Show 647, October 4, 2025: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Don’t miss our 13th Anniversary Show on Saturday, Oct. 11th, 2025. We’re live from Lafayette, LA, the Heart of Cajun Country.

Fire Captain Coby Bailey (and serious Cajun home cook) is the pride of Lafayette, LA as the winner of PBS’ “The Great American Recipe” Season 4. He is a career firefighter, husband, and proud father of two. Growing up, Coby was immersed in culinary traditions passed down through generations, with his earliest inspirations coming from his mother and grandmother, both exceptional Cajun cooks. After serving in the U.S. Navy, including during Desert Storm, Coby joined the Lafayette Fire Department, where he has worked for 28 years, serving as captain for the past decade.” When it comes to the very best in firehouse cookery Captain Coby is the guy! He even has his own line of Cajun seasonings. Coby takes a break from the firehouse to join us.

Five Point Five Brewing Co is an El Segundo-based family business known for its handcrafted beer, hard seltzers and small neighborhood vibe. Siblings Michelle Bella Legaspi, Melissa Bella Montemagni, Joe Bella and Mark Bella run the brewery along with Melissa’s husband, Brewer Jeremy Montemagni—who has been brewing since the 1990s—and his sister and brother-in-law, Angela Chagnon and Ted Chagnon. The team opened the doors of Five Point Five Brewing Co two years ago. Their goal is to bring the community together to catch up and enjoy great beer in a relaxed environment.” Founders Michelle Legaspi and Brewer Jeremy Montemagni join us to tap the keg on all that is Five Point Five Brewing Co.

Descanso Restaurant with locations in Costa Mesa (the original) and on the Miracle Mile in Los Angeles is celebrating National Taco Day with a chef-curated taco platter, inviting guests to try four of their most popular specialty tacos and discover their new favorites. Available at its Costa Mesa and recently opened Los Angeles locations, Descanso’s National Taco Day Platter includes street-sized versions of the Felipe, The Relleno, Don Chingon and Chicharrón de Pescado tacos for just $15. Each taco is served on a house-made corn tortilla. Descanso is a contemporary Mexican kitchen and bar inspired by the rich culinary traditions and flavors of Michoacán. Blending time-honored family recipes with modern technique, Descanso delivers a dining experience rooted in heritage and elevated in execution. Guests can choose to dine at a traditional table or take a seat at the restaurant’s signature Plancha grill, where meals are prepared right before their eyes—bringing to life the vibrant energy of a bustling Mexican town.” Founder Rob Arellano and Chef Jose Angulo join us in-studio.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Chef Andrew has debuted a new program to feed people in need without a lot of fuss and all are welcome. It’s called “Sharing the Table.” On Monday evenings at Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach from 4 to 8:00 p.m. Chef Andrew is providing free, high quality, healthy dinners to individuals and families in need. The meals are served family-style to feed four. No questions and no stigma.

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

Show 647, October 4, 2025: Fire Captain Coby Bailey, Lafayette, LA

Coby Bailey of Captain Coby Cajun Seasoning

Fire Captain Coby Bailey (and serious Cajun home cook) is the pride of Lafayette, LA as the winner of PBS’ The Great American Recipe” Season 4.

“He is a firefighter, husband, and proud father of two. Growing up, Coby was immersed in culinary traditions passed down through generations, with his earliest inspirations coming from his mother and grandmother, both exceptional Cajun cooks. After serving in the U.S. Navy, including during Desert Storm, Coby joined the Lafayette Fire Department, where he has worked for 28 years, serving as captain for the past decade.”

“Cajun cuisine, deeply rooted in African, European, and Native American influences — most notably French — reflects a rich history of bold flavors, rustic techniques, and communal dining. For Coby, cooking is more than nourishment; it’s a way of life and a connection to his heritage. Today, he proudly carries on that legacy, mastering traditional dishes that define Cajun culture. His signature dish, Stuffed Chicken with Andouille Sauce, embodies the hearty, soulful spirit of his roots.”

Colby’s culinary skills along with Cajun heart culminated in his winning Season 4 of PBS’ “The Great American Recipe” competition series for serious home cooks. He’s also the creator of the proprietary line of Captain Coby’s Cajun Seasonings. Coby takes a break from the firehouse to join us.

