Show 300, December 1, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a tempting preview of this Saturday’s incredibly delectable show. We’re in the Holiday spirit…It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

Solvang, named by MSN.com as one of the “50 Best Christmas Towns in All 50 States” and “America’s 50 Most Charming Small Towns for the Holidays” as well as Time Magazine’s “Most Christmassy Towns in America” will sparkle again during the 2018 annual Solvang Julefest (pronounced Yule-Fest) from December 1, 2018 through January 4, 2019. This year will feature the return of the popular Free Nisse Adventure Hunt, the Free Candlelight Tours and the addition of new VIP Candlelight Tours. Laura Kath, SCVB’s Media Relations Director lights the tree for us.

The statistics are grim: Americans currently produce 133 pounds of food waste every year, and 40 percent of food in this country goes uneaten. For the first time ever, the USDA has set a nationwide goal to reduce food waste by 50 percent by the year 2030. Lindsay-Jean Hard’s Cooking with Scraps (Workman Publishing, $19.95, October 30, 2018) provides 85 creative, delicious, and inspired recipes to help home cooks meet this important goal. We’ll meet her.

Located in the heart of Santa Barbara County’s Santa Maria Valley, Presqu’ile (pronounced press-KEEL) is a small, family-run winery dedicated to crafting exceptional cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Made using grapes from their own sustainably certified Presqu’ile Vineyard, and from a handful of the finest winegrowing sites in the valley, Presqu’ile wines capture the essence of their vineyards and vintage, and have earned acclaim for their elegance and balance. Founding Winemaker Dieter Cronje pulls the cork for us.

We last spoke with Chef Mathew Peters early last year after he won the first ever Gold Medal for Team USA at the Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition, a never-before achieved highlight for the American culinary arts! Chef Peters is part of the Culinary Council of the ment’or BKB Foundation which supports Team USA. On Wednesday, December 12th in Las Vegas ment’or BKB is staging their Young Chef and Commis Competition. The food-loving public can support the non-profit ment’or BKB Foundation (and the culinary arts in the USA) and attend. Chef Matt, who will be a competition judge, joins us with all the mouthwatering details.

Twenty years ago Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar launched at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. It’s been a huge success. As they have branched over the years (now 70 US locations) a signature for them has become their carefully curated wine program. Each Fleming’s has a part of their wine list with the hand-picked selections of that location’s Operating Partner. Our guest with the well-traveled corkscrew is Stephen Blevins, Fleming’s Director of Wines who was previously the Operating Partner at the Flagship Newport Beach Fleming’s.

Frequent show guest Sherry Yard (Restaurateur & Chef and three-time James Beard Award-recipient for culinary excellence) is the Chief Operating Officer of iPic Entertainment where she oversees all theater and culinary operations for iPic. Sherry is back on Food TV as the new judge for Season 4 of ABC’s The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition” popping out of the oven on Thursday evening, December 6th. We’re talking baking with Sherry.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel joins us with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment. With the Holidays upon us it’s great to have a real working chef in our corner providing handy advice!

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

Show 300, December 1, 2018: Solvang Julefest, Laura Kath, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingSolvang, named by MSN.com as one of the “50 Best Christmas Towns in All 50 States” and “America’s 50 Most Charming Small Towns for the Holidays” as well as Time Magazine’s “Most Christmassy Towns in America” will sparkle again during the 2018 annual Solvang Julefest (pronounced Yule-Fest) from December 1, 2018 through January 4, 2019. This year will feature the return of the popular Free Nisse Adventure Hunt, the Free Candlelight Tours and the addition of new VIP Candlelight Tours.

More 2018 Solvang Julefest highlights include the Free Visits with Santa “Julemanden” in Solvang Park; free Nisse Adventure; Shop, Mingle & Jingle Weekends; Holiday Wine & Beer Walk “Skål Stroll!”; Community Tree-lighting Ceremony, Julefest Parade and free Nativity Pageant.

