Show 683, June 13, 2026: “Ask the Chef” with Andrew Gruel, Show Co-Host and Restaurateur, Calico Fish House, Huntington Beach

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) continues his timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

It’s Summer Grilling Season and Chef Andrew continues his timely and practical series from American Gravy of Grilling Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Cookout.” Sound advice for Father’s Day.

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

Show 682, June 6, 2026: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

It’s the last Weekend of Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week and Wildest Restaurant + Bar in Palm Desert is participating. Co-Proprietress & Executive Chef Trilby Tatro takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us. For Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week Wildest Restaurant is showcasing a three-course, prix fixe dining experience (with options for each course) for $49.95. Entrée options are the guest’s choice of English Pea and Black Truffle Ravioli, Crispy Skin Market Fish or Braised Short Ribs. “Wildest Restaurant & Bar is a chef-driven, award-winning dining destination on El Paseo. Led by Chef Trilby Tatro, Owner Charissa Farley-Hay, and Manager/Sommelier Farouk Chaabi, Wildest showcases some of the most unique cuisine in the Coachella Valley. Signature dishes include grass-fed, pasture-raised rack of venison, Texas quail, Santa Barbara uni pasta, caviar service, and their cult-favorite trumpet mushroom “calamari.””

“Culinary Host and Restaurateur / Chef Neal Fraser and Event Producer Shelby Russell are presenting the inaugural Hollywood on the Coast Food & Wine set for Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the iconic Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica. Shelby Russell joins us with all the event’s details including the benefit’s designated charities.

Restaurateur Dustin Trani of Trani’s Dockside Station, J. Trani’s Ristorante and Majestic in San Pedro is one of the high-profile participating chefs in Hollywood on the Coast. We’ll meet him.

Coastline Pizzeria in Mission Viejo is far more ambitious than your typical neighborhood pizza joint. It’s an effort of brothers Jason Martin and Gabe Wood. Their tagline is “East Coast Inspired and West Coast Crafted.” Rising above the pack they use no seed oils. The pizza dough is made in-house daily from scratch and allowed to properly rest and ferment. Their house-made mozzarella sticks, wings and fries are cooked in beef tallow to add extra flavor. Pizzaiolos Jason Martin and Gabe Wood take a break from their busy kitchen to join us in studio.

For our concluding segment at 11:45 a.m. 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. It’s Summer Grilling Season and Chef Andrew recaps his newly published series from American Gravy of “Grilling Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Cookout.”

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

Show 682, June 6, 2026: “Ask the Chef” with Andrew Gruel, Show Co-Host and Restaurateur, Calico Fish House, Huntington Beach

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Calico Fish House

For our concluding segment at 11:45 a.m. our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) continues his timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

It’s Summer Grilling Season and Chef Andrew recaps his series from American Gravy of “Grilling Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Cookout.” Sound advice for Father’s Day.

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

June 6: Wildest Restaurant + Bar, Hollywood on the Coast Food & Wine with Shelby Russell and Dustin Trani, Coastline Pizzeria

Podcasts

Hour One: Wildest Restaurant + Bar, Hollywood on the Coast
Hour Two: Dustin Trani, Coastline Pizzeria, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Wildest Restaurant + Bar, Palm Desert, with Executive Chef Trilby Tatro. Participant in Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
Segment Four: Hollywood on the Coast Food & Wine Benefit with Organizer Shelby Russell
Segment Five: Chef Dustin Trani, Trani’s Dockside, Participant in Hollywood on the Coast Food & Wine Benefit
Segment Six and Seven: Coastline Pizza, Mission Viejo, with Proprietors Jason Martin & Gabe Wood
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Andrew Guuel, Show Co-Host and Restaurateur, Calico Fish House, Huntington Beach

It’s the last Weekend of Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week and Wildest Restaurant + Bar in Palm Desert is participating. Co-Proprietress & Executive Chef Trilby Tatro takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us. For Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week Wildest Restaurant is showcasing a three-course, prix fixe dining experience (with options for each course) for $49.95. Entrée options are the guest’s choice of English Pea and Black Truffle Ravioli, Crispy Skin Market Fish or Braised Short Ribs. “Wildest Restaurant & Bar is a chef-driven, award-winning dining destination on El Paseo. Led by Chef Trilby Tatro, Owner Charissa Farley-Hay, and Manager/Sommelier Farouk Chaabi, Wildest showcases some of the most unique cuisine in the Coachella Valley. Signature dishes include grass-fed, pasture-raised rack of venison, Texas quail, Santa Barbara uni pasta, caviar service, and their cult-favorite trumpet mushroom “calamari.””

