Show 282, July 21, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now an enticing preview of Saturday’s lush and abundant show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

The OC Fair (Free Your Inner Farmer) is in full swing now through August 12th (Wednesday through Sunday) in Costa Mesa. Time to talk about what’s new in Fair Food with The Midway Gourmet himself, Chef Dominic Palmieri. Think Caramel Crack Fries…

America’s foremost hamburger expert, George Motz, returns to the show. The 3rd edition of Hamburger America – A State-By-State Guide to 200 Great Burger Joints is now out. It’s completely revised and expanded.

Located in Glendale, BOURBON STEAK Los Angeles is Chef Michael Mina’s modern American steakhouse offering timeless dining experiences. At once classic and contemporary, the restaurant accomplishes all the traditions expected from a steakhouse with a flair of excitement. We’re firing up the broiler with Executive Chef Kyle Johnson.

Hidden in plain sight on the lower level of the Anaheim Packing House is the full-service Urbana Mexican Gastronomy. Its ‘Dia de los Muertos’ every day at URBANA, the Anaheim Packing House’s most colorful restaurant. Farm Fresh Mexican inspired plates are created by Chef Ernie Alvarado. Complementing the menu, URBANA’S sexy departure on craft cocktails featuring Tequila and Mezcal favorites as well as top shelf agave spirits. Proprietor Javier Cuadra is our guest.

Every Thursday from Noon to 6:00 p.m. Downtown Los Angeles’ historic Union Station’s South Patio is transformed into a bustling marketplace showcasing a diverse selection of SoCal’s farmers, artisans, crafters and culinary creations. The just launched Train-to-Table Farmers Market serves as an idyllic location for lunchtime small bites and drop-in shopping in the heart of this iconic landmark. Our guide is Ken Pratt, deputy executive officer real estate, Union Station Operations and Management.

Eat your heart out Long Beach! DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week returns August 4 to 12, 2018. Experience cuisine that delights the palate and defines the art of dining in Long Beach. Held annually, Dine LBC features value-oriented two or three course menus from dozens of Long Beach’s best restaurants in twelve unique neighborhoods throughout the city. <strong>The Attic on Broadway (with a Southern flair and potent libations) is one of the participating restaurants. We’ll meet proprietor Steve Massis.

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

Show 282, July 21, 2018: Executive Chef Kyle Johnson, Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak Los Angeles

Kyle JohnsonLocated in Glendale, BOURBON STEAK Los Angeles is Chef Michael Mina’s modern American steakhouse offering timeless dining experiences. At once classic and contemporary, the restaurant accomplishes all the traditions expected from a steakhouse with a flair of excitement.

“Discover the Piano Bar abuzz with newfound libations, and the glamorous dining room boasting tableside services including our signature Japanese Whisky Cart and Michael Mina’s signature Lobster Pot Pie.”

Kyle Johnson has worked his way through some of Las Vegas’s finest restaurants and is now at Chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak Los Angeles at The Americana at Brand as Executive Chef. With his food philosophy focused on sourcing the highest quality ingredients prepared with a strong technique, he looks forward to cultivating a connection to the community. Through relationships with local farms and purveyors, he surprises guests with a locally influenced menu of modern steakhouse fare that’s sophisticated and approachable all at once.

Chef Kyle proudly shops for his produce every week at both the Santa Monica Farmers Market and the Hollywood Farmers Market.

We’re firing up the broiler with Executive Chef Kyle Johnson.

July 21: Midway Gourmet, George Motz, Bourbon Steak, Urbana Mexican Gastronomy, The Attic on Broadway, Union Station Farmers Market

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet, OC Fair
Segment Three: Burger Authority George Motz, 3rd Edition of Hamburger America
Segment Four: Executive Chef Kyle Johnson, Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak Los Angeles
Segment Five: Javier Cuadra, Owner & Founder, Urbana Mexican Gastronomy, Anaheim Packing House
Segment Six: Train-to-Table Farmers Market at Union Station DTLA
Segment Seven: Steve Massis, Proprietor, The Attic, Long Beach Part One
Segment Eight: Steve Massis, Proprietor, The Attic, Long Beach Part Two

Now an enticing preview of this Saturday’s lush and abundant show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

The OC Fair (Free Your Inner Farmer) is in full swing now through August 12th (Wednesday through Sunday) in Costa Mesa. Time to talk what’s new in Fair Food with The Midway Gourmet himself, Chef Dominic Palmieri. Think Caramel Crack Fries…

America’s foremost hamburger expert, George Motz, returns to the show. The 3rd edition of Hamburger America – A State-By-State Guide to 200 Great Burger Joints is now out. It’s completely revised and expanded.

