Show 262, February 24, 2018: Laurie Porter, Smog City Brewing Co. & President, L.A. County Brewers Guild Continues…

Laurie PorterLaurie Porter is also The President of the L.A. County Brewers Guild with over 75-member breweries in Los Angeles County.

The mission of the Los Angeles County Brewers Guild is to promote and protect local independently-owned craft breweries and advocate for the strengthening of the craft beer industry. The LABG strives to encourage the growth of world-class beer culture within L.A. county through various educational efforts and aims to stimulate growth through community engagement. Formally founded in 2013, the LABG is a federally recognized 501(c)6 non-profit organization.

LABG also produces the upcoming L.A. Beer Week starting on June 16th.

Show 127, June 20, 2015: Show Preview with Chef Andrew Gruel and Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Andrew GruelExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and, now, Newport Beach is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Now a tantalizing preview of Saturday’s high octane show. With any luck we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case, that’s a good thing…

Chef David Guas (Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery, Arlington, Virginia, Arlington, Virginia & Washington DC) knows how to get your grill going with the publication of Grill Nation – 200 Surefire Recipes, Tips, and Techniques to Grill Like a Pro. You know him as the host of Travel Channel’s “American Grilled.” We’re going to master the flame with Chef David Guas.

L.A Beer Week, produced by the Los Angeles County Brewers Guild, is set for L.A. and environs from June 20th to 28th, 2015. For one thirst-quenching week local breweries, bars, restaurants and other hospitable venues host a wide variety of events celebrating the culture of craft beer in the L.A. area. The festival kickoff is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, June 20th in Exposition Park. Beer journalist Tomm Carroll of Celebrator Beer News and Beer Paper L.A. along with Thomas Kelley of El Segundo Brewing Co. join us with an effervescent preview.

Restaurants in tree-lined Claremont, CA are preparing for the third annual “Claremont Restaurant Week” set for July 10 – 19, 2015. The annual Midsummer Night’s Dine will run for 10 days, including two weekends, to encourage Southern California foodies to stay overnight at one of Claremont’s five distinctive hotel properties. Sal Medina of Packing House Wine Merchants in the restored College Heights Lemon Packing House in Claremont will provide us with the tempting overview.

Italian-American character actor Steve Schirripa is best known for his role as Bobby Baccalieri on HBO’s “The Soprano’s.” He’s also a serious home cook. Taking his mother’s recipe for pasta sauce he created a line of popular sauces including Marinara, Tomato Basil and Arrabiata in the Steve Schirripa’s Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties line. The premium pasta sauces are each hand-crafted with organic whole, imported Italian peeled tomatoes, fresh onions, extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, sea salt and spices.

Orange County’s 37th annual “A Taste of Greece” festival will be held on June 26-28 at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine. More than 12,000 guests are expected to attend the three-day festival, which will feature traditional Greek cuisine, wine tasting, live music, authentic Greek dancing with lessons and boutique booths reminiscent of the Plaka, a well-known picturesque historical neighborhood of Athens. The long-time volunteer pastry chef, Kathy Gabriel, who oversees the time-consuming preparation of thousands of incredible Greek pastries for the Festival is our guest.

Andrew Gruel and Anthony Dispensa of Slapfish Restaurants and FYI Say It To My FaceDon’t miss Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel’s new restaurant makeover series, “Say It To My Face” on FYI. An original episode is aired every Thursday evening with an encore episode thereafter. Check your local listings. On-line food reviewers confront restaurateurs with the shortcomings of their establishments. It’s then up to Chef Andrew and his colleague, Chef Anthony Dispensa, to coach the chef and restaurateur to achieve a much higher level of guest satisfaction when the on-line reviews return for another look! Sometimes it’s tough-love…

Show 127, June 20, 2015: L.A. Beer Week Preview

Thomas Kelley of El Segundo BrewingL.A Beer Week, produced by the Los Angeles County Brewers Guild, is set for L.A. and environs from June 20th to 28th, 2015. For one thirst-quenching week local breweries, bars, restaurants and other hospitable venues host a wide variety of events celebrating the culture of craft beer in the greater L.A. area.