“Culinary Host & Restaurateur Chef Neal Fraser and Event Producer Shelby Russell are presenting the inaugural Hollywood on the Coast Food & Wine set for Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the iconic Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica. Shelby Russell joins us with all the event’s details including the benefit’s designated charities.

Restaurateur Dustin Trani of Trani’s Dockside Station, J. Trani’s Ristorante and Majestic in San Pedro is one of the high-profile participating chefs in Hollywood on the Coast. We’ll meet him.

Coastline Pizzeria in Mission Viejo is far more ambitious than your typical neighborhood pizza joint. It’s an effort of brothers Jason Martin and Gabe Wood. Their tagline is “East Coast Inspired and West Coast Crafted.” Rising above the pack they use no seed oils. The pizza dough is made in-house daily from scratch and allowed to rest and ferment. Their house-made mozzarella sticks, wings and fries are cooked in beef tallow to add extra flavor. Pizzaiolos Jason Martin and Gabe Wood take a break from their busy kitchen to join us in studio.

For our concluding segment at 11:45 a.m. 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. It’s Summer Grilling Season and Chef Andrew recaps his series from American Gravy of “Grilling Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Cookout.”

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

Trilby Tatro of Wildest Restaurant + Bar

It’s the last Weekend of Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week and Wildest Restaurant + Bar in Palm Desert is participating. Co-Proprietress & Executive Chef Trilby Tatro takes a break from her busy kitchen to join us.

For Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week Wildest Restaurant is showcasing a three-course, prix fixe dining experience (with options for each course) for $49.95. Entrée options are the guest’s choice of English Pea and Black Truffle Ravioli, Crispy Skin Market Fish or Braised Short Ribs.

“Wildest Restaurant & Bar is a chef-driven, award-winning dining destination on El Paseo. Led by Chef Trilby Tatro, Owner Charissa Farley-Hay, and Manager/Sommelier Farouk Chaabi, Wildest showcases some of the most unique cuisine in the Coachella Valley. Signature dishes include grass-fed, pasture-raised rack of venison, Texas quail, Santa Barbara uni pasta, caviar service, and their cult-favorite trumpet mushroom “calamari.””

“Wildest prioritizes exceptional sourcing—wild-caught fish, local and pasture-raised meats, pristine seasonal produce, and plant-based options crafted with equal creativity. The atmosphere blends striking design with nightly live entertainment, indoor/outdoor dining, and a lively but refined energy. Honored as Best New Restaurant, Best Farm-to-Table, a Wine Spectator Award winner, and nominated for Best Fine Dining, Wildest offers standout food, great drinks, and a truly unforgettable time in the heart of Palm Desert.”

Shelby Russell of Electric Avenue Events

“Culinary Host and Restaurateur / Chef Neal Fraser and Event Producer Shelby Russell are presenting the inaugural Hollywood on the Coast Food & Wine set for Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the iconic Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica.” Shelby Russell joins us with all the event’s mouthwatering details.

“Conceived as a premier, one-night-only strolling culinary celebration at the intersection of entertainment, culinary artistry, and philanthropy, Hollywood on the Coast Food & Wine will host 750 distinguished guests from across the entertainment industry and Los Angeles’ thriving food and beverage community. This exclusive gathering unites an influential mix of producers, studio executives, celebrities, tastemakers, and industry leaders for an extraordinary evening along the California coast. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of one of Southern California’s most coveted seaside destinations, the event will unfold in a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere where creativity, culture, and world-class cuisine take center stage.”

Dustin Trani

“Beyond its star power and culinary prestige, Hollywood on the Coast Food & Wine is grounded in purpose, with 100% of proceeds from the evening benefiting two of the entertainment industry’s most respected charitable organizations: Variety – The Children’s Charity of Southern California, which provides critical support and resources to children with special needs and their families, and the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, celebrating 90 years of supporting the motion picture community offering financial assistance and vital services to industry professionals in times of hardship. With deep-rooted connections to major film studios, both organizations play a vital role in supporting the people behind the entertainment industry making this event especially meaningful to the Hollywood community.”

