Show 556, December 16, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

One of the noteworthy new program elements in the recently concluded LA Chef Conference 2023 was the activation of the LA Chef Con / Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) Student Mentorship Program. Five outstanding LATTC Culinary Arts Pathway Students were each awarded $1,000 and then paired with a leading industry mentor for one year with the objective of furthering their growth and education on the Culinary Arts. The Mentorship Program was funded by a grant from Lawry’s Restaurants. One of the Mentorship Program’s recipients is LATTC Culinary Arts Pathway student Daisy Garcia. Daisy has been paired with Spago Beverly Hills’ Executive Pastry Chef, Della Gossett. We’ll meet them both.

“Tis’ the season for San Pedro Fish Market’s annual 12 Days of ShrimpMas, a 12-day giveaway series that celebrates the magic of the season with exclusive promotions and a chance to win exciting prizes running from December 11th to 22nd, 2023. Make holiday gatherings merry and bright with San Pedro Fish Market’s new festive Family Meal Kits available through December 31, 2023 and get exclusive deals on stocking stuffers with gift card deals through December 31, 2023.”

We reel in Michael Ungaro, CEO and Owner of San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant to provide all the finny details.

The Willows at the Chumash Casino Resort is their 14- time AAA Four Diamond rated restaurant specializing in mouthwatering prime steaks and seafood, together with an extensive selection of local and imported wines recognized as a Wine Spectator award-winner. The menu features fresh and flavorful ingredients from local farms, ranches and gardens. The Willows itself offers a comfortably elegant setting with multiple private dining rooms.” Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food and Beverage at Chumash Casino Resort (and an accomplished chef by training) is our guide to all the varied cuisine available at the Resort including Willows, Grains and Grounds and the Food Court.

Baker Dean Kim is again hosting his Annual Festive Christmas Pop-Up Store by OC Baking at his commercial bakery in Orange on December 22nd from 8:00 a.m. until sell out. It’s an incredible array of scrumptious food and sweet treats from small producers who are passionate about their gourmet specialty food products. It’s everything from baked goods from Crema Artisan Bakery to Pascal Coffee. Chef Lisa Gilmore will be there with her popular line of Soup’d Up soups packaged in quart containers. Look fer her Italian Wedding, Cream of Mushroom and Potato Sausage soups. Baker Dean Kim, Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Artisan Bakery and Chef Lisa Gilmore join us with all the delectable specifics.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. The Holidays are here and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the ultimate objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and discerning Family. Chef Andrew joins us with his continuing series of genuinely useful holiday cooking tips. This week it’s roasted goose as the possible centerpiece for the Holiday Table. Egg prices are on the rise, again. Chef Andrew explains what’s going on.

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

Show 556, December 16, 2023: Chumash Casino Resort (Santa Ynez) Dining with Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food & Beverage Part One

Peter Sherlock of  Chumash Casino Resort

The Willows at the Chumash Casino Resort is their 14-time AAA Four Diamond rated restaurant specializing in mouthwatering prime steaks and seafood, together with an extensive selection of local and imported wines recognized as a Wine Spectator award-winner. The menu features fresh and flavorful ingredients from local farms, ranches and gardens.” The Willows itself offers a comfortably elegant setting and nicely appointed private dining rooms. Chef de Cuisine Sergio Renteria has been guiding the kitchen at Willows for 19 years. Restaurant Manager Frank Mejia has been welcoming guests there for 17-years.

Grains and Grounds at Chumash Casino Resort is the place for a fresh cup of Starbucks® Coffee or to fuel up in between meals. Select from gelato, salads, and array of house-made sweets and gourmet desserts. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

“For a fast and casual bite, stop by Chumash Casino Resort’s Food Court on the main gaming floor. The Food Court offers guests with quick-serve, high quality and inexpensive dining in an open and comfortable atmosphere. Enjoy a variety of options including burgers, artisan pizza, hot dogs, tacos, rotisserie, BBQ and Asian specialties.”

Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food and Beverage at Chumash Casino Resort (and a chef by training) is our guide to all the varied cuisine available at the Resort. (Guests must be 21 years of age, or older, to enter the Casino.)