The festival kickoff is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, June 20th in Exposition Park. It’s the flagship event for a week’s worth of great events staged all throughout the City of Angels.

L.A. Beer Week was founded in 2009 by a group of dedicated beer enthusiasts and community members. L.A. Beer Week is organized by the Los Angeles County Brewers Guild; a 25+ brewery strong, non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the culture of #LAbeer.

L.A. Brewers Kickoff on Saturday, June 20th in Exposition Park will feature 75+ breweries, live music and entertainment, a wide selection of food trucks, educational panel discussions, a VIP private area and more. General Admission includes a commemorative tasting glass and samples of over 200 different types of beer, cider and home-brewed sodas. A portion of the proceeds will benefit L.A. Kitchen.

Beer journalist Tomm Carroll of Celebrator Beer News and Beer Paper L.A. along with Thomas Kelley of El Segundo Brewing Co. join us with a preview.

Mr. Carroll will be moderating three panel discussions featuring craft beer notables over the course of L.A. Beer Week. On Wednesday evening, June 24th at Golden Road his panel is the ever popular, “So, You Think You Want To Open A Brewery.”

June 20: David Guas, LA Beer Week, Packing House Wine Merchants, Steve Schrippa, OC Greek Festival

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Chef Andrew Gruel and Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef-Owner David Guas, Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery Part One
Segment Three: Chef-Owner David Guas, Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery Part Two
Segment Four: L.A. Beer Week Preview
Segment Five: Claremont Restaurant Week Preview with Sal Medina, Packing House Wines
Segment Six: Steve Schirripa, Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties Part One
Segment Seven: Steve Schirripa, Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties Part Two
Segment Eight: 37th Annual “A Taste of Greece” in Irvine

Andrew GruelExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and, now, Newport Beach is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Now a tantalizing preview of Saturday’s high octane show. With any luck we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, that’s a good thing…

Chef David Guas (Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery, Arlington, Virginia) knows how to get your grill going with the publication of Grill Nation – 200 Surefire Recipes, Tips, and Techniques to Grill Like a Pro. You know him as the host of Travel Channel’s “American Grilled.”

We’re going to master the flame with Chef David Guas.

L.A Beer Week, produced by the Los Angeles County Brewers Guild, is set for L.A. and environs from June 20th to 28th, 2015. For one thirst-quenching week local breweries, bars, restaurants and other hospitable venues host a wide variety of events celebrating the culture of craft beer in the L.A. area. The festival kickoff is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, June 20th in Exposition Park. Beer journalist Tomm Carroll of Celebrator Beer News and Beer Paper L.A. along with Thomas Kelley of El Segundo Brewing Co. joins us with a preview.

Restaurants in tree-lined Claremont, CA are preparing for the third annual “Claremont Restaurant Week” set for July 10 – 19, 2015. The annual Midsummer Night’s Dine will run for 10 days, including two weekends, to encourage Southern California foodies to stay overnight at one of Claremont’s five distinctive hotel properties. Sal Medina of Packing House Wine Merchants in the restored College Heights Lemon Packing House in Claremont will provide us with the tempting overview.

Italian-American character actor Steve Schrippa is probably best known for his role as Bobby Baccalieri on HBO’s “The Soprano’s.” He’s also a serious home cook. Taking his mother’s recipe for pasta sauce he artfully created a portfolio of popular sauces including Marinara, Tomato Basil and Arrabiata in the Steve Schirripa’s Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties line. The pasta sauces are each hand-crafted with organic whole, imported Italian peeled tomatoes, fresh onions, extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, sea salt and spices.

Orange County’s 37th annual “A Taste of Greece” festival will be held on June 26-28 at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine. More than 12,000 guests are expected to attend the three-day festival, which will feature traditional Greek cuisine, wine tasting, live music, authentic Greek dancing with lessons and boutique booths reminiscent of the Plaka, a well-known picturesque historical neighborhood of Athens. The long-time volunteer pastry chef, Kathy Gabriel, who oversees the time-consuming preparation of thousands of incredible Greek pastries for the Festival is our guest.

