Show 506, January 7, 2023: Executive Chef Justin Werner, Trust Kitchen DTSA and Trust Dinner Party, Santa Ana

Justin Werner of Trust Kitchen

“The intimate, 18-seat Trust Kitchen in downtown Santa Ana is where Chef Justin Werner hosts themed tasting events, generally at least 12 food offerings, each paired by sommelier Jason Scarborough. Seating is limited and reservations are required.” It’s a Chef’s Table experience truly like no other. Upcoming Trust Events are listed as a calendar on their website. There are also Trust Lite evenings as well as special guest chefs and ingredient themed evenings. “Just come in, sit down and let us take you on an adventure”

Yelp has named Trust one of its Top 100 US Restaurants for 2023.

“As part of his visiting Guest Chef series Justin has invited long- time friend and former co-chef from Colicchio and Sons, Gabriel Pascuzzi on Saturday, January 14th. Gabriel owns three successful restaurants in Portland Oregon. The two chefs reconnected after Gabriel’s appearance on Top Chef Season 18 to host a dinner together in Portland. It’s a mashup of New York, Portland, and Orange County flavors. $275 per person, food, wine pairings, tax, and gratuity included.” The 6 p.m. seating has a few seats available. 8:30 p.m. is sold out.

“Chef Justin is New York raised and cut his culinary chops in some of Manhattan’s top-tier restaurants. He spent half a decade working at Craft for Tom Colicchio, followed by a couple of years at Thomas Keller’s Per Se before moving on to Corton where he maintained two Michelin stars as a Sous Chef for Paul Liebrandt. After winning an episode of the hit Food Network show Chopped, he used his winnings to travel to Copenhagen to intern at Noma while it was rated as the best restaurant in the world.

Upon moving back to America, he came to Orange County to work alongside Chef Jason Quinn in Playground 2.0. He then launched the critically acclaimed Porch & Swing (Orange Coast’s Restaurant of the Year) in Irvine as executive chef. When Chef Jason decided it was time for him to develop a new project, he asked Justin to come back and take the helm at Playground 2.0, which was renamed the Trust Kitchen.””

Chef Justin takes a break from his preparations in the Trust Dinner Party kitchen to join us.

January 7: Lip Smacking Foodie Tours, Trust Kitchen, Darley Newman, Sal’s Gumbo Shack

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Donald Contursi, Founder, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours and Finger Licking Foodie Tours, Las Vegas Part One
Segment Three: Donald Contursi, Founder, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours and Finger Licking Foodie Tours, Las Vegas Part Two
Segment Four: Executive Chef Justin Werner, Trust Kitchen DTSA and Trust Dinner Party, Santa Ana
Segment Five: Darley Newman, Travel Journalist – 10th Season of “Travels with Darley” Part One
Segment Six: Darley Newman, Travel Journalist – 10th Season of “Travels with Darley” Part Two
Segment Seven: Long Beach Black Restaurant Week Preview with Restaurateur Sally Bevans of Sal’s Gumbo Shack
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”

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

“In just a short time, Donald Contursi’s Lip Smacking Foodie Tours has grown into the premier culinary walking tour producer in Las Vegas, garnering not only loyal fans but outstanding accolades. Its variety of tours offer guests personalized service and VIP access to the best tables in the house at the city’s most acclaimed restaurants – all without the hassle of waiting in lines or making reservations.” Vegas insider Donald Contursi takes a break from his acclaimed VIP tours and joins us.

The intimate, 18-seat Trust Kitchen in downtown Santa Ana is where Chef Justin Werner hosts ambitious themed tasting events, generally at least 12 food offerings, each paired by sommelier Jason Scarborough. Seating is limited and reservations are required. It’s an extraordinary Chef’s Table experience truly like no other. Upcoming Trust Events are listed as a calendar at trustdtsa.com. There are also Trust Lite evenings as well as special guest chefs and ingredient themed evenings. Chef Justin takes a break from his busy Trust Dinner Party kitchen to join us.

“The 10th season of travel journalist Darley Newman’s TRAVELS WITH DARLEY brings viewers insights into the deeper meaning of travel through diverse culture, cuisine, heritage, and history as told by the locals and Darley drawing on over a decade and a half of global travels. Launching starting in January 2023 on PBS stations with eight (8) all-new 30-minute episodes, Darley once again steps out of her comfort zone to share travels that help rejuvenate and restore balance between mind, body and soul. With the opening of international borders after over two years of pandemic isolation, Darley anticipated people would want to visit places that would serve to quench their pent-up quest for travel and better their personal well-being. Filmed in international and U.S. locations, including Istanbul and throughout Türkiye, Quebec, Santa Fe, Bordeaux and Wilmington, Delaware, Darley enlists local experts for eight half hour episodes.” The well-traveled Darley Newman is out guest.