Especially with free parking throughout the village, the incredible variety of more than 150 one-of-a-kind boutiques and specialty shops makes Solvang a perfect destination to shop for gifts and create holiday memories.

Plus, there will be additional open houses at local retailers, special concerts and more taking place throughout the season—with activities continually being updated at Solvang USA’s website.

Laura Kath, SCVB’s Media Relations Director lights the tree for us.

December 1: Solvang’s Julefest, Lindsay-Jean Hard, Presqu’ile, Matthew Peters, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Sherry Yard

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Solvang Julefest, Laura Kath, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau
Segment Three: Food Journalist Lindsay-Jean Hard, Cooking With Scraps – Turn Your Peels, Cores, Rinds, And Stems Into Delicious Meals
Segment Four: Founding Winemaker Dieter Cronje, Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria
Segment Five: Chef Matthew Peters, Gold Medalist, Team USA, Bocuse d’Or 2017
Segment Six: Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 20th Anniversary, Stephen Blevins, Director of Wines
Segment Seven: Restaurateur & Chef Sherry Yard, COO of iPic Entertainment
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group, “Ask the Chef”

Now a tempting preview of this Saturday’s incredibly delectable show. We’re in the Holiday spirit…It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

Solvang, named by MSN.com as one of the “50 Best Christmas Towns in All 50 States” and “America’s 50 Most Charming Small Towns for the Holidays” as well as Time Magazine’s “Most Christmassy Towns in America” will sparkle again during the 2018 annual Solvang Julefest (pronounced Yule-Fest) from December 1, 2018 through January 4, 2019. This year will feature the return of the popular Free Nisse Adventure Hunt, the Free Candlelight Tours and the addition of new VIP Candlelight Tours. Laura Kath, SCVB’s Media Relations Director lights the tree for us.

The statistics are grim: Americans currently produce 133 pounds of food waste every year, and 40 percent of food in this country goes uneaten. For the first time ever, the USDA has set a nationwide goal to reduce food waste by 50 percent by the year 2030. Lindsay-Jean Hard’s Cooking with Scraps (Workman Publishing, $19.95, October 30, 2018) provides 85 creative, delicious, and inspired recipes to help home cooks meet this important goal. We’ll meet her.

Located in the heart of Santa Barbara County’s Santa Maria Valley, Presqu’ile (pronounced press-KEEL) is a small, family-run winery dedicated to crafting exceptional cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Made using grapes from their own sustainably certified Presqu’ile Vineyard, and from a handful of the finest winegrowing sites in the valley, Presqu’ile wines capture the essence of their vineyards and vintage, and have earned acclaim for their elegance and balance. Founding Winemaker Dieter Cronje pulls the cork for us.

We last spoke with Chef Mathew Peters early last year after he won the first ever Gold Medal for Team USA at the Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition, a never-before achieved highlight for the American culinary arts! Chef Peters is part of the Culinary Council of the ment’or BKB Foundation which supports Team USA. On Wednesday, December 12th in Las Vegas ment’or BKB is staging their Young Chef and Commis Competition. The food-loving public can support the non-profit ment’or BKB Foundation (and the culinary arts in the USA) and attend. Chef Matt, who will be a competition judge, joins us with all the mouthwatering details.

Twenty years ago Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar launched at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. It’s been a huge success. As they have branched over the years a signature for them has become their carefully curated wine program. Each Fleming’s has a part of their wine list with the hand-picked selections of that location’s Operating Partner. Our guest with the corkscrew is Stephen Blevins, Fleming’s Director of Wines who was previously the Operating Partner at the Flagship Newport Beach Fleming’s.

Frequent show guest Sherry Yard (Restaurateur & Chef and three-time James Beard Award-recipient for culinary excellence) is the Chief Operating Officer of iPic Entertainment where she oversees all theater and culinary operations for iPic. Sherry is back on Food TV as the new judge for Season 4 of ABC’s “The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition” popping out of the oven on Saturday evening, December 8th. We’re talking baking with Sherry.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel joins us with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment. With the Holidays upon us it’s great to have a real working chef in our corner providing handy advice!

