Tag Archives: healthcare

Show 534, July 15, 2023: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

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Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

First it was a 3 to 5 per cent charge added to restaurant checks to contribute to employees’ healthcare costs. This was reversable upon request. Now it’s a mandatory 18 per cent (sometimes 20 per cent) service fee added to restaurant checks that is not a gratuity or tip but (hopefully) goes to elevating the compensation of all hourly employees and other operational expenses. (As a savvy diner you should specifically ask how the Service Fee is allocated.) Should the server also get a real gratuity? Confused? Chef Andrew weighs in.

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Show 514, February 25, 2023: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”

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Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the recently launched, full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

We’re picking up the conversation about some tipping oddities. Some full-service restaurants are now adding a “Mandatory Service Charge” to restaurant bills for parties of less than 6 guests. Is this a tip? Does this all go to the server? What about a 4 to 5 per cent surcharge added for “employee health care”? What’s right? We’ll ask the chef.

Chef Andrew and Lauren Gruel have a new fast casual concept, Burger 101, coming soon to the 2-level, Kitchen United complex on the 3rd St. Promenade in Santa Monica. It’s Chef Andrew’s version of a value-priced, honest burger (and loaded fries) using quality ingredients including a premium burger patty sourced from West Coast Prime Meats. He’ll also launch a casual Mexican concept there, Lolo’s Tacos, specializing in clean and simple tacos, burritos and standout specialty sauces.

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Show 501, November 26, 2022: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”

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Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

What’s the 411 on this newish 4 per cent surcharge you now see added on the checks of many fine-dining restaurants for a “contribution to staff health care” costs? Should you appropriately tip on this, too? We’ll ask the chef…

Now that the Thanksgiving feast 2022 is behind us the mission is what creatively can be done with the typically abundant leftovers. Chefs don’t waste food. Chef Andrew provides his own culinary inspiration including loaded sandwiches and a frittata.

Chef Andrew and Lauren Gruel have a new fast casual concept, Burger 101, coming soon to the 2-level, Kitchen United complex on the 3rd St. Promenade in Santa Monica. It’s Chef Andrew’s version of a value-priced, honest burger (and loaded fries) using quality ingredients including a premium burger patty sourced from West Coast Prime Meats. He’ll also launch a casual Mexican concept there, Lolo’s Tacos.

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Show 319, April 13, 2019: Benjamin Lillibridge, Founder & “Funguy,” Malama Mushrooms, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

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Benjamin LIllibridgeWe discovered Malama Mushrooms from The Big Island of Hawaii exhibiting at the recent Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim and met Founder and “Funguy” Benjamin Lillibridge. Their goal is to unearth the enormous potential of edible mushrooms in our society.

“Whether its medicinal mushrooms for targeting specific ailments, or nutritionally rich gourmet mushrooms for a healthy diet, our goal is to create healthy fungi-based produce and value-added products you can get behind as a loyal fan, customer and family member.”

““Malama” is the Hawaiian word for preserve, protect and nurture. This serves as the standard for all the work we do.”

When considering the use of mushrooms for medicinal purposes always consult with your healthcare professional first.

We’ll find out about the hidden power of mushrooms with Ben.

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