October 4: Captain Coby’s Cajun Seasonings, Five Point Five Brewing, Descanso Restaurant

Podcasts

Hour One: Coby Bailey, Five Point Five Brewing
Hour Two: Five Point Five Brewing, Descanso Restaurant, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Fire Captain Coby Bailey, Lafayette, LA
Segment Four and Five: Five Point Five Brewing, Co., El Segundo, CA
Segments Six and Seven: Descanso, Costa Mesa and L.A.’s Miracle Mile with Founder Rob Arellano and Chef Jose Angulo
Segment Eight: Chef, Restaurateur & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House, Sunset Beach

Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-Host previews the show.

“Fire Captain Coby Bailey (and serious Cajun home cook) is the pride of Lafayette, LA as the winner of PBS’ “The Great American Recipe” Season 4. He is a career firefighter, husband, and proud father of two. Growing up, Coby was immersed in culinary traditions passed down through generations, with his earliest inspirations coming from his mother and grandmother, both exceptional Cajun cooks. After serving in the U.S. Navy, including during Desert Storm, Coby joined the Lafayette Fire Department, where he has worked for 28 years, serving as captain for the past decade.” When it comes to the very best in firehouse cookery Captain Coby is the guy! He even has his own line of Cajun seasonings. Coby takes a break from the firehouse to join us.

“Five Point Five Brewing Co is an El Segundo-based family business known for its handcrafted beer, hard seltzers and small neighborhood vibe. Siblings Michelle Bella Legaspi, Melissa Bella Montemagni, Joe Bella and Mark Bella run the brewery along with Melissa’s husband, Brewer Jeremy Montemagni—who has been brewing since the 1990s—and his sister and brother-in-law, Angela Chagnon and Ted Chagnon. The team opened the doors of Five Point Five Brewing Co two years ago. Their goal is to bring the community together to catch up and enjoy great beer in a relaxed environment.” Founders Michelle Legaspi and Brewer Jeremy Montemagni join us to tap the keg on all that is Five Point Five Brewing Co.

“Descanso Restaurant with locations in Costa Mesa (the original) and on the Miracle Mile in Los Angeles is celebrating National Taco Day with a chef-curated taco platter, inviting guests to try four of their most popular specialty tacos and discover their new favorites. Available at its Costa Mesa and recently opened Los Angeles locations, Descanso’s National Taco Day Platter includes street-sized versions of the Felipe, The Relleno, Don Chingon and Chicharrón de Pescado tacos for just $15. Each taco is served on a house-made corn tortilla. Descanso is a contemporary Mexican kitchen and bar inspired by the rich culinary traditions and flavors of Michoacán. Blending time-honored family recipes with modern technique, Descanso delivers a dining experience rooted in heritage and elevated in execution. Guests can choose to dine at a traditional table or take a seat at the restaurant’s signature Plancha grill, where meals are prepared right before their eyes—bringing to life the vibrant energy of a bustling Mexican town.” Founder Rob Arellano and Chef Jose Angulo join us in-studio.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew has debuted a new program to feed people in need without a lot of fuss. It’s called “Sharing the Table.” On Monday evenings at Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach from 4 to 8:00 p.m. Chef Andrew is providing free, high quality, healthy dinners to individuals and families in need. The meals are served family-style to feed four. No questions and no stigma.

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

Coby Bailey of Captain Coby Cajun Seasoning

Fire Captain Coby Bailey (and serious Cajun home cook) is the pride of Lafayette, LA as the winner of PBS’ The Great American Recipe” Season 4.

“He is a firefighter, husband, and proud father of two. Growing up, Coby was immersed in culinary traditions passed down through generations, with his earliest inspirations coming from his mother and grandmother, both exceptional Cajun cooks. After serving in the U.S. Navy, including during Desert Storm, Coby joined the Lafayette Fire Department, where he has worked for 28 years, serving as captain for the past decade.”

