Tag Archives: Crustacean Beverly Hills

Show 272, May 5, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

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Now a tantalizing preview of Saturday’s appropriately satiating 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 that’s probably a pretty good thing…

It’s Cinco de Mayo (our favorite created holiday to, of course, encourage responsible imbibing) so our thoughts are certainly on festively appropriate food and craft beer. Just across the street from us at Angel Stadium is the new Golden Road Pub OC. We’ll see what tasty morsels Executive Chef Henry Tran (ex-TAPS) has on the menu. We guarantee you won’t go thirsty there either!

We’re going to start referring to Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger as “The Festival Queen.” She is back with us this morning previewing her events for the ongoing Los Angeles Times Food Bowl including “Plant Power – The No Beast Feast – An All-Star Chef Celebration of Vegetable Cuisine” on Saturday, May 19th at Coral Tree Plaza at Border Grill Downtown LA.

Crustacean Beverly Hills, the 20-year old, award-winning restaurant from House of AN hospitality group, reopened in March following an eight-month-long, $10 million dollar ambitious redesign and reconcepting. It now houses two high-end restaurants. House of An’s Elizabeth An joins us with the stylish details.

A new quality burger concept (originating in New York in 2015) Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is on its way to an eagerly anticipated West Coast launch at Downtown Disney. Meanwhile you can experience Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer at The Venetian in Las Vegas. Think perfectly outrageous shakes, too. They are also part of Vegas Uncork’d festivities on Saturday evening, May 12th. We’ll meet Founder Joe Isidori, a 3rd generation chef.

The respected food journalist Steve Dolinsky, ABC 7 TV’s “Hungry Hound” in Chicago, is the recipient of an impressive 13 James Beard Foundation Awards for journalistic excellence. For this year’s James Beard Foundation Media Awards in New York (held on April 27th) he was again nominated for outstanding “TV Segment.” The James Beard Foundation Awards Gala is in Chicago at the Lyric Opera on Monday evening, May 7th. Steve will report on the outcome of the Media Awards and preview the 2018 James Beard Foundation Awards Gala.

Our culinary Team USA 2019 was in Mexico City on April 12th & 13th competing in The Bocuse d’Or America’s selection semi-finals leading up to the Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition in Lyon in January of 2019. Five of the 11 countries represented won the right to compete in the Lyon finals. Head Coach for Team USA 2019 Chef Robert Sulatycky and Culinary Council member Chef Paul Bartolotta join us with the outcome. Time to proudly wave the flag…

“Ask the Chef” with our own Chef Andrew Gruel is back.

Barramundi is appearing on high-end restaurant menus and available at better seafood retailers. For the uninitiated it’s both delicious, eco-friendly and well-managed. It’s a member of the sea bass family. Chef Andrew will give us all the needed 411.

All of this and much more deliciousness on today’s overflowing show!

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Show 272, May 5, 2018: Elizabeth An, House of An, Crustacean Beverly Hills

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Elizabeth AnCrustacean Beverly Hills, the 20-year old, award-winning restaurant from House of AN hospitality group, reopened in March following an eight-month-long, $10 million dollar ambitious redesign and reconcepting. It now houses two high-end restaurants. House of An’s Elizabeth An joins us with the stylish details.

Crustacean launched its new lunch service this last week. Lunch service is available Tuesday – Friday from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Some of the new and notable lunch menu items are the BAHN MI (all served with house made potato crisps and Yuzu crème fraîche) and NOODLES & RICE (three varieties of pho, including a Vegan option, and those XO cognac noodles) sections.

Crustacean will be open exclusively for Mother’s Day brunch service on Sunday, May 13 from 11:30 AM – 3 PM.  The restaurant is not usually open for brunch on weekends but the “mother of fusion” cuisine, Chef Helene An wants to treat fellow mothers with her acclaimed fare on this extra special day.  The menu will be the full dinner menu, which includes the An family iconic Secret Kitchen dishes garlic noodles and garlic roasted crab.

