Chef Dustin Trani represents the 4th generation of the celebrated Trani Family to be an owner/chef cooking in San Pedro. Currently he is best known for J. Trani’s Ristorante which is his Family’s successor restaurant to their original San Pedro establishment, Trani’s Majestic Café opened in 1925 in downtown San Pedro. His latest venture (in the works since 2019) is the ambitious, soon to officially open Trani’s Dockside Station located in San Pedro’s historic waterfront in a vintage (fully restored and renovated) 1920 building that initially served as an immigration hall. In more recent years it was the local diner, Canetti’s Seafood Grotto, which closed in 2010 after a 70-year run. The exterior has been restored and preserved along with the addition of a striking, art deco neon vertical sign. The restaurant will eventually be open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Chef Dustin Trani joins us with all the details of long-in-the-works Trani’s Dockside Station.
Outrageous Fair Food is always a mouthwatering highlight. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star, Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s fame on the RCS Carnival Midway. We’ll find out what indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up now for the closing weekend of the Los Angeles County Fair and beyond. Then it’s on to the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar and the OC Fair launching on Friday, July 14th. We’re taking Fair Food at its tastiest best with The Midway Gourmet.
“Zov’s Bistro and Bakery, the renowned restaurant (started in Tustin) that has been delighting diners for 35 years with its unique Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, is celebrating multiple milestones this year – its 35th anniversary and expansion into San Clemente. What began as a modest, home-based catering company in 1987 has become one of Orange County’s most iconic multi-unit mainstays, continuing to make waves as it expands throughout Southern California. Founded in 1987 by Chef Zov Karamardian, Zov’s has been a staple in Orange County’s dining scene, earning numerous awards and accolades for its flavorful dishes, warm hospitality, and elegant ambiance. The Armenian immigrant credits family support as the foundation and inspiration throughout her culinary career. Her son, Armen, now leads the brand’s expansion as Zov’s CEO, and her daughter, Taleene, envisions its creative direction.” 2nd generation restaurateur Armen Karamardian is our guide to all things Zov’s.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in 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. It’s Memorial Day Weekend. First Chef Andrew properly reminds us that there is more significance to this holiday besides the treat of Summer grilling. Since Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of the Summer grilling season Chef Andrew shares a few genuinely useful tips.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
Chef Dustin Trani represents the 4th generation of the Trani Family to be an owner/chef cooking in San Pedro. Currently he is best known for J. Trani’s Ristorante which is his Family’s successor restaurant to their original San Pedro establishment, Trani’s Majestic Café opened in 1925 in downtown San Pedro.
His latest venture (in the works since 2019) is the ambitious soon to officially open Trani’s DocksideStation located in San Pedro’s historic waterfront in a vintage (fully restored and renovated) 1920 building that initially served as an immigration hall. In more recent years it was the local diner, Canetti’s Seafood Grotto, which closed in 2010 after a 70-year run. The exterior has been carefully restored and preserved along with the addition of a striking, art deco neon vertical sign. The restaurant will eventually be open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
The handsome and spacious Trani’s Dockside (with inside and outside patio seating) features coastal cuisine with a prominent exhibition raw bar and wood-fired cooking. The bustling wholesale fish market is located directly across the street from Trani’s. When it comes to premium seafood It doesn’t get any fresher than that.
The distinctive curved stone and mahogany wood bar top (circa 1947) was repurposed from a departed area drinking establishment of note. An antique,1,600- pound cast bronze teller’s table from the original Bank of Italy (now Bank of America) serves as the unusual community table.
Chef Dustin Trani is our guest with a platter of freshly shucked oysters at the ready.
Chef Dustin Trani represents the 4th generation of the Trani Family to be an owner/chef cooking in San Pedro. Currently he is best known for J. Trani’s Ristorante which is his Family’s successor restaurant to their original San Pedro establishment, Trani’s Majestic Café opened in 1925 in downtown San Pedro.
His latest venture (in the works since 2019) is the ambitious soon to officially open Trani’s DocksideStation located in San Pedro’s historic waterfront in a vintage (fully restored and renovated) 1920 building that initially served as an immigration hall. In more recent years it was the local diner, Canetti’s Seafood Grotto, which closed in 2010 after a 70-year run. The exterior has been carefully restored and preserved along with the addition of a striking, art deco neon vertical sign. The restaurant will eventually be open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
The handsome and spacious Trani’s Dockside (with inside and outside patio seating) features coastal cuisine with a prominent exhibition raw bar and wood-fired cooking. The bustling wholesale fish market is located directly across the street from Trani’s. It doesn’t get any fresher than that. Think Fatty Bluefin Tartar topped with Ginger and Lime Marinated Green Apples.
