Show 123, May 23, 2015: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Andrew GruelExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and, now, Newport Beach is today’s special Guest Host.

We’re always up for a premium juicy burger on the “SoCal Restaurant Show” and May is National Burger Month. We’re celebrating with Chef Christian Page (ex- Short Order) who lovingly revived the iconic (and fondly remembered) Cassell’s Burgers in Koreatown six months ago. To commemorate National Hamburger Day on May 28th Cassell’s is hosting a Total Steer Grind.

Memorial Day Weekend is a perfect time to savor a local craft beer.

We’re tapping the keg to preview the 7th Annual Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cookoff on Saturday, June 6th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Temecula. One of the participating craft breweries is the fast-growing Golden Road Brewing in Los Angeles and with a new brewery and tap room soon to be located across the street from Angel Stadium in Anaheim. The veteran, award-winning brewmaster for the future Orange County facility, Victor Novak is our guest.

Krystyn Navarro is the Chef de Partie at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Beverly Hills. Last year she won the New Orleans competition for the prestigious Ment’or BKB Foundation’s Young Chef Competition Series. She is currently completing her stagiaire at [One] in Chapel Hill, NC. Applications (due by June 1st) are now open for the 2015 competitions in Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and New York City. Krystyn Navarro joins us with all the needed 411.

When we last spoke with Celebrity Chef Eric Greenspan he was just about to compete on Food Network’s Chopped – All-Stars Tournament,” Part 1 against Madison Cowan, Brian Malarkey and Art Smith. We’ll get updated on the results of that intense cook-off. Chef Eric was also about to launch a mysterious new seafood concept on what was previously the hidden back patio of The Foundry. That restaurant, now open, is Mare with a focus on fresh seafood priced at a great value. You enter through Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese. Chef Eric is with us to provide all the needed updates.

Before he went out on his own to open the popular Tar & Roses in Santa Monica in 2012, Executive Chef Andrew Kirschner was best known as Executive Chef and partner at Wilshire, also in Santa Monica.

Now Chef Kirschner is expanding the restaurant empire with the launch of the Santa Monica Yacht Club located a short walk away from Tar & Roses. Unlike Tar & Roses with its emphasis on the wood-burning grill the focus at SMYC is on seafood with small plates. Andrew Kirschner is our guest.

Don’t miss Chef Andrew Gruel’s new restaurant makeover series, “Say It To My Face” on FYI. An original episode is aired every Thursday evening with an encore episode thereafter. Check your local listings. On-line food reviewers confront restaurateurs with the shortcomings of their establishments. It’s then up to Chef Andrew and his colleague, Chef Anthony Dispensa, to coach the chef and restaurateur to achieve a much higher level of guest satisfaction when the on-line reviews return for another look! Sometimes it’s tough-love…

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

May 23: Christian Page, Victor Novak, Krystyn Navarro, Eric Greenspan, Andrew Kirschner

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Owner/Chef Christian Page, Cassell’s Hamburgers
Segment Three: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing Part One
Segment Four: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing Part Two
Segment Five: Ment’or BKB Foundation’s Young Chef Competition
Segment Six: Executive Chef/Proprietor Eric Greenspan of Mare and Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese
Segment Seven: Executive Chef/Proprietor Andrew Kirschner, Santa Monica Yacht Club and Tar & Roses, Santa Monica Part One
Segment Eight: Executive Chef/Proprietor Andrew Kirschner, Santa Monica Yacht Club and Tar & Roses, Santa Monica Part Two

Andrew GruelExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and, now, Newport Beach is today’s special Guest Host.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend.

Now a tempting preview of Saturday’s high octane, holiday-special show.

We’re always up for a premium juicy burger on the “SoCal Restaurant Show” and May is National Burger Month. We’re celebrating with Chef Christian Page (ex- Short Order) who lovingly revived the iconic (and fondly remembered) Cassell’s Burgers in Koreatown six months ago. To commemorate National Hamburger Day on May 28th Cassell’s is hosting a Total Steer Grind.

Memorial Day Weekend is a perfect time to savor a local craft beer.

We’re tapping the keg to preview the 7th Annual Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cookoff on Saturday, June 6th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Temecula. One of the participating craft breweries is the fast-growing Golden Road Brewing in Los Angeles and with a new brewery and tap room soon to be located across the street from Angel Stadium in Anaheim. The veteran brewmaster for the future Orange County facility, Victor Novak is our guest.

