Show 555, December 9, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Eric Greenspan is an acclaimed chef and popular TV personality. He is the author of two cookbooks: The Great Grilled Cheese Book: Grown-Up Recipes for a Childhood Classic (published by Ten Speed Press) and Cook Up Comfort with Eric Greenspan (published in partnership with WW). Following his graduation from UC Berkeley’s prestigious Haas School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Eric attended the acclaimed Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Paris. He went on to train in New York with such celebrated chefs as Alain Ducasse, David Bouley, and Rocco DeSpirito, as well as apprenticing at three-star Michelin chef Ferran Adria’s El Bulli in Rosas, Spain. Eric has been a pioneer in the emerging Ghost Kitchen / Virtual Restaurant space since its inception.  In 2019, Eric was named to the 2020 Nation’s Restaurant News Power List for his work on the Alt/Grub/Faction, one of the first chef driven multi-concept delivery-only concept incubators that he started in 2017. Eric is the Co-Founder of New School American Cheese, a premium American Cheese brand launched in 2022.  Made with aged cheddar, real cream and real butter, New School American is another example of Eric’s tireless devotion to elevating American comfort classics.” Chef Eric Greenspan takes a break from his bustling kitchens to join us.

“Since 1967 The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills has been an institution in the world of premier gourmet specialty foods while offering genuine personal service. Their team is dedicated to providing a home for people who just simply love food. Since its inception, longtime owner Norbert Wabnig had been determined to build a store that combined new world love for gourmet food while embracing the charm and simplicity of an old-world shop. New owner Dominick DiBartolomeo, a 20-year employee, is now bringing his own dedication and vision. The tradition of family ownership continues into what it sure to be an exciting future with a newly relocated and greatly expanded store” Proprietor Dominick DiBartolomeo is our guest with cheese slicer at the ready.

Descanso Restaurant, a modern taqueria located in Costa Mesa, celebrated its five year Anniversary in November. The first concept of its kind, Descanso’s unique and award-winning Plancha dining experience elevated the Mexican eatery to the top of Orange County’s dining scene shortly after opening in the fall of 2018. Descanso Restaurant delivers a rarified Mexican dining experience as a modern taqueria that celebrates authentic Mexican flavors and recipes executed on a traditional Plancha and prepared a la minute in front of the guest. With Executive Chef Jose Angulo at the helm, the full-service restaurant is committed to providing only fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from local farms and does not believe in cooking with lard or using can openers. Drawing guests into the cooking experience as classic Central Mexican street-inspired cuisine is made to order, the restaurant’s lively setting celebrates tradition while bringing in the music, smells, and energy of a busy Mexican town.” Proprietor Rob Arellano and Executive Chef Jose Angulo join us with a Quinta Fiesta libation at the ready. 

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. Sea Bream (both ocean and fresh water) is a fish with dense, juicy white flesh that’s more prevalent on European restaurant menus but now finding it’s place on menus in the United States. There are many varieties and it’s being successfully farmed. Good source of healthy protein. Chef Andrew provides the enhanced 411 on Sea Bream.

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

Show 555, December 9, 2023: Chef Eric Greenspan and New School American Cheese Part One

Celebrity Chef Eric Greenspan

Eric Greenspan is an acclaimed chef and popular TV personality. He is the author of two cookbooks: The Great Grilled Cheese Book: Grown-Up Recipes for a Childhood Classic (published by Ten Speed Press) and Cook Up Comfort with Eric Greenspan (published in partnership with WW).”

“Following his graduation from UC Berkeley’s prestigious Haas School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Eric attended the acclaimed Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Paris. He went on to train in New York with such celebrated chefs as Alain Ducasse, David Bouley, and Rocco DeSpirito, as well as apprenticing at three-star Michelin chef Ferran Adria’s El Bulli in Rosas, Spain.”

“As executive chef at Los Angeles’ acclaimed Patina, Eric garnered critical acclaim for his imaginative and bold cuisine and was named one of Angeleno Magazine’s “Eight Hot Chefs” in 2003. His kitchen was the top-ranked French restaurant in the 2004 Zagat Guide.”

