culinary talent in the USA. Earlier this year Chef Vincenzo Loseto of The Nomad in New York won the prestigious honors as the 2016 Young Chef. He’s been on quite a ride since then. We’ll meet him.

One of our favorite guests of 2016 is the always-opinionated Meathead Goldwyn, the founder of AmazingRibs.com, the hugely popular grilling and barbecue website. He’s also known as the barbecue whisperer. His new book is Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling. Meathead joins us with some unexpected but hugely practical tips for preparing the Thanksgiving feast.

Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 10 alum Brooke Williamson and her husband/co-chef Nick Roberts have debuted in Playa Vista their 4th restaurant. It’s the fast-casual, Hawaiian-themed, street-food oriented, Da Kikokiko. Chef Brooke joins us to share the inviting aloha spirit.

Tequila can only come from certain areas of Mexico and the State of Jalisco is famous for their blue agave which is the base for authentic Tequila. The Marriott Resort CasaMagna has a resident Tequila Sommelier and a fascinating Tequila program. We’ll meet her. Bring on the aged Anejo.

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

Show 197, November 12, 2016: Restaurateur, Chef and “Top Chef” Alum Brooke Williamson, Da Kikokiko, Hudson House, The Tripel and Playa Provisions

Brooke Williamson of Hudson House and TripelBravo’s “Top Chef” Season 10 alum, Brooke Williamson and her husband/co-chef Nick Roberts have just debuted their 4th restaurant in Playa Vista on the Runway. It’s the fast-casual, Hawaiian-themed, street-food oriented Da Kikokiko. It’s Family-friendly, too.

“When brainstorming ideas a few years ago for our next restaurant, we knew we wanted to open a Hawaiian spot, since we love Asian flavors and felt there was a need for good, authentic Hawaiian cuisine in Los Angeles that went beyond poké,” says Brooke and Nick. “It’s why Da Kikokiko also offers musubi and shave ice, since it gives guests variety and lets us have a bit more fun in the kitchen. There’s also a casualness, yet approachability to Hawaiian food, which we strive for at all of our restaurants, and the cuisine has loads of flavor but is still fresh.”

Created by Brooke and Nick, the menu lends itself to authentic island flavors with Asian influences, and makes for an ideal lunch, dinner, or beach trip snack. Celebrating one of Hawaii’s most popular street foods, Da Kikokiko offers musubi made traditionally with grilled SPAM on top of a block of rice, and wrapped with dried nori seaweed, plus innovative twists with contemporary protein and vegetable options like teriyaki chicken, yuzu kosho salmon, and sesame miso zucchini.

Customizable poké bowls are available with a variety of base mixes, proteins, sauces, and toppings to select from.

To cap off the Hawaiian experience, guests can enjoy refreshing shave ice with housemade organic syrups like hibiscus-currant, mango-jasmine, yuzu, matcha, Kona coffee, and pineapple, along with toppings such as li hing mui (salty dried plum) powder and condensed milk. Making it extra indulgent, guests can also add a scoop of housemade vanilla and coconut ice cream, or lilikoi sorbet, from Brooke and Nick’s artisanal ice cream shop Small Batch, located inside nearby Playa Provisions.

For “Top Chef” fans please know Chef Brooke returns as an encore “Cheftestant” for Season 14 starting in early December.

Chef Brooke joins us to share the aloha spirit.

November 12: Vincenso Loseto, Meathead Goldwyn, Brooke Williamson, Marriott CasaMagna

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.
Segment Two: Chef Vincenzo Loseto, The Nomad, Ment’or BKB Foundation’s 2016 Young Chef Competition Winner
Segment Three: Meathead Goldwyn, AmazingRibs.com, Meathead – The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling Part One
Segment Four: Meathead Goldwyn, AmazingRibs.com, Meathead – The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling Part Two
Segment Five: Restaurateur, Chef and “Top Chef” Alum Brooke Williamson, Da Kikokiko, Hudson House, The Tripel and Playa Provisions
Segment Six: Tequila Sommelier Audrey Formisano, Marriott Resort CasaMagna, Puerto Vallarta

Now a provocatively tempting preview of Saturday’s full-measure 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…

The Ment’or BKB Foundation (founded by Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller and Jerome Bocuse) supports Team USA at the Bocuse d’Or International culinary competition and mentors up-and-coming culinary talent in the USA. Earlier this year Chef Vincenzo Loseto of The Nomad in New York won the prestigious honors as the 2016 Young Chef. He’s been on quite a ride since then. We’ll meet him.

