Show 563, February 3, 2024: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host and Proprietor of Calico Fish House, with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel savoring a New Jersey style Pizza

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.

“The Big Game” with the 49ers and the Chiefs is coming up on Sunday, February 11th. Chef Andrew will share his salivating ideas for the tastiest in worthy “Big Game Edibles.” Think enhanced Chicken Wings and a purist’s guacamole.

Look for Chef Andrew’s new cooking video with Cathy Thomas on Orange Coast Magazine. He prepares One-Pan Seared Salmon with Sweet Potatoes (from Melissa’s), mushrooms, and garbanzo beans.

Check out Chef Andrew’s handy and practical cooking tips on Substack at “American Gravy.” There is an accessible free level as well as a premium option with a modest cost.

Loaded Guacamole Dip

Loaded Guacamole Dip by Tara Bench

Recipe excerpt from:
Delicious Gatherings: Recipes To Celebrate Together
by Tara “Teaspoon” Bench

TURN THAT FAMOUS seven-layer dip on its head! You know the one; I’ve got a gorgeous
version on my blog
. Here, I’ve loaded a tasty layer of guacamole with so much good stuff (and some new additions). I wanted a dip that could serve as a centerpiece, so I’ve composed the platter to look impressive. It’s a showstopper that’s perfect for dipping your chips into, scooping onto enchiladas, or dolloping on a taco salad. Your taste buds will know what to expect—amazingness!

I suggest making your own simple guacamole with my quick-cheat tomatillo salsa recipe provided here. But in a pinch, you can buy the guac. I won’t tell.

Taco Crema

  • 1 ¼  cups sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning

Guacamole

  • 5 ripe avocados
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup green tomatillo salsa
  • 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Green Salsa

  • ¾ cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped scallions
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeño

Toppings

  • 1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups finely diced tomatoes,
  • seeds removed and drained of juice
  • 1 to 1 ¼  cups crumbled cotija cheese
  • Half a can (15-ounce) black beans,
  • drained and rinsed
  • ¾ cup roasted corn kernels
  • Chips for serving

Instructions

  1. For the taco crema: In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream and taco seasoning.
    Set aside in the fridge while you prepare the remaining elements.
  2. For the guacamole: In a large bowl, smash all guacamole ingredients until you
    achieve a slightly chunky consistency. Cover and set aside.
  3. For the green salsa: Mix together all green salsa ingredients. Set aside.
  4. Prepare remaining toppings.
  5. On a large platter (I used an oval platter 12-by-14- or 12-by-16-inches), spread
    guacamole in a .1/4- to .1/2 -inch-thick layer. Gently spread taco crema on guacamole
    in a single layer, leaving a border of guacamole. Carefully create a ring
    of chopped tomatoes near the edge of the sour cream, then do the same with a
    smaller ring of cotija cheese. Continue making rings with the green salsa and
    the black beans, finishing with the corn in the center. Make sure to create very
    skinny rings so there is room for each ingredient.
  6. Serve immediately with chips, or cover and refrigerate for up to an hour.

Tara’s Tip: In order to create this look, you need enough dip ingredients for a large crowd. For smaller groups, halve the recipe. “Load” your dip however you wish on your platter or layer it in a glass dish. It’s tricky to get perfect rings of toppings on your first try. You can start in the middle with the corn and work outward if that is easier for you!

Show 493, October 1, 2022: “Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana” with Tito’s Tacos (Culver City) Co-Owner Lynne Davidson Part One

Lynne Davidson of Tito's Tacos

Culver City’s classic Tito’s Tacos and Tito’s Handmade Vodka are teaming up for the fifth year in a row to host “Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana,” an annual event that celebrates National Taco Day and National Vodka Day while raising funds for the Culver City Arts Foundation. On October 4, which also happens to be Taco Tuesday, the highly-anticipated event returns, bringing together two iconic brands and an exciting roster of world-class performers on the same stage.”

“As part of the event, attendees will be able to enjoy delicious award-winning tacos and Tito’s Handmade Vodka specialty cocktails, along with seven hours of nonstop Mexican entertainment by traditional mariachi artists including Grammy Award-nominated Mariachi Sol De Mexico De Jose Hernandez, all-female favorites Mariachi Reyna De Los Angeles, and Trio Chapala; folklorico dancers DanzArts / Sabor a Mexico Dance Company, and a special appearance by standup comic Jesus Trejo.”

“In the fifth year of hosting Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana, Tito’s Tacos and Tito’s Handmade Vodka are celebrating two very special milestones. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, October 4, marking the first time National Taco Day has taken place on a Tuesday since 2016. With this year’s event falling on Taco Tuesday, it is sure to be one to remember.”