Show 556, December 16, 2023: Chumash Casino Resort (Santa Ynez) Dining with Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food & Beverage Part Two

Peter Sherlock of  Chumash Casino Resort

The Willows at the Chumash Casino Resort is their 14-time AAA Four Diamond rated restaurant specializing in mouthwatering prime steaks and seafood, together with an extensive selection of local and imported wines recognized as a Wine Spectator award-winner. The menu features fresh and flavorful ingredients from local farms, ranches and gardens.” The Willows itself offers a comfortably elegant setting and nicely appointed private dining rooms. Chef de Cuisine Sergio Renteria has been guiding the kitchen at Willows for 19 years. Restaurant Manager Frank Mejia has been welcoming guests there for 17-years.

Grains and Grounds at Chumash Casino Resort is the place for a fresh cup of Starbucks® Coffee or to fuel up in between meals. Select from gelato, salads, and array of house-made sweets and gourmet desserts from the Pastry Kitchen. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

“For a fast and casual bite, stop by Chumash Casino Resort’s Food Court on the main gaming floor. The Food Court offers guests with quick-serve, high quality and inexpensive dining in an open and comfortable atmosphere. Enjoy a variety of options including burgers, artisan pizza, hot dogs, tacos, rotisserie, BBQ and Asian specialties.”

Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food and Beverage at Chumash Casino Resort (and a chef by training) continues as our well-informed guide to all the varied cuisine available at the Resort. (Guests must be 21 years of age, or older, to enter the Casino.)

December 16: Della Gossett, Daisy Garcia, San Pedro Fish Market, Chumash Casino Resort, OC Baking Co., Soup’d Up

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: The LA Chef Con / LATTC Student Mentorship Program with Pastry Chef Della Gossett and Daisy Garcia
Segment Three: San Pedro Fish Market with Michael Ungaro
Segment Four: Chumash Casino Resort (Santa Ynez) Dining with Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food & Beverage Part One
Segment Five: Chumash Casino Resort (Santa Ynez) Dining with Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food & Beverage Part Two
Segment Six: OC Baking’s Festive Christmas Pop-Up Store Part One
Segment Seven: OC Baking’s Festive Christmas Pop-Up Store Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

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

One of the new program elements in the recently concluded LA Chef Conference 2023 was the activation of the LA Chef Con / Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) Student Mentorship Program. Five outstanding LATTC Culinary Arts Pathway Students were each awarded $1,000 and then paired with a leading industry mentor for one year with the objective of furthering their growth and education on the Culinary Arts. The Mentorship Program was funded by a grant from Lawry’s Restaurants. One of the Mentorship Program’s recipients is LATTC Culinary Arts Pathway student Daisy Garcia. Daisy has been paired with Spago Beverly Hills’ Executive Pastry Chef, Della Gossett. We’ll meet them both.

“Tis’ the season for San Pedro Fish Market’s annual 12 Days of ShrimpMas, a 12-day giveaway series that celebrates the magic of the season with exclusive promotions and a chance to win exciting prizes running from December 11th to 22nd, 2023. Make holiday gatherings merry and bright with San Pedro Fish Market’s new festive Family Meal Kits available through December 31, 2023 and get exclusive deals on stocking stuffers with gift card deals through December 31, 2023.”

We reel in Michael Ungaro, CEO and Owner of San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant to provide all the details.

“The Willows at the Chumash Casino Resort is their 14- time AAA Four Diamond rated restaurant specializing in mouthwatering prime steaks and seafood, together with an extensive selection of local and imported wines recognized as a Wine Spector award-winner. The menu features fresh and flavorful ingredients from local farms, ranches and gardens. The Willows itself offers a comfortably elegant setting with multiple private dining rooms.”

Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food and Beverage at Chumash Casino Resort (and an accomplished chef by training) is our guide to all the varied cuisine available at the Resort including Willows, Grains and Grounds and the Food Court.

Baker Dean Kim is again hosting his Annual Festive Christmas Pop-Up Store by OC Baking at his commercial bakery in Orange on December 22nd from 8:00 a.m. until sell out. It’s an incredible array of scrumptious food and sweet treats from small producers who are passionate about their gourmet specialty food products. It’s everything from baked goods from Crema Artisan Bakery to Pascal Coffee. Chef Lisa Gilmore will be there with her popular line of Soup’d Up soups packaged in quart containers. Look fer her Italian Wedding, Cream of Mushroom and Potato Sausage soups. Baker Dean Kim and Chef Lisa Gilmore join us with all the delectable specifics.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm(New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. The Holidays are here and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the ultimate objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and discerning Family. Chef Andrew joins us with his continuing series of genuinely useful holiday cooking tips. This week it’s roasted goose as the centerpiece for the Holiday Table.