Krystyn Navarro is the Chef de Partie at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Beverly Hills. Last year she won the New Orleans competition for the prestigious Ment’or BKB Foundation’s Young Chef Competition Series. She is currently completing her stagiaire at [One] in Chapel Hill, NC. Applications (due by June 1st) are now open for the 2015 competitions in Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and New York City. Krystyn Navarro joins us with all the needed 411.

When we last spoke with Celebrity Chef Eric Greenspan he was just about to compete on Food Network’s “Chopped – All-Stars Tournament,” Part 1 against Madison Cowan, Brian Malarkey and Art Smith. We’ll get updated on the results of that intense cook-off. Chef Eric was also about to launch a mysterious new seafood concept on what was previously the hidden back patio of The Foundry. That restaurant, now open, is Mare with a focus on fresh seafood. You enter through Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese. Chef Eric is with us to provide all the needed updates.

Before he went out on his own to open the popular Tar & Roses in Santa Monica in 2012, Executive Chef Andrew Kirschner was best known as Executive Chef and partner at Wilshire, also in Santa Monica.

Now Chef Kirschner is expanding the restaurant empire with the launch of the Santa Monica Yacht Club located a short walk away from Tar & Roses. Unlike Tar & Roses with its emphasis on the wood-burning grill the focus at SMYC is on seafood with small plates. Andrew Kirschner is our guest.

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

Christian PageWe’re always up for a premium, juicy burger on the “SoCal Restaurant Show” and May is National Burger Month. We’re celebrating with Chef Christian Page (ex- Short Order) who lovingly revived the iconic (and fondly remembered) Cassell’s Burgers (originally established in 1948) in Koreatown six months ago. In its prime Cassell’s Hambugers was as well-known to the burger-craving, Downtown foodie crowd as The Apple Pan is to Westsiders.

The revived Cassell’s serving breakfast, lunch and dinner is located at the corner of 6th St. and Normandie Ave. on ther ground floor of the historic (and renovated) Hotel Normandie. Chef Page also provides the food for functions at the Hotel as well as room service.

“We’ve added to the original hamburger stand with a classic 50s breakfast menu, coffee bar, house made sodas and a fully stocked bar. The soul of the restaurant stays true to founder Al Cassell’s original principles of being a hamburger shop with a focus on premium beef, ground daily in-house. All of our burgers are still cooked on Al Cassell’s original crossfire broiler, ground with the original grinder and pattied with the original press.”

To commemorate National Hamburger Day on May 28th Cassell’s is hosting a Total Steer Grind.

Victor Novak of Taps Fish House and Brewery in BreaMemorial Day Weekend is a perfect time to savor a distinctive local craft beer. We’re tapping the keg to preview the 7th Annual Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cookoff on Saturday, June 6th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Temecula inside the Pechanga Grand Ballroom. The charitable beneficiary is Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley.

For one price beer enthusiasts can taste unlimited samples of craft and small production brews from San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange counties as well as selections from Northern California, the Midwest and East Coast. Ticket holders also can enjoy limitless tastes of eight varieties of homemade chili, fired-up by the award-winning chefs at Pechanga Resort & Casino. Attendees can vote for their favorite chili among the bunch.

One of the participating craft breweries is the fast-growing Golden Road Brewing in Los Angeles. Announced is a new production brewery and tap room soon to be located across the street from Angel Stadium on E. Orangewood Ave. in Anaheim.

The brewmaster for the future Orange County facility, Victor Novak, is our guest.

Microbrew Festival tickets are $50.00. Guests receive a two ounce souvenir glass to sample unlimited beer tastings. Designated driver tickets are available for $30.00. Both ticket levels let attendees taste all chili and other gourmet food samples, take in live music by two bands including iconic bassist Lee Rocker of The Stray Cats, and an extensive silent auction. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. For tickets or more information, visit www.Pechanga.com or call 877.711.2946.

One of the participating craft breweries at the Perchanga Microbrew Festival is the fast-growing Golden Road Brewing in Los Angeles and with a new brewery and tap room soon to be located across the street from Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Long-time TAPS brewmaster Victor Novak has moved to Golden Road Brewing to be the brewmaster for Orange County.

