Show 534, July 15, 2023: Dominic Palmieri – The Midway Gourmet. OC Fair Edibles Part One

Dominic Palmieri of Midway Gourmet

Outrageous Fair Food (also crave-worthy) is always a mouthwatering highlight of a visit to the OC Fair in Costa Mesa. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star, Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s and Enzo’s Pizzeria fame on the RCS Carnival Midway. We’ll find out what indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up now for the OC Fair running through Sunday, August 13th. We’re taking Fair Food at its tastiest best with The Midway Gourmet.

Chef Dominic’s Enzo Pizza is always a Fair standout. New on Enzo’s menu for the 2023 season is an outrageous Hot Cheetos Cheese Pickle Pizza. Chef Dominic assures that “this will change how anyone thinks about pizza.” Also coming out of the pizza oven is a Hot Honey Pizza with Pepperoni. Remember it’s his Italian heritage that’s on the line here…

At his Biggy’s stand it’s Hot Cheeto Chicken on a Stick and at Dutchman’s Funnel Cakes a new Marzipan Funnel Cake.

Show 534, July 15, 2023: Dominic Palmieri – The Midway Gourmet. OC Fair Edibles Part Two

Dominic Palmieri of Midway Gourmet

Outrageous Fair Food (also crave-worthy) is always a mouthwatering highlight of a visit to the OC Fair in Costa Mesa. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star, Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s and Enzo’s Pizzeria fame on the RCS Carnival Midway. We’ll find out what indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up now for the OC Fair running through Sunday, August 13th. We’re taking Fair Food at its tastiest best with The Midway Gourmet.

Chef Dominic’s Enzo Pizza is always a Fair standout. New on Enzo’s menu for the 2023 season is an outrageous Hot Cheetos Cheese Pickle Pizza. Chef Dominic assures that “this will change how anyone thinks about pizza.” Also coming out of the pizza oven is a Hot Honey Pizza with Pepperoni. Remember it’s his Italian heritage that’s on the line here…

At his Biggy’s stand it’s Hot Cheeto Chicken on a Stick and at Dutchman’s Funnel Cakes a new Marzipan Funnel Cake.

Debuting at the OC Fair in the Family Fairway at the Candy Factory is The Midway Gourmet’s special tribute to “Barbie – The Movie.” It’s the eye-catching, Barba-licious Float topped with pink Cotton Candy, fresh Whipped Cream and a Pink Lollypop.

The conversation continues with Fair Food at its tastiest best with The Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri. A giant Turkey Leg has appeared.

Show 527, May 27, 2023: The Midway Gourmet – Chef Dominic Palmieri, RCS Carnival Midway Foods Part Two

Dominic Palmieri of Midway Gourmet

The 2023 Los Angeles County Fair concludes its season in Pomona on Monday, May 29th.

Outrageous Fair Food is always a mouthwatering highlight. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star, Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s fame on the RCS Carnival Midway. We’ll find out what indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up now for the closing weekend of the Los Angeles County Fair and beyond. Then it’s on to the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar and the OC Fair launching on Friday, July 14th.

Chef Dominic’s Enzo Pizza is always a Fair standout. New on Enzo’s menu for the 2023 season is an outrageous Hot Cheeto Cheese Pickle Pizza. Chef Dominic assures that “this will change how anyone thinks about pizza.” Remember its his Italian heritage that’s on the line here…

The conversation continues with Fair Food at its tastiest best with The Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri. A giant Turkey Leg has appeared.

Show 483, July 16, 2022: Chef Dominic Palmieri, Midway Gourmet, previewing the cuisine of the OC Fair Part One

Dominic Palmieri of Midway Gourmet

The 2022 OC Fair opened the gates on Friday, July 15th. Outrageous Fair Food is always a mouthwatering highlight. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star, Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s fame on the RCS Carnival Midway.

Chef Dominic has noticed a taste trend in addition to the continuing appeal of spicy flavors. The creative minds at The Midway Gourmet have found spicy inspiration and now perfected a line of chicken sandwiches including the Hot Cheeto Chicken Sandwich, Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, and Cap’n Crunch Chicken Sandwich (topped with cereal.)

Also a juicy, Flaming Hot Cheeseburger topped with Hot Cheetos with premium Angus beef. It’s a flame-grilled charbroiled burger sandwiched between a toasted buttery bun dipped in melted cheddar cheese then rolled in ground-up hot Cheetos. The burger is then topped with melted cheese and whole crunchy hot Cheetos.

In the new, and (possibly) over-the-top department is a Hot Cheeto Float which is a lemon-lime float topped with Hot Cheetos. The fresh whipped cream tames it.

Think there is nothing new in the proud Fair tradition of funnel cakes? How about a warm Cap’n Crunch Funnel Cake?

We’ll find out what other indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up now through August 14th with Chef Dominic himself.

Show 435, July 24, 2021: Chef Dominic Palmieri, “The Midway Gourmet” at the OC Fair Part One

Dominic Palmieri of Midway Gourmet

The 2021 OC Fair opened the gates on Friday, July 16th. The first Weekend was a complete sellout. Outrageous Fair Food is always a mouthwatering highlight. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star, Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s fame on the RCS Carnival Midway.