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

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingSolvang, named by MSN.com as one of the “50 Best Christmas Towns in All 50 States” and “America’s 50 Most Charming Small Towns for the Holidays” as well as Time Magazine’s “Most Christmassy Towns in America” will sparkle again during the 2018 annual Solvang Julefest (pronounced Yule-Fest) from December 1, 2018 through January 4, 2019. This year will feature the return of the popular Free Nisse Adventure Hunt, the Free Candlelight Tours and the addition of new VIP Candlelight Tours.

More 2018 Solvang Julefest highlights include the Free Visits with Santa “Julemanden” in Solvang Parkfree Nisse Adventure; Shop, Mingle & Jingle Weekends; Holiday Wine & Beer Walk “Skål Stroll!”; Community Tree-lighting CeremonyJulefest Parade and free Nativity Pageant. Especially with free parking throughout the village, the incredible variety of more than 150 one-of-a-kind boutiques and specialty shops makes Solvang a perfect destination to shop for gifts and create holiday memories.

Plus, there will be additional open houses at local retailers, special concerts and more taking place throughout the season—with activities continually being updated at Solvang USA’s website.

Laura Kath, SCVB’s Media Relations Director lights the tree for us.

Lindsay-Jean HurdThe statistics are grim: Americans currently produce 133 pounds of food waste every year, and 40 percent of food in this country goes uneaten. For the first time ever, the USDA has set a nationwide goal to reduce food waste by 50 percent by the year 2030. Lindsay-Jean Hard’s Cooking with Scraps – Turn Your Peels, Cores, Rinds, Stems and other Odds and Ends into Delicious Meals (Workman Publishing, $19.95, October 30, 2018) provides 85 creative, delicious, and inspired recipes to help home cooks meet this important goal.

By learning the basics behind transforming food waste into treasure, readers can take advantage of ingredients such as outdated produce, cheese rinds, stale bread, and other oft-discarded foods to create budget-conscious, sustainable, and highly satisfying meals.

Lindsay-Jean explains the rationale behind her choices in the recipes: “What lies unused in one’s fridge or pantry is not a purposeless object destined for the waste bin! For the most part, you’ll find recipes for the often unused parts—I’m assuming that if you buy carrots you already know how to use the carrot’s root, but you might not know how to make use of the greens—but every now and then I’ll touch on how to incorporate the whole item. For an ingredient to make it into the book, it had to be “worth it” to me as a scrap. For example, when buying broccoli, generally enough of the stem is sold along with it that it makes sense to put it to use, but you won’t find a recipe focused around ginger peels, because not only does it not really need to be peeled, but even if you do peel it, you won’t generate enough of it at one time to turn into something else.”

“Lindsay-Jean Hard received her Master’s in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan. Her education and passion for sustainability went on to inform and inspire her work in the garden, home, and community. The seeds of this book were planted in her Food52 column of the same name. Today she works to share her passion for great food and great communities as a marketer at Zingerman’s Bakehouse. She lives, writes, loves, and creates in Ann Arbor, Michigan.”

We’ll meet Lindsay-Jean.

Dieter CronjeLocated in the heart of Santa Barbara County’s Santa Maria Valley, Presqu’ile (pronounced press-KEEL) is a small, family-run winery dedicated to crafting exceptional cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Made using grapes from their own sustainably certified Presqu’ile Vineyard, and from a handful of the finest winegrowing sites in the valley, Presqu’ile wines capture the essence of their vineyards and vintage, and have earned acclaim for their elegance and balance.

Situated high atop a hill, with stunning ocean and vineyard views, Presqu’ile offers one of California’s most memorable wine tasting experiences. Join the Murphy Family, and enjoy a taste of southern hospitality on California’s beautiful Central Coast.

