Show 649, October 18, 2025: Chef Andrew Gruel (Co-host) of Calico Fish House with “Ask the Chef”

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) provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

For a fast casual establishment, or any successful restaurant, what’s the ideal pathway to branching? Should it be a franchise network like McDonalds or company owned stores in the In-N-Out model? Chef Andrew has been there and will provide his informed insight.

Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook is available with signed copies at his Calico Fish House on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach.

Show 647, October 4, 2025: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Don’t miss our 13th Anniversary Show on Saturday, Oct. 11th, 2025. We’re live from Lafayette, LA, the Heart of Cajun Country.

Fire Captain Coby Bailey (and serious Cajun home cook) is the pride of Lafayette, LA as the winner of PBS’ “The Great American Recipe” Season 4. He is a career firefighter, husband, and proud father of two. Growing up, Coby was immersed in culinary traditions passed down through generations, with his earliest inspirations coming from his mother and grandmother, both exceptional Cajun cooks. After serving in the U.S. Navy, including during Desert Storm, Coby joined the Lafayette Fire Department, where he has worked for 28 years, serving as captain for the past decade.” When it comes to the very best in firehouse cookery Captain Coby is the guy! He even has his own line of Cajun seasonings. Coby takes a break from the firehouse to join us.

Five Point Five Brewing Co is an El Segundo-based family business known for its handcrafted beer, hard seltzers and small neighborhood vibe. Siblings Michelle Bella Legaspi, Melissa Bella Montemagni, Joe Bella and Mark Bella run the brewery along with Melissa’s husband, Brewer Jeremy Montemagni—who has been brewing since the 1990s—and his sister and brother-in-law, Angela Chagnon and Ted Chagnon. The team opened the doors of Five Point Five Brewing Co two years ago. Their goal is to bring the community together to catch up and enjoy great beer in a relaxed environment.” Founders Michelle Legaspi and Brewer Jeremy Montemagni join us to tap the keg on all that is Five Point Five Brewing Co.

Descanso Restaurant with locations in Costa Mesa (the original) and on the Miracle Mile in Los Angeles is celebrating National Taco Day with a chef-curated taco platter, inviting guests to try four of their most popular specialty tacos and discover their new favorites. Available at its Costa Mesa and recently opened Los Angeles locations, Descanso’s National Taco Day Platter includes street-sized versions of the Felipe, The Relleno, Don Chingon and Chicharrón de Pescado tacos for just $15. Each taco is served on a house-made corn tortilla. Descanso is a contemporary Mexican kitchen and bar inspired by the rich culinary traditions and flavors of Michoacán. Blending time-honored family recipes with modern technique, Descanso delivers a dining experience rooted in heritage and elevated in execution. Guests can choose to dine at a traditional table or take a seat at the restaurant’s signature Plancha grill, where meals are prepared right before their eyes—bringing to life the vibrant energy of a bustling Mexican town.” Founder Rob Arellano and Chef Jose Angulo join us in-studio.

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

Chef Andrew has debuted a new program to feed people in need without a lot of fuss and all are welcome. It’s called “Sharing the Table.” On Monday evenings at Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach from 4 to 8:00 p.m. Chef Andrew is providing free, high quality, healthy dinners to individuals and families in need. The meals are served family-style to feed four. No questions and no stigma.

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

October 4: Captain Coby’s Cajun Seasonings, Five Point Five Brewing, Descanso Restaurant

Podcasts

Hour One: Coby Bailey, Five Point Five Brewing
Hour Two: Five Point Five Brewing, Descanso Restaurant, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Fire Captain Coby Bailey, Lafayette, LA
Segment Four and Five: Five Point Five Brewing, Co., El Segundo, CA
Segments Six and Seven: Descanso, Costa Mesa and L.A.’s Miracle Mile with Founder Rob Arellano and Chef Jose Angulo
Segment Eight: Chef, Restaurateur & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House, Sunset Beach

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

“Fire Captain Coby Bailey (and serious Cajun home cook) is the pride of Lafayette, LA as the winner of PBS’ “The Great American Recipe” Season 4. He is a career firefighter, husband, and proud father of two. Growing up, Coby was immersed in culinary traditions passed down through generations, with his earliest inspirations coming from his mother and grandmother, both exceptional Cajun cooks. After serving in the U.S. Navy, including during Desert Storm, Coby joined the Lafayette Fire Department, where he has worked for 28 years, serving as captain for the past decade.” When it comes to the very best in firehouse cookery Captain Coby is the guy! He even has his own line of Cajun seasonings. Coby takes a break from the firehouse to join us.