 

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May 5: Golden Road Pub OC, Susan Feniger, Crustacean Beverly Hills, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, Steve Dolinsky, Robert Sulatycky, Paul Bartolotta

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Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Henry Tran, Golden Road Pub OC, Anaheim
Segment Three: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger, Border Grill, Los Angeles & Las Vegas
Segment Four: Elizabeth An, House of An, Crustacean Beverly Hills
Segment Five: Chef Joe Isidori, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, Las Vegas
Segment Six: Food TV’s Steve Dolinsky, “The Hungry Hound”, ABC 7 TV, Chicago
Segment Seven: Team USA’s Chef Robert Sulatycky and Chef Paul Bartolotta
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish & Raw Bar by Slapfish

We’re back on The Mainland…

Now a tantalizing preview of this Saturday’s appropriately satiating 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 that’s probably a pretty good thing…

It’s Cinco de Mayo (our favorite created holiday to encourage responsible imbibing) so our thoughts are certainly on festively appropriate food and craft beer. Just across the street from us at Angel Stadium is the new Golden Road Pub OC. We’ll see what tasty morsels Executive Chef Henry Tran (ex-TAPS) has on the menu. We guarantee you won’t go thirsty there either!

We’re going to start referring to Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger as “The Festival Queen.” She is back with us previewing her events for the ongoing Los Angeles Times Food Bowl including “Plant Power – The No Beast Feast – An All-Star Chef Celebration of Vegetable Cuisine” on Saturday, May 19th at Coral Tree Plaza at Border Grill Downtown LA.

Crustacean Beverly Hills, the 20-year old, award-winning restaurant from House of AN hospitality group, reopened in March following an eight-month-long, $10 million dollar ambitious redesign and reconcepting. It now houses two high-end restaurants. House of An’s Elizabeth An joins us with the stylish details.

A new quality burger concept (originating in New York in 2015) Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is on its way to an eagerly anticipated West Coast launch at Downtown Disney. Meanwhile you can experience Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer at The Venetian in Las Vegas. Think perfectly outrageous shakes, too. They are also part of Vegas Uncorked festivities on Saturday evening, May 12th. We’ll meet Founder Joe Isidori, a 3rd generation chef.

Food journalist Steve Dolinsky, ABC 7 TV’s “Hungry Hound” in Chicago, is the recipient of an impressive 13 James Beard Foundation Awards for journalistic excellence. For this year’s James Beard Foundation Media Awards in New York (held on April 27th) he was again nominated for outstanding “TV Segment.” The James Beard Foundation Awards Gala is in Chicago at the Lyric Opera on Monday evening, May 7th. Steve will report on the outcome of the Media Awards and preview the 2018 James Beard Foundation Awards Gala.

Our culinary Team USA 2019 was in Mexico City on April 12th & 13th competing in The Bocuse d’Or America’s selection semi-finals leading up to the Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition in Lyon in early 2019. Five of the 11 countries represented won the right to compete in the Lyon finals. Head Coach for Team USA 2019 Chef Robert Sulatycky and Culinary Council member Chef Paul Bartolotta join us with the outcome. Time to proudly wave the flag…

“Ask the Chef” with our own Chef Andrew Gruel is back.
Barramundi is appearing on high-end restaurant menus and available at better seafood retailers. For the uninitiated it’s both delicious, eco-friendly and well-managed. It’s a member of the sea bass family. Chef Andrew will give us all the needed 411.

Henry TranIt’s Cinco de Mayo (our favorite created holiday to encourage responsible imbibing) so our thoughts are certainly on festively appropriate food and craft beer. Just across the street from us at Angel Stadium is the new Golden Road Pub OC.

We’ll see what tasty morsels Executive Chef Henry Tran (ex-TAPS) has on the menu. We guarantee you won’t go thirsty there either!

Thankfully this is not typical pub grub served at Golden Road. You’ll initially come for the incredible craft beer selection (40 rotating selections on tap) but the food is destination-worthy, too. Chef Henry comes from TAPS and The Catch so he knows his way around a menu. Surprisingly there are many Vegan options, too.

Instead of Avocado Toast look for Fried Avocado Tacos with corn slaw, black beans, shaved cabbage, tomatillo salsa and chipotle cream. How about Duck Confit Fries?

From the sea the IPA Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels with Vietnamese sausage in a yuzu burre blanc is a standout.

