Show 161, February 27, 2016: Craig Evans, Board Member, Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley

habitat-humanity-inland-valleyProceeds from the 8th Annual Pechanga Wine Festival benefit Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley’s “Brush with Kindness” program that provides much needed home repairs to senior citizens and those no longer able to do such work themselves.

Through the work of Habitat for Humanity, thousands of low-income families have found new hope in the form of affordable housing. Churches, community groups and others have joined together to successfully tackle a significant social problem ― decent housing for all. Today, Habitat for Humanity has built more than 500,000 houses, sheltering more than 2 million people worldwide.

More information may be found here,.

Representing Habitat is our guest, Craig Evans, a Board Member of Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley. He also was the spokesperson for Habitat at our broadcast from the 7th Annual Pechanga Wine Festival last year.

Show 158, February 6, 2016: Jean-Jacques Granet, Executive Pastry Chef, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, CA

Jean Jacques GranetHundreds of premium wine varieties, sweet and savory chocolate confections, gourmet food samples from acclaimed Pechanga Resort & Casino restaurants, live music, a silent auction and helping out a good cause are all on the agenda for February 26 and 27 at Pechanga Resort & Casino. Tickets for the 8th annual Chocolate Decadence and Pechanga Wine Festival are on sale now. Proceeds from both events benefit Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley.

Chocolate Decadence on Friday, February 26 features more than 30 premium wine varietals that have been shown to masterfully partner with chocolate and other sweet desserts. The event runs from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and is $55 per person. Tickets include a souvenir wine glass, unlimited two ounce samples of wine and spirits, chocolate and confection tasting, live music and silent auction. VIP tickets are $75 and include early entry at 5:30 p.m., upgraded souvenir wine glass, fruit and cheese plates, passed hors d’oeurves, as well as all inclusions of general admission tickets.

Wine enthusiasts can sip and explore new selections at the 8th annual Pechanga Wine Festival from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 27. Tickets for this unforgettable event are $65 and include a souvenir wine glass, unlimited two ounce samples of wine and spirits, gourmet food and dessert samples from Pechanga’s acclaimed chefs, as well as others in the Temecula Valley, live music and silent auction. VIP tickets are $85 and include early entry at 12:00 p.m., upgraded souvenir wine glass, as well as all inclusions of the general admission tickets.

Pechanga Resort & Casino’s Executive Pastry Chef, Jean-Jacques Granet joins us with all the sweetly decadent details.

Show 123, May 23, 2015: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Andrew GruelExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and, now, Newport Beach is today’s special Guest Host.

We’re always up for a premium juicy burger on the “SoCal Restaurant Show” and May is National Burger Month. We’re celebrating with Chef Christian Page (ex- Short Order) who lovingly revived the iconic (and fondly remembered) Cassell’s Burgers in Koreatown six months ago. To commemorate National Hamburger Day on May 28th Cassell’s is hosting a Total Steer Grind.

Memorial Day Weekend is a perfect time to savor a local craft beer.

We’re tapping the keg to preview the 7th Annual Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cookoff on Saturday, June 6th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Temecula. One of the participating craft breweries is the fast-growing Golden Road Brewing in Los Angeles and with a new brewery and tap room soon to be located across the street from Angel Stadium in Anaheim. The veteran, award-winning brewmaster for the future Orange County facility, Victor Novak is our guest.

Krystyn Navarro is the Chef de Partie at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Beverly Hills. Last year she won the New Orleans competition for the prestigious Ment’or BKB Foundation’s Young Chef Competition Series. She is currently completing her stagiaire at [One] in Chapel Hill, NC. Applications (due by June 1st) are now open for the 2015 competitions in Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and New York City. Krystyn Navarro joins us with all the needed 411.

