Show 632, June 21, 2025: “Ask the Chef” with Executive Producer Andy Harris

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) was waylaid with some airline travel glitches. His “Ask the Chef Segment” returns on July 12th after his well-deserved Family vacation.

Meantime Executive Producer Andy Harris fills in on the tipping challenge dilemma. Prods to tip in unexpected places seem to be getting a bit out of hand. Tip lines appear on credit card payment screens and tip jars are everywhere. Should you really tip the counterperson at a gas station convenience store who hands you a wrapped sandwich? When staying at a hotel do tip the hard-working housekeeper in cash on a daily basis. Executive Producer Andy Harris shares his informed thoughts. (Rescheduled from last week.)

Show 521, April 15, 2023: Chef Andrew Gruel (Co-Host) of Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel savoring a New Jersey style Pizza

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the recently launched, full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

What’s happened to cash in restaurants? The credit card companies are heavily promoting the use of credit cards exclusively over cash. Meanwhile credit card processing fees (controlled by a quasi- monopoly of firms) continues to skyrocket. Yet another added burden for restaurants trying to recover. Also did you know when you leave a 20 per cent tip the restaurant pays the 3 to 5 percent credit card fee on the gratuity? (The server, fortunately, gets the full amount of the tip.) Chef Andrew suggests leaving the tip in cash. Better for the server, too. Chef Andrew explains…