Show 362, February 29, 2020: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a tempting preview of Saturday’s delectable show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will hopefully leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience. Truly couldn’t do it without you.

“Inspired by the mixture of fun and learning about food and drink for which Julia Child, a longtime resident and fan of Santa Barbara, advocated so passionately, the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience (SBCE) in partnership with the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, welcomes visitors and the local community from March 13th to 16th to celebrate the bounty of what is grown in and around this beautiful region. “Join us to celebrate, learn and invoke Julia’s spirit, while shining a light on Santa Barbara’s culinary, hospitality, tourism and artisan communities.” SBCE Advisory Committee member Sherry Villaneuva of Acme Hospitality joins us with a preview of the upcoming Weekend festivities in Santa Barbara.”

Chef Restaurateur Dean James Max likes to characterize James Republic in downtown Long Beach as “a body of persons engaged in a savory pursuit to celebrate locality and sustainability, and cultivate community through the dining experience.” James Republic combines modern sensibilities with old-world principles to afford a genuine gathering place for the neighborhood and a distinctive dining destination in the heart of Long Beach. We reel in Chef Dean James Max for a preview of his upcoming, quarterly Dinner Bell Series evening on Sunday, March 15th.

The full-service, specialized, neighborhood butcher shop with genuine personal service and also providing inventive recipe suggestions and cooking tips is happily making a strong comeback. Leading the charge is Huntington Beats & Sausages at the Original Farmers Market at 3rd & Fairfax in Los Angeles. Joining us with all the savory details is Head Butcher Jon Escobedo who has been artfully cutting meat for 35 years.

We’ve previously introduced you to Darley Newman of PBS’s Travels with Darley.” Now experience Los Angeles and environs from a local’s perspective in the newest season of “Travels with Darley.” “Emmy Award-nominated TV host and expert traveler Darley Newman showcases the diversity of the greater Los Angeles area, visiting West Hollywood, Pasadena, Costa Mesa and the Angeles National Forest. Mixing mountain biking and trail stewardship in the Angeles National Forest with the culinary scene in Pasadena, skateboarding in Costa Mesa and rock and roll history in West Hollywood, viewers are invited to see Los Angeles in a whole new way.”

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

Show 362, February 29, 2020: Chef Restaurateur Dean James Max, James Republic, Long Beach Part One

Dean James Max of James RepublicChef Restaurateur Dean James Max likes to characterize James Republic in downtown Long Beach as “a body of persons engaged in a savory pursuit to celebrate locality and sustainability, and cultivate community through the dining experience.”

“James Republic combines modern sensibilities with old-world principles to afford a genuine gathering place for the neighborhood and a distinctive dining destination in the heart of Long Beach.”

“Our style is what we like to call “modern California coastal” dining, highlighting the season’s vibrant, locally sourced bounty from both land and sea. Our kitchen is a chef-driven, farm-to-table workshop where we create ever-changing menus dictated by the season’s finest products of time and place.”

We reel in Chef Dean James Max for a preview of his upcoming quarterly Dinner Bell Series evening on March 15th. It’s a very special Sunday evening family style supper with ingredients hand-selected by Chef Dean & his team from the Long Beach Farmers Market that morning.

Show 362, February 29, 2020: Chef Restaurateur Dean James Max, James Republic, Long Beach Part Two

Dean James Max of James RepublicChef Restaurateur Dean James Max likes to characterize James Republic in downtown Long Beach as “a body of persons engaged in a savory pursuit to celebrate locality and sustainability, and cultivate community through the dining experience.”

“Our menus are a labor of love – a love of the finest foods. We proudly serve a large array of local artisan products. Organic is important to us, but more importantly we believe in all- natural products without the use of steroids, growth hormones, and animals raised responsibly. As well as our preference for products and practices that are sustainable, we try to embrace the idea of localism to strengthen our community. Most of our items are priced under $20 which is incredible considering the high quality of products we serve. Our passion for the seasons and what it brings to us in food keeps us always searching for great new combinations. Come join us for a journey in cuisine.”

