Show 174, June 4, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosExecutive 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. He’s just back from Chicago where he received Nation’s Restaurant News’ Trendsetter MenuMaster Award for Slapfish.

Congrats to our friends at Chefs’ Toys, Steve Dickler and Mike Krepistman, on being awarded the 2016 Top Achiever-Dealer honor by Foodservice Equipment & Supplies Magazine. They received this prestigious award on May 21st at a reception at The Four Seasons Chicago as part of the recent National Restaurant Association annual gathering in Chicago.

Now a provocatively tempting preview of Saturday’s abundant show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. The way we see it that’s actually a pretty good thing…

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association has recently announced the dynamic new offerings from Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine for the 2016 summer season. Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine — developed with the LA Phil, local restaurateurs James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and business partner Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group, and Sodexo Sports & Leisure  — will offer patrons a broad range of enticing new, reimagined culinary experiences. The vision is brought to life by Goin and Styne, whose restaurants, Lucques, a.o.c., Tavern and the Larder, have defined, and advanced, Los Angeles’ culinary tastes since 1998. Chef Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne join us with all the tempting 411.

The 8th Annual Pechanga Microbrew & Craft Beer Festival and Chili Cook-off returns to the Pechanga Grand Ballroom on Saturday, June 11th. The “SoCal Restaurant Show” will be there broadcasting live from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon when the taps officially open. Pechanga’s Executive Chef, Duane Owen, is our guest. He’ll be chatting about the chili cook-off, a fiery annual competition among the talented Pechanga chefs.

Paley restaurant is located in Columbia Square, the birthplace of the Golden Age of Hollywood. During its heyday, the restaurant at Columbia Square was home to the celebrities, executives and others working in the area. Paley reimagines that creative culture for the modern age. Chef Greg Bernhardt (ex-Church & State), at the forefront of the California farm to table movement, serves a dynamic menu of seasonal and local ingredients in classic dishes with a modern twist. He joins us.

Three superstar cocktailians: Dale DeGroff, Gaz Regan, and Adam Seger, share the stories behind cocktails they created and named when The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) presents its next Los Angeles seminar, “Cocktail Genesis & the Language of Libations,” Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at Executive Chef Sherry Yard’s newest fine dining destination, The Tuck Room at iPic Theaters Westwood. Properly shaking the potent libations for us with their usual finesse are MOTAC’s creator, Dale DeGroff and MOTAC’s Philip Dobard.

It’s the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Looff Hippodrome on the classic Santa Monica Pier. Since 2010 the familiar Carousel Building there has been the home to Soda Jerk’s, an authentic, period soda fountain. Proprietor Kevin McCafferty has created a limited-edition sweet-salty potato-chip sundae to commemorate the occasion. He’s full-scooping as our guest.

There is a legitimate concern about rising mercury levels in certain seafood. No reason to panic. Our resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel, joins us to separate the honest truth from fanciful (and needlessly alarming) fiction. Find out what you really need to be concerned about. Remain calm…

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

Show 174, June 4, 2016: Museum of the American Cocktail’s Dale “King Cocktail” DeGroff and Philip Dobard

Dale DeGroffThree superstar cocktailians: Dale DeGroff, Gaz Regan, and Adam Seger, share the stories behind cocktails they created and named when The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) presents its next Los Angeles seminar, Cocktail Genesis & the Language of Libations,” Tuesday, June 14, 2016 @ 6:30 p.m. at Executive Chef Sherry Yard’s newest fine dining destination, The Tuck Room at iPic Theaters Westwood. Properly shaking the libations for us are MOTAC’s creator, Dale DeGroff and MOTAC’s Philip Dobard.

Ever wonder how a new cocktail is created? What goes into it: base spirit(s), modifiers, and garnish? And then how it’s named? Well, on June 14 MOTAC brings together three living legends, one of them, Dale DeGroff, aka “King Cocktail,” a James Beard Foundation Award Winner and Who’s Who Inductee, to tell the origin stories of five signature cocktails they themselves created, and why they carry the names so synonymous with their creators.