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

Della Gossett of Spago Beverly Hills

One of the new programming elements in the recently concluded LA Chef Conference 2023 was the activation of the LA Chef Con / Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) Student Mentorship Program. Five outstanding LATTC Culinary Arts Pathway Students were each awarded $1,000 and then paired with a leading industry mentor for one year with the objective of furthering their growth and education on the Culinary Arts. The Mentorship Program was funded by a grant from Lawry’s Restaurants.

One of the Mentorship Program’s recipients is LATTC Culinary Arts Pathway student Daisy Garcia. Daisy has been paired with Spago Beverly Hills’ Executive Pastry Chef, Della Gossett. We’ll meet them both.

Michael Ungaro of the San Pedro Fish Company

“Tis’ the season for San Pedro Fish Market’s annual 12 Days of ShrimpMas, a 12-day giveaway series that celebrates the magic of the season with exclusive promotions and a chance to win exciting prizes running from December 11th to 22nd, 2023. Make holiday gatherings merry and bright with San Pedro Fish Market’s new festive Family Meal Kits available through December 31, 2023 and get exclusive deals on stocking stuffers with gift card deals through December 31, 2023”

“In the spirit of giving, San Pedro Fish Market is offering holiday gift card deals during the holiday season. Through December 31st, get $125 for $100, $60 for $50 and $25 for $20 spent on gift cards. Convenient e-gift cards are available for purchase online and physical gift cards can be purchased at any San Pedro Fish Market location. All gift cards are redeemable for dine-in or takeout at all San Pedro Fish Market locations.”

“All San Pedro Fish Market and Grille locations in San Pedro, Long Beach and Wilmington are open for onsite dining and to-go orders, third-party delivery and catering. For hours, more information about San Pedro Fish Market and to order online.“

We reel in Michael Ungaro, CEO and Owner of San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant to provide all the details.

Peter Sherlock of  Chumash Casino Resort

The Willows at the Chumash Casino Resort is their 14-time AAA Four Diamond rated restaurant specializing in mouthwatering prime steaks and seafood, together with an extensive selection of local and imported wines recognized as a Wine Spectator award-winner. The menu features fresh and flavorful ingredients from local farms, ranches and gardens.” The Willows itself offers a comfortably elegant setting and nicely appointed private dining rooms. Chef de Cuisine Sergio Renteria has been guiding the kitchen at Willows for 19 years. Restaurant Manager Frank Mejia has been welcoming guests there for 17-years.

Grains and Grounds at Chumash Casino Resort is the place for a fresh cup of Starbucks® Coffee or to fuel up in between meals. Select from gelato, salads, and array of house-made sweets and gourmet desserts. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

“For a fast and casual bite, stop by Chumash Casino Resort’s Food Court on the main gaming floor. The Food Court offers guests with quick-serve, high quality and inexpensive dining in an open and comfortable atmosphere. Enjoy a variety of options including burgers, artisan pizza, hot dogs, tacos, rotisserie, BBQ and Asian specialties.”

Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food and Beverage at Chumash Casino Resort (and a chef by training) is our guide to all the varied cuisine available at the Resort.

Deam Kim of OC Baking Company

Baker Dean Kim is again hosting his Annual Festive Christmas Pop-Up Store by OC Baking at his commercial bakery in Orange on Friday, December 22nd from 8:00 a.m. until sell out. It’s an incredible array of scrumptious food and sweet treats from small producers who are passionate about their gourmet specialty food products. It’s everything from baked goods from Crema Artisan Bakery to Pascal Coffee.

Chef Lisa Gilmore will be there with her popular line of seasonally-changing Soup’d Up soups packaged in quart containers. Look fer her Italian Wedding, Cream of Mushroom and Potato Sausage soups.