Susan Feniger of Mud Hen TavernWe’re going to start referring to Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger as “The Festival Queen.” She is back with us previewing her events for the ongoing Los Angeles Times Food Bowl including “Plant Power – The No Beast Feast – An All-Star Chef Celebration of Vegetable Cuisine” on Saturday, May 19th (5:30 p.m. VIP / 6:30 p.m. GA) at Coral Tree Plaza at Border Grill Downtown LA.

For LA Times Food Bowl, Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken will host Plant Power, the No Beast Feast, a garden party focusing on the region’s bountiful produce. On the upper plaza of Border Grill in downtown Los Angeles, guests will be treated to a variety of signature bites and an interactive dessert bar at this al fresco strolling event.Featuring an international lineup of prominent chefs, this seasonal, vegetarian and vegan extravaganza will showcase innovative vegetable-driven cuisine paired with fine wines, beers and handcrafted cocktails from female winemakers, brewers and distillers.

Besides Milliken and Feniger, participating chefs include cookbook author Nadine Redzepi (Noma), Monique Fiso of New Zealand (Hiakai), Akasha Richmond (Akasha), Antonia Lofaso (Scopa Italian Roots), April Bloomfield (Hearth & Hound), Brooke Williamson (Playa Provisions), Dahlia Narvaez (Mozza), Dakota Weiss (Sweetfin Poké), Jazz Singsanong (Jitlada), Niki Nakayama (n/naka), Nyesha Arrington (Native Santa Monica), Roxana Jullapat (Friends & Family), Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson (Kismet), Sherry Yard (iPic Theaters), Shirley Chung (Ms. Chi), Tanya Holland (Brown Sugar Kitchen), Valerie Gordon (Valerie Confections), and more.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to Girls Inc. and the James Beard Foundation Women’s Leadership Programs to support the advancement of young girls and the empowerment of women in the hospitality industry.

Elizabeth AnCrustacean Beverly Hills, the 20-year old, award-winning restaurant from House of AN hospitality group, reopened in March following an eight-month-long, $10 million dollar ambitious redesign and reconcepting. It now houses two high-end restaurants. House of An’s Elizabeth An joins us with the stylish details.

Crustacean launched its new lunch service this week. Lunch service is available Tuesday – Friday from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Some of the new and notable lunch menu items are the BAHN MI (all served with house made potato crisp and Yuzu crème fraîche) and NOODLES & RICE (three varieties of pho, including a VEGAN option, and those XO cognac noodles) sections.

Crustacean will be open exclusively for Mother’s Day brunch service on Sunday, May 13 from 11:30 AM – 3 PM.  The restaurant is not usually open for brunch on weekends but the “mother of fusion” cuisine, Chef Helene An wants to treat fellow mothers with her famous fare on this extra special day.  The menu will be the full dinner menu, which includes the An family iconic Secret Kitchen dishes garlic noodles and garlic roasted crab.

Joe IsidoriA new quality burger concept (originating in New York in 2015) Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is on its way to an eagerly anticipated West Coast launch at Downtown Disney. Meanwhile you can experience Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer at The Venetian in Las Vegas. Think perfectly outrageous shakes, too.

They are also part of Vegas Uncork’d festivities on Saturday evening, May 12th.

“Kick it late night at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer for a night of burgers, beats, and of course, shakes on Saturday evening, May 12th., Join Chef/Owner Joe Isidori and chow down on Black Tap’s award-winning craft burgers, and for one-time-only, create your very own CrazyShake™ milkshake. With a curated list of specialty “Vegas Uncork’d” ingredients, guests can let their imagination and taste buds go wild with a custom shake. For those ready to show their talents, there’ll be a lip-sync battle to wow the crowds with your favorite 80s pop and 90s hip hop, including special prizes! Attendees will sample mouthwatering snacks, burgers, and signature cocktails with a live DJ spinning tunes to keep the vibes pumping.”

We’ll meet Founder & Chef Joe Isidori, a 3rd generation chef.

Steve Dolinsky and Andreew GruelRespected food journalist Steve Dolinsky, ABC 7 TV’s “Hungry Hound” in Chicago, is the recipient of an impressive 13 James Beard Foundation Awards for journalistic excellence. For this year’s James Beard Foundation Media Awards in New York (held on April 27th) he was again nominated for outstanding “TV Segment.”

The James Beard Foundation Awards Gala is in Chicago at the Lyric Opera on Monday evening, May 7th. Steve will report on the outcome of the Media Awards and preview the 2018 James Beard Foundation Awards Gala.