We continue with Chef Dean James Max previewing his upcoming quarterly Dinner Bell Series evening on Sunday, March 15th. It’s a very special Sunday evening family style supper with the freshest ingredients hand-selected by Chef Dean & his culinary team from the Long Beach Farmers Market that same morning.

February 29: Acme Hospitality, James Republic, Huntington Meats & Sausages, Darley Newman

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Sherry Villaneuva, Acme Hospitality – Preview of Santa Barbara Culinary Experience
Segment Three: Chef Restaurateur Dean James Max, James Republic, Long Beach Part One
Segment Four: Chef Restaurateur Dean James Max, James Republic, Long Beach Part Two
Segment Five: Huntington Meats & Sausages at The Original Farmers Market
Segment Six: Travel Journalist Darley Newman of PBS’s “Travels with Darley” Part One
Segment Seven: Travel Journalist Darley Newman of PBS’s “Travels with Darley” Part Two

Now a tempting preview of this Saturday’s delectable show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will hopefully leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience. Truly couldn’t do it without you.

Inspired by the mixture of fun and learning about food and drink for which Julia Child, a longtime resident and fan of Santa Barbara, advocated so passionately, the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience (SBCE) in partnership with the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, welcomes visitors and the local community from March 13th to 16th to celebrate the bounty of what is grown in and around this beautiful region. “Join us to celebrate, learn and invoke Julia’s spirit, while shining a light on Santa Barbara’s culinary, hospitality, tourism and artisan communities.” SBCE Advisory Committee member Sherry Villaneuva of Acme Hospitality joins us with a preview of the upcoming Weekend festivities in Santa Barbara.

Chef Restaurateur Dean James Max likes to characterize James Republic in downtown Long Beach as “a body of persons engaged in a savory pursuit to celebrate locality and sustainability, and cultivate community through the dining experience.” James Republic combines modern sensibilities with old-world principles to afford a genuine gathering place for the neighborhood and a distinctive dining destination in the heart of Long Beach. We reel in Chef Dean James Max for a preview of his upcoming, quarterly Dinner Bell Series evening on March 15th.

The full-service, specialized, neighborhood butcher shop with genuine personal service and also providing great recipe suggestions and cooking tips is happily making a strong comeback. Leading the charge is Huntington Meats & Sausages at the Original Farmers Market at 3rd & Fairfax in Los Angeles. Joining us with all the savory details is Head Butcher Jon Escobedo who has been artfully cutting meat for 35 years.

We’ve previously introduced you to Darley Newman of PBS’s “Travels with Darley.” Now experience Los Angeles and environs from a local’s perspective in the newest season of “Travels with Darley.” “Emmy Award-nominated TV host and expert traveler Darley Newman showcases the diversity of the greater Los Angeles area, visiting West Hollywood, Pasadena, Costa Mesa and the Angeles National Forest. Mixing mountain biking and trail stewardship in the Angeles National Forest with the culinary scene in Pasadena, skateboarding in Costa Mesa and rock and roll history in West Hollywood, viewers are invited to see Los Angeles in a whole new way.”

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

Sherry Villanueva of Acme HospitalityInspired by the mixture of fun and learning about food and drink for which Julia Child, a longtime resident and fan of Santa Barbara, advocated so passionately, the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience (SBCE) in partnership with the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts welcomes visitors and the local community from March 13th to 16th to celebrate the bounty of what is grown in and around this beautiful region. “Join us to celebrate, learn and invoke Julia’s spirit, while shining a light on Santa Barbara’s culinary, hospitality, tourism and artisan communities.”

“The busy Weekend of activities includes Julia Child-themed events created by local hotels, restaurants and other establishments plus cooking classes, panels, and Q & As with local and nationally recognized chefs, ranchers, fishermen, farmers and winemakers. Also events for children and their families about the science and innovation of food. Finally behind-the-scenes tours of wineries, ranches, gardens, fishing and other culinary attractions and much more!”

