Show 480, June 25, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

“For 17 years Chef Aaron Robins’ Boneyard Bistro in Sherman Oaks truly has it all. Real Southern BBQ slow smoked over Hickory, Santa Maria BBQ grilled over live Red Oak, and creative bistro fare influenced by all corners of the world.” Based on years of experience preparing premium BBQ, Chef Aaron even uses different types of smokers for his various proteins so they are cooked just right. Pitmaster and Executive Chef Aaron Robins is our guest.

Iris Vineyards perches in the iris-dotted hills at the southern edge of the Willamette Valley, an 870- acre, high-elevation preserve dedicated to the ancient Greek concept of areté – the tireless striving to achieve one’s fullest potential. Areté guides the proprietors Richard Boyles and Pamela Frye, and winemaker Aaron Lieberman to create fresh, fruit-forward wines that truly honor their source. Winemaker Aaron Lieberman joined Iris as the head of winemaking in 2008, and has spearheaded the winery’s significant quality advances over the last decade. Under the Iris Vineyards name, the winery produces a wide range of red, white, and rosé wines from the Chalice Vineyard, as well as from selected vineyards around the state. The Areté label represents the reserve, or premium level of wines – truly the best of the estate.”

“The story of the East Bay favorite, ButtercuP Diner + Bar begins in 1988, when founders David and Debbie Shahvar were just starting their family. At the time, David worked for an upscale dinner house.  They had a hard time finding a restaurant that offered fresh food, yet was casual enough to bring their children. They dreamed of owning a family style restaurant where they could get fresh homemade food at an affordable price. Fast forward 34 years later, and you can find David, Debbie, and now their three grown children working at the five locations in the Bay Area. Locations in Oakland (2,) Walnut Creek, Vallejo and Concord. ButtercuP has truly become a family restaurant.” 

Chef Andrew Gruel was boarding a plane at the time of his usual “Ask the Chef” segment. He’ll return to the show 4th of July Weekend on July 2nd.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 480, June 25, 2022: Iris Vineyards, Springfield, OR with Winemaker Aaron Lieberman and Carl Giavanti Part One

Aaron Lieberman of Iris Vineyards

Iris Vineyards perches in the iris-dotted hills at the southern edge of the Willamette Valley, an 870-acre, high-elevation preserve dedicated to the ancient Greek concept of areté – the tireless striving to achieve one’s fullest potential. Areté guides the proprietors Richard Boyles and Pamela Frye, and winemaker Aaron Lieberman to create fresh, fruit-forward wines that truly honor their source.”

“Richard Boyles and Pamela Frye spent several years searching for a site with the potential to create great Pinot Noir. In 1992, they found a property in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Mountain Range at the south end of the Willamette Valley. It had been clear-cut, exposing sloping hillsides, promising soils, and site’s immense potential for the Burgundian and Alsatian varietals Richard and Pamela loved most. Richard and Pamela committed to replanting 500 acres of the estate to Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine for timber harvesting, and to restoring a diverse forest habitat with multiple native tree and understory species represented.”

Winemaker Aaron Lieberman joined Iris as the head of winemaking in 2008, and has spearheaded the winery’s significant quality advances over the last decade. Like Richard, Aaron has always approached his life and work with areté in mind – striving each day to improve and achieve the best possible result.”

“Iris Vineyards’ winemaking program empowers Aaron to apply areté in every aspect of the work. He describes himself as a shepherd, guiding rather than forcing nature in the direction he wants it to go. This work begins, of course, with growing the best possible grapes. Aaron collaborates with vineyard manager Nathan Sparrow to optimize the growth, health, and maturity of each block of the Chalice Vineyard estate. He also works closely with other Willamette Valley growers and Rogue Valley growers who produce the warm-climate varieties for some of Iris Vineyards’ wine club selections.”

“Aaron’s goal: bright, fruit-forward wines with crisp acidity and low alcohol that honor their origins and deliver exceptional value.”