Restaurateur Chef Dustin Trani of Trani’s Dockside Station, J. Trani’s Ristorante and Majestic in San Pedro is one of the participating chefs and we’ll meet him. He’s a fourth-generation chef celebrated for his coastal Italian-inspired cuisine and deep culinary roots in San Pedro. Chef Trani has been featured on Food Network and recognized by the Los Angeles Times for his standout contributions to Southern California dining. He’s also a graduate of the Culinary Careers Program (C-CAP.)

Jason Martin of Coastline Pizzeria

Coastline Pizzeria in Mission Viejo is far more ambitious than your typical neighborhood pizza joint. It’s an effort of brothers Jason Martin and Gabe Wood. Their tagline is “East Coast Inspired and West Coast Crafted.”

Rising above the pack they use no seed oils. The pizza dough is made in-house daily from scratch and allowed to properly rest and ferment. Their house-made mozzarella sticks, wings and fries are cooked in beef tallow to add extra flavor.

Gabe Wood of Coastline Pizzeria

Coastline’s Bonfire Pizza won the best specialty pizza award earlier in the year at SoCal Pizza Week. It’s a 16-inch round pizza with pepperoni, creamy burrata, fresh basil and drizzled with house-prepared hot honey.

They also offer Detroit-style squares (10 X 14 inches.) The lunch sandwiches are served (Weekdays) on fresh, house-baked bread. (Think Pastrami Tsunami.)

Pizzaiolos Jason Martin and Gabe Wood take a break from their busy kitchen to join us in studio.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Calico Fish House

For our concluding segment at 11:45 a.m. our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) continues his timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

It’s Summer Grilling Season and Chef Andrew recaps his series from American Gravy of “Grilling Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Cookout.”

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: Wildest Restaurant + Bar, Hollywood on the Coast
Hour Two: Dustin Trani, Coastline Pizzeria, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Wildest Restaurant + Bar, Palm Desert, with Executive Chef Trilby Tatro. Participant in Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
Segment Four: Hollywood on the Coast Food & Wine Benefit with Organizer Shelby Russell
Segment Five: Chef Dustin Trani, Trani’s Dockside, Participant in Hollywood on the Coast Food & Wine Benefit
Segment Six and Seven: Coastline Pizza, Mission Viejo, with Proprietors Jason Martin & Gabe Wood
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Andrew Guuel, Show Co-Host and Restaurateur, Calico Fish House, Huntington Beach

Show 654, November 22, 2025: Meathead, BBQ Hall of Famer and New York Times – Bestselling Author with Thanksgiving Cooking Tips

Meathead Goldwyn

“From the BBQ Hall of Famer and New York Times bestselling author of Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling comes The Meathead Method, a masterclass in the science and art of outdoor cooking. Meathead offers readers an informative, comprehensive, and fun guide to BBQ, grilling, and griddling, all backed by the latest culinary science. With more than 110 creative and non-traditional recipes, The Meathead Method provides both indoor and outdoor cooks with tools to elevate their skills. From mastering fire, smoke, and heat to discovering the intricacies of flavors, this book is more than just a cookbook—it’s a reference manual which guides us on a journey into the heart of what makes great food.”

Meathead is our special encore guest providing insightful tips for outdoor cooking for preparing the Thanksgiving feast including some proven variations on cooking the bird to achieve even doneness. His tips include dry brining, Simon & Garfunkel Spice Rub and Stuffing Muffins. Also cooking that perfect standing rib roast if you’re willing to splurge.

Show 642, August 30, 2025: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

“From the BBQ Hall of Famer and New York Times bestselling author of Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling comes The Meathead Method, a masterclass in the science and art of outdoor cooking. Meathead offers readers an informative, comprehensive, and fun guide to BBQ, grilling, and griddling, all backed by the latest culinary science. With more than 110 creative and non-traditional recipes, The Meathead Method provides both indoor and outdoor cooks with tools to elevate their skills. From mastering fire, smoke, and heat to discovering the intricacies of flavors, this book is more than just a cookbook—it’s a reference manual which guides us on a journey into the heart of what makes great food.” Meathead is our encore guest with insightful tips for outdoor cooking for the Labor Day Weekend.

“The short but abundantly flavorful Hatch Pepper season is here. Join The Salsa Grill in Pico Rivera for flavorful experiences like no other!

On the horizon is the annual Hatch Pepper Roast and Buffet Brunch with Chef Marco Zapien (a Hatch Pepper authority) so everyone can enjoy the annual availability of the unique bright green, glossy and flavorful pepper. Chef Marco Zapien takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine (the 2nd Annual) is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, September 12th, 2025, and Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 13th, 2025. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 23 of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.” The Founder of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine, Shelby Russell, joins us with an enticing overview of the event.

