Show 564, February 10, 2024: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Chef Duff Goldman is a New York Times bestselling author who stars on many of Food Network’s most watched shows including the Baking Championship series, Kids Baking Championship and The Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown. He just signed a new multiyear deal at the network. His most recent cookbook Super Good Cookies for Kids was released in 2022 and Super Good Baking for Kids in 2020.  Duff is the owner of the successful bakery, Charm City Cakes based in Baltimore. His bakery has created famous cakes for everything from Obama’s inauguration to an R2-D2 cake for Lucasfilm to Lady Gaga’s birthday cake for Tony Bennett. His signature cakes are now available nationwide on GoldbellyChef Duff Goldman joins us with pastry bag in hand.

We’re delighted to welcome food journalist Farley Elliott back to the show. Farley Elliott is the new SoCal Bureau Chief for SFGATE. Previously, he was the Senior Editor for Eater Los Angeles, covering food and culture around LA, and his work has also appeared in print, film, and television. He’s also the author of Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks, a book about the long, winding saga of street food in Los Angeles. Farley joins us to chat about his new beat. Along the way he’ll discuss an unusual form of Street Art in Venice with a social message which has attracted national attention and his recent visit to greater Palm Springs where (among other activities) he interviewed chefs and restaurateurs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger at their new restaurant, Alice B., located in Downtown Palm Springs.

We’re checking in with our helpful foodservice experts at SoCal Gas to be updated on their various programs to assist Chefs and Restaurateurs.

Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) will be explaining what’s available at the Energy Resource Center in Downey and their upcoming Seminar Calendar. Carmen Oliver (Customer Programs Advisor) joins the conversation to describe new rebate measures and the qualified product list categories. Joe Frausto (On-Bill Financing Program Manager) concludes with an overview of On Bill Financing and GoGreen Financing for business owners. SoCal Gas’Energy Resource Center (ERC) offers seminars, demonstrations and consulting services to help your business find cost-effective, energy-efficient solutions.

PINE & CRANE DTLA is a casual and hospitable Taiwanese restaurant located in the South Park neighborhood of downtown Los Angeles. This location follows up their original, far more compact restaurant in Silver Lake and aims, as ever, to bring their guests delicious Taiwanese fare in a comfortable, modern setting. They are passionate about what they do, and take pride in preparing their food using simple, fresh ingredients. In addition to familiar favorites from the Silver Lake location, DTLA features dishes specific to DTLA, still offering a variety of small plates, traditional cold appetizers, dumplings, noodles, and rice dishes. Along with an extensive tea menu, Pine & Crane also features beer, wine, unusual whiskies and specialty cocktails.” Producer Andy Harris provides the salivating overview of Pine & Crane DTLA based on his recent dining experiences there.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Valentine’s Day (coming up next week) is a time of high anxiety for restaurants. It’s typically groups of two with a lot of high expectations and stress. Chef Andrew shares some of his more humorous Valentine’s Day restaurant experiences over the years along with a few tips..

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

Show 564, February 10, 2024: SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center and Ongoing Programs Supporting Foodservice Entities

Gina Christian of SoCal Gas

We’re checking in with our helpful foodservice experts at SoCal Gas to be updated on their various programs to assist Chefs and Restaurateurs.

Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) will be explaining what’s available at the Energy Resource Center in Downey and their upcoming Seminar Calendar. Carmen Oliver (Customer Programs Advisor) joins the conversation to describe new rebate measures and the qualified product list categories. Joe Frausto (On-Bill Financing Program Manager) concludes with an overview of On Bill Financing and GoGreen Financing for business owners.

SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center (ERC) offers seminars, demonstrations and consulting services to help your business find cost-effective, energy-efficient solutions.

February 10: Duff Goldman, Farley Elliott, SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center, Pine & Crane

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes Part One
Segment Three: Chef Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes Part Two
Segment Four: Journalist Farley Elliott, SF Gate, Southern California Bureau Chief Part One
Segment Five: Journalist Farley Elliott, SF Gate, Southern California Bureau Chief Part Two
Segment Six: SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center and Ongoing Programs Supporting Foodservice Entities
Segment Seven: Pine & Crane in Downtown Los Angeles – A Profile
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host and Proprietor of Calico Fish House, with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.