One of our favorite guests of 2016 is the always-opinionated Meathead Goldwyn the founder of AmazingRibs.com, the hugely popular grilling and barbecue website. He’s also known as the barbecue whisperer. His new book is Meathead : The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling. Meathead joins us with some unexpected but hugely practical tips for preparing the Thanksgiving feast.

Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 10 alum Brooke Williamson and her husband/co-chef Nick Roberts have debuted their 4th restaurant in Playa Vista on the Runway. It’s the fast-casual, Hawaiian-themed, street-food oriented, Da Kikokiko. Chef Brooke joins us to share the inviting aloha spirit.

Tequila can only come from certain areas of Mexico and the State of Jalisco is famous for their blue agave which is the base for authentic Tequila. The Marriott Resort CasaMagna has a resident Tequila Sommelier and a fascinating Tequila program. We’ll meet her. Bring on the aged Anejo.

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

Vincenso Loseto of Team USA at the BOcuse D'orThe Ment’or BKB Foundation (founded by Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller and Jerome Bocuse) supports Team USA at the Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition and mentors up-and-coming culinary talent in the USA. Earlier this year Chef Vincenzo Loseto of The Nomad in New York won the prestigious honors as the 2016 Young Chef. He’s been on quite a ride since then. We’ll meet him.

Vincenzo’s winning presentation was Veal Tenderloin with Oyster Mushroom and Herb Mousseline. The judges included Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller, Jerome Bocuse and Team USA 2015 alum, Chef Philip Tessier.

Since then Chef Vincenzo has staged at Noma in Copenhagen, one of the World’s most acclaimed restaurants. He was also just with Team USA in Lyon in advance of the 2017 Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition.

Chef Vincenzo will also preview the Bocuse d’Or 2017 Team USA VIP Experience. Talk about the ultimate gift for a very special foodie…

Meathead GoldwynOne of our favorite guests of 2016 is Meathead Goldwyn, the founder of AmazingRibs.com, the hugely popular grilling and barbecue website. He’s also known as the barbecue whisperer.

His new book is Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling. Meathead joins us with some unexpected but practical tips for preparing the traditional Thanksgiving feast.

Let’s not stuff the bird in the traditional way. Instead, make mufflings (stuffing prepared and baked in muffin pans.) Also, so all parts of the turkey cook evenly on the grill butterfly or spatchcock the bird.

For accurate temperature control always use a digital thermometer. It’s much more reliable. For cooking the bird Meathead suggests smoking or grilling. This opens up critical oven space for baking pies.

“Understanding is the first step in mastery. This book (MEATHEAD) explains the science of barbecuing and grilling in lay terms. Along the way, I use science to filter the hogwash, bust the myths, and take down the old husbands’ tales and canards passed along by pit masters whose rituals that have gone largely untested since that first forest fire.” Meathead Goldwyn – From the Introduction.

Brooke Williamson of Hudson House and TripelBravo’s “Top Chef” Season 10 alum, Brooke Williamson and her husband/co-chef Nick Roberts have just debuted their 4th restaurant in Playa Vista on the Runway. It’s the fast-casual, Hawaiian-themed, street-food oriented Da Kikokiko. It’s Family-friendly, too.

“When brainstorming ideas a few years ago for our next restaurant, we knew we wanted to open a Hawaiian spot, since we love Asian flavors and felt there was a need for good, authentic Hawaiian cuisine in Los Angeles that went beyond poké,” says Brooke and Nick. “It’s why Da Kikokiko also offers musubi and shave ice, since it gives guests variety and lets us have a bit more fun in the kitchen. There’s also a casualness, yet approachability to Hawaiian food, which we strive for at all of our restaurants, and the cuisine has loads of flavor but is still fresh.”

