Show 289, September 8, 2018: Chef Andrew Gruel, Founder, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Andrew Gruel and his son WilliamChef Andrew Gruel, the founder of The Slapfish Restaurant Group, joins us with another installment of Ask the Chef.”

We’re thinking totally wacky food news…You’ll be surprised. Have you heard about Hellmann’s Mayonnaise Ice Cream created by an artisanal scoop shop in Scotland? Would you be willing to even try it ?

Show 246, November 4, 2017: Tyler Malek, Co-Founder & Head Ice Cream Maker, Salt & Straw Ice Cream

Tyler MalekSalt & Straw Ice Cream is a family-run, chef-driven ice cream company with kitchens and scoop shops in Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles (5 locations in the L.A. area) that partners with local artisans, producers and farmers to serve unusually creative and absolutely delicious ice cream. Co-Founder and Head Ice Cream Maker Tyler Malek is our guest.

Each ice cream is handmade in small batches using only all-natural cream from local farms in each city. Flavors showcase the best local, organic and sustainable ingredients from Oregon and Southern California farmers and artisans as well as imported flavors from small hand-picked farms from around the world.

There is a whole menu of inspiring Thanksgiving flavors. Think Buttered Mashed Potatoes & Gravy and Salted Caramel Thanksgiving Turkey.

The company started in Portland, OR serving eight flavors from an ice cream cart in May of 2011. Scoops of handmade, small batch ice creams, sundaes, milkshakes and floats as well as pints to go are available at each shop with an ice cream sommelier of sorts who will gladly take you through a tasting of all the flavors.

 

Show 185, August 20, 2016: Chef Warren Schwartz, Magpies Softserve, Silver Lake

Warren ScwartzWarren Schwartz is a prominent fine-dining chef. Foodies probably know him best for his long tenure as the Executive Chef of the landmark Saddle Peak Lodge in Malibu Canyon. He was also at The Viceroy in Santa Monica. His new venture is Magpies Softserve in Silverlake in partnership with his wife, Rose, an accomplished pastry chef.

“Magpies Softserve is a scratch recipe soft serve dessert shop. We make our soft serve mix and all toppings in house. We wanted to expand the flavors of typical soft serve ice cream from the traditional vanilla and chocolate by creating flavors of soft serve that bring us back to our childhood, flavors that inspired us to become chefs.”

“We love ice cream. Opening a dessert shop has always been a dream of ours. This idea came to us while we were on a family vacation in Palm Desert, when for nostalgia sake, we decided to go into a Dairy Queen. As we were licking our cone, we came up with the idea at the same time. “Let’s do a chef-y Dairy Queen” and the idea was born. We would have all-scratch soft serve recipes with life inspired flavors and we would make all toppings in-house. We would create flavors that we grew up with and represent us.”

Rose is Korean American, born and raised in South Florida, and Warren is a true Valley Californian. Between the two of us, we came up with flavors that can really tell a story. From a Horchata (non dairy), to a Cortadito, a sweetened Cuban espresso to Yuzu Honey, a traditional Korean tea that is unique to the American palate. We had a lot of fun creating flavors that are authentic to us.”

Show 174, June 4, 2016: Kevin McCafferty of Soda Jerk’s, Looff Hippodrome, Santa Monica Pier

Soda JerksIt’s the 100th anniversary on Sunday, June 12th of the opening of the Looff Hippodrome on the classic Santa Monica Pier. Since 2010 the familiar Carousel Building has been the home to Soda Jerk’s, an authentic, period soda fountain.

Proprietor Kevin McCafferty has created a limited-edition sweet-salty potato-chip sundae to commemorate the occasion. He’s full-scooping as our guest.

For foodies seeking a special dessert conceived from the opening era, this is a rare opportunity to indulge in a limited-edition sweet-salty potato-chip sundae inspired by Pier history and created by Kevin McCafferty, dessert historian and owner of Soda Jerk’s soda fountain. The Brass Ring Sundae is one scoop of salted caramel topped with caramel sauce, one scoop of vanilla ice cream with chocolate, all covered in crushed potato chips with a single chip (the brass ring) on top.