Chef Duff Goldman is a New York Times bestselling author who stars on many of Food Network’s most watched shows including the Baking Championship series, Kids Baking Championship and The Elf on the Shelf:Sweet Showdown.He just signed a new multiyear deal at the network. His most recent cookbook Super Good Cookies for Kids was released in 2022 and Super Good Baking for Kids in 2020. Duff is the owner of the successful bakery, Charm City Cakes based in Baltimore. His bakery has created famous cakes for everything from Obama’s inauguration to an R2-D2 cake for Lucasfilm to Lady Gaga’s birthday cake for Tony Bennett. His signature cakes are now available nationwide on Goldbelly. Chef Duff Goldman joins us with pastry bag in hand.

We’re delighted to welcome food journalist Farley Elliott back to the show. Farley Elliott is the new SoCal Bureau Chief for SFGATE. Previously, he was the Senior Editor for Eater Los Angeles, covering food and culture around LA, and his work has also appeared in print, film, and television. He’s also the author of Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks, a book about the long, winding saga of street food in Los Angeles. Farley joins us in-studio to chat about his new beat. Along the way he’ll discuss an unusual form of Street Art in Venice with a social message which has attracted national attention and his recent visit to greater Palm Springs where (among other activities) he interviewed chefs and restaurateurs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger at their new restaurant, Alice B., located in Downtown Palm Springs.

We’re checking in with our helpful foodservice experts at SoCal Gas to be updated on their various programs to assist Chefs and Restaurateurs.

Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) will be explaining what’s available at the Energy Resource Center in Downey and their upcoming Seminar Calendar. Carmen Oliver (Customer Programs Advisor) joins the conversation to describe new rebate measures and the qualified product list categories. Joe Frausto (On-Bill Financing Program Manager) concludes with an overview of On Bill Financing and GoGreen Financing for business owners. SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center (ERC) offers seminars, demonstrations and consulting services to help your business find cost-effective, energy-efficient solutions.

“PINE & CRANE DTLA is a casual Taiwanese restaurant located in the South Park neighborhood of downtown Los Angeles. This location follows up their original, far more compact restaurant in Silver Lake and aims, as ever, to bring their guests delicious Taiwanese fare in a comfortable, modern setting. They are passionate about what they do, and take pride in preparing their food using simple, fresh ingredients. In addition to familiar favorites from the Silver Lake location, DTLA features dishes specific to DTLA, still offering a variety of small plates, traditional cold appetizers, dumplings, noodles, and rice dishes. Along with an extensive tea menu, Pine & Crane also features beer, wine, unusual whiskies and specialty cocktails.” Producer Andy Harris provides the overview of Pine & Crane DTLAbased on his recent dining experiences there.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm(New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Valentine’s Day (coming up next week) is a time of high anxiety for restaurants. It’s groups of two with a lot of high expectations and stress. Chef Andrew shares some of his more humorous Valentine’s Day restaurant experiences over the years.

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

Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes

Chef Duff Goldman is a New York Times bestselling author who stars on many of Food Network’s most watched shows including the Baking Championship series, Kids Baking Championship and The Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown. He just signed a new multiyear deal at the network.”

“His most recent cookbook Super Good Cookies for Kids was released in 2022 and Super Good Baking for Kids in 2020.”

“Duff is the owner of the successful bakery, Charm City Cakes based in Baltimore. His bakery has created famous cakes for everything from Obama’s inauguration to an R2-D2 cake for Lucasfilm to Lady Gaga’s birthday cake for Tony Bennett. His signature cakes are now available nationwide on Goldbelly.”

