Show 440, August 28, 2021: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Hatch Chile Pepper season is here and Zapien’s Salsa Grill in Pico Rivera is ready to turn on the roasters and get creative with the bright green, glossy pepper’s limited annual availability. For the eleventh year, the restaurant and Chef/Proprietor Marco Zapien are making a late Summer celebration of the unique Hatch Chile, hosting both a Hatch Chile Roast and Hatch Chile Cooking Demo.

“At RISÜ in Downtown Long Beach located on the ground floor of The Crest, their goal is to create, serve and showcase fine wines and gourmet food in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere! Chef Ryan Lawrence McNerney is the new General Manager for Food and Beverage. RISÜ means “Smile”, which explains the two dots over the U! It’s their ultimate goal to make you smile at their service, food, drinks and prices! RISÜ is a full bar that is wine focused, with tasty and well-prepared food.” Chef Ryan McNerney joins us with corkscrew securely in hand.

Twenty years ago Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel brought elevated California cuisine with a flair along with an extensive and carefully selected wine list presented in an elegant setting to the Disneyland Resort. Napa Rose quickly became a standard in fine-dining without being pretentious or even a bit stuffy. They have maintained their envied reputation for dining excellence for twenty years which is an impressive accomplishment. The founding executive chef, Andrew Sutton, was recruited from an exclusive Napa Valley wine resort. Unusually Andrew Sutton still oversees Napa Rose but currently as Culinary Director of Signature Restaurants for the Disneyland Resort he also supervises Carthay Circle at Disney’s California Adventure and the Members-Only Club 33 at Disneyland.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is continually updating us on the real impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the continued survival of restaurants during the initial, highly fluid stages of the hoped-for recovery. Genuine concerns remain… On a more upbeat note we’re also talking about seafood success stories. Chef Andrew will highlight previously overfished species that are now abundant as a result of good management and conservation practices

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

August 28: Zapien’s Salsa Grill, RISÜ, Andrew Sutton

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef / Proprietor Marco Zapien, Zapien’s Salsa Grill, Hatch Chile Festivities Part One
Segment Three: Chef / Proprietor Marco Zapien, Zapien’s Salsa Grill, Hatch Chile Festivities Part One Two
Segment Four: Chef Ryan McNerney, General Manager, RISÜ, Long Beach Part One
Segment Five: Chef Ryan McNerney, General Manager, RISÜ, Long Beach Part Two
Segment Six: Andrew Sutton, Culinary Director of Signature Restaurants, The Disneyland Resort Part One
Segment Seven: Andrew Sutton, Culinary Director of Signature Restaurants, The Disneyland Resort Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

Hatch Chile Pepper season is here and Zapien’s Salsa Grill in Pico Rivera is ready to turn on the roasters and get creative with the bright green, glossy pepper’s limited annual availability. For the eleventh year, the restaurant and Chef/Proprietor Marco Zapien are making a late Summer celebration of the unique Hatch Chile, hosting both a Hatch Chile Roast and Hatch Chile Cooking Demo.

At RISÜ in Downtown Long Beach located on the ground floor of The Crest, their goal is to create, serve and showcase fine wines and gourmet food in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere! Chef Ryan Lawrence McNerney is the new General Manager for Food and Beverage. RISÜ means “Smile”, which explains the two dots over the U! It’s their ultimate goal to make you smile at their service, food, drinks and prices! RISÜ is a full bar that is wine focused, with tasty and well-prepared food. Chef Ryan McNerney joins us with corkscrew securely in hand.

Twenty years ago Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel brought elevated California cuisine with a flair along with an extensive and carefully selected wine list presented in an elegant setting to the Disneyland Resort. Napa Rose quickly became a standard in fine-dining without being pretentious or even a bit stuffy. They have maintained their envied reputation for dining excellence for twenty years which is an impressive accomplishment. The founding executive chef, Andrew Sutton, was recruited from an exclusive Napa Valley wine resort. Chef Andrew Sutton still oversees Napa Rose but currently as Culinary Director of Signature Restaurants for the Disneyland Resort he also supervises Carthay Circle at Disney’s California Adventure and the Members-Only Club 33 at Disneyland.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is continually updating us on the real impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the continued survival of restaurants during the initial, highly fluid stages of the hoped-for recovery. Genuine concerns remain… On a more upbeat note we’re also talking about seafood success stories. Chef Andrew will highlight previously overfished species that are now abundant as a result of good management and conservation practices

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

“Hatch Chile Pepper season is here and Zapien’s Salsa Grill is ready to turn on the roasters and get creative with the bright green, glossy pepper’s limited annual availability”.

