Tag Archives: craft beer

Show 514, February 25, 2023: ESBC’s Slice + Pint, El Segundo with Thomas Kelley, Chief Innovation Officer. Preview of Pizza City Fest Los Angeles Part One

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Thomas Kelley of El Segundo Brewing and ESBC Slice and Pint

“The inaugural, first of its kind Pizza City Fest Los Angeles will take place April 29-30, 2023 at L.A. LIVE – Downtown Los Angeles’ Sports and Entertainment District – offering fans the unique opportunity to sample pizzas from Southern California’s best pizza makers all in one location over two days. Steve Dolinsky – a 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter and “The Food Guy” at NBC 5 Chicago – has turned his love of pizza into an all-encompassing endeavor. Now he hopes to bring that same experience to Los Angeles (as he did last year in Chicago) and showcase the diversity – in both geography and styles – that the region exemplifies.”

We are previewing the upcoming Pizza City Fest Los Angeles in multiple segments leading up to the event. Today we’ll meet the team from the El Segundo Brewing Co’s Slice and Pint in El Segundo one of Steve Dolinsky’s hand-picked pizzerias of distinction sampling their slices on Saturday, April 29th.

El Segundo Brewing Company’s The Slice & Pint is the restaurant spinoff of the successful El Segundo Brewing Company, one of the first craft brewers in the South Bay. They just celebrated their 4th year anniversary. On the menu are a variety of pizzas (by-the-slice, too) created from a dough that ferments and proofs for multiple days, and creative salads and sandwiches. Chief Vision Officer for ESBC, Thomas Kelley joins us to celebrate the anniversary with a slice and pint (maybe some wings, too?).

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Show 514, February 25, 2023: ESBC’s Slice + Pint, El Segundo with Thomas Kelley, Chief Innovation Officer. Preview of Pizza City Fest Los Angeles Part Two

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Thomas Kelley of El Segundo Brewing and ESBC Slice and Pint

“The inaugural, first of its kind Pizza City Fest Los Angeles will take place April 29-30, 2023 at L.A. LIVE – Downtown Los Angeles’ Sports and Entertainment District – offering fans the unique opportunity to sample pizzas from Southern California’s best pizza makers all in one location over two days. Steve Dolinsky – a 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter and “The Food Guy” at NBC 5 Chicago – has turned his love of pizza into an all-encompassing endeavor. Now he hopes to bring that same experience to Los Angeles (as he did last year in Chicago) and showcase the diversity – in both geography and styles – that the region exemplifies.”

We are previewing the upcoming Pizza City Fest Los Angeles in multiple segments leading up to the event. Today we’ll meet the team from the El Segundo Brewing Co’s Slice and Pint in El Segundo one of Steve Dolinsky’s hand-picked pizzerias of distinction sampling their slices on Saturday, April 29th.

El Segundo Brewing Company’s The Slice & Pint is the restaurant spinoff of the successful El Segundo Brewing Company, one of the first craft brewers in the South Bay. They just celebrated their 4th year anniversary. On the menu are a variety of pizzas (by-the-slice, too) created from a dough that ferments and proofs for multiple days, and creative salads and sandwiches.

Chief Vision Officer for ESBC, Thomas Kelley continues with us to celebrate the anniversary with a slice and pint (maybe some wings, too?). Tom (a certified Cicerone) tells us about some of ESBC’s classic styles including their flagship Steve Austin’s Broken Skull IPA and the new Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Double IPA.

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Show 504, December 17, 2022: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Director of Innovation, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. Part One

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Victor Novak of Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company

“Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company’s (Buellton) new Director of Innovation is Victor Novak (ex-Golden Road Brewing.) Victor also serves as Head Brewer for the company’s upcoming Los Angeles taprooms. Novak will help expand the brewing operations for Figueroa Mountain in Los Angeles, bringing his years of experience with brewing at all scales to the organization. Prior to this announcement, Novak served as Brewmaster at Golden Road Brewing, having joined them in 2014. Before that he brewed at TAPS Brewery, where he racked up 21 World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Fest medals as well as recognition as Brewer of the Year in 2010 and 2011.”