Created by Brooke and Nick, the menu lends itself to authentic island flavors with Asian influences, and makes for an ideal lunch, dinner, or beach trip snack. Celebrating one of Hawaii’s most popular street foods, Da Kikokiko offers musubi made traditionally with grilled SPAM on top of a block of rice, and wrapped with dried nori seaweed, plus innovative twists with contemporary protein and vegetable options like teriyaki chicken, yuzu kosho salmon, and sesame miso zucchini.

Customizable poké bowls are available with a variety of base mixes, proteins, sauces, and toppings to select from. ogonori, cilantro, and sesame, plus more.

To cap off the Hawaiian experience, guests can enjoy refreshing shave ice with housemade organic syrups like hibiscus-currant, mango-jasmine, yuzu, matcha, Kona coffee, and pineapple, along with toppings such as li hing mui (salty dried plum) powder and condensed milk. Making it extra indulgent, guests can also add a scoop of housemade vanilla and coconut ice cream, or lilikoi sorbet, from Brooke and Nick’s artisanal ice cream shop Small Batch, located inside nearby Playa Provisions.

For “Top Chef” fans please know Chef Brooke returns as an encore “Cheftestant” for Season 14 starting in early December.

Chef Brooke joins us to share the aloha spirit.

Audrey FormisanoGenuine Tequila can only come from certain areas of Mexico and the State of Jalisco is famous for their blue agave which is the base for authentic Tequila. The accommodating Marriott Resort CasaMagna in Puerto Vallarta’s Marina zone has a resident Tequila Sommelier and a fascinating on-site Tequila program. We’ll meet her. Bring on the aged Anejo.

CasaMagna has their own, on-property agave garden. CasaMagna Tequila (only available there) is distilled in five styles including Blanco, Joven, Reposado, and Anejo. They also offer over 114 different varieties of Tequila from other producers at the resort for the guests’ sipping pleasure.

Audrey hosts highly-rated Weekly Tasting Classes. These include colorful commentary on the mythical origins of the drink as well as the modern state of the tequila industry.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.
Segment Two: Chef Vincenzo Loseto, The Nomad, Ment’or BKB Foundation’s 2016 Young Chef Competition Winner
Segment Three: Meathead Goldwyn, AmazingRibs.com, Meathead – The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling Part One
Segment Four: Meathead Goldwyn, AmazingRibs.com, Meathead – The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling Part Two
Segment Five: Restaurateur, Chef and “Top Chef” Alum Brooke Williamson, Da Kikokiko, Hudson House, The Tripel and Playa Provisions
Segment Six: Tequila Sommelier Audrey Formisano, Marriott Resort CasaMagna, Puerto Vallarta

Show 163, March 12, 2016: Brady Lowe, Founder, Cochon555 Tour

Brady Lowe of Cochon 555COCHON555 Los Angeles is set for Sunday, March 13th at The Viceroy in Santa Monica. It’s 5 Chefs, 5 Winemakers, and 5 Pigs. Experience this must-see, annual pork-centric culinary competition as part of the L.A. stop of the extensive national tour. It’s five high-profile chefs cooking over 36 dishes prepared from whole, locally-raised heritage breed pigs.

This year’s competing chefs include Carlos Salgado of Taco Maria, Bruce Kalman of Union, Jason Neroni of Rose Cafe, Brooke Williamson of The Tripel and returning champion Walter Manzke of Republique.

The five chefs will prepare a maximum of six dishes from one whole hog and their utilization will help them win votes from a crowd of hungry gourmands and celebrated judges. In addition to the 36 dishes prepared from locally-raised pigs, guests will feast on educational experiences featuring boutique wines and culinary cocktails paired with delicious bites.

The winner of the regional event will be announced as the “Prince of Porc” and go on to compete for the national title of “King or Queen of Porc” at Grand Cochon, the tour finale, held at the Viceroy in Snowmass / Aspen on June 18th.

Cochon’s founder, Brady Lowe, joins us with all the porkalicious details.

