Show 671, March 21, 2026: “Festival of Undiscovered Grapes” with Participating Winery, Hitching Post Wines, Buellton. Weston Hartley, Winemaker

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Adam Bell

“Founded in 2024, “The Festival of Undiscovered Grapes” is a one-of-a-kind tasting event dedicated to celebrating the diversity of California wine through its lesser-known grape varieties. Featuring 60+ producers and more than 100 unique grapes, the festival is a destination for wine lovers eager to explore beyond the familiar. It returns on Saturday, March 28^th to Mica Studios in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles.” VIP access is at Noon and General Admission starts at 2:00 p.m.

Hitching Post Wines in Buellton is one of the participants in “The Festival of Undiscovered Grapes.” Weston Hartley, the Co-Winemaker (representing the 2^nd generation of Family-ownership) is our guest.

“Led by Frank Ostini (owner of the Hitching Post 2 Restaurant) and Gray Hartley, Hitching Post Wines has passed its 40th vintage in its ongoing quest to create the finest wines possible of Santa Barbara County. The emphasis is to make intriguing, age-worthy Pinot Noirs featuring Santa Barbara County’s two iconic appellations, the Santa Maria Valley and the Sta. Rita Hills. However, other lesser-known varieties such as Chenin Blanc and Valdeguie have also caught their attention.”

“With Frank Ostini as Chef Winemaker since its inception, these are food-friendly, handcrafted wines of balance and finesse that express the essence of the great vineyards of the Santa Barbara region. Moving forward, the next generation of Hartleys – Emily (DTC Manager) and Weston (Winemaker) – have joined the team and are doing much of the heavy lifting at Hitching Post Wines.”

Valdiguie is their favorite “Undiscovered” wine grape and will be their featured wine at The Festival. “It’s Racy. Defined as: (of a wine, flavor, etc.) having a characteristic quality to a high degree.”

Show 646, September 27, 2025: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on September 29, 2025 by Adam Bell

“Tomat is an elevated neighborhood restaurant co-owned by Natalie Dial and Chef Harry Posner, who share a passion for community and delicious food. These spaces were designed to celebrate and serve Westchester and the greater Los Angeles area. From Tomat’s dining room to the rooftop terrace, 2nd floor private event space, and restaurant garden – their team is incredibly proud to welcome Guests into these dynamic and purposeful green spaces.” Chef Harry Posner is our guest to unwrap all that is Tomat Westchester.

The tradition of innovation and never standing pat at Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Wines continues with the 2nd generation of Family involvement. Co-Founder Gray Hartley’s son, Winemaker Weston, had an idea to create a French-style Piquette wine using the byproduct of vinifying the Valdiguie grape. Piquette is a low-alcohol wine (7 per cent) made from the second pressings of grape pomace. The Hitching Post creation is pleasantly fizzy. One barrel (25 cases) was made as an experiment and wine devotees already give it high marks. Gray and Weston Hartley join us to pull the cork on their Fizzy Valdiguie Piquette.

“October is Melissa’s Freaky Fruit^® month, highlighting the most exotic and intriguing of Mother Nature’s sweet bounty. A bit creepy to look at, but surprisingly delectable to eat, Freaky Fruit® is a must for the entire month leading up to a frightening finale on Halloween. Eaten out-of-hand, or added to desserts, baked goods, and other recipes, pomegranates, passion fruit, cherimoya, blood oranges, Buddha’s hand, dragon fruit, finger limes, cactus pears, kiwano melon, and rambutan have the wow-factor to make any dish truly spooktacular.” The Prince of Freaky Fruits, our resident produce guru, Robert Schueller, joins us to peel all the deliciousness of Freaky Fruit® for Halloween entertaining.

“Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Tito’s Tacos are celebrating the eighth annual Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana on Saturday, October 4, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Culver City. A local tradition in the community, this event will raise critical funds for the Culver City Arts Foundation to support a wide range of art, culture, and local artists. At Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana, guests 21+ can sip on Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktails while savoring Tito’s Tacos’ award-winning tacos, burritos, and flan. Alongside the mouthwatering cocktails and food, the celebration will feature five hours of live entertainment – headlined by world-class mariachi group, Mariachi Sol De Mexico de Jose Hernandez – folklórico dancers, and a traditional piñata station.” 2nd Generation Proprietor of Tito’s Tacos, Lynne Davidson, is our guest to preview all that is Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Chef Andrew is just back from the vibrant and fast-growing Tulsa, OK where he was the Keynote Speaker for Women for Tulsa on “Food is Medicine.” We’ll hear about it.