Located in Glendale, BOURBON STEAK Los Angeles is Chef Michael Mina’s modern American steakhouse offering timeless dining experiences. At once classic and contemporary, the restaurant accomplishes all the traditions expected from a steakhouse with a flair of excitement. We’re firing up the broiler with Executive Chef Kyle Johnson.

Hidden in plain sight on the lower level of the Anaheim Packing House is the full-service Urbana Mexican Gastronomy. Its ‘Dia de los Muertos’ every day at URBANA, the Anaheim Packing House’s most colorful restaurant. Farm Fresh Mexican inspired plates are created by Chef Ernie Alvarado. Complementing the menu, URBANA’S sexy departure on craft cocktails featuring Tequila and Mezcal favorites as well as top shelf agave spirits. Proprietor Javier Cuadra is our guest.

Every Thursday from Noon to 6:00 p.m. Downtown Los Angeles’ historic Union Station’s South Patio is transformed into a bustling marketplace showcasing a diverse selection of SoCal’s farmers, artisans, crafters and culinary creations. The just launched Train-to-Table Farmers Market serves as an idyllic location for lunchtime small bites and drop-in shopping in the heart of this iconic landmark. Our guide is Ken Pratt, deputy executive officer real estate, Union Station Operations and Management.

Eat your heart out Long Beach! DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week returns August 4 to 12, 2018. Experience cuisine that delights the palate and defines the art of dining in Long Beach. Held annually, Dine LBC features value-oriented two or three course menus from dozens of Long Beach’s best restaurants in twelve unique neighborhoods throughout the city. The Attic on Broadway (with a Southern flair and potent libations) is one of the participating restaurants. We’ll meet proprietor Steve Massis.

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

Dominic Palmieri of Midway GourmetThe OC Fair (Free Your Inner Farmer) is in full swing now through August 12th (Wednesday through Sunday) in Costa Mesa. It’s a once-a-year thing, something that can only happen at the Fair – a food frenzy beyond compare.

Time to talk about what’s new in Fair Food with The Midway Gourmet himself, Chef Dominic Palmieri.

Think Caramel Crack Fries and on the savory side, Sriracha Turkey Leg.…

“You know you want it if it’s fried, wrapped in bacon or sprinkled with sugar!”

Last year 51 per cent of attendees surveyed said the only-at-the-Fair food was their favorite part of their visit. You just know the chefs have been laboring to move the needle even higher for 2018.

Is the OC Fair food crazier and more inventive this year? You be the judge.

George MotzAmerica’s foremost hamburger expert, George Motz, returns to the show. The 3rd edition of Hamburger America – A State-By-State Guide to 200 Great Burger Joints is now out. It’s completely revised and expanded. It features 50- brand new places from Coast-to-Coast to find the perfect burger.

Motz as made it his personal mission to preserve America’s hamburger heritage, and his travelogue spotlights the nation’s best roadside stands, nostalgic dinners, mon-n-pop shops, and college town favorites – all with George’s photographs and commentary throughout.

Whether you’re an armchair traveler, a serious connoisseur, or curious adventurer. Hamburger America is an essential resource for reclaiming this precious slice of Americana.

Kyle JohnsonLocated in Glendale, BOURBON STEAK Los Angeles is Chef Michael Mina’s modern American steakhouse offering timeless dining experiences. At once classic and contemporary, the restaurant accomplishes all the traditions expected from a steakhouse with a flair of excitement.

“Discover the Piano Bar abuzz with newfound libations, and the glamorous dining room boasting tableside services including our signature Japanese Whisky Cart and Michael Mina’s signature Lobster Pot Pie.”

Kyle Johnson has worked his way through some of Las Vegas’s finest restaurants and is now at Chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak Los Angeles at The Americana at Brand as Executive Chef.  With his food philosophy focused on sourcing the highest quality ingredients prepared with a strong technique, he looks forward to cultivating a connection to the community. Through relationships with local farms and purveyors, he surprises guests with a locally influenced menu of modern steakhouse fare that’s sophisticated and approachable all at once.

We’re firing up the broiler with Executive Chef Kyle Johnson.

Javier CuadraHidden in plain sight on the lower level of the Anaheim Packing House is the full-service Urbana Mexican Gastronomy. Its ‘Dia de los Muertos’ every day at URBANA, the Anaheim Packing House’s most colorful restaurant.