SBCE Advisory Committee member Sherry Villaneuva of Acme Hospitality joins us with a preview of the upcoming Weekend festivities in Santa Barbara.

Dean James Max of James RepublicChef Restaurateur Dean James Max likes to characterize James Republic in downtown Long Beach as “a body of persons engaged in a savory pursuit to celebrate locality and sustainability, and cultivate community through the dining experience.”

“James Republic combines modern sensibilities with old-world principles to afford a genuine gathering place for the neighborhood and a distinctive dining destination in the heart of Long Beach.”

“Our style is what we like to call “modern California coastal” dining, highlighting the season’s vibrant, locally sourced bounty from both land and sea. Our kitchen is a chef-driven, farm-to-table workshop where we create ever-changing menus dictated by the season’s finest products of time and place.”

“Our menus are a labor of love – a love of the finest foods. We proudly serve a large array of local artisan products.  Organic is important to us, but more importantly we believe in all- natural products without the use of steroids, growth hormones, and animals raised responsibly.  As well as our preference for products and practices that are sustainable, we try to embrace the idea of localism to strengthen our community.  Most of our items are priced under $20 which is incredible considering the high quality of products we serve.  Our passion for the seasons and what it brings to us in food keeps us always searching for great new combinations.  Come join us for a journey in cuisine.”

We reel in Chef Dean James Max for a preview of his upcoming quarterly Dinner Bell Series evening on March 15th. It’s a very special Sunday evening family style supper with ingredients hand-selected by Chef Dean & his team from the Long Beach Farmers Market that morning.

John Escobedo of Huntington MeatsThe full-service, specialized, neighborhood butcher shop with genuine personal service and also providing great recipe suggestions and cooking tips is happily making a strong comeback. Leading the charge is Huntington Beats & Sausages at the Original Farmers Market at 3rd & Fairfax in Los Angeles.

Huntington Meats also specializes in exotic meats. These are all farm raised and USDA inspected and humanely raised. You’ll find alligator, wild boar, ostrich, venison, antelope, elk, duck and even camel.

Joining us with all the savory details is Head Butcher Jon Escobedo who has been artfully cutting meat for 35 years.

Darley Newman of Travels with DarleyWe’ve previously introduced you to Darley Newman of PBS’s Travels with Darley.” Now experience Los Angeles and environs from a local’s perspective in the newest season of “Travels with Darley.”

“Emmy Award-nominated TV host and expert traveler Darley Newman showcases the diversity of the greater Los Angeles area, visiting West Hollywood, Pasadena, Costa Mesa and the Angeles National Forest. Mixing mountain biking and trail stewardship in the Angeles National Forest with the culinary scene in Pasadena, skateboarding in Costa Mesa and rock and roll history in West Hollywood, viewers are invited to see Los Angeles in a whole new way.”

“In Pasadena, L.A.’s film and TV history come to life with Pasadena Walking Tours guide Chris Fennessy and at the Gamble House, known by many for its role as Doc Brown’s house in “Back to the Future.” As Jennifer Trotoux explains, the Gamble House is also a well-preserved work of the American Arts and Crafts movement. Darley explores the local food and drinks scene, ranging from LA rosé to Mexican tortas, with Lisa Scalia of Melting Pot Food Tours. No trip to Pasadena would be complete without a visit to the Rose Bowl Stadium, where Jens Weiden introduces Darley to this National Historic Landmark with a fascinating past.”

“Emmy Award-nominated TV host and expert traveler Darley Newman showcases the diversity of the greater Los Angeles area, visiting West Hollywood, Pasadena, Costa Mesa and the Angeles National Forest. Mixing mountain biking and trail stewardship in the Angeles National Forest with the culinary scene in Pasadena, skateboarding in Costa Mesa and rock and roll history in West Hollywood, viewers are invited to see Los Angeles in a whole new way.”