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

Show 646, September 27, 2025: Hitching Post Wines with Gray and Weston Hartley

Posted on September 29, 2025 by Adam Bell

First congrats to Hitching Post for their Double Gold at the 2025 Orange County Fair for their Fiddlestix 2022 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills.

One barrel (25 cases) was made as an experiment and wine devotees already give it high marks. The very limited bottling is presently available on their Website for $20.00.

“Piquette is a low alcohol, simply stated, slightly sparkling wine beverage that is refreshing, fun and easy to drink. Technically it is not a wine since it is made by adding water to grape pomace. It is then allowed to rehydrate and macerate to gain color and flavor rather than fermenting the grapes themselves. This second use for the grapes is a practice that goes back centuries to the ancient Greeks and Romans. The name is derived from the French term ‘piquer’ meaning to prick or prickle – the textural sensation it provides. Though Hitching Post Piquette is fresh and direct, they give it the same thoughtful consideration as their more complex wines.”

Gray and Weston Hartley join us to pull the cork on their Fizzy Valdiguie Piquette. You will also see Hitching Post Wines at L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade on Oct. 4^thon the Royce Quad at UCLA.

September 27: Tomat, Hitching Post Wines, Melissa’s Freaky Fruits, Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana

Posted on September 25, 2025 by Adam Bell

Podcasts

Hour One: Tomat, Hitching Post Wines
Hour Two: Melissa’s Freaky Fruits, Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Harry Posner, Chef and Restaurateur, Tomat, Westchester, CA
Segment Four: Hitching Post Wines with Gray and Weston Hartley
Segments Five and Six: Melissa’s Freaky Fruits with Robert Schueller
Segment Seven: Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana (Culver City) with Restaurateur Lynne Davidson
Segment Eight: Chef, Restaurateur & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House, Sunset Beach

Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-Host previews the show.

“Tomat is an elevated neighborhood restaurant co-owned by Natalie Dial and Chef Harry Posner, who share a passion for community and delicious food. These spaces were designed to celebrate and serve Westchester and the greater Los Angeles area. From Tomat’s dining room to the rooftop terrace, 2^nd floor private event space, and restaurant garden – their team is incredibly proud to welcome Guests into these dynamic and purposeful green spaces.” Chef Harry Posner is our guest to unwrap all that is Tomat Westchester.

The tradition of innovation and never standing pat at Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Wines continues with the 2^nd generation of Family involvement. Co-Founder Gray Hartley’s son, Weston, had an idea to do a French-style Piquette wine using the byproduct of vinifying the Valdiguie grape. Piquette is a low-alcohol wine (7 per cent) made from the second pressings of grape pomace. The Hitching Post creation is pleasantly fizzy. One barrel (25 cases) was made as an experiment and wine devotees already give it high marks. Gray and Weston Hartley join us to pull the cork on their Fizzy Valdiguie Piquette.

Eaten out-of-hand, or added to desserts, baked goods, and other recipes, pomegranates, passion fruit, cherimoya, blood oranges, Buddha’s hand, dragon fruit, finger limes, cactus pears, kiwano melon, and rambutan have the wow-factor to make any dish truly spooktacular.” The Prince of Freaky Fruits, our resident produce guru, Robert Schueller, joins us to peel all the deliciousness of Freaky Fruit^®for Halloween entertaining.

“Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Tito’s Tacos are celebrating the eighth annual Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana on Saturday, October 4, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Culver City. A local tradition in the community, this event will raise critical funds for the Culver City Arts Foundation to support a wide range of art, culture, and local artists. At Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana, guests 21+ can sip on Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktails while savoring Tito’s Tacos’ award-winning tacos, burritos, and flan. Alongside the mouthwatering cocktails and food, the celebration will feature five hours of live entertainment – headlined by world-class mariachi group, Mariachi Sol De Mexico de Jose Hernandez – folklórico dancers, and a traditional piñata station.” 2nd Generation Proprietor of Tito’s Tacos, Lynn Davidson, is our guest to preview all that is Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Chef Andrew is just back from Tulsa, OK where he was the Keynote Speaker for Women for Tulsa on “Food is Medicine.” We’ll hear about it.

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

“Tomat is an elevated neighborhood restaurant co-owned by Natalie Dial and Chef Harry Posner, who share a passion for community and delicious food. These spaces were designed to celebrate and serve Westchester and the greater Los Angeles area.”

“From Tomat’s dining room to the rooftop terrace, 2^nd Floor private event space, and restaurant garden – their team is incredibly proud to welcome Guests into these dynamic and purposeful green spaces.”