“In 2017, Eric started the Alt/Grub/Faction, a delivery only “virtual” kitchen operation and concept incubator consisting of four brands – Chino, 2 on a Roll, Brekkie Breakfast Burritos and Bubu’s Birds and Burgers. Greenspan has become a leading voice in this emerging market and his work and insights in the “ghost kitchen” field have been featured in Food & Wine, the Los Angeles Times and Restaurant Hospitality.”

“Eric has been a pioneer in the emerging Ghost Kitchen / Virtual Restaurant space since its inception. In 2019, Eric was named to the 2020 Nation’s Restaurant News Power List for his work on the Alt/Grub/Faction, one of the first chef driven multi-concept delivery-only concept incubators that he started in 2017. He later disrupted the industry as Culinary Director for Virtual Dining Concepts, launching celebrity and IP driven virtual brands such as Pardon My Cheesesteak and Mr. Beast Burger, which became the fastest growing restaurant concept in history.”

“Eric is the Co-Founder of New School American Cheese, a premium American Cheese brand launched in 2022. Made with aged cheddar, real cream and real butter, New School American is another example of Eric’s tireless devotion to elevating American comfort classics. New School American is currently available in discerning restaurant establishments and limited retail nationwide.” Check New School for locations including The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills (newly expanded and relocated.)

Chef Eric Greenspan joins us.

Show 555, December 9, 2023: Chef Eric Greenspan and New School American Cheese Part Two

Celebrity Chef Eric Greenspan

Eric Greenspan is an acclaimed chef and popular TV personality. He is the author of two cookbooks: The Great Grilled Cheese Book: Grown-Up Recipes for a Childhood Classic (published by Ten Speed Press) and Cook Up Comfort with Eric Greenspan (published in partnership with WW).”

“Following his graduation from UC Berkeley’s prestigious Haas School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Eric attended the acclaimed Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Paris. He went on to train in New York with such celebrated chefs as Alain Ducasse, David Bouley, and Rocco DeSpirito, as well as apprenticing at three-star Michelin chef Ferran Adria’s El Bulli in Rosas, Spain.”

“As executive chef at Los Angeles’ acclaimed Patina, Eric garnered critical acclaim for his imaginative and bold cuisine and was named one of Angeleno Magazine’s “Eight Hot Chefs” in 2003. His kitchen was the top-ranked French restaurant in the 2004 Zagat Guide.”

“In 2017, Eric started the Alt/Grub/Faction, a delivery only “virtual” kitchen operation and concept incubator consisting of four brands – Chino, 2 on a Roll, Brekkie Breakfast Burritos and Bubu’s Birds and Burgers. Greenspan has become a leading voice in this emerging market and his work and insights in the “ghost kitchen” field have been featured in Food & Wine, the Los Angeles Times and Restaurant Hospitality.”

“Eric has been a pioneer in the emerging Ghost Kitchen / Virtual Restaurant space since its inception. In 2019, Eric was named to the 2020 Nation’s Restaurant News Power List for his work on the Alt/Grub/Faction, one of the first chef driven multi-concept delivery-only concept incubators that he started in 2017. He later disrupted the industry as Culinary Director for Virtual Dining Concepts, launching celebrity and IP driven virtual brands such as Pardon My Cheesesteak and Mr. Beast Burger, which became the fastest growing restaurant concept in history.”

“Eric is the Co-Founder of New School American Cheese, a premium American Cheese brand launched in 2022. Made with aged cheddar, real cream and real butter, New School American is another example of Eric’s tireless devotion to elevating American comfort classics. New School American is currently available in discerning restaurant establishments and limited retail nationwide.”

Next week Chef Eric launches “Duck with Postmates,” the first of it’s kind high-end, delivery only pop-up.

Chef Eric Greenspan continues with us with an artfully prepared Grilled Cheese Sandwich in hand.