“Under the Iris Vineyards name, the winery produces a wide range of red, white, and rosé wines from the Chalice Vineyard, as well as from selected vineyards around the state. The Areté label represents the reserve, or premium level of wines – truly the best of the estate.” The Areté label also represents Iris Vineyards’ premium sparkling wine program all done in-house on the Estate.

Earlier this month Iris Vineyards opened a new Wine Bar in Downtown Springfield, Oregon on historic Main Street. Winemaker Aaron has created a selection of wine-based cocktails for the Wine Bar.

Winemaker Aaron Lieberman joins us to pull the cork on all that is Iris Vineyards joined by Oregon-based wine marketing and public relations authority Carl Giavanti.

Show 480, June 25, 2022: Iris Vineyards, Springfield, OR with Winemaker Aaron Lieberman and Carl Giavanti Part Two

Aaron Lieberman of Iris Vineyards

“Areté (AIR-it-tay) is a concept with deep roots in ancient Greek mythology, literature and philosophy. In simple terms, it is the moral imperative to achieve your full potential – the obligation to strive every day to do better, and be the best you can be. At Iris Vineyards, areté means constant attention to their vineyard practices, the wine quality, and Iris’ hospitality.”

Winemaker Aaron Lieberman joined Iris as the head of winemaking in 2008, and has spearheaded the winery’s significant quality advances over the last decade. Like Richard, Aaron has always approached his life and work with areté in mind – striving each day to improve and achieve the best possible result.”

“Iris Vineyards’ winemaking program empowers Aaron to apply areté in every aspect of the work. He describes himself as a shepherd, guiding rather than forcing nature in the direction he wants it to go. This work begins, of course, with growing the best possible grapes. Aaron collaborates with vineyard manager Nathan Sparrow to optimize the growth, health, and maturity of each block of the Chalice Vineyard estate. He also works closely with other Willamette Valley growers and Rogue Valley growers who produce the warm-climate varieties for some of Iris Vineyards’ wine club selections.”

“Aaron’s goal: bright, fruit-forward wines with crisp acidity and low alcohol that honor their origins and deliver exceptional value.”

“Under the Iris Vineyards name, the winery produces a wide range of red, white, and rosé wines from the Chalice Vineyard, as well as from selected vineyards around the state. The Areté label represents the reserve, or premium level of wines – truly the best of the estate.” The Areté label also represents Iris Vineyards’ premium sparkling wine program all unusually done in-house on the Estate.

Earlier this month Iris Vineyards opened a new Wine Bar in Downtown Springfield, Oregon on historic Main Street. Winemaker Aaron has created a selection of wine-based cocktails for the Wine Bar.

Winemaker Aaron Lieberman continues with us to further pull the cork on all that is Iris Vineyards and also joined by Oregon-based wine marketing and public relations authority, Carl Giavanti.

June 25: Boneyard Bistro, Iris Vineyards, ButtercuP Diner + Bar

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef / Proprietor Aaron Robins, Boneyard Bistro, Sherman Oaks Part One
Segment Three: Chef / Proprietor Aaron Robins, Boneyard Bistro, Sherman Oaks Part Two
Segment Four: Iris Vineyards, Springfield, OR with Winemaker Aaron Lieberman and Carl Giavanti Part One
Segment Five: Iris Vineyards, Springfield, OR with Winemaker Aaron Lieberman and Carl Giavanti Part Two
Segment Six: ButtercuP Diner + Bar, East Bay, with Debbie Shahvar and Ben Shahvar Part One
Segment Seven: ButtercuP Diner + Bar, East Bay, with Debbie Shahvar and Ben Shahvar Part Two

We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

“For 17 years Chef Aaron Robins’ Boneyard Bistro in Sherman Oaks truly has it all. Real Southern BBQ slow smoked over Hickory, Santa Maria BBQ grilled over live Red Oak, and creative bistro fare influenced by all corners of the world.” Based on years of experience preparing premium BBQ, Chef Aaron even uses different types of smokers for his various proteins so they are cooked just right. Pitmaster and Executive Chef Aaron Robins is our guest.

