Podcasts
Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel & Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Josiah Citrin, Charcoal Venice, Venice, CA
Segment Three: 3rd Annual San Diego Travel & Adventure Show
Segment Four: Elliott Dolin, Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards”
Segment Five: Executive Chef Michael Hung, Viviane Restaurant, Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills
Segment Six: Pastry Chef Rachel Klemek, Blackmarket Bakery on Broadway, Santa Ana
Segment Seven: Chef & Restaurateur Geraldine Gilliland, Finn McCool’s Irish Pub, Santa Monica
Segment Eight: Anita Lau, Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman Blogger
Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, now, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host.
Next a tempting preview of Saturday’s hugely caloric but always healthy show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…
Charcoal Venice, the new inviting, neighborhood restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef and Proprietor Josiah Citrin (our guest), opened early last month on W. Washington Blvd., a burgeoning culinary destination in Venice, CA bordering Marina del Rey. A more casual concept than Citrin’s Melisse, Charcoal Venice upholds the chef’s philosophy “In Pursuit of Excellence,” with a simpler, more approachable menu.
The 3rd Annual Travel & Adventure Show returns to the San Diego Convention Center the weekend of January 16th and 17th. “The SoCal Restaurant Show” is broadcasting live from the Show on Saturday morning, January 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon. Planning your next vacation has never been easier. John Golicz, CEO of Unicomm, the event’s producer, joins us with a preview of what’s in store.
Inspired by a Chardonnay vineyard Elliott and Lynn Dolin planted behind their ocean-view Malibu home in 2006, Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards has quickly emerged as one of the leading producers in the new Malibu Coast AVA. Following the release of just five vintages of Chardonnay ($39), the Winery has plans to expand its Malibu production to include several more wines from the region. In fall 2014 Dolin Estate broadened its scope further with the release of a new line of Central Coast Pinot Noir wines. Elliott Dolin joins us to share his unusual wine story.
“Welcome to Viviane Restaurant, a collaboration between Bombet Hospitality Group and Proper Hospitality, located in the iconic Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills. Viviane features award-winning chef Michael Hung’s (Esquire Magazine’s Best New Restaurant) modern California interpretation of classic European and American cuisine. Chef Michael’s menu is paired with a curated wine list of boutique vineyards and 1950’s inspired seasonal cocktails. Join us daily for lunch and dinner, weekdays for breakfast, and weekends for brunch. Experience food, drink, and festivity indoors or poolside in our Kelly Wearstler-designed space, a mid-century modern oasis sequestered away from the hurried pace of Los Angeles.” Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower) is our guest.
Chef Rachel Klemek will be extending the reach of her award-winning made-from-scratch baked goods when she opens a new outpost, Blackmarket Bakery on Broadway, on Saturday, January 9th, 2016 in the downtown Santa Ana’s Santora building in the Artists Village (211 N. Broadway). Chef Klemek’s inspired approach to baking has set her apart within the county’s culinary landscape. Staying true to its roots, the new Santa Ana neighborhood bakery will highlight pastries made from her token “blackmarket” ingredients – butter, flour, sugar, and eggs. Chef Rachel joins us with all the sweet details.
Belfast-born Chef & restaurateur Geraldine (Gerri) Gilliland has been a major force on the hospitality scene in Santa Monica and environs since 1984. On St. Patrick’s Day in 2002 Gerri realized her most ambitious project to date and Finn McCool’s (a reassembled Irish pub from Newry, County Down) was launched. Irish nationals are among the employees. We’ll talk to Gerri about what authentic Irish pub food really is and her long-time friendship with the Irish Julia Child, Darina Allen of Ballymaloe Cookery School, Ireland’s best-known chef.
Anita Lau is better known to regular listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” as the Mad Hungry Woman blogger. She was living in Hong Kong in the 90s before the turnover to China. Anita is recently back from a 3-week visit. We’ll continue with her insider’s view of the dining scene there during the glory days of the British. It was a very different and colorful time…
All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!
Charcoal Venice, the new inviting, neighborhood restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef and Proprietor Josiah Citrin (our guest), opened early last month on W. Washington Blvd., a burgeoning culinary destination in Venice, CA bordering Marina del Rey. A more casual concept than Citrin’s Melisse, Charcoal Venice upholds the chef’s philosophy “In Pursuit of Excellence,” with a simpler, more approachable menu.
As the name suggests, the daily menu features craveable comfort foods cooked over a live fire via a wood oven, over charcoal, in the coals, or in a Big Green Egg – imparting a smoky, backyard barbeque flavor with the use of premium oak and hickory lump coals. Adding to the communal atmosphere of the restaurant, these dishes are all large, family-style portions meant to be shared.
Citrin also offers starters, including a unique tartare selection, such as beef heart and lamb, alongside a selection of farmers’ market vegetables including a whole head of cabbage baked in the coals until it’s completely black on the outside and smoky on the inside.
