Show 432, July 3, 2021: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Happy 4th of July Weekend to all! Dine well and be safe!

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

“Creator of the award-winning website Nibbles and Feasts, Ericka Sanchez delivers a refreshing take on Mexican drinks and popsicles, just in time for Summer in the cookbook, Aguas Frescas & Paletas – Refreshing Mexican Beverages and Frozen Treats, Traditional and Reimagined. Aguas Frescas and Paletas highlights 40 amazing treats that use less sugar than the traditional recipes, and adds unique flavor twists into the mix alongside nostalgia-inducing classics.” “Ranging from familiar flavors like horchata and lime to more unique combinations like Hibiscus & Spiced Orange, Mint Blackberry, and Avocado Coconut the recipes in Aguas Frescas & Paletas use simple and refreshing ingredients that can be found at your local supermarket.” Ericka Sanchez joins us Mango & Chamoy Pop in hand.

“Inspired by the timeless charm of horses, riders, and traditional whitewashed stables, Paso Robles’ The Stables Inn, a celebration of the great outdoors, is a totally renovated 19-room hotel located three short blocks from Paso Robles historic Downtown City Park and town center where shops, restaurants and tasting rooms abound.” “Featuring modern, stylish and unpretentious accommodations with touches of Western chic, The Stables Inn is the perfect spot to call home as you enjoy and explore all that the Paso Robles AVA has to offer.” Hotel Manager Lindsey Sparkman is graciously at our service.

Chef Suzanne Goin and business partner Caroline Styne, owners and operators of The Lucques Group, debuted the long-in-the-works A.O.C. Brentwood early last month. Located at 11648 San Vicente Boulevard in Brentwood, the restaurant features the small plates format that A.O.C. originated with Suzanne’s regularly changing menu inspired by California’s seasons and regional farmers’ markets which helped her win the coveted Outstanding Chef Award from the James Beard Foundation in 2016.” “Caroline, who similarly won Outstanding Restaurateur in 2018, curates the wine program for which A.O.C. is known. Designed for discovery and exploration, the A.O.C. wine list highlights small-production wines from grapes that are either sustainably, organically or biodynamically grown and features a large selection available by the glass and carafe.” Caroline Styne uncorks the new Brentwood A.O.C. for us.

“The Hollywood Bowl’s signature culinary program is again brought to life by James Beard Award -Winning Chef Suzanne Goin and James Beard Award-Winning Restauranteur Caroline Styne (of celebrated local restaurants A.O.C., The Larder Baking Co. and Lucques Catering.) All of The Hollywood Bowl’s dining options have been updated to ensure the safety of all guests and employees. The employees are health screened before starting work, personal protective equipment is worn, sanitation measures have been amplified, and social distancing is required.” Chef Suzanne Goin takes a break from her busy kitchens to join us with an overview of all things culinary at The Hollywood Bowl for the 2021 season which reopens to the public tonight.

One of our most reliable sources of accurate restaurant news in fabulous Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is the former staff writer for The Las Vegas Review-Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. After four and one-half years with the Review-Journal Al has now embarked on more personal entrepreneurial ventures covering the dynamic Vegas dining and beverage scene without filters. He has just launched the weekly podcast, Food and Loathing with Jason Harris. We’ll hear about the first two episodes (including the opening of the massive Resorts World on The Strip) and how the Vegas dining scene is gradually recovering from the pandemic.

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 which remains a genuine concern. Chef Andrew now gives us his insider’s perspective on how the restaurant business is bouncing back from the pandemic and what’s of current concern. He also reports on the progress of his new, ambitious Save the Brave Burger” fundraiser to benefit Veterans with PTS.

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

Show 432, July 3, 2021: Ericka Sanchez with Aguas Frescas & Paletas

Ericka Sanchez of Nibbles and Feasts

“Creator of the award-winning website Nibbles and Feasts, Ericka Sanchez delivers a refreshing take on Mexican drinks and popsicles, just in time for Summer in her new cookbook, Aguas Frescas & Paletas – Refreshing Mexican Beverages and Frozen Treats, Traditional and Reimagined. Aguas Frescas and Paletas highlights 40 amazing treats that use less sugar than the traditional recipes, and adds unique flavor twists into the mix alongside nostalgia-inducing classics.”

“Ranging from familiar flavors like horchata and lime to more unique combinations like Hibiscus & Spiced Orange, Mint Blackberry, and Avocado Coconut the recipes in Aguas Frescas & Paletas use refreshing, simple ingredients that can be found at your local supermarket.”