In 2011, beer enthusiasts Meg Gill and Tony Yanow founded Golden Road Brewing to bring fresh beer to the local market in the most sustainable way possible. Brewed and canned in Los Angeles, Golden Road’s year-round offerings include Point the Way IPA, Golden Road Hefeweizern, Get Up Offa That Brown and Wolf Among Weeds IPA.

Krystyn Navarro and Daniel BouludKrystyn Navarro is the Chef de Partie at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Beverly Hills. Last year she won the New Orleans competition for the prestigious Ment’or BKB Foundation’s Young Chef Competition Series. She is currently completing her stagiaire at [One] in Chapel Hill, NC. Applications (due by June 1st) are now open for the 2015 competitions in Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and New York City.

The Los Angeles competition is set for August 27th, 2015.

“Ment’or BKB Foundation is proud to host our 2nd annual Young Chef Competition series, designed to help find up and coming culinary leaders, identify future ambassadors for the culinary arts, and showcase the skill level and cuisine in America. These public competitions will take place in four different cities across the country. Young cooks will be asked to demonstrate their technical skills and creativity in a spirited and challenging contest.”

All chefs ages 22-27 who are currently eligible to work in the Unites States, and have at least 3 years of work experience, are invited to apply for the 2015 Young Chef Competition Series on the ment’or website.

Each 1st place team will receive a $10,000 prize, which the candidate may use towards a stage.

Krystyn Navarro joins us with all the needed 411.

Eric GreenspanWhen we last spoke with the always on the go Celebrity Chef Eric Greenspan he was just about to compete on Food Network’s Chopped – All-Stars Tournament,” Part 1 against Madison Cowan, Brian Malarkey and Art Smith. We’ll get updated on the results of that intense cook-off.

Chef Eric was also about to launch a mysterious new seafood concept on what was previously the hidden back patio of The Foundry. That restaurant, now open, is Mare with a focus on fresh seafood. It’s located in the back of the Melrose Umbrella Company. You enter through Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese located next door.

Mare opens on Weeknights at 5:00 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday service starts at 3:00 p.m.

Current menu highlights are Fried Smelt with roasted lemon and Whole Branzino with fig pomegranate sauce. There is also a fun “Choose Your Own Shellfish” option (black mussels, clams or shrimp) with a “Choose Your Broth selection (leek and white wine, tomato fennel, pistou, spicy sausage romesco, or vadouvan green apple.)

Chef Eric is with us to provide all the needed updates.

Andrew KirschnerBefore he ventured out on his own to open the popular Tar & Roses in Santa Monica in 2012, Executive Chef Andrew Kirschner was best known as Executive Chef and partner at Wilshire, also in Santa Monica.

Now Chef Kirschner is expanding his restaurant empire with the launch of the Santa Monica Yacht Club located a short walk away from Tar & Roses on Santa Monica Blvd. Unlike Tar & Roses with its emphasis on the wood-burning grill the focus at SMYC is on seafood with small plates.

“With Tar & Roses Kirschner aims to share a restaurant that speaks to his travels and deeply ingredient-focused food philosophy. With influences from around the world and the rustic touch of a wood-burning oven, quality ingredients and bold flavors combine to create a menu that merges classical cuisine with modern sensibilities.”

Andrew Kirschner is our guest.

Now Chef Kirschner is expanding his restaurant empire with the launch of the Santa Monica Yacht Club located a short walk away from Tar & Roses in Santa Monica. Unlike Tar & Roses with its emphasis on the wood-burning grill the focus at SMYC is on seafood with small plates and an active bar.

Early menu highlights include Salt Cod Brandade Fritters with white anchovy and lemon mayo, BBQ Eel Lunch Box with rice, egg, togarashi, and sweet soy, and Spaghetti Bottarga with chili, garlic, and breadcrumbs.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Owner/Chef Christian Page, Cassell’s Hamburgers
Segment Three: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing Part One
Segment Four: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing Part Two
Segment Five: Ment’or BKB Foundation’s Young Chef Competition
Segment Six: Executive Chef/Proprietor Eric Greenspan of Mare and Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese
Segment Seven: Executive Chef/Proprietor Andrew Kirschner, Santa Monica Yacht Club and Tar & Roses, Santa Monica Part One
Segment Eight: Executive Chef/Proprietor Andrew Kirschner, Santa Monica Yacht Club and Tar & Roses, Santa Monica Part Two

Show 104, January 3, 2015: Show Preview with Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Happy New Year to all of our loyal listeners. We thank you for your support over the last two years and three months, and wish you nothing but the very best in dining in 2015!