Marco Zapien of Zapiens Salsa Grill and Taqueria

“For the eleventh year, the restaurant and Chef / Proprietor Marco Zapien are making a late Summer celebration of the unique Hatch Chile, hosting both a Hatch Chile Roast and Hatch Chile Cooking Demo.”

“This year’s Hatch Chile Roast on Saturday, Sept. 4 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. will be back to its normal format with the roasters directly outside the restaurant along with other unique Hatch Chile items available for sale.” While the roasting is going on the restaurant will feature Hatch Chile menu specials for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Think Hatch Enchiladas Suizes.

“The 2021 roast will be bigger than ever with more roasters running to eliminate wait-times.”

“It’s strongly suggested that cases are reserved in advance. You can select the level of spice – from mild to very hot. Each case is $45 and includes 25 pounds of Hatch Chiles.”

“Chef Marco Zapien’s Hatch Chile cooking demonstration is Wednesday, September 8th at 6 p.m. Participants will learn how to make several Hatch Chile recipes. The menu, now available, will include highlights of Chef MZ’s creativity. Past dishes like Hatch Chile Chile Verde and Hatch Chile Mac ‘n Cheese were crowd-pleasers.”

“Recipes for more than seven different Hatch Chile dishes, including dessert, will be demonstrated and then served for all to enjoy. Class goers will take home recipes and step-by-step directions.”

“And what would a Chef Marco cooking demo be without a raffle? Prizes will range from official Salsa Grill swag to other crave-worthy Melissa’s Produce Hatch Chile signature products.”

Chef Marco Zapien is our guest with roasted Hatch Chiles in hand.

Ryan Lawrence McNerney of RISU

“At RISÜ in Downtown Long Beach on the ground floor of The Crest, their goal is to create, serve and savor fine wines and gourmet food in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere!” Chef Ryan Lawrence McNerney is the new General Manager for Food and Beverage.

“RISÜ means “Smile”, which explains the two dots over the U! It’s their ultimate goal to make you smile at their service, food, drinks and prices! RISÜ is a full bar that is wine focused, with tasty and well-prepared food.”

“The food is American- style tapas and RISÜ also offers appealing sharable plates with changing seasonal items. Come on in and sit on our beautiful outdoor, Covid Compliant patio located on the Rainbow Bridge, enjoy your friends, the atmosphere and, of course, our top shelf wine, beer, spirits and delicious food.”

Happy Hour daily plus Wine Wednesday (25 per cent off all bottles) specials. Dinner served nightly with Sunday Brunch starting at 12 Noon a.m. RISÜ unusually has their own Wine Club with monthly and bi-monthly options.

We entice Chef Ryan McNerney out of his busy kitchen for a chat.

Andrew Sutton of Disney's Grand Californian Resort and Spa

Twenty years ago Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel brought elevated California cuisine along with an extensive and carefully selected wine list presented in an elegant setting to the Disneyland Resort. Napa Rose quickly became a standard in fine-dining without being pretentious or stuffy. They have maintained their envied reputation for dining excellence for twenty years which is an impressive accomplishment.

The founding executive chef, Andrew Sutton, was recruited from an exclusive Napa Valley wine resort. Chef Andrew Sutton still oversees Napa Rose but currently as Culinary Director of Signature Restaurants for the Disneyland Resort he also supervises Carthay Circle at Disney’s California Adventure and Club 33 at Disneyland.

“Known for its deep, award-winning wine list, exemplary service and sumptuous dining, Napa Rose features both the prix fixe Vintner Menu and a la carte selections, where Guests can savor wine country cuisine featuring dishes that honor California’s rich culinary bounty, artisan farmers and world-famous winemakers.”

“Coming from the prestigious Auberge Du Soleil in Napa Valley before opening Napa Rose, Chef Andrew Sutton continues telling the story of the wine country through his food. Twenty years later he still continues to garner praise with fresh, innovative cuisine. Chef Sutton and his team can even create a special tasting menu tailored to a Guest’s preferences.”

Chef Andrew Sutton joins us with corkscrew in hand.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is continually updating us on the real impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the continued survival of restaurants during the initial, highly fluid stages of the hoped-for recovery with the new concerns about the Delta variant. Genuine concerns remain…

On a more upbeat note we’re also talking about seafood success stories. Chef Andrew will highlight previously overfished species that are now abundant as a result of good management and conservation practices. Examples include Pacific Swordfish, White Seabass and Atlantic Cod.