“In Costa Mesa, Darley meets with a variety of visionaries and local entrepreneurs to understand this city of arts and culture in the heart of Southern California. She takes a skateboard lesson with Joey Lopez of Shreducate Academy, meets the legendary co-owner of Wahoo’s Fish Taco, Wing Lam, and tastes craft beer at Gunwhale Ales with Justin Miller. At The Camp, she continues an eco-friendly theme with entrepreneur Shaheen Sadeghi, before experiencing Costa Mesa culinary delights with Chef Amar Santana, who competed into the Finals (and finished a close 2nd) on Season 13 of Bravo TV‘s Top Chef series, at Vaca Restaurant and Patrick Nguyen at The Straw.”

The always on-the-go Darley Newman is our well-traveled guest.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Sherry Villaneuva, Acme Hospitality – Preview of Santa Barbara Culinary Experience
Segment Three: Chef Restaurateur Dean James Max, James Republic, Long Beach Part One
Segment Four: Chef Restaurateur Dean James Max, James Republic, Long Beach Part Two
Segment Five: Huntington Meats & Sausages at The Original Farmers Market
Segment Six: Travel Journalist Darley Newman of PBS’s “Travels with Darley” Part One
Segment Seven: Travel Journalist Darley Newman of PBS’s “Travels with Darley” Part Two

Show 207, January 21, 2017: Show Preview with Andy Harris, Co-Host & Executive Producer

The Dumpling Trail in Richmond British Columbia“The SoCal Restaurant Show” is going international. On Saturday morning, January 28th the show is live from Richmond, B.C. (“Where the Far East Meets the Canadian West Coast”) for their festive celebration of Chinese New Year.

Now am enticing preview of this Saturday’s overflowing show with Co-Host & Executive Producer Andy Harris. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually probably a pretty good thing…

The Founder and Co-Proprietor of James Republic Restaurant in Long Beach is Chef Dean James Max of DJM Restaurants, a multiple James Beard Award nominee. His opening Executive Chef there is the talented David MacLennan. In a bit over three years they have made this relaxed vibe restaurant one of the prominent dining destinations in Long Beach. On February 8th at James Republic at Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Long Beach they are presenting a multi-course dining spectacular with Chef Amar Santana to benefit Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.) Chefs Dean & David join us to preview C-CAP’s Winter Harvest Benefit Dinner at James Republic on Wednesday, February 8th.

Our regular Contributor on the San Diego dining scene, Anita Lau, The Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman blogger, joins us. She will provide us with the highlights of her “Best Meal” of 2016. Surprisingly (because Orange County is her regular beat) it turns out to be the destination restaurant in a boutique hotel in Downtown San Diego!

The original Water Grill, one of the area’s premier fine-dining seafood restaurants, opened in Downtown Los Angeles in 1989. There are now busy locations in Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, San Diego, South Coast Plaza – Costa Mesa, and, just launched this month, Dallas. The new South Coast Plaza location is nearly 18,000 square feet. We’ll meet proprietor & distinguished restaurateur Sam King of King’s Seafood Company.

Chicken is a versatile protein, typically a good value, and much in the news these days. We’re talking Chicken 101 with our resident Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson. Between the two of them they clock in with over 50 years of experience in the business!

How about some premium wine to celebrate the New Year? Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, joins us. He’ll preview the expectations for the 2015 vintage in California and we’ll see what else he’ll uncork for us. Always highly informative & entertaining.

We love it when competitive chefs generously donate their time to support a worthy cause. Behold, the Pizza Throwdown on Sunday, January 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Master Baker Dean Kim’s OC Baking Co. in Orange benefiting Chef Bill Bracken’s Bracken’s Kitchen (created to help end food insecurity in Orange County and beyond.) Only 100 VIP and General Admission tickets are available.

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

Show 207, January 21, 2017: Executive Chef / Restaurateur Dean James Max of DJM Restaurants & Executive Chef David MacLennan of James Republic, Long Beach

Dean James MaxThe Founder and Co-Proprietor of James Republic Restaurant in Long Beach is Chef Dean James Max of DJM Restaurants, a multiple James Beard Award nominee. His opening Executive Chef there is the talented David MacLennan. In a bit over three years they have made this relaxed vibe restaurant one of the best dining destinations in Long Beach. Their Brunch is a standout, too. Think Chorizo & Cheddar Croissant.

