Tag Archives: Laguna Beach

Show 486, August 6, 2022: Chef Michael Rossi, Partner, Zeytoon, Laguna Beach

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Michael Rossi of the Ranch Restaurant and Saloon

We’ve followed the career of acclaimed Executive Chef Michael Rossi since his days as Chef de Cuisine with Chef Andrew Sutton (Culinary Director for Disneyland Resort) at Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian. Most recently Chef Rossi was the founding Executive Chef of The Ranch in Anaheim and demonstrated that a premium steakhouse could also be a distinguished, destination fine-dining restaurant.

Last year Chef Michael and his brother, David (an accomplished pastry chef), formed a partnership (Gateway) with Ed and Gabbi Patrick (Gabbi’s and Chaak) to develop and manage restaurants. The first venture is a reworking of Zeytoon in Laguna Beach. Added is rooftop dining and a wine bar.

In the works for Old Towne Orange is Cypress, A Baja-Mediterranean concept being created from scratch.

Chef Rossi takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

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Show 454, December 4, 2021: Chef and Partner Amar Santana, Broadway by Amar Santana, Vaca and the Hall Global Eatery

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Amar Santana

Orange County’s resident celebrity chef is Amar Santana of Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach, Vaca in Costa Mesa, and The Hall Global Eatery at South Coast Plaza. Chef Amar is best known nationally as the runner-up in a very close competition in Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 13 and then returning as an elite judge for Season 18 in Portland. In Orange County he was the opening executive chef of the highly praised Charlie Palmer’s at Bloomingdale’s at South Coast Plaza working with GM (and now partner) Ahmed Labbate.

His first solo restaurant with business partner and restaurateur Ahmed Labbate was Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach. Just in time for the Holidays, Broadway has undergone a refurbishment and kitchen redo. “Inspired by the theaters in New York City, award-winning Chef Amar Santana alongside restauranteur Ahmed Labbate create an atmosphere at Broadway where the food becomes the main show. The restaurant’s menu is inspired by the creativity of Chef Amar Santana and his version of Modern Cuisine of The Americas. It features top quality ingredients, with a focus on local farms who can provide the menu’s seasonal requirements.” Think Grilled Smoked Pork Chop with braised collard greens, ham hock, apple butter and sauce charcuterie.

Chef Amar joins us to provide all the details on Broadway’s refurbishment and what’s in store for the Holidays at his restaurants.

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Show 432, July 3, 2021: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

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Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino

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 is continually updating us on the real impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the continued survival of restaurants during the initial, highly fluid stages of the hoped-for recovery which remains a genuine concern.

Chef Andrew gives us his insider’s perspective on how the restaurant business is bouncing back from the pandemic. What will change? Right now it’s a matter of trying to hang on to your existing staff.

He also reports on the progress of his new ambitious “Save the Brave Burger” fundraiser to benefit Veterans with PTS. Participating SoCal Slapfish locations are Huntington Beach, Laguna, Tustin, Brea and Irvine.

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Show 425, May 15, 2021: Chef Wing Lam of Wahoo’s Fish Taco Part One

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Chef Wing Lam of Wahoo’s Fish Taco is collaborating with Three Sticks Wines on two, back-to-back tasting events in Long Beach and Newport Beach under the name of Rose on the Road.

Three Sticks will be pouring a celebratory selection of their latest wines (including the newly released 2020 Castenada Sonoma Coast Rose) at the Wahoo’s Fish Taco locations in Long Beach (May 20th from 5 to 7:00 p.m.) and Newport Beach (May 21stfrom 3 to 5:00 p.m.) as founder and chef, Wing Lam, cooks up his famous grilled fish tacos with spicy oven-roasted salsa on the patio. Tickets are limited.

Chef Wing Lam co-founded Wahoo’s Fish Taco in 1988 (with his two brothers) and the enterprise has grown to over 60 locations throughout California. A fresh and tasty fusion of Brazilian, Asian, and Mexican fare, Wahoo’s is best known for their signature fish tacos that pair perfectly with the newly released 2020 Castenada Rose.

Chef Wing graciously shares his recipe for Fish Tacos with Oven-Roasted Salsa.

Wing Lam is our guest spatula in hand.

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Show 425, May 15, 2021: Chef Wing Lam of Wahoo’s Fish Taco Part Two

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Chef Wing Lam of Wahoo’s Fish Taco is collaborating with Three Sticks Wines on two, back-to-back tasting events in Long Beach and Newport Beach under the name of Rose on the Road.

Three Sticks will be pouring a celebratory selection of their latest wines (including the newly released 2020 Castenada Sonoma Coast Rose) at the Wahoo’s Fish Taco locations in Long Beach (May 20th from 5 to 7:00 p.m.) and Newport Beach (May 21stfrom 3 to 5:00 p.m.) as founder and chef, Wing Lam, cooks up his famous grilled fish tacos with spicy oven-roasted salsa on the patio. Tickets are limited.

Chef Wing Lam co-founded Wahoo’s Fish Taco in 1988 (with his two brothers) and the enterprise has grown to over 60 locations throughout California. A fresh and tasty fusion of Brazilian, Asian, and Mexican fare, Wahoo’s is best known for their signature fish tacos that pair perfectly with the newly released 2020 Castenada Rose.