Come pass a rich evening of storytelling and drinking, all while enjoying a spread of gourmet appetizers courtesy of dual James Beard Foundation Award Winner, Sherry Yard.

June 4: Suzanne Goin, Caroline Styne, Pechanga Microbrew Festival, Greg Bernhardt, Dale DeGroff, Philip Dobard, Soda Jerk’s, Andrew Gruel

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Caroline Styne, The Lucques Group, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine
Segment Three: Chef Suzanne Goin, The Lucques Group, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine
Segment Four: Executive Chef Duane Owen, Pechanga Resort and Casino
Segment Five: Chef Greg Bernhardt, Paley Restaurant, Hollywood
Segment Six: Museum of the American Cocktail’s Dale “King Cocktail” DeGroff and Philip Dobard
Segment Seven: Kevin McCafferty of Soda Jerk’s, Looff Hippodrome, Santa Monica Pier
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel – Mercury in Fish

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosExecutive 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. He’s just back from Chicago where he received Nation’s Restaurant News’ Trendsetter MenuMaster Award for Slapfish.

Now a provocatively tempting preview of Saturday’s abundant show 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…

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association has recently announced the dynamic new offerings from Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine for the 2016 summer season. Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine — developed with the LA Phil, local restaurateurs James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and business partner Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group, and Sodexo Sports & Leisure  — will offer patrons a broad range of enticing new, reimagined culinary experiences. The vision is brought to life by Goin and Styne, whose restaurants, Lucques, a.o.c., Tavern and the Larder, have defined, and advanced, Los Angeles’ culinary tastes since 1998. Chef Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne join us with all the tempting 411.

The 8th Annual Pechanga Microbrew & Craft Beer Festival and Chili Cook-off returns to the Pechanga Grand Ballroom on Saturday, June 11th. The “SoCal Restaurant Show” will be there broadcasting live from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon when the taps officially open. Pechanga’s Executive Chef, Duane Owen, is our guest. He’ll be chatting about the chili cook-off, a fiery annual competition among the talented Pechanga chefs.

Paley restaurant is located in Columbia Square, the birthplace of the Golden Age of Hollywood. During its heyday, the restaurant at Columbia Square was home to the celebrities, executives and others working in the area. Paley reimagines that creative culture for the modern age. Chef Greg Bernhardt (ex-Church & State), at the forefront of the California farm to table movement, serves a dynamic menu of seasonal and local ingredients in classic dishes with a modern twist. He joins us.

Three superstar cocktailians: Dale DeGroff, Gaz Regan, and Adam Seger, share the stories behind cocktails they created and named when The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) presents its next Los Angeles seminar, “Cocktail Genesis & the Language of Libations,” Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at Executive Chef Sherry Yard’s newest fine dining destination, The Tuck Room at iPic Theaters Westwood. Properly shaking the libations for us are MOTAC’s creator, Dale DeGroff and MOTAC’s Philip Dobard.

It’s the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Looff Hippodrome on the classic Santa Monica Pier. Since 2010 the familiar Carousel Building has been the home to Soda Jerk’s, an authentic, period soda fountain. Proprietor Kevin McCafferty has created a limited-edition sweet-salty potato-chip sundae to commemorate the occasion. He’s full-scooping as our guest.

There is a legitimate concern about rising mercury levels in certain seafood. No reason to panic. Our resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel, joins us to separate the honest truth from fanciful (and alarming) fiction. Find out what you really need to be concerned about. Remain calm…

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

Caroline StyneThe Los Angeles Philharmonic Association has recently announced the dynamic new offerings from Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine for the 2016 summer season. Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine — developed with the LA Phil, local restaurateurs James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and business partner Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group, and Sodexo Sports & Leisure  — will offer patrons a broad range of enticing new, reimagined culinary experiences.

The vision is brought to life by Goin and Styne, whose restaurants, Lucques, a.o.c., Tavern and the Larder, have defined, and advanced, Los Angeles culinary tastes since 1998. Beverage Maven Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group now uncorks the details of the new beverage program.

