Show 533, July 8, 2023: Long Beach Burger Week Preview with Chef Kat Vacharabul of Hangry Belly

Kat Vacharavbul of Hangry Belly

“Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat as dozens of local restaurants and pop-ups will offer unique over-the-top Burgers and value-priced Burger Offers when the 3rd annual Long Beach Burger Week returns July 23-20, 2023. Organized by local non-profit Long Beach Food & Beverage, the organization felt that in addition to encouraging local and surrounding “foodies” to enjoy what the expanding Long Beach culinary community has to offer, events like Burger Week support the local economy. It’s summertime and who doesn’t love a good burger?”

One of the participating restaurants in the 3rd Annual Long Beach Burger Week is Chef Kat’s fast-casual, Hangry Belly (established in 2020) located in SteelCraft in Bixby Knolls. It’s locally owned. “When you’re feeling hangry, Hangry Belly has got you covered.”

Offering a chef-inspired menu of over-the-top gourmet, creative burgers and generous portions of premium sides made with passion, there’s an option to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. From their sweet and savory We Be Jammin Burger (1/2 pound Beef Patty, Swiss, Onion Jam, Prosciutto, Arugula, Tomato, Garlic Aioli and served on a Potato Bun) to their spicy Fire Belly Burger.

Breakfast specialties centered around house-made biscuits are available Thursday through Sunday. Seek out their rotating selection of house-prepared decadent desserts including an Ube Brownie. (Their slogan is “No one leaves hangry…”) Hangry Belly will keep your bellies filled and wanting more!

Chef Kat Vacharabul joins us with spatula in hand.

Show 522, April 22, 2023: Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe, Legends Hospitality at Angel Stadium Part One

Dennis Radcliffe of Legends Hospitality

What’s a new season of Angels Baseball without a home run of new food items to contemplate and savor. Joining us to make us incredibly hungry is new Executive Chef of Legends Hospitality at Angel Stadium, Dennis Radcliffe.

We’ll be chatting about what’s new in the concession stands, at Brewery X, and the Premium Suites. Angel Stadium also has an in-house pastry chef. Think fresh-baked brownie bites and oversized caramel (Granny Smith) apples!

It’s everything from the Out-of-the-Park Dog to the BX Burger on an OC Baking Co bun at Brewery X.

Also the Barbacoa Burrito and the California Steak Board in the Suites. A whole lot lot of deliciousness at the ready.

Show 485, July 30, 2022: Chef & Restaurateur Ross Pangilinan, ReMix Kitchen Bar, Long Beach. Preview of Long Beach Burger Week

Ross Pangilinan of Mix Mix Kitchen Bar

“Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat once again as dozens of local restaurants and burger-centric businesses will offer unique over-the-top Burgers and value-priced Burger Offers when the 2nd annual Long Beach Burger Week returns August 7-14, 2022. Featured Burgers are value-priced at $5, $10, $15 and $20, plus Burger/Cocktail combos at $25.”

“Long Beach Burger Week is even taking “dog friendly” one step further by encouraging restaurants with patios to offer a special Burger Week Menu just for dogs for $5 each.”

“Organized by local 501(c)3 non-profit Long Beach Food & Beverage, executive director Terri Henry, who has been organizing culinary events Long Beach for almost a decade, felt that in addition to encouraging local and surrounding “foodies” to enjoy what the expanding Long Beach culinary community has to offer, events like Burger Week support the local economy and put “butts in seats” of our valued restaurants. “We may be past the pandemic stage of COVID, but restaurants are still struggling and the 2nd annual city-wide Long Beach Burger Week will help increase guest counts and sales in August,” stated Henry. “And hey, it’s summertime and who doesn’t love a good burger?”.”

“There are no tickets or passes required. Burger lovers are invited to dine-in, take-out or have featured delivered from their favorite restaurants, or order from the websites of various pop-ups food truck to visit. Participating restaurants, food businesses and offers can be found at the Long Beach Burger Week site.

Then Remix Kitchen Bar at LBX is also a participating restaurant in Long Beach Burger Week. Their special is the Remix Burger for $20. It layered on a house-made Brioche Bun with Thyme Garlic Aioli, American Cheese, Arugula, Tomato, Shallot Jam, Bacon and served with Fries. Founder & Executive Chef Ross Pangilinan (Terrace by Mix Mix at South Coast Plaza) joins us with spatula in hand.

Congratulations to Chef Ross and his team at Catering by Mix Mix for being awarded the contract to provide foodservice for all events at the soon to open Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) at Segerstrom Center for the Arts adjacent to South Coast Plaza.

