Tag Archives: Hatch Chile

Show 541, September 2, 2023: Chef Marco Zapien, Zapien’s Salsa Grill, Pico Rivera Part One

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Marco Zapien of Zapiens Salsa Grill and Taqueria

“Once a year Zapien’s Salsa Grill in Pico Rivera hosts a series of Hatch Pepper-themed events to celebrate the New Mexican spicy, yet savory pepper from Hatch, NM, including a Saturday Hatch Pepper Roast.”

“Join the Salsa Grill for a special Hatch Pepper Brunch on Saturday, September. 9 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. with over 10 Hatch Pepper inspired dishes. Enjoy all-you-can eat specialties, handmade Tortillas, Sparkling Wine and Mimosas. The Hatch Chile Brunch Menu also includes some classic favorites like Menudo and Pozole. Think Hatch Chile Verde and lots more. Zapien’s will also be turning on the roasters that same day, so take home a case (ordered in advance) of Roasted Hatch Peppers.”

“This year’s Hatch Pepper Roast will again allow patrons to pick-up roasted Melissa’s Hatch Peppers by the case and by the preferred level of spice, from mild to hot. Come by and enjoy the festivities as Chef Marco Zapien turns on the roasters for a fun day of celebrating on Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.”

“For Zapien’s Salsa Grill’s 2023 Hatch Pepper Finale join Chef Marco Zapien at the award-winning Zapien’s Salsa Grill & Taqueria on Wednesday evening September 13th from 6 to 8:00 p.m. for one of his lively and entertaining cooking demonstrations, combined with his creativity and the seasonal Mexican Hatch Pepper. Chef MZ shares his passion for classic and contemporary Mexican cuisine by teaching his expert cooking techniques and tricks of the trade. This unique demonstration will include various dishes with Hatch Pepper in the recipe. This one-of-a-kind pepper is available only once a year for a short season after they are grown and distributed from the Hatch Valley in New Mexico. Zapien’s partners annually with Melissa’s World Variety Produce to stage these fun and interactive Hatch Chile-centric events.”

Chef Marco joins us with a Hatch Pepper Coctel de Camaron at the ready.

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Show 541, September 2, 2023: Chef Marco Zapien, Zapien’s Salsa Grill, Pico Rivera Part Two

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Marco Zapien of Zapiens Salsa Grill and Taqueria

“Once a year Zapien’s Salsa Grill in Pico Rivera hosts a series of Hatch Pepper-themed events to celebrate the New Mexican spicy, yet savory pepper from Hatch, NM, including a Saturday Hatch Pepper Roast.”

“Join the Salsa Grill for a special Hatch Pepper Brunch on Saturday, September. 9 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. with over 10 Hatch Pepper inspired dishes. Enjoy all-you-can eat specialties, handmade Tortillas, Sparkling Wine and Mimosas. The Hatch Chile Brunch Menu also includes some classic favorites like Menudo and Pozole. Think Hatch Chile Verde and lots more. Zapien’s will also be turning on the roasters that same day, so take home a case (ordered in advance) of Roasted Hatch Peppers.”

“This year’s Hatch Pepper Roast will again allow patrons to pick-up roasted Melissa’s Hatch Peppers by the case and by the preferred level of spice, from mild to hot. Come by and enjoy the festivities as Chef Marco Zapien turns on the roasters for a fun day of celebrating on Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.”

“For Zapien’s Salsa Grill’s 2023 Hatch Pepper Finale join Chef Marco Zapien at the award-winning Zapien’s Salsa Grill & Taqueria on Wednesday evening September 13th from 6 to 8:00 p.m. for one of his lively and entertaining cooking demonstrations, combined with his creativity and the seasonal Mexican Hatch Pepper. Chef MZ shares his passion for classic and contemporary Mexican cuisine by teaching his expert cooking techniques and tricks of the trade. This unique demonstration will include various dishes with Hatch Pepper in the recipe. This one-of-a-kind pepper is available only once a year for a short season after they are grown and distributed from the Hatch Valley in New Mexico. Zapien’s partners annually with Melissa’s World Variety Produce to stage these fun and interactive Hatch Chile-centric events.”

Chef Marco continues with us with a Hatch Pepper Chile Colorado plate in hand.