The distinctive curved stone and mahogany wood bar top (circa 1947) was repurposed from a departed area drinking establishment of note. An antique,1,600- pound cast bronze teller’s table from the original Bank of Italy (now Bank of America) serves as the unusual community table.
Chef Dustin Trani is our guest with a platter of freshly shucked oysters at the ready.
We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.
Chef Dustin Trani represents the 4th generation of the celebrated Trani Family to be an owner/chef cooking in San Pedro. Currently he is best known for J. Trani’s Ristorante which is his Family’s successor restaurant to their original San Pedro establishment, Trani’s Majestic Café opened in 1925 in downtown San Pedro. His latest venture (in the works since 2019) is the ambitious, soon to officially open Trani’s DocksideStation located in San Pedro’s historic waterfront in a vintage (fully restored and renovated) 1920 building that initially served as an immigration hall. In more recent years it was the local diner, Canetti’s Seafood Grotto, which closed in 2010 after a 70-year run. The exterior has been restored and preserved along with the addition of a striking, art deco neon vertical sign. The restaurant will eventually be open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Chef Dustin Trani joins us with all the details of long-in-the-works Trani’s Dockside Station.
Outrageous Fair Food is always a mouthwatering highlight. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star, Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s fame on the RCS Carnival Midway. We’ll find out what indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up now for the closing weekend of the Los Angeles County Fair and beyond. Then it’s on to the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar and the OC Fair launching on Friday, July 14th. We’re taking Fair Food at its tastiest best with The Midway Gourmet.
“Zov’s Bistro and Bakery, the renowned restaurant (started in Tustin) that has been delighting diners for 35 years with its unique Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, is celebrating multiple milestones this year – its 35th anniversary and expansion into San Clemente. What began as a catering company in 1987 has become one of Orange County’s most iconic multi-unit mainstays, continuing to make waves as it expands throughout Southern California. Founded in 1987 by Chef Zov Karamardian, Zov’s has been a staple in Orange County’s dining scene, earning numerous awards and accolades for its flavorful dishes, warm hospitality, and elegant ambiance. The Armenian immigrant credits family support as the foundation and inspiration throughout her culinary career. Her son, Armen, now leads the brand’s expansion as Zov’s CEO, and her daughter, Taleene, envisions its creative direction.”
2nd generation restaurateur Armen Karamardian is our guide to all things Zov’s.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in 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. It’s Memorial Day Weekend. First Chef Andrew reminds us that there is more significance to this holiday besides the treat of Summer grilling. Since Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of the Summer grilling season Chef Andrew shares a few genuinely useful tips.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
Chef Dustin Trani represents the 4th generation of the Trani Family to be an owner/chef cooking in San Pedro. Currently he is best known for J. Trani’s Ristorante which is his Family’s successor restaurant to their original San Pedro establishment, Trani’s Majestic Café opened in 1925 in downtown San Pedro.
His latest venture (in the works since 2019) is the ambitious soon to officially open Trani’s DocksideStation located in San Pedro’s historic waterfront in a vintage (fully restored and renovated) 1920 building that initially served as an immigration hall. In more recent years it was the local diner, Canetti’s Seafood Grotto, which closed in 2010 after a 70-year run. The exterior has been carefully restored and preserved along with the addition of a striking, art deco neon vertical sign. The restaurant will eventually be open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
The handsome and spacious Trani’s Dockside (with inside and outside patio seating) features coastal cuisine with a prominent exhibition raw bar and wood-fired cooking. The bustling wholesale fish market is located directly across the street from Trani’s. When it comes to premium seafood It doesn’t get any fresher than that.
The distinctive curved stone and mahogany wood bar top (circa 1947) was repurposed from a departed area drinking establishment of note. An antique,1,600- pound cast bronze teller’s table from the original Bank of Italy (now Bank of America) serves as the unusual community table.
Chef Dustin Trani is our guest with a platter of freshly shucked oysters at the ready.
Outrageous Fair Food is always a mouthwatering highlight. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star, Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s fame on the RCS Carnival Midway. We’ll find out what indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up now for the closing weekend of the Los Angeles County Fair and beyond. Then it’s on to the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar and the OC Fair launching on Friday, July 14th.