It’s available Wednesday thru Sunday with daytime service being a limited-service, bakery café with standout coffee drinks and then finer dining in the evenings with full service and a seasonally changing menu.

“With a fresh take on seasonal fare, Tomat is where to consider crisp, locally-grown vegetables with walnut beet dip, California welks with aioli, salmon with an herby tartar, and roasted potatoes with fenugreek. A craft cocktail on this Westchester rooftop garden with a view evokes calm and serenity.”

“Since 2020, Harry and Natalie (Tomat itself opened last year) have worked with Solis Gardens (formerly known as Urban Farms LA) to transform what was a disused parking lot into an operational garden that features seasonal vegetables, exotic fruit trees, and myriad herbs. By removing 4,000 square feet of concrete and remediating this land into an edible garden, the Tomat team aims to improve the ecological habitat of our native birds & insects and contribute to replenishing the water table underfoot.”

Chef Harry Posner is our guest to unwrap all that is Tomat Westchester.

One barrel (25 cases) was made as an experiment and wine devotees already give it high marks.

Gray and Weston Hartley join us to pull the cork on their Fizzy Valdiguie Piquette. You will also see Hitching Post Wines at L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade on Oct. 4^thon the Royce Quad at UCLA.

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety Produce in the AM830 KLAA Studio

“Eaten out-of-hand, or added to desserts, baked goods, and other recipes, pomegranates, passion fruit, cherimoya, blood oranges, Buddha’s hand, dragon fruit, finger limes, cactus pears, kiwano melon, and rambutan have the wow-factor to make any dish truly spooktacular.”

“For a boo-eautiful breakfast bowl, blend up a creamy pudding with Cherimoya (aka custard apple), plant-based yogurt, and avocado, and top with your choice of Freaky Fruit^®. Add some omega 3-rich chia seeds and crumbled Clean Snax^® for texture and crunch. This Freaky Fruit^® scary-moya pudding bowl is the perfect way to start any October day.”

The Prince of Freaky Fruits, our resident produce guru, Robert Schueller, joins us to peel all the deliciousness of Freaky Fruit^®for Halloween entertaining.

“Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Tito’s Tacos are celebrating the eighth annual Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana on Saturday, October 4th, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Culver City. A local tradition in the community, this event will raise critical funds for the Culver City Arts Foundation to support a wide range of art, culture, and local artists.”

“At Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana, guests 21+ can sip on Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktails while savoring Tito’s Tacos’ award-winning tacos, burritos, and flan. Alongside the mouthwatering cocktails and food, the celebration will feature five hours of live entertainment – headlined by world-class mariachi group, Mariachi Sol De Mexico de Jose Hernandez – folklórico dancers, and a traditional piñata station.”

“Since 2018, 100% of the event’s gross proceeds have been donated in full to the Culver City Arts Foundation. Over the past seven years, Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana has raised over $113,000, with $23,000 raised in 2024 alone.”

2nd Generation Proprietor of Tito’s, Lynne Davidson, is our guest to preview all that is Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Chef Andrew is just back from Tulsa, OK where he was the Keynote Speaker for Women for Tulsa on “Food is Medicine.” We’ll hear about it.

Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook is available with signed copies at his Calico Fish House on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach.

Podcasts

Hour One: Tomat, Hitching Post Wines
Hour Two: Melissa’s Freaky Fruits, Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana, Andrew Gruel

Show 594, September 14, 2024: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on September 16, 2024 by Adam Bell

“This fall, the Academy Award-winning film, Sideways, will stream on Hulu in celebration of its 20th Anniversary. Hitching Post Wines has partnered with Searchlight Pictures to showcase Hitching Post Highliner Pinot Noir, the wine featured in the movie. The Highliner Pinot Noir is always one of the most consistent, highly regarded wines of Hitching Post, and the 2021 is one of the best vintages of the past two decades. This 2021 vintage has a special label to commemorate the film and the Anniversary. In celebration of this partnership, Hitching Post 2 and Hitching Wines announce a series of special events, including three Hitching Post + Sideways Winemaker Dinners scheduled for September and October. Hitching Post Wines will also offer specially produced and limited edition SIDEWAYS Highliner Pinot Noir wine available for purchase at the Buellton restaurant, the adjacent Hitching Post tasting room and select retailers throughout California.” Chef and Winemaker Frank Ostini and Winemaker Gray Hartley of Hitching Post Wines join us to uncork all the signature events.