On February 8th at James Republic at Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Long Beach they are presenting a multi-course dining spectacular along with Chef Amar Santana (Vaca & Broadway by Amar Santana) to benefit the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.) Chef Amar is a distinguished C-CAP Alum.

The evening includes a cocktail reception with local craft beer, sparkling wine and still wine and passed hors d’oeuvres. Then it’s a sumptuous seated dinner with three waves of ample food platters served Family-style. Each wave of the three incudes separate platters from each chef. That’s three platters of delights for each wave. Dessert and gourmet chocolates conclude the festivities. If you go away hungry it’s your own fault. There is also both a live & silent auction with crave-worthy items with great appeal for any foodie.

Tickets (and there are only 150 reservations available) are $195 per guest with $150 of that being Tax Deductible.

Chefs Dean & David join us to preview C-CAP’s Winter Harvest Benefit Dinner at James Republic on Wednesday, February 8th.

January 21: James Republic, Mad Hungry Woman, Sam King, West Coast Prime Meats, Wine Exchange, Pizza Throwdown

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Andy Harris, Co-Host & Executive Producer
Segment Two: Executive Chef / Restaurateur Dean James Max of DJM Restaurants & Executive Chef David MacLennan of James Republic, Long Beach
Segment Three: Anita Lau, “Diary of a Mag Hungry Woman” Blogger
Segment Four: Restaurateur Sam King, CEO, King’s Seafood Company Part One
Segment Five: Restaurateur Sam King, CEO, King’s Seafood Company Part Two
Segment Six: The “Meatheads” from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson on Chicken
Segment Seven: Kyle Meyer, Co-Proprietor, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana
Segment Eight: The Pizza Throwdown. OC Baking’s Dean Kim and Brent Omeste of Centro Collective

The Dumpling Trail in Richmond British Columbia“The SoCal Restaurant Show” is going international. On Saturday morning, January 28th the show is live from Richmond, B.C. (“Where the Far East Meets the Canadian West Coast”) for their festive celebration of Chinese New Year.

Now am enticing preview of this Saturday’s overflowing show with Co-Host & Executive Producer Andy Harris. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually probably a pretty good thing…

The Founder and Co-Proprietor of James Republic Restaurant in Long Beach is Chef Dean James Max of DJM Restaurants, a multiple James Beard Award nominee. His opening Executive Chef there is the talented David MacLennan. In a bit over three years they have made this relaxed vibe restaurant one of the best dining destinations in Long Beach. On February 8th at James Republic at Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Long Beach they are presenting a multi-course dining spectacular with Chef Amar Santana to benefit Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.) Chefs Dean & David join us to preview C-CAP’s Winter Harvest Benefit Dinner at James Republic on Wednesday, February 8th.

Our regular Contributor on the San Diego dining scene, Anita Lau, The Mad Hungry Woman blogger, joins us. She will provide us with the highlights of her “Best Meal” of 2016. Surprisingly (because Orange County is her regular beat) it turns out to be the destination restaurant in a boutique hotel in Downtown San Diego!

The original Water Grill, one of the area’s best fine-dining seafood restaurants, opened in Downtown Los Angeles in 1989. There are now busy locations in Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, San Diego, South Coast Plaza – Costa Mesa, and, just launched this month, Dallas. The new South Coast Plaza location is nearly 18,000 square feet. We’ll meet proprietor & distinguished restaurateur Sam King of King’s Seafood Company.

Chicken is a versatile protein, typically a good value, and much in the news these days. We’re talking Chicken 101 with our resident Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson. Between the two of them they clock in with over 50 years of experience in the business!

How about some premium wine to celebrate the New Year? Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, joins us. He’ll preview the expectations for the 2016 vintage in California and we’ll see what else he’ll uncork for us. Always highly informative & entertaining.