Highlights include:
The Wine Bar by a.o.c.
– L.A.’s favorite wine bar comes to life at the Bowl featuring artisanal cheese and charcuterie, market-fresh salads, grilled fish and meats. The wine list, curated by Caroline Styne, features only wines that are farmed sustainably, organically or biodynamically, and are made by small-production, artisanal winemakers. A selection of craft brew and farmers’ market-driven cocktails made with soju and other wine-based liquors complete the offerings. Menu Highlight: Soft Polenta with Wild Mushrooms, Mascarpone and Gremolata

Marketplace – Goin and Styne’s casual Larder café-marketplace comes to the Bowl offering grab-and-go salads, hot entrées that include rotisserie chicken, barbecued beef brisket and mac n’ cheese, as well as other picnic-friendly sandwiches, cheese plates and foods prepared with the best local produce and products. Choose from a large selection of hand-picked wines, craft beers, sodas and waters as well as salty and sweet snacks such as Larder Baking Company cookies and brownies, candy, nuts and crackers. Menu Highlight: Slow-Roasted Salmon with Cucumber Yogurt, Quinoa and Turmeric

Lucques at the Circle – Fine dining for subscribers of the Pool Circle with a seasonal made-to-order menu and exceptional wine list styled from the award winning cuisine of Lucques, one of the defining restaurants of Los Angeles. Menu Highlight: Grilled Pork Chop with Cornbread-Chorizo Stuffing and Glazed Bing Cherries

Suzanne GoinChef Suzanne Goin now joins us with all the tempting 411 on the diverse, revamped food selections.

“Dining has long been an integral part of an evening at the Hollywood Bowl,” stated Gail Samuel, Executive Director of the LA Phil. “With the combined creativity and excellence of our new team, we have developed exciting new culinary options that will enhance the concert-going experience and contribute to making a night at the Bowl unforgettable.”

Whether it’s a picnic, a bottle of wine, street food from around the globe, supper in your box seat or dining at one of the on-site restaurants, visitors can take advantage of a wide variety of options for all tastes and preferences, including signature vegetarian dishes. The full spectrum also extends to catered events with a variety of locations for both small and large groups.

Duane Owen of Pechanga Casino and ResortThe 8th Annual Pechanga Microbrew & Craft Beer Festival and Chili Cook-off returns to the Pechanga Grand Ballroom on Saturday, June 11th. The “SoCal Restaurant Show” will be there broadcasting live from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon when the taps officially open. Pechanga’s Executive Chef, Duane Owen, is our guest. He’ll be chatting about the chili cook-off, a fiery annual competition among the talented Pechanga chefs.

In addition to sampling over 100 styles of craft beer guests have the opportunity to taste and savor eight varieties of house-prepared chili, fired up by the award-winning chefs at Pechanga Resort & Casino. It’s a yearly highlight.

A new chili champion was crowned by the guests last year at the annual Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cookoff. Temptations Food Court chef, Marlene Moore, tantalized the sold-out crowd with her “Temptation” Hearty Southern Style Chili. She edged out seven other Pechanga chefs’ chili varieties which included Texas-style chili with trio of meat, steak chili mac, and black bean chili con carne, with poblano rajas, crispy pork and shishito peppers. In a spirited competition Chef Marlene will be defending her title on June 11th.

With 219 votes out of a total of 914 from 2015 Microbrew Festival attendees, Chef Moore, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, unseated Chef Damian Stanley (the Executive Sous Chef of Pechanga) who had held the chili throne for two years. Stanley received third place with 153 votes. Kelsey’s chef, Ronnel Capacia, came in a close second with 155 votes.

One secret ingredient is out…We know that Chef Ronnel’s chili creation for 2016 will use Golden Road Brewing’s Get Up Offa That Brown, a toasty brown ale, in the recipe.

Greg BernhardtPaley restaurant is located in the restored Columbia Square, the birthplace of the Golden Age of Hollywood. During its heyday, the restaurant at Columbia Square was home to the celebrities, executives and others working in the area.