The James Beard Award-winning The Feed Podcast is a collaboration between Chicago Chef/Restaurateur Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, Xoco, Leña Brava) and 13-time James Beard Award winning food journalist Steve Dolinsky.

“They’ve known each other for 20 years, and have always craved a food program on the radio that included great sound. Sadly, there was none, so in January, 2014, they launched The Feed Podcast. The show jumps all over the globe – wherever their jobs take them – since Rick also hosts the Public Television series “Mexico: One Plate at a Time,” and Steve also writes for the Travel sections of the Chicago Tribune and The Globe and Mail in Canada.”

“Each show tackles a different subject: wine, spirits, food trends or audio postcards from foreign cities, but some also tackle issues like seafood sustainability and the ability of some diners to “buy” reservations at restaurants. The more evocative side of their reporting comes through in on-the-road shows where either Steve or Rick describe how a particular dish is made (Korean fried chicken, ramen, croissants) then devour it with pleasure as they describe what they’re tasting.”

Paul BartolottaOur culinary Team USA 2019 was in Mexico City on April 12th & 13th competing in The Bocuse d’Or America’s selection semi-finals leading up to the Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition in Lyon in late January of 2019. Five of the 11 countries represented won the right to compete in the Lyon finals.

Team USA (Chef Matthew Kirkley and Commis Mimi Chen) prepared Chilean Salmon Roulade and Suckling Pig Presented Three Ways.

“The Bocuse d’Or is about promoting local and traditional gastronomy, but also revealing young Chefs from all countries in the world. The candidates invest tremendous time and energy in the preparation for the contest, in the national and continental selections, to promote their culinary legacy and win their ticket to go to the Finale that can change their lives and careers.”

Head Coach for Team USA 2019 Chef Robert Sulatycky and Culinary Council member Chef Paul Bartolotta join us with the outcome from Mexico City. Time to proudly wave the flag…

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino“Ask the Chef” with our own Chef Andrew Gruel is back.

Barramundi is appearing on high-end restaurant menus and available at better seafood retailers.

For the uninitiated it’s both delicious, eco-friendly and well-managed. It’s a member of the sea bass family.

Chef Andrew will give us all the needed 411.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Henry Tran, Golden Road Pub OC, Anaheim
Segment Three: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger, Border Grill, Los Angeles & Las Vegas
Segment Four: Elizabeth An, House of An, Crustacean Beverly Hills
Segment Five: Chef Joe Isidori, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, Las Vegas
Segment Six: Food TV’s Steve Dolinsky, “The Hungry Hound”, ABC 7 TV, Chicago
Segment Seven: Team USA’s Chef Robert Sulatycky and Chef Paul Bartolotta
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish & Raw Bar by Slapfish

Show 172, May 21, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel

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ESPN Chicago WMVP AM 1000Program Note…Today, May 21st we’re broadcasting live from the studios of Chicago’s ESPN – WMVP-AM. We’re there to join in the celebration of Chef Andrew Gruel’s Trendsetter MenuMaster Award for Slapfish presented by Nation’s Restaurant News. The vibrant Chicago dining scene is well represented today in the show! Be sure to catch the special Chicago-focused podcasts!

Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, most recently, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Now a provocative peak at Saturday’s Windy City show of excess and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a pretty good thing…

Chicago’s C Chicago in River North has been reconceptualized as Ocean Cut under the culinary leadership of Dirk Flanigan (ex-The Gage.) Guests can expect fresh fish flown in daily along with 100 percent USDA Prime, dry-aged steaks and a side of Chicago hospitality. Chicago’s Chef Dirk Flanigan is our guest.

Food & Beer is a newly published, 60-recipe book from an internationally acclaimed chef/brewer duo dedicated to elevating and pairing beer with high-end dining. The debut book by Danish gypsy brewer Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø of the bar Tørst, and Canadian chef Daniel Burns of the Michelin-starred restaurant Luksus—both in a shared space in Greenpoint, Brooklyn where they elevate beer to the level of wine in fine dining. Chef Burns is with us to tap the keg on this unusual reference book.