“A cool-climate Pinot Noir specialist, and one of the Central Coast’s rising star winemakers, Dieter Cronje brings a unique perspective, gained in two hemispheres, to Presqu’ile. As the winery’s founding winemaker, Dieter had the rare opportunity to contribute his insights to the original planting of Presqu’ile’s 73-acre estate vineyard, an experience that gave him an intimate knowledge of the vineyard’s rich diversity.”

“He also collaborated with Presqu’ile’s founders, the Murphy family, during the design of Presqu’ile’s purpose-built winery. In this gravity-flow winery, Dieter preserves the vineyard’s diversity by working in small lots, and applying a gentle, minimalist approach that accentuates the character of the vineyards. The resulting wines offer the purity, elegance and signature spice that have made Santa Maria Valley famous among connoisseurs of great cool-climate Pinot Noir.”

Founding Winemaker Dieter Cronje pulls the cork for us.

Mathew PetersWe last spoke with Chef Mathew Peters early last year after he won the first ever Gold Medal for Team USA at the Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition, a never-before achieved highlight for the American culinary arts! He’s now Austin, Texas based and is in the process of launching his own destination restaurant there.

Chef Peters is part of the Culinary Council of the ment’or BKB Foundation which supports and funds Team USA. On Wednesday, December 12th in Las Vegas ment’or BKB is staging their Young Chef and Commis Competition. The food-loving public can support the non-profit ment’or BKB Foundation (and the culinary arts in the USA) and attend.

“All competitors in the Young Chef and Commis Competitions are paired with mentors from the Foundation’s Culinary Council or previous Bocuse d’Or Team USA representatives, in tandem with the foundation’s goal of inspiring culinary excellence and fostering a supportive community for the next generation of great chefs in America.”

“This year’s 2018 Young Chef & Commis candidates will congregate in Las Vegas from all across the country, with competitors hailing from Washington, D.C, Chicago, IL and Boston, MA all the way to Honolulu, HI.”

Following the competition, ment’or will host a 10th anniversary celebration dinner. Chefs Paul Bartolotta, Justin Cogley, Timothy Hollingsworth, Michelle Karr-Ueoka, Mathew Peters, Rich Rosendale and Philip Tessier will come together to prepare a special menu honoring the late Chef Paul Bocuse, for whom the Bocuse d’Or, the world’s most prestigious culinary competition, is named. The festivities will begin at Bouchon Las Vegas at The Venetian Resort with a 45-minute cocktail reception at 7:15pm with passed canapés, followed by a four-course menu.

Tickets for the competition and celebration dinner are available for purchase here.

Chef Matt, who will also be a competition judge, joins us with all the mouthwatering details.

Steven BlevinsTwenty years ago Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar launched at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. It’s been a huge success. As they have branched over the years to include 70 domestic restaurants a signature for them has become their carefully curated wine program. Each Fleming’s has a part of their wine list with the hand-picked selections of that location’s Operating Partner.

Two highly experienced restaurateurs had a vision of designing a steakhouse that would deliver a stylish and contemporary dining experience. Fleming’s was created from this vision by Paul Fleming, founder of P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, and Bill Allen III, a leading restaurant and hospitality executive.

Our guest with the well-traveled corkscrew is Stephen Blevins, Fleming’s Director of Wines who was previously the Operating Partner at the Flagship Newport Beach Fleming’s.

Stephen’s passion project has been securing for Fleming’s celebrated winemaker Dave Phinney’s new release, 8 Years in the Desert by Orin Swift. It’s a California Red Bland. Of course there is a story…

Chef Sherry Yard and her Silken Pumpkin Pie with 3 layersFrequent show guest Sherry Yard (Restaurateur & Chef and three-time James Beard Award-recipient for culinary excellence) is the Chief Operating Officer of iPic Entertainment where she oversees all theater and culinary operations for iPic.