Paley reimagines that creative culture for the modern age. Chef Greg Bernhardt (ex-Church & State), at the forefront of the California farm to table movement, serves a dynamic menu of seasonal and local ingredients in classic dishes with a modern twist. He joins us.

Paley is named in celebration of the artistic and innovative era shaped by Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) CEO and progressive visionary William S. Paley. Chef Greg Bernhardt serves a menu of dynamic and modern California cuisine with influences from L.A.’s multicultural heritage matched with unobtrusive service and a spirit of warmth and respect.

Owned and operated by worldwide hospitality group Plan Do See, Paley is named in celebration of the artistic and innovative era shaped by CBS visionary William S. Paley and his wife, Babe.

With the opening of Columbia Square in 1939, William S. Paley ushered in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Paley strives to reintroduce the glamour and excitement of Hollywood’s glory days.

Paley is now open for lunch, dinner and Weekend Brunch. Breakfast is coming soon…Paley features distinct dining areas. Inside, guests are greeted by the elegant bar with lounge seating, an intimate dining area at the core and a chef’s counter and table overlooking the open kitchen. An inviting shaded, landscaped outside patio located in the Courtyard of the former Columbia Square is another appealing dining area of Paley.

Dale DeGroffThree superstar cocktailians: Dale DeGroffGaz Regan, and Adam Seger, share the stories behind cocktails they created and named when The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) presents its next Los Angeles seminar, Cocktail Genesis & the Language of Libations,” Tuesday, June 14, 2016 @ 6:30 p.m. at Executive Chef Sherry Yard’s newest fine dining destination, The Tuck Room at iPic Theaters Westwood. Properly shaking the libations for us are MOTAC’s creator, Dale DeGroff and MOTAC’s Philip Dobard.

Ever wonder how a new cocktail is created? What goes into it: base spirit(s), modifiers, and garnish? And then how it’s named? Well, on June 14 MOTAC brings together three living legends, one of them, Dale DeGroff, aka “King Cocktail,” a James Beard Foundation Award Winner and Who’s Who Inductee, to tell the origin stories of five signature cocktails they themselves created, and why they carry the names so synonymous with their creators. Come pass a rich evening of storytelling and drinking, all while enjoying a spread of gourmet appetizers courtesy of dual James Beard Foundation Award Winner, Sherry Yard.

Soda JerksIt’s the 100th anniversary on Sunday, June 12th of the opening of the Looff Hippodrome on the classic Santa Monica Pier. Since 2010 the familiar Carousel Building has been the home to Soda Jerk’s, an authentic, period soda fountain.

Proprietor Kevin McCafferty has created a limited-edition sweet-salty potato-chip sundae to commemorate the occasion. He’s full-scooping as our guest.

For foodies seeking a special dessert conceived from the opening era, this is a rare opportunity to indulge in a limited-edition sweet-salty potato-chip sundae inspired by Pier history and created by Kevin McCafferty, dessert historian and owner of Soda Jerk’s soda fountain. The Brass Ring Sundae is one scoop of salted caramel topped with caramel sauce, one scoop of vanilla ice cream with chocolate, all covered in crushed potato chips with a single chip (the brass ring) on top.

The Looff Hippodrome is on the National Register of Historic Places since 1987 and was declared a Santa Monica Landmark in 1976. “When it first opened, the sound of the band organ from the Carousel could be heard all the way to downtown Santa Monica,” explains Jim Harris, historian for the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corp. and author of the acclaimed book, Santa Monica Pier – A Century on the Last Great Pleasure Pier. “In many ways, it was and remains the heart of the city and we are excited to celebrate Looff’s dream 100 years later.  It is a testament to his great vision that the Hippodrome has withstood the test of time.”

100 years later, the Looff Hippodrome remains an example of timeless design and continues to stand as a testament to Looff’s vision.  The 100-year celebration will take place on Sunday, June 12, 2016 from 11am – 7:00pm.