“When his dream of slaying on the guitar in a rock band wasn’t paying the bills, Chef Duff Goldman turned to his talents as a classically trained pastry chef and metal craftsman and founded Charm City Cakes in Baltimore, MD in 2002. Duff and his intrepid team of cake decorators churned out cakes the world had never seen before: cakes with sound, cakes with smoke, cakes with motorized moving components, life-sized baby elephant cakes- no cake was too crazy to tackle.”

“It wasn’t long before Charm City Cakes caught the eye of the Food Network where the hit reality cake decorating series Ace of Cakes [AH1] was born. The Baltimore bakery has had the pleasure of making their awesome clients’ cake dreams come true for over two decades!”

Chef Duff Goldman joins us with pastry bag in hand.

Farley Elliott at the KLAA Studios

We’re delighted to welcome food journalist Farley Elliott back to the show. Farley Elliott is the new SoCal Bureau Chief for SFGATE. Previously, he was the Senior Editor for Eater Los Angeles, covering food and culture around LA, and his work has also appeared in print, film, and television. He’s also the author of Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks, a book about the long, winding saga of street food in Los Angeles.

Farley joins us in-studio to chat about his new beat. Along the way he’ll discuss an unusual form of Street Art in Venice with a social message which has attracted national attention and his recent visit to greater Palm Springs where (among other activities) he interviewed Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger at their new restaurant, Alice B. located in Downtown Palm Springs.

Launched in 1994, SFGATE.com was one of the first large-market media sites in the world and served as the exclusive digital home of the San Francisco Chronicle for 19 years. The site, which was initially known as The Gate until officially becoming SFGATE in 1998, was co-founded by Allen Weiner and John Coate.”

“In 2013, the Chronicle launched a paywalled premium website, sfchronicle.com. Over the next six years, varying amounts of free and premium Chronicle content appeared on SFGATE, then in 2019, the Chronicle and SFGATE officially became two separately run entities with their own editorial staffs and independent newsrooms.”

Gina Christian of SoCal Gas

We’re checking in with our helpful foodservice experts at SoCal Gas to be updated on their various programs to assist Chefs and Restaurateurs.

Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) will be explaining what’s available at the Energy Resource Center in Downey and their upcoming Seminar Calendar. Carmen Oliver (Customer Programs Advisor) joins the conversation to describe new rebate measures and the qualified product list categories. Joe Frausto (On-Bill Financing Program Manager) concludes with an overview of On Bill Financing and GoGreen Financing for business owners.

SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center (ERC) offers seminars, demonstrations and consulting services to help your business find cost-effective, energy-efficient solutions.

PINE & CRANE DTLA is a casual Taiwanese restaurant located artfully designed by Preen in the South Park neighborhood of downtown Los Angeles. This location follows up their original, far more compact restaurant in Silver Lake “and aims, as ever, to bring their guests delicious Taiwanese fare in a comfortable, modern setting. They are passionate about what they do, and take pride in preparing their food using simple, fresh ingredients.”

“In addition to familiar favorites from the Silver Lake location, DTLA features dishes specific to DTLA, still offering a variety of small plates, traditional cold appetizers, dumplings, noodles, and rice dishes. Along with an extensive tea menu, Pine & Crane also features beer, wine, unusual whiskies and specialty cocktails.”

They are currently open every day, with all day service running from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Breakfast Hours are 8 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and Lunch & Dinner Hours are 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Producer Andy Harris provides the salivating overview of Pine & Crane DTLA based on his recent dining experiences there.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Valentine’s Day (coming up next week) is a time of high anxiety for restaurants. It’s parties of two with a lot of stress. Chef Andrew shares some of his humorous Valentine’s Day restaurant experiences over the years.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes Part One
Segment Three: Chef Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes Part Two
Segment Four: Journalist Farley Elliott, SF Gate, Southern California Bureau Chief Part One
Segment Five: Journalist Farley Elliott, SF Gate, Southern California Bureau Chief Part Two
Segment Six: SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center and Ongoing Programs Supporting Foodservice Entities
Segment Seven: Pine & Crane in Downtown Los Angeles – A Profile
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host and Proprietor of Calico Fish House, with “Ask the Chef”

Show 522, April 22, 2023: 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo and Restaurants Care Resilience Fund Grants

Gina Christian of SoCal Gas

SoCalGas is hosting the 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (2 days) on Tuesday, April 25thand Wednesday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey. “With no-cost registration, the 10th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Innovate at one of the industry’s largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates.” SoCalGas Co.’s Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) and William Morris (Senior Foodservice Program Advisor) are our guests providing all the details.