“The city-wide 2nd annual Long Beach Black Restaurant Week will take place January 22-29, 2023. Long Beach Black Restaurant Week will be an avenue to bring everyone to the table, from all walks of life, to showcase the city’s diverse Black food scene. Organized by Long Beach Food & Beverage, a California registered 501(c)3 non-profit, Long Black Restaurant Week is an eight day, city-wide event devoted to celebrating African, African American, and Caribbean fare in and around Long Beach. The event also seeks to highlight Black-owned food businesses as well as Black chefs and bartenders.” One of the participating restaurants in Long Beach Black Restaurant Week is Sal’s Gumbo Shack (established in 2012) with locations in North Long Beach and Bixby Knolls serving a genuine taste of The Big Easy. Specialties include Gumbo, Jambalaya, Crab & Shrimp Boils, Catfish Po’Boys and Peach Cobbler. Proprietress Sally Bevans is a self-taught home cook creating soulful Creole cuisine and she joins us.

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. Chef Andrew reports on the status and implementation of AB 257 – the Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act (Fast Recovery Act for short) and also explains the differences between Food Halls, Virtual Kitchens / Ghost Kitchens and the hybrid variations utilizing components of each.

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

Donald Contursi of Lipsmacking Foodie Tours

“In just a short time, Donald Contursi’s Lip Smacking Foodie Tours has grown into the premier culinary walking tour operator in Las Vegas, garnering not only loyal fans but outstanding accolades. Its variety of tours offer guests personalized service and VIP access to the best tables in the house at the city’s most acclaimed restaurants – all without the hassle of waiting in lines or making reservations.”

“Each tour is led by an expert guide who entertains guests with insider knowledge about the sights along the way. At each of four restaurant stops on The Strip or downtown, guests indulge in signature dishes, as well as receive a warm welcome from the chefs. Guests can sit beside different patrons at every stop, gaining new friends and networking connections. The tours are perfect for everyone from locals to tourists to business travelers, including corporate groups of up to 250.”

“The sister entity, Finger Licking Foodie Tours, was founded by Donald Contursi, founder and president of the wildly successful award-winning Lip Smacking Foodie Tours. Finger Licking Foodie Tours offers lighthearted, self-guided casual culinary walking tours on the Strip and through some of Vegas’ most distinctive neighborhoods, with stops at three top restaurants to enjoy a parade of signature dishes at each, all with VIP service. They are self-guided with an innovative e-guide included. Each tour introduces guests to some of the city’s most celebrated and irresistible eateries.”  Options for the self-guided foodie tours include Downtown, Arts District, Chinatown, Green Valley Resort, Tivoli Village, Virgin Hotel, Aria Resort & Casino and Park MGM.

Last year Don inaugurated (via shuttle transportation) a series of Specially Focused Food Tours concentrating on a popular menu item and designed for Locals. Sold out specialty tours so far include Pizza and BBQ. More adventures are on the horizon…Each guest also gets the gift of a highlight video of the experience.

Donald Contursi takes a break from hosting his VIP tours and joins us.

Justin Werner of Trust Kitchen

“The intimate, 18-seat Trust Kitchen in downtown Santa Ana is where Chef Justin Werner hosts themed tasting events, generally at least 12 food offerings, each paired by sommelier Jason Scarborough. Seating is limited and reservations are required.” It’s a Chef’s Table experience truly like no other. Upcoming Trust Events are listed as a calendar on their website. There are also Trust Lite evenings as well as special guest chefs and ingredient themed evenings. “Just come in, sit down and let us take you on an adventure”

Yelp has named Trust one of its Top 100 US Restaurants for 2023.

“As part of his visiting Guest Chef series Justin has invited long- time friend and former co-chef from Colicchio and Sons, Gabriel Pascuzzi on Saturday, January 14th. Gabriel owns three successful restaurants in Portland Oregon. The two chefs reconnected after Gabriel’s appearance on Top Chef Season 18 to host a dinner together in Portland. It’s a mashup of New York, Portland, and Orange County flavors. $275 per person, food, wine pairings, tax, and gratuity included.” The 6 p.m. seating has a few seats available. 8:30 p.m. is sold out.

“Chef Justin is New York raised and cut his culinary chops in some of Manhattan’s top-tier restaurants. He spent half a decade working at Craft for Tom Colicchio, followed by a couple of years at Thomas Keller’s Per Se before moving on to Corton where he maintained two Michelin stars as a Sous Chef for Paul Liebrandt. After winning an episode of the hit Food Network show Chopped, he used his winnings to travel to Copenhagen to intern at Noma while it was rated as the best restaurant in the world. Upon moving back to America, he came to Orange County to work alongside Chef Jason Quinn in Playground 2.0. When Chef Jason decided it was time for him to develop a new project, he asked Justin to come back and take the helm at Playground 2.0, which was renamed the Trust Kitchen.”

Chef Justin takes a break from his preparations in the Trust Dinner Party kitchen to join us.

Darley Newman of Travels with Darley

“The 10th season of travel journalist Darley Newman’s TRAVELS WITH DARLEY brings viewers insights into the deeper meaning of travel through diverse culture, cuisine, heritage, and history as told by the locals and Darley drawing on over a decade and a half of global travels. Launching starting in January 2023 on PBS stations with eight (8) all-new 30-minute episodes, Darley once again steps out of her comfort zone to share travels that help rejuvenate and restore balance between mind, body and soul.”

“With the opening of international borders after over two years of pandemic isolation, Darley anticipated people would want to visit places that would serve to quench their pent-up quest for travel and better their personal well-being. Filmed in international and U.S. locations, including Istanbul and throughout Türkiye, Quebec, Santa Fe, Bordeaux and Wilmington, Delaware, Darley enlists local experts for eight half hour episodes.”

“I’ve always looked to share lesser-known stories. As my crew and I reflect on filming ten seasons, I’m particularly excited about our episodes featuring ‘human interest journeys that will help those who watch reflect on the deeper meaning of travel and to value how stepping out of your comfort zone and taking the time to learn can enrich our lives and inspire us to be more than… beyond the bragging rights moments,” said Darley Newman, the series host and creator. “By traveling the world and getting to know new people and places, we can become better global citizens and more inspired people.”

Darley Newman is our well-traveled guest.

Sally Bevans of Sals Gumbo Shack

“The city-wide 2nd annual Long Beach Black Restaurant Week will take place January 22-29, 2023. Long Beach Black Restaurant Week will be an avenue to bring everyone to the table, from all walks of life, to showcase the city’s diverse Black food scene.

Organized by Long Beach Food & Beverage, a California registered 501(c)3 non-profit, Long Black Restaurant Week is an eight day, city-wide event devoted to celebrating African, African American, and Caribbean fare in and around Long Beach. The event also seeks to highlight Black-owned food businesses as well as Black chefs and bartenders.

“Long Beach Black Restaurant Week is more than an eight-day event featuring dozens of restaurants and food businesses,” stated Terri Henry, co-organizer of the event and Executive Director of Long Beach Food & Beverage. “Since launching the non-profit in 2019, we’ve been committed to supporting all of Long Beach’s valued restaurants and will support the event once again with a comprehensive advertising, marketing and PR campaign designed to put ‘butts in seats’ during Long Beach Black Restaurant Week.”

One of the participating restaurants in Long Beach Black Restaurant Week is Sal’s Gumbo Shack (established in 2012) with locations in North Long Beach and Bixby Knolls serving a genuine taste of The Big Easy. Specialties include Gumbo, Jambalaya, Crab & Shrimp Boils, Catfish Po’Boys and Peach Cobbler. Proprietress Sally Bevans is a self-taught home cook creating soulful Creole cuisine.

We’ll meet Sally Bevans.

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.

Chef Andrew reports on the status and implementation of AB 257 – the Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery Act (Fast Recovery Act for short) and also explains the differences between the now trendy Food Halls, Virtual Kitchens / Ghost Kitchens and the hybrid variations utilizing components of each. It’s an area of future growth.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Donald Contursi, Founder, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours and Finger Licking Foodie Tours, Las Vegas Part One
Segment Three: Donald Contursi, Founder, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours and Finger Licking Foodie Tours, Las Vegas Part Two
Segment Four: Executive Chef Justin Werner, Trust Kitchen DTSA and Trust Dinner Party, Santa Ana
Segment Five: Darley Newman, Travel Journalist – 10th Season of “Travels with Darley” Part One
Segment Six: Darley Newman, Travel Journalist – 10th Season of “Travels with Darley” Part Two
Segment Seven: Long Beach Black Restaurant Week Preview with Restaurateur Sally Bevans of Sal’s Gumbo Shack
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”