The Looff Hippodrome is on the National Register of Historic Places since 1987 and was declared a Santa Monica Landmark in 1976. “When it first opened, the sound of the band organ from the Carousel could be heard all the way to downtown Santa Monica,” explains Jim Harris, historian for the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corp. and author of the acclaimed book, Santa Monica Pier – A Century on the Last Great Pleasure Pier. “In many ways, it was and remains the heart of the city and we are excited to celebrate Looff’s dream 100 years later. It is a testament to his great vision that the Hippodrome has withstood the test of time.”

100 years later, the Looff Hippodrome remains an example of timeless design and continues to stand as a testament to Looff’s vision. The 100-year celebration will take place on Sunday, June 12, 2016 from 11am – 7:00pm.

Show 157, January 30, 2016: Thomas Pham, The Halal Guys (for SoCal) and Churned

Halal GuysAfter opening its first two West Coast locations to huge crowds and an almost never-ending line, The Halal Guys are entering new territory with its upcoming grand opening in Koreatown, Los Angeles.

The fast-casual New York famed concept opened its first West Coast location in Costa Mesa last October, its second location in Long Beach this past January and have plans to bring 50 units throughout Southern California.

Known for its famous white sauce, gyro sandwiches and chicken-and-rice platters, The Halal Guys menu offers a mix of different Middle Eastern dishes. The Halal Guys aim to be different and encourage patrons across America to ditch burgers for something unique.

They pride themselves on only using high-quality products like their chicken. It has never been frozen and is marinated and seasoned overnight, then cooked and chopped on the grill and served directly to the plate to ensure a crave-worthy meal that’s piping hot. The Halal Guys’ mission is to ensure that every customer leaves happy, with a smile on their face and a satisfaction that brings them back again.

Halal Guys local franchisee, Thomas Pham, is our guest.

He’ll also talk about his new, soon to launch ice cream concept, Churned. The decadent ice cream is made in front of the guests in small batches and served in a fresh croissant. The churning equipment is imported from Italy. (The Italians certainly know a few things about premium ice cream.) The first location (opening later this month) will be in the Union Market at The District, Tustin.

Show 156, January 23, 2016: Edmond Cartojano, Daily Food Feed

Edmond CartojanoOur Co-host, Chef Andrew Gruel is always talking about the impact of positive Social Media in driving guests to a restaurant. It’s a powerful tool…

A key Social Media influencer in Orange County is superstar foodie Edmond Cartojano of the Daily Food Feed blog. He’s food obsessed just like the rest of us. The influential Daily Food Feed on Instragram is less than a year old but Edmond has a four and one-half year background in restaurant public relations and marketing.

Edmond has an incredible 150,000 followers (and still growing) on Instagram and he’s not done yet. His passionate followers were all developed organically which adds more credibility to his efforts.

Edmond notes that food is emotional. The visuals on Instagram best showcase this.

We’ll get the scoop on how all of this came about and what’s in store for the future. We know Edmond loves ice cream, too, so there is a lot to chat about…

 

Show 142, October 17, 2015: John Fosselman, Fosselman’s Ice Cream, Alhambra

John FosselmanFosselman’s Ice Cream Co. “Using the finest ingredients available to make the most delicious ice cream” has been a local favorite since 1919. The ice cream is still handmade in small batches in Alhambra. It relocated there in 1941.

Fosselman’s has just introduced a flavor line of soft serve ice cream for restaurants. The line extension was done in association with Dog Haus, based in Pasadena. Fosselman’s soft serve and milkshakes will now be available in all Dog Haus locations.

“As a Pasadena-based restaurant, we’ve always had a deep respect for local businesses in our community like Fosselman’s that are as committed to quality as we are at Dog Haus,” observes Dog Haus partner Hagop Giragossian.

Co-owner John Fosselman (representing the 3rd generation of Family ownership) joins us with all the sinfully rich details.

The soft serve was just introduced to the greater restaurant community at the Western Foodservice Expo at the L.A. Convention Center. Next will be at the upcoming Fancy Food Show.