“Cajun cuisine, deeply rooted in African, European, and Native American influences — most notably French — reflects a rich history of bold flavors, rustic techniques, and communal dining. For Coby, cooking is more than nourishment; it’s a way of life and a connection to his heritage. Today, he proudly carries on that legacy, mastering traditional dishes that define Cajun culture. His signature dish, Stuffed Chicken with Andouille Sauce, embodies the hearty, soulful spirit of his roots.”

Colby’s culinary skills along with Cajun heart culminated in his winning Season 4 of PBS’ “The Great American Recipe” competition series for serious home cooks. He’s also the creator of the proprietary line of Captain Coby’s Cajun Seasonings. Coby takes a break from the firehouse to join us.

Michelle Lagaspi of Five Point Five Brewing

Five Point Five Brewing Co is an El Segundo-based family business known for its handcrafted beer, hard seltzers and small neighborhood vibe. Siblings Michelle Bella Legaspi, Melissa Bella Montemagni, Joe Bella and Mark Bella run the brewery along with Melissa’s husband, Brewer Jeremy Montemagni—who has been brewing since the 1990s—and his sister and brother-in-law, Angela Chagnon and Ted Chagnon. The team opened the doors of Five Point Five Brewing Co two years ago. Their goal is to bring the community together to catch up and enjoy great beer in a relaxed environment.”

“Five Point Five Brewing’s line of handcrafted beers are inspired by their 5.5 square mile corner of paradise in El Segundo, CA. Open Monday through Sunday.” Every Thursday Night is Trivia Night.

To celebrate Five Point Five’s 2nd Anniversary Brewmaster Jeremy has brewed Sweet Melissa Belgian Double IPA. “A free spirit with exceptional soul. Sweet Melissa blends the fruity esters and spice of traditional Belgian yeast with the bitter snap of a Double IPA. Complex, aromatic, and unapologetically original.”

Founders Michelle Legaspi and Brewer Jeremy Montemagni join us to tap the keg on all that is Five Point Five Brewing Co.

Rob Arellano of Descanso Restaurant

Descanso Restaurant with locations in Costa Mesa and on the Miracle Mile in Los Angeles is celebrating National Taco Day with a chef-curated taco platter, inviting guests to try four of its most popular specialty tacos and discover their new favorites. Available at its Costa Mesa and recently opened Los Angeles locations, Descanso’s National Taco Day Platter includes street-sized versions of the Felipe, The Relleno, Don Chingon and Chicharrón de Pescado tacos for just $15. Each taco is served on a house-made corn tortilla.”

“Descanso is a contemporary Mexican kitchen and bar inspired by the rich culinary traditions and flavors of Michoacán. Blending time-honored family recipes with modern technique, Descanso delivers a dining experience rooted in heritage and elevated in execution. Guests can choose to dine at a traditional table or take a seat at the restaurant’s signature Plancha grill, where meals are prepared right before their eyes—bringing to life the vibrant energy of a bustling Mexican town.”

Jose Angula of Descanso Restaurant

“Under the direction of Chef Sergio Lopez and Chef Jose Angulo, the menu features bold, seasonal dishes that celebrate the vibrant ingredients and distinctive flavors of Michoacán. Each plate and cocktail is a tribute to the region and Mexico’s culinary history—crafted with pride, tradition, and a modern twist.”

“Founded in Costa Mesa by owner Rob Arellano in 2018, Descanso expanded in 2025 with the opening of its flagship Los Angeles location.”

Founder Rob Arellano and Chef Jose Angulo join us in-studio.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Chef Andrew has debuted a new program to feed people in need without a lot of fuss. It’s called “Sharing the Table.” On Monday evenings at Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach Chef Andrew is providing free, high quality, healthy dinners to individuals and families in need.

Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook is available with signed copies at his Calico Fish House on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach.

Podcasts

Hour One: Coby Bailey, Five Point Five Brewing
Hour Two: Five Point Five Brewing, Descanso Restaurant, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Fire Captain Coby Bailey, Lafayette, LA
Segment Four and Five: Five Point Five Brewing, Co., El Segundo, CA
Segments Six and Seven: Descanso, Costa Mesa and L.A.’s Miracle Mile with Founder Rob Arellano and Chef Jose Angulo
Segment Eight: Chef, Restaurateur & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House, Sunset Beach