When we last spoke with Celebrity Chef Eric Greenspan he was just about to compete on Food Network’s Chopped – All-Stars Tournament,” Part 1 against Madison Cowan, Brian Malarkey and Art Smith. We’ll get updated on the results of that intense cook-off. Chef Eric was also about to launch a mysterious new seafood concept on what was previously the hidden back patio of The Foundry. That restaurant, now open, is Mare with a focus on fresh seafood priced at a great value. You enter through Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese. Chef Eric is with us to provide all the needed updates.

Before he went out on his own to open the popular Tar & Roses in Santa Monica in 2012, Executive Chef Andrew Kirschner was best known as Executive Chef and partner at Wilshire, also in Santa Monica.

Now Chef Kirschner is expanding the restaurant empire with the launch of the Santa Monica Yacht Club located a short walk away from Tar & Roses. Unlike Tar & Roses with its emphasis on the wood-burning grill the focus at SMYC is on seafood with small plates. Andrew Kirschner is our guest.

Don’t miss Chef Andrew Gruel’s new restaurant makeover series, “Say It To My Face” on FYI. An original episode is aired every Thursday evening with an encore episode thereafter. Check your local listings. On-line food reviewers confront restaurateurs with the shortcomings of their establishments. It’s then up to Chef Andrew and his colleague, Chef Anthony Dispensa, to coach the chef and restaurateur to achieve a much higher level of guest satisfaction when the on-line reviews return for another look! Sometimes it’s tough-love…

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

Show 123, May 23, 2015: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing

Victor Novak of Taps Fish House and Brewery in BreaMemorial Day Weekend is a perfect time to savor a distinctive local craft beer. We’re tapping the keg to preview the 7th Annual Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cookoff on Saturday, June 6th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Temecula inside the Pechanga Grand Ballroom. The charitable beneficiary is Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley.

For one price beer enthusiasts can taste unlimited samples of craft and small production brews from San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange Counties as well as selections from Northern California, the Midwest and East Coast. Ticket holders also can enjoy limitless tastes of eight varieties of homemade chili, fired-up by the award-winning chefs at Pechanga Resort & Casino. Attendees can vote for their favorite chili among the bunch.

One of the participating craft breweries is the fast-growing Golden Road Brewing in Los Angeles. Announced is a new production brewery and tap room soon to be located across the street from Angel Stadium on E. Orangewood Ave. in Anaheim.

Golden Road Brewing will be pouring their flagship Point The Way IPA (India Pale Ale) as well as their 329 Lager (Lager) at the Pechanga Microbrew Festival.

The brewmaster for the future Orange County facility, Victor Novak, is our guest.

May 23: Christian Page, Victor Novak, Krystyn Navarro, Eric Greenspan, Andrew Kirschner

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Owner/Chef Christian Page, Cassell’s Hamburgers
Segment Three: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing Part One
Segment Four: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing Part Two
Segment Five: Ment’or BKB Foundation’s Young Chef Competition
Segment Six: Executive Chef/Proprietor Eric Greenspan of Mare and Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese
Segment Seven: Executive Chef/Proprietor Andrew Kirschner, Santa Monica Yacht Club and Tar & Roses, Santa Monica Part One
Segment Eight: Executive Chef/Proprietor Andrew Kirschner, Santa Monica Yacht Club and Tar & Roses, Santa Monica Part Two

Andrew GruelExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and, now, Newport Beach is today’s special Guest Host.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend.

Now a tempting preview of Saturday’s high octane, holiday-special show.

We’re always up for a premium juicy burger on the “SoCal Restaurant Show” and May is National Burger Month. We’re celebrating with Chef Christian Page (ex- Short Order) who lovingly revived the iconic (and fondly remembered) Cassell’s Burgers in Koreatown six months ago. To commemorate National Hamburger Day on May 28th Cassell’s is hosting a Total Steer Grind.

Memorial Day Weekend is a perfect time to savor a local craft beer.

We’re tapping the keg to preview the 7th Annual Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cookoff on Saturday, June 6th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Temecula. One of the participating craft breweries is the fast-growing Golden Road Brewing in Los Angeles and with a new brewery and tap room soon to be located across the street from Angel Stadium in Anaheim. The veteran brewmaster for the future Orange County facility, Victor Novak is our guest.

