Show 509, January 28, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

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

Jonathan Rosenson is the knowledgeable and personable Owner and Creative Director for Coquelicot Organic Estate Vineyards in Solvang (vineyard) with their Tasting Room in Los Olivos. He’s also a seasoned restaurateur and hotelier. He is a level 2 sommelier, currently director of hospitality for a collection of boutique hotels consisting of the Mirabelle Inn, Solvang, CA, Chateau du Sureau, Oakhurst, CA, and The Mansion on Sutter, San Francisco, CA. Each boutique hotel offers luxurious dining options in an on-site destination restaurant including the Michelin Plate awarded First & Oak in Solvang. Jonathan joins us to uncork all that is First & Oak and Coquelicot Estate Vineyard.”

“Late last December Saltie Girl, the beloved Boston destination for pristine and sustainable seafood, opened a Los Angeles location on Sunset Boulevard (Sunset Plaza) in the heart of West Hollywood. Inspired by founder Kathy Sidell’s East Coast upbringing and a serendipitous meal at a wine bar in Barcelona, Saltie Girl reimagines the experience of classic seafood restaurants with a modern approach that reveals influences and ingredients from revered coastal regions around the world. Saltie Girl represents an intersection of those inspirations while showcasing the team’s meticulous sourcing and long-cultivated relationships with fishmongers and purveyors. An expansive raw bar selection and one of the country’s largest collections of tinned fish further emphasizes Saltie Girl’s celebration of every iteration of seafood.” The “Saltie Girl” herself, Kathy Sidell, joins us with lobster cracker in hand.

The year anniversary of Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini’s ambitious Neon Feast dining app is on the horizon. Lots of new features have now been added to the updated App. “Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android (as well as on Neon Feast’s website), Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.” Al is our guest with highlights of the Las Vegas dining scene.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the recently launched, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Why is there a shortage of California-grown and harvested fresh oysters? Chef Andrew has the specifics and also explains where he is currently sourcing quality oysters from.

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

Show 509, January 28, 2023: Jonathan Rosenson, Proprietor, Coquelicot Estate Vineyard and First & Oak restaurant, Solvang Part One

Jonathan Rosenson of FIrst and Oak

Jonathan Rosenson is the knowledgeable and personable Owner and Creative Director for Coquelicot Organic Estate Vineyards in Solvang (vineyard) with their Tasting Room in Los Olivos. He’s also a seasoned restaurateur and hotelier.

“Jonathan Rosenson, a level 2 sommelier, currently is director of hospitality for a collection of boutique hotels consisting of the Mirabelle Inn, Solvang, CA, Chateau du Sureau, Oakhurst, CA, and The Mansion on Sutter, San Francisco, CA. Each boutique hotel offers luxurious dining options in an on-site destination restaurant including the Michelin Plate awarded First & Oak in Solvang.”

“Jonathan is also the creative director and owner for Coquelicot Estate Vineyards and is heavily involved in their wine growing and wholesale practices. Past endeavors have included The Sky Room in Long Beach, Wine Cask, Santa Barbara, and Bernard’s Wine Gallery. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry Jonathan is a seasoned pro at creating a culinary experience. Crafting elaborate menus, exquisite tastings, and special events are his forte.”

Jonathan joins us to uncork all that is First & Oak and Coquelicot Estate Vineyard.

Show 509, January 28, 2023: Jonathan Rosenson, Proprietor, Coquelicot Estate Vineyard and First & Oak restaurant, Solvang Part Two

Jonathan Rosenson of FIrst and Oak

Jonathan Rosenson is the knowledgeable and personable Owner and Creative Director for Coquelicot Organic Estate Vineyards in Solvang (vineyard) with their Tasting Room in Los Olivos. He’s also a seasoned restaurateur and hotelier.