“Housed in what was for generations the family-run Bond Fruit & Dairy Stand, the seasonal Stonecat Café in Hector, Finger Lakes, NY has a rich history of connecting the community to healthy, locally grown ingredients. Founded in 1999, the Stonecat Café was an early leader in the farm-to-table movement in the region. Stonecat Café’s late owner and founder, Scott Signori, believed passionately that food is life and how we choose to nourish our bodies has a direct connection to and impact on our communities. When we feed our bodies with vibrant fun food, grown locally and sustainably, we sustain the soul of our community helping local farms and businesses to thrive. Scott passed away tragically in late 2021 at 54, leaving a lasting legacy of passion for good food, wine and scotch. His character, integrity and kindness live on in the Hector community and beyond” as does the Stonecat Café now led by a team of restaurant professionals who were also loyal friends of Chef Scott. General Manager Katy Dunlap joins us to share the inspiring story of resilience that is Stonecat Café.

“Knox & Dobson crafts premium, ready-to-drink cocktails expertly designed to be shared and enjoyed anywhere. Their multi-award-winning bottled cocktails are made with an uncompromising commitment to excellence in quality, craftsmanship, and taste, featuring the highest quality ingredients including premium barrel-aged whiskies, Maraska Maraschino Liqueur and authentic Angostura Bitters.” Knox & Dobson will be sampling their premium, ready-to-drink cocktails at the upcoming Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival the evenings of Friday, October 11th and Saturday, October 12th at Manhattan Village. Knox & Dobson’s President, Rob Levy, is our guest to serve up a taste of Knox & Dobson’s quality libations.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Complying with ADA requirements (and their associated costs) are a concern for independent restaurateurs. There are also ADA requirements for Websites. Some ambitious attorneys also use this as a possible revenue source. Chef Andrew offers his perspective.

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

Show 594, September 14, 2024: “Sideways” – The Motion Picture, 20th Anniversary Festivities with Hitching Post Wines’ Chef Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley

Posted on September 16, 2024 by Adam Bell

Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley of Hitching Post

“This fall, the Academy Award-winning film, Sideways, will stream on Hulu in celebration of its 20th Anniversary. Hitching Post Wines has partnered with Searchlight Pictures to showcase Hitching Post Highliner Pinot Noir, the wine featured in the movie. The Highliner Pinot Noir is always one of the most consistent, highly regarded wines of Hitching Post, and the 2021 is one of the best vintages of the past two decades. This 2021 vintage has a special label to commemorate the film and the Anniversary.”

“In celebration of this partnership, Hitching Post 2 and Hitching Wines announce a series of special events, including three Hitching Post + Sideways Winemaker Dinners scheduled for September and October. Hitching Post Wines will also offer specially produced and limited edition SIDEWAYS Highliner Pinot Noir wine available for purchase at the Buellton restaurant, the Hitching Post tasting room and select retailers throughout California.”

Chef and Winemaker Frank Ostini and Winemaker Gray Hartley of Hitching Post Wines join us to uncork all the series of commemorative events.

September 14: Hitching Post Wines & the 20th Anniversary of Sideways, Stonecat Café, Knox & Dobson

Posted on September 12, 2024 by Adam Bell

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: “Sideways” – The Motion Picture, 20th Anniversary Festivities with Hitching Post Wines’ Chef Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley
Segment Four and Five: Stonecat Café, Hector, Finger Lakes, NY with General Manager Katy Dunlap
Segments Six and Seven: Knox & Dobson Premium Bottled Cocktails with Founder Rob Levy
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.

This fall, the Academy Award-winning film, Sideways, will stream on Hulu in celebration of its 20th Anniversary. Hitching Post Wines has partnered with Searchlight Pictures to showcase Hitching Post Highliner Pinot Noir, the wine featured in the movie. The Highliner Pinot Noir is always one of the most consistent, highly regarded wines of Hitching Post, and the 2021 is one of the best vintages of the past two decades. This 2021 vintage has a special label to commemorate the film and the Anniversary. In celebration of this partnership, Hitching Post 2 and Hitching Wines announce a series of special events, including three Hitching Post + Sideways Winemaker Dinners scheduled for September and October. Hitching Post Wines will also offer specially produced and limited edition SIDEWAYS Highliner Pinot Noir wine available for purchase at the restaurant, the Hitching Post tasting room and select retailers throughout California. Chef and Winemaker Frank Ostini and Winemaker Gray Hartley of Hitching Post Wines join us to uncork all the signature events.

“Housed in what was for generations the family-run Bond Fruit & Dairy Stand, the seasonal Stonecat Café in Hector, Finger Lakes, NY has a rich history of connecting the community to healthy, locally grown ingredients. Founded in 1999, the Stonecat Café was an early leader in the farm-to-table movement in the region. Stonecat Café’s late owner and founder, Scott Signori, believed passionately that food is life and how we choose to nourish our bodies has a direct connection to and impact on our communities. When we feed our bodies with vibrant fun food, grown locally and sustainably, we sustain the soul of our community helping local farms and businesses to thrive. Scott passed away tragically in late 2021 at 54, leaving a lasting legacy of passion for good food, wine and scotch. His character, integrity and kindness live on in the Hector community and beyond” as does the Stonecat Café now led by a team of restaurant professionals who were also friends of Chef Scott. General Manager Katy Dunlap joins us to share the inspiring story of resilience of Stonecat Café.

Knox & Dobson crafts premium, ready-to-drink cocktails expertly designed to be shared and enjoyed anywhere. Their multi-award-winning bottled cocktails are made with an uncompromising commitment to excellence in quality, craftsmanship, and taste, featuring the highest quality ingredients including premium barrel-aged whiskies, Maraska Maraschino Liqueur and authentic Angostura Bitters. Knox & Dobson will be sampling their premium, ready-to-drink cocktails at the upcoming Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival the evenings of Friday, October 11th and Saturday, October 12^th at Manhattan Village. Knox & Dobson’s President, Rob Levy, is our guest to serve up a taste of Knox & Dobson’s quality libations.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Complying with ADA requirements (and their costs) are a concern for independent restaurateurs. There are also ADA requirements for Websites. Some attorneys also use this as a possible revenue source. Chef Andrew offers his perspective.

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

This fall, the Academy Award-winning film, Sideways, will stream on Hulu in celebration of its 20th Anniversary. Hitching Post Wines has partnered with Searchlight Pictures to showcase Hitching Post Highliner Pinot Noir, the wine featured in the movie. The Highliner Pinot Noir is always one of the most consistent, highly regarded wines of Hitching Post, and the 2021 is one of the best vintages of the past two decades. This 2021 vintage has a special label to commemorate the film and the Anniversary.

In celebration of this partnership, Hitching Post 2 and Hitching Wines announce a series of special events, including three Hitching Post + Sideways Winemaker Dinners scheduled for September and October. Hitching Post Wines will also offer specially produced and limited edition SIDEWAYS Highliner Pinot Noir wine available for purchase at the restaurant, the Hitching Post tasting room and select retailers throughout California.

Chef and Winemaker Frank Ostini and Winemaker Gray Hartley of Hitching Post Wines join us to uncork all the events.

“Stonecat Café’s late owner and founder, Scott Signori, believed passionately that food is life and how we choose to nourish our bodies has a direct connection to and impact on our communities. When we feed our bodies with vibrant fun food, grown locally and sustainably, we sustain the soul of our community helping local farms and businesses to thrive. Scott passed away tragically in late 2021 at 54, leaving a lasting legacy of passion for good food, wine and scotch. His character, integrity and kindness live on in the Hector community and beyond.”

“Today, the Stonecat Café continues to be owned by the Signori family and is managed by a team of restaurant professionals, all proud to have been Scott’s friends and have worked at the Stonecat in previous years. Staying true to their original mission, they are threading sustainability through all aspects of the operations. Stonecat partners with more than 20 regional farms to source high-quality, fresh organic ingredients to satisfy guests’ hunger and numerous local wineries, breweries and distilleries to quench guests’ thirst. Management ensures equitable pay and shared tips for all team members and strives to reduce their environmental footprint and keep menu prices reasonable, while still providing guests with the same amazing food experience.”

General Manager Katy Dunlap joins us to share the inspiring story of resilience of Stonecat Café.

Knox & Dobson crafts premium, ready-to-drink cocktails expertly designed to be shared and enjoyed anywhere. Our multi-award-winning bottled cocktails are made with an uncompromising commitment to excellence in quality, craftsmanship, and taste, featuring the highest quality ingredients including premium barrel-aged whiskies, Maraska Maraschino Liqueur and authentic Angostura Bitters.

Whether you’re a classic Martini drinker, Old Fashioned aficionado, Rye Manhattan enthusiast, or searching for the perfect Improved Whiskey Cocktail, serve Knox & Dobson’s bottled cocktails chilled or over ice and discover the pleasure of true craft cocktails created to simply open, pour, and enjoy. That’s something we can all toast to!

Knox & Dobson will be sampling their premium, ready-to-drink cocktails at the upcoming Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival the evenings of Friday, October 11th and Saturday, October 12^th at Manhattan Village.

Knox & Dobson’s President, Rob Levy, is our guest to serve up a taste of Knox & Dobson’s libations.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Complying with ADA requirements (and their associated costs) are a concern for independent restaurateurs. There are also ADA requirements for Websites. Some attorneys also use this as a possible revenue source. Chef Andrew offers his perspective.

Podcasts

Show 529, June 10, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on June 11, 2023 by Adam Bell

The Bells Up Winery’s (Newberg, Oregon) Story…“If you’re this successful in a career that makes you sick, stressed and miserable… how much more successful would you be doing something you love?” That’s the question Sara Specter asked husband, Dave 13 years ago, following his mental and physical breakdown from more than a decade as a successful corporate tax attorney. This, while watching Sara’s mentor battle pancreatic cancer at age 40. The answer, for The Specters, was that life is too short to spend unhappy. So they turned the basement hobby that brought Dave joy — winemaking — into Bells Up Winery.” Winemaker Dave Specter is our guest pulling the cork on all that is Bells Up Winery.

“Chef Raphael Lunetta and Executive Chef / Partner Emilio Cuyuch provide their guests a chef driven, neighborhood diner with a rustic California dining room and bar. Both sides feature the freshest, highly sourced ingredients, cocktails, great coffee, craft beers & friendly service. All are offered in a very social environment. Menus for Lunetta are locally sourced and responsibly grown, using seasonal ingredients based on the abundant product available on the California Coast. Food is served either as separate items for each guest or family style to share amongst everyone at your table.” Chef / Proprietor Raphael Lunetta is our guest.

It’s hard to believe but before late 2018 Hitching Post Wines (made famous in the Oscar-winning 2004 feature motion picture, “Sideways,”) never had a tasting room. That all changed for the better in 2018 when acclaimed winemakers Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini debuted a mid-century farmhouse, destination Tasting Room (with lunch service delivered from Hitching Post 2) adjacent to Chef Ostini’s prominent Hitching Post 2 restaurant in Buellton. Lunch on the back Patio of The Hitching Post Wines Tasting Room is now provided with full service. Think Grilled Artichoke with Smoked Tomato Mayo and a Pulled Pork Sandwich on a Brioche Bun, South Carolina-style. Gray Hartley joins us popping the cork on a bottle of their signature Highliner for us.

“The Garagiste Wine Festival returns to Los Angeles at Glendale Civic Auditorium for the eighth time on Saturday, June 17th with over 40 micro-production, commercial ‘garagiste’ California wineries from Malibu, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara County, Paso Robles, Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Baja California, and more. The festival, which takes place at the Glendale Civic Auditorium, also offers a VIP tasting seminar on Santa Barbara County’s smallest, but perhaps most intriguing AVA, ‘Happy Canyon’, and features winemakers Dusty Nabor (Dusty Nabor Wines), Anna Lancucki (Final Girl Wines) and Jessica Gasca (Story of Soil). The festival also includes a “No Repeats Rare and Reserve” early access hour.” “We love bringing The Garagiste Festival to Los Angeles because it is the only wine event in L.A. that brings together so many high quality, small-production winemakers from so many different areas,” said Garagiste Festival Co-founder Doug Minnick. “It’s a whole California winery road trip all in one place on one day.” Co-Founder Doug Minnick joins us to pull the cork on all that is Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of 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. Finally egg prices are descending from the stratosphere. Unfortunately beef prices continue to rise. What’s going on? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

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

Show 529, June 10, 2023: Hitching Post Wines, Buellton, with Gray Hartley

Posted on June 11, 2023 by Adam Bell

It’s hard to believe but before late 2018 the well-respected Hitching Post Wines (made famous in the Oscar-winning 2004 feature motion picture, “Sideways,”) never had a tasting room. That all changed for the better in 2018 when acclaimed winemakers Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini debuted a mid-century farmhouse, destination Tasting Room (with lunch service delivered from Hitching Post 2) adjacent to Chef Ostini’s Hitching Post 2 restaurant in Buellton.

Leading the Hitching Post Wines team are the creators and two long-time friends, Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini, who have been making wines in Santa Barbara County, California since 1979. Long before Hollywood discovered the winemaking landmark and its excellent wines, Gray Hartley, a former Alaskan salmon fisherman and Frank Ostini, chef and owner of the famed Hitching Post 2 Restaurant in Buellton, were brought together by their love of wine and winemaking. Over the years their backyard hobby has turned into a highly acclaimed winemaking enterprise.

Lunch on the back Patio of The Hitching Post Wines Tasting Room is now accommodated with full service. Think Grilled Artichoke with Smoked Tomato Mayo and a Pulled Pork Sandwich on a Brioche Bun, South Carolina-style.