“This is the type of casual concept I’ve always wanted to open. It’s the food that I prepare for my friends and family in my backyard on the weekend. Not too fancy, just delicious food that you crave,” says Citrin. “Mélisse is your special occasion restaurant, while Charcoal Venice is an every night place for a refreshing beer and a perfectly grilled entrée.”
The 3rd Annual Travel & Adventure Show returns to the San Diego Convention Center the weekend of January 16th and 17th. “The SoCal Restaurant Show” is broadcasting live from the Show in the IFWTWA booth on Saturday morning, January 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon. Planning your next vacation has never been easier.
This year’s event features a larger expo hall, with more travel destinations and expanded content and seminars. America’s favorite Travel Show series is sure to spark your wanderlust. Consider it the trip you take before your trip!
The Travel & Adventure Show matches travel enthusiasts with the top travel providers from around the globe to craft custom experiences that turn your ordinary get-aways into extraordinary vacations creating lasting memories for years to come.
From Mammoth Lakes to Malaysia, Fiji to Florida, you will browse a huge variety of travel providers, and experience culture-rich demonstrations from your dream destinations. Interact with thousands of domestic and international destinations and travel experts that can help you plan your next vacation, customize your trip, and give you the expert, inside knowledge you need to “travel like a local”.
John Golicz, CEO of Unicomm, the event’s producer, joins us with a tempting preview of what’s in store.
Inspired by a Chardonnay vineyard Elliott and Lynn Dolin planted behind their ocean-view Malibu home in 2006, Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards has quickly emerged as one of the leading producers in the new Malibu Coast AVA.
Following the release of just five vintages of Chardonnay ($39), the winery has plans to expand its Malibu production to include several more wines from the region. In fall 2014 Dolin Estate broadened its scope further with the release of a new line of Central Coast Pinot Noir wines from such highly regarded vineyards as Talley Rincon, Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills. In 2015, Dolin Estate will introduce additional single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines from the Central Coast.
Following their first vintage of Dolin Estate Chardonnay, Elliott and Lynn Dolin looked to the Central Coast to find a winemaker whose experience exceeded what was available in Southern California. They set up a meeting with Kirby Anderson at their Malibu Coast Vineyard, and right away they knew they had found a winemaker who shared their appreciation for wines made in a seamless, silky and voluptuous style. In 2010 Kirby began making Dolin Estate’s Chardonnay, and in 2012 he helped expand the portfolio to include Central Coat Rose of Pinot Noir and Pinot Noir.
Elliott Dolin joins us to share his unusual wine story.
“Welcome to Viviane Restaurant, a collaboration between Bombet Hospitality Group and Proper Hospitality, located in the iconic Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills. Viviane features award-winning chef Michael Hung’s (Esquire Magazine’s Best New Restaurant) modern California interpretation of classic European and American cuisine.
Chef Michael’s menu is paired with a curated wine list of boutique vineyards and 1950’s inspired seasonal cocktails. Join us daily for lunch and dinner, weekdays for breakfast, and weekends for brunch. Experience food, drink, and festivity indoors or poolside in our Kelly Wearstler-designed space, a mid-century modern oasis sequestered away from the hurried pace of Los Angeles.”
“We love classic American and European cuisine. Dishes as simple as a properly roasted chicken or decadent as lobster cloaked in cognac and cream speak to us. At Viviane, we revive these flavors with a sense of California freshness. We present them to you with care. We hope a conversation begins with you.”
Tucked in a secluded residential neighborhood adjacent to some of Los Angeles’ most famous restaurants, shopping and cultural attractions, Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills was originally built in 1949 as the Beverly Carlton. Once a home-away-from-home for mid-century celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Mae West, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, the hotel got a second life and its current name when it was revamped by The Kor Group and Kelly Wearstler Interior Designs in 1999.
Today, the property comprises three unique structures – the Olympic Building, Beverly Tower and Cañon Building – and offers 84 guestrooms, a full-service wellness studio, an hourglass pool and patio with outdoor dining.
Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower) is our guest.
Chef Rachel Klemek will be extending the reach of her award-winning made-from-scratch baked goods when she opens a new outpost, Blackmarket Bakery on Broadway, on Saturday, January 9th, 2016 in the downtown Santa Ana’s Santora building in the Artists Village (211 N. Broadway). Chef Klemek’s inspired approach to baking has set her apart within the county’s culinary landscape. Staying true to its roots, the new Santa Ana neighborhood bakery will highlight pastries made from her token “blackmarket” ingredients – butter, flour, sugar, and eggs.
Built in 1928, the Santora building houses the bakery’s 2,300-square-foot space, adding a “retro” feel with art-deco elements, reminiscent of simpler times. As the largest Blackmarket Bakery yet, the Santa Ana location remains family friendly as it sees the addition of new menu items, including craft beers and hard ciders. The menu will also feature a new lineup of savory “bar bite” offerings, sandwiches made with fresh-baked breads, seasonal salads and sweet and hearty brunch items (the latter of which will be coming this Spring).
Like its Costa Mesa counterpart, which opened in 2012, the Santa Ana restaurant focuses on its made-from-scratch daily retail offerings such as Chef Rachel’s artisanal breads and now-famous “eggywiches,” as well as delectable desserts, including the Total Eclipse Mousse Cake, Cookie Monster Bread Pudding, and her ever-popular Black Widow Tart. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in Blackmarket signature cookies, including Walnut Mudslides, Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies, and the Classic Two Tone.
“Expanding into the Santa Ana market will allow us to serve even more of our community,” explained Chef Rachel, who opened her first Blackmarket Bakery in an industrial park in Irvine back in 2004. “The addition of craft beer and hard cider, as well as an expanded menu of family friendly favorites, gives our Santa Ana location a little something for everyone.”
Chef Rachel joins us with all the sweet details.
Belfast-born Chef & restaurateur Geraldine (Gerri) Gilliland has been a major force on the hospitality scene in Santa Monica and environs since 1984. On St. Patrick’s Day in 2002 Gerri realized her most ambitious project to date and Finn McCool’s (a reassembled Irish pub from Newry, County Down) was launched. Irish nationals are among the employees. The ambiance is genuine Irish charm.
“Finn McCool’s is a stunning old world Gastro-pub with a modern sensibility & heavy emphasis on quality food & drinks. Designed with rich wood, antique Gaelic stained glass and gorgeous original art that was dis-assembled, shipped over from Belfast, Northern Ireland through the Panama canal and meticulously re-assembled on Main Street in Santa Monica. Finns boasts over 18 beers on tap, 200 whiskeys and an impressive menu of quality traditional & modern offerings from the newer “Build your own Burger” and “R&D Menu” (where customers get to help choose the next menu items) to classic offerings like “Fish & Chips in a Newspaper”, “Guinness Irish Stew” and the iconic “Irish Breakfast”.
Executive Chef & Restaurateur Geraldine Gilliland, whose career spans 3 decades, 2 continents & several lauded restaurants, launched Finn McCool’s in 2002 hot on the heels of her much loved restaurant “Gilliland’s”, “Jake & Annies” and her other restaurant, “LULA Cocina Mexicana”, also in Santa Monica.”
“2015 Irish Woman of the Year” was awarded to Chef Geraldine Gilliland by The City of Los Angeles and the L.A. City Council. She was nominated for the honor by Mary McAleese, the President of Ireland from 1997 to 2011.
We’ll talk to Gerri about what authentic Irish pub food really is and her long-time friendship with the Irish Julia Child, Darina Allen of Ballymaloe Cookery School, Ireland’s best-known chef.
2016 has been designated the year of food and drink in Northern Ireland, and Gerri will give us some insight on contemporary food tourism there.
Anita Lau is better known to regular listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” as the Mad Hungry Woman blogger. She was living in Hong Kong in the 90s before the turnover to China. Anita is recently back from a 3-week visit. We’ll continue with her insider’s view of the dining scene there during the glory days of the British. It was a very different and colorful time…
British Hong Kong showcased traditional, authentic and refined cuisine. The perfect surviving example is the fine cuisine that is still available at the always elegant Peninsula Hotel. Contemporary fine dining in Hong Kong right now is more ostentatious.
“This blog (diary of a MAD HUNGRY WOMAN) is a journal of mostly my eating adventures, but also, other things I’m passionate about, including travel, the arts, and also, necessities to complete my life. Centered predominantly in and around Orange County, CA, some will extend to Los Angeles, San Diego and beyond. I am constantly searching for delicious food to eat and fun things to do, nothing is out of bounds. Sometimes it doesn’t end well, but I can definitely say, it will always be an interesting journey.” Anita Lau
Podcasts
Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel & Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Josiah Citrin, Charcoal Venice, Venice, CA
Segment Three: 3rd Annual San Diego Travel & Adventure Show
Segment Four: Elliott Dolin, Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards”
Segment Five: Executive Chef Michael Hung, Viviane Restaurant, Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills
Segment Six: Pastry Chef Rachel Klemek, Blackmarket Bakery on Broadway, Santa Ana
Segment Seven: Chef & Restaurateur Geraldine Gilliland, Finn McCool’s Irish Pub, Santa Monica
Segment Eight: Anita Lau, Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman Blogger
The 3rd Annual Travel & Adventure Show is at the San Diego Convention Center in Hall B this weekend, January 16th and 17th. “The SoCal Restaurant Show” is broadcasting live from the Show on Saturday morning, January 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon. Planning your next vacation has never been easier.
Chef Garth Blackburn (our guest) is the Executive Chef for 