Show 111, February 21, 2015: Show Preview with Chef Andrew Gruel (Guest Host) and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Andrew GruelChef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish is back in the Guest Host seat this morning along with Producer and Color Commentator Andy Harris. Now a preview of today’s abundantly overstuffed show.

Chef Margarita Martinez hosts the Emmy-award winning New England travel and food series, “Neighborhood Kitchens” on WGBH (PBS.) She also is the spokesperson for The Cabot Creamery Cookbook: Simple, Wholesome Dishes from America’s Best Dairy Farms.More than a recipe book, The Cabot Creamery Cookbook tells the story of how premium quality and local ownership have been the key to a decades-long, award-winning cooperative, and will be a must-have for anyone who loves delicious, farm-fresh food.

Executive Chef & Partner Eric Klein of Spago Las Vegas was a sous chef at the original Spago. He had he share of working Oscar nights there and at The Governors’ Ball. Wolfgang Puck has been associated with serving food at the Oscars for some 21 years. On Sunday, February 22nd Chef Eric is hosting an Awards Night Party at Spago Las Vegas. The 7-course tasting menu is inspired by the cuisine (some 50 dishes) Puck will be serving the same night at The Governors’ Ball at Hollywood & Highland. One of the official desserts will be on Chef Eric’s menu.

Planned Parenthood Los Angeles’ annual Food Fare is Southern California’s highly anticipated gastronomic event where food lovers and Planned Parenthood supporters are invited to enjoy Los Angeles’ best restaurants all under one roof at Barker Hangar is Santa Monica on Thursday, March 5th. It’s their 36th big year! This year’s Food Fare will honor “Top Chef Seattle’s” runner-up cheftestant, Brooke Williamson, and her husband, Nick Roberts, as the 2015 Chefs of the Year and their three restaurants, Playa Provisions, Hudson House, and The Tripel will all be serving at the event. Chefs Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts are our guests.

Specializing in ultra premium wines grown in Paso Robles, California, Artisan Uprising was created by brothers David and William Vondrasek after years of making wines solely for their family. “Originally inspired to try out what we had learned from our grandfather and our heritage of making wine each year, we found ourselves making more than the family could drink. Now that we make enough to share, we have held true to our process and mindset of how our wine should be made.” We are joined by the Vondrasek Brothers.

The kickoff event for San Francisco Beer Week is <The Bistro Double IPA Fest in Hayward. For the Third year our own El Segundo Brewing Co. entered their craft beers into this prestigious competition. Their Hammerland took the Gold! ESBC’s certified Cicerone, Thomas Kelley, is with us to celebrate the big win and explain!

We’re continuing our preview of Chocolate Decadence and the Pechanga Wine Festival set for Friday evening, February 27th and Saturday afternoon, February 28th at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Europa Village winery in Temecula is part of both events. Their new winemaker, George Bursick, joins us to provide an overview of what they are doing at Europa Village. We’ll also be joined by their Events Director, Lisa Ferguson, and Executive Chef and Innkeeper (The Inn at Europa Village,) Dean Thomas.

On Saturday morning, February 28th we’re broadcasting live from the Pechanga Wine Festival at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula.

Don’t forget…OC Restaurant Week is March 1st to 7th.

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

Show 111, February 21, 2015: Chefs Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts, Playa Provisions

Brooke Williamson and Nick RobertsPlanned Parenthood Los Angeles’ annual Food Fare is Southern California’s highly anticipated gastronomic event where food lovers and Planned Parenthood supporters are invited to enjoy Los Angeles’ best restaurants all under one roof at Barker Hangar is Santa Monica on Thursday, March 5th. It’s their 36th year!

This year’s Food Fare will honor “Top Chef Seattle’s” runner-up cheftestant, Brooke Williamson, and her husband, Nick Roberts, as the 2015 Chefs of the Year and their three restaurants, Playa Provisions, Hudson House, and The Tripel will all be serving at the event.