Chef Dominic’s Enzo Pizza is always a Fair standout. New on Enzo’s menu for the 2023 season is an outrageous Hot Cheeto Cheese Pickle Pizza. Chef Dominic assures that “this will change how anyone thinks about pizza.” Remember its his Italian heritage that’s on the line here…
We’re taking Fair Food at its tastiest best with The Midway Gourmet. A giant Turkey Leg has appeared.
“Zov’s Bistro and Bakery, the renowned restaurant (started in Tustin) that has been delighting diners for 35 years with its unique Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, is celebrating multiple milestones this year – its 35th anniversary and expansion into San Clemente. What began as a catering company in 1987 has become one of Orange County’s most iconic multi-unit mainstays, continuing to make waves as it expands throughout Southern California.”
“Founded in 1987 by Chef Zov Karamardian, Zov’s has been a staple in Orange County’s dining scene, earning numerous awards and accolades for its flavorful dishes, warm hospitality, and elegant ambiance. The Armenian immigrant credits family support as the foundation and inspiration throughout her culinary career. Her son, Armen, now leads the brand’s expansion as Zov’s CEO, and her daughter, Taleene, envisions its creative direction.”
“As Zov’s marks its 35th anniversary, Karamardian and her family look back on the restaurant’s journey with pride and gratitude for the loyal guests and dedicated staff who have supported its growth.”
“It’s been an incredible journey. My dream was fueled by my passion for cooking and a desire to bring Mediterranean-inspired cuisine to Orange County,” reflects Zov Karamardian. “Our loyal customers have been the driving force behind our success, and we’re excited to continue to serve them and new diners in the years to come.”
“In celebration of their 35th anniversary, Zov’s restaurant is proud to partner with the UCI Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute. A collaboration between Chef Zov Karamardian and UCI Samueli Institute’s Executive Chef Jessica VanRoo, the menu is a celebration of a shared commitment to the transformative power of the culinary arts to our health. Started in early May, Zov’s now offers a special 3-course menu for $35 complete with Roasted Beet Dip with tahini swirl and toasted pita, Pan Roasted Sea Bass, with seared zucchini cake and toasted feta in a lemon caper sauce, and for dessert, Chia Seed Yogurt with turmeric and fresh mango.”
“As a family-owned business, we are thrilled to be celebrating our 35th anniversary in Orange County,” said Armen Karamardian, CEO of Zov’s. “As we expand into San Clemente, our team provides a memorable dining experience with fresh, healthy ingredients and exceptional service. We can’t wait to share our passion for food and hospitality with the South Orange County community.”
2nd generation restaurateur Armen Karamardian is our guide to all things Zov’s.
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.
It’s Memorial Day Weekend. First Chef Andrew reminds us that there is more significance to this holiday besides the treat of Summer grilling. Since Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of the Summer grilling season Chef Andrew shares a few genuinely useful tips.
Now a captivating preview of this Saturday’s delectable show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… Keep in mind we’re always here with you live every Saturday with a fresh show.
Eclipsing painters and musicians, chefs have emerged as the world’s leading creative professionals—so there’s no better place to turn for insight into the “Big Game Sunday” creative process than the pages of the new book by two-time James Beard Award winners author Karen Page and photographer Andrew Dornenburg, creators of the beloved 400,000-copy bestseller The Flavor Bible, named one of the ten best cookbooks of the past century by Forbes. Karen is our encore guest.
Our resident produce guru, Robert Schueller of Melissa’sWorld Variety Produce, is back with us to complete his 2018 “Trends in Produce” insights. This time his observant eye is on specialty vegetables. He’s profiling his Top Ten (based on sales) including everything from organic ginger to watermelon radishes.
Executive Chef Dustin Trani of the iconic J. Trani’s restaurant in San Pedro (established in 1925) represents the 4th generation of Italian cuisine in the Trani Family. He’s a big fan of pristine seafood from Alaska. Chef Justin is featured in a new video from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute educating C-CAP students (Careers through Culinary Arts Program) on how to prepare flash frozen, fresh, sustainable Alaska seafood. We’re chilling with Chef Dustin.
Chefs and food stylists Denise Vivaldo and Cindie Flannigan have recently published the 2nd edition of their ground-breaking book The Food Stylist’s Handbook, originally published in 2010. There have been great changes in the industry since the first edition, including the explosion in popularity of food blogging and social media, food videos, and recipe creators working as their own photographers. We’re styling with Chef Denise.
Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his “Ask the Chef” series. Don’t be scared about the possibilities of cooking a whole fish. It’s all about the flavor. Chef Andrew shares the secrets of creating the magic.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!
Executive Chef Dustin Trani of the iconic J. Trani’s restaurant in San Pedro represents the 4th generation of Italian cuisine in the Trani Family. J. Trani’s opened in San Pedro in 1925.
He’s a big fan of pristine seafood from Alaska. Chef Justin is featured in a new video from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) educating C-CAP students (Careers through Culinary Arts Program) on how to prepare blast flash frozen, fresh, sustainable Alaska seafood. Chef Dustin is a loyal C-CAP alum himself.
In this video the C-CAP students had the opportunity to learn about two species of Alaskan seafood, how to best care and prepare frozen fresh seafood, along with tips about dish development, plating, and dish presentation.
In addition to nightly Dinner, J. Trani’s serves lunch on Thursday & Friday, and Sunday Brunch.
Executive Chef Dustin Trani of the iconic J. Trani’s restaurant in San Pedro represents the 4th generation of Italian cuisine in the Trani Family. The restaurant has been a local landmark since 1925.
Chef Dustin is a big fan of pristine seafood from Alaska. He is featured in a new video from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) educating C-CAP students (Careers through Culinary Arts Program) on how to prepare blast flash frozen, fresh, sustainable Alaska seafood. Chef Dustin is a loyal C-CAP alum himself.
Dustin J Trani has been a fixture at J Trani’s since age 6, where he now serves as executive chef. Dustin’s love for cooking was fostered by his grandfather J Trani, Sr. and his father Jim Trani, Jr.
After learning the family secrets, Dustin set out around the world; studying pasta in the Italian truffle region, serving as chef at the People’s Café in Zagreb, Croatia and exploring Asian food while training at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand before returning to San Pedro.
Program Note: On this Saturday, February 3rdwe follow Ducks Hockey at the special time of 2 to 4:00 p.m. Don’t keep it a secret…
Now a captivating preview of this Saturday’s delectable show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… Keep in mind we’re always here with you live every Saturday with a fresh show.
Eclipsing painters and musicians, chefs have emerged as the world’s leading creative professionals—so there’s no better place to turn for insight into the “Big Game Sunday” creative process than the pages of the new book by two-time James Beard Award winners author Karen Page and photographer Andrew Dornenburg, creators of the beloved 400,000-copy bestseller The Flavor Bible, named one of the ten best cookbooks of the past century by Forbes. Karen is our encore guest.
Our resident produce guru, Robert Schueller of Melissa’sWorld Variety Produce, is back with us to complete his 2018 “Trends in Produce” insights. This time his observant eye is on specialty vegetables. He’ll be profiling everything from organic ginger to watermelon radishes.
Executive Chef Dustin Trani of the iconic J. Trani’s restaurant in San Pedro represents the 4th generation of Italian cuisine in the Trani Family. He’s a big fan of pristine seafood from Alaska. Chef Justin is featured in a new video from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute educating C-CAP students (Careers through Culinary Arts Program) on how to prepare flash frozen, fresh, sustainable Alaska seafood. We’re chilling with Chef Dustin.
Chefs and food stylists Denise Vivaldo and Cindie Flannigan have recently published the 2nd edition of their ground-breaking book The Food Stylist’s Handbook, originally published in 2010. There have been great changes in the industry since the first edition, including the explosion in popularity of food blogging and social media, food videos, and recipe creators working as their own photographers. We’re styling with Chef Denise.
Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his “Ask the Chef” series. Don’t be scared about the possibilities of cooking a whole fish. It’s all about the flavor. Chef Andrew shares the secrets of creating the magic.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!
Eclipsing painters and musicians, chefs have emerged as the world’s leading creative professionals—so there’s no better place to turn for insight into the “Big Game Sunday” creative process than the pages of the new book by two-time James Beard Award winners author Karen Page and photographer Andrew Dornenburg, creators of the beloved 400,000-copy bestseller The Flavor Bible, named one of the ten best cookbooks of the past century by Forbes.