“Five Point Five Brewing Co is an El Segundo-based family business known for its handcrafted beer, hard seltzers and small neighborhood vibe. Siblings Michelle Bella Legaspi, Melissa Bella Montemagni, Joe Bella and Mark Bella run the brewery along with Melissa’s husband, Brewer Jeremy Montemagni—who has been brewing since the 1990s—and his sister and brother-in-law, Angela Chagnon and Ted Chagnon. The team opened the doors of Five Point Five Brewing Co two years ago. Their goal is to bring the community together to catch up and enjoy great beer in a relaxed environment.” Founders Michelle Legaspi and Brewer Jeremy Montemagni join us to tap the keg on all that is Five Point Five Brewing Co.

“Descanso Restaurant with locations in Costa Mesa (the original) and on the Miracle Mile in Los Angeles is celebrating National Taco Day with a chef-curated taco platter, inviting guests to try four of their most popular specialty tacos and discover their new favorites. Available at its Costa Mesa and recently opened Los Angeles locations, Descanso’s National Taco Day Platter includes street-sized versions of the Felipe, The Relleno, Don Chingon and Chicharrón de Pescado tacos for just $15. Each taco is served on a house-made corn tortilla. Descanso is a contemporary Mexican kitchen and bar inspired by the rich culinary traditions and flavors of Michoacán. Blending time-honored family recipes with modern technique, Descanso delivers a dining experience rooted in heritage and elevated in execution. Guests can choose to dine at a traditional table or take a seat at the restaurant’s signature Plancha grill, where meals are prepared right before their eyes—bringing to life the vibrant energy of a bustling Mexican town.” Founder Rob Arellano and Chef Jose Angulo join us in-studio.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew has debuted a new program to feed people in need without a lot of fuss. It’s called “Sharing the Table.” On Monday evenings at Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach from 4 to 8:00 p.m. Chef Andrew is providing free, high quality, healthy dinners to individuals and families in need. The meals are served family-style to feed four. No questions and no stigma.

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

Coby Bailey of Captain Coby Cajun Seasoning

Fire Captain Coby Bailey (and serious Cajun home cook) is the pride of Lafayette, LA as the winner of PBS’ The Great American Recipe” Season 4.

“He is a firefighter, husband, and proud father of two. Growing up, Coby was immersed in culinary traditions passed down through generations, with his earliest inspirations coming from his mother and grandmother, both exceptional Cajun cooks. After serving in the U.S. Navy, including during Desert Storm, Coby joined the Lafayette Fire Department, where he has worked for 28 years, serving as captain for the past decade.”

“Cajun cuisine, deeply rooted in African, European, and Native American influences — most notably French — reflects a rich history of bold flavors, rustic techniques, and communal dining. For Coby, cooking is more than nourishment; it’s a way of life and a connection to his heritage. Today, he proudly carries on that legacy, mastering traditional dishes that define Cajun culture. His signature dish, Stuffed Chicken with Andouille Sauce, embodies the hearty, soulful spirit of his roots.”

Colby’s culinary skills along with Cajun heart culminated in his winning Season 4 of PBS’ “The Great American Recipe” competition series for serious home cooks. He’s also the creator of the proprietary line of Captain Coby’s Cajun Seasonings. Coby takes a break from the firehouse to join us.

Michelle Lagaspi of Five Point Five Brewing

Five Point Five Brewing Co is an El Segundo-based family business known for its handcrafted beer, hard seltzers and small neighborhood vibe. Siblings Michelle Bella Legaspi, Melissa Bella Montemagni, Joe Bella and Mark Bella run the brewery along with Melissa’s husband, Brewer Jeremy Montemagni—who has been brewing since the 1990s—and his sister and brother-in-law, Angela Chagnon and Ted Chagnon. The team opened the doors of Five Point Five Brewing Co two years ago. Their goal is to bring the community together to catch up and enjoy great beer in a relaxed environment.”

“Five Point Five Brewing’s line of handcrafted beers are inspired by their 5.5 square mile corner of paradise in El Segundo, CA. Open Monday through Sunday.” Every Thursday Night is Trivia Night.

To celebrate Five Point Five’s 2nd Anniversary Brewmaster Jeremy has brewed Sweet Melissa Belgian Double IPA. “A free spirit with exceptional soul. Sweet Melissa blends the fruity esters and spice of traditional Belgian yeast with the bitter snap of a Double IPA. Complex, aromatic, and unapologetically original.”

Founders Michelle Legaspi and Brewer Jeremy Montemagni join us to tap the keg on all that is Five Point Five Brewing Co.

Rob Arellano of Descanso Restaurant

Descanso Restaurant with locations in Costa Mesa and on the Miracle Mile in Los Angeles is celebrating National Taco Day with a chef-curated taco platter, inviting guests to try four of its most popular specialty tacos and discover their new favorites. Available at its Costa Mesa and recently opened Los Angeles locations, Descanso’s National Taco Day Platter includes street-sized versions of the Felipe, The Relleno, Don Chingon and Chicharrón de Pescado tacos for just $15. Each taco is served on a house-made corn tortilla.”