Past Food Fare Chefs of The Year will also be represented by Celestino Drago’s Drago Centro, Suzanne Goin’s A.O.C., Lucques and Tavern, Joe Miller’s Joe’s Restaurant, Susan Feniger’s and Mary Sue Milliken’s Border Grill and Alain Giraud’s Maison Giraud.

Chefs Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts are our guests to provide the 411 on the upcoming Food Fare.

February 21: Andrew Gruel, Margarita Martinez, Spago Las Vegas, Brooke Williamson, Nick Roberts, Artisan Uprising, El Segundo Brewing, Europa Vlillage

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Chef Andrew Gruel (Guest Host) and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Margarita Martinez and The Cabot Creamery Cookbook
Segment Three: Executive Chef Eric Klein, Spago Las Vegas
Segment Four: Chefs Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts, Playa Provisions
Segment Five: Artisan Uprising winery, Paso Robles
Segment Six: El Segundo Brewing Co. – Hammerland takes The Gold
Segment Seven: George Bursick, Winemaker, Europa Village, Temecula
Segment Eight: Executive Chef & Innkeeper Dean Thomas and Events Director Lisa Ferguson, Europa Village

Andrew GruelChef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish is back in the Guest Host seat this morning along with Producer and Color Commentator Andy Harris. Now a preview of today’s abundantly overstuffed show.

Chef Margarita Martinez hosts the Emmy-award winning New England travel and food series, “Neighborhood Kitchens” on WGBH (PBS.) She also is the spokesperson for The Cabot Creamery Cookbook : Simple, Wholesome Dishes from America’s Best Dairy Farms. More than a recipe book, The Cabot Creamery Cookbook tells the story of how premium quality and local ownership have been the key to a decades-long, award-winning cooperative, and will be a must-have for anyone who loves delicious, farm-fresh food.

Executive Chef & Partner Eric Klein of Spago Las Vegas was a sous chef at the original Spago. He had he share of working Oscar nights there and at The Governors’ Ball. Wolfgang Puck has been associated with serving food at the Oscars for some 21 years. On Sunday, February 22nd Chef Eric is hosting an Awards Night Party at Spago Las Vegas. The 7-course tasting menu is inspired by the cuisine (some 50 dishes) Puck will be serving the same night at The Governors’ Ball at Hollywood & Highland. One of the official desserts will be on Chef Eric’s menu.

Planned Parenthood Los Angeles annual Food Fare is Southern California’s highly anticipated gastronomic event where food lovers and Planned Parenthood supporters are invited to enjoy Los Angeles’ best restaurants all under one roof at Barker Hangar is Santa Monica on Thursday, March 5th. It’s their 36th big year! This year’s Food Fare will honor “Top Chef Seattle’s” runner-up cheftestant, Brooke Williamson, and her husband, Nick Roberts, as the 2015 Chefs of the Year and their three restaurants, Playa Provisions, Hudson House, and The Tripel will all be serving at the event. Chefs Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts are our guests.

Specializing in ultra premium wines grown in Paso Robles, California, Artisan Uprising was created by brothers David and William Vondrasek after years of making wines solely for their family. “Originally inspired to try out what we had learned from our grandfather and our heritage of making wine each year, we found ourselves making more than the family could drink. Now that we make enough to share, we have held true to our process and mindset of how our wine should be made.” We are joined by the Vondrasek Brothers.

The kickoff event for San Francisco Beer Week is The Bistro Double IPA Fest in Hayward. For the Third year our own El Segundo Brewing Co. entered their craft beers into this prestigious competition. Their Hammerland took the Gold! ESBC’s certified Cicerone, Thomas Kelley, is with us to celebrate the big win and explain!

We’re continuing our preview of Chocolate Decadence and the Pechanga Wine Festival set for Friday evening, February 27th and Saturday afternoon, February 28th at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Europa Village winery in Temecula is part of both events. Their new winemaker, George Bursick, joins us to provide an overview of what they are doing at Europa Village. We’ll also be joined by their Events Director, Lisa Ferguson, and Executive Chef and Innkeeper (The Inn at Europa Village,) Dean Thomas.

On Saturday morning, February 28th we’re broadcasting live from the Pechanga Wine Festival at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula.