December 9: Eric Greenspan, The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, Descanso Restaurant

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Eric Greenspan and New School American Cheese Part One
Segment Three: Chef Eric Greenspan and New School American Cheese Part Two
Segment Four: The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills with Dominick DiBartolomeo Part One
Segment Five: The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills with Dominick DiBartolomeo Part Two
Segment Six: Descanso Restaurant, Costa Mesa, with Rob Arellano and Chef Jose Angulo Part One
Segment Seven: Descanso Restaurant, Costa Mesa, with Rob Arellano and Chef Jose Angulo Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

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

“Eric Greenspan is an acclaimed chef and popular TV personality. He is the author of two cookbooks: The Great Grilled Cheese Book: Grown-Up Recipes for a Childhood Classic (published by Ten Speed Press) and Cook Up Comfort with Eric Greenspan (published in partnership with WW). Following his graduation from UC Berkeley’s prestigious Haas School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Eric attended the acclaimed Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Paris. He went on to train in New York with such celebrated chefs as Alain Ducasse, David Bouley, and Rocco DeSpirito, as well as apprenticing at three-star Michelin chef Ferran Adria’s El Bulli in Rosas, Spain. Eric has been a pioneer in the emerging Ghost Kitchen/Virtual Restaurant space since its inception.  In 2019, Eric was named to the 2020 National Restaurant News Power List for his work on the Alt/Grub/Faction, one of the first chef driven multi-concept delivery-only concept incubators that he started in 2017. Eric is the Co-Founder of New School American Cheese, a premium American Cheese brand launched in 2022. Made with aged cheddar, real cream and real butter, New School American is another example of Eric’s tireless devotion to elevating American comfort classics.” Chef Eric Greenspan takes a break from his bustling kitchens to join us.

“Since 1967 The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills has been an institution in the world of premier gourmet specialty foods.

while offering genuine personal service. Their team is dedicated to providing a home for people who just simply love food. Since its inception, longtime owner Norbert Wabnig had been determined to build a store that combined new world love for gourmet food while embracing the charm and simplicity of an old-world shop. New owner Dominick DiBartolomeo, a 20-year employee, is now bringing his own dedication and vision. The tradition of family ownership continues into what it sure to be an exciting future with a newly relocated and greatly expanded store!” Proprietor Dominick Dibartolomeo is our guest with cheese slicer at the ready.

Descanso Restaurant, a modern taqueria located in Costa Mesa, celebrated its five year Anniversary in November. The first concept of its kind, Descanso’s unique and award-winning Plancha dining experience elevated the Mexican eatery to the top of Orange County’s dining scene shortly after opening in the fall of 2018. Descanso Restaurant delivers a rarified Mexican dining experience as a modern taqueria that celebrates authentic Mexican flavors and recipes executed on a traditional Plancha and prepared a la minute in front of the guest. With Executive Chef Jose Angulo at the helm, the full-service restaurant is committed to providing only fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from local farms and does not believe in cooking with lard or using can openers. Drawing guests into the cooking experience as classic Central Mexican street-inspired cuisine is made to order, the restaurant’s lively setting celebrates tradition while bringing in the music, smells, and energy of a busy Mexican town.” Proprietor Rob Arellano and Executive Chef Jose Angulo join us with a Quinta Fiesta libation at the ready.

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. The Holidays are here and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the ultimate objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and discerning Family. Chef Andrew joins us with his continuing series of genuinely useful holiday cooking tips.

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

Celebrity Chef Eric Greenspan

Eric Greenspan is an acclaimed chef and popular TV personality. He is the author of two cookbooks: The Great Grilled Cheese Book: Grown-Up Recipes for a Childhood Classic (published by Ten Speed Press) and Cook Up Comfort with Eric Greenspan (published in partnership with WW).”

“Following his graduation from UC Berkeley’s prestigious Haas School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Eric attended the acclaimed Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Paris. He went on to train in New York with such celebrated chefs as Alain Ducasse, David Bouley, and Rocco DeSpirito, as well as apprenticing at three-star Michelin chef Ferran Adria’s El Bulli in Rosas, Spain.”

“As executive chef at Los Angeles’ acclaimed Patina, Eric garnered critical acclaim for his imaginative and bold cuisine and was named one of Angeleno Magazine’s “Eight Hot Chefs” in 2003. His kitchen was the top-ranked French restaurant in the 2004 Zagat Guide.”

“In 2017, Eric started the Alt/Grub/Faction, a delivery only “virtual” kitchen operation and concept incubator consisting of four brands – Chino, 2 on a Roll, Brekkie Breakfast Burritos and Bubu’s Birds and Burgers. Greenspan has become a leading voice in this emerging market and his work and insights in the “ghost kitchen” field have been featured in Food & Wine, the Los Angeles Times and Restaurant Hospitality.”