“Additionally, Tito’s Tacos and Tito’s Handmade Vodka will continue their philanthropic tradition, donating 100% of the proceeds from the event to the Culver City Arts Foundation. The event has raised over $50,000 over the past years, with this year’s donation expected to increase significantly.”

3rd Generation Proprietor Lynne Davidson joins us with cheese tacos, chips and fresh salsa at the ready.

Show 493, October 1, 2022: “Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana” with Tito’s Tacos (Culver City) Co-Owner Lynne Davidson Part Two

Lynne Davidson of Tito's Tacos

Culver City’s classic Tito’s Tacos and Tito’s Handmade Vodka are teaming up for the fifth year in a row to host “Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana,” an annual event that celebrates National Taco Day and National Vodka Day while raising funds for the Culver City Arts Foundation. On October 4, which also happens to be Taco Tuesday, the highly-anticipated event returns, bringing together two iconic brands and an exciting roster of world-class performers on the same stage.”

“In the fifth year of hosting Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana, Tito’s Tacos and Tito’s Handmade Vodka are celebrating two very special milestones. This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, October 4, marking the first time National Taco Day has taken place on a Tuesday since 2016. With this year’s event falling on Taco Tuesday, it is sure to be one to remember.”

“Additionally, Tito’s Tacos and Tito’s Handmade Vodka will continue their philanthropic tradition, donating 100% of the proceeds from the event to the Culver City Arts Foundation. The event has raised over $50,000 over the past years, with this year’s donation expected to increase significantly.”

“Founded in 1959 by Benjamin Davidson and now run by his granddaughter Lynne Davidson, Tito’s Tacos is an iconic Mexican fast casual restaurant in Culver City, CA. Known for its “folded” hard shell tacos and burritos beloved by celebrities, locals and visitors, Tito’s menu features crispy beef tacos, tamales, burritos, enchiladas, tostadas and guacamole, among other dishes. The cuisine is made from scratch daily using original recipes and served to thousands of loyal fans daily, often by employees who have been with Tito’s for decades.”

3rd Generation Proprietor Lynne Davidson continues with us with cheese tacos, chips and fresh house salsa at the ready.

Show 460, February 5, 2022: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Slapfish 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.

The “Big Game” is at SoFi in Inglewood on Sunday, February 13th. Chef Andrew has some thoughts about “Big Game” snacks beyond the usual chips and guacamole. Pizza and wings are in the mix, too. Be creative with veggies (raw and pickled) to accompany the dips, too….

Show 443, September 18, 2021: Chef Jenni Sklar, El Granjero Cantina, Original Farmers Market Part One

Jenni Sklar of El Granjero Cantina

El Granjero Cantina under the culinary direction of Chef Jenni Sklar, (ex-Lucques and Son of a Gun) celebrates Mexican cuisine at the historic Original Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax. El Granjero’s bright and festive cantina including a spacious outdoor patio is a true neighborhood locale, built for local neighbors and visitors alike.”

“El Granjero offers guests a wide selection of options to choose from, including rice bowls, tacos, tlayuda, tacos dorados for a wide range of meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans. Their bar program is dedicated to honoring traditional agave based spirits of Mexico with frozen margaritas and cocktails on tap.”

El Granjero serves Lunch (weekdays) and Dinner nightly and a newly introduced Weekend Brunch. Also Happy Hour on Weekdays from 3 to 6:00 p.m. with food and libations priced at $9.00.

Chef Jenni Sklar is our guest with fresh guacamole in hand.

Show 411, February 6, 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 regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants which is a genuine (and increasingly growing) concern. Last week restaurants in Southern California were finally allowed to reopen for outside/patio dining at reduced capacities with all the requisite COVID 19 safety precautions. How is it going so far? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Sunday afternoon is the annual celebration of the “Big Game” being hosted in Tampa. “Big Game” snacks worthy of the occasion (this year probably celebrated at home) are a must. Chef Andrew shares a few inspired ideas beyond the expected guacamole. He enjoys dips for the Big Game food table. Chef Andrew suggests using his hot crab dip as the base (not necessarily using the crab) as the jumping off point for other variations. To accompany the creative dips Chef Andrew recommends seasoned, house-made potato chips.

Chef Andrew also updates us on the inspiring progress for the grass-roots, “86 Restaurant Struggle” campaign to benefit out-of-work and struggling restaurant workers. Chef Andrew and his wife, Lauren, have already distributed over $330,000 in small grants to deserving restaurant workers in need. All applications are carefully vetted by the Gruel’s. The need continues…

Show 331, July 6, 2019: Pamela Wnuck, Culinary Arts Supervisor for the OC Fair

Pamela WnuckThe 2019 OC Fair opens the gates on Friday, July 12th. The Culinary Arts programming, including exhibits, tastings & demonstrations in the OC Promenade building, is always a popular attraction during the Fair.