Andrew Gruel and his son WilliamThere is a legitimate concern about rising mercury levels in certain seafood. No reason to panic. Our resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel, joins us to separate the honest truth from fanciful (and alarming) fiction. Find out what you really need to be concerned about. Remain calm…

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Caroline Styne, The Lucques Group, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine
Segment Three: Chef Suzanne Goin, The Lucques Group, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine
Segment Four: Executive Chef Duane Owen, Pechanga Resort and Casino
Segment Five: Chef Greg Bernhardt, Paley Restaurant, Hollywood
Segment Six: Museum of the American Cocktail’s Dale “King Cocktail” DeGroff and Philip Dobard
Segment Seven: Kevin McCafferty of Soda Jerk’s, Looff Hippodrome, Santa Monica Pier
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel – Mercury in Fish

Show 106, January 17, 2015: Show Preview with Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Andy Harris at the KLAA StudiosProducer and Co-Host Andy Harris is going solo in the host chair this morning. Now a preview of today’s rich (but mostly guilt-free) show

Chef Anthony Jacquet of the Whisper Restaurant and Lounge at The Grove in Los Angeles was one of three talented North American Chefs to be chosen by the Taiwan Tourism to participate in Taste Taiwan 2014. The lucky chefs were hosted to an exclusive eight-day culinary adventure to Taiwan. Chef Anthony was inspired to then create a dish from his trip which is highlighted on The Whisper menu as a special for this month. Diners who enjoy this dish also have the chance to win roundtrip airfare to Taiwan on EVA Air.. Chef Anthony returns with an update.

Maison Giraud in Pacific Palisades opened its doors in 2011. The unpretentious restaurant and bakery reflect the life and experiences of master French Chef Alain Giraud (ex-Michel Richard’s Citrus.) Chef Giraud welcomes his guests to dine on fine French food in a friendly, family setting. You can see him every Wednesday morning shopping at The Santa Monica Farmers Market where he is a long-time fixture. Giraud arrived in Los Angeles in 1988 and joined Michel Richard at Citrus as Chef de Cuisine. Together they elevated Citrus to the ranks of the country’s most celebrated restaurants. Chef Alain is our guest.

Troy Johnson is San Diego Magazine’s colorfully opinionated Food Critic and Editor-at Large. Troy joins us to discuss his recent cover story on “Baja. The Best Food, Wine, Beer, Music, And More.” Johnson will also update us on what’s on the horizon of significance in San Diego dining for 2015.

The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC), Golden State of Cocktails, and Dewar’s present “King Cocktail in Story and Song: Dale DeGroff in Conversation with Philip Dobard,” a very special edition of Touring the Cocktail: MOTAC Los Angeles. The presentation is set for Wednesday evening, January 28th at 6:30 p.m. at Casey’s Irish Pub in Downtown Los Angeles. Dale DeGroff is a central figure in the craft cocktail revolution of the last 25 years. Philip Dobard is Vice President of the SoFAB Institute, home of The Museum of the American Cocktail. Both Dale DeGroff and Philip Dobard join us to preview the intriguing “King Cocktail in Story and Song.”

Chef Eric Greenspan of Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese and The Roof on Wilshire is back with us. We’ll get an update on the prime time run of his new series, “Eric Greenspan is Hungry” for the National Geographic Channel which just completed its initial run and is available “On Demand” on cable. Starting on Sunday, Jan. 18th Chef Eric is launching a Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese Pop Up at Westfield Century City through the end of March 2015.In Century City there will also be some exclusive menu items for Greenspan’s first West L.A. outpost.

Dine Newport Beach Restaurant Week returns with a renewed and refreshed format this winter, spanning two weeks of scrumptious dining possibilities from Monday, January 19th to Sunday, February 1st, 2015. Diners have the opportunity to enjoy special price fixed menus at lunch or dinner priced to represent a great value. Some restaurants are offering special Newport Beach Restaurant Week cocktails to pair with their special menus. Polly Peak, Director of Dine Newport Beach (the marketing arm of the Newport Beach Restaurant Association) is with us to preview all the tasty morsels.