Farm Fresh Mexican inspired plates are created by Chef Ernie Alvarado. Complementing the menu, URBANA’S sexy departure on craft cocktails featuring Tequila and Mezcal favorites as well as top shelf agave spirits.

“Restaurateur Javier Cuadra was raised between Orange County and Michoacan, “the belly” of Mexico. Michoacan boasts an abundance of culture and delectable street foods which influenced Javier into opening a restaurant shacking the region’s finest offerings.”

“I always had a passion for food, while going to college for international business I worked in the restaurant industry and this inspired me to have my own one day. Experiencing the unique cuisine that Mexico has to offer and seeing how there was nothing like that in Orange County inspired me to bring a small piece of Mexican culture here.

Javier’s love of “street food” has heavily influenced URBANA’s eclectic menu, which features natural and fresh ingredients including handmade tortillas, gourmet tacos and Red Snapper ceviche, creatively prepared by Chef Ernie Alvarado. “My personal favorite are the Mole enchiladas, made with house made Mole sauce that reminds me of home.” says Javier.

Located in the Anaheim Packing House, the candle-lit ambience has earned Golden Foodie Award honors among other recognitions, “The fact that together with Chef Ernie Alvarado we were able to change how people see Mexican cuisine is a huge accomplishment.”

Proprietor Javier Cuadra is our guest.

Ken PrattEvery Thursday from Noon to 6:00 p.m. Downtown Los Angeles’ historic Union Station’s South Patio is transformed into a bustling marketplace showcasing a diverse selection of SoCal’s farmers, artisans, crafters and culinary creations. The just launched Train-to-Table Farmers Market serves as an idyllic location for lunchtime small bites and drop-in shopping in the heart of this iconic landmark.

Union Station has partnered with California Certified Farmers Markets to bring the Train-to-Table Farmers Market to the historic venue, serving thousands of Metro travelers, downtown workers and residents every week.

“We are thrilled to offer this unique shopping experience in one of the most historic locations in Los Angeles,” said Ken Pratt, deputy executive officer real estate, Union Station Operations and Management. “Union Station has emerged as the gateway to the extraordinary renaissance in downtown Los Angeles, and the launch of the Train-to-Table Farmers Market is aligned with our ongoing efforts to deliver distinctive, new experiences in this remarkable public space.”

Playing to the strengths of the California climate, the historic South Patio opened in 1939 and was designed as a formal garden through which travelers (and often celebrities) exited the station. The expansive patio, featuring towering palm trees and an iconic 100-foot-tall clock tower, has evolved into a vibrant meeting place for Angelenos.

Our conductor is Ken Pratt, deputy executive officer real estate, Union Station Operations and Management.

Steve and Calvin MassisEat your heart out Long Beach! DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week returns August 4 to 12, 2018. Experience cuisine that delights the palate and defines the art of dining in Long Beach. Held annually, Dine LBC features value-oriented two or three course menus from dozens of Long Beach’s best restaurants in twelve unique neighborhoods throughout the city.

The Attic on Broadway (with a distinct Southern flair and ample libations) is one of the participating restaurants.

“Enjoy fresh Southern cuisine with a Southern California twist!”

It’s Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 7 days plus Weekend Brunch. Dog-friendly and seating inside the restored Craftsman bungalow or on 2 shaded patios.

We’ll meet hands-on proprietor Steve Massis.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Dominic Palmieri, The Midway Gourmet, OC Fair
Segment Three: Burger Authority George Motz, 3rd Edition of Hamburger America
Segment Four: Executive Chef Kyle Johnson, Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak Los Angeles
Segment Five: Javier Cuadra, Owner & Founder, Urbana Mexican Gastronomy, Anaheim Packing House
Segment Six: Train-to-Table Farmers Market at Union Station DTLA
Segment Seven: Steve Massis, Proprietor, The Attic, Long Beach Part One
Segment Eight: Steve Massis, Proprietor, The Attic, Long Beach Part Two

June 9: FukuBurger, Golden Road Brewing, Bourbon Steak, Wine Exchange, Journeyman’s Food & Drink, W. Scott Koenig, Pechanga Chili Cookoff Champions

For this Saturday only, June 9th, we’re from 3 to 5:00 p.m. following the Angel Game. Please find us. Go Halos!

Now a salivating preview of this Saturday afternoon’s extra rich show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… Keep in mind we’re here with you live every Saturday with an action-packed show overflowing with tasty treats.