Baker Dean Kim and Chef Lisa Gilmore join us with all the delectable specifics.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

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

The Holidays are here and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the ultimate objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and discerning Family. Chef Andrew joins us with his continuing series of genuinely useful holiday cooking tips. This week it’s roasted goose as the centerpiece for the Holiday Table. Goose has always been popular at the Holidays in Europe but also deserves a spot on the bountiful American table.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: The LA Chef Con / LATTC Student Mentorship Program with Pastry Chef Della Gossett and Daisy Garcia
Segment Three: San Pedro Fish Market with Michael Ungaro
Segment Four: Chumash Casino Resort (Santa Ynez) Dining with Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food & Beverage Part One
Segment Five: Chumash Casino Resort (Santa Ynez) Dining with Peter Sherlock, Executive Director of Food & Beverage Part Two
Segment Six: OC Baking’s Festive Christmas Pop-Up Store Part One
Segment Seven: OC Baking’s Festive Christmas Pop-Up Store Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Show 385, August 8, 2020: Winemakers Tara Gomez and Mireia Taribo, Camins 2 Dreams Winery, Lompoc

Tara Gomez and Mireia Taribo Tena of Camins 2 Dreams in Lompoc CaliforniaWinemakers and life partners Mireia Taribo Tena and Tara Gomez are the creative forces at Camins 2 Deams in Lompoc, their dream winery. The grapes are sourced exclusively from select vineyards in the Santa Rita Hills, a unique appellation in Santa Barbara County.

Their philosophy is to make hand-crafted, terroir-driven wines that are fermented with natural yeast and use minimal intervention in the winery. Camins 2 Dreams believes wine is made in the vineyard and desires to showcase the typicity of each site where the grapes originate.

“We are lucky both to live and make our wines in the Santa Rita Hills where foggy mornings and cool nights combine with marine soils to make the perfect ingredients for outstanding wines.”

Current releases include Gruner Veltliner, Rose of Syrah, and three vineyard specific Syrahs. Grenache and Graciano are in their future. The welcoming Lompoc Tasting Room is currently open by appointment. The fast-growing Wine Club has a 3 bottles twice a year option as well as a 6 bottles twice per year plan.

Tara Gomez, a Native American, is also the founding Winemaker for Kita Wines, a small premium winery in the Santa Ynez Valley owned by the Chumash Tribe (Chumash Casino Resort.) Kita Wines is celebrating their 10th Anniversary this year.

Mireia and Tara join us to pull the cork on Camins 2 Dreams.

Show 312, February 23, 2019: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a salivating preview of Saturday’s incredibly delectable show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience.

Thre Landsby Hotel in SolvangWe’re live from The Landsby boutique hotel in historic Solvang in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Solvang has been recognized by USA Today as one of America’s Ten Best Small Historic Towns. It’s a delectable taste of Denmark without the long flight. Think Ableskiver, a popular Danish dessert (pancake balls) served with raspberry jam and a dusting of powdered sugar. Also artisan Danish chocolate confections along with mouthwatering, freshly-baked butter cookies with not even a hint of preservatives…

It’s hard to believe but before last year Hitching Post Wines (made famous in the Oscar-winning, 2004 feature motion picture, Sideways, never had a tasting room. That all changed for the better last year when acclaimed winemakers Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini debuted a mid-century farmhouse, destination Tasting Room (with lunch service delivered piping hot from Hitching Post 2) adjacent to Chef Ostini’s Hitching Post 2 in Buellton. Gray & Frank pop the cork on a bottle of their signature Highliner for us.

Our broadcast host is The Landsby, the newest and possibly the most innovative hotel in the Santa Ynez Valley. This stunning 50-room boutique hotel offers warm hospitality and refined, stylish accommodations. Hospitality veteran Barry Prescott, The Landsby’s meticulous General Manager, is our guest.

In the last three years the Chumash Casino Resort has expanded to 320 rooms and 58 suites. It’s a AAA Four Diamond rated property. The 135 foot tall Hotel Tower provides guests exquisite views of the Santa Ynez Valley. Food options range from specialty Tacos and fresh Sushi in the Food Court to formal dining with a deep wine list in The Willows Steakhouse. On the guest menu is Paul Hohe, the Director of Food & Beverage for Chumash.

Located in Solvang, California, the Danish capital of America, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolate Factory was first opened in 1961. The traditional chocolate recipes were first brought to Solvang by Ingeborg Larsen, a chocolate dipper in one of Denmark’s largest chocolate factories. Ingeborgs is now safely in the hands of Kim and Carol Jensen who have preserved the tradition of Danish artisan chocolate making. Kim joins us in sweet conversation.