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

Show 106, January 17, 2015: Mixologist Dale DeGroff and Philip Dobard of SoFAB Institute

Dale DeGroffThe Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC), Golden State of Cocktails, and Dewar’s present “King Cocktail in Story and Song: Dale DeGroff in Conversation with Philip Dobard,” a very special edition of Touring the Cocktail: MOTAC Los Angeles. The presentation is set for Wednesday evening, January 28th at 6:30 p.m. at Casey’s Irish Pub in Downtown Los Angeles.

Dale DeGroff is a central figure in the craft cocktail revolution of the last 25 years. Hear how Dale became “King Cocktail,” how he went from L.A’s Hotel Bel-Air to New York’s Rainbow Room, why he and a group of like-minded craft cocktail pioneers established MOTAC, and colorful tales of events along the way.

Philip Dobard is Vice President of the SoFAB Institute, home of The Museum of the American Cocktail.

Enjoy classic standards performed live by Dale and Philip and sip signature cocktails featuring Dewar’s True Scotch and prepared from recipes by MOTAC Advisory Board members Julian Cox, Josh Goldman, Michael Neff, and Lesley Jacobs Solmonson. Admission includes a selection of gourmet appetizers courtesy of Casey’s Irish Pub.

This program encores in New Orleans at The Museum of The American Cocktail on February 5th.

Both Dale DeGroff and Philip Dobard join us to preview the intriguing “King Cocktail in Story and Song.”

January 17: Anthony Jacquet, Alain Giraud, Troy Johnson, Dale DeGroff, Eric Greenspan, Dine Newport Beach Restaurant Week

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Anthony Jacquet, Executive Chef, Whisper Restaurant & Lounge
Segment Three: Chef / Proprietor Alain Giraud, Maison Giraud
Segment Four: Troy Johnson, Food Critic, San Diego Magazine Part One
Segment Five: Troy Johnson, Food Critic, San Diego Magazine Part Two
Segment Six: Mixologist Dale DeGroff and Philip Dobard of SoFAB Institute
Segment Seven: Chef Eric Greenspan
Segment Eight: Dine Newport Beach Restaurant Week

Andy Harris at the KLAA StudiosProducer and Co-Host Andy Harris is going solo in the host chair this morning. Now a preview of today’s rich (but mostly guilt-free) show

Chef Anthony Jacquet of the Whisper Restaurant and Lounge at The Grove in Los Angeles was one of three talented North American Chefs to be chosen by the Taiwan Tourism to participate in Taste Taiwan 2014. The lucky chefs were hosted to an exclusive eight-day culinary adventure to Taiwan. Chef Anthony was inspired to then create a dish from his trip which is highlighted on The Whisper menu as a special for this month. Diners who enjoy this dish also have the chance to win roundtrip airfare to Taiwan on EVA Air. Chef Anthony returns with an update.

Maison Giraud in Pacific Palisades opened its doors in 2011. The unpretentious restaurant and bakery reflect the life and experiences of master French Chef Alain Giraud (ex-Michel Richard’s Citrus.) Chef Giraud welcomes his guests to dine on fine French food in a friendly, family setting. You can see him every Wednesday morning shopping at The Santa Monica Farmers Market where he is a long-time fixture. Giraud arrived in Los Angeles in 1988 and joined Michel Richard at Citrus as Chef de Cuisine. Together they elevated Citrus to the ranks of the country’s most celebrated restaurants. Chef Alain is our guest.

Troy Johnson is San Diego Magazine’s colorfully opinionated Food Critic and Editor-at Large. Troy joins us to discuss his recent cover story on “Baja. The Best Food, Wine, Beer, Music, And More.” Johnson will also update us on what’s on the horizon of significance in San Diego dining for 2015.