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

Margarita MartinezChef Margarita Martinez hosts the Emmy-award winning New England travel and food series “Neighborhood Kitchens” on WGBH (PBS.) She loves to discover new ingredients, flavors, and cooking approaches that she can bring to her own home kitchen and share with others. She also is the spokesperson for The Cabot Creamery Cookbook: Simple, Wholesome Dishes from America’s Best Dairy Farms.

The American love affair with fresh, flavorful ingredients goes well beyond vegetables. When it comes to milk, cheese, and yogurt, the Cabot Creamery, home of the “world’s best cheddar” and other award-winning dairy products, is recognized across the country as the best in its class. The Cabot farmers that comprise the 1,200-strong dairy cooperative, employ techniques that have been honed over decades using their exceptional quality milk.

The Cabot Creamery Cookbook is an honest-to-goodness collection of recipes and stories from real dairy farmers, who have always understood that good food begins with great ingredients. This rich collection of 150 irresistible and easy-to-follow recipes, ranging from appetizers to desserts and everything in between, will tempt the palates of home cooks everywhere and be a go-to gift for anyone who loves simple, delicious and wholesome food.

More than a recipe book, The Cabot Creamery Cookbook tells the story of how premium quality and local ownership have been the key to a decades-long, award-winning cooperative, and will be a must-have for anyone who loves delicious, farm-fresh food.

Eric KleinExecutive Chef & Partner Eric Klein of Spago Las Vegas was a sous chef at the original Spago. He had his share of working pressure-packed Oscar nights there and at The Governors’ Ball.

Wolfgang Puck has been associated with serving food at the Oscars for 21 years. On Sunday, February 22nd Chef Eric is hosting an Awards Night Party at Spago Las Vegas. The 7-course tasting menu is inspired by the cuisine (some 50 dishes) Chef Puck will be serving the same night at The Governors’ Ball at Hollywood & Highland.

One of the official desserts, an Apple Millefeuille with brown butter sauce and apple cider jelly, will be on Chef Eric’s menu, too. Every lucky guest will leave with a special chocolate Oscar painted with edible gold (originally created by Chef Wolfgang’s former executive pastry chef, Sherry Yard.) The guests at the official Governors Ball in Hollywood receive the same coveted keepsake!

Chef Eric Klein is our guest.

Brooke Williamson and Nick RobertsPlanned Parenthood Los Angeles’ annual Food Fare is Southern California’s highly anticipated gastronomic event where food lovers and Planned Parenthood supporters are invited to enjoy Los Angeles’ best restaurants all under one roof at Barker Hangar is Santa Monica on Thursday, March 5th. It’s their 36th year!

This year’s Food Fare will honor “Top Chef Seattle’s” runner-up cheftestant, Brooke Williamson, and her husband, Nick Roberts, as the 2015 Chefs of the Year and their three restaurants, Playa Provisions, Hudson House, and The Tripel will all be serving at the event.

Past Food Fare Chefs of The Year will also be represented by Celestino Drago’s Drago Centro, Suzanne Goin’s A.O.C., Lucques and Tavern, Joe Miller’s Joe’s Restaurant, Susan Feniger’s and Mary Sue Milliken’s Border Grill and Alain Giraud’s Maison Giraud.

Chefs Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts are our guests to provide the 411 on the upcoming Food Fare.

David and William Vondrasek Specializing in very limited production, ultra premium wines grown in Paso Robles, California, Artisan Uprising was created by brothers David and William Vondrasek after years of making wines solely for their family.

“Originally inspired to try out what we had learned from our grandfather and our (Italian) heritage of making wine each year, we found ourselves making more than the family could drink. Now that we make enough to share, we have held true to our process and mindset of how our wine should be made.”

“This is handcrafted wine two people can make. Unfiltered and un-stripped, our wines present some sediment in the bottle that we believe enhances the overall texture and ability for the wines to develop and age for years to come. Our wines are unique, they are what we like, and while quality of this scale has a broad appeal, it cannot be mass-produced, It is a true Artisan product.”