Lucas & Lewellen Estate Vineyards, established in 1996, owns and farms three vineyards in Santa Barbara County. They have been supplying grapes to some of the finest wineries in California for decades. Lucas & Lewellen believes that quality begins in the vineyard, where all the work is done by hand and standards of uncompromising quality are maintained. Co-Proprietor Royce Lewellen is our guest.

Tracy Farhad is the Executive Director of the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau. “We are at your service.” “Whether you are a visitor trying to arrange for a family reunion or wedding; or a travel industry professional needing extra assistance while planning a trip to Solvang, the Solvang CVB can be your liaison for coordinating essential details.”

Tracy joins us with a preview of the upcoming 27th Annual “Taste of Solvang.”

Mad & Vin is the well-received, destination restaurant and bar at The Landsby. It’s farm-to-kitchen fresh ingredients for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner as Chef Beto Huizar shops at Solvang’s Wednesday afternoon Farmers Market. Chef Beto escapes the busy kitchen and is our guest.

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

Show 312, February 23, 2019: Paul Hohe, Food and Beverage Director, Chumash Casino Resort

Paul HoheIn the last three years the Chumash Casino Resort has expanded to 320 rooms and 58 suites. It’s a AAA Four Diamond rated property. The 135 foot tall Hotel Tower provides guests exquisite views of the Santa Ynez Valley.

Under the supervision of Executive Chef Peter Sherlock the food options range from specialty Tacos and fresh Sushi in the Food Court to formal dining in The Willows Steakhouse. There is also The Buffet, the well-stocked Grains and Grounds grab & go (24 Hours,) the Pool Bar & Grill and The Café.

For Summer 2019 the luxury Cabana Experience is coming to the Pool at Chumash. It includes elevated food and beverage options. For sheer convenience the luxe Cabanas can be reserved online.

On the guest menu is Paul Hohe, the Director of Food & Beverage for Chumash.

February 23: Live from the Landsby in Solvang

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Winemakers Gray Hartley and Chef Frank Ostini, Hitching Post Wines, Buellton
Segment Three: Barry Prescott, General Manager, The Landsby
Segment Four: Paul Hohe, Food and Beverage Director, Chumash Casino Resort
Segment Five: Kim Jensen, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates, Solvang
Segment Six: Royce Lewellen, Co-Proprietor, Lucas & Lewellen Estate Vineyards, Solvang
Segment Seven: Tracy Farhad, Executive Director, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Beto Huizar, Mad & Vin at The Landsby, Solvang

Now a salivating preview of this Saturday’s incredibly delectable show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience.

Thre Landsby Hotel in SolvangWe’re live from The Landsby boutique hotel in historic Solvang in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Solvang has been recognized by USA Today as one of America’s Ten Best Small Historic Towns. It’s a delectable taste of Denmark without the long flight. Think Ableskiver, a popular Danish dessert (pancake balls) served with raspberry jam and a dusting of powdered sugar. Also artisan Danish chocolate confections along with mouthwatering, freshly-baked butter cookies with not even a hint of preservatives…

It’s hard to believe but before last year Hitching Post Wines (made famous in the Oscar-winning, 2004 feature motion picture, “Sideways,” never had a tasting room. That all changed for the better last year when acclaimed winemakers Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini debuted a mid-century farmhouse, destination Tasting Room (with lunch service delivered piping hot from Hitching Post 2) adjacent to Chef Ostini’s Hitching Post 2 in Buellton. Gray & Frank pop the cork on a bottle of their signature Highliner for us.

Our broadcast host is The Landsby, the newest and possibly the most innovative hotel in the Santa Ynez Valley. This stunning 50-room boutique hotel offers warm hospitality and refined, stylish accommodations. Hospitality veteran Barry Prescott, The Landsby’s General Manager, is our guest.

In the last three years the Chumash Casino Resort has expanded to 320 rooms and 58 suites. It’s a AAA Four Diamond rated property. The 135 foot tall Hotel Tower provides guests exquisite views of the Santa Ynez Valley. Food options range from specialty Tacos and fresh Sushi in the Food Court to formal dining with a deep wine list in The Willows Steakhouse. On the guest menu is Paul Hohe, the Director of Food & Beverage for Chumash.