“Ericka Sanchez is a recipe developer, food stylist, and the creator of the award-winning culinary website nibblesandfeasts.com. Ericka’s cooking style is inspired by her life as a bicultural Latina living in California and her cherished memories in the kitchen with her grandmother and mother in Mexico. Ericka was born in Torreón Coahuila, Mexico, and immigrated with her family to El Paso, Texas, at eight years old.”

Ericka has graciously shared her recipe for Mango & Chamoy Pops with us. It’s in the “Recipes” area of the SoCal Restaurant Show’s Website.

Ericka Sanchez joins us Mango & Chamoy Pop in hand.

Mango and Chamoy Pops

by Ericka Sanchez
Nibbles and Feasts
Courtesy of Aguas Frescas & Paletas

Ingredients

  • 3 cups Ataulfo mango (about 5 mangoes), divided
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1⁄2 cup pure cane sugar
  • 1⁄4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons chamoy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili lime salt

Directions

Add 2 1⁄2 cups mango, lime juice, sugar, and water to blender. Blend until smooth. Set aside 2⁄3 cup of mango mixture.

Place the rest of the mango mixture in a small bowl. Stir in chamoy sauce and chili lime salt.

Chop remaining 1⁄2 cup mango into half-inch cubes.

Divide mango cubes into popsicle molds. Layer plain mango mixture and chamoy mango mixture in each mold, alternating between mixtures. Push mixtures in the mold with a spoon to make swirls. Cover and insert popsicle sticks. Chill overnight.

Spoon mixture into popsicle molds. Cover and insert popsicle sticks. Freeze at least 4 hours or until firm.

July 3: Ericka Sanchez, The Stables Inn, Caroline Styne, Suzanne Goin, Al Mancini

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Ericka Sanchez with Aguas Frescas & Paletas
Segment Three: Lindsey Sparkman, Hotel Manager, Stables Inn, Paso Robles, CA
Segment Four: Caroline Styne, The Lucques Group, A.O.C. Brentwood
Segment Five: Chef Suzanne Goin, The Lucques Group, Hollywood Bowl 2021 Part One
Segment Six: Chef Suzanne Goin, The Lucques Group, Hollywood Bowl 2021 Part Two
Segment Seven: Al Mancini, Food & Entertainment Journalist, “Food and Loathing” Podcast, Las Vegas
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Happy 4th of July Weekend to all!

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

“Creator of the award-winning website Nibbles and Feasts, Ericka Sanchez delivers a refreshing take on Mexican drinks and popsicles, just in time for Summer in the cookbook, Aguas Frescas & Paletas – Refreshing Mexican Beverages and Frozen Treats, Traditional and Reimagined. Aguas Frescas and Paletas highlights 40 amazing treats that use less sugar than the traditional recipes, and adds unique flavor twists into the mix alongside nostalgia-inducing classics.” “Ranging from familiar flavors like horchata and lime to more unique combinations like Hibiscus & Spiced Orange, Mint Blackberry, and Avocado Coconut the recipes in Aguas Frescas & Paletas use simple and refreshing ingredients that can be found at your local supermarket.” Ericka Sanchez joins us Mango & Chamoy Pop in hand.

“Inspired by the timeless charm of horses, riders, and traditional whitewashed stables, Paso Robles’ The Stables Inn, a celebration of the great outdoors, is a totally renovated 19-room hotel located three short blocks from Paso Robles historic Downtown City Park and town center where shops, restaurants and tasting rooms abound.” “Featuring modern, stylish and unpretentious accommodations with touches of Western chic, The Stables Inn is the perfect spot to call home as you enjoy and explore all that the Paso Robles AVA has to offer.” Hotel Manager Lindsey Sparkman is graciously at our service.

“Chef Suzanne Goin and business partner Caroline Styne, owners and operators of The Lucques Group, debuted the long-in-the-works A.O.C. Brentwood early last month. Located at 11648 San Vicente Boulevard in Brentwood, the restaurant features the small plates format that A.O.C. originated with Suzanne’s regularly changing menu inspired by California’s seasons and regional farmers’ markets which helped her win the coveted Outstanding Chef Award from the James Beard Foundation in 2016.” “Caroline, who similarly won Outstanding Restaurateur in 2018, curates the wine program for which A.O.C. is known. Designed for discovery and exploration, the A.O.C. wine list highlights small-production wines from grapes that are either sustainably, organically or biodynamically grown and features a large selection available by the glass and carafe. Caroline Styne uncorks the new Brentwood A.O.C. for us.

The Hollywood Bowl’s signature culinary program is again brought to life by James Beard Award-Winning Chef Suzanne Goin and James Beard Award-Winning Restauranteur Caroline Styne (of celebrated local restaurants A.O.C., The Larder Baking Co. and Lucques Catering.) All of The Hollywood Bowl’s dining options have been updated to ensure the safety of all guests and employees. The employees are health screened before starting work, personal protective equipment is worn, sanitation measures have been amplified, and social distancing is required. Chef Suzanne Goin takes a break from her busy kitchens to join us with an overview of all things culinary at The Hollywood Bowl for the 2021 season.

One of our most reliable sources of accurate restaurant news in fabulous Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is the former staff writer for The Las Vegas Review-Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. After four and one-half years with the Review-Journal Al has now embarked on more personal entrepreneurial ventures covering the dynamic Vegas dining and beverage scene without filters. He has just launched the weekly podcast, “Food and Loathing” with Jason Harris. We’ll hear about the first two episodes (including the opening of the massive Resorts World on The Strip) and how the Vegas dining scene is recovering from the pandemic.

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 which remains a genuine concern. Chef Andrew gives us his insider’s perspective on how the restaurant business is bouncing back from the pandemic. He also reports on the progress of his new, ambitious “Save the Brave Burger” fundraiser to benefit Veterans with PTS.

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

Ericka Sanchez of Nibbles and Feasts

“Creator of the award-winning website Nibbles and Feasts, Ericka Sanchez delivers a refreshing take on Mexican drinks and popsicles, just in time for Summer in her new cookbook, Aguas Frescas & Paletas – Refreshing Mexican Beverages and Frozen Treats, Traditional and Reimagined. Aguas Frescas and Paletas highlights 40 amazing treats that use less sugar than the traditional recipes, and adds unique flavor twists into the mix alongside nostalgia-inducing classics.”

“Ranging from familiar flavors like horchata and lime to more unique combinations like Hibiscus & Spiced Orange, Mint Blackberry, and Avocado Coconut the recipes in Aguas Frescas & Paletas use refreshing, simple ingredients that can be found at your local supermarket.”

“Ericka Sanchez is a recipe developer, food stylist, and the creator of the award-winning culinary website nibblesandfeasts.com. Ericka’s cooking style is inspired by her life as a bicultural Latina living in California and her cherished memories in the kitchen with her grandmother and mother in Mexico. Ericka was born in Torreón Coahuila, Mexico, and immigrated with her family to El Paso, Texas, at eight years old.”

Ericka Sanchez joins us Mango & Chamoy Pop in hand.

Lindsay Starkman of the Stables Inn

“Inspired by the timeless charm of horses, riders, and traditional whitewashed stables, Paso Robles’ The Stables Inn, a celebration of the great outdoors, is a totally renovated 19-room hotel located three short blocks from Paso Robles historic Downtown City Park and town center where shops, restaurants and tasting rooms abound.”

“Featuring modern, stylish and unpretentious accommodations with touches of Western chic, The Stables Inn is the perfect spot to call home as you enjoy and explore all that the Paso Robles AVA has to offer.”

Hotel Manager Lindsey Sparkman is graciously at our service.

Caroline Styne of Lucques Restaurant Group

Chef Suzanne Goin and business partner Caroline Styne, owners and operators of The Lucques Group, debuted the long-in-the-works A.O.C. Brentwood early last month. Located at 11648 San Vicente Boulevard in Brentwood, the restaurant features the small plates format that A.O.C. originated with Suzanne’s regularly changing menu inspired by California’s seasons and regional farmers’ markets which helped her win the coveted Outstanding Chef Award from the James Beard Foundation in 2016.”

“Caroline, who similarly won Outstanding Restaurateur in 2018, curates the wine program for which A.O.C. is known. Designed for discovery and exploration, the A.O.C. wine list highlights small-production wines from grapes that are either sustainably, organically or biodynamically grown and features a large selection available by the glass and carafe. The beverage program features local beer producers and a seasonal selection of market-driven cocktails.