Show 134, August 8, 2015: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel & Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

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

Next a mouthwatering preview of Saturday’s fully overloaded show. With any luck we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…

What’s new in ice cream ? (Sorry we just missed National Ice Cream Month…) Consider Manila Sky Ice Cream. This line of gourmet, sweet indulgences is a fusion of authentic Filipino inspired tropical ingredients combined with creamery fresh California milk. The flavors are bold. What started as a hobby for founder Anthony Reyes and his wife has grown (since 2012) into a viable business. What’s not to love about creamy ice cream? We’ll chill with Co-founder Anthony Reyes.

The raw oyster bar seems to be popping up as an attraction at a lot of restaurants these days including ones that offer very little seafood. It’s a trend…Satarist Jonathan Swift once wrote, “He was a bold man that first ate an oyster.” There are three primary species of oysters that are commercially harvested domestically. Our own resident seafood expert, Chef Andrew Gruel, will provide some needed 411 on what every listener should know about these plump bivalves that now are seemingly on restaurant menus everywhere.

Hatch 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.Melissa’s World Variety Produce has led the charge in popularizing the coveted Hatch Chiles and developing many great, easy-to-prepare recipes using them. Their Corporate Chef, Ida Rodriguez, joins us to discuss the joys of Hatch Chile season.

At the age of 15, Chef Brendan Collins quit secondary school to follow his dream and enroll in culinary school, where is was classically trained in French technique. By 17, the talented Nottingham native had his first job at London’s La Gavroche, a Michelin two-star restaurant. Today Collins is the Executive Chef and Proprietor of both Birch in Hollywood as well as the Executive Chef of The Corner Door in Culver City.

Sadly the 125 Anniversary run of the Orange County Fair (“One Big Party” concludes on Sunday, August 16th. The Concessionaire’s Cup Awards for OC Fair’s Finest Foods have been presented. We’ll talk with one of the Trophy Winners, Lori Southerland of Grant’s Tasti Burgers and Tasti Chips.

Our spirited friends at The Museum of The American Cocktail (MOTAC) are at it again. Their next Los Angeles presentation isSin and the Silver Screen: The Birth of Spirited Hollywood.” The date is Monday evening, August 17th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Hollywood’s preeminent English pub, The Pikey Café & Bar. Lesley Jacobs Solmonson & David Solmonson, the authors of The 12 Bottle Bar and publishers of 12bottlebar.com are the always entertaining presenters.

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

Show 134, August 8, 2015: Anthony Reyes, Co-Founder, Manila Sky Ice Cream

Manila Sky Nutty Jack ice CreamWhat’s new in ice cream ? (Sorry we just missed National Ice Cream Month…) Consider Manila Sky Ice Cream. This line of gourmet, sweet indulgences is a fusion of authentic Filipino inspired tropical ingredients combined with creamery fresh California milk. The flavors are bold. Many of the tropical fruits used in the premium ice creams are imported from the Philippines.

What started as a hobby for founder Anthony Reyes and his wife has grown (since 2012) into a viable business. Their young children are the official taste-testers. What’s not to love about creamy ice cream.

The captivating, premium flavors are Coco Rico, Mango Dream, Mango Verde, Nutty Jack, Purple Yumm and Viva Avocado.

Nutty Jack Ice Cream is a distinct, tropical jackfruit ice cream with roasted cashews and a hint of sea salt. The star of this flavor is the Filipino jackfruit : a tropical fruit with notes of mango, pineapple and banana. Pairing jackfruit with cashews is a quintessential Filipino flavor combination that marries the depth of roasted cashews with the tropical sweetness of the jackfruit.”

We’ll chill with Co-founder Anthony Reyes.

August 8: Andrew Gruel, Manila Sky, Melissa’s Produce, Brendan Collins, Grant’s Tasti Burgers, 12 Bottle Bar

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel & Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Anthony Reyes, Co-Founder, Manila Sky Ice Cream
Segment Three: Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish
Segment Four: Corporate Chef Ida Rodriguez, Melissa’s, Hatch Chile Season
Segment Five: Executive Chef Brendan Collins, Birch and The Corner Door Part One
Segment Six: Executive Chef Brendan Collins, Birch and The Corner Door
Segment Seven: Grant’s Tasti Burgers and Tasti Chips, 2015 OC Fair
Segment Eight: The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC)

Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, and now, Irvine at UCI, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Next a mouthwatering preview of Saturday’s overloaded show. With any luck we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…

What’s new in ice cream ? (Sorry we just missed National Ice Cream Month…) Consider Manila Sky Ice Cream. This line of gourmet, sweet indulgences is a fusion of authentic Filipino inspired tropical ingredients combined with creamery fresh California milk. The flavors are bold. What started as a hobby for founder Anthony Reyes and his wife has grown (since 2012) into a prosperous business. What’s not to love about creamy ice cream? We’ll chill with Co-founder Anthony Reyes.