“Grant applications for the California Restaurant Foundation‘s (CRF) Restaurants Care Resilience Fund are open now to May 7, making $5,000 grants available to 177 restaurants in SoCalGas’ service area, with a total of 360 grants available statewide for qualifying independent restaurants. The grants will go towards technology adoption, equipment upgrades, employee onboarding and retention, or unforeseen hardships. This latest round of grants follows SoCalGas’ $1 million donation earlier this year to the foundation’s Restaurants Care Resilience Fund to support independently owned restaurants. Together, this brings this year’s fund total to $2.1 million, making it the largest Restaurants Care® Resilience Fund to date since the program started in 2021.”

SoCalGas is also a generous angel to C-CAP, The Careers through Culinary Arts Program. On Friday, April 21st was the 29th Annual C-CAP L.A. Scholarship Breakfast at Jonathan Club DTLA where over $485,000 in Scholarships was awarded to deserving, graduating High School students.

Show 514, February 25, 2023: Preview of The Gas Co’s 10th Annual Foodservice Equipment Expo

Gina Christian of SoCal Gas

SoCalGas is hosting the 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (2 days) on Tuesday, April 25th and Wednesday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey.

“With no-cost registration, the 10th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Innovate at one of the industry’s largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates.”

SoCalGas Co.’s Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) and Carmen Oliver (Customer Programs Advisor) are our guides.

Show 514, February 25, 2023: Preview of The Gas Co’s 10th Annual Foodservice Equipment Expo & On-Bill Financing

Carmen Oliver of the Gas Company

SoCalGas is hosting the 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (2 days) on Tuesday, April 25th and Wednesday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey.

“With no-cost registration, the 10th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Innovate at one of the industry’s largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates.”

SoCalGas Co.’s Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) and Carmen Oliver (Customer Programs Advisor) continue as our helpful guides.

Carmen will also talk about SoCalGas Co’s ongoing “try before you buy” program for restaurant equipment centered at SoCalGas’ Foodservice Equipment Center. Foodservice professionals have the opportunity to try more than 125 pieces of commercial equipment from 60 different manufacturers. There are also attractive rebates available.

Also joining us is SoCalGas’ Joe Frausto, the On-Bill Financing Program Manager, to explain the SoCal Gas program offering interest free financing for the purchase and installation of equipment covered by SoCalGas’ energy efficiency programs.

Show 485, July 30, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

The Gas Co’s Energy Resource Center in Downey had reopened. Chef and restaurateurs are again welcome to view and try a myriad of state-of-the-art and energy efficient restaurant kitchen equipment on display there. Rebates are available for qualified energy efficient natural gas equipment. There are also a host of informative, in-person seminars on the schedule. The Gas Co’s Gina Christian and Carmen Oliver are our guests providing all the key details.

Our bargain-loving, Social Media and Website authority, Adam Bell, was fortunate enough to spend a few glorious days in Maui in late April and early May. Maui is an ever-popular destination for Californians. Adam was based in Kihei which is near Wailea. Adam previously shared some informative trip highlights including the roundtrip experience on Hawaiian Airlines, the condo option to a hotel and a standout Dinner and Breakfast. For Adam’s concluding installment it’s the best in Hawaiian coffee and local craft beer (actually brewed in Hawaii.) Also, an overview of stationary food truck parks featuring delicious Island bites prepared with a side of Aloha.