Chef Carrie Nahabedian is one of the quiet pillars of dining in Chicago. After departing her position as Executive Chef of the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, Carrie Nahabedian returned to her native Chicago to open NAHA in 2000, which garnered her a James Beard Award and four consecutive Michelin stars. Chef Nahabedian joins us.

In Vietnamese, “AN” means “TO EAT,” a happy coincidence, since the An family has built an award-winning restaurant empire— including the renowned celebrity favorite Crustacean Beverly Hills. Helene An, executive chef and matriarch of the House of An, is hailed as the “mother of fusion.” Now her daughter Jacqueline tells the family story and shares her mother’s delicious and previously “secret” recipes in An: To Eat – Recipes and Stories from a Vietnamese Family Kitchen. Jacqueline An is here with the incredible story.

The Berghoff is a celebrated institution in Chicago and was inaugurated as aJames Beard America’s Classic establishment in 1999. It’s also prominently featured in the new book, James Beard’s All-American Eats – Recipes and Stories From Our Best-Loved Local Restaurants. Carlyn Berghoff, representing the fourth generation of proud Berghoff Family stewardship, is our guest.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

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Show 172, May 21, 2016: Restaurateur Jacqueline An, House of An, California

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Jacqueline An of House of AnIn Vietnamese, “AN” means “TO EAT,” a happy coincidence, since the An family has built an award-winning restaurant empire— including the renowned celebrity favorite Crustacean Beverly Hills.

Helene An, executive chef and matriarch of the House of An, is hailed as the “mother of fusion” and was inducted into the Smithsonian Institute for her signature style that brings together Vietnamese, French, and California- fresh influences.

Now her daughter Jacqueline tells the family story and shares her mother’s delicious and previously “secret” recipes, including “Mama’s” Beef Pho, Drunken Crab, and Oven-Roasted Lemongrass Chicken in An: To Eat – Recipes and Stories from a Vietnamese Family Kitchen. Jacqueline An is here to share the truly incredible story

Helene’s transformation from pampered “princess” in French Colonial Vietnam, to refugee then restaurateur, and her journey from Indochina’s lush fields to family kitchen gardens in California are beautifully chronicled throughout the book. The result is a fascinating peek at a lost world, and the evolution of an extraordinary cuisine. The 100 recipes in An: To Eat feature clean flavors, simple techniques, and unique twists that could only have come from Helene’s personal story.

 

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May 21: Live from Chicago and the National Restaurant Association Show

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Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Executive Chef Dirk Flanigan, Ocean Cut, Chicago
Segment Three: Chef Daniel Burns, Torst and Luksus, Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Segment Four: Executive Chef Carrie Nahabedian, NAHA and Brindille, Chicago Part One
Segment Five: Executive Chef Carrie Nahabedian, NAHA and Brindille, Chicago Part Two
Segment Six: Restaurateur Jacqueline An, House of An, California
Segment Seven: Carlyn Berghoff, Chief Executive Officer, Berghoff Catering & Restaurant Group, Chicago

ESPN Chicago WMVP AM 1000Program Note…On May 21st we’re broadcasting live from the studios of Chicago’s ESPN – WMVP-AM. We’re there to join in the celebration of Chef Andrew Gruel’s Trendsetter MenuMaster Award for Slapfish presented by Nation’s Restaurant News. There are only a total of eight MenuMaster Awards presented annually so Chef Andrew is in great company.

The vibrant Chicago dining scene will be well represented in the show! You really don’t want to miss it.

Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, most recently, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Now a provocative peak at Saturday’s Windy City show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing abundant show. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a pretty good thing…

Paul Hobbs is a very prominent figure in California winemaking and beyond. We’ll find out why Forbes has described him as “the Steve Jobs of wine.” Joining us is Paul Hobbs Wines’ National Sales Director, Charlie Plummer, who is also a Certified Sommelier.

Chicago’s C Chicago in River North has been reconceptualized as Ocean Cut under the culinary leadership of Dirk Flanigan (ex-The Gage.) Guests can expect fresh fish flown in daily along with 100 per cent USDA Prime, dry-aged steaks. Chicago’s Chef Dirk Flanigan is our guest.