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

Chef David GuasChef David Guas (Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery, Arlington, Virginia) knows how to get your grill going with the publication of Grill Nation – 200 Surefire Recipes, Tips, and Techniques to Grill Like a Pro. You know him as the host of Travel Channel’s “American Grilled.”

Chef Guas knows how to get your grill going, and once that fire is roaring, he expertly demystifies the complexities of outdoor cooking by offering pit-proven tips and techniques and step-by-step instructions for every skill level. After mastering the basics, get the grill fired up and discover in Grill Nation a crowd-pleasing collection of recipes ranging from grilled mains – beef, pork, chicken, fish and game – to fired-up sides, salads, and even desserts.

“Armed with this collection, home cooks everywhere will now have the tools, tips, and recipes to become a grill master in their very own backyard. Written with broad knowledge and a masterful eye, and illustrated throughout with more than 125 luscious color photographs, Grill Nation delivers delectable dishes that are sure to inspire grilling year-round.”

We’re going to master the flame with Chef David Guas.

“A grill’s natural habitat is a backyard filled with loved ones. It evokes feelings of comfort and togetherness in the multi-sensory experience it provides: The rich aromas that fill the air in wispy gray clouds of smoke and crackling sizzle of meat hitting the hot grill. Some of my happiest memories growing up involve cooking on the grill and with family, whether it was prepping hamburger meat with my Mom in the kitchen; then watching my Dad experiment with seasonings by adding a pinch here and there. There is no other cooking method as interactive and as fully absorbing. And don’t limit your cooking on the grill to the only centerpiece of the meal. You can also use it to add a smoky flavor and ineffable taste to greens, vegetables and fruits. In this book, I share many of my dearest stories, weaved in with my favorite grilling recipes and basic tips.” – David Guas

LA Beer WeekL.A Beer Week, produced by the Los Angeles County Brewers Guild, is set for L.A. and environs from June 20th to 28th, 2015. For one thirst-quenching week local breweries, bars, restaurants and other hospitable venues host a wide variety of events celebrating the culture of craft beer in the greater L.A. area.

The festival kickoff is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, June 20th in Exposition Park. It’s the flagship event for a week’s worth of great events staged all throughout the City of Angels.

L.A. Beer Week was founded in 2009 by a group of dedicated beer enthusiasts and community members. L.A. Beer Week is now organized by the Los Angeles County Brewers Guild; a 25+ brewery strong, non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the culture of #LAbeer.

L.A. Brewers Kickoff on Saturday, June 20th in Exposition Park will feature 75+ breweries, live music and entertainment, a wide selection of food trucks, educational panel discussions, a VIP private area and more. General Admission includes a commemorative tasting glass and samples of over 200 different types of beer, cider and home-brewed sodas. A portion of the proceeds will benefit L.A. Kitchen.

Beer journalist Tomm Carroll of Celebrator Beer News and Beer Paper L.A. along with Thomas Kelley of El Segundo Brewing Co. join us with a preview.

Sal MedinaRestaurants in lush, tree-lined Claremont, CA (known as “The City of Trees”) are preparing for the third annual “Claremont Restaurant Week” set for July 10 – 19, 2015. The annual Midsummer Night’s Dine will run for 10 days, including two weekends, to encourage Southern California foodies to stay overnight at one of Claremont’s five distinctive hotel properties.

You have to love Claremont. The first thing you notice is no parking meters and lots of City-owned parking lots. Their theme is “Take the Time to Exhale.” Why not…?

Many of the featured restaurants are located within the 12 city blocks of Claremont Village. There is also a convenient Metrolink station adjacent to The Village.

Claremont Restaurant Week, presented by the Claremont Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Discover Claremont, is expected to feature more than two dozen participating restaurants offering prix fixe lunch and dinner menus that will showcase favorite local dishes and inspired summer seasonal specials. Last year, Claremont chefs highlighted locally grown vegetables, farm-raised beef and fresh fish selections in menu specials priced from $10 for lunch and $20 – $40 for dinner.

Sal Medina of Packing House Wine Merchants in the restored College Heights Lemon Packing House in Claremont will provide us with the tempting overview.

Steve SchirripaItalian-American character actor Steve Schrripa is best known for his role as Bobby Baccalieri on HBO’s “The Sopranos.” He’s also a serious home cook.

Taking his mother’s recipe for pasta sauce he created a collection of popular sauces including Marinara, Tomato Basil and Arrabiata in the Steve Schirripa’s Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties line. The pasta sauces are each hand-crafted with organic whole, imported Italian peeled tomatoes, fresh onions, extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, sea salt and spices. They are slow-simmered for six hours before bottling.

In the L.A. area they are available at Gelson’s with other retailers on the way.

“Growing up in Brooklyn, Sunday was the day you would wake up to the aroma of tomatoes, garlic and olive oil simmering on Mom’s stove as she prepared the sauce for Sunday dinner. My fondest memories are from those day, my Italian heritage and the comfort of family that I wish to share.” – Steve Schirripa

Spaghetti and Meatballs with Uncle Steve's Marinara Sauce and a bottle of Fat Tire BeerItalian-American character actor Steve Schrripa is best known for his role as Bobby Baccalieri on HBO’s “The Sopranos.” He’s also a serious home cook. Taking his mother’s recipe for pasta sauce he created a collection of popular sauces including Marinara, Tomato Basil and Arrabiata in the Steve Schirripa’s Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties line. The pasta sauces are each hand-crafted with organic whole, imported Italian peeled tomatoes, fresh onions, extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, sea salt and spices.

Schirripa is also the author of The New York Times bestseller, A Goomba’s Guide to Life. This humorous book includes chapters on growing up in Brooklyn, great Goomba’s in History, Goomba recipes and Goomba’s Do’s and Don’ts.

Steve had a popular TV series in 2007, “Steve Schirripa’s Hungry.” In the episodes Steve visits New York City restaurants and homes of various guests including an Italian grandmother’s for cooking lessons from the pros. “What’s round and very popular? If you’re talking about me you’re only partially right. I’m talking about the meatball. I’m Steve Schirripa and I’m hungry,” proclaims Schirripa at the start of one episode dedicated to the art of the Italian meatball.

A Taste of Greece in IrvineOrange County’s 37th annual “A Taste of Greece” festival will be held on June 26-28 at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine. More than 12,000 guests are expected to attend the three-day festival, which will feature traditional Greek cuisine, wine tasting, live music, authentic Greek dancing with lessons and boutique booths reminiscent of the Plaka, a well-known picturesque historical neighborhood of Athens.

Among the exquisite pastries available expect Loukoumathes (Greek doughnut holes), traditional Baklava and Galaktoboureko (milk pie).

“As Orange County’s largest Greek Orthodox congregation, we are delighted to host a festival that offers an opportunity for the community to experience authentic Greek dining, wine, music, dancing and entertainment,” said Father Steven Tsichlis, St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Priest. “This year’s festival, our 37th annual, will offer something for everyone with a variety of Greek-themed activities, and tours of the Church to view the beautiful sanctuary that contains Christian artwork done in mosaic patterned after ancient prototypes that are unique in Orange County.”

The long-time volunteer pastry chef, Kathy Gabriel, who oversees the time-consuming preparation of thousands of incredible Greek pastries for the Festival is our guest.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Chef Andrew Gruel and Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef-Owner David Guas, Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery Part One
Segment Three: Chef-Owner David Guas, Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery Part Two
Segment Four: L.A. Beer Week Preview
Segment Five: Claremont Restaurant Week Preview with Sal Medina, Packing House Wines
Segment Six: Steve Schirripa, Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties Part One
Segment Seven: Steve Schirripa, Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties Part Two
Segment Eight: 37th Annual “A Taste of Greece” in Irvine

Show 89, September 20, 2014: Guest Host Terri Henry and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris preview the show

Guest Host Terri Henry of Terri Henry Marketing LLC in Long Beach and Producer Andy Harris preview the show.

If you’ve ever eaten at Norm’s, Chipotle, or Public School 612 then you’ve probably been influenced by the marketing strategies of Terri Henry. Before going out on her own Ms. Henry was the long-time Vice President of Marketing for Grill Concepts, Inc. whose iconic brands include The Grill on The AlleyDaily Grill and Public School 310.