Krystyn Navarro is the Chef de Partie at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Beverly Hills. Last year she won the New Orleans competition for the prestigious Ment’or BKB Foundation’s Young Chef Competition Series. She is currently completing her stagiaire at [One] in Chapel Hill, NC. Applications (due by June 1st) are now open for the 2015 competitions in Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and New York City. Krystyn Navarro joins us with all the needed 411.

When we last spoke with Celebrity Chef Eric Greenspan he was just about to compete on Food Network’s “Chopped – All-Stars Tournament,” Part 1 against Madison Cowan, Brian Malarkey and Art Smith. We’ll get updated on the results of that intense cook-off. Chef Eric was also about to launch a mysterious new seafood concept on what was previously the hidden back patio of The Foundry. That restaurant, now open, is Mare with a focus on fresh seafood. You enter through Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese. Chef Eric is with us to provide all the needed updates.

Before he went out on his own to open the popular Tar & Roses in Santa Monica in 2012, Executive Chef Andrew Kirschner was best known as Executive Chef and partner at Wilshire, also in Santa Monica.

Now Chef Kirschner is expanding the restaurant empire with the launch of the Santa Monica Yacht Club located a short walk away from Tar & Roses. Unlike Tar & Roses with its emphasis on the wood-burning grill the focus at SMYC is on seafood with small plates. Andrew Kirschner is our guest.

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

Christian PageWe’re always up for a premium, juicy burger on the “SoCal Restaurant Show” and May is National Burger Month. We’re celebrating with Chef Christian Page (ex- Short Order) who lovingly revived the iconic (and fondly remembered) Cassell’s Burgers (originally established in 1948) in Koreatown six months ago. In its prime Cassell’s Hambugers was as well-known to the burger-craving, Downtown foodie crowd as The Apple Pan is to Westsiders.

The revived Cassell’s serving breakfast, lunch and dinner is located at the corner of 6th St. and Normandie Ave. on ther ground floor of the historic (and renovated) Hotel Normandie. Chef Page also provides the food for functions at the Hotel as well as room service.

“We’ve added to the original hamburger stand with a classic 50s breakfast menu, coffee bar, house made sodas and a fully stocked bar. The soul of the restaurant stays true to founder Al Cassell’s original principles of being a hamburger shop with a focus on premium beef, ground daily in-house. All of our burgers are still cooked on Al Cassell’s original crossfire broiler, ground with the original grinder and pattied with the original press.”

To commemorate National Hamburger Day on May 28th Cassell’s is hosting a Total Steer Grind.

Victor Novak of Taps Fish House and Brewery in BreaMemorial Day Weekend is a perfect time to savor a distinctive local craft beer. We’re tapping the keg to preview the 7th Annual Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili Cookoff on Saturday, June 6th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Temecula inside the Pechanga Grand Ballroom. The charitable beneficiary is Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley.

For one price beer enthusiasts can taste unlimited samples of craft and small production brews from San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange counties as well as selections from Northern California, the Midwest and East Coast. Ticket holders also can enjoy limitless tastes of eight varieties of homemade chili, fired-up by the award-winning chefs at Pechanga Resort & Casino. Attendees can vote for their favorite chili among the bunch.

One of the participating craft breweries is the fast-growing Golden Road Brewing in Los Angeles. Announced is a new production brewery and tap room soon to be located across the street from Angel Stadium on E. Orangewood Ave. in Anaheim.

The brewmaster for the future Orange County facility, Victor Novak, is our guest.

Microbrew Festival tickets are $50.00. Guests receive a two ounce souvenir glass to sample unlimited beer tastings. Designated driver tickets are available for $30.00. Both ticket levels let attendees taste all chili and other gourmet food samples, take in live music by two bands including iconic bassist Lee Rocker of The Stray Cats, and an extensive silent auction. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. For tickets or more information, visit www.Pechanga.com or call 877.711.2946.