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Show 539, August 19, 2023: Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack, Author, Muy Bueno Fiestas Part One

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Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack of Muy Bueno

“Muy Bueno: Fiestas – 100+ Delicious Mexican Recipes for Celebrating the Year is a festive cookbook filled with history, traditions, Mexican recipes, and crafts to celebrate American
and Mexican holidays from the proud Latina and blogger behind Muy Bueno, Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack.”

“You’ll discover how to show your love on Valentine’s Day with Heart-Shaped Berry Empanadas, celebrate Mother’s Day with Guava Mimosas, whip up Chile Braised Pork Ribs for Día de los Muertos; make a big batch of Red Chile and Chicken Tamales for the December holidays, and much more. Included along with the over 100 delicious, seasonal recipes are step-by-step instructions for making holiday-themed crafts that are fun for children and grown-ups alike.”

“With its gorgeous food photography, detailed recipe directions, and wealth of tips to guide you in the kitchen, Muy Bueno FIESTAS turns every day into a celebration.”

“The 100 plus recipes include a broad selection of classic and contemporary Mexican recipes, including substantial soups and salads, hearty mains, cocktails, and decadent desserts.”

“Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack is a mother, wife, author, graphic designer, food blogger, vlogger, and recipe developer based in Denver, Colorado. She was raised in El Paso, Texas and draws culinary inspiration from her grandmother’s old-world northern Mexican recipes and her mother’s comforting south of the border home-style dishes.”

Chef Yvette graciously shares her recipes for Hatch Chile Potato Salad and Spring Fruit Salad with Tajin from Muy Bueno FIESTAS.

Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack joins us with masa at the ready.

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Show 539, August 19, 2023: Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack, Author, Muy Bueno Fiestas Part Two

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Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack of Muy Bueno

“Muy Bueno: Fiestas – 100+ Delicious Mexican Recipes for Celebrating the Year is a festive cookbook filled with history, traditions, Mexican recipes, and crafts to celebrate American
and Mexican holidays from the proud Latina and blogger behind Muy Bueno, Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack.”

“You’ll discover how to show your love on Valentine’s Day with Heart-Shaped Berry Empanadas, celebrate Mother’s Day with Guava Mimosas, whip up Chile Braised Pork Ribs for Día de los Muertos; make a big batch of Red Chile and Chicken Tamales for the December holidays, and much more. Included along with the over 100 delicious, seasonal recipes are step-by-step instructions for making holiday-themed crafts that are fun for children and grown-ups alike.”

“With its gorgeous food photography, detailed recipe directions, and wealth of tips to guide you in the kitchen, Muy Bueno FIESTAS turns every day into a celebration.”

“The 100 plus recipes include a broad selection of classic and contemporary Mexican recipes, including substantial soups and salads, hearty mains, cocktails, and decadent desserts.”

“Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack is a mother, wife, author, graphic designer, food blogger, vlogger, and recipe developer based in Denver, Colorado. She was raised in El Paso, Texas and draws culinary inspiration from her grandmother’s old-world northern Mexican recipes and her mother’s comforting south of the border home-style dishes.”

Chef Yvette graciously shares her recipes for Hatch Chile Potato Salad and Spring Fruit Salad with Tajin from Muy Bueno FIESTAS.

Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack continues with us with masa at the ready.

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Show 539, August 19, 2023: Partner & Executive Chef Yvon Goetz, The Winery Restaurant – Hatch Chile Roasting and Toasting Afternoon

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Yvon Goetz of the Winery Restaurant and Bar

“It’s no secret why everyone is obsessed with Hatch Peppers. Named after the original growing area in Hatch, New Mexico, authentic Hatch Peppers are truly a Southwestern favorite. No other pepper is prized more than this variety which grows in the Hatch Valley, just north of Las Cruces. The valley, which stretches along the Rio Grande’s southern-most bend before crossing into Texas and Mexico, is covered with row after row of these green leafy pepper plants for most of the summer. Chefs say that the intense sunlight and cool nights in this valley result in a uniquely flavored pepper that’s unrivaled by any other.”