Show 435, July 24, 2021: Chef Dominic Palmieri, “The Midway Gourmet” at the OC Fair Part One

Dominic Palmieri of Midway Gourmet

The 2021 OC Fair opened the gates on Friday, July 16th. The first Weekend was a complete sellout. Outrageous Fair Food is always a mouthwatering highlight. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star, Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s fame on the RCS Carnival Midway.

Chef Dominic has noticed a taste trend in addition to the continuing appeal of spicy flavors. That’s sour. The creative minds at The Midway Gourmet have found spicy & sour inspiration and now perfected the all-new Hot Cheeto-n-Cheese Pickles which debuts at the OC Fair. It’s premium dill pickle chips smothered in cheese sauce and then topped with crunchy Hot Cheetos (crushed.)

Also a juicy, Hot Cheeto-n-Cheese Burger with premium Angus beef. “It’s a flame-grilled charbroiled burger sandwiched between a toasted buttery bun dipped in melted cheddar cheese then rolled in ground-up hot Cheetos. The burger is then topped with melted cheese and whole crunchy hot Cheetos.”

We’ll find out what other indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up now through August 15th with Chef Dominic.

Show 435, July 24, 2021: Chef Dominic Palmieri, “The Midway Gourmet” at the OC Fair Part Two

Dominic Palmieri of Midway Gourmet

The 2021 OC Fair opened the gates on Friday, July 16th. The first Weekend was a complete sellout. Outrageous Fair Food is always a mouthwatering highlight. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star, Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s fame on the RCS Carnival Midway.

Chef Dominic has noticed a taste trend in addition to the continuing appeal of spicy flavors. That’s sour. The creative minds at The Midway Gourmet have found spicy & sour inspiration and now perfected the all-new Hot Cheeto-n-Cheese Pickles which debuts at the OC Fair. It’s premium dill pickle chips smothered in cheese sauce and then topped with crunchy Hot Cheetos (crushed.)

Also a juicy, Hot Cheeto-n-Cheese Burger with premium Angus beef. “It’s a flame-grilled charbroiled burger sandwiched between a toasted buttery bun dipped in melted cheddar cheese then rolled in ground-up hot Cheetos. The burger is then topped with melted cheese and whole crunchy hot Cheetos.”

For those hot Summer days consider the Watermelon Taco topped with refreshing Dole Whip and Tajin. It’s exclusive to the Dole Whip booth on the RCS Carnival Midway.

We’ll find out what other indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up now through August 15th as Chef Dominic continues.

Show 431, June 26, 2021: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group

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

Americans are now enjoying more & more seafood as part of their diet. Where is the majority of the seafood coming from? What you should know about farm-raised fish and seafood as an informed consumer? Chef Andrew is our always reliable source.

The Save the Brave Burger” at Slapfish Southern California locations is Chef Andrew’s latest effort to support especially worthy community causes. Donate whatever you can at Slapfish and receive a premium, juicy-double-decker burger and show our veterans your support. 100 per cent of that money goes toward helping veterans with PTS. The ambitious goal is to raise $100,000 this Summer.

If you’re a Veteran the burger is on Chef Andrew Gruel.

Show 422, April 24, 2021: Chef Brian Huskey, Proprietor, Tackle Box, Corina del Mar

Brian Huskey of Tackle Box

“Top Chef” Season 11– New Orleans Alum Brian Huskey brings his talents to Big Corona Beach in Corona del Mar serving up the freshest seafood grub beachside at Tackle Box. Established in 2016 he likes to refer to it as a “Local Grub Shack.” Beachgoers and diners can enjoy a variety of classic seafood dishes at this casual oceanfront eatery. Only open Thursday to Sunday.

For Newport Beach Restaurant Week (concluding May 2nd) Chef Brian is offering a $15 prix fixe Lunch menu available from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It includes a choice of sandwich with house potato chips, a side and a Tackle Box cookie for dessert plus beverage. Sandwich options include BBQ Pork Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Club, Albacore Tuna Melt, Truffle Burger and an Avocado Burger.

Chef Brian joins us with tongs in hand.

Show 381, July 11, 2020: Preview of “Burger Week” with Chef Lene & Mark Houck of Open Face Food Shop

Lene and Mark Houck of Open Face Food Shop“Coming together for the very first time to celebrate restaurants all throughout Southern California, Los Angeles and Orange County unite to introduce Burger Week, which will be held from Sunday, July 12th, 2020 through Sunday, July 18th, 2020. Burger Week, produced by the Orange County Restaurant Association, will be a first-time event in Los Angeles and second annual event in Orange County. Burger Week was created to encourage diners all throughout the Southland (Orange County, Los Angeles County, Long Beach, and Pasadena) to celebrate and support SoCal restaurants while enjoying America’s favorite food – the almighty Burger!”