One of the participating craft breweries at the Perchanga Microbrew Festival is the fast-growing Golden Road Brewing in Los Angeles and with a new brewery and tap room soon to be located across the street from Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Long-time TAPS brewmaster Victor Novak has moved to Golden Road Brewing to be the brewmaster for Orange County.

In 2011, beer enthusiasts Meg Gill and Tony Yanow founded Golden Road Brewing to bring fresh beer to the local market in the most sustainable way possible. Brewed and canned in Los Angeles, Golden Road’s year-round offerings include Point the Way IPA, Golden Road Hefeweizern, Get Up Offa That Brown and Wolf Among Weeds IPA.

Krystyn Navarro and Daniel BouludKrystyn Navarro is the Chef de Partie at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Beverly Hills. Last year she won the New Orleans competition for the prestigious Ment’or BKB Foundation’s Young Chef Competition Series. She is currently completing her stagiaire at [One] in Chapel Hill, NC. Applications (due by June 1st) are now open for the 2015 competitions in Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and New York City.

The Los Angeles competition is set for August 27th, 2015.

“Ment’or BKB Foundation is proud to host our 2nd annual Young Chef Competition series, designed to help find up and coming culinary leaders, identify future ambassadors for the culinary arts, and showcase the skill level and cuisine in America. These public competitions will take place in four different cities across the country. Young cooks will be asked to demonstrate their technical skills and creativity in a spirited and challenging contest.”

All chefs ages 22-27 who are currently eligible to work in the Unites States, and have at least 3 years of work experience, are invited to apply for the 2015 Young Chef Competition Series on the ment’or website.

Each 1st place team will receive a $10,000 prize, which the candidate may use towards a stage.

Krystyn Navarro joins us with all the needed 411.

Eric GreenspanWhen we last spoke with the always on the go Celebrity Chef Eric Greenspan he was just about to compete on Food Network’s Chopped – All-Stars Tournament,” Part 1 against Madison Cowan, Brian Malarkey and Art Smith. We’ll get updated on the results of that intense cook-off.

Chef Eric was also about to launch a mysterious new seafood concept on what was previously the hidden back patio of The Foundry. That restaurant, now open, is Mare with a focus on fresh seafood. It’s located in the back of the Melrose Umbrella Company. You enter through Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese located next door.

Mare opens on Weeknights at 5:00 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday service starts at 3:00 p.m.

Current menu highlights are Fried Smelt with roasted lemon and Whole Branzino with fig pomegranate sauce. There is also a fun “Choose Your Own Shellfish” option (black mussels, clams or shrimp) with a “Choose Your Broth selection (leek and white wine, tomato fennel, pistou, spicy sausage romesco, or vadouvan green apple.)

Chef Eric is with us to provide all the needed updates.

Andrew KirschnerBefore he ventured out on his own to open the popular Tar & Roses in Santa Monica in 2012, Executive Chef Andrew Kirschner was best known as Executive Chef and partner at Wilshire, also in Santa Monica.

Now Chef Kirschner is expanding his restaurant empire with the launch of the Santa Monica Yacht Club located a short walk away from Tar & Roses on Santa Monica Blvd. Unlike Tar & Roses with its emphasis on the wood-burning grill the focus at SMYC is on seafood with small plates.

“With Tar & Roses Kirschner aims to share a restaurant that speaks to his travels and deeply ingredient-focused food philosophy. With influences from around the world and the rustic touch of a wood-burning oven, quality ingredients and bold flavors combine to create a menu that merges classical cuisine with modern sensibilities.”

Andrew Kirschner is our guest.

Now Chef Kirschner is expanding his restaurant empire with the launch of the Santa Monica Yacht Club located a short walk away from Tar & Roses in Santa Monica. Unlike Tar & Roses with its emphasis on the wood-burning grill the focus at SMYC is on seafood with small plates and an active bar.