Mes Amis, a new generation French-inspired brasserie from celebrated Chef Lincoln Carson (Coast Range and Vaquero Bar, Solvang) and Ten Five Hospitality is now open at Thompson Hotel – A Hyatt Hotel in Hollywood’s Vinyl District, an emerging culinary destination. The restaurant draws inspiration from the golden era of Hollywood and is evocative of the neighborhood spirit of bustling cafes, bistros, and brasseries from Paris to Lyon. Decidedly approachable in its ethos, Carson and Ten Five created Mes Amis out of a desire to offer guests an effortlessly chic yet relaxed neighborhood atmosphere, where close friends and family can gather to enjoy great cooking, cocktails, and wine for any occasion or no occasion at all.”  Executive Chef Lincoln Carson is our guest.

“Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat once again as dozens of local restaurants and burger-centric businesses will offer unique over-the-top Burgers and value-priced Burger Offers when the 2nd annual Long Beach Burger Week returns August 7-14, 2022. Featured Burgers are value-priced at $5, $10, $15 and $20, plus Burger/Cocktail combos at $25. There are no tickets or passes required. Burger lovers are invited to dine-in, take-out or have featured delivered from their favorite restaurants, or order from the websites of various pop-ups food truck to visit. Participating restaurants, food businesses and offers can be found at Long Beach Burger Week site.” The Kroft’s Stephen Le and Remix Kitchen Bar’s Chef Ross Pangilinan join us with all the juicy details on their respective Long Beach Burger Week specials.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. We all know salmon is healthy and should be part of our regular diet. It also can be kind of boring. As our resident seafood authority we have Chef Andrew to the rescue. Chef Andrew shares his thoughts on adding some excitement to that traditional salmon dish. Also some advice for jazzing up Salmon Burgers.

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

Show 485, July 30, 2022: The Gas Co’s Energy Resource Center in Downey Reopens

Carmen Oliver of the Gas Company

The Gas Co’s Energy Resource Center in Downey had reopened. Chef and restaurateurs are welcome to view and try a myriad of state-of-the-art and energy efficient restaurant kitchen equipment on display there. Rebates are available for qualified energy efficient natural gas equipment. There are also a host of informative, in-person seminars on the schedule.

The Gas Co’s Gina Christian and Carmen Oliver are our guests providing all the details.

July 30: The Gas Company Energy Resource Center, Adam Bell in Maui, Mes Amis with Lincoln Carson, Long Beach Burger Week with the Kroft and ReMix Kitchen Bar

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: The Gas Co’s Energy Resource Center in Downey Reopens
Segment Three: Maui Culinary & Beverage Highlights with “SoCal Restaurant Show’s” Adam Bell
Segment Four: Executive Chef Lincoln Carson, Mes Amis, Hollywood, CA Part One
Segment Five: Executive Chef Lincoln Carson, Mes Amis, Hollywood, CA Part Two
Segment Six: Restaurateur Stephen Le, The Kroft, Long Beach. Preview of Long Beach Burger Week
Segment Seven: Chef & Restaurateur Ross Pangilinan, ReMix Kitchen Bar, Long Beach. Preview of Long Beach Burger Week
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House

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

The Gas Co’s Energy Resource Center in Downey had reopened. Chef and restaurateurs are welcome to view and try a myriad of state-of-the-art and energy efficient restaurant kitchen equipment on display there. Rebates are available for qualified energy efficient natural gas equipment. There are also a host of informative, in-person seminars on the schedule. The Gas Co’s Gina Christian and Carmen Oliver are our guests providing all the key details.

Our bargain-loving, Social Media and Website authority, Adam Bell, was fortunate enough to spend a few glorious days in Maui in late April and early May. Maui is an ever-popular destination for Californians. Adam was based in Kihei which is near Wailea. Adam previously shared some informative trip highlights including the roundtrip experience on Hawaiian Airlines, the condo option to a hotel and a standout Dinner and Breakfast. For Adam’s concluding installment it’s the

best in Hawaiian coffee and local craft beer (actually brewed in Hawaii.) Also, an overview of food truck parks featuring delicious Island bites prepared with a side of heart.