The raw oyster bar seems to be popping up as an attraction at a lot of better restaurants these days including ones that offer very little seafood. It’s a trend…Satarist Jonathan Swift once wrote, “He was a bold man that first ate an oyster.” There are three primary species of oysters that are commercially harvested domestically. Our own resident seafood expert, Chef Andrew Gruel, will provide some needed 411 on what every listener should know about enjoying these plump bivalves that now are seemingly on restaurant menus everywhere.

Hatch 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. Melissa’s World Variety Produce has led the charge in popularizing the coveted Hatch Chiles and developing many inspired recipes using them. Melissa’s Corporate Chef, Ida Rodriguez, joins us to highlight the joys of Hatch Chile season.

At the age of 15, Chef Brendan Collins quit secondary school to follow his dream and enroll in culinary school, where is was classically trained in French technique. By 17, the talented Nottingham native had his first job at London’s La Gavroche, a Michelin two-star restaurant. Today Collins is the Executive Chef and Proprietor of both Birch in Hollywood as well as the Executive Chef of The Corner Door in Culver City.

Sadly the 125th Anniversary run of the Orange County Fair (“One Big Party”) concludes on Sunday, August 16th. The Concessionaire’s Cup Awards for OC Fair’s Finest Foods have been presented. We’ll talk with one of the Trophy Winners, Lori Southerland of Grant’s Tasti Burgers and Tasti Chips.

Our spirited friends at The Museum of The American Cocktail (MOTAC) are at it again. Their next Los Angeles presentation is “Sin and the Silver Screen : The Birth of Spirited Hollywood.” The date is Monday evening, August 17th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Hollywood’s preeminent English pub, The Pikey Café & Bar. Lesley Jacobs Solmonson & David Solmonson, the authors of The 12 Bottle Bar and publishers of 12bottlebar.com are the always entertaining presenters.

Thanks to all our special in-studio guests last week from the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA.) We really appreciate the visit.

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

Manila Sky Nutty Jack ice CreamWhat’s new in ice cream ? (Sorry we just missed National Ice Cream Month…) Consider Manila Sky Ice Cream. This line of gourmet, sweet indulgences is a fusion of authentic Filipino inspired tropical ingredients combined with creamery fresh California milk. The flavors are bold.

What started as a hobby for founder Anthony Reyes and his wife has grown (since 2012) into a prosperous business. What’s not to love about creamy ice cream?

The captivating flavors are Coco Rico, Mango Dream, Mango Verde, Nutty Jack, Purple Yumm and Viva Avocado.

Nutty Jack Ice Cream is a distinct, tropical jackfruit ice cream with roasted cashews and a hint of sea salt. The star of this flavor is the Filipino jackfruit : a tropical fruit with notes of mango, pineapple and banana. Pairing jackfruit with cashews is a quintessential Filipino flavor combination that marries the depth of roasted cashews with the tropical sweetness of the jackfruit.”

We’ll chill with Co-founder Anthony Reyes.

Andrew GruelThe raw oyster bar seems to be popping up as an attraction at a lot of restaurants these days including ones that offer very little seafood. It’s a legitimate trend…

Satarist Jonathan Swift once wrote, “He was a bold man that first ate an oyster.”

There are three primary species of oysters that are commercially harvested domestically. They are the Pacific, Eastern and the Olympia. They can be sold under different names depending on where they are harvested. Live oysters are best enjoyed as fresh as possible.

Oysters are high in calcium and iron. They provide a good source of protein.

Our own resident seafood expert, Chef Andrew Gruel, will provide some needed 411 on what every listener should know about enjoying these plump bivalves that now are seemingly on restaurant menus everywhere.

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 Bristol Farms and Gelson’s. Check the Melissa’s website for locations, dates and times.