“Chief among Victor’s tasks will be to oversee the development of the three new Figueroa Mountain brewpubs in Los Angeles, including the upcoming Fig Mtn LagerHaus in Sherman Oaks, Agua Santa Cervecería in West LA, and Fig Mtn University in Westwood Village.”

“Asked about what makes him excited about those locations, Novak said, “Bringing the Figueroa Mountain identity to these brewpubs is going to do a lot to open more people’s eyes to the depth and breadth of what we can do in LA, and that’s really thrilling.”

The reconceived and revived brewpubs are expected to open under their new names early in 2023.

Victor Novak is our guest to tap the keg on all that is Figueroa Mountain Beer Co.

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Show 504, December 17, 2022: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Director of Innovation, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. Part Two

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Victor Novak of Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company

“Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company’s (Buellton) new Director of Innovation is Victor Novak (ex-Golden Road Brewing.) Victor also serves as Head Brewer for the company’s upcoming Los Angeles taprooms. Novak will help expand the brewing operations for Figueroa Mountain in Los Angeles, bringing his years of experience with brewing at all scales to the organization. Prior to this announcement, Novak served as Brewmaster at Golden Road Brewing, having joined them in 2014. Before that he brewed at TAPS Brewery, where he racked up 21 World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Fest medals as well as recognition as Brewer of the Year in 2010 and 2011.”

“Chief among Victor’s tasks will be to oversee the development of the three new Figueroa Mountain brewpubs in Los Angeles, including the upcoming Fig Mtn LagerHaus in Sherman Oaks, Agua Santa Cervecería in West LA, and Fig Mtn University in Westwood Village.”

“Asked about what makes him excited about those locations, Novak said, “Bringing the Figueroa Mountain identity to these brewpubs is going to do a lot to open more people’s eyes to the depth and breadth of what we can do in LA, and that’s really thrilling.”

The reconceived and revived brewpubs are expected to open under their new names early in 2023.

“Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. was founded in 2010 by father and son team Jim and Jamie Dietenhofer. Through their passion for craft beer, they’ve sought to share the beauty and the spirit of the Santa Ynez Valley with beer lovers throughout the state. Their beer can be found in bars, restaurants, and grocery stores throughout California, as well as in their taprooms throughout the region.”

Victor Novak continues as our guest to tap the keg on all that is Figueroa Mountain Beer Co.

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Show 501, November 26, 2022: Sarah Simms Hendrix, Lady & Larder, Santa Monica Part One

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Sarah Simms of Lady and Larder

“Sarah Simms Hendrix and Boo Simms are Lady & Larder. The enterprise is 100% lady-owned. They are both twin sisters and best friends. They grew up in the kitchen. Sarah’s and Boo’s little dream shop located in Santa Monica, California showcases American made cheese, charcuterie, beer and wine along with a curated assortment of seasonal accompaniments including locally grown flowers, fresh bread, caviar, tinned fish, jam, mustard and honey. The sisters believe in supporting a 100% domestic and sustainable food culture; one that will continue to thrive for generations to come.”

“Lady & Larder’s goal is simple: offer the very best stuff they can get their hands on. They have found that the finest ingredients come from small batch, local producers and Sarah and Boo, like you, know there are no substitutes for quality. These American farmers, craftsmen, butchers, wine makers, beer brewers and master cheesemakers are truly the best of the best. Lady & Larder is so proud to support their unwavering commitment and dedication to their craft.”

“Shop Offerings: Full-Service Cut-to-Order Cheese and Charcueterie Counter, Blooms by the Bunch, Fresh Baguettes and Loaves, Larder Staples such as Olive Oil, Flake Salt and Cultured Butter, Caviar, Farmers Market Produce, Rotating Craft Beer Case, Natural Wines, Hand-Dipped Candles and our Apertif Wall featuring Small Batch Vermouth, Tinned Fish and Linen Cocktail Napkins. They offer their Secret Lunch Menu daily from 12-3PM featuring Sandwiches, Salad and Picnic Boxes. With 24 hours notice, they offer their Lady and Larder Cheese and Charcuterie Boards or Crudites Boards and custom Cheese Cakes.”