We love it when competitive chefs generously donate their time to support a worthy cause. Behold, the Pizza Throwdown on Sunday, January 28th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Master Baker Dean Kim’s OC Baking in Orange benefiting Chef Bill Bracken’s Bracken’s Kitchen (created to help end food insecurity in Orange County and beyond.) Only 100 VIP and General Admission tickets are available.

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

Dean James MaxThe Founder and Co-Proprietor of James Republic Restaurant in Long Beach is Chef Dean James Max of DJM Restaurants, a multiple James Beard Award nominee. His opening Executive Chef there is the talented David MacLennan. In a bit over three years they have made this relaxed vibe restaurant one of the best dining destinations in Long Beach. Their Brunch is a standout, too. Think Chorizo & Cheddar Croissant.

On February 8th at James Republic at Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Long Beach they are presenting a multi-course dining spectacular along with Chef Amar Santana (Vaca & Broadway by Amar Santana) to benefit the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.) Chef Amar is a distinguished C-CAP Alum.

The evening includes a cocktail reception with local craft beer, sparkling wine and still wine and passed hors d’oeuvres. Then it’s a sumptuous seated dinner with three waves of ample food platters served Family-style. Each wave of the three incudes separate platters from each chef. That’s three platters of delights for each wave. Dessert and gourmet chocolates conclude the festivities. If you go away hungry it’s your own fault. There is also both a live & silent auction with crave-worthy items with great appeal for any foodie.

Tickets (and there are only 150 reservations available) are $195 per guest with $150 of that being Tax Deductible.

Chefs Dean & David join us to preview C-CAP’s Winter Harvest Benefit Dinner at James Republic on Wednesday, February 8th.

Anita Lau of Mad Hungry WomanOur regular Contributor on the San Diego dining scene, Anita Lau, The Mad Hungry Woman blogger, joins us. She will provide us with the tempting highlights of her Best Meal” of 2016.

Surprisingly (because Orange County is her regular beat) It turns out to be the destination restaurant in a boutique hotel in Downtown San Diego! A new executive chef is stirring the pot there with the unexpected addition of some Filipino ingredients.

Think Venison Tartare…

Sam KingThe original Water Grill, one of the area’s best fine-dining seafood restaurants, opened in Downtown Los Angeles in 1989. There are now busy locations in Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, San Diego, South Coast Plaza – Costa Mesa, and, just launched this month, Dallas. The new South Coast Plaza location is nearly 18,000 square feet.

Focusing on first-of-season seafood, Water Grill prides itself in offering the broadest selection of fin fish, oysters, crustaceans and shellfish to its guests.

“It’s been a dream of ours to bring Water Grill to Orange County,” says Sam King, CEO of the Orange County based King’s Seafood Company. “We hold this project near and dear to our hearts, and we’re so excited to open Water Grill right here in our own backyard. We look forward to sharing our passion for outstanding quality seafood and attentive service with our longtime friends and neighbors.”

The largest Water Grill to date, the nearly 18,000 square-foot restaurant and adjacent patio were designed in partnership with Hatch Design Group. Taking inspiration from a refurbished ship, the restaurant features reclaimed locally-sourced woods and authentic nautical components paired with rustic and iron finishes. A central, copper-top bar anchors the space, while an additional bar is located in the outdoor patio area, offering a multitude of seating options.

The 500-seat restaurant boasts several private dining options and multiple event spaces, ideal for intimate celebrations, business gatherings, large parties and charity events.

We’ll meet proprietor & distinguished restaurateur Sam King of King’s Seafood Company.

King’s Seafood Distribution, the company’s private seafood distribution operation based in Santa Ana, CA provides all the seafood for Water Grill’s menu. Streamlining the process from ocean to table, King’s Seafood Company provides the best quality and largest variety of available seafood to its 20 restaurants. Menus are crafted daily to account for freshly caught fish and seasonal culinary changes for Water Grill guest to enjoy.