“Jonathan Rosenson, a level 2 sommelier, currently is director of hospitality for a collection of boutique hotels consisting of the Mirabelle Inn, Solvang, CA, Chateau du Sureau, Oakhurst, CA, and The Mansion on Sutter, San Francisco, CA. Each boutique hotel offers luxurious dining options in an on-site destination restaurant including the Michelin Plate awarded First & Oak in Solvang.”

“Jonathan is also the creative director and owner for Coquelicot Estate Vineyards and is heavily involved in their wine growing and wholesale practices. Past endeavors have included The Sky Room in Long Beach, Wine Cask, Santa Barbara, and Bernard’s Wine Gallery. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry Jonathan is a seasoned pro at creating a culinary experience. Crafting elaborate menus, exquisite tastings, and special events are his forte.”

Jonathan continues with us pulling the cork on all that is First & Oak and Coquelicot Estate Vineyard.

January 28: Jonathon Rosenson, Saltie Girl, Al Mancini

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Jonathan Rosenson, Proprietor, Coquelicot Estate Vineyard and First & Oak restaurant, Solvang Part One
Segment Three: Jonathan Rosenson, Proprietor, Coquelicot Estate Vineyard and First & Oak restaurant, Solvang Part Two
Segment Four: Kathy Sidell, Founder, Saltie Girl Seafood Bar, West Hollywood Part One
Segment Five: Kathy Sidell, Founder, Saltie Girl Seafood Bar, West Hollywood Part Two
Segment Six: Al Mancini, creator of Neon Feast app for Las Vegas Dining and “Food and Loathing” podcast Part One
Segment Seven: Al Mancini, creator of Neon Feast app for Las Vegas Dining and “Food and Loathing” podcast Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”

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

“Jonathan Rosenson is the knowledgeable and personable Owner and Creative Director for Coquelicot Organic Estate Vineyards in Solvang (vineyard) with their Tasting Room in Los Olivos. He’s also a seasoned restaurateur and hotelier. He is a level 2 sommelier, currently director of hospitality for a collection of boutique hotels consisting of the Mirabelle Inn, Solvang, CA, Chateau du Sureau, Oakhurst, CA, and The Mansion on Sutter, San Francisco, CA. Each boutique hotel offers luxurious dining options in an on-site destination restaurant including the Michelin Plate awarded First & Oak in Solvang. Jonathan joins us to uncork all that is First & Oak and Coquelicot Estate Vineyard.”

“Late last December Saltie Girl, the beloved Boston destination for pristine and sustainable seafood, opened a Los Angeles location on Sunset Boulevard (Sunset Plaza) in the heart of West Hollywood. Inspired by founder Kathy Sidell’s East Coast upbringing and a serendipitous meal at a wine bar in Barcelona, Saltie Girl reimagines the experience of classic seafood restaurants with a modern approach that reveals influences and ingredients from revered coastal regions around the world. Saltie Girl represents an intersection of those inspirations while showcasing the team’s meticulous sourcing and long-cultivated relationships with fishmongers and purveyors. An expansive raw bar selection and one of the country’s largest collections of tinned fish further emphasizes Saltie Girl’s celebration of every iteration of seafood.” The “Saltie Girl” herself, Kathy Sidell, joins us with lobster cracker in hand.

The year anniversary of Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini’s ambitious Neon Feast dining app is on the horizon. Lots of new features have now been added to the updated App. “Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android (as well as on the Neon Feast website), Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.” Al is our guest with highlights of the Las Vegas dining scene.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Why is there a shortage of California-grown and harvested fresh oysters? Chef Andrew has the specifics and also explains where he is currently sourcing quality oysters from.

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

Jonathan Rosenson of FIrst and Oak

Jonathan Rosenson is the knowledgeable and personable Owner and Creative Director for Coquelicot Organic Estate Vineyards in Solvang (vineyard) with their Tasting Room in Los Olivos. He’s also a seasoned restaurateur and hotelier.