Congrats to Chef Andrew on his Fried Oyster BLT as served at Raw Bar by Slapfish in Huntington Beach. The Editorial Staff at Nation’s Restaurant News just awarded it as one of the “Six Best Sandwiches in America 2021.” The Fried Oyster BLT is served on sourdough bread with lettuce, tomato, guacamole and creamy lemon herb sauce.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef / Proprietor Marco Zapien, Zapien’s Salsa Grill, Hatch Chile Festivities Part One
Segment Three: Chef / Proprietor Marco Zapien, Zapien’s Salsa Grill, Hatch Chile Festivities Part One Two
Segment Four: Chef Ryan McNerney, General Manager, RISÜ, Long Beach Part One
Segment Five: Chef Ryan McNerney, General Manager, RISÜ, Long Beach Part Two
Segment Six: Andrew Sutton, Culinary Director of Signature Restaurants, The Disneyland Resort Part One
Segment Seven: Andrew Sutton, Culinary Director of Signature Restaurants, The Disneyland Resort Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

February 9: Average Betty, Andrew Sutton, Jet Tila, Rachel Klemek

Podcasts

Segment One: Sara O’Donnell of You Tube’s “Average Betty” Part One
Segment Two: Sara O’Donnell of You Tube’s “Average Betty” Part Two
Segment Three: Andrew Sutton, Executive Chef of Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, Anaheim
Segment Four: Jet Tila and Average Betty
Segment Five: Rachel Klemek of Blackmarket Bakery at The Camp in Costa Mesa, and Irvine Part One
Segment Six: Rachel Klemek of Blackmarket Bakery at The Camp in Costa Mesa, and Irvine Part Two

It takes equal measures of moxie, talent, and preparedness to break out on YouTube. We’ll talk to their culinary star, and she can really cook. What’s it like to prepare a meal at The James Beard House (the Carnegie Hall of cooking) in Manhattan? We’ll find out from a high-profile Orange County chef who was just there…

Jet has been cooking up and down the West Coast this week from the legendary studio commissary at Paramount Pictures in Hollywood to the campus of OSU in Corvallis, Oregon. He’ll share a few of his observations from the road. Finally, Orange County’s rebel baker is in-studio. What a story of tenacity she has to share with us!

Average Betty Sara O'DonnellSara O’Donnell of Average Betty has conquered YouTube with her series of humorous and highly entertaining shorts on cooking. YouTube has been so impressed with her work that she was chosen to go through their coveted training program. As a result of her success she was given high value equipment to increase the production values in her segments!

She makes it look easy but it requires talent, a point-of-view and a lot of advance preparation.

Sara is with us to give us the background on the unlikely success story that is Average Betty!

Andrew Sutton of Disney's Grand Californian Resort and SpaOne of the most distinct honors a chef can have in the United States is to be invited to prepare and cook a multi-course meal at The James Beard Foundation in Manhattan for a group of highly discriminating diners. James Beard is considered the “Father of American Gastronomy” by many pillars of the contemporary food world.

Andrew Sutton, the founding executive chef of the stellar Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel in Anaheim, was at the Beard House on January 30th as part of the (mostly Orange County-based) culinary team cooking the “Salmon Seduction” evening. Andy will share that special experience with us and it’s not the first time he’s been there.

Chinese New Year has had Jet on the road this past week. Monday and Tuesday he was the celebrity guest chef at the commissary at Paramount Studios in Hollywood with his Chinese New Year menu as the featured lunch special. The menu changed daily and continued for the week.

Jet Tila at Oregon State UniversityOn Thursday Jet was in Corvallis on the campus of Oregon State University. Again, he was the celebrity guest chef in residence to celebrate Chinese New Year. He taught cooking classes for the students as well as conducted some entertaining demos. His Chinese New Year menu was featured on campus as a special celebration for Thursday evening.

Jet will share highlights from the road along with some dining intell, too…

Rachel Klemek of Blackmarket Bakery and the CampOn the show it’s a joy to share local food success stories. Saturday we’ll meet the amazing Rachel Klemek of Blackmarket Bakery in Irvine and at The Camp in Costa Mesa. In 2004 she started out with a small production bakery for wholesale customers in a hidden location in an industrial park in Irvine. Word-of-mouth for her creations grew quickly. Aficionados swoon over her cakes, decadent pastries, and fresh breads. Rachel’s signature Marche Noir Cabernet brownies are pretty incredible, too.

Her first planned retail location at The Camp actually debuted in early January but Rachel is having the Grand Opening celebration on Monday, February 11th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 15 per cent of all sales during the festivities will be donated to Share Our Selves.

Podcasts

Segment One: Sara O’Donnell of You Tube’s “Average Betty” Part One
Segment Two: Sara O’Donnell of You Tube’s “Average Betty” Part Two
Segment Three: Andrew Sutton, Executive Chef of Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, Anaheim
Segment Four: Jet Tila and Average Betty
Segment Five: Rachel Klemek of Blackmarket Bakery at The Camp in Costa Mesa, and Irvine Part One
Segment Six: Rachel Klemek of Blackmarket Bakery at The Camp in Costa Mesa, and Irvine Part Two