“Burger Week will feature burger creations from participating restaurants all across Southern California and during this week-long event running from Sunday, July 12th through Sunday, July 18th, 2020, diners will be able to explore a variety of Burgers, ranging from classic to creative, featuring proteins including beef, chicken, turkey, mushroom, and plant-based options, on menus priced at $10, $15, $20, and luxe menus at $25. Many restaurants will also be featuring special outdoor Dine-in, Takeout and Delivery packages, along with specialty featured Cocktails made with Maker’s Mark or Knob Creek Bourbon Whiskey. The restaurants participating in Burger Week, their Menus, and their featured Cocktails are all highlighted at BurgerWeek.com.”

Chef Executive Chef Lene Houck of Open Face Food Shop in Los Angeles (on West Adams Blvd.) is one of the participating chefs and restaurants in Burger Week. Open Face Food Shop is offering four special burger creations (with a choice of side) including the Classic Danish Style Open Face Burger with caramelized sweet onion, shaved brussels sprouts and quick pickled cucumber served on a 3-day (proofed) sourdough cheesy bread. A Burger Week Exira is “The Great Dane” Danish Hot Dog with an 8- inch handmade veal frank, remoulade, crispy onion and house-made pickles.

“Simply put, Chef Lene Houck creates amazing open face sandwiches using fresh, seasonal ingredients in modern, inventive pairings. Lene and her husband Mark hope that their neighbors and friends will enjoy both the food she’s lovingly created and the welcoming atmosphere surrounding it.”

Executive Chef / Proprietor Lene Houck and Proprietor Mark Houck temp us with all the juicy burger deliciousness.

Show 242, September 30, 2017: Chef & Food Photographer Jonathan Melendez, The Slider Effect

Jonathan Melendez Jonathan Melendez, a C-CAP graduate, is a food photographer, blogger, cook, baker, recipe developer and the author of The Slider Effect – You Can’t Eat Just One. “Break out of that burger rut, and switch things up with sliders for breakfast, lunch or dinner.”

“Way better than a cupcake, sliders are delicious and fun—you can’t eat just one. They are the perfect bite that can be served as an appetizer, tapa, entrée, side, or midnight snackIndulge in the awesome world of sliders and mini sandwiches through 75 omnivorous and vegetarian recipes, complete with homemade breads, buns, and sauces. These are that are more than just your usual mini burgers.”

“The ingredient and flavor combinations that can fit between two buns are limitless. The Slider Effect focuses on these amazing small bites, featuring the best recipes and 60 delicious photographs designed to turn you into a slider pro. The four main chapters focus on meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetarian sliders, and there is something for everyone.”

“In the Meat chapter you’ll find recipes for Grilled Steak and Potato Sliders as well as Mediterranean Lamb Sliders. The Poultry chapter will introduce you to Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Waffle Sliders, Turkey-Bacon BLT Avocado Sliders, and Chicken Curry Sliders. The Seafood chapter ranges from Fish and Chips Sliders to Shrimp Fajita Sliders. And in the Vegetarian chapter you’ll find tiny buns filled with ingredients like roasted beets, eggplant, polenta, and black beans. If you feel like making your own rolls, there are recipes ranging from biscuits to challah and from waffle to pretzel buns. And what slider would not be complete without a dab of Cilantro, Lime, and Green Chile Aioli or Arugula Pumpkin Seed Pesto on top? There is no end to what you can make work in a slider.”

Chef Jonathan joins us to share all his proven tricks to true slider nirvana.

Show 220, April 22, 2017: Matt Meddock, Co-Founder, Sessions West Coast Deli, Newport Beach & Huntington Beach

Matt MeddockSandwiches, made from fresh, premium ingredients, have come into their own as serious eats. In Spring 2014, when Sessions West Coast Deli opened its first location in Newport Beach, its owners had one mission: to serve the “best sandwiches to ever hit the lip.” As a neighborhood-casual concept designed to serve its immediate community, Sessions embraces the area’s surf culture as it presents a menu of gourmet, culinary-focused sandwiches in a relaxed environment.

In Summer 2015, Sessions opened its second Orange County location on the waterfront in Huntington Beach. The opening of this location reinforced Sessions’ dedication and commitment to its community by becoming a local hub for surfers, skaters and area beachgoers looking for great sandwiches.

“Unlike most sandwich shops in the region, Sessions proudly boasts a scratch kitchen with housemade sauces, sides, salads, and soups prepared daily. All sandwiches are made to order with fresh, locally grown produce; humanely and naturally raised meats; and locally baked bread delivered daily from local artisan, OC Baking Company. In addition, the restaurant proudly serves a selection of locally roasted coffee beverages from Kean Coffee.”

The two most popular sandwiches are the Summer Zephr and The Meddock Melee. A worthy burger is rumored to be on the way in addition to new locations.

Co-Founder Matt Meddock joins us to get between the bread slices and build a proper sandwich.