Located in Solvang, California, the Danish capital of America, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolate Factory was first opened in 1961. The traditional chocolate recipes were first brought to Solvang by Ingeborg Larsen, a chocolate dipper in one of Denmark’s largest chocolate factories. Ingeborgs is now safely in the hands of Kim and Carol Jensen who have preserved the tradition of Danish artisan chocolate making. Kim joins us in sweet conversation.

Lucas & Lewellen Estate Vineyards, established in 1996, owns and farms three vineyards in Santa Barbara County. They have been supplying grapes to some of the finest wineries in California for decades. Lucas & Lewellen believes that quality begins in the vineyard, where all the work is done by hand and standards of uncompromising quality are maintained. Co-proprietor Royce Lewellen is our guest.

Tracy Farhad is the Executive Director of the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau. “We are at your service.” “Whether you are a visitor trying to arrange for a family reunion or wedding; or a travel industry professional needing extra assistance while planning a trip to Solvang, the Solvang CVB can be your liaison for coordinating essential details.”

Tracy joins us with a preview of the upcoming 27th Annual “Taste of Solvang.” 

Mad & Vin is the well-received, destination restaurant and bar at The Landsby. It’s farm-to-kitchen fresh ingredients for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner as Chef Beto Huizar shops at Solvang’s Wednesday afternoon Farmers Market. Chef Beto escapes the kitchen and is our guest.

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

Frank Ostini and Gray HartleyIt’s hard to believe but before last year Hitching Post Wines (made famous in the Oscar-winning 2004 feature motion picture, Sideways,) never had a tasting room. That all changed for the better last year when acclaimed winemakers Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini debuted a mid-century farmhouse, destination Tasting Room (with lunch service delivered from Hitching Post 2) adjacent to Chef Ostini’s Hitching Post 2 restaurant in Buellton.

Leading the Hitching Post Wines team are the creators and two long-time friends, Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini, who have been making wines in Santa Barbara County, California since 1979. Long before Hollywood discovered the winemaking landmark and its excellent wines, Gray Hartley, a former Alaskan salmon fisherman and Frank Ostini, chef and owner of the famed Hitching Post 2 Restaurant in Buellton, were brought together by their love of wine and winemaking. Over the years their backyard hobby has turned into a highly acclaimed winemaking enterprise.

Gray & Frank pop the cork on a bottle of their signature Highliner for us.

Barry PrescottOur Solvang broadcast host is The Landsby, the newest and possibly the most innovative hotel in the Santa Ynez Valley. This stunning 50-room boutique hotel offers warm hospitality and refined, stylish accommodations.

The Landsby features a clean contemporary design, with a hint of traditional Scandinavian aesthetic. The completely remodeled, bright and open guestrooms are finished with blonde woods, brushed brass accents, and elegant but comfortable hand-crafted furnishings complete with updated bathrooms, 47-inch flat-screen HDTVs, minibars, and stunning artwork commissioned from regional artists.

Hospitality veteran Barry Prescott, The Landsby’s General Manager, shows us around.

Paul HoheIn the last three years the Chumash Casino Resort has expanded to 320 rooms and 58 suites. It’s a AAA Four Diamond rated property. The 135 foot tall Hotel Tower provides guests exquisite views of the Santa Ynez Valley.

Under the supervision of Executive Chef Peter Sherlock the food options range from specialty Tacos and fresh Sushi in the Food Court to formal dining in The Willows Steakhouse. There is also The Buffet, the well-stocked Grains and Grounds grab & go (24 Hours,) the Pool Bar & Grill and The Café.

On the guest menu is Paul Hohe, the Director of Food & Beverage for Chumash.

Kim JensenLocated in Solvang, California, the Danish capital of America, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolate Factory was first opened in 1961. The traditional chocolate recipes were first brought to Solvang by Ingeborg Larsen, a chocolate dipper in one of Denmark’s largest chocolate factories. Ingeborg’s is now safely in the hands of caretakers Kim and Carol Jensen who have preserved the tradition of Danish artisan chocolate making with some contemporary touches.

“A perfect accent for fine wines, champagnes, and coffees, Ingeborg’s chocolates are made with absolutely the finest, fresh ingredients and no preservatives or additives. As the seasons change, the boxes and wrappings may vary, but never their commitment to quality.”