Sarah Simms takes a break from assembling a colorful cheese board to join us.

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Show 501, November 26, 2022: Sarah Simms Hendrix, Lady & Larder, Santa Monica Part Two

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Sarah Simms of Lady and Larder

“Sarah Simms Hendrix and Boo Simms are Lady & Larder. The enterprise is 100% lady-owned. They are both twin sisters and best friends. They grew up in the kitchen. Sarah’s and Boo’s little dream shop located in Santa Monica, California showcases American made cheese, charcuterie, beer and wine along with a curated assortment of seasonal accompaniments including locally grown flowers, fresh bread, caviar, tinned fish, jam, mustard and honey. The sisters believe in supporting a 100% domestic and sustainable food culture; one that will continue to thrive for generations to come.”

“Lady & Larder’s goal is simple: offer the very best stuff they can get their hands on. They have found that the finest ingredients come from small batch, local producers and Sarah and Boo, like you, know there are no substitutes for quality. These American farmers, craftsmen, butchers, wine makers, beer brewers and master cheesemakers are truly the best of the best. Lady & Larder is so proud to support their unwavering commitment and dedication to their craft.”

“Shop Offerings: Full-Service Cut-to-Order Cheese and Charcueterie Counter, Blooms by the Bunch, Fresh Baguettes and Loaves, Larder Staples such as Olive Oil, Flake Salt and Cultured Butter, Caviar, Farmers Market Produce, Rotating Craft Beer Case, Natural Wines, Hand-Dipped Candles and our Apertif Wall featuring Small Batch Vermouth, Tinned Fish and Linen Cocktail Napkins. They offer their Secret Lunch Menu daily from 12-3PM featuring Sandwiches, Salad and Picnic Boxes. With 24 hours notice, they offer their Lady and Larder Cheese and Charcuterie Boards or Crudites Boards and custom Cheese Cakes.”

Sarah Simms takes a 2nd break from assembling a colorful cheese and charcuterie board to continue with us.

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Show 482, July 9, 2022: Justin Crossley, Partner, The Hop Grenade Taproom & Bottle Shop and The Brewery Network

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Justin Crossley of the Brewing Network

When we were in Concord, CA last month as guests of Visit Concord we discovered the standout The Hop Grenade Taproom and Bottle Shop located right across the street from Todas Santos Park, a local landmark and historic town square. If you’re serious about appreciating all styles of craft beer this is a premier destination when in the area. It’s also the world headquarters for The Brewery Network.

“The Hop Grenade’s roots date to 2005, the year a fresh-faced college grad named Justin Crossley fell in love with homebrewing. Armed with a communications degree, a love of talk radio, and a passion for craft beer, he converted the garage in his rented house into a radio studio, assembled a ragtag band of beer nerds, and founded The Brewing Network.”

“The Sunday Session, The BN’s original show, was an instant hit. As the years went on, The BN’s audience and craft beer grew. More shows were added to the Network. Festivals were hosted and attended. Good times were had. And eventually, it became clear that the next step for The BN, which by then had become synonymous with its listener-submitted hop grenade logo, was to pour great craft beer for the public.”

“Justin and BN producer Scott Moskowitz, along with Scott’s parents Marty and Kim, joined forces in 2013 and began the search for a spot. The great city of Concord, home to The BN from show one, was the obvious choice. Its beautiful downtown was the perfect place.”

At any given time there is an eclectic range of 21 rotating styles of craft beer on tap. The food menu includes flatbread pizzas, sandwiches, smoked chicken wings and a beer float made with vanilla gelato. Inside as well as patio seating (with a view of Todos Santos Plaza) are available.

Justin Crossley, Founder & Partner in The Hop Grenade joins us to tap the keg on all that is The Hop Grenade.