Sherry is back on Food TV as the new judge for Season 4 of ABC’s The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition” popping out of the oven on Saturday evening, December 8th.

“Based on the hit U.K. series “The Great British Bake Off,” “The Great American Baking Show: Holiday Edition” features bakers from across the country battling through 18 total challenges with six challenges throughout each two-hour themed episode, all in the hopes of being crowned “America’s Best Amateur Baker.” Emma Bunton and Anthony “Spice” Adams host. Best-selling cookbook author and baker Paul Hollywood and James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Sherry Yard are judges.”

We’re talking baking with Sherry.

Andrew and William GruelOur own Chef Andrew Gruel joins us with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment. With the Holidays upon us it’s great to have a real working chef in our corner with helpful advice!

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Solvang Julefest, Laura Kath, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau
Segment Three: Food Journalist Lindsay-Jean Hard, Cooking With Scraps – Turn Your Peels, Cores, Rinds, And Stems Into Delicious Meals
Segment Four: Founding Winemaker Dieter Cronje, Presqu’ile Winery, Santa Maria
Segment Five: Chef Matthew Peters, Gold Medalist, Team USA, Bocuse d’Or 2017
Segment Six: Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 20th Anniversary, Stephen Blevins, Director of Wines
Segment Seven: Restaurateur & Chef Sherry Yard, COO of iPic Entertainment
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group, “Ask the Chef”

Show 292, September 29, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now an enticing preview of this Saturday’s appetizing 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…

Food Finders, an established food recovery nonprofit, is hosting the 3rd annual “Chefs to the Rescue”, a fundraising event on Tuesday, October 9th from 6 – 9pm in Long Beach. For this unique event, Food Finders is challenging prominent local chefs to create “Edible Extras”; tasting samples and small plates made from perfectly tasty and safe rescued, recovered or repurposed food that otherwise would end up being tossed away. Participating Chef Philip Pretty of Long Beach’s Restauration and Food Finders’ Patti Larson (Executive Director) join us.

2018 marks a major milestone for both Philippe the Original in Downtown Los Angeles and its famous French Dip Sandwich.

The classic French Dip will celebrate its centennial and the restaurant will celebrate 110 years in business. There’s an epic Monday, October 1st celebration planned, including $1.10 French Dips, live entertainment, the USC Trojan Marching Band and a whole lot more.

General Manager and 3rd generation Family proprietor, Richard Binder is at our service with what’s on the celebration menu.

The Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP LA) is hosting their 4 Chefs 4 Kids Harvest Dinner Benefit at Jonathan Club on Thursday evening, October 18th. Jonathan Club’s Executive Chef Jason McClain is the Host Chef along with courses prepared by talented culinarians including Tony Esnault (Church & State,) Sally Camacho Mueller (Tesse) and Suzanne Tracht (Jar..) Chef Jason McClain takes a break from his busy kitchens and rooftop vegetable garden to provide the Benefit’s enticing details.

ADYA (Anaheim) hosts interactive Indian culinary demos every 3rd Saturday of the month from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. priced at $35 per guest (unless otherwise noted) and include easy-to-follow recipes to take home with you, culinary secrets from Chef Shachi Mehra and of course, lunch served with wine/beer or chai. “Discover Diwali” is set for Saturday, Oct. 20th. Reservations (due to limited class size) are a must. Chef Shachi steps away from the tandoor oven to join us.

Designer Nathan Turner’s style is synonymous with the easy glam of California living. His book, Nathan Turner’s I Love California: Live, Eat, And Entertain The West Coast Way (Abrams; 2018) is a journey up and down Highway 1 that takes readers from the redwoods of northern San Francisco to the mountains of the Sierra Nevada to the beaches of Southern California. Simple recipes and tips for entertaining are featured alongside never-before-seen interiors. Lavish photographs capture the homes, people, and food of each unique location in glorious, sun-drenched detail. Nathan Turner is our stylish guest.