“Descanso is a contemporary Mexican kitchen and bar inspired by the rich culinary traditions and flavors of Michoacán. Blending time-honored family recipes with modern technique, Descanso delivers a dining experience rooted in heritage and elevated in execution. Guests can choose to dine at a traditional table or take a seat at the restaurant’s signature Plancha grill, where meals are prepared right before their eyes—bringing to life the vibrant energy of a bustling Mexican town.”

Jose Angula of Descanso Restaurant

“Under the direction of Chef Sergio Lopez and Chef Jose Angulo, the menu features bold, seasonal dishes that celebrate the vibrant ingredients and distinctive flavors of Michoacán. Each plate and cocktail is a tribute to the region and Mexico’s culinary history—crafted with pride, tradition, and a modern twist.”

“Founded in Costa Mesa by owner Rob Arellano in 2018, Descanso expanded in 2025 with the opening of its flagship Los Angeles location.”

Founder Rob Arellano and Chef Jose Angulo join us in-studio.

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) provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Chef Andrew has debuted a new program to feed people in need without a lot of fuss. It’s called “Sharing the Table.” On Monday evenings at Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach Chef Andrew is providing free, high quality, healthy dinners to individuals and families in need.

Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook is available with signed copies at his Calico Fish House on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach.

Podcasts

Hour One: Coby Bailey, Five Point Five Brewing
Hour Two: Five Point Five Brewing, Descanso Restaurant, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Fire Captain Coby Bailey, Lafayette, LA
Segment Four and Five: Five Point Five Brewing, Co., El Segundo, CA
Segments Six and Seven: Descanso, Costa Mesa and L.A.’s Miracle Mile with Founder Rob Arellano and Chef Jose Angulo
Segment Eight: Chef, Restaurateur & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House, Sunset Beach

Show 455, December 11, 2021: Chef Thomas Ortega, Amorcito SoCal Taqueria, Long Beach & Costa Mesa Part One

Chef Thomas Ortega

Amorcito SoCal Taqueria is a quick service off shoot of Chef Thomas Ortega’s multi awarded Amor y Tacos in Cerritos, CA, that’s bringing its own style of a Modern Taqueria while being true to the familiar Mexican flavors of Southern California. The original location is at the Hangar at the Long Beach Exchange. Amorcito SoCal Taqueria has quickly stood out on its own bringing rave reviews from multiple restaurant critics including Brad A. Johnson of the Orange County Register and Patricia Escarcega of the Los Angeles Times.” “

“At Amorcito SoCal Taqueria the principals come from a Chef- driven background and pride themselves on sourcing incredible ingredients from farmers, ranchers, bakers and food purveyors who all share their core values of helping Amorcito deliver the freshest, best tasting menu Amorcito SoCal Taqueria can offer.”

A year-round specialty is the juicy Hatch Burger. It’s an Angus beef patty with garlic aioli, Hatch chile, mustard onions, pickles, American cheese and served on a soft potato bun.

Chef Thomas Ortega joins us with a stack of warm corn tortillas in hand.

Show 455, December 11, 2021: Chef Thomas Ortega, Amorcito SoCal Taqueria, Long Beach & Costa Mesa Part Two

Chef Thomas Ortega

Amorcito SoCal Taqueria is a quick service off shoot of Chef Thomas Ortega’s multi awarded Amor y Tacos in Cerritos, CA, that’s bringing its own style of a Modern Taqueria while being true to the familiar Mexican flavors of Southern California. The original location is at the Hangar at the Long Beach Exchange. Amorcito SoCal Taqueria has quickly stood out on its own bringing rave reviews from multiple restaurant critics including Brad A. Johnson of the Orange County Register and Patricia Escarcega of the Los Angeles Times.” “

“At Amorcito SoCal Taqueria the principals come from a Chef- driven background and pride themselves on sourcing incredible ingredients from farmers, ranchers, bakers and food purveyors who all share their core values of helping Amorcito deliver the freshest, best tasting menu Amorcito SoCal Taqueria can offer.”

A year-round specialty is the juicy Hatch Burger. It’s an Angus beef patty with garlic aioli, Hatch chile, mustard onions, pickles, American cheese and served on a soft potato bun.

Chef Thomas Ortega again joins us with a stack of warm corn tortillas in hand.

Show 428, June 5, 2021: Executive Sous Chef Patrick Contreras, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage

Patrick Contreras at 360 Sports inside of Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage

Last week we spoke with Executive Chef Kenneth Williams who oversees the diverse dining options at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage. We’re picking up the conversation with Chef Ken’s Executive Sous Chef, Patrick Contreras.