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Show 480, June 25, 2022: Chef / Proprietor Aaron Robins, Boneyard Bistro, Sherman Oaks Part One

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Aaron Robins of Boneyard Bistro

“For some 17 years Chef Aaron Robins’ Boneyard Bistro in Sherman Oaks truly has it all. Real Southern BBQ slow smoked over Hickory, Santa Maria BBQ grilled over live Red Oak, and creative bistro fare influenced by all corners of the world.” Based on years of hands-on experience preparing premium BBQ, Chef Aaron even uses different types of smokers for his various proteins so they are cooked just right.

“If adult beverages spark your fire then Boneyard has a vast selection of appealing beverages at the ready. They feature 42 taps of beer all focused on micro brews and specialty imports. Boneyard Bistro also has over 100 specialty brews in the bottle. When it comes to premium wine they feature at least 10 by the glass and will open almost any bottle you wish with a 2 glass minimum. Boneyard offers one of the largest Zinfandel collections in all of Southern California.” There is also an ambitious premium Whiskey program.

Join them on Mondays for their ever-popular Fried Chicken night. You can get your bird either Nashville Hot or Southern Style with no heat. They are also known for their unusual Kobe Style Beef Chili Filled Donuts with cheddar cheese, mustard, onions and pickles.

Dinner nightly with Lunch on Weekends.

Pitmaster and Chef Aaron Robins is our guest.

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Show 480, June 25, 2022: Chef / Proprietor Aaron Robins, Boneyard Bistro, Sherman Oaks Part Two

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Aaron Robins of Boneyard Bistro

“For some 17 years Chef Aaron Robins’ Boneyard Bistro in Sherman Oaks truly has it all. Real Southern BBQ slow smoked over Hickory, Santa Maria BBQ grilled over live Red Oak, and creative bistro fare influenced by all corners of the world.” Based on years of hands-on experience preparing premium BBQ, Chef Aaron even uses different types of smokers for his various proteins so they are cooked just right.

“If adult beverages spark your fire then Boneyard has a vast selection of beverages at the ready. They feature 42 taps of beer all focused on micro brews and specialty imports. Boneyard Bistro also has over 100 specialty brews in the bottle. When it comes to premium wine they feature at least 10 by the glass and will open almost any bottle you wish with a 2 glass minimum. Boneyard offers one of the largest Zinfandel collections in all of Southern California.” There is also an ambitious premium Whiskey program.

Join them on Mondays for their ever-popular Fried Chicken night. You can get your bird either Nashville Hot or Southern Style with no heat. They are also known for their unusual Kobe Style Beef Chili Filled Donuts with cheddar cheese, mustard, onions and pickles.

Dinner nightly with Lunch on Weekends.

Pitmaster and Chef Aaron Robins continues as our guest with a plate of slow-cooked Brisket in hand.

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Show 456, December 18, 2021: Trademark Brewing, Long Beach with Founder Ilana Steffen and Head Brewer Valerie Adee Part One

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Ilana Steffen of Trademark Brewing
https://trademarkbrewing.com/pages/about-trademark-brewing

“Trademark Brewing is the ambitious result of one couple with many passions – food, science, beer and brewing. Founded by a husband and wife team, Sterling and Ilana Steffen, who brought Trademark Brewing to Long Beach, California.”

“Trademark Brewing is the first production craft brewery in Long Beach, and one of the only sustainability-focused breweries in California. Their special equipment and processes allow Trademark to use less than half the water of other breweries their size, and 30% less energy. At Trademark Brewing, great beer isn’t enough. Their mantra is “we make it better.””

Guests can enjoy Trademark Brewing craft beers and cold brew coffee on draft in their Long Beach Taproom & Beer Garden. At any given time there is a choice of over 20 craft beers on tap. Represented styles include Hoppy, Light, Fruited + Sour, Dark, Belgian and even Beer Slushies. They also fill growlers. The Taproom is both dog and kid friendly.

One of Head Brewer, Valerie Adee’s favorite styles is Lagerdoodle. It’s a copper Lager at 5.7 % ABV. Lagerdoodle is affectionately named after “Millie” the resident craft brewery canine (and a rescue.)

Founder Ilana Steffen and Head Brewer Valerie Adee join us to tap the keg on Trademark Brewing.

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