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 abundant show, the first of the bright new year…

We value Restaurant Weeks on the “SoCal Restaurant Show” and January is California’s official Dine Out Month. dineL.A.’s Restaurant Week (January 19th to Feb. 1st) is a 14-day dining event showcasing L.A.’s best. Locals and visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a selection of specially priced prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus. The restaurants are always aiming to impress so it’s a good value for the discerning dining public and a great way to try new placers.

Anita Lau, The Mad Hungry Woman, is one of the most widely read food bloggers covering Southern California. She concentrates on dining finds in Orange County and San Diego with an occasional side of L.A. eating. Lau’s approach is interactive with her readers as they frequently have the opportunity to win meals at the restaurants she profiles. Anita will graciously share with us her “5 Favorite Asian Restaurants of 2014.”

The Ace Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles arrived with a bang about a year ago. Their destination restaurant is L.A. Chapter along with three bars including a very busy rooftop bar with sweeping views of Downtown. Its traditional American fare prepared with both classic and modern techniques using local and organic ingredients. The executive chef and co-owner is Ken Addington who also oversees the popular Five Leaves in Greenpoint Brooklyn. Many dishes are L.A. adaptations of signature Five Leaves items. Chef Ken Addington joins us.

Steve Bramucci is a freelance food and travel writer based in Laguna Beach. For the final issue of OC Register Magazine he researched and wrote the provocative piece, “The 20-Mile Meal.” “With the help of The Haven Collective’s Executive Chef Greg Danielss, writer Steve Bramucci tests the limits of the “Eat Local” concept by sourcing a multicourse dinner from within 20 miles of his Laguna Beach apartment.” How did it all turn out ? Steve Bramucci takes us through that journey.

Love & Salt is the latest addition to the dynamic Manhattan Brach dining scene. It’s located on the site of the long-running Café Pierre (and the ownership group includes the partners from the former Café Pierre.) It’s now a high-energy Italian inspired restaurant under the culinary direction of partner Michael Fiorelli (ex- mar’sel at the Terranea Resort.) He blends accessibility and innovation with a menu that celebrates the soul of Italian cuisine reflected through a distinctly Southern California personality. Co-owner Sylvie Gabriele (Farm Stand) is our guest. She is a 2nd generation restaurateur.

Newly opened in Irvine is Twenty Eight Restaurant & Lounge which features a fresh, modern approach to traditional Chinese cuisine. The menu is contemporary Chinese dishes that utilize local, seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. The modern Chinese cuisine menu was created by Executive Chef & Partner Shirley Chung, best known from Season 11 of Bravo’s “Top Chef New Orleans.” Partnered with Chef Shirley in Twenty Eight is seasoned restaurateur Stacie Tran, who has experienced a long history in the hospitality industry. We’ll be joined by both Chef Shirley and Stacie Tran.

The slider eating competition at Dog Haus Biergarten (gourmet hot dog concept) in Old Pasadena will kick off the community’s fourth annual Cheeseburger Week (January 11th to 16th) with a challenge for their fans. Ten competitors, selected through qualifying rounds held at each Dog Haus location during the month of December and early January, will face off to see who can eat the most Dog Haus sliders in six minutes. Last year the victor consumed 38 sliders in 6 minutes! Founding Dog Haus partner Hagop Giragossian provides a briefing.

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

Show 47, November 9, 2013: William Lewis, Sommelier and Partner, The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar

Sir William Lewis of the Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar in TustinWilliam Lewis is the award-winning sommelier and partner in The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar located in The District in Tustin. For the second year in a row they were awarded The Golden Foodie for Best Wine List in Orange County in 2013. They were also just recognized with OpenTable’s 2013 Diner’s Choice Award for Notable Wine List.

Whether your preference for your Thanksgiving table is a pairing of a fine white, sparkling, or red wine William has the selection of the perfect match for each that will both impress and not break the bank.