“Eric has been a pioneer in the emerging Ghost Kitchen / Virtual Restaurant space since its inception. In 2019, Eric was named to the 2020 Nation’s Restaurant News Power List for his work on the Alt/Grub/Faction, one of the first chef driven multi-concept delivery-only concept incubators that he started in 2017. He later disrupted the industry as Culinary Director for Virtual Dining Concepts, launching celebrity and IP driven virtual brands such as Pardon My Cheesesteak and Mr. Beast Burger, which became the fastest growing restaurant concept in history.”

“Eric is the Co-Founder of New School American Cheese, a premium American Cheese brand launched in 2022. Made with aged cheddar, real cream and real butter, New School American is another example of Eric’s tireless devotion to elevating American comfort classics. New School American is currently available in discerning restaurant establishments and limited retail nationwide.”

Next week Chef Eric launches “Duck with Postmates,” the first of it’s kind high-end, delivery only pop-up.

Chef Eric Greenspan joins us.

Dominick DiBartolomeo of the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills

“Since 1967, The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills has been an institution in the world of premier gourmet specialty foods while offering genuine personal service. Their team is dedicated to providing a home for people who just simply love food.”

“Since its inception, longtime owner Norbert Wabnig had been determined to build a store that combined new world love for gourmet food while embracing the charm and simplicity of an old-world shop. New owner Dominick DiBartolomeo is bringing his own dedication and vision. The tradition of family ownership continues into what it sure to be an exciting future with a newly relocated and greatly expanded store!”

“Founded by Colonel Sigmund Roth in 1967, Roth sought to build a store with exotic cheese and food at its core. In 1978, the store was sold to Norbert Wabnig to continue Roth’s vision. In 2022, Norbert sold the store to 20-year employee Dominick DiBartolomeo to continue the tradition and bring new energy to the store. While the Cheese Store prides itself on quality service, that service is built on the foundation of family. The Cheese Store Family spends holidays packing and wrapping gift baskets, weeknights working wine tastings, and summer afternoons chatting over cheese.”

The newly expanded and enhanced store features an expansive variety of customizable cheese and meat boards in a range of sizes prepared to order. Catering services are available, too. There is a Daily Menu of premium Sandwiches and Salads. Consider the La Macellaia with Prosciutto Cotto, Finocchiona, Coppa, Spicy Ventricina and Provolone. The Tritata (Italian Chopped Salad) has Chopped Baby Gem Lettuce, Radicchio, Salami, Olives, Guindilla Peppers, Red Onion and Cherry Tomatoes with an Oregano Vinaigrette.

Proprietor Dominick Dibartolomeo is our guest with cheese slicer at the ready.

Rob Arellano of Descanso Restaurant

Descanso Restaurant, a modern taqueria located in Costa Mesa, celebrated its five year Anniversary in November. The first concept of its kind, Descanso’s unique and award-winning Plancha dining experience catapulted the Mexican eatery to the top of Orange County’s dining scene shortly after opening in the fall of 2018.”

“Five years ago we started Descanso with the idea of bringing people together to commune over great food and a memorable experience,” said Rob Arellano, Owner of Descanso, Southern California’s only full-service Mexican restaurant known for preparing authentic cuisine a la minute in front of the guest on a traditional Plancha. “We’re thrilled to celebrate this 5th Anniversary milestone with our community, and we look forward to our most exciting year yet as we prepare to expand to Los Angeles in 2024.”

Jose Angula of Descanso Restaurant

“Descanso Restaurant delivers a festive Mexican dining experience as a modern taqueria that celebrates authentic Mexican flavors and recipes executed on a traditional Plancha and prepared a la minute in front of the guest. With Executive Chef Jose Angulo at the helm, the full-service restaurant is committed to providing only fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from local farms and does not believe in cooking with lard or using can openers. Drawing guests into the cooking experience as classic Central Mexican street-inspired cuisine is made to order, the restaurant’s lively setting celebrates tradition while bringing in the music, smells, and energy of a busy Mexican town.”

Proprietor Rob Arellano and Executive Chef Jose Angulo are our guests with a plate of Lobster Tacos at the ready.

Chef Andrew Gruel savoring a New Jersey style Pizza

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.

