Show 541, September 2, 2023: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

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 and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

It’s Labor Day Weekend, the official last stand of the Summer grilling season. Chef Andrew has some useful hints including thoughts on grilling whole fish and getting the perfectly grilled fish off the flame intact.

Show 527, May 27, 2023: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the recently launched, 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.

It’s Memorial Day Weekend. First Chef Andrew gently reminds us that there is more significance to this holiday besides the treat of Summer grilling. Sunday, May 28 is National Burger Day and as a burger aficionado Chef Andrew provides some inspiring thoughts. Since Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of the Summer grilling season Chef Andrew shares a few genuinely useful tips. How do you test for doneness on that craveworthy steak?

Show 427, May 29, 2021: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

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

Executive Chef Kenneth Williams is an American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York, Chef Ken brings a wealth of professional expertise to overseeing Agua Caliente Resort Rancho Mirage’s diverse dining options.” “Chef Ken believes in utilizing the best, highest quality products, and he considers it a part of his job to inspire and educate his culinary staff to produce delicious dining experiences on a consistent basis. His arrival at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage (in early 2019) coincided with the opening of 360 Sports, with its full-service dining and bar menu options, and the property’s new dining marketplace, The District, offering an array of regional cuisines from Mexican to a selection of Asian and delicatessen foods. These new eateries joined the existing, casual Waters Café, and the fine-dining flagship, The Steakhouse.” Chef Ken is our guest.

“2021 marks Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery’s 50th year (located on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley) and it is still family owned and operated. Founders Bob and Sue Brakesman’s three children, Heather, Brian, and Danny were all raised at Summit Lake and have worked hard to continue their parent’s legacy. Sue passed away in 2003 but you can still find Bob working hard repairing equipment and tending the vineyards. Brian has taken over the winemaking, Heather is the general manager and Danny caretakes the property. In addition to Zinfandel, Summit Lake Vineyards produces estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel Port, Petite Sirah, a red blend and rosé. All are named for Bob and Sue’s granddaughters; Emily Kestrel, Clair Riley, Sophia Lynn, and Blythe Susan and grandsons Ben and Shane.” Heather Griffin and Brian Brakesman join us to gently pull the cork on Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery.

Gasolina Café launched in 2015 on Ventura Blvd. in Woodland Hills under the direction of Chef/Proprietor Sandra Cordero. It’s Spanish influenced food with a fresh approach. The menu is seasonally driven and foodstuffs are sustainably raised and grown, and locally sourced. Gasolina Cafe always takes pride in honoring Chef Sandra’s Spanish heritage.” Newly opened for Dinner on Thursday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.” Open for Breakfast and Lunch on Wednesday through Sunday. Chef Sandra Cordero joins us paella pan in hand.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is continually updating us on the real impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants during the early, highly fluid stages of the hoped-for recovery which remains a genuine concern. It’s the first big grilling weekend of the unofficial start of Summer. Chef Andrew shares some valuable tips. Chef Andrew is in Texas on his annual Texas BBQ tasting road tour. What distinguishes BBQ in the Lone Star State ? Chef Andrew will point us in the right direction.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness (with proper Social Distancing) on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 427, May 29, 2021: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel savoring a New Jersey style Pizza

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is continually updating us on the real impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants during the initial, highly fluid stages of the hoped-for recovery.

It’s the first big grilling weekend of the unofficial start of Summer. Chef Andrew shares some valuable tips for success on the grill.

Chef Andrew is in Texas on his annual Texas BBQ tasting road tour. Just as we were about to discover what distinguishes BBQ in the Lone Star State from other regions we lost the connection with Chef Andrew. We’ll regroup and pick up this conversation next week.

Keep in mind the juicy and delicious Community Burger (more than a mouthful) is available at all Southern California locations of Slapfish. The worthy burger is free with any donation to 86 Restaurant Struggle.” 100 per cent of that money goes to benefit struggling restaurant workers.

Show 329, June 22, 2019: Master Griller Jamie Purviance – Weber’s Ultimate Grilling Part One

Jamie Purviance of Weber GrillsJamie Purviance has been Weber’s master griller and teacher for 20 years. He creates innovative yet accessible and always delicious, foolproof recipes for desired results every time. The short, easily adaptable dishes in his new WEBER’S ULTIMATE GRILLING – A Step-By-Step Guide to Barbecue Genius go above and beyond in both flavor and instruction, delving into the key grilling methods used to create the most flavorful flame-cooked meals. This is his 17th cookbook!

With Purviance’s skilled guidance, readers will master the four T’s of grilling (temperature, timing, technique, and tools) and be able to apply them to any recipe for absolute best results.

Jamie puts down the tongs and joins us for an instructive tutorial.