“Mes Amis, a new generation French-inspired brasserie from celebrated chef Lincoln Carson (Coast Range and Vaquero Bar, Solvang) and Ten Five Hospitality is now open at Thompson Hotel – A Hyatt Hotel in Hollywood’s Vinyl District, an emerging culinary destination. The restaurant draws inspiration from the golden era of Hollywood and is evocative of the neighborhood spirit of bustling cafes, bistros, and brasseries from Paris to Lyon. Decidedly approachable in its ethos, Carson and Ten Five created Mes Amis out of a desire to offer guests an effortlessly chic yet relaxed neighborhood atmosphere, where close friends and family can gather to enjoy great cooking, cocktails, and wine for any occasion or no occasion at all.” Executive Chef Lincoln Carson is our guest.

“Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat once again as dozens of local restaurants and burger-centric businesses will offer unique over-the-top Burgers and value-priced Burger Offers when the 2nd annual Long Beach Burger Week returns August 7-14, 2022.

Featured Burgers are value-priced at $5, $10, $15 and $20, plus Burger/Cocktail combos at $25. There are no tickets or passes required. Burger lovers are invited to dine-in, take-out or have featured delivered from their favorite restaurants, or order from the websites of various pop-ups food truck to visit. Participating restaurants, food businesses and offers can be found at the Burger Week site.” The Kroft’s Stephen Le and Remix Kitchen Bar’s Chef Ross Pangilinan join us with all the juicy details on their respective Long Beach Burger Week specials.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. We all know salmon is healthy and should be part of our regular diet. It also can be kind of boring. As our resident seafood authority we have Chef Andrew to the rescue. Chef Andrew shares his thoughts on adding some excitement to that traditional salmon dish. Also some advice for jazzing up Salmon Burgers.

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

Carmen Oliver of the Gas Company

The Gas Co’s Energy Resource Center in Downey had reopened. Chef and restaurateurs are welcome to view and try a myriad of state-of-the-art and energy efficient restaurant kitchen equipment on display there. Rebates are available for qualified energy efficient natural gas equipment. There are also a host of informative, in-person seminars on the schedule.

The Gas Co’s Gina Christian and Carmen Oliver are our guests providing all the details.

Adam Bell of dataTV

Our bargain-loving, Social Media and Website authority, Adam Bell, was fortunate enough to spend a few glorious days in Maui in late April and early May. Maui is an ever-popular destination for Californians. Adam was based in Kihei which is near Wailea. Adam previously shared some informative trip highlights including the roundtrip experience on Hawaiian Airlines, the condo option to a hotel and a standout Dinner and Breakfast. For Adam’s concluding installment it’s the best in Hawaiian coffee and local craft beer (actually brewed in Hawaii.) Also, an overview of food truck parks featuring delicious Island bites prepared with a side of Aloha.

Lincoln Carson of Mes Amis

Mes Amis, a new generation French-inspired brasserie from celebrated chef Lincoln Carson (Coast Range and Vaquero Bar, Solvang) and Ten Five Hospitality is now open at Thompson Hotel – A Hyatt Hotel in Hollywood’s Vinyl District, an emerging culinary destination. The restaurant draws inspiration from the golden era of Hollywood and is evocative of the neighborhood spirit of bustling cafes, bistros, and brasseries from Paris to Lyon. Decidedly approachable in its ethos, Carson and Ten Five created Mes Amis out of a desire to offer guests an effortlessly chic yet relaxed neighborhood atmosphere, where close friends and family can gather to enjoy great cooking, cocktails, and wine for any occasion or no occasion at all.” Executive Chef Lincoln Carson takes a break from the kitchen and is our guest.

“Rooted in French style and technique and brought to life through local ingredients and purveyors from around the world, Carson’s broad menu is an invitation for any occasion. Carson’s contemporary take on classic brasserie fare encourages guests to convene for a casual weeknight bite, while large format entrees inspire group gatherings. Pristine offerings from an expansive raw bar include East and West Coast Oysters and Maine Scallop Crudo, with plates such as Chicory Salad with fourme d’ambert, citrus, walnut, and Steak Tartare with “everything lavash” showcasing California interpretations of traditional French dishes.”

