Podcasts
Hour One: Anne Marie Panoringan, Al Mancini
Hour Two: Al Mancini, Cecil Park, Andrew Gruel
Segment One: Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Anne Marie Panoringan, Voice of OC’s Food Columnist
Segments Four and Five: Al Mancini, Journalist – Creator of Neon Feast for Las Vegas Dining
Segments Six and Seven: Cecil Park, Founder & Winemaker – Innovatus, Napa
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel
Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.
Anne Marie Panoringan is Culture OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. Anne Marie also contributes regularly to Eater Los Angeles, LAist, TASTE and a host of other well-respected and noteworthy publications. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to discuss her work as Food Columnist for Culture OC and highlight her current columns, including dining advice navigating all the food options aboard Discovery Princess. Of course Orange County morsels will be part of the conversation.
Al Mancini is our always in-the-know guest with highlights of what’s new on the dynamic Las Vegas dining scene. Al joins us sharing some dining tidbits including the upcoming surprising move of Jose Andres’ celebrated Bazaar Meat from the Sahara to The Venetian and the ever-popular Chicken Fingers served in a miniature Zamboni at Vegas Golden Knights games. The 3rd year anniversary of notable Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini’s ambitious Neon Feast dining app happens in February. Lots of new features have now been added to the updated App. “Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android (as well as their own website), Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.”
“Winemaker Cecil Park of WineFornia and INNOVATUS wines is widely known as Napa Valley’s first Korean winemaker and viticulturist. Her journey from Yonsei University in Biotechnology Engineering to U.C. Davis in Viticulture and Enology has set her apart as a cultural and professional pioneer. Her background brings diversity to a traditionally Western-dominated field, and she has become an inspiration for others who want to break into the industry. With over 17 years of experience, she seamlessly blends modern techniques with traditional sustainable winemaking practices, creating wines that not only stand out for their quality but also for their unique character. INNOVATUS is the embodiment of Cecil Park’s innovative approach to winemaking. As the founder and creative force behind the brand, Cecil has crafted INNOVATUS into a symbol of both her personal and professional values. The brand stands out in the highly competitive Napa Valley wine scene for its small-lot production and attention to detail, resulting in elegant, expressive, and distinctive wines.” Cecil Park is our guest to uncork all that is INNOVATUS wines.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. From a working chef and restaurateur’s perspective what is Chef Andrew optimistic about and, conversely, what’s of concern as we enter 2025?
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
Anne Marie Panoringan is Culture OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. Anne Marie also contributes regularly to Eater Los Angeles, LAist, TASTE and a host of other well-respected and noteworthy publications. Anne Marie joins us in-studio to discuss her work as Food Columnist for Culture OC and highlight her current columns, including dining advice navigating all the food options aboard Discovery Princess. Of course Orange County morsels will be part of the conversation.
Along the way Anne Marie shares some dining highlights from her recent adventures in Las Vegas. In OC dining news Anne Marie fills us in on Chef & Restaurateur Allan Tea’s new full-service restaurant in Old Town Orange. What’s the status of the soon to open Vox Kitchen & Bar in South Coast Plaza?
Al Mancini is our always in-the-know guest with highlights of what’s new on the dynamic Las Vegas dining scene. Al shares some dining tidbits including the surprising move of Jose Andres’ celebrated Bazaar Meat from the Sahara to The Venetian and the ever-popular Chicken Fingers served in a miniature Zamboni at Vegas Golden Knights home games at T-Mobile Arena.
The 3rd year anniversary of notable Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini’s ambitious Neon Feast dining app happens in February. Lots of new features have now been added to the updated App. “Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android (as well as their website), Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.”
His weekly podcast is Food & Loathing, an always opinionated deep-dive into the Vegas restaurant and bar scene.
Al also has NeonNews.Vegas with current news (and breaking headline news) on the vibrant Vegas dining scene and lots more reported from his most reliable local sources.
“Winemaker Cecil Park of WineFornia and INNOVATUS wines is widely known as Napa Valley’s first Korean winemaker and viticulturist. Her journey from Yonsei University in Biotechnology Engineering to U.C. Davis in Viticulture and Enology has set her apart as a cultural and professional pioneer. Her background brings diversity to a traditionally Western-dominated field, and she has become an inspiration for others who want to break into the industry. Cecil has built a reputation in Napa upon her ability to combine scientific precision with artistic winemaking. With over 17 years of experience, she seamlessly blends modern techniques with traditional sustainable winemaking practices, creating wines that not only stand out for their quality but also for their unique character.”
“Cecil’s reach extends across Napa and Sonoma, where she manages over 80 vineyards. She is a highly in-demand consultant for her expertise in private winemaking services, winery design, and vineyard management, with several high-profile clients including J.D. Estate Vineyard, Epps Vineyard, Mt. George Vineyard, and Peju Vineyard. Cecil’s ability to juggle multiple roles and produce consistently excellent results has made her indispensable to the community.”
“INNOVATUS is the embodiment of Cecil Park’s innovative approach to winemaking. As the founder and creative force behind the brand, Cecil has crafted INNOVATUS into a symbol of both her personal and professional values. The brand stands out in the highly competitive Napa Valley wine scene for its small-lot production and attention to detail, resulting in elegant, expressive, and distinctive wines.”
“INNOVATUS wines have been praised by critics and consumers alike. James Suckling awarded 93 points to the brand’s Viognier, and the INNOVATUS Brut Sparkling was awarded as an Editor’s Pick product in Food & Beverage Magazine. Her debut 2014 Cuvée, an unconventional blend of Pinot Noir and Syrah, won international accolades, securing gold at the Shanghai International Wine Challenge. Each of Cecil’s wines, from her structured Cabernet Sauvignon to her vibrant Zinfandel, reflect a deep understanding of both the land and craft of winemaking. INNOVATUS wines capture a perfect balance between bold Napa flavors and a tailored finesse that appeals to international wine lovers.”
“Beyond producing exceptional wines, Cecil has been instrumental in fostering collaboration across the wine community, both locally and globally. Her ongoing partnerships with Asian Health Services and the Korean American Community Foundation, showcase her commitment to enriching Napa’s cultural landscape. Moreover, her focus on educating and empowering the next generation of women in STEM further solidifies her role as a mentor and leader.”
Cecil Park is our guest to uncork all that is INNOVATUS wines.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.
From a chef and restaurateur’s perspective what is Chef Andrew optimistic about and, conversely, what’s of particular concern as we enter 2025?
Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook (newly published) is also available with signed copies at his Calico Fish House on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach.
Podcasts
Hour One: Anne Marie Panoringan, Al Mancini
Hour Two: Al Mancini, Cecil Park, Andrew Gruel
Segment One: Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Anne Marie Panoringan, Voice of OC’s Food Columnist
Segments Four and Five: Al Mancini, Journalist – Creator of Neon Feast for Las Vegas Dining
Segments Six and Seven: Cecil Park, Founder & Winemaker – Innovatus, Napa
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel
