Show 690, August 1, 2026: “Ask the Chef” with Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House and Show Co-host

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) now joins us with his timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Believe it or not many food-savvy European visitors to the USA for World Cup games became obsessed with Ranch Dressing (America’s most popular salad dressing.) Not found in Europe… It’s an American creation. It got so crazy that the TSA had to put out a blast reminding departing visitors that the 12-ounce bottles of commercial Ranch dressing had to be in checked luggage.

In the spirit of international diplomacy Chef Andrew shares his own recipe for classic Ranch Dressing.

Show 561, January 20, 2024: Casalena Restaurant, Woodland Hills with The Makhani Siblings Part One

The Makhani Family of Casalena

Casaléna (Woodland Hills) is the premier new restaurant and events space in the West Valley. The menu boasts coastal Mediterranean flavors and emphasizes the use of seasonal, top-quality ingredients. At Casaléna, guests can be transported to their favorite European destinations, whether they choose to enjoy an intimate dinner in the outdoor sunken patio, or unwind with a late-night cocktail.” Casalena is attentively overseen by siblings Chloe, Brandon and Tyler Makhani.

“Coastal Mediterranean is the menu direction and suggests coastal cuisines ranging from Spain, Italy, France and Greece and those dishes immediately represented the brand and overall vision that the Makhani’s wanted to bring to life in the space. The ambiance exudes resort and carefree lifestyle and their intent is to transport guests to an atmosphere that provides an escape from ordinary life or the mundane day to day.”

For starters think Squash Blossoms and Sweet Corn Agnolotti.

“The Makhani’s were very specific in what they wanted to see on the menu and working with Chef Lobo Leon was fantastic because he was able to elevate and also eliminate what Casalena didn’t need. Chef Lobo also has an intuitive sense of what sells well. There are so many things that go into menu creation because of the high-volume Casalena turns out but at the same time they need to be able to have enough variety for each type of guest.”

Lunch is served Monday through Friday. Dinner is available nightly with Breakfast and Brunch on Weekends.

Joining us to provide the story of the ambitious Casalena are Chloe, Brandon and Tyler Makhani.

Show 561, January 20, 2024: Casalena Restaurant, Woodland Hills with The Makhani Siblings Part Two

The Makhani Family of Casalena

Casaléna (Woodland Hills) is the premier new restaurant and events space in the West Valley. The menu boasts coastal Mediterranean flavors and emphasizes the use of seasonal, top-quality ingredients. At Casaléna, guests can be transported to their favorite European destinations, whether they choose to enjoy an intimate dinner in the outdoor sunken patio, or unwind with a late-night cocktail.” Casalena is attentively overseen by siblings Chloe, Brandon and Tyler Makhani.

“Coastal Mediterranean is the menu direction and suggests coastal cuisines ranging from Spain, Italy, France and Greece and those dishes immediately represented the brand and overall vision that the Makhani’s wanted to bring to life in the space. The ambiance exudes resort and carefree lifestyle and their intent is to transport guests to an atmosphere that provides an escape from ordinary life or the mundane day to day.”

For starters think Squash Blossoms and Sweet Corn Agnolotti.

“The Makhani’s were very specific in what they wanted to see on the menu and working with Chef Lobo Leon was fantastic because he was able to elevate and also eliminate what Casalena didn’t need. Chef Lobo also has an intuitive sense of what sells well. There are so many things that go into menu creation because of the high-volume Casalena turns out but at the same time they need to be able to have enough variety for each type of guest.”

Lunch is served Monday through Friday. Dinner is available nightly with Breakfast and Brunch on Weekends. Late Night Menu at the Bar until Midnight is seven days.

Staying with us to continue telling the ambitious story of Casalena are Chloe, Brandon and Tyler Makhani.

Show 225, May 27, 2017: Restaurateur & Artisan Baker Tarit Tanjasiri, Crema Café and Crema Artisan Bakery, Seal Beach and Irvine

Tarit TanjasiriTarit Tanjasiri is the founder of the ever-popular Crema Café and Artisan Bakery in Seal Beach. His booming wholesale business has recently expanded into a new production facility in Irvine. Crema Café Artisan Bakery is now supplying their baked goods to all the Portola Coffee Roasters shops.

“The Crema Cafe is a European-inspired restaurant and bakery in beautiful downtown Seal Beach, California. We serve breakfast and lunch 7 days a week. Our menu offers classic favorites and delicious new alternatives. From our famous sweet and savory crepes to our tempting pastries, hearty sandwiches and fresh salads, we offer a variety of breakfast and lunch choices.”

“Our Artisan Bakery offers a full range of fresh-baked goods. We use the finest ingredients like real butter and wholesome grains. Our assortment of handcrafted breads includes our signature 7-grain Crema Multigrain bread, sourdough and raisin pecan. You can also indulge your sweet tooth with our enticing array of cookies, muffins, scones, sweet croissants, and macarons— baked to perfection.”

We’ll break bread (hopefully a Kouign-Amann pastry) with Tarit.