Most of the Hitching Post Wines are available by the glass in the alfresco Patio Dining area. The various Tasting Flights (Traditional and Reserve Tasting) are available inside the front HPW Tasting Room.

Gray Hartley joins us popping the cork on a bottle of their signature Highliner for us.

June 10: Bells Up Winery, Lunetta, Hitching Post Wines, Garagiste Wine Festival

Posted on June 8, 2023 by Adam Bell

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Bells Up Winery, Newberg, OR with Winemaker Dave Specter Part One
Segment Three: Bells Up Winery, Newberg, OR with Winemaker Dave Specter Part Two
Segment Four: Executive Chef & Partner Raphael Lunetta, Lunetta All Day, Santa Monica Part One
Segment Five: Executive Chef & Partner Raphael Lunetta, Lunetta All Day, Santa Monica Part Two
Segment Six: Hitching Post Wines, Buellton, with Gray Hartley
Segment Seven: Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure with Co-Founder Doug Minnick
Segment Eight: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

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

The Bells Up Winery’s (Newberg, Oregon) Story…“If you’re this successful in a career that makes you sick, stressed and miserable… how much more successful would you be doing something you love?” That’s the question Sara Specter asked husband, Dave 13 years ago, following his mental and physical breakdown from more than a decade as a successful corporate tax attorney. This, while watching Sara’s professional mentor battle pancreatic cancer at age 40. The answer, for The Specters, was that life is too short to spend unhappy. So they turned the basement hobby that brought Dave joy — winemaking — into Bells Up Winery.” Winemaker Dave Specter is our guest pulling the cork on all that is Bells Up Winery.

Chef Raphael Lunetta and Executive Chef/ Partner Emilio Cuyuch provide their guests a chef driven, neighborhood diner with a rustic California dining room and bar. Both sides feature the freshest, highly sourced ingredients, cocktails, great coffee, craft beers & friendly service. All are offered in a very social environment. Menus for Lunetta are locally sourced and responsibly grown, using seasonal ingredients based on the abundant product available on the California Coast. Food is served either as separate items for each guest or family style to share amongst everyone at your table.” Chef / Proprietor Raphael Lunetta is our guest.

It’s hard to believe but before late 2018 Hitching Post Wines (made famous in the Oscar-winning 2004 feature motion picture, “Sideways,”) never had a tasting room. That all changed for the better in 2018 when acclaimed winemakers Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini debuted a mid-century farmhouse, destination Tasting Room (with lunch service delivered from Hitching Post 2) adjacent to Chef Ostini’s prominent Hitching Post 2 restaurant in Buellton. Lunch on the back Patio of The Hitching Post Wines Tasting Room is now with full service. Think Grilled Artichoke with Smoked Tomato Mayo and a Pulled Pork Sandwich on a Brioche Bun, South Carolina-style. Gray Hartley joins us popping the cork on a bottle of their signature Highliner for us.

“The Garagiste Wine Festival returns to Los Angeles for the eighth time on Saturday, June 17th with over 40 micro-production, commercial ‘garagiste’ California wineries from Malibu, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara County, Paso Robles, Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Baja California, and more. The festival, which takes place at the Glendale Civic Auditorium, also offers a VIP tasting seminar on Santa Barbara County’s smallest, but perhaps most intriguing AVA, ‘Happy Canyon’, and features winemakers Dusty Nabor (Dusty Nabor Wines), Anna Lancucki (Final Girl Wines) and Jessica Gasca (Story of Soil). The festival also includes a “No Repeats Rare and Reserve” early access hour.” “We love bringing The Garagiste Festival to Los Angeles because it is the only wine event in L.A. that brings together so many high quality, small-production winemakers from so many different areas,” said Garagiste Festival Co-founder Doug Minnick. “It’s a whole California winery road trip all in one place on one day.” Co-Founder Doug Minnick joins us to pull the cork on all that is Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure.

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. Finally egg prices are descending from the stratosphere. Unfortunately beef prices continue to rise. What’s going on? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

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

The Bells Up Winery’s (Newberg, Oregon) Story…

“If you’re this successful in a career that makes you sick, stressed and miserable… how much more successful would you be doing something you love?”

“That’s the question Sara Specter asked husband, Dave 13 years ago, following his mental and physical breakdown from more than a decade as a successful corporate tax attorney. This, while watching Sara’s professional mentor battle pancreatic cancer at age 40.”

“The answer, for The Specters, was that life is too short to spend unhappy. So they turned the basement hobby that brought Dave joy — winemaking — into Bells Up Winery.”

“Dave left the legal field, dedicating himself full-time to learning the business of making wine as a professional at Henke Winery while the Family lived in Cincinnati, Ohio.”