Iris Vineyards perches in the iris-dotted hills at the southern edge of the Willamette Valley, an 870-acre, high-elevation preserve dedicated to the ancient Greek concept of areté – the tireless striving to achieve one’s fullest potential. Areté guides the proprietors Richard Boyles and Pamela Frye, and winemaker Aaron Lieberman to create fresh, fruit-forward wines that truly honor their source. Winemaker Aaron Lieberman joined Iris as the head of winemaking in 2008, and has spearheaded the winery’s significant quality advances over the last decade. Under the Iris Vineyards name, the winery produces a wide range of red, white, and rosé wines from the Chalice Vineyard, as well as from selected vineyards around the state. The Areté label represents the reserve, or premium level of wines – truly the best of the estate.”

“The story of the East Bay favorite, ButtercuP Diner + Bar begins in 1988, when founders David and Debbie Shahvar were just starting their family. At the time, David worked for an upscale dinner house. They had a hard time finding a restaurant that offered fresh food, yet was casual enough to bring their children. They dreamed of owning a family style restaurant where they could get fresh homemade food at an affordable price. Fast forward 34 years later, and you can find David, Debbie, and now their three grown children working at the five locations in the Bay Area. Locations in Oakland (2,) Walnut Creek, Vallejo and Concord. ButtercuP has truly become a family restaurant.”

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Aaron Robins of Boneyard Bistro

“For some 17 years Chef Aaron Robins’ Boneyard Bistro in Sherman Oaks truly has it all. Real Southern BBQ slow smoked over Hickory, Santa Maria BBQ grilled over live Red Oak, and creative bistro fare influenced by all corners of the world.” Based on years of hands-on experience preparing premium BBQ, Chef Aaron even uses different types of smokers for his various proteins so they are cooked just right.

“If adult beverages spark your fire then Boneyard has a vast selection of appealing beverages at the ready. They feature 42 taps of beer all focused on micro brews and specialty imports. Boneyard Bistro also has over 100 specialty brews in the bottle. When it comes to premium wine they feature at least 10 by the glass and will open almost any bottle you wish with a 2 glass minimum. Boneyard offers one of the largest Zinfandel collections in all of Southern California.”

Join them on Mondays for their ever-popular Fried Chicken night. You can get your bird either Nashville Hot or Southern Style with no heat. They are also known for their unusual Kobe Style Beef Chili Filled Donuts with cheddar cheese, mustard, onions and pickles.

Dinner nightly with Lunch on Weekends.

Pitmaster and Chef Aaron Robins is our guest.

Aaron Lieberman of Iris Vineyards

Iris Vineyards perches in the iris-dotted hills at the southern edge of the Willamette Valley, an 870-acre, high-elevation preserve dedicated to the ancient Greek concept of areté – the tireless striving to achieve one’s fullest potential. Areté guides the proprietors Richard Boyles and Pamela Frye, and winemaker Aaron Lieberman to create fresh, fruit-forward wines that truly honor their source.”

“Areté (AIR-it-tay) is a concept with deep roots in ancient Greek mythology, literature and philosophy. In simple terms, it is the moral imperative to achieve your full potential – the obligation to strive every day to do better, and be the best you can be. At Iris Vineyards, areté means constant attention to their vineyard practices, the wine quality, and Iris’ hospitality.”

“Richard Boyles and Pamela Frye spent several years searching for a site with the potential to create great Pinot Noir. In 1992, they found a property in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Mountain Range at the south end of the Willamette Valley. It had been clear-cut, exposing sloping hillsides, promising soils, and site’s immense potential for the Burgundian and Alsatian varietals Richard and Pamela loved most. Richard and Pamela committed to replanting 500 acres of the estate to Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine for timber harvesting, and to restoring a diverse forest habitat with multiple native tree and understory species represented.”