“No matter what the season, or the occasion, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Christmas, or any day, Ingeborg’s specialty Danish chocolates are sure to delight the palate of the most discriminating chocolate lover. Their light and dark chocolate Cornucopias make stunning centerpiece displays, elegant for any time of year, and are filled with their handmade luscious soft centered Truffles and now our new award-winning “Sea Salt and Butterscotch Sea Salt Caramel Chocolates.””

“Ingeborg’s also features a wide variety of unique molded chocolate items as well as our Orange and Peppermint chocolate sticks. All items are individually boxed and beautifully wrapped. Please note that we now also feature an expanded array of sugar-free chocolates, sweets, and assorted candies.”

Kim joins us in sweet conversation.

Lucas LewellenLucas & Lewellen Estate Vineyards, established in 1996, owns and farms three vineyards in Santa Barbara County. They have been supplying grapes to some of the finest wineries in California for decades. Lucas & Lewellen believes that quality begins in the vineyard, where all the work is done by hand and standards of uncompromising quality are maintained.

“This philosophy was carried on through the opening of the winery in 1999, with the goal of consistently producing estate wines of extraordinary character, reflecting the unique terroir of Santa Barbara County wine country. Megan McGrath Gates, winemaker since 2007, responds to the varying conditions and challenges that each year brings in the vineyard in order to express the natural individuality of each grape varietal grown.”

Co-proprietor Royce Lewellen is our guest.

Tracy FarhadTracy Farhad is the Executive Director of the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau. “We are at your service.” “Whether you are a visitor trying to arrange for a family reunion or wedding; or a travel industry professional needing extra assistance while planning a trip to Solvang, the Solvang CVB can be your liaison for coordinating essential details.”

The 27th Annual “Taste of Solvang” food and wine events are offering delicious delights and savory flavors from Friday, March 15 through Sunday, March 17, 2019. From iconic sweets and award-winning wines, beers, and spirits plus farm-to-table, rustic wine-country cuisine to New American and modern Danish fare, this popular celebration features a variety of food and beverage experiences featuring Solvang area chefs, bakers, farmers, winemakers, brewers, distillers and artisans showcasing the bounty of the region since 1993.

Tracy joins us with a preview of the upcoming 27th Annual “Taste of Solvang.”

Beto HuizarThe Landsby’s signature restaurant is Mad & Vin showcasing wine-country inspired cuisine. The executive chef is Beto Huizar. It’s honestly “farm-to-kitchen” fresh ingredients as Chef Beto shops the weekly Wednesday afternoon Solvang Farmers Market.

Each dish is prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients from California’s Central Coast. Seating for breakfast, lunch or dinner is in the welcoming dining room or dine alfresco on the outdoor patio overlooking the striking interior courtyard.

Happy Hour at the popular Lobby Bar (soon to expand) is seven days a week. It’s a favorite with the locals for quick, chef-driven bites and quality libations.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Winemakers Gray Hartley and Chef Frank Ostini, Hitching Post Wines, Buellton
Segment Three: Barry Prescott, General Manager, The Landsby
Segment Four: Paul Hohe, Food and Beverage Director, Chumash Casino Resort
Segment Five: Kim Jensen, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates, Solvang
Segment Six: Royce Lewellen, Co-Proprietor, Lucas & Lewellen Estate Vineyards, Solvang
Segment Seven: Tracy Farhad, Executive Director, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Beto Huizar, Mad & Vin at The Landsby, Solvang

Show 280, July 7, 2018: Food, Libation & Travel Journalist Anne Marie Panoringan

Anne Marie PanoringanOne of our favorite OC-based food, libation and travel writers is the always on-the-move Anne Marie Panoringan. (Just ask her about Breakfast or Cocktails…)

She recently spent 48 intense hours in the Santa Ynez Valley researching a few of the best picks in food, beverages, attractions and accommodations for a travel piece in the special Summer Travel issue of OC Weekly. Anne Marie graciously shares some of her finds with us along with a few (Off-the-Menu) suggestions that didn’t find their way into print.

We’re highlighting everything from the newly expanded Chumash Casino Resort, to the 7-days a week Happy Hour at The Landsby’s Mad & Vin (Solvang) and then on to breakfast at Los Olivos’ The Bear and Star. A hidden gem in Los Alamos (not in the article) is Bob’s Well Bread Bakery.