“When it opened in 2019, Pasjoli helped to usher in a new era of fine dining on Santa Monica’s bustling Main Street. Pasjoli has elolved into a neighborhood French bistro from James Beard award-winning chef, Dave Beran. Inspired by classic and modern French cuisine as well as produce from the farmers’ market, Pasjoli showcases creative touches on bistro fare. An elegant dining room outfitted with arches makes every dinner here feel like a special occasion. French is fun!”

Each evening, Pasjoli has limited availability of spectacular tableside pressed duck dinners. Tableside pressed duck is available by reservation only and requires a deposit. Chef Dave Beran takes a break from shopping the Santa Monica Farmers Market to join us.

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.

It’s the last big outdoor grilling Weekend of the Summer. Chef Andrew grabs his tongs and shares a few worthy tips. How about fresh, whole oysters on the grill?

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

Show 642, August 30, 2025: Meathead – BBQ Hall of Famer & New York Times Bestselling Author

Meathead Goldwyn

“From the BBQ Hall of Famer and New York Times bestselling author of Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling comes The Meathead Method, a masterclass in the science and art of outdoor cooking. Meathead offers readers an informative, comprehensive, and fun guide to BBQ, grilling, and griddling, all backed by the latest culinary science. With more than 110 creative and non-traditional recipes, The Meathead Method provides both indoor and outdoor cooks with tools to elevate their skills. From mastering fire, smoke, and heat to discovering the intricacies of flavors, this book is more than just a cookbook—it’s a reference manual which guides us on a journey into the heart of what makes great food.”

Is Beer Can Chicken really up to the hype?

Tips for cooking vegetables on the grill including potatoes, Summer tomatoes and eggplant.

Meathead is our encore guest with insightful tips for outdoor cooking for the Labor Day Weekend.

Show 642, August 30, 2025: Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House 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 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.

It’s the last big “official” outdoor grilling Weekend of the Summer. Chef Andrew grabs his tongs and shares a few worthy tips. Consider fresh, whole oyster cooked on the grill?

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

August 30: Meathead, Salsa Grill, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine, Dave Beran

Podcasts

Hour One: Meathead, Zapien’s Salsa Grill
Hour Two: Manhattan Beach Food & Wine, Dave Beran, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Meathead – BBQ Hall of Famer & New York Times Bestselling Author
Segment Four: Restaurateur & Chef Marco Zapien, Zapien’s Salsa Grill. Hatch Pepper Roasting and Brunch
Segment Five: Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Preview with Founder Shelby Russell
Segments Six and Seven: Pasjoli Santa Monica with Restaurateur & Chef Dave Beran
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House with “Ask the Chef”

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

“From the BBQ Hall of Famer and New York Times bestselling author of Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling comes The Meathead Method, a masterclass in the science and art of outdoor cooking. Meathead offers readers an informative, comprehensive, and fun guide to BBQ, grilling, and griddling, all backed by the latest culinary science. With more than 110 creative and non-traditional recipes, The Meathead Method provides both indoor and outdoor cooks with tools to elevate their skills. From mastering fire, smoke, and heat to discovering the intricacies of flavors, this book is more than just a cookbook—it’s a reference manual which guides us on a journey into the heart of what makes great food.” Meathead is our encore guest with insightful tips for outdoor cooking for the Labor Day Weekend.

“The short but abundantly flavorful Hatch Pepper season is here. Join The Salsa Grill in Pico Rivera for flavorful experiences like no other! Coming up is the annual Hatch Pepper Roast and Brunch with Chef Marco Zapien (a Hatch Pepper authority) so everyone can enjoy the annual availability of the unique bright green, glossy and flavorful pepper. Chef Marco Zapien takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine (the 2nd Annual) is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, September 12th, 2025, and Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 13th, 2025. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 23 of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.” The Founder of Manhattan Beach Food & Wine, Shelby Russell, joins us with an enticing overview of the event.

“When it opened in 2019, Pasjoli helped to usher in a new era of fine dining on Santa Monica’s bustling Main Street. Pasjoli has elolved into a neighborhood French bistro from James Beard award-winning chef, Dave Beran. Inspired by classic and modern French cuisine as well as produce from the farmers’ market, pasjoli showcases creative touches on bistro fare. An elegant dining room outfitted with arches makes every dinner here feel like a special occasion. French is fun!”