Food & Beer is a newly published, 60-recipe book from an internationally acclaimed chef/brewer duo dedicated to elevating and pairing beer with high-end dining. The debut book by Danish gypsy brewer Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø of the bar Tørst, and Canadian chef Daniel Burns of the Michelin-starred restaurant Luksus—both in a shared space in Greenpoint, Brooklyn where they elevate beer to the level of wine in fine dining. Chef Burns is with us to tap the keg on this unusual reference book.

Chef Carrie Nahabedian is one of the pillars of dining in Chicago. After departing her position as Executive Chef of the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, Carrie Nahabedian returned to her native Chicago to open NAHA in 2000, which garnered her a James Beard Award and four consecutive Michelin stars. Chef Nahabedian joins us.

In Vietnamese, “AN” means “TO EAT,” a happy coincidence, since the An family has built an award-winning restaurant empire— including the renowned celebrity favorite Crustacean Beverly Hills. Helene An, executive chef and matriarch of the House of An, is hailed as the “mother of fusion.” Now her daughter Jacqueline tells the family story and shares her mother’s delicious and previously “secret” recipes in An: To Eat – Recipes and Stories from a Vietnamese Family Kitchen. Jacqueline An is here with the incredible story.

The Berghoff is a celebrated institution in Chicago and was inaugurated as a James Beard America’s Classic establishment in 1999. It’s also prominently featured in the new book, James Beard’s All-American Eats – Recipes and Stories From Our Best-Loved Local Restaurants. Carlyn Berghoff, representing the fourth generation of proud Berghoff Family stewardship, is our guest.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

Charlie PlummerPaul Hobbs is a very prominent figure in California winemaking and beyond. We’ll find out why Forbes has described him as “the Steve Jobs of Wine.” Joining us is Paul Hobbs Wines’ National Sales Director, Charlie Plummer, who is also a Certified Sommelier.

The Golden Chef Series, co-hosted by Charlie Plummer, is in its fifth year showcasing great chefs in Orange County.  This year’s Golden Chef Series, presented by Fisher & Paykel and DCS, takes place at the Irvine Spectrum in Big Wheel Court.  Chefs will demonstrate how to prepare their signature dishes. This event is free.

Dirk Flanigan of Ocean Cut ChicagoChicago’s C Chicago in River North has just been reconceptualized as Ocean Cut under the culinary leadership of Dirk Flanigan (ex-The Gage.) Guests can expect fresh fish flown in daily along with 100 per cent USDA Prime steaks. Chicago’s Chef Dirk Flanigan is our guest.

Ocean Cut is the newest seafood concept from the owners of Chicago Cut Steakhouse. The restaurant is centrally located in Chicago’s vibrant River North restaurant scene. With culinary pioneer Dirk Flanigan serving as Executive Chef and powerhouse General Manager Raylene Westbrook leading the floor, this nautically-focused concept is approachable yet adventurous. The culinary philosophy behind Ocean Cut balances simplicity and creativity while maintaining a culture based on quality and fresh ingredients.

Designed by leading Chicago architect Mark Knauer, the 8,000 square foot, two-story restaurant is a modern interpretation of classic maritime influences.

Daniel BurnsFood & Beer is a newly published, 60-recipe book from an internationally acclaimed chef/brewer duo dedicated to elevating and pairing beer with high-end dining. The debut book by Danish gypsy brewer Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø of the bar Tørst, and Canadian chef Daniel Burns of the Michelin-starred restaurant Luksus—both in a shared space in Greenpoint, Brooklyn where they elevate beer to the level of wine in fine dining. Chef Burns is with us to tap the keg on this unusual reference book.

With a dialogue running throughout the book, Food & Beer examines the vision and philosophy of this duo at the forefront of a new gastronomic movement. With a stunning, bold aesthetic, the design will highlight the dual visions of the authors and the spaces—Tørst, which is more rustic and relaxed, and Luksus, which is more sleek and refined.

The Foreword is by internationally renowned chef René Redzepi, co-owner of Noma, Copenhagen, the Number 3 ranked restaurant in the world.

“The chance meeting of two remarkable individuals. One of the best brewers in a generation of greats, with a good sense of business and fresh attitude, and the other a creative, driven chef with crazy food work ethics. But it also signified the start of a new style of restaurant, a place in which light, creative cooking, Michelin-star-worthy stuff, was at home with beer. I’m pretty sure that individually both would’ve succeeded in their own right-Jeppe creating great brews, and Daniel with a Michelin star or two doing something else-but together I believe they’ve created something truly special. Something new.” —René Redzepi (from his foreword).