The Holidays are here and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the ultimate objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and discerning Family. Chef Andrew joins us with his continuing series of genuinely useful holiday cooking tips.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Eric Greenspan and New School American Cheese Part One
Segment Three: Chef Eric Greenspan and New School American Cheese Part Two
Segment Four: The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills with Dominick DiBartolomeo Part One
Segment Five: The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills with Dominick DiBartolomeo Part Two
Segment Six: Descanso Restaurant, Costa Mesa, with Rob Arellano and Chef Jose Angulo Part One
Segment Seven: Descanso Restaurant, Costa Mesa, with Rob Arellano and Chef Jose Angulo Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Show 243, October 7, 2017: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a tantalizing preview of this Saturday’s abundant show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

Program Note: Next Saturday, Oct. 14th is our 5th Anniversary Show and the celebration is on. We’re live from the state-of-the-art Melissa’s Test / Demonstration Kitchen. It’s a really full show with culinary VIP’s aplenty including our original Co-Host, Chef Jet Tila of “Cutthroat Kitchen with Alton Brown” on Food Network and the author of 101 Asian Dishes You Need To Cook Before You Die.

Ooz3Fest Ooze Festival in Santa AnaSouthern California’s cheese festival of epic proportions – OOZEFEST – is back for its third consecutive year. It’s produced by 100eats and FOODBEAST. It takes place at the Main Place Mall in Santa Ana (new location) on Oct. 14th. This one-day, ultimate cheese fest will feature a wide variety of ooey-gooey culinary creations. Our own Chef Andrew Gruel will be represented there with both Slapfish (LOBSTICLE with queso dip) and Butterleaf (crispy avocado nachos with cashew cheese.). Tickets for OOZEFEST are available here.

The grand master of cooking in America, Jacques Pépin, has a new apprentice in the kitchen: his granddaughter, Shorey. The new cookbook is A Grandfather’s Lessons: In the Kitchen with Shorey. Jacques Pépin is probably the most famous cooking teacher in the world, renowned for his knife skills. Ever since she was very young, his granddaughter, Shorey, has loved “helping” him in the kitchen. Now that she is twelve, Jacques gives his charismatic pupil a short course on preparing “food that is plain, but elegant, and more than anything, fun.” In the process, he proves himself as inspiring to her as he is to the country’s greatest chefs.

Bowls of Plenty – Recipes for Healthy and Delicious Whole-Grain Meals is a fresh and flexible approach to grain bowls–thoughtfully structured one-dish meals that marry health and flavor–from James Beard Award-winning journalist and acclaimed cookbook coauthor Carolynn Carreño. The Foreword is by Mozza’s Nancy Silverton. We’ll meet Carolynn.

Flagship Food Group and 505 Southwestern have launched a unique campaign, the “Clash of the Hatch,” a food truck challenge curated by 505 Southwestern® and Celebrity Chef Eric Greenspan. Celebrating the Hatch Valley green chile harvest season, the “Clash of the Hatch” brings together 10 of LA’s most popular food trucks to compete to make the best dish possible featuring 505 Southwestern® Hatch Valley Flame Roasted Green Chile. The 10 finalists chosen to compete are Locol, Border Grill, Baby’s Badass Burgers, Grilled Cheese Truck, South Philly Experience, Vchos Pupusas, Chubbee Monkee, India Jones, Dogtown Dogs and Wise Barbecue Co. Chef Eric turns up the heat and fills us in.

Located in Macy’s South Coast Plaza shopping center in Costa Mesa, California, the new Wolfgang Puck Kitchen (with its own entrance) specializes in Wolfgang’s interpretation of global comfort fare. The menu features a variety of signature recipes made with the best available, locally-sourced ingredients. As one of the newest casual concepts in the Wolfgang Puck dining collection, Wolfgang Puck Kitchen promises a welcoming and relaxed dining environment, appropriate for a business meeting, leisurely lunch, family dinner or meal on the go. General Manager and Executive Chef Joshua Turner joins us.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!