Chef Wing graciously shares his recipe for Fish Tacos with Oven-Roasted Salsa.

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Show 375, May 30, 2020: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host & Slapfish Restaurant Group

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Chef Andrew Gruel savoring a New Jersey style PizzaOur 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 is updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants as dine-in now slowly returns. Take-out / delivery when you can surely helps…Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first.

Takeout packaging is now of concern because its everywhere and used in much greater volume. Is it finally becoming more green and recyclable? How about affordability?

Slapfish is a fast- casual restaurant concept. Is the future installing take-out windows or drive-thrus?

Slapfish is hosting Doctors, Nurses, Medical Personnel, Police, Firefighters & EMT’s to a complimentary meal To-Go. Need to be in uniform or have appropriate ID to qualify. The participating Slapfish locations are Huntington Beach, Brea, Irvine and Laguna Beach.

Kids eat free at Slapfish, too, when their parents order Takeout.

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Show 374, May 23, 2020: Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

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Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant GroupOur 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 is updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants. Take-out / delivery when you can surely helps…Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first.

Chef Andrew will conclude his revealing commentary on 3rd Party Delivery Services for restaurants and explain why he suggests you tip the delivery driver in cash. The City of L.A. is going to cap 3rd Party Delivery fees until the Covid 19 crisis is abated. Is there an unexpected potential downside to this ?

It’s the start of the eagerly anticipated Summer Grilling Season. Chef Andrew has some meaty tips for the backyard master of the grill. How often should you clean the grill?

Slapfish is hosting Doctors, Nurses, Medical Personnel, Police, Firefighters & EMT’s to a complimentary meal To-Go. Need to be in uniform or have appropriate ID to qualify. The participating Slapfish locations are Huntington Beach, Brea, Irvine and Laguna Beach.

Kids eat free at Slapfish, too, when their parents order Takeout.

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Show 372, May 9, 2020: Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

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Chef Andrew Gruel savoring a New Jersey style PizzaOur 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.

Pizza is always a popular snack and now that we’re cooking more at home it’s time to elevate your pizza game. Growing up in New Jersey Chef Andrew has a special affinity for the pie with all the variations. It all starts with the dough. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Simple Pizza Recipe

4 cups All Purpose Flour
2 ½ teaspoon instant yeast
1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup warm water
¾ cup room temp water

Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl

Mix yeast with the warm water. Allow to bloom for 1-2 minutes, then mix in remaining water.

Combine “yeast water” with the dry ingredients and mix with a whisk or wooden spoon until combined.

Knead the dough on a floured surface and then place into an olive oil lined bowl and allow to rise for 1 hour at room temp.

Once dough has risen, press it down to remove the air, then stretch it on a cutting board or counter lined with flour.

Toss or roll the dough out. Smother a baking pan with olive oil and place dough on the baking sheet. Top with desired ingredients and bake in a 450F oven until golden!

Slapfish is hosting Doctors, Nurses, Medical Personnel, Police, Firefighters & EMT’s to a complimentary meal To-Go. Need to be in uniform or have appropriate ID to qualify. The participating Slapfish locations are Huntington Beach, Brea, Irvine and Laguna Beach.

Kids eat free at Slapfish, too, when their parents order Takeout.

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Show 371, May 2, 2020: Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

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Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and CasinoOur 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 is updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants. Take-out / Delivery when you can surely helps…Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first.

What about those sometimes confusing “Code Dates” or “Use By Dates” on fresh & packaged food products? What do they really mean? You certainly don’t want to potentially waste anything right now that’s safely edible.

We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Slapfish is now hosting Doctors, Nurses, Medical Personnel, Police, Firefighters & EMT’s to a complimentary meal To-Go. Need to be in uniform or have appropriate ID to qualify. The participating Slapfish locations are Huntington Beach, Brea, Irvine and Laguna Beach.

Kids eat free at Slapfish, too, when their parents order Takeout.

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Show 370, April 25, 2020: Restaurateur Russ Bendel – Sapphire, Cellar. Craft. Cook in Laguna Beach Part One

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Russ Bendel of Ironwood, Olea and VIneThe Pantry at Sapphire, Cellar. Craft. Cook, located at 1200 South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, reopened Wednesday, April 1 for daily takeout service from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. during the COVID-19 crisis.

Dinner has just been added. Guests may call ahead (949.339.3027) to order breakfast, lunch and dinner and pick-up at The Pantry’s front door entrance where social distancing is observed. Food prices range from $7 – $15.

Two breakfast favorites, with vegetarian options, as well as house-made pastries and coffee beverages are available. Lunch offerings include an entrée garden herb salad, Wagyu beef burger and a Jidori confit chicken sandwich, both come with hand-cut herb fries. Beverage selections are fresh brewed iced tea, bottled water, soft drinks, bottled beer and craft cocktails packaged in Mason jars for $10. Think a variety of options for Mother’s Day Family meals, too.

Restaurateur Russ Bendel assumed ownership of the landmark property in March from Sapphire’s founder-proprietor, chef, Azmin Ghahreman, CEO of Sapphire Culinary Group. Bendel, with chef-partner Jared Cook, operate Vine in San Clemente, Ironwood in Laguna Hills and Olea in Newport Beach.

Restaurateur Russ Bendel is our guest.

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