Celebrate a fun Hatch Pepper event in Tustin where the original Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar is presenting their annual Hatch Chile Roasting and Toasting Event orchestrated by their founding Partner and Executive Chef Yvon Goetz. It’s a relaxing and leisurely afternoon of sipping cold beer and Tequila while enjoying Hatch Chile Hors d’oeuvres (think Hatch Chile & Duck Confit Banh Mi with Green Keitt Mango) with fellow discriminating foodies and chile heads. The festivities take place on The Winery’s spacious Vineyard Patio in Tustin on August 26th from 1:30 p.m., until 4:00 p.m.

Chef Yvon joins us with a basket of freshly roasted Hatch Chiles at the ready.

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Hatch Chile Potato Salad

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Hatch Chile Potato Salad by Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack

Recipe excerpt from:
Muy Bueno: Fiestas – 100+ Delicious Mexican Recipes for Celebrating
by Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack

This potato salad is the perfect culinary marriage of me and my hubby. He is of German descent, and this red potato salad has a tangy mustard and vinegar dressing that is reminiscent of a traditional German potato salad. But it also has creamy mayo and roasted green chile in honor of my Mexican heritage.

Makes 4 Servings

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper
  • 1 lb (450 g) small red potatoes (about 10 potatoes), quartered
  • ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 fresh Hatch or Anaheim chiles, roasted, peeled, seeded, and chopped (page 15)
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 3 green onions, white and tender green parts, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes and cook until fork-tender but not falling apart, 15–18 minutes.

While the potatoes are cooking, in a bowl large enough to hold the finished salad, combine the red onion, chiles, mustard, oil, vinegar, mayonnaise, and sesame seeds and mix well to make a dressing.

Season with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
 
When the potatoes are ready, drain well and toss with the dressing, coating evenly. Add the green onions and cilantro (if using), season with salt and pepper, and toss to mix evenly.
Let cool to room temperature and serve right away, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
 
Cook’s Note: For a milder version, use 1–2 poblano chiles for the Hatch or Anaheim chiles.

Show 486, August 6, 2022: Chef Marco Zapien, Hatch Pepper Tailgate Celebration at Zapien’s Salsa Grill

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Marco Zapien of Zapiens Salsa Grill and Taqueria

Every year Chef Marco Zapien of Zapien’s Salsa Grill and Taqueria in Pico Rivera goes all out to celebrate the short Hatch Pepper season. First up for the festivities is Chef Marco’s Hatch Pepper Tailgate Celebration on the evening of Wednesday, August 17th. It’s an entertaining and interactive cooking demo and Dinner featuring the dishes prepared in the cooking demonstration. The recipes are from the new Melissa’s Hatch Pepper Cookbook. Chef Marco is our guest serving all the spicy specifics.

The Drink of the Day is a Hatch Pepper and Pink Pineapple Agua FrescaRITA. The Dinner Menu includes Hatch Barbecue Pulled Pork Sliders, Hatch Pozole Tostada, Hatch Tacos de Papas, Hatch Pepper Big Game Chili, Hatch Coctel de Camaron, Melissa’s Costa Azul Glazed Chicken Wings and, for Dessert, Hatch Pepper and Cream Cheese Crepes with Rum Caramel Sauce.

The evening is $80 per guest and reservations are needed.

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Show 455, December 11, 2021: Chef Thomas Ortega, Amorcito SoCal Taqueria, Long Beach & Costa Mesa Part One

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Chef Thomas Ortega

“Amorcito SoCal Taqueria is a quick service off shoot of Chef Thomas Ortega’s multi awarded Amor y Tacos in Cerritos, CA, that’s bringing its own style of a Modern Taqueria while being true to the familiar Mexican flavors of Southern California. The original location is at the Hangar at the Long Beach Exchange. Amorcito SoCal Taqueria has quickly stood out on its own bringing rave reviews from multiple restaurant critics including Brad A. Johnson of the Orange County Register and Patricia Escarcega of the Los Angeles Times.” “

“At Amorcito SoCal Taqueria the principals come from a Chef- driven background and pride themselves on sourcing incredible ingredients from farmers, ranchers, bakers and food purveyors who all share their core values of helping Amorcito deliver the freshest, best tasting menu Amorcito SoCal Taqueria can offer.”

A year-round specialty is the juicy Hatch Burger. It’s an Angus beef patty with garlic aioli, Hatch chile, mustard onions, pickles, American cheese and served on a soft potato bun.

Chef Thomas Ortega joins us with a stack of warm corn tortillas in hand.