Chef Dominic has noticed a taste trend in addition to the continuing appeal of spicy flavors. That’s sour. The creative minds at The Midway Gourmet have found spicy & sour inspiration and now perfected the all-new Hot Cheeto-n-Cheese Pickles which debuts at the OC Fair. It’s premium dill pickle chips smothered in cheese sauce and then topped with crunchy Hot Cheetos (crushed.)

Also a juicy, Hot Cheeto-n-Cheese Burger with premium Angus beef. “It’s a flame-grilled charbroiled burger sandwiched between a toasted buttery bun dipped in melted cheddar cheese then rolled in ground-up hot Cheetos. The burger is then topped with melted cheese and whole crunchy hot Cheetos.”

We’ll find out what other indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up now through August 15th with Chef Dominic.

Show 435, July 24, 2021: Chef Dominic Palmieri, “The Midway Gourmet” at the OC Fair Part Two

Dominic Palmieri of Midway Gourmet

The 2021 OC Fair opened the gates on Friday, July 16th. The first Weekend was a complete sellout. Outrageous Fair Food is always a mouthwatering highlight. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star, Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s fame on the RCS Carnival Midway.

Chef Dominic has noticed a taste trend in addition to the continuing appeal of spicy flavors. That’s sour. The creative minds at The Midway Gourmet have found spicy & sour inspiration and now perfected the all-new Hot Cheeto-n-Cheese Pickles which debuts at the OC Fair. It’s premium dill pickle chips smothered in cheese sauce and then topped with crunchy Hot Cheetos (crushed.)

Also a juicy, Hot Cheeto-n-Cheese Burger with premium Angus beef. “It’s a flame-grilled charbroiled burger sandwiched between a toasted buttery bun dipped in melted cheddar cheese then rolled in ground-up hot Cheetos. The burger is then topped with melted cheese and whole crunchy hot Cheetos.”

For those hot Summer days consider the Watermelon Taco topped with refreshing Dole Whip and Tajin. It’s exclusive to the Dole Whip booth on the RCS Carnival Midway.

We’ll find out what other indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up now through August 15th as Chef Dominic continues.

Show 400, November 21, 2020: Chef Mario Christerna, Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co. and The Paramount, Boyle Heights, Los Angeles Part One

Mario Christerna of Brooklyn Avenue Pizza Company“Next week a new edible attraction takes center stage at The Paramount (the legendary eastside Los Angeles cultural institution & history-making music venue) as Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co. opens its doors along Cesar E Chavez Avenue (historically known as Brooklyn Avenue in the early 1900s). Melding past, present, and future––both through the décor and menu––Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co. aims to be a neighborhood spot for locals serving pizza, wings, loaded fries, beer, wine, and cocktails at the casual and colorful all-day restaurant. The concept is the brainchild of Chef–Owner Mario Christerna, a proud Boyle Heights native, community leader, and former “MasterChef Latino” judge, alongside the team behind The Paramount.”

Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co. serves up to 30 seats al fresco, and 75 seats indoors (once again permitted) with all Covid 19 protocols in place including physically distanced tables, heightened sanitation protocols, single-use items, contactless ordering and payments, and an enforced mask policy.”

“It’s been my life’s journey to get to this moment of opening my very own restaurant in Boyle Heights –– the place that birthed and raised me,” says Christerna. “Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co.’s vision is to provide a slice of home for neighbors and visitors. The flavors, sounds, sights that guests will enjoy at the pizzeria are meant to stir up emotions of both happiness and nostalgia; from authentic Mexican inspirations to our favorite corner store snacks (Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, anyone?), all the ingredients speak to familiarity and character. During a time when we are experiencing so much distance, we hope people can come together here and continue to uplift each other –– as they always have in Boyle Heights.”

Chef Mario Christerna joins us pizza peel in hand.

Show 400, November 21, 2020: Chef Mario Christerna, Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co. and The Paramount, Boyle Heights, Los Angeles Part Two

Mario Christerna of Brooklyn Avenue Pizza Company“Next week a new edible attraction takes center stage at The Paramount (the legendary eastside Los Angeles cultural institution & history-making music venue) as Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co. opens its doors along Cesar E Chavez Avenue (historically known as Brooklyn Avenue in the early 1900s). Melding past, present, and future––both through the décor and menu––Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co. aims to be a neighborhood spot for locals serving pizza, wings, loaded fries, beer, wine, and cocktails at the casual and colorful all-day restaurant. The concept is the brainchild of Chef–Owner Mario Christerna, a proud Boyle Heights native, community leader, and former “MasterChef Latino” judge, alongside the team behind The Paramount.”

“It’s been my life’s journey to get to this moment of opening my very own restaurant in Boyle Heights –– the place that birthed and raised me,” says Christerna. “Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co.’s vision is to provide a slice of home for neighbors and visitors. The flavors, sounds, sights that guests will enjoy at the pizzeria are meant to stir up emotions of both happiness and nostalgia; from authentic Mexican inspirations to our favorite corner store snacks (Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, anyone?), all the ingredients speak to familiarity and character. During a time when we are experiencing so much distance, we hope people can come together here and continue to uplift each other –– as they always have in Boyle Heights.”

