Show 501, November 26, 2022: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

What’s the 411 on this newish 4 per cent surcharge you now see added on the checks of many fine-dining restaurants for a “contribution to staff health care” costs? Should you appropriately tip on this, too? We’ll ask the chef…

Now that the Thanksgiving feast 2022 is behind us the mission is what creatively can be done with the typically abundant leftovers. Chefs don’t waste food. Chef Andrew provides his own culinary inspiration including loaded sandwiches and a frittata.

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.