Show 243, October 7, 2017: Chef Eric Greenspan, 505 Southwestern’s “Clash of the Hatch” Food Truck Challenge

Eric GreenspanFlagship Food Group and 505 Southwestern have launched a unique campaign, the “Clash of the Hatch,” a food truck challenge curated by 505 Southwestern® and Celebrity Chef Eric Greenspan. Celebrating the Hatch Valley green chile harvest season, the “Clash of the Hatch” brings together 10 of LA’s most popular food trucks to compete to make the best dish possible featuring 505 Southwestern® Hatch Valley Flame Roasted Green Chile.

The 10 finalists chosen to compete are Locol, Border Grill, Baby’s Badass Burgers, Grilled Cheese Truck, South Philly Experience, Vchos Pupusas, Chubbee Monkee, India Jones, Dogtown Dogs and Wise Barbecue Co.  Each truck is challenged to develop an innovative menu item that matches the truck’s food genre and style. Trucks are encouraged to drive awareness and sales of their item through social media and creative marketing.

The truck with the winning item will be invited to the Flagship global research and development center in Burbank, California, to develop a version of their menu item as a consumer retail food product. 505 Southwestern® will work to distribute this product into retail channels, and the winner will receive 1% of the net revenue, subject to a minimum of $20,000 and up to a maximum of $100,000.

“Anyone who knows me, my restaurants, or my TV shows, knows that I am passionate about great restaurants and operators. Food trucks represent the epitome of real time innovation and passionate entrepreneurs- exactly the kind of people I, Flagship, and 505 Southwestern® love engaging with,” said chef Eric Greenspan. “I think this is an exciting event, and I can’t wait to see what these food trucks create.”

Chef Eric turns up the heat and fills us in.

 

October 7: Jacques Pepin, Carolynn Carreno, Eric Greenspan, Wolfgang Puck Kitchen

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Jacques Pépin, A Grandfathers Lessons – In the Kitchen with Shorey Part One Part One
Segment Three: Chef Jacques Pépin, A Grandfathers Lessons – In the Kitchen with Shorey Part One Part Two
Segment Four: Carolynn Carreño, Bowls of Plenty
Segment Five: Chef Eric Greenspan, 505 Southwestern’s “Clash of the Hatch” Food Truck Challenge
Segment Six: Joshua Turner, Chef & General Manager, Wolfgang Puck Kitchen, South Coast Plaza

Now a tantalizing preview of this Saturday’s abundant show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

Laura DonadoniWe’re awarding a lucky listener and their guest a pair of seats at Café del Rey’s Italian Wine Dinner hosted by Italian Wine Ambassador Laura Donadoni on Thursday evening, Oct. 12th. This is an incredible $250 gift! If you’re attentively listening to the first half hour of the show on this Saturday morning you’ll have the answer to the question that goes out @ 10:45 a.m. If you’re then the first caller with the correct answer, the special Italian wine evening at Café del Rey is yours. Good luck to all!

Ooz3Fest Ooze Festival in Santa AnaSouthern California’s cheese festival of epic proportions – OOZEFEST – is back for its third consecutive year. It’s produced by 100eats and FOODBEAST. It takes place at the Main Place Mall in Santa Ana on Oct. 14th. This one-day, ultimate cheese fest will feature a wide variety of ooey-gooey culinary creations. Our own Chef Andrew Gruel will be represented there with both Slapfish (LOBSTICLE with queso dip) and Butterleaf (crispy avocado nachos with cashew cheese.)

The grand master of cooking in America, Jacques Pepin, has a new apprentice in the kitchen: his granddaughter, Shorey. The new cookbook is A Grandfather’s Lessons : In the Kitchen with Shorey. Jacques Pépin is probably the most famous cooking teacher in the world, renowned for his knife skills. Ever since she was very young, his granddaughter, Shorey, has loved “helping” him in the kitchen. Now that she is twelve, Jacques gives his charismatic pupil a short course on preparing “food that is plain, but elegant, and more than anything, fun.” In the process, he proves himself as inspiring to her as he is to the country’s greatest chefs.

Bowls of Plenty – Recipes for Healthy and Delicious Whole-Grain Meals is a fresh and flexible approach to grain bowls–thoughtfully structured one-dish meals that marry health and flavor–from James Beard Award-winning journalist and acclaimed cookbook coauthor Carolynn Carreno. The Foreword is by Nancy Silverton. We’ll meet Carolynn.

Flagship Food Group and 505 Southwestern have launched a unique campaign, the “Clash of the Hatch,” a food truck challenge curated by 505 Southwestern® and Celebrity Chef Eric Greenspan. Celebrating the Hatch Valley green chile harvest season, the “Clash of the Hatch” brings together 10 of LA’s most popular food trucks to compete to make the best dish possible featuring 505 Southwestern® Hatch Valley Flame Roasted Green Chile. The 10 finalists chosen to compete are Locol, Border Grill, Baby’s Badass Burgers, Grilled Cheese Truck, South Philly Experience, Vchos Pupusas, Chubbee Monkee, India Jones, Dogtown Dogs and Wise Barbecue Co. Chef Eric turns up the heat and fills us in.

Located in Macy’s South Coast Plaza shopping center in Costa Mesa, California, the new Wolfgang Puck Kitchen specializes in Wolfgang’s interpretation of global comfort fare. The menu features a variety of signature recipes made with the best available, locally-sourced ingredients. As one of the newest casual concepts in the Wolfgang Puck dining collection, Wolfgang Puck Kitchen promises a welcoming and relaxed dining environment, appropriate for a business meeting, leisurely lunch, family dinner or meal on the go. General Manager and Executive Chef Joshua Turner joins us.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!

Jacques PepinThe grand master of cooking in America, Jacques Pepin, has a new apprentice in the kitchen: his granddaughter, Shorey. The new, light-hearted cookbook is A Grandfather’s Lessons: In the Kitchen with Shorey.

Jacques Pépin is probably the most famous cooking teacher in the world, renowned for his knife skills. Ever since she was very young, his granddaughter, Shorey, has loved “helping” him in the kitchen. Now that she is twelve, Jacques gives his charismatic pupil a short course on preparing “food that is plain, but elegant, and more than anything, fun.” In the process, he proves himself as inspiring to her as he is to the country’s greatest chefs.

Curly hot dogs; spinach with croutons; sushi salmon cakes; skillet bread and homemade butter; raspberry cake: These recipes will become irresistible new classics for kids. Along the way, Jacques imparts lessons in kitchen etiquette, from how to set a table to how to fold a napkin properly — even how to load a dishwasher. And perhaps the most important lesson of all: that the best meals are the ones shared at home with family.

One of the great bonuses of the creative book is the companion video series—full of additional recipes and tips, plus more Jacques and Shorey—at Sur Le Table’s website. 33 of the fun recipes in A Grandfather’s Lessons are entertainingly demonstrated by Jacques and Shorey.

BIO: One of the world’s most famous cooking teachers and educators, Jacques Pépin has published more than twenty-five cookbooks, including his new book, Jacques Pépin Poulet & Legumes and his PBS tie-in cookbook Jacques Pépin: Heart & Soul in the Kitchen and his memoir, The Apprentice: My Life in the Kitchen. He has also starred in fourteen acclaimed cooking series on public television and is a contributing editor to Food & Wine magazine. Jacques shares his knowledge through the curriculum and teaching at International Culinary Center where he has been a dean since joining in 1988.

Before coming to the United States, Jacques served as the personal chef to Charles de Gaulle. Jacques has won many accolades and awards, including a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the James Beard Foundation in 2005, several IACP Cookbook Awards, the Legion of Honor, France’s highest distinction and was named the first recipient of the Julia Child Award by the Julia Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts. He lives with his wife, Gloria, in Madison, Connecticut.

Carolyn CarrenoBowls of Plenty – Recipes for Healthy and Delicious Whole-Grain Meals is a fresh and flexible approach to grain bowls–thoughtfully structured one-dish meals that marry health and flavor–from James Beard Award-winning journalist and acclaimed cookbook coauthor Carolynn Carreno. The Foreword is by Nancy Silverton. We’ll meet Carolynn.

Gorgeous, layered, satisfying bowls have become the next wave of healthy eating. From food blogs to Instagram, farm-to-table bistros to chain restaurants, “the bowl” has become part of our culinary vocabulary. And whole grains are not just for hippies and health nuts anymore! Hearty grains like quinoa, farro, millet, and spelt are replacing flour or corn tortillas, bread, pasta, white rice, and mashed potatoes as the base or vehicle for other, richer, more complex ingredients. What’s more, grain bowls are easy-to-make, and family-friendly, and convenient for busy home cooks and weekend chefs alike.

Carolynn joins us.

Eric GreenspanFlagship Food Group and 505 Southwestern have launched a unique campaign, the “Clash of the Hatch,” a food truck challenge curated by 505 Southwestern® and Celebrity Chef Eric Greenspan. Celebrating the Hatch Valley green chile harvest season, the “Clash of the Hatch” brings together 10 of LA’s most popular food trucks to compete to make the best dish possible featuring 505 Southwestern® Hatch Valley Flame Roasted Green Chile.

The 10 finalists chosen to compete are Locol, Border Grill, Baby’s Badass Burgers, Grilled Cheese Truck, South Philly Experience, Vchos Pupusas, Chubbee Monkee, India Jones, Dogtown Dogs and Wise Barbecue Co. Chef Eric turns up the heat and fills us in.

Each truck is challenged to develop an innovative menu item that matches the truck’s food genre and style. Trucks are encouraged to drive awareness and sales of their item through social media and creative marketing. The truck with the winning item will be invited to the Flagship global research and development center in Burbank, California, to develop a version of their menu item as a consumer retail food product. 505 Southwestern® will work to distribute this product into retail channels, and the winner will receive 1% of the net revenue, subject to a minimum of $20,000 and up to a maximum of $100,000.

“Anyone who knows me, my restaurants, or my TV shows, knows that I am passionate about great restaurants and operators. Food trucks represent the epitome of real time innovation and passionate entrepreneurs- exactly the kind of people I, Flagship, and 505 Southwestern® love engaging with,” said chef Eric Greenspan. “I think this is an exciting event, and I can’t wait to see what these food trucks create.”

Joshua TurnerLocated in Macy’s South Coast Plaza shopping center in Costa Mesa, California, the new Wolfgang Puck Kitchen specializes in Wolfgang’s interpretation of global comfort fare. The menu features a variety of signature recipes made with the best available, locally-sourced ingredients.

Highlights include the signature Chinois Chicken Salad, Crab Cakes with marinated tomatoes and basil aioli, and Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf with Yukon gold potato puree, crispy onion strings and with a port wine sauce.

As one of the newest casual concepts in the Wolfgang Puck dining collection, Wolfgang Puck Kitchen promises a welcoming and relaxed dining environment, appropriate for a business meeting, leisurely lunch, family dinner or meal on the go. A shaded patio is part of the design.

General Manager and Executive Chef Joshua Turner joins us.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Jacques Pépin, A Grandfathers Lessons – In the Kitchen with Shorey Part One Part One
Segment Three: Chef Jacques Pépin, A Grandfathers Lessons – In the Kitchen with Shorey Part One Part Two
Segment Four: Carolynn Carreño, Bowls of Plenty
Segment Five: Chef Eric Greenspan, 505 Southwestern’s “Clash of the Hatch” Food Truck Challenge
Segment Six: Joshua Turner, Chef & General Manager, Wolfgang Puck Kitchen, South Coast Plaza

Show 162, March 5, 2016: Steven Fretz, Executive Chef and Partner, Church Key, West Hollywood

Steven FretzOn Saturday, March 12, as part of Cochon 555 L.A., Chef Steven Fretz (our guest) will be hosting, along with six other celebrity chefs, a refined three-hour culinary experience, the Chef’s Course Dinner Series, at Church Key in West Hollywood. It begins with a reception featuring a selection of passed hors d’oeuvres followed by a seated dinner and premium wine pairings. The benefit dinner is limited to 44 seats. Tickets are available online at $125 per person and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit Piggy Bank.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel is preparing a course with a Spring theme. Also on the distinguished chefs’ team is Ray Garcia (Broken Spanish) and Eric Greenspan (Mare, The Roof on Wilshire, Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese.)

Piggy Bank seeks to build a future for family farming with the goal of changing the future of food and promoting long-term farming sustainability. Piggy Bank will raise heritage breed pigs to be gifted to new farmers and culinary schools, assist new family farms with herd development and help existing farms challenged by disaster.

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!

Show 123, May 23, 2015: Executive Chef/Proprietor Eric Greenspan of Mare and Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese

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 on Melrose. 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. Reservations are accepted for groups of six, or more, guests. You can call ahead and get a feel for anticipated wait-times.

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.