“Entrees include Steak Frites, French Onion Burger with raclette and caramelized onions, Smoked Liberty Duck, and Niman Ranch Country Pork Chop with crispy brussels sprouts. Large format presentations such as 45-Day Dry Aged Prime Ribeye with potato-onion rolls and Whole Roasted Pasture Chicken further nod to everyday French favorites. Carson’s pastry expertise is revealed in whimsical renditions of classic French desserts including Chocolate Soufflé with chartreuse verte; Pavlova with rose geranium and Harry’s Berries strawberries; and Gateaux St. Honoré with pecan mousseline, puff pastry and caramel.”

“Designed to complement Carson’s menu, the beverage program features a comprehensive wine list of predominantly French and Californian producers, along with thoughtfully selected wines by the glass. Cocktail offerings named in honor of Mes Amis’ photography collection of Old Hollywood scenes and icons include the Safari Party with London dry gin, Lillet Blanc, Gran Classico Bitter, bubbles, lemon and thyme, as well as Happy Birthday No. 35 with rye whiskey, Dubonnet Rouge, herbs de Provence and bitters. An extensive range of classic and eclectic champagne offerings lends further levity to the Mes Amis experience with nightly selections presented tableside on a roving champagne cart.”

“Mes Amis is open for dinner service with plans to debut brunch in the months ahead. The restaurant is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with reservations available 7 days in advance on Resy.”

Stephen Le

“Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat once again as dozens of local restaurants and burger-centric businesses will offer unique over-the-top Burgers and value-priced Burger Offers when the 2nd annual Long Beach Burger Week returns August 7-14, 2022. Featured Burgers are value-priced at $5, $10, $15 and $20, plus Burger/Cocktail combos at $25.”

“Long Beach Burger Week is even taking “dog friendly” one step further by encouraging restaurants with patios to offer a special Burger Week Menu just for dogs for $5 each.”

“Organized by local 501(c)3 non-profit Long Beach Food & Beverage, executive director Terri Henry, who has been organizing culinary events Long Beach for almost a decade, felt that in addition to encouraging local and surrounding “foodies” to enjoy what the expanding Long Beach culinary community has to offer, events like Burger Week support the local economy and put “butts in seats” of our valued restaurants. “We may be past the pandemic stage of COVID, but restaurants are still struggling and the 2nd annual city-wide Long Beach Burger Week will help increase guest counts and sales in August,” stated Henry. “And hey, it’s summertime and who doesn’t love a good burger?”.”

“There are no tickets or passes required. Burger lovers are invited to dine-in, take-out or have featured delivered from their favorite restaurants, or order from the websites of various pop-ups food truck to visit. Participating restaurants, food businesses and offers can be found at the Long Beach Burger Week site.

The Kroft in The Hangar LBX is a participating restaurant in Long Beach Burger Week. Their special is an ample Chili Cheeseburger for $15. It’s a double Chili Cheeseburger with grilled onions and secret sauce on a brioche bun with fries and a soft drink. Co-Founder Stephen Le joins us with all the juicy details.

Ross Pangilinan of Mix Mix Kitchen Bar

Then Remix Kitchen Bar at LBX is also a participating restaurant in Long Beach Burger Week. Their special is the Remix Burger for $20. It layered on a house-made Brioche Bun with Thyme Garlic Aioli, American Cheese, Arugula, Tomato, Shallot Jam, Bacon and served with Fries. Founder & Executive Chef Ross Pangilinan (Terrace by Mix Mix at South Coast Plaza) joins us with spatula in hand.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