Show 329, June 22, 2019: Master Griller Jamie Purviance – Weber’s Ultimate Grilling Part Two

Jamie Purviance of Weber GrillsWith more than 800 stunning full color photographs illustrating each step of the 100+, all new recipes, WEBER’S ULTIMATE GRILLING: A Step-by-Step Guide to Barbeque Genius authored by Jamie Purviance, a world-renowned grilling expert, makes it simple for beginners and experts alike to grill anything to perfection, from the ultimate Porterhouse steak, the best American burger, showstopping chicken, succulent shrimp skewers, beautifully charred corn on the cob, and luscious desserts.

“All you need to do is look and cook. Readers can follow any recipe in the book by glancing at the detailed step-by-step visuals, making this the first grilling book of its kind and a soon-to-be backyard staple.”

Fundamentally a technique book, WEBER’S ULTIMATE GRILLING will help you first master the basics then embrace the freedom to create your own riffs. “Flavor bomb” variations offer easy ideas for customizing favorite recipes from burgers to bruschetta.

Jamie continues the sizzling conversation with us…

Show 324, May 18, 2019: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host and Founder of Slapfish Restaurant Group – “Ask the Chef”

Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group at the AM830 KLAA StudiosOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group joins us with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment. With the Summer grilling season on the horizon it’s great to have a real working chef in our corner always providing handy and practical advice!

Raw oysters have been in the news of late. Chef Andrew serves up what we need to know about continuing to enjoy them free of worry. Don’t hesitate to ask your server where the oysters were sourced from. They should know…

Show 197, November 12, 2016: Meathead Goldwyn, AmazingRibs.com, Meathead – The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling Part One

Meathead GoldwynOne of our favorite guests of 2016 is Meathead Goldwyn, the founder of AmazingRibs.com, the hugely popular grilling and barbecue website. He’s also known as the barbecue whisperer.

His new book is Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling. Meathead joins us with some unexpected but practical tips for preparing the traditional Thanksgiving feast.

Let’s not stuff the bird in the traditional way. Instead, make mufflings (stuffing prepared and baked in muffin pans.) Also, so all parts of the turkey cook evenly on the grill butterfly or spatchcock the bird.

Show 197, November 12, 2016: Meathead Goldwyn, AmazingRibs.com, Meathead – The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling Part Two

Meathead GoldwynOne of our favorite guests of 2016 is Meathead Goldwyn, the founder of AmazingRibs.com, the hugely popular grilling and barbecue website. He’s also known as the barbecue whisperer.

His new book is Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling. Meathead now continues with some unexpected but practical tips for preparing the traditional Thanksgiving feast.

For accurate temperature control always use a digital thermometer. It’s much more reliable. AmazingRibs.com has a helpful buying guide with objective reviews.

For cooking the bird Meathead suggests smoking or grilling. This opens up critical oven space for baking pies.

What wood should you use to create the natural smoke flavor for the bird? Meathead tells you what you really need to know.

“Understanding is the first step in mastery. This book (MEATHEAD) explains the science of barbecuing and grilling in lay terms. Along the way, I use science to filter the hogwash, bust the myths, and take down the old husbands’ tales and canards passed along by pit masters whose rituals that have gone largely untested since that first forest fire.” Meathead Goldwyn – From the Introduction.

 

Show 186, August 27, 2016: Meathead Goldwyn, AmazingRibs.com, MEATHEAD: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling

Meathead GoldwynHe’s back…Meathead Goldwyn is the founder, barbecue and grilling whisperer, and hedonism evangelist behind AmazingRibs.com. the world’s most popular outdoor cooking website. His new book is MEATHEAD: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling. Just in time for Labor Day cookouts…

The emphasis on this encore segment is Meathead’s take on grilling and smoking veggies. Meadhead goes Veghead ! Who knew…? Meathead takes us through his signature recipe for Grilled Marinara Sauce. Perfect for Eggplant Parmigiana.

The founder of the destination website amazingribs.com applies the latest scientific research to barbecuing and grilling, including 200 recipes
for succulent results every time, nothing is more crucial than understanding the science behind the interaction of fire and food.

The resourceful founder of the destination website amazingribs.com applies the latest scientific research to barbecuing and grilling, including 200 recipes
for succulent results every time, nothing is more crucial than understanding the science behind the interaction of fire and food.

In this definitive guide to the concepts, methods, and equipment of barbecuing and grilling, “Meathead” Goldwyn shatters the myths that stand in the way of perfection. “Busted” misconceptions include:

Meat should be brought to room temperature before cooking: In fact, cold meat absorbs smoke better.

Hardwood charcoal is better than briquets: Actually, there’s no difference in flavor, and briquets last longer.

Meat needs to rest after grilling to reabsorb its juices: Tests show it does not take up juices but can become cold and overcooked.

Meathead reveals everything backyard heroes need to know, including how to decide when to use a dry rub or a brine and a detailed roundup of equipment—from grills and grates to the best thermometers.

Lavishly designed with full-color photos and illustrations, this book contains all the sure-fire recipes for traditional American favorites: Tennessee Hollerin’ Sauce, Last Meal Ribs, Simon & Garfunkel Chicken, Schmancy Smoked Salmon, Roman-Style No-Knead Pizza, and Ultimate Corn on the Cob.