“Jonathan Rosenson, a level 2 sommelier, currently is director of hospitality for a collection of boutique hotels consisting of the Mirabelle Inn, Solvang, CA, Chateau du Sureau, Oakhurst, CA, and The Mansion on Sutter, San Francisco, CA. Each boutique hotel offers luxurious dining options in an on-site destination restaurant including the Michelin Plate awarded First & Oak in Solvang.”

“Jonathan is also the creative director and owner for Coquelicot Estate Vineyards and is heavily involved in their wine growing and wholesale practices. Past endeavors have included The Sky Room in Long Beach, Wine Cask, Santa Barbara, and Bernard’s Wine Gallery. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry Jonathan is a seasoned pro at creating a culinary experience. Crafting elaborate menus, exquisite tastings, and special events are his forte.”

Jonathan joins us to uncork all that is First & Oak and Coquelicot Estate Vineyard.

Kathy Sidell of Saltie Girl

“Late last December Saltie Girl, the beloved Boston destination for pristine and sustainable seafood, opened a Los Angeles location on Sunset Boulevard in the heart of West Hollywood. Inspired by founder Kathy Sidell’s East Coast upbringing and a serendipitous meal at a wine bar in Barcelona, Saltie Girl reimagines the experience of classic seafood restaurants with a modern approach that reveals influences and ingredients from revered coastal regions around the world. Saltie Girl represents an intersection of those inspirations while showcasing the team’s meticulous sourcing and long-cultivated relationships with fishmongers and purveyors. An expansive raw bar selection and one of the country’s largest collections of tinned fish further emphasizes Saltie Girl’s celebration of every iteration of seafood.”

“With the opening, culinary director Kyle McClelland’s menu showcases Saltie Girl favorites alongside new dishes that reveal California influences and highlight local fishers and purveyors. McClelland’s broad menu features seafood towers, daily oyster and raw bar selections, farmer’s market salads and bright, seasonal crudos. Signature offerings include Fried Lobster & Waffles with sweet corn butter and spicy maple syrup; Clam Chowder; and Lump Crab Toast with pistachios, avocado and stracciatella. Contemporary preparations of seafood classics will also be available such as Moules Frites, French Dover Sole and Saltie Girl Lobster Roll. Saltie Girl also boasts a separate caviar menu and a collection of over 130 varieties of tinned fish which can be ordered alongside fresh bread and accoutrements.”

“A full bar program complements the culinary experience with a well-balanced wine list showcasing international and biodynamic producers, Saltie Girl’s proprietary Rosé, and a champagne by-the-glass program. Cocktails showcasing seasonal ingredients and classic preparations include the Saltie Martini with vodka or gin, castelvetrano olive, pickled onion and caviar.”

Ben Sidell, founder of SweetBoy bakery and Kathy’s son, helms the pastry program, bringing his popular pop-up to life within Saltie Girl. His menu showcasing playful twists on classic desserts expands in the restaurant setting with plated desserts such as a Yuzu Persimmon Tart and Apple Tarte Tatin, with Ben lending his talents to savory pastries, as well, including buns to accompany the caviar service.

The “Saltie Girl” herself, Kathy Sidell, is our guest with lobster cracker in hand.

Al Mancini of Neon Feast

The year anniversary of Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini’s ambitious Neon Feast dining app is on the horizon. Lots of new features have been added to the updated app.

“Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android (as well as on Neon Feast’s website), Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.”

Al also updates us on his weekly Food & Loathing podcast, his take on the just revealed Semi-Final Nominations from the James Beard Awards for Las Vegas, Guy Fieri’s upcoming new restaurant and the 2nd Anniversary of The Vegas Test Kitchen.

Al Mancini is our guest to discuss dining in Las Vegas and provide an update on the progress of Neon Feast.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

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

Why is there a shortage of California-grown and harvested fresh oysters? Chef Andrew has the specifics and also explains where he is currently sourcing his fresh oysters from.