“If you love to cook or love to eat, this is the place to meet!”

Culinary Arts is taking center stage at the 2019 OC Fair. The Main Stage on the OC Promenade is booked every day throughout the fair and will be host to chefs, bakers, farmers, floral artists, food bloggers, mixologists, brewers, butchers and more. (And every evening there’s a great band to provide music.) Learn from the best during demos and tasting sessions stocked with kitchen secrets, war stories and more – straight from the experts.

Thermomix will be in the new “Culinary Playground” with a hands-on cooking school brought to life like never before. Six fairgoers will have the opportunity to make a signature dish alongside Chef Lynette. Class topics include “Waste Not,” exploring how to get the most from your food.”

“Join celebrity pastry chef and MOF Stéphane Tréand on the Main Stage every Sunday at 1 p.m. as he teaches how to make some of his delectable desserts. Each class has limited space of eight spots per Sunday class. Children ages 9-17 and adults 18 and over are welcome. Each session is 30 minutes. Classes are free.”

Northgate Markets will be showcasing a new gourmet Guacamole Bar. Avocado toast and more fresh avocado favorites will be available for sale.

Pamela Wnuck, the Culinary Arts Supervisor for the OC Fair, cooks up a delectable preview of the 23 days of programming there.

Show 237, August 19, 2017: Melissa’s Corporate Chef, Ida Rodriguez. Melissa’s Hatch Chile Cookbook

Chef Ida Rodriquez of Melissas World Variety ProduceHatch Chile season is upon us! Fresh Hatch Chiles, grown only in the Mesilla Valley of New Mexico, are available for just a few short weeks each year in August and September. Many connoisseurs consider them the world’s tastiest chiles.

Once roasted, Hatch Chiles are easy to peel and seed. Roasting heightens the robust earthy flavor of the chiles and the texture of the thick walls of the chile pod becomes lusciously rich. These unique qualities, and the pepper’s variable heat (unlike other chile peppers, Hatch Chiles come in varieties that cover the full spectrum of heat levels) have earned Hatch Chiles great popularity far beyond the local community of Hatch, New Mexico.

Melissa’s World Variety Produce has led the charge in popularizing the coveted Hatch Chiles and developing many great recipes using them. From now through mid-September Melissa’s will be sponsoring weekend Hatch Chile Roasting parties at area supermarkets including at select Gelson’s and Bristol Farms. Check the Melissa’s website for locations, dates and times. The roasting is conveniently included in the price of the case of chiles.

Melissa’s website has lots of good information on Hatch Chiles. Recipes are there, too, including Hatch Chile Guacamole, Hatch Chile Chili and Hatch Chile Salsa.

Melissa’s Corporate Chef, Ida Rodriguez, joins us to discuss the joys of Hatch Chile season.

Show 206, January 14, 2017: Marc Johnson, Corporate Executive Chef, Red O Restaurants

Marc JohnsonWe know Chef Marc Johnson as the opening chef for both the Oak Grill Restaurant and Aqua Lounge at The Island Hotel in Newport Beach. Chef Marc has now taken his spice rack and rubs over to the Red O Restaurants (Fashion Island, Los Angeles and Santa Monica) where is the Corporate Executive Chef. La Jolla launches in April.

Focusing on Red O Restaurants, Chef Johnson is shaking things up with his passionate drive. “Joining Red O Restaurants has been an amazing opportunity to push the limits of what I can do creatively in the kitchen,” says Chef Johnson.

With a focus on flavors from Central Mexico, Baja and MexiCali, Chef Johnson finds a balance with Red O mainstays that guests have come to love, while introducing new menu offerings with a seafood focal point. Hearty or light, all of Chef Johnson’s dishes feature fresh, vibrant ingredients reminiscent of the beachy lifestyle South of the Border.

From the sauces to the tortillas all made fresh daily, nearly 100% of the food prepared at Red O Restaurants is made in-house. “A lot of labor and passion goes into the process of bringing the components of these dishes to life,” says Johnson.

Chef Marc has the good fortune to be able to travel a couple of times per year with Red O Culinary Director Rick Bayless (the premier American chef cooking authentic, regional Mexican fare in the USA) and his staff on his immersion culinary research travels in Mexico.

We’ll get all the spicy details with a side of guacamole and house-prepared tortilla chips with Chef Marc