Barbara Fairchild is the former long-time editor of Bon Appetit Magazine. In addition to teaching, consulting, and speaking Barbara is now the Travel and Restaurant Editor for GrapeCollective.com. Barbara recently was in Nashville and has some restaurant finds for us.

Executive Chef Chuck Abair (mentored by Providence’s and Connie & Ted’s Chef Michael Cimarusti) is now behind the stoves at the venerable Café del Rey in Martina del Rey.“For me, it’s about exceeding guests’ expectations, making as much in-house as possible, and providing a dining experience that suits the spectacular location.”

David Valiante is the Bar Program Director at Roxanne’s Lounge and The Exhibition Room speakeasy in Long Beach. He’s been a master bartender for 14 years including a stretch as a Flair Bartender. He’s part of Sip LBC Long Beach Wine, Beer & Spirits Week taking place from September 21st to 27th

Cucina Enoteca, a lively California-inspired Italian Kitchen & Wine Shop, just launched a 8,300-square-foot restaurant and wine shop located at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Wine Director Ed Manetta created a balanced, highly edited, and ever-changing wine list. Ed is with us to discuss their highly unusual wine program that’s already making waves.

The 6th Annual L.A. Beer Week taps its first keg September 20th. It’s best described as an epic annual craft beer fest. New this year is that it’s under the management of the L.A. Brewer’s Guild (headed by Jeremy Raub of the award-winning Eagle Rock Brewery.) It’s special beer tastings, food events, and informative panels all over the city.

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

Show 89, September 20, 2014: 6th Annual LA Brewers Beer Week Part One

LA Beer WeekThe 6th Annual L.A. Brewers Beer Week taps its first keg September 20th. It’s best described as an annual epic craft beer fest. New this year is that it’s under the management of the L.A. Brewer’s Guild (headed by Jeremy Raub of Eagle Rock Brewery.) It’s special beer tastings, food events, and informative panels all over the city.

Jeremy Raub and international craft beer authority, Beer Judge, and journalist Tomm Carroll join us with all the hoppy details. Tomm has been involved in organizing all the previous L.A. Beer Weeks.

Show 89, September 20, 2014: 6th Annual LA Brewers Beer Week Part Two

LA Beer WeekWe continue with our preview of the upcoming LA Brewers Beer Week festivities with brewer Jeremy Raub and international beer expert, Beer Judge & journalist Tomm Carroll

Tomm is moderating a number of panels during beer week including one on the history of beer and brewing in Los Angeles as well as an informational panel on judging beer, featuring high-ranking beer judges. He’s also part of the cask ale fest at the new MacLeod Ale Brewing Co. (cask only brewery) in Van Nuys.

September 20: Terri Henry, Barbara Fairchild, Cafe del Rey, David Vallante, Cucina Enoteca, LA Beer Week

Podcasts

Segment One: Guest Host Terri Henry and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris preview the show
Segment Two: Terri Henry, Terri Henry Marketing LLC
Segment Three: Barbara Fairchild, Food, Restaurant and Libation Journalist
Segment Four: Executive Chef Chuck Abair, Café del Rey
Segment Five: David Valiante, Mixologist – Roxanne’s Lounge
Segment Six: Ed Manetta, Wine Director – Cucina Enoteca
Segment Seven: 6th Annual LA Brewers Beer Week Part One
Segment Eight: 6th Annual LA Brewers Beer Week Part Two

Guest Host Terri Henry of Terri Henry Marketing LLC in Long Beach and Producer Andy Harris preview the show.

If you’ve ever eaten at Norm’s, Chipotle, or Public School 612 then you’ve probably been influenced by the marketing strategies of Terri Henry. Before going out on her own Ms. Henry was the long-time Vice President of Marketing for Grill Concepts, Inc. whose iconic brands include The Grill on The Alley, Daily Grill and Public School 310.

Barbara Fairchild is the former long-time editor of Bon Appetit Magazine. In addition to teaching, consulting, and speaking Barbara is now the Travel and Restaurant Editor for GrapeCollective.com. Barbara recently was in Nashville and has some restaurant finds for us.