Early menu highlights include Salt Cod Brandade Fritters with white anchovy and lemon mayo, BBQ Eel Lunch Box with rice, egg, togarashi, and sweet soy, and Spaghetti Bottarga with chili, garlic, and breadcrumbs.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Owner/Chef Christian Page, Cassell’s Hamburgers
Segment Three: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing Part One
Segment Four: Brewmaster Victor Novak, Golden Road Brewing Part Two
Segment Five: Ment’or BKB Foundation’s Young Chef Competition
Segment Six: Executive Chef/Proprietor Eric Greenspan of Mare and Greenspan’s Grilled Cheese
Segment Seven: Executive Chef/Proprietor Andrew Kirschner, Santa Monica Yacht Club and Tar & Roses, Santa Monica Part One
Segment Eight: Executive Chef/Proprietor Andrew Kirschner, Santa Monica Yacht Club and Tar & Roses, Santa Monica Part Two

Show 112, February 28, 2015: Show Preview with Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Pechanga Wine FestivalProducer and Co-Host Andy Harris is going solo in the host chair this morning from Temecula. We’re live from the 7th Annual Pechanga Wine Festival at the Pechanga Resort & Casino. The Festival opens at 1:00 p.m. and runs until 5:00 p.m. Our guests are a sampling of the talented chefs, local experts on Wine Country Temecula, and a few of the participating winemakers. Now a preview of today’s full show…

Chef Duane Owen, formerly the executive chef of both The MGM Grand at Foxwoods and Foxwoods Resort Casino, is now the exec for Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula. It was recently announced that later this year construction will start on a new 500 plus room (2nd) hotel tower, a new pool & spa, and two more restaurants. Chef Duane joins us to explain how you deliver consistent quality when your vast restaurant portfolio ranges from a busy buffet to the high-end Great Oak Steakhouse.

Inland Valley Habitat for Humanity is the charitable beneficiary of The Pechanga Wine Festival. Their mission is to facilitate the dream of home ownership, as well as improve living conditions for those in the community. Their commendable vision is “A world where everyone has a decent place to live.” Board Member Craig Evans is with us talk about the mission

For the last seven years Chef Marlene Moore has been overseeing the busy Temptations Food Court, the Poker Room, and Bingo Parlor at Pechanga Resort & Casino. The Food Court features American, Italian, Mexican, Fried Chicken, Espresso, Pastries, Bahn Mi, Hot Dogs and Lemonade.

The historic San Antonio Winery was founded in Downtown Los Angeles in 1917. In 1910, Santo Cambianica left his home of Berzo San Fermo, located in the northern Italian province of Lombardia. After registering at Ellis Island, he arrived in New York and then traveled across the country to Downtown Los Angeles. He quickly became well known as an honest, hard-working, and deeply devout Catholic, the very same qualities he was known for back home. It took a few years of saving money, building his relationships, and planting his feet in the Italian-American community to start his own company and live the American Dream. Santo founded the San Antonio Winery in 1917 on Lamar Street, dedicating it to his Patron Saint Anthony. It’s still there to this day. Raymond Shorter from the San Antonio Winery is our guest and brings us up to date.

Journey at Pechanga is their world-class golf course. Located in the elegant Clubhouse is the reasonably-priced Journey’s End restaurant which is open to the public. It offers breakfast and lunch (with brunch on the Weekends) seven days. Journey’s End features indoor and outdoor dining, as well as an inviting bar, with beautiful vistas of the course that make the guest experience a memorable “journey” of sensory delights. Journey’s End’s chef, Jerome O’Reggio, joins us.

Kita Wines, a premium brand launched by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, has earned numerous distinctions in the handful of years since it became part of the Santa Ynez Valley wine scene. Kita’s winemaker and general manager, Tara Gomez, is our guest.