Chef Andrew and Lauren Gruel have a new fast casual concept, Burger 101, coming soon to the 2-level, Kitchen United complex on the 3rd St. Promenade in Santa Monica. It’s Chef Andrew’s version of a value-priced, honest burger (and loaded fries) using quality ingredients including a premium burger patty sourced from West Coast Prime Meats. He’ll also launch a casual Mexican concept there, Lolo’s Tacos, specializing in clean and simple tacos, burritos and standout specialty sauces.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Jonathan Rosenson, Proprietor, Coquelicot Estate Vineyard and First & Oak restaurant, Solvang Part One
Segment Three: Jonathan Rosenson, Proprietor, Coquelicot Estate Vineyard and First & Oak restaurant, Solvang Part Two
Segment Four: Kathy Sidell, Founder, Saltie Girl Seafood Bar, West Hollywood Part One
Segment Five: Kathy Sidell, Founder, Saltie Girl Seafood Bar, West Hollywood Part Two
Segment Six: Al Mancini, creator of Neon Feast app for Las Vegas Dining and “Food and Loathing” podcast Part One
Segment Seven: Al Mancini, creator of Neon Feast app for Las Vegas Dining and “Food and Loathing” podcast Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”

Show 508, January 21, 2023: Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks with Shelby Sim, President / CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley

Shelby Sim of the Santa Ynez Valley

“The Santa Ynez Valley’s creative culinary culture has long been at the heart of its wine country experience, but its wide range of flavors are never more accessible than during Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks.”

Restaurant Weeks has returned for the 13th consecutive year, January 16-31, once again showcasing the region’s culinary bounty — and the perfect Santa Ynez Valley wines to pair with it — with a variety of special three-course prix fixe price menus.”

“The restaurants that participate in Santa Ynez Valley’s annual festival of flavor feature curated, chef-driven, three-course menus at price points of $30, $40, or $50, plus tax and gratuity. Many of the region’s wineries and tasting rooms also participate at various levels, offering two-for-one tastings, special tasting flights, and discounts on bottle purchases.”

“Restaurant Weeks brings foodies together each year for an affordable, immersive culinary experience,” said Shelby Sim, President/CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley. “The region’s wines are typically what come to mind first when thinking about the Santa Ynez Valley. But Restaurant Weeks showcases our gifted local chefs and their diverse and inspired culinary creations in a way that is accessible to most everyone.”

For the latest updates on Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks, including menus and participating restaurants, wineries, and tasting rooms, visit their Restaurant Weeks website.

Shelby Sim is our guest highlighting Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Weeks.

Later in the year is Taste of the Santa Ynez Valley 2023. The four-day, six town celebration of food, wine, and more takes place September 28th through October 1st across the towns of Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Ballard, and Buellton.

Show 292, September 29, 2018: The Inaugural Solvang Stop with Laura Kath, Media Relations Director, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingThe inaugural Solvang Stomp, a “Footie” Wine Harvest Street Festival featuring the sensational chance to stomp grapes and taste vintages from 25 world-class wineries debuts Saturday, October 13, 2018, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in downtown Solvang. Solvang Stompers can also drink pink in the “I Love Rosé Lounge”; purchase food inside the festival area from Cecco Ristorante’s gourmet pizza oven and popular food trucks California Tacos and First & Oak; participate in the “Lucy & Ricky Ricardo Look-a-Like Contest” plus enjoy live music from bluegrass / Americana folk band Bryan Titus Trio and country / western rockers The Rawhides.

All guests will receive a logo wine glass and foot towel plus a ticket to win festive wine-related prizes.

General admission tickets from 2:00-5:00 p.m. are $75 per person. Guests must be ages 21 years and beyond. Discounts for active military members are also offered. Advance ticket purchases are highly recommended online here. VIP Stomper tickets are already sold out.

Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau’s Media Relations Director, Laura Kath, uncorks it all for us.