Executive Chef Chuck Abair (mentored by Providence’s and Connie & Ted’s Chef Michael Cimarusti) is now behind the stoves at the venerable Café del Rey in Martina del Rey.“For me, it’s about exceeding guests’ expectations, making as much in-house as possible, and providing a dining experience that suits the spectacular location.”

David Valiante is the Bar Program Director at Roxanne’s Lounge and The Exhibition Room speakeasy in Long Beach. He’s been a master bartender for 14 years including a stretch as a Flair Bartender. He’s part of Sip LBC Long Beach Wine, Beer & Spirits Week taking place from September 21st to 27th

Cucina Enoteca, a lively California-inspired Italian Kitchen & Wine Shop, just launched a 8,300-square-foot restaurant and wine shop located at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Wine Director Ed Manetta created a balanced, highly edited, and ever-changing wine list. Ed is with us to discuss their highly unusual wine program that’s already making waves.

The 6th Annual L.A. Beer Week taps its first keg September 20th. It’s best described as an epic annual craft beer fest. New this year is that it’s under the management of the L.A. Brewer’s Guild (headed by Jeremy Raub of the award-winning Eagle Rock Brewery.) It’s special beer tastings, food events, and informative panels all over the city.

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

Terri HenryIf you’ve ever eaten at Norm’s, Chipotle, or Public School 612 then you’ve probably been influenced by the marketing strategies of Terri Henry. Before going out on her own (Terri Henry Marketing LLC) Ms. Henry was the long-time Vice President of Marketing for Grill Concepts, Inc. whose iconic brands include The Grill on The Alley, Daily Grill and Public School 310.

Her clients range from national restaurant brands to local restaurateurs and packaged premium food firms.

She is the co-founder and co-producer of both Eat LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week and Sip LBC Long Beach Wine, Beer & Spirits Week.

Barbara FairchildJournalist Barbara Fairchild spent over 30 years with Bon Appetit Magazine. She was their long-time Editor. Barbara is a member of The James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America.

She is the Travel and Restaurant Editor for GrapeCollective.com

Barbara was just in Nashville and, of course, partook of the local dining scene. We’ll get her report on what’s of note, morsel by tasty morsel. She will also highlight Jonathan Waxman’s (NY’s Barbuto) new restaurant there, Adele’s.

Chuck Abair of Cafe del ReyExecutive Chef Chuck Abair (mentored by Providence’s and Connie & Ted’s Chef Michael Cimarusti) is now behind the stoves at the venerable Café del Rey in Martina del Rey.

“For me, it’s about exceeding guests’ expectations, making as much in-house as possible, and providing a dining experience that suits the spectacular location.”

On Saturday, October 4th, Café del Rey will host the Fall installment of “Permission to Come Aboard,” a sports fishing package for seafood enthusiasts and adventurous diners in Los Angeles. Guests are invited to join Executive Chef Chuck Abair on a half-day fishing expedition from 7:00 a.m. to 12 Noon along the Marina del Rey coastline followed by a barbeque-style outdoor lunch at Café del Rey featuring the guests’ catch of the day.

David VallanteDavid Valiante is the Bar Program Director at Roxanne’s Lounge and The Exhibition Room speakeasy in Long Beach. He’s been a master bartender for 14 years including a stretch as a Flair Bartender.

“I began my bartending career about 14 years ago, and learned a lot about wine and food pairings. Started at The Market Broiler in Huntington Beach, moved to other restaurants and then to a jazz club in Hollywood. I eventually moved back to restaurants.

He’s part of Sip LBC Long Beach Wine, Beer & Spirits Week taking place from September 21st to 27th

Ed ManettaCucina Enoteca, a lively California-inspired Italian Kitchen & Wine Shop, just launched a 8,300-square-foot restaurant and wine shop located at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.

Wine Director Ed Manetta created a balanced, highly edited, and ever-changing wine list. Comprising over 250 familiar names and rare, small-batch gems from the Americas and Europe, Cucina presents an emphasis on Italian varietals. Wine veteran Manetta is certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers and has 15 years of industry experience.

Ed is with us to discuss their highly unusual retail wine program that’s already making waves.