Current releases (very limited) are a Rose of Merlot, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Sirah.

We are joined by the Vondrasek Brothers.

Hammerland by El Segundo Brewing CompanyThe kickoff event for always eagerly anticipated San Francisco Beer Week is The Bistro Double IPA Fest in Hayward. For the Third year our own El Segundo Brewing Co. entered their craft beers into this prestigious competition. Their Hammerland took the Gold!

“This competition which is in its 15th year, included 63 Double IPAs mainly from California, and all of them are in the best possible condition they could be. Most of the kegging dates are within a week, and many breweries brew beers specifically for this Fest. A win here, in our not so humble opinion, is a true distinction of having the best hoppy beer in the land.”

ESBC’s certified Cicerone, Thomas Kelley, is with us to celebrate the big win and explain the significance of this huge honor!

George BursickWe’re continuing our preview of Chocolate Decadence and the Pechanga Wine Festival set for Friday evening, February 27th and Saturday afternoon, February 28th at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula.

Europa Village winery in Temecula is part of both events. Their new winemaker, George Bursick (ex-Ferrari-Carano,) joins us to provide an overview of what they are doing at Europa Village and the ambitious plans for the future.

“Our story is simple. It began with a vision of combining Old World European wine country charm with the modern amenities and technological advancements of California wine craft.”

“Today, more than 30 acres of prime Temecula Wine Country property has been planted with popular European-style varietal grapes. We are now crafting premium wines in the classic traditions of France, Spain and Italy. You can savor these vintages offerings and experience a taste of what’s to come at our interim Europa Village Tasting Room and event facilities.”

Dean ThomasWe’re continuing our preview of Chocolate Decadence and the Pechanga Wine Festival set for Friday evening, February 27th and Saturday afternoon, February 28th at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Europa Village winery in Temecula is part of both events.

We’re now joined by their Events Director, Lisa Ferguson, and Executive Chef and Innkeeper (The Inn at Europa Village,) Dean Thomas.

The Inn at Europa Village is a unique Spanish mission-style wine country inn featuring 10 well-appointed guestrooms perfect for that romantic getaway or casual business retreat. The Inn is located on a hill overlooking the expansive Europa Village property. Hot air balloons (a Temecula signature) for visitors depart and, later, land on the property on early a.m. expeditions.

Every morning Chef Dean prepares (and serves) a sumptuous, 2-course breakfast (using the freshest of local ingredients) for the Inn’s guests that surpasses anything you can get at a luxury hotel. Even the honey is local…It’s a very special, one-of-a-kind experience that brings guests back time and again.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Chef Andrew Gruel (Guest Host) and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Margarita Martinez and The Cabot Creamery Cookbook
Segment Three: Executive Chef Eric Klein, Spago Las Vegas
Segment Four: Chefs Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts, Playa Provisions
Segment Five: Artisan Uprising winery, Paso Robles
Segment Six: El Segundo Brewing Co. – Hammerland takes The Gold
Segment Seven: George Bursick, Winemaker, Europa Village, Temecula
Segment Eight: Executive Chef & Innkeeper Dean Thomas and Events Director Lisa Ferguson, Europa Village

Show 66, March 22, 2014: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris

Chef Jet and Producer Andy preview the show.

Chef Brooke Williamson of Hudson House and The Tripel is back with us. Her latest venture, Playa Provisions, is about to debut. In Laguna Beach we’re checking in with Executive Chef Josh Severson at the booming Selanne Steak Tavern.

The Grand Central Market in Downtown Los Angeles is the grandfather of food halls in the area. Exciting things are going on there with the arrival of distinctive new food businesses. We’re continuing with our preview of EAT LBC, Long Beach’s first ever restaurant week set for March 30th through April 5th.

The Food Network celebrated its 20th Anniversary last year. That’s a lot of history. We’ll be talking about the early days of FN with one of their original show hosts.

Also on the menu is another information segment with our resident meat expert. We’ll discuss wet and dry aging and other meaty matters.

The hit of the just concluded Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim was a new cold-brewed coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee. The founder of Blue Bottle Coffee is with us to explain.

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