“We’re lucky to have incredibly long-lasting relationships with fishermen and purveyors along both coasts, providing a vast selection of quality products for our restaurants,” said King. “We pride ourselves in having a wide variety of fresh seafood. Our continued goal is to have as many live products as possible.”

King’s Seafood Company is based in Costa Mesa, California and has evolved from more than 70 years of family restaurant and hospitality experience, opening their first restaurant in Los Angeles in 1945. Founded by cousins Sam and Jeff King, the company operates six different restaurant concepts that include the King’s Fish House concept with 11 locations throughout Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona.  King’s also operates King Signature Group, which includes Water Grill in Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica South Coast Plaza, Dallas and San Diego, 555 East in Long Beach, Lou & Mickey’s in San Diego’s Gaslamp District, Pier Burger on the Santa Monica Pier, and Fish Camp in Huntington Beach.

Chicken 101 from the Meatheads at West Coast Prime MeatsChicken is a versatile protein, typically a good value, and much in the news these days. What should you know about the antibiotics in fresh chicken that many of the fast food chains have promised to eliminate?

Also, what is Free Range Chicken anyway? Is it really worth the premium price?

We’re talking Chicken 101 with our resident Meatheads from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson. Between the two of them they clock in with over 50 years of experience in the business!

Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeHow about some premium wine to celebrate the New Year? Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, joins us.

Kyle will preview the expectations for the 2016 vintage in California and we’ll see what else he’ll uncork for us. Always highly informative & entertaining.

Pizza ThrowdownWe love it when competitive chefs generously donate their time to support a worthy cause. Behold, the Pizza Throwdown on Sunday, January 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Master Baker Dean Kim’s OC Baking Co. in Orange benefiting Chef Bill Bracken’s Bracken’s Kitchen (created to help end food insecurity in Orange County and beyond.) Only 100 VIP & Regular Admission tickets available.

It all began when Chefs Chad Urata and Brent Omeste of the embryonic Centro Collective challenged OC Baking Company’s Master Baker Dean Kim to a pizza throwdown. Not realizing that Dean thrives on wagers, Dean took it one step further and enlisted veteran OC pizza master Sandro Nardone to join him.

When other chefs caught wind of it via social media, The Veterans’ team is now six strong with the addition of Chef Dee Nyugen, Chef Greg Daniels, Lisa Gilmore and of course, Chef Bill Bracken.

On Sunday, January 29th, the friendly rivalry will include both teams creating their best pizza to be judged by participants at the event. Who will win the challenge? You be the judge!

All tickets (VIP @ $50 & General Admission @ $20) include pizza, non-alcoholic beverages and a token to vote for your favorite team.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Andy Harris, Co-Host & Executive Producer
Segment Two: Executive Chef / Restaurateur Dean James Max of DJM Restaurants & Executive Chef David MacLennan of James Republic, Long Beach
Segment Three: Anita Lau, “Diary of a Mag Hungry Woman” Blogger
Segment Four: Restaurateur Sam King, CEO, King’s Seafood Company Part One
Segment Five: Restaurateur Sam King, CEO, King’s Seafood Company Part Two
Segment Six: The “Meatheads” from West Coast Prime Meats, Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson on Chicken
Segment Seven: Kyle Meyer, Co-Proprietor, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana
Segment Eight: The Pizza Throwdown. OC Baking’s Dean Kim and Brent Omeste of Centro Collective

Show 206, January 14, 2017: Executive Chef Amar Santana, Vaca and Broadway by Amar Santana

Amar SantanaAmar Santana is the Executive Chef/Proprietor of Vaca in Costa Mesa and Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach. Vaca was Orange County Register Restaurant Critic, Brad A. Johnson’s “Best New Restaurant of 2016. For Season 13 of Bravo’s Top Chef Amar was the runner-up by the thickness of an onion skin. Chef Amar is also a distinguished alum of the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP.)