Our dedicated Producer /Board Operator/Engineer Aaron Fry is on assignment at the 10th Annual Pechanga Microbrew Fest & Chili Cookoff in Temecula this afternoon. We’ll get an on the spot report from him on the craft beers of note and favorite chilies he’s sampled thus far.

When it comes to award-winning burgers for the true enthusiast the place to go in Las Vegas is FukuBurger. They have their original rolling grill food truck on the road as well as a bricks-and-mortar location in Chinatown. There were just in L.A. at the Sunday Smorgasburg as the invited guest of noted burger authority, George Motz. We’re flipping a Tamago Burger with Co-Founder Colin Fukunaga.

Golden Road Brewing has an expanding Anaheim production Brewery located right across the street from us at Angel Stadium. Joining us is Brewmaster Victor Novak and Anaheim Head Brewer Steven Torres. It’s not always obvious that beer pairs well with food but it, indeed, does. Both Victor and Steven are experts in matching a food item with just the right style of beer. Beer Pairing 101 commences. Cheers…

Located in Glendale, BOURBON STEAK Los Angeles is Chef Michael Mina’s modern American steakhouse offering timeless dining experiences. At once classic and contemporary, the restaurant accomplishes all the traditions expected from an upscale steakhouse with a flair of excitement. Executive Chef Kyle Johnson joins us.

You don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to appreciate the high-quality of wine from Bordeaux, France. It’s one of the great wine grape growing regions of the world. Our resident wine authority, Tristen Beamon from The Wine Exchange, was recently in Bordeaux tasting wines in the barrel from the 2016 harvest. We’ll get his insider’s report on what to expect.

Journeyman’s Food & Drink (right off the 91 Freeway in Fullerton) is the most recent passion project of executive chef Zachary Geerson. It’s a real discovery and a true dining experience. The cuisine which can only be explained as Post-modern and globally-inspired, draws from chef Zach and his team’s diverse cultural background and training. Chef Zach, being of Sicilian descent, uses that and his love for Italian cuisine, as a jumping off point for some dishes and inspiration from his wife, Olivia, who is Thai and Laotian. We’ll meet the enthusiastic & passionate Chef Zach.

Culinary Historians of San Diego will present “Seven Days in the Valle de Guadalupe,” featuring Michael Gardiner and W. Scott Koenig, at 10:30 am June 16, in the Neil Morgan Auditorium of the San Diego Central Library. They will discuss the Valle scene and how it bloomed while they take their audience through a week there … all in an hour! W. Scott Koenig is the author of Seven Days In The Valle and is our guest.

The 10th Annual Pechanga Microbrew Fest & Chili Cookoff will be concluding as we finish Saturday’s show. The big news annually is the winner, among the competitive Pechanga Chefs, of the chili cookoff. It’s bragging rights for the next year! Last year 2-time defending chili champ Chef Marlene Moore of Temptations Food Walk was unseated by Chef Kiyo Ikeda of Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar with his sake-glazed Kobe beef chili. As the suspense is building Pechanga’s Ciara Green joins us with the just-announced official results.

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

Colin FukunagaWhen it comes to award-winning burgers for the true enthusiast the place to go in Las Vegas is FukuBurger. They have their original rolling grill food truck on the road as well as a bricks-and-mortar location in Chinatown. There were just in L.A. at the Sunday Smorgasburg LA as the invited guest of noted burger authority, George Motz.

Our emeritus Co-Host, Chef Jet Tila, is a big fan of Fukuburger’s Tamago. Chef Jet even profiled it on Food Network’s “Guilty Pleasures.” It’s an all-beef Fukupatty topped with a fried runny egg, furikake, crispy onion strings, and finished with house-prepared teriyaki sauce and wasabi mayo.

We’re flipping a Tamago Burger with Co-Founder Colin Fukunaga.

Victor Novak and Steven TorresGolden Road Brewing has an expanding Anaheim production Brewery located right across the street from us at Angel Stadium. Joining us is Brewmaster Victor Novak and Anaheim Head Brewer Steven Torres.

It’s not always obvious that beer pairs well with food but it surely does. Both Victor and Steven are experts in matching a food item with just the right style of beer. Beer Pairing 101 commences.

For instance what works with Sours and Fruity Beers? The Brewmasters suggest matching with lighter dishes and fruity desserts. Perhaps summer salads containing fruits and mild cheeses.