Roadrunner Ridge is a young California Winery located in North San Diego County. It is nestled on a hillside 10 minutes South of Temecula and 10 minutes East of Fallbrook. The vineyard lies on a rocky, clay hillside at 1,500 feet. Warm days with afternoon breezes ripen the grapes and the coastal influence provides cool evenings for quality grapes. Roadrunner Ridge is owned and operated by Jim & Judi Brady, who have made wine for over 30 years. They planted their own vineyard in 2008.

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

Show 112, February 28, 2015: Inland Valley Habitat for Humanity

habitat-humanity-inland-valleyInland Valley Habitat for Humanity is the charitable beneficiary of The Pechanga Wine Festival. Their mission is to facilitate the dream of home ownership, as well as improve living conditions for those in the community.

Their commendable vision is “A world where everyone has a decent place to live.”

Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley was founded in 1991, as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, to provide low income housing for families in the Inland Valley. They are dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally, as well as globally, through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their housing conditions.

Board Member Craig Evans, a retired Fire Captain from the Los Angeles City Fire Department and a 24-year resident of Temecula, is with us talk about the mission.

February 28: Live from Pechanga Wine Festival

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Duane Owen, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Segment Three: Inland Valley Habitat for Humanity
Segment Four: Chef Marlene Moore, Temptations Food Walk, Pechanga Resort
Segment Five: San Antonio Winery, Los Angeles
Segment Six: Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Segment Seven: Tara Gomez, Winemaker & General Manager, Kita Wines
Segment Eight: Jim & Judi Brady, Roadrunner Ridge winery

Pechanga Wine FestivalProducer and Co-Host Andy Harris is going solo in the host chair this morning from Temecula. We’re live from the 7th Annual Pechanga Wine Festival at the Pechanga Resort & Casino. The Festival opens at 1:00 p.m. and runs until 5:00 p.m. Our guests are a sampling of the talented chefs, local experts on Wine Country Temecula, and a few of the participating winemakers. Now a preview of today’s full show…

Chef Duane Owen, formerly the executive chef of both The MGM Grand at Foxwoods and Foxwoods Resort Casino, is now the exec for Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula. It was recently announced that later this year construction will start on a new 500 plus room (2nd) hotel tower, a new pool & spa, and two more restaurants. Chef Duane joins us to explain how you deliver consistent quality when your vast restaurant portfolio ranges from a busy buffet to the high-end Great Oak Steakhouse.

Inland Valley Habitat for Humanity is the charitable beneficiary of The Pechanga Wine Festival. Their mission is to facilitate the dream of home ownership, as well as improve living conditions for those in the community. Their  commendable vision is “A world where everyone has a decent place to live.” Board Member Craig Evans, a retired Fire Captain from the Los Angeles City Fire Department, is with us talk about the mission.

For the last seven years Chef Marlene Moore has been overseeing the busy Temptations Food Court, the Poker Room, and Bingo Parlor at Pechanga Resort & Casino. The Food Court features American, Italian, Mexican, Fried Chicken, Espresso and Pastries, Bahn Mi, Hot Dogs and Lemonade.

The historic San Antonio Winery was founded in Downtown Los Angeles in 1917. In 1910, Santo Cambianica left his home of Berzo San Fermo, located in the northern Italian province of Lombardia. After registering at Ellis Island, he arrived in New York and then traveled across the country to Downtown Los Angeles. He quickly became well known as an honest, hard-working, and deeply devout Catholic, the very same qualities he was known for back home. It took a few years of saving money, building his relationships, and planting his feet in the Italian-American community to start his own company and live the American Dream. Santo founded the San Antonio Winery in 1917 on Lamar Street, dedicating it to his Patron Saint Anthony. It’s still there to this day. Raymond Shorter from the San Antonio Winery is our guest and brings us up to date.

Journey at Pechanga is their world-class golf course. Located in the elegant Clubhouse is the reasonably-priced Journey’s End restaurant which is open to the public. It offers breakfast and lunch (with brunch on the Weekends) seven days. Journey’s End features indoor and outdoor dining, as well as an inviting bar, with beautiful vistas of the course that make the guest experience a memorable “journey” of sensory delights. Journey’s End’s chef, Jerome O’Reggio, joins us.