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

Brendan CollinsAt the age of 15, Chef Brendan Collins quit secondary school to follow his dream and enroll in culinary school, where is was classically trained in French technique. By 17, the talented Nottingham native had his first job at London’s La Gavroche, a Michelin two-star restaurant. Today Collins is the Executive Chef and Proprietor of both Birch in Hollywood as well as the Executive Chef of The Corner Door in Culver City.

Drawing on his training in butchery and belief in using the whole animal, Collins is dedicated to using only the best ingredients and cooking food that he likes to eat. He combines impeccable French technique, seasonal California ingredients, and his inimitable “British lad” attitude to create a cuisine that is at once comforting and exciting, while maintaining a relaxed, English pub atmosphere

For the past three years, The Corner Door has been known as one of the best spots for cocktails in all of Southern California, filling both the bar and dining room with guests imbibing on their always seasonal and innovative beverage program. And now, with Executive Chef Brendan Collins at the helm of the kitchen, The Corner Door has introduced a completely new Dinner Menu with eats to match.

Collins, formerly the chef at such notable spots as Melisse, Anisette and Palihouse, opened his own acclaimed restaurant Waterloo & City just next to The Corner Door until he decided to close (and sell) it late last year. Though he was also working on his newly opened Hollywood restaurant, Birch, at the same time, Collins was deeply invested in Culver City. “It is a close-knit community, and all the restaurants are friends with each other,” he says. “I lived and worked in Culver City for seven years, and wanted to keep a connection with the neighborhood.“

As Executive Chef, Collins will be cooking at The Corner Door at least one day a week, but his longtime lieutenant and Chef de Cuisine Ali Haji has taken charge of day-to-day operations. Haji has worked with Collins continually for the last eight years, beginning at Mesa, in Costa Mesa. “I am closer to Ali than anyone, maybe even my own wife,” Collins says. “He knows what I like and the standards I like to keep; he is ready to step up and run his own kitchen.”

Orange County Fair 2015Sadly the 125 Anniversary run of the Orange County Fair (“One Big Party”) concludes on Sunday, August 16th.

The annual Concessionaire’s Cup Awards for OC Fair’s Finest Foods have been presented. We’ll talk with one of the Trophy Winners, Lori Southerland of Grant’s Tasti Burgers and Tasti Chips.

Last year their winning item was the Chile Relleno Pretzel Cheeseburger. It’s a spicy chorizo patty, jalapeno jam, avocado, tomato, cheese and a whole chile relleno in a soft pretzel bun. It’s back on the menu for 2015

For 2015 their new signature item is the Cuban Fusion Burger. It’s a pork sausage burger patty with smoked ham, tomato, sliced pickles, spicy mayo, mustard and Swiss cheese on a ciabatta roll.

David and Lesley Jacobs SolmonsonOur spirited friends at The Museum of The American Cocktail (MOTAC) are at it again. Their next Los Angeles presentation is Sin and the Silver Screen: The Birth of Spirited Hollywood.”

The program tells the story of Hollywood’s transformation from a dry, well-churched town to the epicenter of nightclub culture. The presentation features the rise and Golden Age of the Hollywood nightclub, tales from its most popular establishments, and “house drinks” from several famous clubs, including the Cocoanut Grove, Embassy Club, and Café Montmarte. Admission ($40.00 General Admission) includes farm-to-table food pairings of Chef Ralph Johnson.

The event date is Monday evening, August 17th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Hollywood’s preeminent English pub, The Pikey Café & Bar. Lesley Jacobs Solmonson & David Solmonson, the authors of The 12 Bottle Bar and publishers of 12bottlebar.com are the always entertaining presenters.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel & Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Anthony Reyes, Co-Founder, Manila Sky Ice Cream
Segment Three: Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish
Segment Four: Corporate Chef Ida Rodriguez, Melissa’s, Hatch Chile Season
Segment Five: Executive Chef Brendan Collins, Birch and The Corner Door Part One
Segment Six: Executive Chef Brendan Collins, Birch and The Corner Door
Segment Seven: Grant’s Tasti Burgers and Tasti Chips, 2015 OC Fair
Segment Eight: The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC)