Show 513, February 18, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Conscious Bean is a wellness-based, boutique micro roaster and caffeination design firm, focusing on cafe development, event services, custom tailored coffee subscriptions and corporate coffee programs for elite private and commercial application. Born in Los Angeles, the City of Angels, on November 11, 2011, with headquarters in Orange County, California, Conscious Bean is the brain child of founder and caffeine visionary, Matthew Evilsizor.” Conscious Coffee’s Matt Evilsizor is our guest with the perfectly brewed cup of premium coffee in hand.

“In late January Head Chef Jeffery Hayashi, Commis Franco Fugel and Head Coach Robert Sulatycky (Team USA 2023) represented their country at the world’s most prestigious cooking competition, The Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition in Lyon, France.
Teams of some of the most brilliant culinary minds from 24 countries across the world gathered in Lyon, France, where they competed in the most rigorous and celebrated cooking competition in the world.

Team USA (supported by the Ment’or Foundation) competed on Monday, January 23rd and presented their platter “Postcard From Hawaii,” an homage to Chef Hayashi’s home. Their platter presentation contained the mandatory protein of monkfish, which was roasted and featured monkfish jus, ragout of mussels, hen egg custard and avocado green goddess. To further test each country’s creative abilities, each team developed a “Feed the Kids” menu, featuring a three-course meal highlighting pumpkin and egg as the main ingredients.” Team USA’s Head Chef Jeffery Hayashi and Commis Franco Fugel are our guests.

“Helmed by Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer, Butcher’s House Brasserie (Costa Mesa) is an award-winning modern brasserie centered around the antique art of butchery. The menu boasts dry-aged meats and rustic brasserie-style dishes representative of his hometown Toulouse in the south of France. From the kitchen to the bar, craftsmanship is displayed as chefs expertly trim and truss premium cuts of meat while bartenders stir and shake soju-based spirits into French-inspired elixirs. With an atmosphere of warm masculinity, the dining room at Butcher’s House allows guests to escape into a rich bottle of Bordeaux, while its sunny courtyard-facing patio presents the perfect locale for a chilled glass of rose.” Chef Jeoffrey Offer joins us with antique clever in hand.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. We were going to chat with Chef Andrew about some oddities of the current tipping situation in restaurants and added charges that, perhaps, require a bit of explanation but the ghost of cell phone drop got in the way of connecting with Chef Andrew and keeping him on the air. No fear…We’ll pick up the conversation with Chef Andrew next Saturday morning. Apologies…

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

Show 513, February 18, 2023: Butcher’s House Brasserie (Costa Mesa) with Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer Part One

Jeoffrey Offer of Butcher's House Brasserie

Butcher’s House Brasserie, the award-winning brasserie helmed by Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer, celebrated its 1st Anniversary last December. In its first year, Butcher’s House garnered critical acclaim as the ‘2022 Restaurant of the Year’ by Orange Coast Magazine and earned coveted recognition in the Orange County Register’s ‘75 Best Restaurants’ list. The restaurant, now in its second year, has introduced a new menu that artfully juxtaposes the antique craft of butchery with contemporary French dining.”

“Butcher’s House celebrates cuisine du terroir, focusing on wood-fired steaks, dry-aged, and butchered in-house. Classic and contemporary converge on Offer’s new menu as time-honored techniques intersect with his inspirations from the avant-garde dining culture of modern France. The new menu is complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine program offering guests an exploration through the various growing regions of France.”

“If you were to visit France today, you’d find that restaurants shaping the modern dining scene focus on simple, good food served in a warm, inviting atmosphere. That is what we’re creating at Butcher’s House,” adds Offer. “Simply prepared dishes allow the quality and seasonality of ingredients to take center stage. There is beauty in simplicity, and my style of cooking reflects that.”

“New-to-the-menu starters include a woodfire-grilled Rustic Carpaccio with thinly sliced thyme and garlic-marinated filet with Gribiche sauce; and a Burrata with grilled acorn squash topped with basil, olive oil, and saba. Accompaniments like Ratatouille and duck-fat Roasted Potatoes serve as classic complements to Offer’s selection of Butcher’s Choice cuts, while playful options like Butcher’s Fries are topped with pork belly and melted raclette cheese. Dishes like the Merguez Boulette (beef & lamb marinated with traditional spices) and the signature Butcher’s Burger with dry-aged beef, confit onions, and Comté cheese provide a glimpse into France’s contemporary dining scene. Offer’s hometown is celebrated in traditional dishes like the Toulouse Sausage, while his classical French training shines through dishes like Duck Confit, a slow-cooked duck leg marinated in duck fat served with Cassoulet-style beans.”

“To complement his new dinner menu, Offer also launched a new wine program that expertly explores France’s most illustrious growing regions. A curated list features everything from elegant Champagnes and bold grand cru Burgundies to robust blends from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Southern Rhone.  In 2023 guests can look forward to a monthly series of multi-course wine-paired dinners exploring each growing region and its unique cuisine du terroir. Offer has tapped special co-hosts and wine experts to guide guests with tasting notes for each region.”

Butcher’s House is located at SoCo in Costa Mesa (3321 Hyland Ave. Ste. D) and is open for dinner nightly from 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. and weekend brunch from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Chef Jeoffrey Offer joins us with antique clever in hand.

Show 513, February 18, 2023: Butcher’s House Brasserie (Costa Mesa) with Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer Part Two

Jeoffrey Offer of Butcher's House Brasserie

Butcher’s House Brasserie, the award-winning brasserie helmed by Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer, celebrated its 1st Anniversary last December. In its first year, Butcher’s House garnered critical acclaim as the ‘2022 Restaurant of the Year’ by Orange Coast Magazine and earned coveted recognition in the Orange County Register’s ‘75 Best Restaurants’ list. The restaurant, now in its second year, has introduced a new menu that artfully juxtaposes the antique craft of butchery with contemporary French dining.”

“Butcher’s House celebrates cuisine du terroir, focusing on wood-fired steaks, dry-aged, and butchered in-house. Classic and contemporary converge on Offer’s new menu as time-honored techniques intersect with his inspirations from the avant-garde dining culture of modern France. The new menu is complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine program offering guests an exploration through the various growing regions of France.”

“If you were to visit France today, you’d find that restaurants shaping the modern dining scene focus on simple, good food served in a warm, inviting atmosphere. That is what we’re creating at Butcher’s House,” adds Offer. “Simply prepared dishes allow the quality and seasonality of ingredients to take center stage. There is beauty in simplicity, and my style of cooking reflects that.”

“New-to-the-menu starters include a woodfire-grilled Rustic Carpaccio with thinly sliced thyme and garlic-marinated filet with Gribiche sauce; and a Burrata with grilled acorn squash topped with basil, olive oil, and saba. Accompaniments like Ratatouille and duck-fat Roasted Potatoes serve as classic complements to Offer’s selection of Butcher’s Choice cuts, while playful options like Butcher’s Fries are topped with pork belly and melted raclette cheese. Dishes like the Merguez Boulette (beef & lamb marinated with traditional spices) and the signature Butcher’s Burger with dry-aged beef, confit onions, and Comté cheese provide a glimpse into France’s contemporary dining scene. Offer’s hometown is celebrated in traditional dishes like the Toulouse Sausage, while his classical French training shines through dishes like Duck Confit, a slow-cooked duck leg marinated in duck fat served with Cassoulet-style beans.”

“To complement his new dinner menu, Offer also launched a new wine program that expertly explores France’s most illustrious growing regions. A curated list features everything from elegant Champagnes and bold grand cru Burgundies to robust blends from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Southern Rhone.  In 2023 guests can look forward to a monthly series of multi-course wine-paired dinners exploring each growing region and its unique cuisine du terroir. Offer has tapped special co-hosts and wine experts to guide guests with tasting notes for each region.”

Butcher’s House is located at SoCo in Costa Mesa (3321 Hyland Ave. Ste. D) and is open for dinner nightly from 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. and weekend brunch from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. For more information, connect with Butcher’s House on Instagram at @jeoffreyoffer and @butchershouseoc.

Chef Jeoffrey Offer joins us for a 2nd segment with antique clever securely in hand.

February 18: Conscious Bean, Team USA at Bocuse d’Or, Butcher’s House Brasserie

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Matthew Evilsizor, Founder, Conscious Bean – “The Coffee Whisperer” Part One
Segment Three: Matthew Evilsizor, Founder, Conscious Bean – “The Coffee Whisperer” Part Two
Segment Four: Team USA 2023 with Head Chef Jeffery Hayashi and Commis Franco Fugel, Bocuse d’Or Culinary Competition Part One
Segment Five: Team USA 2023 with Head Chef Jeffery Hayashi and Commis Franco Fugel, Bocuse d’Or Culinary Competition Part Two
Segment Six: Butcher’s House Brasserie (Costa Mesa) with Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer Part One
Segment Seven: Butcher’s House Brasserie (Costa Mesa) with Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer Part Two

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

“Conscious Bean is a wellness-based, boutique micro roaster and caffeination design firm, focusing on cafe development, event services, custom tailored coffee subscriptions and corporate coffee programs for elite private and commercial application. Born in Los Angeles, the City of Angels, on November 11, 2011, with headquarters in Orange County, California, Conscious Bean is the brainchild of founder and caffeine visionary, Matthew Evilsizor.” Conscious Coffee’s Matt Evilsizor is our guest with the perfectly brewed cup of premium coffee in hand.

In late January Head Chef Jeffery Hayashi, Commis Franco Fugel and Head Coach Robert Sulatycky (Team USA 2023) represented their country at the world’s most prestigious cooking competition, The Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition in Lyon, France.

Teams of some of the most brilliant culinary minds from 24 countries across the world gathered in Lyon, France, where they competed in the most rigorous and celebrated cooking competition in the world.

“Team USA (supported by the Ment’or Foundation) competed on Monday, January 23rd and presented their platter “Postcard From Hawaii,” an homage to Chef Hayashi’s home. Their platter presentation contained the mandatory protein of monkfish, which was roasted and featured monkfish jus, ragout of mussels, hen egg custard and avocado green goddess. To further test each country’s creative abilities, each team developed a “Feed the Kids” menu, featuring a three-course meal highlighting pumpkin and egg as the main ingredients.” Team USA’s Head Chef Jeffery Hayashi and Commis Franco Fugel are our guests.

“Helmed by Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer, Butcher’s House Brasserie (Costa Mesa) is an award-winning modern brasserie centered around the antique art of butchery. The menu boasts dry-aged meats and rustic brasserie-style dishes representative of his hometown Toulouse in the south of France. From the kitchen to the bar, craftsmanship is displayed as chefs expertly trim and truss premium cuts of meat while bartenders stir and shake soju-based spirits into French-inspired elixirs. With an atmosphere of warm masculinity, the dining room at Butcher’s House allows guests to escape into a rich bottle of Bordeaux, while its sunny courtyard-facing patio presents the perfect locale for a chilled glass of rose.” Chef Jeoffrey Offer joins us with antique clever in hand.

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. Some full-service restaurants are now adding a “Mandatory Service Charge” to restaurant bills for parties of less than 6 guests. Is this a tip? What about a 4 to 5 per cent surcharge added for “employee health care”? When you use a credit card some of the signature printouts give you suggested tip amounts. Some calculate the suggested tip based on the includes sales tax and others calculate net of tax. What’s right? We’ll ask the chef.

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

Matthew Evilsizor

Conscious Bean is a wellness-based, boutique micro roaster and caffeination design firm, focusing on cafe development, event services, custom tailored coffee subscriptions and corporate coffee programs for elite private and commercial application. Born in Los Angeles, the City of Angels, on November 11, 2011, with headquarters in Orange County, California. Conscious Bean is the brainchild of founder and caffeine visionary, Matthew Evilsizor.”

“Coffee to Conscious Bean, is the manifestation of love. It’s the dedication of many hands, hearts & the recurring gift of mother earth. Conscious Bean works daily to honor this gift, sharing their vision of earth’s exceptional offerings, crafted for your ritual.”

“It is dedication, vigilance, obsessive attention to detail and honest partnership. Conscious Bean’s visionary coffees are the tangible representation of owner Matthew Evilsizor and long- time friend and master roaster, Shawn Anderson of Old Town Roastery fame. Their dedicated partnership, along with a long chain of advocates, farms, importers and a few secret weapons, manifest some of the most rare and exceptional offerings from around the planet. Without the passion, vigilance, and skill of these souls, what Conscious Bean represents would not be possible.”

“Conscious Bean also handcrafts award-winning coffee in small batches for one-of-a-kind coffee subscriptions.”

“20% of Conscious Bean’s wholesale sales go to interest free loans for small coffee farms around the world.”

Conscious Coffee’s Matt Evilsizor is our guest with the perfectly brewed cup of premium coffee in hand.

Jeffrey Hayashi is the head chef for the 2021 Bocuse D'Or

In late January Head Chef Jeffery Hayashi, Commis Franco Fugel and Head Coach Robert Sulatycky (Team USA 2023) represented their country at the world’s most prestigious cooking competition, The Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition in Lyon, France.

“Teams of some of the most brilliant culinary minds from 24 countries across the world gathered in Lyon, France, where they competed in the most rigorous and celebrated cooking competition in the world.”

“Team USA (supported by the Ment’or Foundation) competed on Monday, January 23rd and presented their platter “Postcard From Hawaii,” an homage to Chef Hayashi’s home. Their platter presentation contained the mandatory protein of monkfish, which was roasted and featured monkfish jus, ragout of mussels, hen egg custard and avocado green goddess. The platter presentations were designed by Martin Kastner of Crucial Detail, LLC. To further test each country’s creative abilities, each team developed a “Feed the Kids” menu, featuring a three-course meal highlighting pumpkin and egg as the main ingredients. Team USA artfully presented their menu, drawing inspiration from childhood fairy tales of “Cinderella,” “The Goose That Laid The Golden Eggs,” and “Snow White.””

Commis Franco Fugel

Head Chef Jeffery Hayashi notes, “I am honored to have represented Team USA at this esteemed global culinary competition. I would not be here without the support of all the members of Team USA, but particularly that of my Commis, Franco Fugel and our Head Coach Robert Sulatycky. This was an opportunity of a lifetime for a chef and I will treasure this experience throughout my culinary journey.””

Ment’or is the non-profit organization that is responsible for recruiting, training and supporting Team USA.

Team USA’s Head Chef Jeffery Hayashi and Commis Franco Fugel are our guests.

Jeoffrey Offer of Butcher's House Brasserie

Butcher’s House Brasserie, the award-winning brasserie helmed by Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer, celebrated its 1st Anniversary last December. In its first year, Butcher’s House garnered critical acclaim as the ‘2022 Restaurant of the Year’ by Orange Coast Magazine and earned coveted recognition in the Orange County Register’s ‘75 Best Restaurants’ list. The restaurant, now in its second year, has introduced a new menu that artfully juxtaposes the antique craft of butchery with contemporary French dining.”

“Butcher’s House celebrates cuisine du terroir, focusing on wood-fired steaks, dry-aged, and butchered in-house. Classic and contemporary converge on Offer’s new menu as time-honored techniques intersect with his inspirations from the avant-garde dining culture of modern France. The new menu is complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine program offering guests an exploration through the various growing regions of France.”

“If you were to visit France today, you’d find that restaurants shaping the modern dining scene focus on simple, good food served in a warm, inviting atmosphere. That is what we’re creating at Butcher’s House,” adds Offer. “Simply prepared dishes allow the quality and seasonality of ingredients to take center stage. There is beauty in simplicity, and my style of cooking reflects that.”

“New-to-the-menu starters include a woodfire-grilled Rustic Carpaccio with thinly sliced thyme and garlic-marinated filet with Gribiche sauce; and a Burrata with grilled acorn squash topped with basil, olive oil, and saba. Accompaniments like Ratatouille and duck-fat Roasted Potatoes serve as classic complements to Offer’s selection of Butcher’s Choice cuts, while playful options like Butcher’s Fries are topped with pork belly and melted raclette cheese. Dishes like the Merguez Boulette (beef & lamb marinated with traditional spices) and the signature Butcher’s Burger with dry-aged beef, confit onions, and Comté cheese provide a glimpse into France’s contemporary dining scene. Offer’s hometown is celebrated in traditional dishes like the Toulouse Sausage, while his classical French training shines through dishes like Duck Confit, a slow-cooked duck leg marinated in duck fat served with Cassoulet-style beans.”

“To complement his new dinner menu, Offer also launched a new wine program that expertly explores France’s most illustrious growing regions. A curated list features everything from elegant Champagnes and bold grand cru Burgundies to robust blends from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Southern Rhone.  In 2023 guests can look forward to a monthly series of multi-course wine-paired dinners exploring each growing region and its unique cuisine du terroir. Offer has tapped special co-hosts and wine experts to guide guests with tasting notes for each region.”

Butcher’s House is located at SoCo in Costa Mesa (3321 Hyland Ave. Ste. D) and is open for dinner nightly from 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. and weekend brunch from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

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

Some full-service restaurants are now adding a “Mandatory Service Charge” to restaurant bills for parties of less than 6 guests. Is this a tip ? What about a 4 to 5 per cent surcharge added for “employee health care”? When you use a credit card some of the signature printouts give you a range of suggested tip amounts. Some calculate the suggested tip based on the included sales tax and others calculate net of tax. What’s right? (In parts of California this can add an additional 1 per cent to the bill.) We’ll ask the chef.

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

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Matthew Evilsizor, Founder, Conscious Bean – “The Coffee Whisperer” Part One
Segment Three: Matthew Evilsizor, Founder, Conscious Bean – “The Coffee Whisperer” Part Two
Segment Four: Team USA 2023 with Head Chef Jeffery Hayashi and Commis Franco Fugel, Bocuse d’Or Culinary Competition Part One
Segment Five: Team USA 2023 with Head Chef Jeffery Hayashi and Commis Franco Fugel, Bocuse d’Or Culinary Competition Part Two
Segment Six: Butcher’s House Brasserie (Costa Mesa) with Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer Part One
Segment Seven: Butcher’s House Brasserie (Costa Mesa) with Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer Part Two

Show 458, January 15, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Butcher’s House, a modern brasserie centered around the antique craft of butchery, debuted last month at Costa Mesa’s South Coast Collection. Helmed by Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer, Butcher’s House offers a menu centered around dry-aged meats and rustic brasserie-style dishes representative of his hometown Toulouse in the south of France. For Offer, Butcher’s House is more than an homage to his culinary roots; it is the fulfillment of his lifelong American dream.” Chef Jeoffrey is our guest with an antique French clever at the ready.

Hoopes Family Vineyard & Winery (Oakville) is a small, family-owned winegrower and producer with deep roots in Napa Valley. Now in its second generation of family ownership, Lindsay Hoopes continues to live and work on the farm with revered dedication to her family heritage in dogged pursuit of perfect wines. Their critically acclaimed wines tell the exquisite story of the Hoopes’ vineyards, their philosophy, and the continued evolution of Napa Valley. With a true sense of place and raison d’être, Hoopes Vineyard wines strive to over deliver in flavor, history, passion, adventure and luxury.” Proprietress Lindsay Hoopes is our guest to pull the cork on all that is Hoopes Family Vineyard & Winery.”

When we last spoke with Chef John Taube IV he was orchestrating all the acclaimed foodservice at The HoxtonSibling Rival in Downtown Los Angeles including their signature restaurants, Sibling Rival and the rooftop Pilot. Chef John is now the Executive Chef at Waicoco (Breakfast and Dinner) on Maui at the Westin Ka’anapali in Lahaina. The restaurant is owned by Chefs Mourad Lahlou (Aziza and Mourad in San Francisco) and Chris Kajioka (Oahu’s Miro Kaimuki and Papa Kurt’s.) Chef John Taube joins us with local micro greens in hand.

“The city-wide inaugural Long Beach Black Restaurant Week will take place January 23-30, 2022. Long Beach Black Restaurant Week will be a platform to bring everyone to the table, from all walks of life, to showcase the city’s diverse Black food scene. Organized by Long Beach Food & Beverage, a California registered 501(c)3 non-profit, along with Velika Turner, former co-owner of Derricks on Atlantic, Long Black Restaurant Week will be an eight day event devoted to celebrating African, African American, and Caribbean fare in and around Long Beach. The event also seeks to highlight Black-owned food businesses as well as Black chefs and bartenders.” Family-owned Georgia’s Restaurant in the Long Beach Exchange is a participating restaurant. Georgia’s Co-owner, Nika Shoemaker-Machado, joins us with what’s on her menu.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew tells us about his ongoing efforts to support local student farmers at Huntington Beach High School. It’s an ambitious student run program that grows produce used at Slapfish and also farm-raised Tilapia.

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

Show 458, January 15, 2022: Chef / Proprietor Jeoffrey Offer, Butcher’s House Brasserie, SoCo Collection, Costa Mesa Part One

Jeoffrey Offer of Butcher's House Brasserie

Butcher’s House, a modern brasserie centered around the antique craft of butchery, debuted last month at Costa Mesa’s South Coast Collection. Helmed by Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer, Butcher’s House offers a menu centered around dry-aged meats and rustic brasserie-style dishes representative of his hometown Toulouse in the south of France. For Offer, Butcher’s House is more than an homage to his culinary roots; it is the fulfillment of his lifelong American dream.”

“Offer’s culinary inspiration began at home, shadowing his mother in the kitchen as she prepared Sunday dinners and family-style meals. His father, a local butcher, taught him the precision and attention to detail involved in preparing different cuts of meat. While his storied culinary career spans over a decade across three continents, his most recent role was executive chef of Moulin for nearly six years. In 2014, he joined award-winning restaurateur Laurent Vrignaud in the opening of Moulin’s flagship location in Newport Beach to the expansion of the brand’s fifth location. As a classically trained French chef, Offer brings more than 12 years of experience in cooking, kitchen logistics, and operations management to the opening of his first restaurant, Butcher’s House.”

“In 2013, I came to America with nothing but a backpack and a dream,” comments chef-owner Jeoffrey Offer. “Butcher’s House allows me to take ownership of my American dream and share my passion for cooking with the people who will continue to make that dream a reality. It is and has been a true labor of love.”

“Butcher’s House features a menu highlighting wood-fired cuts of meat, dry-aged and butchered in-house. During dinner, guests can enjoy premium steaks like a 30-day Dry-Aged Bone-in Ribeye, Filet Mignon, and New York. A selection of house specialties like Toulouse Sausage, Country-Style Pork Paté, and Duck Confit pay homage to Offer’s upbringing in the south of France. His expertise in pastry arts is displayed through rustic-yet-refined desserts, including a Chocolate Mousse and Crème Brûlée.”

“During lunch, Butcher’s House serves sandwiches, salads, and dry-aged beef burgers available a la carte or as combos with the option of including a drink and dessert. The beverage program focuses on a curated selection of French wines, artisan beers on draft, and a menu of classic French-inspired fermented cocktails crafted with soju-based spirits.”

Closed on Monday and Brunch only on Sunday.

Chef Jeoffrey Offer is our guest with an antique clever at the ready.

Show 458, January 15, 2022: Chef / Proprietor Jeoffrey Offer, Butcher’s House Brasserie, SoCo Collection, Costa Mesa Part Two

Jeoffrey Offer of Butcher's House Brasserie

Butcher’s House, a modern brasserie centered around the antique craft of butchery, debuted last month at Costa Mesa’s South Coast Collection. Helmed by Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer, Butcher’s House offers a menu centered around dry-aged meats and rustic brasserie-style dishes representative of his hometown Toulouse in the south of France. For Offer, Butcher’s House is more than an homage to his culinary roots; it is the fulfillment of his lifelong American dream.”

“Offer’s culinary inspiration began at home, shadowing his mother in the kitchen as she prepared Sunday dinners and family-style meals. His father, a local butcher, taught him the precision and attention to detail involved in preparing different cuts of meat. While his storied culinary career spans over a decade across three continents, his most recent role was executive chef of Moulin for nearly six years. In 2014, he joined award-winning restaurateur Laurent Vrignaud in the opening of Moulin’s flagship location in Newport Beach to the expansion of the brand’s fifth location. As a classically trained French chef, Offer brings more than 12 years of experience in cooking, kitchen logistics, and operations management to the opening of his first restaurant, Butcher’s House.”

“In 2013, I came to America with nothing but a backpack and a dream,” comments chef-owner Jeoffrey Offer. “Butcher’s House allows me to take ownership of my American dream and share my passion for cooking with the people who will continue to make that dream a reality. It is and has been a true labor of love.”

“Butcher’s House features a menu highlighting wood-fired cuts of meat, dry-aged and butchered in-house. During dinner, guests can enjoy premium steaks like a 30-day Dry-Aged Bone-in Ribeye, Filet Mignon, and New York. A selection of house specialties like Toulouse Sausage, Country-Style Pork Paté, and Duck Confit pay homage to Offer’s upbringing in the south of France. His expertise in pastry arts is displayed through rustic-yet-refined desserts, including a Chocolate Mousse and Crème Brûlée.”

“During lunch, Butcher’s House serves sandwiches, salads, and dry-aged beef burgers available a la carte or as combos with the option of including a drink and dessert. The beverage program focuses on a curated selection of French wines, artisan beers on draft, and a menu of classic French-inspired fermented cocktails crafted with soju-based spirits.”

Closed on Monday. Brunch only on Sunday.

Chef Jeoffrey continues with us with a plate of Toulouse Sausage in hand.

January 15: Butcher’s House, Hoopes Family Vineyard & Winery, Waicoco, Georgia’s Restaurant

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef / Proprietor Jeoffrey Offer, Butcher’s House Brasserie, SoCo Collection, Costa Mesa Part One
Segment Three: Chef / Proprietor Jeoffrey Offer, Butcher’s House Brasserie, SoCo Collection, Costa Mesa Part Two
Segment Four: Lindsay Hoopes, Proprietress, Hoopes Family Vineyard, Oakville, Napa Valley Part One
Segment Five: Lindsay Hoopes, Proprietress, Hoopes Family Vineyard, Oakville, Napa Valley Part Two
Segment Six: Chef John Taube IV, Waicoco, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
Segment Seven: Restaurateur Nika Shoemaker-Machado, Georgia’s Restaurant, Long Beach participating in Long Beach Black Restaurant Week
Segment Eight: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

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

Butcher’s House, a modern brasserie centered around the antique craft of butchery, debuted last month at Costa Mesa’s South Coast Collection. Helmed by Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer, Butcher’s House offers a menu centered around dry-aged meats and rustic brasserie-style dishes representative of his hometown Toulouse in the south of France. For Offer, Butcher’s House is more than an homage to his culinary roots; it is the fulfillment of his lifelong American dream.” Chef Jeoffrey is our guest with an antique French clever at the ready.

Hoopes Family Vineyard & Winery (Oakville) is a small, family-owned winegrower and producer with deep roots in Napa Valley. Now in it’s second generation, Lindsay Hoopes continues to live and work on the farm with revered dedication to her family heritage in dogged pursuit of perfect wines. Their critically acclaimed wines tell the exquisite story of the Hoopes’ vineyards, their philosophy, and the continued evolution of Napa Valley. With a true sense of place and raison d’être, Hoopes Vineyard wines strive to over deliver in flavor, history, passion, adventure and luxury.” Proprietress Lindsay Hoopes is our guest to pull the cork on Hoopes Family Vineyard & Winery.”

When we last spoke with Chef John Taube IV he was orchestrating all the acclaimed foodservice at The Hoxton in Downtown Los Angeles including their signature restaurants Sibling Rivalry and the rooftop Pilot. Chef John is now the Executive Chef at Waicoco (Breakfast and Dinner) on Maui at the Westin Ka’anapali in Lahaina. The restaurant is owned by Chefs Mourad Lahlou (Aziza and Mourad in San Francisco) and Chris Kajioka (Oahu’s Miro Kaimuki and Papa Kurt’s.) Chef John Taube joins us with local micro greens in hand.

“The city-wide inaugural Long Beach Black Restaurant Week will take place January 23-30, 2022. Long Beach Black Restaurant Week will be a platform to bring everyone to the table, from all walks of life, to showcase the city’s diverse Black food scene. Organized by Long Beach Food & Beverage, a California registered 501(c)3 non-profit, along with Velika Turner, former co-owner of Derricks on Atlantic, Long Black Restaurant Week will be an eight day event devoted to celebrating African, African American, and Caribbean fare in and around Long Beach. The event also seeks to highlight Black-owned food businesses as well as Black chefs and bartenders.” Family-owned Georgia’s Restaurant in the Long Beach Exchange is a participating restaurant. Georgia’s Co-owner, Nika Shoemaker-Machado, joins us with what’s on her menu.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew tells us about his ongoing efforts to support local student farmers at Huntington Beach High School. It’s the start of another challenging year for chefs and restaurants. We’ll get an informed update on the current state of affairs for chefs and restaurants.

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

Jeoffrey Offer of Butcher's House Brasserie

Butcher’s House, a modern brasserie centered around the antique craft of butchery, debuted last month at Costa Mesa’s South Coast Collection. Helmed by Chef-Owner Jeoffrey Offer, Butcher’s House offers a menu centered around dry-aged meats and rustic brasserie-style dishes representative of his hometown Toulouse in the south of France. For Offer, Butcher’s House is more than an homage to his culinary roots; it is the fulfillment of his lifelong American dream.”

“Offer’s culinary inspiration began at home, shadowing his mother in the kitchen as she prepared Sunday dinners and family-style meals. His father, a local butcher, taught him the precision and attention to detail involved in preparing different cuts of meat. While his storied culinary career spans over a decade across three continents, his most recent role was executive chef of Moulin for nearly six years. In 2014, he joined award-winning restaurateur Laurent Vrignaud in the opening of Moulin’s flagship location in Newport Beach to the expansion of the brand’s fifth location. As a classically trained French chef, Offer brings more than 12 years of experience in cooking, kitchen logistics, and operations management to the opening of his first restaurant, Butcher’s House.”

“In 2013, I came to America with nothing but a backpack and a dream,” comments chef-owner Jeoffrey Offer. “Butcher’s House allows me to take ownership of my American dream and share my passion for cooking with the people who will continue to make that dream a reality. It is and has been a true labor of love.”

“Butcher’s House features a menu highlighting wood-fired cuts of meat, dry-aged and butchered in-house. During dinner, guests can enjoy premium steaks like a 30-day Dry-Aged Bone-in Ribeye, Filet Mignon, and New York. A selection of house specialties like Toulouse Sausage, Country-Style Pork Paté, and Duck Confit pay homage to Offer’s upbringing in the south of France. His expertise in pastry arts is displayed through rustic-yet-refined desserts, including a Chocolate Mousse and Crème Brûlée.”

“During lunch, Butcher’s House serves sandwiches, salads, and dry-aged beef burgers available a la carte or as combos with the option of including a drink and dessert. The beverage program focuses on a curated selection of French wines, artisan beers on draft, and a menu of classic French-inspired fermented cocktails crafted with soju-based spirits.”

Chef Jeoffrey is our guest with an antique clever at the ready.

Lindsay Hoopes of Hoopes Wines

Hoopes Family Vineyard & Winery (Oakville) is a small, family-owned winegrower and producer with deep roots in Napa Valley. Now in it’s second generation, Lindsay Hoopes continues to live and work on the farm with revered dedication to her family heritage in dogged pursuit of perfect wines. Their critically acclaimed wines tell the exquisite story of the Hoopes’ vineyards, their philosophy, and the continued evolution of Napa Valley. With a true sense of place and raison d’être, Hoopes Vineyard wines strive to over deliver in flavor, history, passion, adventure and luxury.”

“Raised on the Hoopes farm by her wine-loving family, Lindsay Hoopes learned how to cultivate grapes and promote Napa’s sense of place and terroir through her father, Spencer Hoopes. Spencer Hoopes loved farming, and developed a passion for wine as the wine industry in Napa blossomed right around him.”

“Spencer Hoopes grew grapes for other vintners and quickly earned repute for some of the best cabernet sauvignon in the Napa Valley. Spencer’s stewardship of the land was heralded by many. When other vintners asked if they could use the Hoopes name to authenticate the high-calibre of their wine, Spencer concluded that, darn it, he should do it himself.”

“Enter Lindsay. Spencer encouraged Lindsay to explore the world and potentially other careers before making a decision to settle at home in the family business. Farming suffers no fools, and Spencer wasn’t just going to give her a job.”

“Lindsay has a wanderlust. After living abroad in many countries, from Ireland to Costa Rica, Lindsay studied international law, worked in international logistics and ultimately worked in homicide at the San Francisco District Attorney’s office. But Lindsay eventually made her way back to Napa Valley when a family illness prompted her to take over Hoopes Vineyard in 2012.”

“Lindsay honored her heritage and father’s winemaking philosophy, but retained her sense of adventure by giving Hoopes Family Vineyard some innovative upgrades. She adopted regenerative agricultural practices and bio-diverse farming initiatives, founded a rescue sanctuary for animals, worked with environmental groups for organic and sustainability certification, and created a hub for young wine fans to immerse themselves in California wine culture in what is now the Oasis by Hoopes. Lindsay also now tells the story of Hoopes wine through food in her many culinary partnerships and initiatives.”

Proprietress Lindsay Hoopes is our guest to pull the cork on Hoopes Family Vineyard & Winery.

John Taube of Waicoco in Maui

When we last spoke with Chef John Taube he was orchestrating all the acclaimed foodservice and menu planning at The Hoxton in Downtown Los Angeles including their signature restaurants Sibling Rival and the rooftop Pilot. Chef John is now the Executive Chef at Waicoco (Breakfast and Dinner) on Maui at the Westin Ka’anapali in Lahaina. The restaurant is owned by Chefs Mourad Lahlou (Aziza and Mourad in San Francisco) and Chris Kajioka (Oahu’s Miro Kaimuki and Papa Kurt’s.)

“Waicoco’s expansive open air oceanfront oasis has a prime view of two Hawaiian islands, Molokai and Lanai. Waicoco seamlessly transitions between oceanside breakfast and dinner allowing the guest to wake to the sunrise and let the day sink away with the sunset. Towering platters of shellfish, local line caught fish and kiawe smoked delicacies provide a connection with land and sea. Waicoco incorporates world class culinary talent and relationships with farmers and fishermen to introduce guests to their belief of how food, drinks and community should be experienced while dining in Maui.”

For Dinner think Poke Tower with prawn, tuna and salmon pokes, seaweed, maze tare, lava salt and rice & prawn chips. There are also Ohana Style presentations (to share) including Seared Half Hamachi with maze tare glazed collar, ginger rice, herb and kula greens, miso beurre blanc and served with ohana sauces.

Chef John Taube joins us with a fresh Maui Gold Pineapple in hand.

Nika Shoemaker-Machado of Georgias Restaurants

“The city-wide inaugural Long Beach Black Restaurant Week will take place January 23-30, 2022. Long Beach Black Restaurant Week will be a platform to bring everyone to the table, from all walks of life, to showcase the city’s diverse Black food scene. Organized by Long Beach Food & Beverage, a California registered 501(c)3 non-profit, along with Velika Turner, former co-owner of Derricks on AtlanticLong Black Restaurant Week will be an eight day event devoted to celebrating African, African American, and Caribbean fare in and around Long Beach. The event also seeks to highlight Black-owned food businesses as well as Black chefs and bartenders.”

Family-owned Georgia’s Restaurant in the Long Beach Exchange is a participating restaurant. Georgia’s Co-owner, Nika Shoemaker-Machado, joins us with what’s on her “Soul Food” menu.

Gretchen Shoemaker (Nika’s Mom,) the heart of Georgia’s, would tell you Soul Food is the food you get when you cook with your whole heart and soul.”

“Georgia’s dishes are the comfort foods she learned to make with her grandma, the very ones she raised her daughters on, served in her successful catering service and has shared with family and friends throughout the years.”

“When you taste Georgia’s food, you taste the love and devotion that makes Georgia’s Soul Delicious!!”

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

Chef Andrew tells us about his ongoing efforts to support local student farmers at Huntington Beach High School. It’s the start of another challenging year for chefs and restaurants. We’ll get an informed update on the current state of affairs for chefs and restaurants.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef / Proprietor Jeoffrey Offer, Butcher’s House Brasserie, SoCo Collection, Costa Mesa Part One
Segment Three: Chef / Proprietor Jeoffrey Offer, Butcher’s House Brasserie, SoCo Collection, Costa Mesa Part Two
Segment Four: Lindsay Hoopes, Proprietress, Hoopes Family Vineyard, Oakville, Napa Valley Part One
Segment Five: Lindsay Hoopes, Proprietress, Hoopes Family Vineyard, Oakville, Napa Valley Part Two
Segment Six: Chef John Taube IV, Waicoco, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii
Segment Seven: Restaurateur Nika Shoemaker-Machado, Georgia’s Restaurant, Long Beach participating in Long Beach Black Restaurant Week
Segment Eight: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

Show 140, October 3, 2015: Moulin Bistro and Proprietor Laurent Vrignaud

Laurent VrignaudMoulin Bistro in Newport Beach, celebrating their first anniversary, is an incredible success story. It’s a busy French bistro, epicerie, boulangerie and patisserie under one roof. (“Always Fresh, Always French.”) All the appointments and fixtures are French. The ambitious proprietor (unbelievably) had no previous restaurant experience.

It’s already the darling of Orange County Food writers. Moulin was one of three nominees for “Best New Restaurant” at The 2015 Golden Foodie Awards.

The French Rotisserie Chicken is a standout.

Laurent wanted to close at 7:00 p.m. but his French guests had another opinion. By popular demand he opened on Tuesday evenings for Dinner at Moulin. It’s a weekly changing appetizer, main dish, and dessert for $25.00. It now sells out at capacity way in advance. Laurent then added Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It’s Entrecote Frites night with unlimited fries. It’s also $25.00.

The Orange County Register’s long-time food writer Cathy Thomas recently did a feature on Moulin’s Le Croque Madame. The video (demonstrating the recipe with Laurent and French-born Chef Jeoffrey Offer) is available for viewing on You Tube.

Laurent also has several entertaining video interview segments (including one with his daughter who works at Moulin) on Grub Tribe. Worth viewing…(Check-out the video about French Wi-Fi.)

Proprietor Laurent Vrignaud joins us.