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Show 455, December 11, 2021: Chef Thomas Ortega, Amorcito SoCal Taqueria, Long Beach & Costa Mesa Part Two

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Chef Thomas Ortega

“Amorcito SoCal Taqueria is a quick service off shoot of Chef Thomas Ortega’s multi awarded Amor y Tacos in Cerritos, CA, that’s bringing its own style of a Modern Taqueria while being true to the familiar Mexican flavors of Southern California. The original location is at the Hangar at the Long Beach Exchange. Amorcito SoCal Taqueria has quickly stood out on its own bringing rave reviews from multiple restaurant critics including Brad A. Johnson of the Orange County Register and Patricia Escarcega of the Los Angeles Times.” “

“At Amorcito SoCal Taqueria the principals come from a Chef- driven background and pride themselves on sourcing incredible ingredients from farmers, ranchers, bakers and food purveyors who all share their core values of helping Amorcito deliver the freshest, best tasting menu Amorcito SoCal Taqueria can offer.”

A year-round specialty is the juicy Hatch Burger. It’s an Angus beef patty with garlic aioli, Hatch chile, mustard onions, pickles, American cheese and served on a soft potato bun.

Chef Thomas Ortega again joins us with a stack of warm corn tortillas in hand.

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Show 387, August 22, 2020: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

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Chef Gino Choi’s OmG Omakase by Gino in Santa Ana is (pre-Covid 19) a multi-course, prix fixe menu dining experience. It’s all of 10 seats and Chef Gino sources a lot of his premium fish direct from Japan. He’s the solo star of the nightly show. When he can accommodate diners again it’s up to 18 courses and reservations are needed a couple of weeks in advance. His guests have been asking so Chef Gino has just launched a limited program of Omakase Chirashi Dinner Boxes for 2 guests for takeout. The pre-orders are taken on the Wednesday before the available nights of Saturday and Sunday. Chef Gino is limiting this to 20 orders for each night to maintain his high standards. We’ll meet the resourceful and ever adaptable Chef Gino Choi.

“Hatch Chile season is here, and Zapien’s Salsa Grill and Taqueria in Pico Rivera is ready with a pair of events where guests can safely enjoy the annual availability of the unique, flavorful and bright green pepper. Adapting to the current COVID-19 pandemic, Chef Marco Zapien and team created a way for the tenth straight year of Hatch Chile Festivities to take place. This year’s Hatch Chile cooking demonstration (August 26th from 6 to 7:00 p.m. via Zoom) will be in a virtual setting, and the Hatch Chile roast (Saturday, August 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) will allow guests to enter a drive-thru line for pick-up. Outdoor patio dining is permitted at The Salsa Grill and Chef Marco Zapien will be featuring Hatch Chile specials on the menu on the day of the roast.” Chef Marco joins us to turn up the heat on all the goodness of cooking with Hatch Chiles.

Originally from Tomball, Texas, Jason Paluska, the Executive Chef of The Lark in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, began his cooking career in San Francisco under chefs Mitch and Steve Rosenthal of Town Hall, Salt House and Anchor & Hope in 2006. Jason went on to became a sous chef at Michael Mina’s RN74 in San Francisco. In 2013 he left the Bay area and moved to Santa Barbara as the opening executive chef of The Lark restaurant part of the Acme Hospitality restaurant group. Most recently Jason and his team at The Lark received the Michelin Plate award in June of 2019.

Accomplished Brewmaster Victor Novak of Golden Road Brewing with production breweries in Los Angeles and Anaheim really needs no introduction to our listeners. He’s generously mentored many of the rising young stars of craft brewing in Orange County over the years.

His latest project is the crafting of a recently released line of hard seltzers based on Golden Road’s fruit cart flavors. The new Golden Road Fruit Cart Hard Seltzers include Cucumber Lime, Mango, Strawberry Pineapple and Watermelon. The hard seltzers are made with real fruit juice. Brewmaster Victor is with us to pull the tab on all things Hard Seltzer.

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. Dine-in is slowly, with multiple hiccups, starting to come back but with a lot of new rules that restrict guest counts. Alternately take-out/delivery when you can surely helps… Chef Andrew has been on the road and his travels have taken him to Texas. Central Texas BBQ is very popular locally right now and Chef Andrew will have some meaty observations. We’re talking smoked brisket and sausages along the way with minimal sauce.

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

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