The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC), Golden State of Cocktails, and Dewar’s present “King Cocktail in Story and Song: Dale DeGroff in Conversation with Philip Dobard,” a very special edition of Touring the Cocktail : MOTAC Los Angeles. The presentation is set for Wednesday evening, January 28th at 6:30 p.m. at Casey’s Irish Pub in Downtown Los Angeles. Dale DeGroff is a central figure in the craft cocktail revolution of the last 25 years. Philip Dobard is Vice President of the SoFAB Institute, home of The Museum of the American Cocktail. Both Dale DeGroff and Philip Dobard join us to preview the intriguing “King Cocktail in Story and Song.”

Chef Eric Greenspan of Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese and The Roof on Wilshire is back with us. We’ll get an update on the prime time run of his new series, “Eric Greenspan is Hungry” for the National Geographic Channel which just completed its initial run and is available “On Demand” on cable. Starting on Sunday, Jan. 18th Chef Eric is launching a Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese Pop Up at Westfield Century City through the end of March 2015.In Century City there will also be some exclusive menu items for Greenspan’s first West L.A. outpost.

Dine Newport Beach Restaurant Week returns with a renewed and refreshed format this winter, spanning two weeks of scrumptious dining possibilities from Monday, January 19th to Sunday, February 1st, 2015. Diners have the opportunity to enjoy special price fixed menus at lunch or dinner priced to represent a great value. Some restaurants are offering special Newport Beach Restaurant Week cocktails to pair with their special menus. Polly Peak, Director of Dine Newport Beach (the marketing arm of the Newport Beach Restaurant Association) is with us to preview all the tasty morsels.

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

Anthony JacquetChef Anthony Jacquet of the Whisper Restaurant and Lounge at The Grove in Los Angeles was one of three talented North American Chefs to be selected by Taiwan Tourism to participate in Taste Taiwan 2014. The lucky chefs were hosted to an exclusive eight-day culinary adventure to Taiwan.

Chef Anthony was inspired to then create a dish from his trip which is highlighted on The Whisper menu as a special for this month. It’s a Berkshire Pork Belly Bun with housemade hoisin sauce, pickled Fresno peppers, five-spice candied peanuts, and a fried quail egg.

Diners who enjoy this dish at Whisper Lounge this month also have the chance to win roundtrip airfare to Taiwan on EVA Air.

The chefs’ eight-day tour of Taiwan was filmed and edited into an informative 30-minute documentary. The documentary follows the on-the-go chefs as they indulge in Taiwan’s finest restaurants and experience the island’s fresh produce markets and street foods, among other culinary adventures.

Chef Anthony returns with an update.

Alain GiraudMaison Giraud in Pacific Palisades opened its doors in 2011. The unpretentious restaurant and bakery reflect the life and experiences of master French Chef Alain Giraud (ex-Michel Richard’s Citrus.) Chef Giraud welcomes his guests to dine on fine French food in a friendly, family setting.

You can see him every Wednesday morning shopping at The Santa Monica Farmers Market where he is a long-time and familiar fixture. Giraud arrived in Los Angeles in 1988 and joined Michel Richard at Citrus as Chef de Cuisine. Together they elevated Citrus to the ranks of the country’s most celebrated restaurants.

Since then Alain has been the executive chef at Lavande, a fondly remembered French Provencal restaurant at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. He was the opening executive chef in 2002 at the high profile and much written-about Bastide on Melrose Place in West Hollywood. Before opening Maison Giraud, Alain was the opening executive chef at Anisette, an ambitious French brasserie located in the landmark Clocktower Building in Santa Monica.

Maison Giraud hosts a gourmet oyster bar on the first Thursday of each month conducted by Master Ecailler Christophe Happillion. On the fourth Thursday of each month is the Four Star Dinner (7-courses) showcasing the talents of a prominent Guest Chef.

Foie gras is back on the menu at Maison Giraud.

Chef Alain Giraud is our guest.

Troy JohnsonTroy Johnson is San Diego Magazine’s colorfully opinionated Food Critic and Editor-at Large. He also pens the San Diego Food News Blog available on San Diego Magazine’s Website. You also know him as a regular judge on Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games now in Season 2.