The inaugural Solvang Stomp, a “Footie” Wine Harvest Street Festival featuring the sensational chance to stomp grapes and taste vintages from 25 world-class wineries debuts Saturday, October 13, 2018, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in downtown Solvang. Solvang Stompers can also drink pink in the “I Love Rosé Lounge”; purchase food inside the festival area from Cecco Ristorante’s gourmet pizza oven and popular food trucks California Tacos and First & Oak; participate in the “Lucy & Ricky Ricardo Look-a-Like Contest” plus enjoy live music from bluegrass/Americana folk band Bryan Titus Trio and country/western rockers The Rawhides. All guests will receive a logo wine glass and foot towel plus a ticket to win festive wine-related prizes. Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau’s Media Relations Director, Laura Kath, uncorks it all for us.

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

Show 292, September 29, 2018: The Inaugural Solvang Stop with Laura Kath, Media Relations Director, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingThe inaugural Solvang Stomp, a “Footie” Wine Harvest Street Festival featuring the sensational chance to stomp grapes and taste vintages from 25 world-class wineries debuts Saturday, October 13, 2018, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in downtown Solvang. Solvang Stompers can also drink pink in the “I Love Rosé Lounge”; purchase food inside the festival area from Cecco Ristorante’s gourmet pizza oven and popular food trucks California Tacos and First & Oak; participate in the “Lucy & Ricky Ricardo Look-a-Like Contest” plus enjoy live music from bluegrass / Americana folk band Bryan Titus Trio and country / western rockers The Rawhides.

All guests will receive a logo wine glass and foot towel plus a ticket to win festive wine-related prizes.

General admission tickets from 2:00-5:00 p.m. are $75 per person. Guests must be ages 21 years and beyond. Discounts for active military members are also offered. Advance ticket purchases are highly recommended online here. VIP Stomper tickets are already sold out.

Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau’s Media Relations Director, Laura Kath, uncorks it all for us.

Show 292, September 29, 2018: The Inaugural Solvang Stop with Laura Kath, Media Relations Director, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau Continues…

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingThe inaugural Solvang Stomp, a “Footie” Wine Harvest Street Festival featuring the sensational chance to stomp grapes and taste vintages from 25 world-class wineries debuts Saturday, October 13, 2018, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in downtown Solvang.

A new event has just been added to the festivities on Saturday, October 13th at 8:00 p.m.—the first public screening and Santa Barbara County premiere of the wine movie SOMM 3 will be held outdoors under the stars in the historic Solvang Festival Theater, 420 Second Street, Solvang. SOMM 3 is the highly anticipated follow-up to the influential wine films SOMM and its sequel SOMM: Into the Bottle.

SOMM 3 showcases unprecedented access to the highest levels of the wine world and features an all-star cast including Steven Spurrier, the man responsible for staging the 1976 “Judgment of Paris,” wine critic Jancis Robinson MW, and renowned Master Sommelier Fred Dame, as well as Santa Barbara County’s own Rajat Parr, Partner/Proprietor of Sandhi and Domaine de la Côte.  Following the film screening, a Q&A and wine tasting party will follow with cast members and film producer Jackson Myers. Tickets for the SOMM 3 premiere are $25 general admission.

 

September 29: Chefs to the Rescue, Philippe the Original, C-CAP 4 Chefs 4 Kids, ADYA, Nathan Turner, Solvang Stomp

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Food Finders’ “Chefs to the Rescue Benefit” featuring “Edible Extras,” Long Beach
Segment Three: Philippe the Original’s 110th Anniversary Celebration
Segment Four: C-CAP’s “4 Chefs 4 Kids Benefit” at Jonathan Club Preview with Executive Chef Jason McClain
Segment Five: Chef / Proprietor Shachi Mehra, ADYA, Anaheim – “Discover Diwali” Culinary Class
Segment Six: Celebrity Designer Nathan Turner – Nathan Turner’s I Love California: Live, Eat, And Entertain The West Coast Way
Segment Seven: The Inaugural Solvang Stop with Laura Kath, Media Relations Director, Solvang Conference &&Visitors Bureau Part One
Segment Eight: The Inaugural Solvang Stop with Laura Kath, Media Relations Director, Solvang Conference && Visitors Bureau Part Two