We all know salmon is healthy and, ideally, should be part of our regular diet. It also can be kind of boring. As our resident seafood authority we have Chef Andrew to the culinary rescue. Chef Andrew shares his thoughts on easily adding some excitement to that traditional salmon dish. Also some advice for jazzing up Salmon Burgers.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: The Gas Co’s Energy Resource Center in Downey Reopens
Segment Three: Maui Culinary & Beverage Highlights with “SoCal Restaurant Show’s” Adam Bell
Segment Four: Executive Chef Lincoln Carson, Mes Amis, Hollywood, CA Part One
Segment Five: Executive Chef Lincoln Carson, Mes Amis, Hollywood, CA Part Two
Segment Six: Restaurateur Stephen Le, The Kroft, Long Beach. Preview of Long Beach Burger Week
Segment Seven: Chef & Restaurateur Ross Pangilinan, ReMix Kitchen Bar, Long Beach. Preview of Long Beach Burger Week
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House

Show 447, October 16, 2021: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Otium, launched in late 2015 and recently reopened, is a contemporary restaurant that draws from the rich culinary heritage of Chef Timothy Hollingsworth (ex-The French Laundry.) It is designed to be a social restaurant with an open kitchen merging indoor and outdoor spaces. The restaurant’s name, Otium, has its roots in Latin, a word that is meant to emphasize a place where time can be spent on leisurely social activities.” We pull Proprietor & Chef Timothy Hollingsworth away from forming the sweet potato agnolotti in his busy kitchen for a visit.

Modernist Pizza by Nathan Myhrvold and Chef Francisco Migoya is the result of 200,000 hours of work by the incredibly talented team of culinary professionals and food scientists at Modernist Cuisine. “It’s the ultimate deep dive into one of the world’s most beloved foods. Over four years of research in the making, Modernist Pizza delivers the story of pizza as it’s never been told before. The book is the culmination of Modernist Cuisine’s findings and discoveries into the deliciously diverse world of pizza, including, for the first time, a chapter on travel.” Chef Francisco Migoya joins us pizza peel in hand.

The Gas Co is again providing a number of genuinely useful services to Chefs and Restaurateurs. The Energy Resource Center in Downey offers small group demonstrations, equipment testing and tours. The Gas Co features their “Try Before You Buy” program out of the Energy Resource Center. Their Commercial Service Techs provide maintenance tips and repair services to restaurant operators (typically at no charge.) The Gas Co. offers outreach to restaurant and foodservice operators to receive rebates on qualified gas equipment purchases. Representing SoCal Gas with an informative overview of all of these efforts is Gina Christian, Foodservice Technical Specialist and Vendor Outreach and Carmen Oliver, Customer Programs Advisor II.

Sella & Mosca winery was founded in 1899 by two Piemontese businessmen, Erminio Sella and Edgardo Mosca, revered to this day for their prominent roles in the Risorgimento (Italy’s 19th-century unification movement). It was their love of unexplored terrains that led Sella, an engineer, and Mosca, a lawyer, to venture to Sardinia and start a winery on this idyllic island. European vineyards were just starting to recover from a devastating Phylloxera infestation and Sella and Mosca had an ambitious plan to reclaim the vineyards in the area known as I Piani. Today, Sella & Mosca’s I Piani estate in Sardinia is the second largest contiguous vineyard in Italy and counts itself among the country’s most impressive wineries. Situated in the northwest corner of Sardinia, just inland from the historic port of Alghero, this 1,600-acre property with more than 1,200 acres of vines is one of the largest wine estates in Europe. Designated a DOC in 1995, Alghero is characterized by its iron-rich limestone, clay and sandy soils. In addition to the I Piani estate, Sella & Mosca also has vineyards in Sulcis DOC and Gallura DOCG.” Joining us to uncork all that is Sella & Mosca is Alfonso Gagliano, Brand Manager USA for Sella & Mosca winery.

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. First Chef Andrew previews his Ultimate Lobster Roll how-to video available on YouTube. Chef Andrew then updates us on the impact to the area fisheries of the pipeline oil spill off the coast of Huntington Beach. He’ll also provide a status report on the ongoing labor shortage in the restaurant business.

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