Kita Wines, a premium brand launched by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, has earned numerous distinctions in the handful of years since it became part of the Santa Ynez Valley wine scene. Kita’s winemaker and general manager, Tara Gomez, is our guest.

Roadrunner Ridge is a young California Winery located in North San Diego County. It is nestled on a hillside 10 minutes South of Temecula and 10 minutes East of Fallbrook. The vineyard lies on a rocky, clay hillside at 1,500 feet. Warm days with afternoon breezes ripen the grapes and the coastal influence provides cool evenings for quality grapes. Roadrunner Ridge is owned and operated by Jim & Judi Brady, who have made wine for over 30 years. They planted their own vineyard in 2008.

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

Duane Owen of Pechanga Casino and ResortChef Duane Owen, formerly the executive chef of both The MGM Grand at Foxwoods and Foxwoods Resort Casino, is now the exec for Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula. It was recently announced that later this year construction will start on a new 500 plus room (2nd) hotel tower, a new pool & spa, and two more restaurants.

Chef Duane joins us to explain how you deliver consistent quality when your vast restaurant portfolio ranges from a busy buffet to the high-end Great Oak Steakhouse.

habitat-humanity-inland-valleyInland Valley Habitat for Humanity is the charitable beneficiary of The Pechanga Wine Festival. Their mission is to facilitate the dream of home ownership, as well as improve living conditions for those in the community.

Their  commendable vision is “A world where everyone has a decent place to live.”

Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley was founded in 1991, as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, to provide low income housing for families in the Inland Valley. They are dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally, as well as globally, through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their housing conditions.

Board Member Craig Evans, a retired Fire Captain from the Los Angeles City Fire Department, is with us talk about the mission.

Marlene MooreFor the last seven years Chef Marlene Moore has been overseeing the busy Temptations Food Court, the Poker Room, and Bingo Parlor at Pechanga Resort & Casino. The Food Court features American, Italian, Mexican, Fried Chicken, Espresso and Pastries, Bahn Mi, Hot Dogs and Lemonade.

The outlet names at Temptations are American Classics, Agave Mexican Delights, Pronto Italiano, Caffe Cocoa, Little Wok Asian Specialties, and Pechanga Fried Chicken.

Chef Marlene explains why her fried chicken is worth waiting for!

San Antonio WineryThe historic San Antonio Winery was founded in Downtown Los Angeles in 1917. In 1910, Santo Cambianica left his home of Berzo San Fermo, located in the northern Italian province of Lombardia. After registering at Ellis Island, he arrived in New York and then traveled across the country to Downtown Los Angeles. He quickly became well known as an honest, hard-working, and deeply devout Catholic, the very same qualities he was known for back home. It took a few years of saving money, building his relationships, and planting his feet in the Italian-American community to start his own company and live the American Dream. Santo founded the San Antonio Winery in 1917 on Lamar Street, dedicating it to his Patron Saint Anthony. It’s still there to this day.

By 1933, following the Wall Street Crash and the Great Depression, nearly all of Los Angeles’ 100 wineries were shut down for good. However, despite Prohibition, San Antonio Winery was able to flourish, becoming the number one provider of altar wines for The Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

“We are blessed today to have four generations of family contributing to our success. Our vineyards are now located in Paso Robles, Monterey and Napa Valley. We are proud to be the most awarded winery in Los Angeles. We invite you to become part of our family by visiting the San Antonio Winery.”

Raymond Shorter from the San Antonio Winery is our guest and brings us up to date.

Jerome O' ReggioJourney at Pechanga is their world-class golf course. Located in the elegant and spacious Clubhouse is the reasonably-priced Journey’s End restaurant which is open to the public. It offers breakfast and lunch (with brunch on the Weekends) seven days. Journey’s End features indoor and outdoor dining, as well as an inviting bar, with beautiful vistas of the course that make the guest experience a memorable “journey” of sensory delights.