LA Beer WeekThe 6th Annual L.A. Brewers Beer Week taps its first keg September 20th. It’s best described as an annual epic craft beer fest. New this year is that it’s under the management of the L.A. Brewer’s Guild (headed by Jeremy Raub of Eagle Rock Brewery.) It’s special beer tastings, food events, and informative panels all over the city.

Jeremy Raub and international craft beer authority, Beer Judge, and journalist Tomm Carroll join us with all the hoppy details. Tomm has been involved in organizing all the previous L.A. Beer Weeks.

Tomm is moderating a number of panels during beer week including one on the history of beer and brewing in Los Angeles as well as an informational panel on judging beer, featuring high-ranking beer judges. He’s also part of the cask ale fest at the new MacLeod Ale Brewing Co. (cask only brewery) in Van Nuys.

Podcasts

Segment One: Guest Host Terri Henry and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris preview the show
Segment Two: Terri Henry, Terri Henry Marketing LLC
Segment Three: Barbara Fairchild, Food, Restaurant and Libation Journalist
Segment Four: Executive Chef Chuck Abair, Café del Rey
Segment Five: David Valiante, Mixologist – Roxanne’s Lounge
Segment Six: Ed Manetta, Wine Director – Cucina Enoteca
Segment Seven: 6th Annual LA Brewers Beer Week Part One
Segment Eight: 6th Annual LA Brewers Beer Week Part Two

Aarti Sequeira

Aarti SequeiraThe “SoCal Restaurant Show” proudly welcomes Food Network’s Aarti Sequeira as the very first guest on Oct. 6th.

Aarti, a Los Angeles resident, won Season 6 of “Food Network Star” (Food Network’s most-watched series) and went on to create the popular cooking-variety series, “Aarti Party” for food Network. She also competed on “Chopped All-Stars” for her favorite charity, Central City Community Outreach.

This year she was also seen on Cooking Channel with her special, “Hidden Eats, USA.” Early next year Aarti will debut a new series for Cooking Channel.

Aarti just returned from three weeks in India, including the southwest coast where she is from.

In addition to Aarti, our own Jet Tila will be dishing out his recent gastronomic experience at Grant Achatz’s Alinea in the Lincoln Park section of Chicago, Food GPS’ Josh Lurie will look back at last Saturday’s LA Beer Float Showdown as part of the fourth annual LA Beer Week. Speaking of beer, we’ll have Ed Murphy from the Blank Theatre in Hollywood discussing their upcoming Hollywood on Tap event at the Studios at Paramount on October 20th. And Brock Radke of Las Vegas Weekly will discuss what’s new in Las Vegas restaurants both on The Strip and off. Here’s Brock’s notes from his appearance.

It’s no wonder Jet wanted to hear all about the new Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace; the place is so huge, it’s hard to talk about anything else. It’s a big, beautiful buffet, but you might be shocked at how good the food tastes. Here’s what you really need to know to prep for the feast of your life:

The lines have been crazy long since Bacchanal opened last month, up to a 2-hour wait at dinner. Hit it for breakfast or lunch instead, when things move faster. Don’t get caught off guard by the prices, which have been bumped up a bit—$21.99 breakfast, $28.99 lunch, and $44.99 for dinner. Is that too spendy? I think I got my money’s worth just by demolishing the raw seafood bar. Don’t miss the dim sum and Asian soup section, both surprisingly good. Caesars actually stole a chef from Jet’s favorite Vegas ramen shop, Monta, to make sure they were doing it right. Be sure to save room for dessert, particularly the perfect individual soufflés.

As for the Nobu hotel and restaurant set for Caesars, the project got pushed a bit and is now set to open in the first quarter of 2013. So what’s next for the iconic Strip resort? Gordon Ramsay’s Pub, opening in December right off the main casino floor.

Podcasts:

Segment One: Aarti Sequeria – Part One
Segment Two: Aarti Sequeria – Part Two
Segment Three – LA Beer Float Showdown
Segment Four – Brock Radke’s Las Vegas Weekly Roundup
Segment Five – Jet at Alinea
Segment Six – Hollywood on Tap