A tuber that develops in the stem just above ground level, Kohlrabi from Melissa’s is a cruciferous vegetable, along with cabbage, kale, cauliflower and broccoli. About the size of an orange, Kohlrabi is pale green or purple-tinged (purple kohlrabi), and rounded. Firm stems with large leaves branch out evenly at all angles. The leaves, which taste like kale, collards or cabbage, can be steamed, boiled or added to soups.
Kohlrabi from Melissa’s is hand-selected for excellent quality. Choose smooth, unblemished tubers. The smaller bulbs are more flavorful. If the leaves are still attached, they should be firm and fresh. Cut the leaves from the tubers and refrigerate separately in plastic bags. The Kohlrabi will keep up to a week or more and the leaves for several days.
Executive Chef Dustin Trani of the iconic J. Trani’s restaurant in San Pedro represents the 4th generation of Italian cuisine in the Trani Family. He’s a big fan of pristine seafood from Alaska. Chef Justin is featured in a new video from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) educating C-CAP students (Careers through Culinary Arts Program) on how to prepare blast flash frozen, fresh, sustainable Alaska seafood. Chef Dustin is a loyal C-CAP alum himself.
In this video the C-CAP students had the opportunity to learn about two species of Alaskan seafood, how to best care and prepare frozen fresh seafood, along with tips about dish development, plating, and dish presentation.
We’re chilling with Chef Dustin.
Dustin J Trani has been a fixture at J Trani’s since age 6, where he now serves as executive chef. Dustin’s love for cooking was fostered by his grandfather J Trani, Sr. and his father Jim Trani, Jr.
After learning the family secrets, Dustin set out around the world; studying pasta in the Italian truffle region, serving as chef at the People’s Café in Zagreb, Croatia and exploring Asian food while training at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand before returning to San Pedro.
Chefs and food stylists Denise Vivaldo and Cindie Flannigan have recently published of the 2nd edition of their ground-breaking book The Food Stylist’s Handbook, originally published in 2010. There have been great changes in the industry since the first edition, including the explosion in popularity of food blogging and social media, food videos, and recipe creators working as their own photographers.
Denise and Cindie share tips and secrets of the trade with cooks and foodies alike who want to become master stylists. Whether for food blogs, television, books, magazines, movies, menus, or advertising, food stylists and photographers learn to slice, plate, tweak, and arrange for the camera. You’ll find out how to get started, what equipment you’ll need, how to find clients, tips to staying successful, and – most importantly – how to craft and style food so it all looks beautiful.
We’re styling with Chef Denise.
To address these changes, Denise & Cindie have updated the book with 60 pages of essential new information and over 100 new photos. New sections include:
Using social media like Facebook and blogs to increase your business.
How to use photos, videos and recipes to sell yourself.
How to plan & execute your own on-air demo, whether on Facebook Live or live TV.
Identifying what makes great food photos.
A beginner’s guide to using your SLR camera for food photography.
How to write user-friendly recipes that will get you good reviews.
Denise Vivaldo is the author of 9 cookbooks and business books including How to Start a Home-Based Catering Business. Denise and Cindie teach food styling classes across the US and at many venues around the world.
Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his “Ask the Chef” series. Don’t be scared about the possibilities of cooking a whole fish. It’s all about the flavor. Chef Andrew shares the secrets of creating the magic.
Doma Beverly Hills opened rather quietly at 362 N. Camden Dr. in Beverly Hills in 2012. The address is well-known as the long-standing former home of Prego.
What’s creating a lot of excitement there with foodies is the young executive chef, Dustin Trani. He’s all of 29 years-old. He has worked at a Michelin starred restaurant in Italy, cooked at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, and was chosen by the Governor to represent California in a prestigious national seafood competition in New Orleans.
He’s a 4th generation Los Angeles area Italian chef who started working at age 11 in his family’s restaurant, J. Trani’s, in San Pedro which opened in 1925. He’s also a C-CAP alum (Careers through Culinary Arts Program in High School.) His food is contemporary Mediterranean/Italian with an emphasis on seafood.
Remember the L.A. tour stop of Cochon USA is Sunday, February 23rd at The Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica from 4 to 8:00 p.m. Ray Garcia of Fig Restaurant is the host chef. It’s a celebration of heritage pork raised on family farms. Our own Jet Tila will be there cooking an additional late-night heritage pig for the After-Party.