“At Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co., Christerna, one of the city’s rising chefs, with recognition for the ‘Best Dish’ at L.A.’s Latin Food Fest and the #3 taco on Bill Esparza’s ‘Best L.A. Tacos’ list, is focusing on pizza & wings with his signature Boyle Heights twist. Inspired by his beloved Chicano heritage and love for melding cultures (Christerna opened and helmed the kitchen at The Briks in South Park, a concept that reflected his early culinary influences––from North African and Spanish to French and Mexican), the menu marries familiar and vibrant sabores (flavors), while remaining approachable for all to enjoy.”

Think the Mole Pizza with Queso Oaxaca, Curtido and Crema, and Flaming Hot Cheetos Wings with Nacho Cheese, Parmesan and Crema.

“Built within the space originally established as the Jewish Bakers Union of Los Angeles Local 453 Headquarters during the early twentieth century, the restaurant’s name (Brooklyn Ave. Pizza Co.) is inspired by its location in Boyle Heights along Cesar E Chavez Avenue –formerly known as Brooklyn Avenue as a way to attract East Coasters moving out West. The Jewish Bakers Union was deeply ingrained in their community, helping to feed people in need through the early twentieth century and into the Great Depression. Christerna and his team of locals are inspired by this history and are dedicated to continuing the space’s legacy as a community meeting point and culinary oasis.”

Chef Mario Christerna continues with us pizza peel securely in hand.

Show 335, August 3, 2019: “Chicken Charlie” Boghosian, All-Star Food Concessionaire, OC Fair

Chicken Charlie Boghosian of Chicken Charlie's FryBQThe 2019 OC Fair is on thru August 11th. Outrageous Fair Food is always a mouthwatering highlight. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled, San Diego-based, Chicken Charlie” Boghosian of Chicken Charlie’s. He now has two permanent, year-round, brick-and-mortar locations in San Diego.

We’ll find out what indulgent deliciousness Chicken Charlie is cooking up through August 11th. Did I hear Buffalo Chicken Chimichanga and Fried Hummus?

The Buffalo Chicken Chimichanga is a tortilla containing mac & cheese, bacon and buffalo chicken, fried and topped off with buffalo ranch and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.

Fried Hummus is house-made hummus coated with flour and seasonings, served in a pocket of pita bread and topped with sliced tomatoes and a sauce made of plain whole yogurt with tahini sauce.

Show 332, July 13, 2019: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a provocative preview of Saturday’s scrumptious 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 that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience. Couldn’t do it without you.

The 2019 OC Fair opened the gates on Friday, July 12th. Outrageous Fair Food is always a mouthwatering highlight. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s fame on the RCS Carnival Midway. We’ll find out what indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up for July 12th through August 11th.

Chef Davide Cerretini is the Chef/ Co-Proprietor of the modest (10 tables) Botto Bistro in Richmond, CA. In 2014 he discontinued an advertising effort on Yelp and things then suddenly turned highly negative on his Yelp page. Curious…Meanwhile aggressive sales staff at Yelp was relentless in pursuing him to continue advertising. This is all detailed by Chef Davide in the new documentary on Yelp, Billion Dollar Bully.” Chef Davide engagingly explains the unlikely story of how he creatively turned the tables on Yelp.…As the “One Star Chef” business now actually couldn’t be better…

Adding to the growing culinary scene that can be found in and around Newport Beach’s Lido Marina, Fable & Spirit launched in June on the Newport Peninsula. The restaurant is the 3rd in Orange County for husband-and-wife team Darren and Jean Coyle, who brought Dublin 4 Gastropub and Wineworks for Everyone to Orange County. Their newest establishment celebrates the Spirit and heritage of the Irish people, and the setting shares the many Fairytales (Fables) of Mythological Ireland, complete with heroes, queens and goddesses. The

Coyle Family joins us including daughter, Ali, the Sommelier and son, Drew, who is the Director of Spirits.

Go Little Tokyo’s 4th Annual Delicious Little Tokyo returns to the heart of Downtown Los Angeles for two days on Friday, July 19th and Saturday, July 20th and features over 20 exclusive events including all-new interactive workshops, tastings, and demonstrations curated for first-time foodies and culinary enthusiasts alike. Little Tokyo Community Council’s 1st Vice Board Chairman, Chris Komai, separates the chopsticks for us revealing all the tantalizing details.

Chef & Restaurateur Don Tahara is a Co-Owner of both Sake Dojo! and Far Bar in Little Tokyo. He is hosting two different tasting demos on Saturday afternoon, July 20th as part of the 4th Annual Delicious Little Tokyo. First up is “Sake & Food Pairing with Sake Dojo” and then “Craft Beer & Chicken Wing Pairing with Far Bar.” We’ll meet him.

Our Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, the Founder of The Slapfish Restaurant Group, joins us from the road where he is in the process of opening new Slapfish restaurants. We’re continuing the popular “Ask the Chef” segments responding to your questions about all things culinary. To our benefit Chef Andrew is a real, working chef.

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