Amar joins us to preview C-CAP’s Winter Harvest Benefit Dinner at James Republic in Long Beach on February 8th. The popular James Republic is one of the top destination restaurants in Long Beach. The evening is a spectacular, multi-course feast.

James Republic is co-owned by Executive Chef and Restaurateur Dean James Max (a multiple James Beard Award nominee) of DJM Restaurants. Chef Dean will be flying in from his base in southern Florida to present a course. James Republic’s executive chef, David MacLennan (opening exec chef) will also be preparing a course.

Chef Amar’s dish is under the veil of heavy secrecy but he does hint it will be a pork spectacular. The award-winning El Segundo Brewing Co. is brewing a special craft beer to pair with Chef Amar’s dish exclusively for the evening.

Show 176, June 18, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Happy Father’s Day to all of our listening Dads! You really deserve some extra credit, too…

Now an appetizing preview of Saturday’s tantalizing show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a pretty good thing…

Chef Maeve Rochford is the proprietress of the ever-popular Sugar & Scribe Bakery Café in La Jolla. She is also the winner of Food Network’s “Holiday Baking Championship” and the cool $50,000 cash prize. Chef Maeve is our guest.

It’s a good sign of the times. The old-fashioned, full-service, neighborhood butcher shop is back in fashion. This is where you can source the exact cut of meat or poultry that you need and get expert advice from a master butcher who also knows how to prepare and cook everything they sell. What a concept. Master butcher Jim Cascone of Huntington Meats and Farmers Market Poultry at The Original Farmers Market at Third & Fairfax in Los Angeles brings us up-to-date.

One of the most personal wineries and tasting rooms operating in Santa Barbara County as part of the Urban Wine Trail is former race car driver’s Jamie Slone’s, Jamie Slone Wines. They specialize in limited production, premium wines from the best vineyards of Santa Barbara County, featuring red blends, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and more. We’ll meet him.

Last year celebrated the 50th anniversary of the iconic Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. It also marked the start of the just-completed revitalization which includes a new look for The Greenhouse room and the addition of the new Cooper’s Bar. Overseeing the renovations with great care is our guest, Jim Colombo, the General Manager of Five Crowns (who is also a skilled chef by training).

James Republic, under the culinary direction of Chef David MacLennan and Proprietor / Chef Dean James Max, sets the standard for unpretentious fine dining with imagination in Long Beach. Their popular Summer Dinner Bell Supper Series showcasing the fresh products of local farmers kicks off on Sunday, June 26th. Chef David pops out of the kitchen to provide us with the fresh-from-the-field details.

Our resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, is just back from a visit (and many tastings) to a couple of Australia’s premier wine producing areas. We’ll get the delightfully quaffable highlights…Cheers.

Chef Andrew Gruel is in Manhattan this week exhibiting at the International Franchise Expo at Javits Center. We’ll pull him away from the action on the show floor for a chat. He’ll also talk about his debut experience at last Saturday’s Tacolandia on Los Angeles’ historic Olvera Street.

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

Show 176, June 18, 2016: Executive Chef Dave MacLennan, James Republic, Long Beach

Dave MaclennanJames Republic under the culinary direction of Chef David MacLennan and Proprietor / Chef Dean James Max sets the standard for unpretentious fine dining with imagination in Long Beach.

Their popular Summer Dinner Bell Supper Series showcasing the fresh products of local farmers kicks off on Sunday, June 26th. Chef David pops out of the kitchen to provide us with all the fresh-from-the-field details.

“Join our table as we share passion for food, combining new and traditional flavors, fresh ingredients and all naturally raised meats, poultry and seafood during our celebration of spring. We’ll be spending Sunday morning at the Long Beach Farmers Market, finding the best in seasonality and locality, coming back to our kitchen to prepare an inspired family style dinner.”

“Our market inspired reception includes seasonal cocktails and canapes beginning at 4:30 pm, followed by dinner from 5 pm to 7 pm. Each delicious course features three distinct dishes served in a communal setting.”

“Our local farmers will be dining with us and be available for questions and discussing what they do best!”