Each evening, Pasjoli has limited availability of spectacular tableside pressed duck dinners. Tableside pressed duck is available by reservation only and requires a deposit. Chef Dave Beran takes a break from shopping the Santa Monica Farmers Market to join us.

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.

It’s the last big outdoor grilling Weekend of the Summer. Chef Andrew grabs his tongs and shares a few worthy tips.

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

Meathead Goldwyn

“From the BBQ Hall of Famer and New York Times bestselling author of Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling comes The Meathead Method, a masterclass in the science and art of outdoor cooking. Meathead offers readers an informative, comprehensive, and fun guide to BBQ, grilling, and griddling, all backed by the latest culinary science. With more than 110 creative and non-traditional recipes, The Meathead Method provides both indoor and outdoor cooks with tools to elevate their skills. From mastering fire, smoke, and heat to discovering the intricacies of flavors, this book is more than just a cookbook—it’s a reference manual which guides us on a journey into the heart of what makes great food.”

Meathead is our encore guest with insightful tips for outdoor cooking for the Labor Day Weekend.

Marco Zapien of Zapiens Salsa Grill and Taqueria

“The short but abundantly flavorful Hatch Pepper season is here. Join The Salsa Grill in Pico Rivera for flavorful experiences like no other! Coming up is the annual Hatch Pepper Roast and Brunch with Chef Marco Zapien (a Hatch Pepper authority) so everyone can enjoy the annual availability of the unique bright green, glossy and flavorful pepper.

“Pick up your cases of freshly roasted Hatch Peppers at The Salsa Grill on Saturday, September 6th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during the restaurant’s annual Hatch Pepper Roast. Roasters will be set up outside of Zapien’s where you can hear the crackly coating form on each batch of peppers, as well as smell the unique fragrance. Patrons must pre order their 25-pound cases of Melissa’s Hatch Peppers online and can select their preferred level of spice from mild to very hot for pick up this day. The cost is $45 per case.”

Every year, The Salsa Grill features a decadent Hatch Pepper Brunch during the roast. The menu includes items like Hatch Brown Sugar Bone-in Ham, Hatch Belgian Waffles, Hatch Chile Verde and more. Brunch hours are 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. also on Saturday, Sept. 6th.

Chef Marco Zapien takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

Shelby Russell of Electric Avenue Events

“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine (the 2nd Annual) is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, September 12th, 2025, and Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 13th, 2025. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 23 of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.” The Founder of Manhattan Beach Food & WineShelby Russell, joins us with an enticing overview of the event.

Dave Beran of Pasjoli and Seline

“When it opened in 2019, Pasjoli helped to usher in a new era of fine dining on Santa Monica’s bustling Main Street. Pasjoli has elolved into a neighborhood French bistro from James Beard award-winning chef Dave Beran. Inspired by classic and modern French cuisine as well as produce from the farmers’ market, Pasjoli showcases creative touches on bistro fare. An elegant dining room outfitted with arches makes every dinner here feel like a special occasion. French is fun!”

“Each evening, Pasjoli has limited availability of spectacular tableside pressed duck dinners. Tableside pressed duck is available by reservation only and requires a deposit.”

Chef Beran’s other Santa Monica fine dining is the very high-end Seline, a special occasion restaurant with a multi -course prix fixe menu. The menu, comprising 15-18 courses, showcases Chef Dave Beran’s deeply thoughtful approach to storytelling, inviting guests to embrace the experience and join on a memorable culinary journey showcasing the many inspirations of Southern California.

Chef Dave Beran takes a break from the Santa Monica Farmers Market to join us.

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 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.

It’s the last big outdoor grilling Weekend of the Summer. Chef Andrew grabs his tongs and shares a few worthy tips.

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: Meathead, Zapien’s Salsa Grill
Hour Two: Manhattan Beach Food & Wine, Dave Beran, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Meathead – BBQ Hall of Famer & New York Times Bestselling Author
Segment Four: Restaurateur & Chef Marco Zapien, Zapien’s Salsa Grill. Hatch Pepper Roasting and Brunch
Segment Five: Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Preview with Founder Shelby Russell
Segments Six and Seven: Pasjoli Santa Monica with Restaurateur & Chef Dave Beran
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House with “Ask the Chef”

Show 626, May 10, 2025: Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House with “Ask the Chef”

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.

Beef is regaining its former popularity and certain cuts are sometimes now in short supply. Where’s the beef? Chef Andrew explains.

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