Previously he also wrote and hosted Food Network’s “Crave.” This was a fast-moving food and travel show.

Troy joins us to discuss his recent cover story on “Baja. The Best Food, Wine, Beer, Music, And More.” Johnson will also update us on what’s on the horizon of significance in San Diego dining for 2015.

Is foie gras now returning to San Diego area restaurants as it is in Los Angeles and Orange County? We’ll get Johnson’s thoughts on foie gras.

Dale DeGroffThe Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC), Golden State of Cocktails, and Dewar’s present “King Cocktail in Story and Song: Dale DeGroff in Conversation with Philip Dobard,” a very special edition of Touring the Cocktail: MOTAC Los Angeles. The presentation is set for Wednesday evening, January 28th at 6:30 p.m. at Casey’s Irish Pub in Downtown Los Angeles.

Dale DeGroff is a central figure in the craft cocktail revolution of the last 25 years. Hear how Dale became “King Cocktail,” how he went from L.A’s Hotel Bel-Air to New York’s Rainbow Room, why he and a group of like-minded craft cocktail pioneers established MOTAC, and colorful tales of events along the way.

Philip Dobard is Vice President of the SoFAB Institute, home of The Museum of the American Cocktail.

Enjoy classic standards performed live by Dale and Philip and sip signature cocktails featuring Dewar’s True Scotch and prepared from recipes by MOTAC Advisory Board members Julian Cox, Josh Goldman, Michael Neff, and Lesley Jacobs Solmonson. Admission includes a selection of gourmet appetizers courtesy of Casey’s Irish Pub.

Both Dale DeGroff and Philip Dobard join us to preview the intriguing “King Cocktail in Story and Song.”

Eric GreenspanChef Eric Greenspan of Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese and The Roof on Wilshire is back with us. We’ll get an update on the prime time run of his new series, Eric Greenspan is Hungry for the National Geographic Channel, which just completed its initial run (six episodes) and is available “On Demand” on cable. We’ll also chat about his experience with the six-hour National Geographic series, “Eat – The Story of Food,” aired in 2-hour installments over 3 nights. Chef Eric was prominent in all the episodes.

Starting on Sunday, Jan. 18th Chef Eric is launching a Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese Pop Up at Westfield Century City (2nd level of the Dining Terrace) through the end of March 2015. In Century City there will also be some exclusive menu items for Greenspan’s first West L.A. outpost. Think the Westfield Melt on sourdough with Muenster cheese, red onion, short rib, tomato and garlic aioli.

Dine Newport Beach Restaurant WeekDine Newport Beach Restaurant Week returns with a renewed and refreshed format this winter, spanning two weeks of scrumptious dining possibilities from Monday, January 19th to Sunday, February 1st, 2015. Diners have the opportunity to enjoy special price fixed menus at lunch or dinner priced to represent a great value. Some restaurants are offering special Newport Beach Restaurant Week cocktails to pair with their special menus.

New price points on menus available to offer something for everyone and every occasion. Lunch – $10, $15, $20, and $25. Dinner – $20, $30, $40, and $50.

“Newport Beach Restaurant Week will showcase a variety of unique dining experiences and cuisines ranging from American favorites to authentic ethnic fare and formal fine dining to hip and sandy-feet -casual,” notes Polly Peak, Director of Dine Newport Beach.

Polly Peak, Director of Dine Newport Beach (the marketing arm of the Newport Beach Restaurant Association) is with us to preview all the tasty morsels.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Anthony Jacquet, Executive Chef, Whisper Restaurant & Lounge
Segment Three: Chef / Proprietor Alain Giraud, Maison Giraud
Segment Four: Troy Johnson, Food Critic, San Diego Magazine Part One
Segment Five: Troy Johnson, Food Critic, San Diego Magazine Part Two
Segment Six: Mixologist Dale DeGroff and Philip Dobard of SoFAB Institute
Segment Seven: Chef Eric Greenspan
Segment Eight: Dine Newport Beach Restaurant Week