Kyle JohnsonLocated in Glendale, BOURBON STEAK Los Angeles is Chef Michael Mina’s modern American steakhouse offering timeless dining experiences. At once classic and contemporary, the restaurant accomplishes all the traditions expected from a steakhouse with a flair of excitement.

“Discover the Piano Bar abuzz with newfound libations, and the glamorous dining room boasting tableside services including our signature Japanese Whisky Cart and Michael Mina’s signature Lobster Pot Pie.”

“Kyle Johnson has worked his way through some of Las Vegas’s finest restaurants and has now landed at Chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak Los Angeles at The Americana at Brand as their Executive Chef.  With his food philosophy focused on sourcing the highest quality ingredients prepared with a strong technique, he looks forward to cultivating a connection to the community. Through relationships with local farms and purveyors, he surprises guests with a locally influenced menu of modern steakhouse fare that’s sophisticated and approachable all at once.”

Executive Chef Kyle Johnson joins us.

Tristan BeamonYou don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to appreciate the high-quality of wine from Bordeaux, France. It’s one of the great wine grape growing regions of the world.

Our resident wine authority, Tristen Beamon from The Wine Exchange, was recently in Bordeaux tasting wines in the barrel from the 2016 harvest. We’ll get his insider’s report on what to expect.

Who says Bordeaux is expensive?

This year Tristen has journeyed to Bordeaux twice tasting some of the greatest potential wine values in the world. “So as we like to say here at Wine Exchange…Let the games begin!”

Zachary GeersonJourneyman’s Food & Drink (right off the 91 Freeway in Fullerton) is the most recent passion project of executive chef Zachary Geerson. It’s a real gem of a discovery and a true dining experience.

The cuisine which can only be explained as Post-modern and globally-inspired, draws from chef Zach and his team’s diverse cultural background and training. Chef Zach, being of Sicilian descent, uses that and his love for Italian cuisine, as a jumping off point for some dishes and inspiration from his wife, Olivia, who is Thai and Laotian.

“Welcome to Journeyman’s my friend. What you are about to experience, or have experienced, is a culmination of my team and I’s hard work. We’ve been open for a few months now and we are really proud of what we have accomplished thus far.”

“If you don’t already know, we offer our dining menu in a 4-course, prix-fixe format with four options in each course. This hopefully makes you feel more at ease and makes it feel a little like an a la care menu. These are the best dishes we have to offer you. Please, kick back and relax and let our wonderful team guide you through this experience. I am glad you have given us the opportunity to take care of you and your friends, family, or both.”

From Zach Geerson.
As Chef Zach says, “It’s not the destination…It’s the Journey.”

We’ll meet the energized Chef Zach.

W Scott KoenigCulinary Historians of San Diego will present Seven Days in the Valle de Guadalupe,” featuring Michael Gardiner and W. Scott Koenig, at 10:30 am June 16, in the Neil Morgan Auditorium of the San Diego Central Library. They will discuss the Valle scene and how it bloomed while they take their audience through a week there … all in an hour!

Scott Koenig is known for his blog and alter ego, A Gringo in Mexico, where he reports on food and culture in the state of Baja California — just across the US Mexican border. In Seven Days in The Valle, he focuses his camera lens and writing on the cuisine of the Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s main wine-producing region.

“Chefs in Baja California have been experimenting with recipes combining Mediterranean, Asian and Mexican influences with local ingredients for nearly two decades, creating a unique cuisine.” Koenig explains. They often grow their own vegetables and herbs, source meat from area ranches and enjoy a supply of fresh seafood from the nearby Pacific.

Koenig conceived Seven Days in The Valle while assisting the Culinary Institute of America on a seven-day trip through Baja California as they filmed a documentary. “I had hundreds of images from that experience and a backlog of past photos and interviews; I felt it was time for a book on the Valle de Guadalupe. My goal was to tell the story of this magical place through the experiences of its chefs – whose restaurants are some of my favorites anywhere.

Scott Koenig is the author of Seven Days In The Valle and is our guest.

10th Annual Pechanga Microbrew Festival and Chili CookoffThe 10th Annual Pechanga Microbrew Fest & Chili Cookoff will be concluding as we finish Saturday’s show. The big news annually is the winner, among the talented and competitive Pechanga Chefs, of the chili cookoff. It’s bragging rights for the next year! Last year 2-time defending chili champ Chef Marlene Moore of Temptations Food Walk was unseated by Chef Kiyo Ikeda of Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar with his sake-glazed Kobe beef chili.

As the suspense is building Pechanga’s Ciara Green joins us with the just-announced official results. Whose chili will reign supreme ?