Show 34, July 6, 2013: Food Journalist Randy Clemens and “Sriracha” filmmaker Griffin Hammond

Randy ClemensWhen you say that Randy Clemens wrote the book on Sriracha that’s both figuratively and literally true. Randy has authored two books on Sriracha. The first, still in print and selling well, is the Sriracha Cookbook. Just released from Ten Speed Press is Clemens’ latest, The Veggie-Lover’s Sriracha Cookbook : 50 Vegan “Rooster Sauce: Recipes that Pack a Punch.

On Randy’s Web site he graciously shares favorite recipes from each book. Look for Honey Glazed Sriracha Buffalo Wings and Watermelon-Sriracha Sangria.

Griffin HammondGriffin Hammond is a video producer at YouTube Next Lab where he manages Indy Mogul. This You Tube channel teaches low-budget filmmaking techniques to over 500,000 subscribers.

Griffin was intrigued with the story of Sriracha and Vietnam refugee David Tran the founder of Huy Fong Foods who developed the ubiquitous American brand with the familiar Red Rooster on the distinctive plastic bottle with the green cap.

Hammond felt compelled to make a 30-minute documentary revealing the story of Sriracha – where it comes from – how it’s made, and the people who love it.

He went to Kickstarter to fund the travel & related expenses necessary to complete the film. (He already had the video equipment needed.)

Show 34, July 6, 2013: Food Journalist Randy Clemens and “Sriracha” filmmaker Griffin Hammond Continued…

Sriracha Movie“Sriracha” – a documentary film by Griffin Hammond is already a Kickstarter success story.
Griffin’s original goal was to raise $7,000. That was accomplished within 8 hours with 1,000 backers. As of the airing of the show (with time to go until July 19th) his total is $18,376!

Griffin has completed Sriracha interviews locally and in New York. Now he and Randy Clemens will be able to travel to the seaside town of Si Racha in Thailand where the fiery hot sauce originated.

The documentary should be completed by September.

Show 25, April 13, 2013: George Motz, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, author, journalist and burger expert

George MotzGeorge’s (a Brooklyn resident) burger epiphany started in Los Angeles some ten years ago at The Apple Pan so he’s tops in our book right from the start. He obviously has good taste.

His new series for Travel Channel, “Burger Land” debuts on Monday evening, April 15th. Appropriately enough the first city profiled is Los Angeles. What’s great about the series is that it’s as much about the stories of the owners of these iconic restaurants as it is about the incredible burgers. If we take Los Angeles as an example you’re going to hear fun stories that have previously been pretty much been untold.

Hamburger America” was George’s second documentary film which was completed in Spring of 2005. The success of that led to the publication of the state-by-state guidebook, Hamburger America. A revised edition of Hamburger America is now in print. It belongs in every burger lovers’ library.