April 27: Victor Novak, Dean Simon, Nancy Zaslavsky, Wing Lam

Podcasts

Segment One: Brewmaster Victor Novak of TAPS Fish House & Brewery in Downtown Brea
Segment Two: Dean Simon, Managing Partner of BRUXIE Gourmet Waffle Sandwiches Part One
Segment Three: Dean Simon, Managing Partner of BRUXIE Gourmet Waffle Sandwiches Part Two
Segment Four: Nancy Zaslavsky, “A Cook’s Tour to Mexico”
Segment Five: Wing Lam, co-founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco and Michael Browne, co-founder of Kosta Browne Wines in Sebastopol, CA
Segment Six: Wing Lam, co-founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco and Michael Cho, esq. of Palmieri, Tyler, Weiner, Wilhelm & Waldron LLP

We’re back…It’s a week of fascinating local success stories from  beverages to great food. There will be a slight detour to Mexico along the way to learn a bit about food tourism there. Please join us for the journey.

Victor Novak of Taps Fish House and Brewery in BreaBack in 1999 when veteran Brewmaster Victor Novak opened TAPS Fish House & Brewery in Brea the craft beer movement was in its infancy. Now it’s the fastest growing segment of the beer business and all the mega breweries are eagerly joining in the fray.

Today TAPS brews some 1,700 kegs annually representing an impressive portfolio of some 31 to 35 styles of European and American ales and lagers. Novak’s beers are so popular they are even featured on tap at other restaurants.

On Saturday, April 27th TAPS is hosting its First Annual Craft Beer Festival showcasing the brews of over 25 of Southern California’s finest craft breweries. There will also be international street food stations to pair with the beer. It’s from Noon to 3:00 p.m. on TAPS patio and bar.

Dean Simon and Kelly Mullarney of BruxieBruxie is the fast-growing restaurant empire built on the recipe for a mouth-watering, authentic Belgian waffle. It started with a modest stand in Old Towne Orange in 2010 and the latest, most ambitious, store (the 5th) opened this week in downtown Huntington Beach.

Co-founder Dean Simon is with us to share his secrets for maintaining quality and guest satisfaction when you’re growing fast.

Nancy Zaslavsky is a well-traveled authority on the foods of Mexico, a cookbook author, cooking instructor, and accomplished culinary tour leader.

As Nancy says, “I’m not Mexican. I’m a blond gringa who loves Mexico, its culture, cuisine and people. One of my greatest joys is to share this enthusiasm with those who want to learn more about a fascinating country.”

Wing Lam of Wahoo's Fish TacosWing Lam, the co-founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco, needs no introduction to Southern Californians. Wing and his brothers Ed and Mingo are 2nd generation restaurateurs who parlayed a love for surfing into a successful restaurant empire which started in Costa Mesa. Incredibly the ever youthful Wing is celebrating Wahoo’s 25th Anniversary this year. Over the years Wahoo’s has strived to be a part of the communities they serve which now include California, Colorado, Texas, and Hawaii.

Wing also has an appreciation for quality libations including fine wine. He’ll share his wine adventures in Sonoma County from last weekend hanging with some of the legends of California Pinot Noir.

Wing will also provide his insights on keeping Wahoo’s popular when the large chain fast food restaurants are now also selling fish tacos. There is a difference…

Podcasts

Segment One: Brewmaster Victor Novak of TAPS Fish House & Brewery in Downtown Brea
Segment Two: Dean Simon, Managing Partner of BRUXIE Gourmet Waffle Sandwiches Part One
Segment Three: Dean Simon, Managing Partner of BRUXIE Gourmet Waffle Sandwiches Part Two
Segment Four: Nancy Zaslavsky, “A Cook’s Tour to Mexico”
Segment Five: Wing Lam, co-founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco and Michael Browne, co-founder of Kosta Browne Wines in Sebastopol, CA
Segment Six: Wing Lam, co-founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco and Michael Cho, esq. of Palmieri, Tyler, Weiner, Wilhelm & Waldron LLP