A lunch standout is the Ensenada Smoked Tuna Panini. It’s smoked tuna on sourdough with pepper jack cheese and a side of lime-cabbage slaw. It comes with house-made waffle fries and salsa roja.

Journey’s End’s chef, Jerome O’Reggio, joins us.

Tara GomezKita Wines, a premium brand launched by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, has earned numerous distinctions in the handful of years since it became part of the Santa Ynez Valley wine scene. Kita means “our valley oak” in the native language of the Chumash people.

It starts with where the grapes primarily come from – a vineyard situated at the gateway to Santa Barbara County’s renowned Happy Canyon wine region. It’s here that the soil and climate combine to produce some of the valley’s most sought-after grapes.

Owning both a vineyard and winery has meant the Santa Ynez Chumash are also making history. In fact, the California Legislature has recognized Chumash as the first tribe to have a vineyard and winemaking operation in the country run by tribal people.

Kita’s winemaker and general manager, Tara Gomez, is our guest. Her winemaking degree is from Fresno State. Tara interned at Fess Parker Winery and worked grape harvests in Europe before starting the Kita Wines venture in 2010.

Jim and Judy Brady of Roadrunner Ridge WineryRoadrunner Ridge is a young California Winery located in North San Diego County. It is nestled on a hillside 10 minutes South of Temecula and 10 minutes East of Fallbrook. The vineyard lies on a rocky, clay hillside at 1,500 feet. Warm days with afternoon breezes ripen the grapes and the coastal influence provides cool evenings for quality grapes.

Roadrunner Ridge is owned and operated by Jim & Judi Brady, who have made wine for over 30 years. They planted their own vineyard in 2008.

“Our focus is on Rhone and other warm weather varietals which prosper in our Mediterranean climate. We produce small, handmade lots and many unique blends. Roadrunner Ridge is located on the property formally known as Rusty Acres Herb Farm, which grew beautiful Lavendar & Herbs for 8 years.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Duane Owen, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Segment Three: Inland Valley Habitat for Humanity
Segment Four: Chef Marlene Moore, Temptations Food Walk, Pechanga Resort
Segment Five: San Antonio Winery, Los Angeles
Segment Six: Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Segment Seven: Tara Gomez, Winemaker & General Manager, Kita Wines
Segment Eight: Jim & Judi Brady, Roadrunner Ridge winery

Show 110, February 14, 2015: Damian Stanley, Executive Sous Chef, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Danian StanleyChef Damian Stanley is the always on the move Executive Sous Chef at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula. Since the hotel tower and casino opened in 2002 at Pechanga they have enjoyed an outstanding reputation for the quality and diversity of their food and beverage offerings. Chef Damian was the project manager for one of their newest interactive fine-dining spots, Umi Sushi and Oyster Bar.

Chef Damian will also preview the upcoming 2-day, Chocolate Decadence and Pechanga Wine Festival where fine chocolate and premium wines come together on February 27th and 28th.

Hundreds of wine varieties, sweet and savory chocolate confections, food samples from acclaimed Pechanga Resort & Casino Restaurants, live music, silent auction and helping out a good cause are all on the agenda for the two days of events inside the Pechanga Resort & Casino Grand Ballroom in Temecula, CA.

Chocolate Decadence on Friday, February 27th features more than 30 wine varietals that have been shown to masterfully partner with chocolate and other sweet desserts. The event runs from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and is $50 per guest.

The 7th annual Pechanga Wine Festival goes from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28th. Tickets for this unforgettable event are $65.00. Combo tickets for entry into both events are available for $100.00. Proceeds from both events benefit Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley.

Attendees on Saturday will get to partake in wine varietals from the Temecula Valley, Central California, Napa/Sonoma, the Pacific Northwest, as well as international winemaking regions. Pechanga Resort & Casino’s chefs will prepare delectable tastes for guests to savor with their favorite wines. Country/pop live music will be performed by singer Alaina Blair and her band.