Show 117, April 11, 2015: Karen Page – The Vegetarian Flavor Bible Continues…

Karen Page and Andrew DornenburgAfter losing members of her family to cancer, the author – an established culinary professional – was shocked to learn that the number-one cause of death in America is nutritionally controllable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. A lifelong omnivore who grew up eating meat “two and often three times a day,” Page was motivated by nutrition studies to experiment with vegetarianism. She eventually eliminated meat from her diet, losing digestive aches and pains and more than twenty pounds in the process, while gaining new vitality and even joy – and she pours here newfound passion into this book.

Page shares what she’s learned about making dishes with the most healthful, nutrient-dense ingredients available (vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds) taste so delicious that their meatlessness is entirely beside the point.

At the heart of The Vegetarian Flavor Bible are the A-to-Z listings of hundreds of ingredients (from acai to zucchini blossoms), and the herbs, spices, and other seasonings that best enhance their flavor. Searching by ethnic cuisine or flavor or season, the reader will find endless inspiration for harmonious combinations.

Show 97, November 15, 2014: Rick Rodgers, cookbook author and culinary instructor

Rick RodgersRick Rodgers is an award-winning cookbook author and cooking teacher and the accomplished writer of more than forty cookbooks on subjects ranging from baking to grilling, and more. Rodgers often works behind the scenes as a recipe tester, co-author, and valued consultant on cookbooks by other authors, including Sarabeth Levine of Sarabeth’s Bakery

Rodgers has also penned corporate cookbooks for well-known clients such as Kingsford Charcoal and Sur La Table, as well as many titles for Williams-Sonoma.

Just in time for the Holidays is The Big Book of Sides – More than 450 Recipes for the Best Vegetables, Grains, Salads, Breads, Sauces and More. What’s the Thanksgiving feast without the assortment of tasty sides? Side dishes make the meal. Rick gives the humble side dish its due, elevating it to its proper, important place on the menu – front and center.

“With 32 color photos, main course pairings for every recipe and a guide to the best cooking methods, The Big Book of Sides provides answers to the age-old question of what to serve with what, with side dishes for all seasons, celebrations, occasions and even everyday weeknight meals.”

July 26: Mark Andlebradt. LuckyRice, Patty’s Pizza, Melissa’s Produce, Zach Pollack

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris preview the show
Segment Two: Chef Mark Andlebradt, Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio, Las Vegas
Segment Three: Founder Danielle Chang, LUCKYRICE Los Angeles Part One
Segment Four: Founder Danielle Chang, LUCKYRICE Los Angeles Part Two
Segment Five: Founder Patty Phillips and Bridget Baskin, Patty’s Gourmet Pizza
Segment Six: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s World Variety Produce
Segment Seven: Executive Chef / Proprietor Zach Pollack, Alimento, Silver Lake Part One
Segment Eight: Executive Chef / Proprietor Zach Pollack, Alimento, Silver Lake Part Two

Jet Tila and Producer Andy preview the show.

After 15 successful years in Las Vegas at The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio was due for a culinary facelift and some new energy. Enter new Executive Chef Mark Andlebradt (An-dell-Brat) who has created a new market-driven menu more in the style of the original Postrio in San Francisco.

LUCKYRICE Fest comes to Hollywood for their third annual event in Los Angeles. It’s night market-style Asian cuisine and cocktails. Founder Danielle Chang joins us.

Back in 1988 fearless entrepreneur Patty Phillips was an early pioneer in the Gourmet Take & Bake pizza concept. All of that research and development led to a pizza dough that became really popular with local chefs. Patty’s Gourmet Pizza was established to serve that community and all these years later the Marina del Rey-based firm provides a range of products for commercial clients in over 30 states.

What fruits and vegetables are coming into season right now and tasting delicious ? We’ll have a report from our resident produce authority, Robert Schueller, of Melissa’s World Variety Produce.

You know executive chef and revered pizzaiolo Zach Pollack from Sotto in Los Angeles. Orange County listeners remember him as the acclaimed opening pizzaiolo at Pizzaria Ortica. He’s just launched Alimento, his own 40-seat place in Silver Lake.

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

Mark Andlebradt“After 15 successful years of serving Las Vegas, Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio is proud to announce a new, refined concept and market-driven menu led by newly appointed Executive Chef Mark Andlebradt. (An-dell-Brat) Postrio has dropped the “Bar & Grill” moniker and now focuses on seasonal, new American cuisine with global influences that can be enjoyed on the “indoor” patio overlooking the Carnivale atmosphere of St. Mark’s Square or in the intimate main dining room. Award-winning Chef Wolfgang Puck and Executive Chef Andelbradt’s diverse menu features wood-oven baked pizzas, handmade pastas, enticing entrees, outstanding steaks and fish from the mesquite grill, and much more.

This is a big space with 20,000 square feet. Banquets are an important component of their business.

Recent special: 32 ounce braised veal shank. Designed to be shared but many guests ordered it for one!

Weekend brunch is served from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. A guest favorite is the Cinnamon Pecan Roll with maple glaze.

Chef Andelbradt has held high positions through various prestigious kitchens including Brasserie T and Tru on Chicago with Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand; Daniel in New York with Daniel Boulud; Morimoto in both Philadelphia and New York with “Iron Chef” Masaharu Moritoto; and Tao in Las Vegas.

Postrio Las Vegas is located inside The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Las Vegas.

Luckyrice Night Market“Hosted by Sang Yoon (Father’s Office, Lukshon, and Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters”), the third annual, LUCKYRICE Fest is moving to Hollywood and taking over Create Nightclub for an evening of innovative and traditional Asian-styled dishes paired with cocktails from L.A.’s brightest star chefs and mixologists. Ticket proceeds benefit CAAM, Center for Asian American Media. This unusual smorgasbord of Asian culinary treats features our picks (LUCKYRICE’s) from L.A.’s hot Asian culinary culture – Eat, Drink and Get LUCKY.”

Sang Yoon’s Lukshon is preparing Sichuan Dumplings with Kurobuta pork, spicy Ma’La vinaigrette, sesame, and peanuts.

Founder Danielle Chang is our guest.

LUCKYRICE Founder Danielle Chang is an award-winning media entrepreneur. Prior to launching LUCKYRICE in 2010, she was CEO of Vivienne Tam, a fashion company. Danielle has also worked for Goldman Sachs, The New York Times, and as a Professor of Contemporary Art History. Born in Taiwan, Danielle created LUCKYRICE to share her life-long affinity for Asian cuisine and lifestyle.

Our own Chef Jet Tila is preparing a five spice pork belly taco.

Pizza is a $30 billion dollar industry in the United States…

Patty Phillips of Pattys PizzaBack in 1988 fearless entrepreneur Patty Phillips was an early pioneer in the Gourmet Take & Bake pizza concept. All of that research and development led to a pizza dough that became really popular with local chefs. Patty’s Gourmet Pizza was established to serve that community and all these years later the Marina del Rey-based firm provides products for commercial clients in over 30 states.

Patty’s Pizza products have won industry awards for exceptional flavor and dependability. In addition, Patty’s “Take & Bake” pizza concept and innovative dough formulations have earned Patty’s critical acclaim from the toughest California restaurant critics.

Patty’s Pizza has worked rigorously to create a par (partially) baked frozen pizza formulation that does not require the heart of industrial level ovens, yet is still able to be frozen, topped, and used in a wide variety of applications. Ultimately, this has led to the development of a new line of pizza products designed to meet the diverse needs of Patty’s ever-growing client list.

The first prominent executive chef to endorse Patty’s Pizza was Roger Pigozzi (now at UCLA) who was then executive chef at The Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety ProduceWhat fruits and vegetables are coming into season right now and tasting delicious? We’ll have a report from our resident produce authority, Robert Schueller, of Melissa’s World Variety Produce.

New Mexico Hatch Chiles season starts first week of August.  First local roastings will be Aug. 2- Sept. 20th approx.

The following items are now coming into season and tasting great!:

Melissa’s Muscato (red, green, black), champagne grapes, Witch Finger, Niabells, Cotton Candy and Thomcords Grapes…

Other mention-able worthy fruits:  Figs (brown Turkey, Black Mission, Tiger), Masumoto Peaches, Lychees, Organic Plum Bites, and how about those cute Watermelon Cucumbers, too.

Getting into the peak of the Heirloom Tomatoes, or general tomato season too…

Zach PollackYou know executive chef and pizzaiolo Zach Pollack from Sotto in Los Angeles. Orange County listeners remember him as the acclaimed opening pizzaiolo at Pizzaria Ortica. He’s just launched Alimento, his own 40-seat place in Silver Lake.

“While Sotto’s early vision was mostly Southern Italian, Pollack expands his reach here. “It’s not as regionally specific, but more loosely inspired by the different regions of Italy,” says Pollack. “It’s really my interpretation of these dishes, so it makes sense for Los Angeles, a city that doesn’t take itself too seriously.” You’ll find small and large plates, seasonal salads and handmade pastas, sometimes using grains from Pasadena’s Grist & Toll flour mill.” (Credit to Lesley Balla of Zagat)

Sotto is part of Dine LA for Dinner. $35 prix fixe menu.

Concludes Sunday, July 27th.

Second Course is choice of: Lamb spezzatino (lemon, egg semolina,) Rigatoni (chicken liver ragu, maitake,) or Margarita pizza.

Podcasts

Segment One: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris preview the show
Segment Two: Chef Mark Andlebradt, Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio, Las Vegas
Segment Three: Founder Danielle Chang, LUCKYRICE Los Angeles Part One
Segment Four: Founder Danielle Chang, LUCKYRICE Los Angeles Part Two
Segment Five: Founder Patty Phillips and Bridget Baskin, Patty’s Gourmet Pizza
Segment Six: Robert Schueller, Melissa’s World Variety Produce
Segment Seven: Executive Chef / Proprietor Zach Pollack, Alimento, Silver Lake Part One
Segment Eight: Executive Chef / Proprietor Zach Pollack, Alimento, Silver Lake Part Two