“After Dave won two different amateur national winemaking competitions with two different wines, The Specters decided to relocate to Newberg, Oregon. In 2013, they established Bells Up Winery and their winemaking dreams took root.”

“Today — micro-boutique, un-domaine and open exclusively for one winemaker-hosted tasting experience at a time — Bells Up composes handcrafted, classically-styled Oregon Pinot Noir, Rosé, Pinot Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon with grapes sourced from their estate vineyard and from micro-sites in the Willamette Valley and Eastern Oregon.”

“The name “Bells Up” refers to a dramatic moment in classical music where the composer instructs French horn players to lift the bells of their instruments up and project sound with maximum intensity. Dave, a French horn player who performed throughout high school and college, says the winery is his “Bells Up” moment.”

“Today, Bells Up invites guests to experience their own #bellsupmoment with a full-sensory private wine tasting experience guided by Winemaker Dave, where he shares their wines and our story. One of the best parts of being a micro-boutique winery is the opportunity to build lasting personal relationships with each and every person who comes through their door. That’s why Bells Up Winery exclusively offers private wine tastings dedicated solely to your group — and never double-booked.”

Winemaker Dave Specter is our guest pulling the cork on all that is Bells Up Winery.

“Chef Raphael Lunetta and Executive Chef / Partner Emilio Cuyuch provide their guests a chef driven neighborhood diner with a rustic California dining room and bar. Both sides feature the freshest, highly sourced ingredients, cocktails great coffee, craft beers & friendly service. All are offered in a very social environment.”

“Menus for Lunetta are locally sourced and responsibly grown, using seasonal ingredients based on the abundant product available on the California Coast. Food is served either as separate items for each guest or family style to share amongst everyone at your table.”

Lunetta built spacious patios so that guests can continue the al fresco dining-out experience. Lunetta has the All-Day dining room that opens for lunch, happy hour and dinner and the Fireplace dining room and Gallery Room for dinner or a private event.

The OG patio is the outdoor seating area connected to the all-day restaurant. The Cove patio is the covered seating area in the middle of the parking lot.

Lunetta serves breakfast items until 3 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday. The dinner menu is offered in both the all-day dining room and at night in the back fireplace dining room and Moon Bar.

“At Lunetta people matter most, seasonal makes sense, authenticity rules, quality governs, deliciousness is undeniable, pretense is absurd, comfort feels good, fun tastes better, teamwork and pride sustain it all.”

On-site parking in the rear as well as street parking.

Chef / Proprietor Raphael Lunetta is our guest.

Gray Hartley joins us popping the cork on a bottle of their signature Highliner for us.

“The Garagiste Wine Festival returns to Los Angeles for the eighth time on Saturday, June 17th with over 40 micro-production, commercial ‘garagiste’ California wineries from Malibu, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara County, Paso Robles, Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Baja California, and more. The festival, which takes place at the Glendale Civic Auditorium, also offers a VIP tasting seminar on Santa Barbara County’s smallest, but perhaps most intriguing AVA, ‘Happy Canyon’, and features winemakers Dusty Nabor (Dusty Nabor Wines), Anna Lancucki (Final Girl Wines) and Jessica Gasca (Story of Soil). The festival also includes a “No Repeats Rare and Reserve” early access hour.”

“We love bringing The Garagiste Festival to Los Angeles because it is the only wine event in LA that brings together so many high quality, small-production winemakers from so many different areas,” said Garagiste Festival Co-founder Doug Minnick. “It’s a whole California winery road trip all in one place on one day.”

“The Garagiste Festival showcases under-the-radar, innovative, commercial winemakers who handcraft 1,500 cases or less of wine and is renowned for its passionate winemakers who pour in-person at the festival, as well as for its diversity of handcrafted wines, renegade spirit, and rules-breaking, ‘no snobs allowed’ ethos. The festival has been described as “tasting nirvana,” “strange and wondrous,” and “one not to miss” by the Los Angeles Times and ‘beloved by geeks near and far” by Sonoma Magazine. About its wineries says the Sonoma Sun: “if corporate mega-wineries are like the dinosaurs of rock music, these are the garage bands,” and, wrote Vinography’s Alder Yarrow: “they offer a sense of discovery. I’ve watched many a wine brand start out small…and end up an established name on the California Wine scene.”

Tickets are very limited for the Garagiste Festivals and always sell out.

Founder Doug Minnick joins us to pull the cork on all that is Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the recently launched, full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of 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.

Finally egg prices are descending from the stratosphere. Unfortunately beef prices continue to rise. A bit of a mixed message… What’s going on? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”