Carrie NahabedianChef Carrie Nahabedian is one of the pillars of dining in Chicago. After departing her position as Executive Chef of the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, Carrie Nahabedian returned to her native Chicago to open NAHA in 2000, which garnered her a James Beard Award and four consecutive Michelin stars. Chef Nahabedian joins us.

Carrie opened Brindille in the spring of 2013 along with partner and cousin Michael Nahabedian. While NAHA serves to highlight her Armenian roots, Brindille’s refined Parisian fare celebrates  Carrie’s and Michael’s favorite spots in Paris.

The at NAHA menus are a mix of American and Mediterranean influences from Chef Carrie’s and Michael’s Armenian and Greek heritages.  NAHA uses fresh, seasonal produce, meats, and cheeses from local farmers and growers. NAHA is a proud supporter of Chicago’s Greencity Market.

Nuanced food is meant to be paired harmoniously with balanced wines.  The Mediterranean cuisine of NAHA provides a wonderful platform with which to pair globally influenced wines. – Wine Director Chad Ellegood.

Brindille (Chef Carrie’s latest venture), named “Best New Restaurant in 2013” by Chicago Tribune, offers a glimpse into refined Parisian cuisine and atmosphere from the team that brought you NAHA. For all restaurant information, go to their website.

Jacqueline An of House of AnIn Vietnamese, “AN” means “TO EAT,” a happy coincidence, since the An family has built an award-winning restaurant empire— including the renowned celebrity favorite Crustacean Beverly Hills.

Helene An, executive chef and matriarch of the House of An, is hailed as the “mother of fusion” and was inducted into the Smithsonian Institute for her signature style that brings together Vietnamese, French, and California- fresh influences.

Now her daughter Jacqueline tells the family story and shares her mother’s delicious and previously “secret” recipes, including “Mama’s” Beef Pho, Drunken Crab, and Oven-Roasted Lemongrass Chicken in An: To Eat – Recipes and Stories from a Vietnamese Family Kitchen. Jacqueline An is here to share the truly incredible story

Helene’s transformation from pampered “princess” in French Colonial Vietnam, to refugee then restaurateur, and her journey from Indochina’s lush fields to family kitchen gardens in California are beautifully chronicled throughout the book. The result is a fascinating peek at a lost world, and the evolution of an extraordinary cuisine. The 100 recipes in An: To Eat feature clean flavors, simple techniques, and unique twists that could only have come from Helene’s personal story.

Carlyn BerghoffThe Berghoff is a celebrated institution in Chicago and was inaugurated as a James Beard America’s Classic establishment in 1999. It’s also prominently featured in the new book, James Beard’s All-American Eats – Recipes and Stories From Our Best-Loved Local Restaurants. Carlyn Berghoff, representing the fourth generation of proud Berghoff Family stewardship, is our guest.

The Berghoff first opened in 1898 as a men-only saloon whose sole menu items were the corned beef sandwiches served free with the purchase of a stein of the German-born owners’ proprietary beer. Over the years the spot evolved into a beloved full-service restaurant famous for traditional German fare like wiener schnitzel, knockwurst, spaetzli, and creamed herring.

The Berghoff was briefly closed in 2005 by its third-generation owners, but the restaurant’s basement café resumed business shortly thereafter, and in 2007 the entire restaurant again opened its doors and revealed a new menu that features several less iconically Bavarian items.

Although some of the dishes might be lighter, the restaurant still sells its famous Berghoff Root Beer and hosts an annual Oktoberfest. Berghoff also operates a café at O’Hare, serving sandwiches and beer.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Executive Chef Dirk Flanigan, Ocean Cut, Chicago
Segment Three: Chef Daniel Burns, Torst and Luksus, Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Segment Four: Executive Chef Carrie Nahabedian, NAHA and Brindille, Chicago Part One
Segment Five: Executive Chef Carrie Nahabedian, NAHA and Brindille, Chicago Part Two
Segment Six: Restaurateur Jacqueline An, House of An, California
Segment Seven: Carlyn Berghoff, Chief Executive Officer, Berghoff Catering & Restaurant Group, Chicago