Winemaker Aaron Lieberman joined Iris as the head of winemaking in 2008, and has spearheaded the winery’s significant quality advances over the last decade. Like Richard, Aaron has always approached his life and work with areté in mind – striving each day to improve and achieve the best possible result.”

“Iris Vineyards’ winemaking program empowers Aaron to apply areté in every aspect of the work. He describes himself as a shepherd, guiding rather than forcing nature in the direction he wants it to go. This work begins, of course, with growing the best possible grapes. Aaron collaborates with vineyard manager Nathan Sparrow to optimize the growth, health, and maturity of each block of the Chalice Vineyard estate. He also works closely with other Willamette Valley growers and Rogue Valley growers who produce the warm-climate varieties for some of Iris Vineyards’ wine club selections.”

“Aaron’s goal: bright, fruit-forward wines with crisp acidity and low alcohol that honor their origins and deliver exceptional value.”

“Under the Iris Vineyards name, the winery produces a wide range of red, white, and rosé wines from the Chalice Vineyard, as well as from selected vineyards around the state. The Areté label represents the reserve, or premium level of wines – truly the best of the estate.”

Earlier this month Iris Vineyards opened a new Wine Bar in Downtown Springfield, Oregon on historic Main Street. Winemaker Aaron has created a selection of wine-based cocktails for the Wine Bar.

Winemaker Aaron Lieberman joins us to pull the cork on all that is Iris Vineyards joined by Oregon-based wine marketing and public relations authority Carl Giavanti.

Debbie and Ben Shahvar of Buttercup Diner and Bar

“The story of the East Bay favorite, ButtercuP Diner + Bar begins in 1988, when founders David and Debbie Shahvar were just starting their family. At the time, David worked for an upscale dinner house. They had a hard time finding a restaurant that offered fresh food, yet was casual enough to bring their children. They dreamed of owning a family style restaurant where they could get fresh homemade food at an affordable price.”

“Fast forward 34 years later, and you can find David, Debbie, and their three grown children working at the five locations in the Bay Area. Locations in Oakland (2,) Walnut Creek, Vallejo and Concord. ButtercuP has truly become a family restaurant.”

They are known for their own addictive pastry creation, “The Cinnascuit.” It’s their house, made from scratch light & fluffy southern-style biscuit dipped in cinnamon sugar, baked and topped with a truly decadent cream cheese frosting. They also create a Cinnascuit French Toast variation of this. A must…

“The goal at ButtercuP Diner is to serve their guests hearty, high quality food at a reasonable price. They serve every meal of the day. Each location currently opens at 7 a.m. seven days a week, and the chefs transition seamlessly from breakfast to lunch to dinner.” The restaurants now close at 8 p.m.

“The kitchen makes pretty much everything from scratch from Debbie’s own personal recipes. Dessert is a must here.” Pies are their specialty. When in doubt The Shahvars suggest the signature upside-down apple-walnut pie, topped with a crunchy brown-sugar-and-walnut glaze.

Founder Debbie Shavar and son, Ben, join us to share the inspiring success story of ButtercuP Diner + Bar.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef / Proprietor Aaron Robins, Boneyard Bistro, Sherman Oaks Part One
Segment Three: Chef / Proprietor Aaron Robins, Boneyard Bistro, Sherman Oaks Part Two
Segment Four: Iris Vineyards, Springfield, OR with Winemaker Aaron Lieberman and Carl Giavanti Part One
Segment Five: Iris Vineyards, Springfield, OR with Winemaker Aaron Lieberman and Carl Giavanti Part Two
Segment Six: ButtercuP Diner + Bar, East Bay, with Debbie Shahvar and Ben Shahvar Part One
Segment Seven: ButtercuP Diner + Bar, East Bay, with Debbie Shahvar and Ben Shahvar Part Two