“The decor encompasses three interior dining spaces: the main bar room with cozy velvet booths and banquettes, a long rough-hewn communal table and a spectacular charcoal wood back bar with mirror detail. A second dining room in gorgeous hues of green runs along the Darlington Avenue side of the building. And with an eye to the post-Covid future, there is an intimate private dining room perfect for gatherings of up to 40 guests. The rooms are vibrant and cozy with beautifully textured fabrics, lively yet sophisticated wallpapers and charming Nickey-Kehoe-designed lighting throughout.”

“We are incredibly excited about this as we have seen such positive response to A.O.C. at our Third Street location and feel that there is definitely a need for our small plates dining format on the Westside,” states Caroline Styne. “After the devastation and tragedy of the past year, we are beyond thrilled to reopen this restaurant with a new concept and lively, forward-looking energy. We feel so fortunate to have this moment to build on the positivity of the city and country as it comes back to life. And, more than anything, we can’t wait to get our staff back to work!”

“A.O.C. in Brentwood is now serving dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 p.m., expanding to lunch, weekend brunch and breakfast in the coming weeks with takeout and delivery options as well.”

Suzanne Goin of the LLucques Group

“The Hollywood Bowl’s signature culinary program is again brought to life by James Beard Award-Winning Chef Suzanne Goin and James Beard Award-Winning Restauranteur Caroline Styne (of celebrated local restaurants A.O.C., The Larder Baking Co. and Lucques Catering.) All of The Hollywood Bowl’s dining options have been updated to ensure the safety of all guests and employees. The employees are health screened before starting work, personal protective equipment is worn, sanitation measures have been amplified, and social distancing is required.”

“Supper in Your Seats” is where Bowl guests order ahead for complete, 3-course meals from Suzanne Goin’s summer supper menus and Caroline Styne’s extensive wine list, served right at the guest’s box seats.

“Let the Hollywood Bowl pack your picnic for you! Pre-order to enjoy Chef Suzanne’s picnic-perfect menus featuring delicious options for anyone’s palette. Pick up pre-ordered Picnic Boxes in the Plaza Marketplace then enjoy at one of the Bowl’s beautiful picnic areas or at your seats.”

The Hollywood Bowl’s on-site marketplaces feature a wide selection of options to build the perfect picnic, including beer and wine. Marketplace entrances are monitored to allow for a safe experience inside.

“Inspired by Chef Suzanne’s and Caroline’s local A.O.C restaurants. Ann’s Wine Bar features a wide selection of Caroline Styne’s favorite new- and old-world wines to be explored by adventurous and less experienced wine drinkers alike, all paired with Suzanne Goin’s signature small-plates menu. Guests are encouraged to make a reservation, as walk-in space is very limited.”

Lucques at the Circle is the exclusive, fine-dining experience for subscribers of the Pool Circle, with a seasonal made-to-order menu and exceptional wine list styled from Suzanne Goin’s and Caroline Styne’s award-winning restaurant, Lucques in West Hollywood (now closed.)”

Chef Suzanne Goin takes a break from her busy kitchens to join us with an overview of all things culinary at The Hollywood Bowl for the 2021 season.

Al Mancini of the Las Vegas Review Journal

One of our most reliable sources of accurate restaurant news in fabulous Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is the former staff writer for The Las Vegas Review-Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. After four and one-half years with the Review-Journal Al has now embarked on more personal entrepreneurial ventures covering (without filters) the dynamic Vegas dining and beverage scene. He has just launched the weekly podcast, Food and Loathing with Jason Harris. We’ll hear about the first two episodes (including the opening of the massive Resorts World on The Strip) and how the Vegas dining scene is recovering from the pandemic.

Al has been working the Vegas food scene for 20 years. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas restaurant guidebook series. Al joins us with his insider’s Las Vegas update.

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino

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 which remains a genuine concern.

Chef Andrew gives us his insider’s perspective on how the restaurant business is bouncing back from the pandemic. What will change?

He also reports on the progress of his new ambitious Save the Brave Burger” fundraiser to benefit Veterans with PTS.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Ericka Sanchez with Aguas Frescas & Paletas
Segment Three: Lindsey Sparkman, Hotel Manager, Stables Inn, Paso Robles, CA
Segment Four: Caroline Styne, The Lucques Group, A.O.C. Brentwood
Segment Five: Chef Suzanne Goin, The Lucques Group, Hollywood Bowl 2021 Part One
Segment Six: Chef Suzanne Goin, The Lucques Group, Hollywood Bowl 2021 Part Two
Segment Seven: Al Mancini, Food & Entertainment Journalist, “Food and Loathing” Podcast, Las Vegas
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”