Sir William’s suggestions:

Jordan “J” Sparkling
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label
Clean Slate Riesling
Merryvale Starmont Chardonnay
Martin Ray Russian River Pinot Noir 2012
Grgich Hills Zinfandel 2010

November 9: Thanksgiving Holiday Special

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Sam Sifton, National Editor of The New York Times Part One
Segment Three: Sam Sifton, National Editor of The New York Times Part Two
Segment Four: Chef Instructor Elizabeth Whitt Part One
Segment Five: Chef Instructor Elizabeth Whitt Part Two
Segment Six: Chef Instructor Elizabeth Whitt & Chef Jet Tila
Segment Seven: William Lewis, Sommelier and Partner, The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar Part One
Segment Eight: William Lewis, Sommelier and Partner, The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar Part Two

Dreading the thought of the big, high-anxiety Thanksgiving holiday meal preparation? Don’t despair…It’s our calming Thanksgiving special and we’ll put you at ease with practical advice from the cooking pros. We have you covered.

Chef Jet and Producer Andy preview the Thanksgiving special.

Sam SiftonJournalist Sam Sifton is the former restaurant critic for The New York Times and currently serves as their National Editor. He actually wrote the book on Thanksgiving last year. It’s entitled Thanksgiving – How To Cook It Well and it’s an excellent resource that any home cook would want to have.

Sam shares highlights from Chapter 2 of the book which is defining the perfect bird and explaining how to best cook it.

Sam Sifton is back with us providing more helpful Thanksgiving education. He offers his two favorite side dish recipes. Those are Three-Pepper Sausage Cornbread Dressing, and Roasted Cauliflower with Anchovy Bread Crumbs.

Elizabeth WhittChef Instructor Elizabeth Whitt is no stranger to the show. When Chef Jet has a culinary quandary he goes right to Chef Elizabeth. She is a Le Cordon Bleu, Paris trained chef with expertise in both hot foods and pastry.

In this segment Elizabeth talks about pumpkin. Should it be fresh or can it be canned? Also, the step-by-step instructions for preparing and baking the perfect, classic pumpkin pie.

Elizabeth has an “Appetizers and Hors D’oeuvres” class coming up on December 5th from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Chef Instructor Elizabeth Whitt continues with genuinely useful Thanksgiving cooking help.

She explains what dishes can be successfully prepared ahead to save time (and limited oven & burner space) on the big day.

Chef Elizabeth also shares her easy recipe for her favorite Thanksgiving side dish for her own Thanksgiving table.

It’s your turn…

Jet and Chef Elizabeth Whitt offer their Thanksgiving advice in responding to listeners’ questions. It’s everything from how do you know when a persimmon is ripe to what are the most creative ideas for using the abundant leftovers.

Also everything you want to know about cooking deep-fried turkey and the path to preparing the perfect stuffing.

Sir William Lewis of the Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar in TustinWilliam Lewis is the award-winning sommelier and partner in The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar located in The District in Tustin. For the second year in a row they were awarded The Golden Foodie for Best Wine List in Orange County in 2013. They were also just recognized with OpenTable’s 2013 Diner’s Choice Award for Notable Wine List.

Whether your preference for your Thanksgiving table is a pairing of a fine white, sparkling, or red wine William has the selection of the perfect match for each that will both impress and not break the bank.

William Lewis, the popular sommelier and partner of The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar located in The District in Tustin returns to complete his inspired Thanksgiving wine pairings.

He also talks about digestives for the finale of your Thanksgiving meal. It might be brandy, cognac, Calvados or even the Italian Fernet-Branca.

Look for the debut of The Winery Restaurant’s elegant new eagerly anticipated location on Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach in February of 2014!

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Sam Sifton, National Editor of The New York Times Part One
Segment Three: Sam Sifton, National Editor of The New York Times Part Two
Segment Four: Chef Instructor Elizabeth Whitt Part One
Segment Five: Chef Instructor Elizabeth Whitt Part Two
Segment Six: Chef Instructor Elizabeth Whitt & Chef Jet Tila
Segment Seven: William Lewis, Sommelier and Partner, The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar Part One
Segment Eight: William Lewis, Sommelier and Partner, The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar Part Two