UNLV in Las Vegas has the most respected hospitality management program in the West. The Dean of the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration there joins us to profile the prestigious program. Unusual cuts of beef are finding their way onto fine dining restaurants menus. We’ll be speaking with a meat expert to better understand these cuts. A coffee authority is with us to talk about the current trends in roasting coffee. You’ll also hear about a relatively new contemporary Mediterranean/Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills with an energetic young chef in the kitchen and an exciting pastry chef with impressive credentials. Orange County Restaurant Week launches February 23rd. We’ll have a preview with the GM of one of the classic participating restaurants. Also on the menu is an award-winning and high profile food truck (with an edge) that graduated to opening an even more successful brick and mortar location in an unexpected location.
All of this and lots more incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!
Las Vegas serves as one of the world’s largest hospitality and tourism laboratories. The school provides valuable internships and mentors. The hospitality-management bachelor’s-degree program provides a broad educational approach to a career in the hospitality industry.
Students can select a concentration in gaming management, meetings and conventions, professional golf management, or restaurant management.
We had such a great response to the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s Jay Isais ( eye-zay-us) from last year that we’ve invited him back to share another steaming cup of brew. This time the discussion is on the roasting of coffee beans and how that impacts flavor. Jay is the Senior Director, Coffee Roasting & Manufacturing for the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Jay also provides insight into the three major coffee growing areas of the world and what the flavor profile of the resulting coffee is.
The OC’s most anticipated, and delicious, dining event, Orange County Restaurant Week, returns from February 23rd to March 1st. Diners will have the opportunity to enjoy the wide spectrum of dining options in the County at special prices for prix-fixe menus for both lunch and dinner.
Over 100 restaurants are part of Orange County Restaurant Week.
The iconic Five Crowns, a Corona del Mar landmark, is one of the participating restaurants. General Manager Jim Colombo (also a chef by background and training) joins us to preview his special menu.
West Coast Prime Meats really knows the meat business as only an insider can. Most of their seasoned, senior executives have an extensive background in the restaurant business or are master butchers. If fact West Coast’s key master butcher has more than 30 years experience in the field.
Dave Wicker, WCPM’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing and Managing Partner, is with us to talk beef. What’s prime beef? An explanation of the process of aging of beef is on the menu. We’ll discuss previously uncommon cuts which are now attracting attention including the Teres Major and the Flat Iron Steak.
One of the very first “better burger” food trucks in Los Angeles County, Grill ‘em All Burgers, rolled onto the scene in 2009. As unusual as it sounds it was a heavy metal devotee’s take on the ample burger meal. The founders are Chef Ryan Harkins (a Cleveland native) and Matt Chernus, a former professional wrestler.
The stars were in alignment for them as they were inexplicably cast for the first season of Food Network’s cross-country “Great Food Truck Race.” This was the only season where the competitors were required to have actual food truck experience.
Although the Grill ‘em All guys were on the threshold of elimination on multiple episodes (and expected by the Producers to be out in the early going) they scrappily hung in there and came out on top at the conclusion of the high octane finale in New York! Once the season aired business was such that they needed to secure a second truck.
The gameplan was always to eventually move into the right (affordable) brick and mortar location. That happened last January (2013) when they opened in the Renaissance Theater Plaza in Alhambra in a former (failed) chain 50s diner location. Chef Ryan and Matt have made an odd location work. Grill ‘em All had lines down the block for their anniversary celebration last month. Nights and Weekends are their really busy times.
Future plans include a second location. Down the road Chef Ryan’s goal is to open a burger restaurant in his hometown of Cleveland where the dining scene is now really happening.
The remaining Grill ‘em All truck will soon be back in action for private events.
Doma Beverly Hills opened rather quietly at 362 N. Camden Dr. in Beverly Hills in 2012. The address is well-known as the long-standing former home of Prego.
What’s creating a lot of excitement there with foodies is the young executive chef, Dustin Trani. He’s all of 29 years-old. He has worked at a Michelin starred restaurant in Italy, cooked at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, and was chosen by the Governor to represent California in a prestigious national seafood competition in New Orleans.
He’s a 4th generation Los Angeles area Italian chef who started working at age 11 in his family’s restaurant, J. Trani’s, in San Pedro which opened in 1925. He’s also a C-CAP alum. His food is contemporary Mediterranean/Italian with an emphasis on seafood.
Chef Jet responds to an assortment of inquiries from the overflowing e-mailbag. Jet talks about safety concerns with raw chicken, the selection process for proper knives in the home kitchen, and the quality of frozen fish.
We get questions…