Now we’re concentrating on the casual, full-service Waters Café serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Happy Hour, and The District (fast casual service,) offering an array of regional cuisines from Mexican (La Olla Mexican Cuisine) to a selection of Asian (Jade Asian Cuisine) and delicatessen foods (ACE Deli.) ACE Deli is open 23 hours per day. Waters Café also handles Room Service for the 340-room Resort Hotel.

Executive Sous Chef Patrick Contreras joins us with tongs securely in hand.

Show 409, January 23, 2021: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant GroupOur 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 regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants which is a genuine (and increasingly growing) concern. Extended restrictions for restaurants are now in place for Southern California for at least January and seemingly longer.

Chef Andrew updates us on the inspiring progress for the grass-roots, 86 Restaurant Struggle campaign to benefit out-of-work and struggling restaurant workers. Chef Andrew and his wife, Lauren, have already distributed over $300,000 in small grants to deserving restaurant workers in need. All applications are carefully vetted by the Gruels. The great need continues…

The fried chicken sandwich is becoming a popular menu item at the major burger places in addition to other fast casual outlets. It’s all about the quality of the chicken patty which can vary.  Chef Andrew has a lot of hands-on experience with premium fried chicken at Two Birds in Irvine. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Show 376, June 6, 2020: Chef Louie Jocson, Vice President, Food & Beverage, California Fish Grill

Louie Jocson of California Fish GrillWe all know the experts suggest we get more heart-healthy seafood into our regular diet. How do you dine out and find quality seafood at affordable prices? That’s been the goal of California Fish Grill since the first location opened in 1998. Restaurants now include both Northern and Southern California and Las Vegas.

“Since 1998, California Fish Grill has been serving quality seafood at affordable prices to our loyal customers and their families. The vision for our restaurant came more from a simple question than the thought of a successful business enterprise. It is widely known that seafood is rich in nutrients and healthy omega-3 oils. The Surgeon General recommends that Americans eat 2-3 servings of seafood per week to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

“Why is it so hard to find a place that serves great seafood at prices someone could afford to eat 2-3 times per week?” That is where the concept of California Fish Grill was born.”

“Our menu consists of grilled and fried seafood to satisfy anyone’s palate. We also offer wonderful crisp, fresh salads topped with your choice of grilled fish or seafood. One of our most popular offerings is fish tacos. We offer the widest variety of fish tacos served anywhere. From grilled Mahi-Mahi, Tuna, Salmon and Shrimp to our fried selections of Arctic White Fish and Shrimp.”

New are the selection of Cali Bowls including the Paleo Salmon Bowl (lightly seasoned salmon, cauliflower rice, rosemary zucchini mix, fresh herbs and pickled onion) and the Dynamite (Keto) Shrimp Bowl (quick-fried shrimp in California Fish Grill’s dynamite sauce with fresh cilantro, green onions, daikon sprouts, tomatoes, cabbage and sesame soy sauce.) Dine-in has returned to California Fish Grill while takeout & delivery (with Family Meal options, too) continues.

Veteran Chef Louie Jocson, Vice President, Food & Beverage for California Fish Grill, joins us with all the finny details.

Show 369, April 18, 2020: Wahoo’s Fish Taco Co-Founder, Chef Wing Lam

Wing and Levi Lam at the KLAA StudiosChef Wing Lam is the Co-Founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco. He is a community leader and grass-roots philanthropist working the fast- casual dining experience for 32 years. Wing is our guest to discuss how Wahoo’s is navigating the current health crisis as well as still supporting the community. Seeing a need he is even selling well-crafted, reusable face masks at his cost for Wahoo’s guests. Most locations (outside of inside malls & sports venues) are open for takeout and delivery.

“We wanted to create a menu that was a reflection of our unique heritage. From China to Brazil, to Baja with hints of Greece, our bold, fresh flavors come from our memories of growing up in Brazil, surfing in Baja and working in our family’s Chinese restaurant.”

“At Wahoo’s, we encourage you to nourish yourself with food and experiences that make you feel more alive. So, ride those waves, care for your community, love what you eat every day, and be authentically you. Our family is here to feed yours.”

Show 287, August 25, 2018: FOODBEAST’s SPAM Restaurant Month

Geoff KutnickFor the entire month of August, FOODBEAST is bringing you SPAM® Restaurant Month! This month-long event showcases the versatility of SPAM® and its place on the restaurant scene nationwide, from fast-casual to fine dining concepts. Think $100 Gold SPAM® Musubis in San Francisco to SPAM® Tamales in Orlando.

FOODBEAST has curated an impressive lineup of concepts across the United States to share their SPAM® creations. Each item is what FOODBEAST likes to call ‘FOODBEAST Approved’ for taste, creativity and newsworthiness, pushing restaurants to unprecedented lengths of SPAM® innovation.

FOODBEAST’s Geoff Kutnick opens the tin for us on these wild chef-driven creations.