Now an enticing preview of this Saturday’s appetizing 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…

Food Finders, an established food recovery nonprofit, is hosting the 3rd annual “Chefs to the Rescue”, a fundraising event on Tuesday, October 9th from 6 – 9pm in Long Beach. For this unique event, Food Finders is challenging prominent local chefs to create “Edible Extras”; tasting samples and small plates made from perfectly tasty and safe rescued, recovered or repurposed food that otherwise would end up being tossed away. Participating Chef Philip Pretty of Long Beach’s Restauration and Food Finders’ Patti Larson (Executive Director) join us.

2018 marks a major milestone for both Philippe the Original in Downtown Los Angeles and its famous French Dip Sandwich.

The classic French Dip will celebrate its centennial and the restaurant will celebrate 110 years in business. There’s an epic Monday, October 1st celebration planned, including $1.10 French Dips, live entertainment, the USC Trojan Marching Band and a whole lot more.

General Manager and 3rd generation Family proprietor, Richard Binder is at our service with what’s on the celebration menu.

The Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP LA) is hosting their 4 Chefs 4 Kids Harvest Dinner Benefit at Jonathan Club on Thursday evening, October 18th. Jonathan Club’s Executive Chef Jason McClain is the Host Chef along with courses prepared by talented culinarians including Tony Esnault (Church & State,) Sally Camacho Mueller (Tesse,) and Suzanne Tracht (Jar.) Chef Jason McClain takes a break from his busy kitchens and rooftop vegetable garden to provide the Benefit’s enticing details.

ADYA (Anaheim) hosts interactive Indian culinary demos every 3rd Saturday of the month from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. priced at $35 per guest (unless otherwise noted) and include easy-to-follow recipes to take home with you, culinary secrets from Chef Shachi Mehra and of course, lunch served with wine/beer or chai. “Discover Diwali” is set for Saturday, Oct. 20th. Reservations (due to limited class size) are a must. Chef Shachi steps away from the tandoor oven to join us.

Designer Nathan Turner’s style is synonymous with the easy glam of California living. His book, Nathan Turner’s I Love California : Live, Eat, And Entertain The West Coast Way (Abrams; 2018) is a journey up and down Highway 1 that takes readers from the redwoods of northern San Francisco to the mountains of the Sierra Nevada to the beaches of Southern California.   Simple recipes and tips for entertaining are featured alongside never-before-seen interiors. Lavish photographs capture the homes, people, and food of each unique location in glorious, sun-drenched detail. Nathan Turner is our stylish guest.

The inaugural Solvang Stomp, a “Footie” Wine Harvest Street Festival featuring the sensational chance to stomp grapes and taste vintages from 25 world-class wineries debuts Saturday, October 13, 2018, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in downtown Solvang. Solvang Stompers can also drink pink in the “I Love Rosé Lounge”; purchase food inside the festival area from Cecco Ristorante’s gourmet pizza oven and popular food trucks California Tacos and First & Oak; participate in the “Lucy & Ricky Ricardo Look-a-Like Contest” plus enjoy live music from bluegrass/Americana folk band Bryan Titus Trio and country/western rockers The Rawhides. All guests will receive a logo wine glass and foot towel plus a ticket to win festive wine-related prizes. Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau’s Media Relations Director, Laura Kath, uncorks it all for us.

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

Philip PrettyFood Finders, an established food recovery nonprofit, is hosting the 3rd annual Chefs to the Rescue”, a fundraising event on Tuesday, October 9th from 6 – 9pm in Long Beach.

For this unique event, Food Finders is challenging prominent local chefs to create “Edible Extras”; tasting samples and small plates made from perfectly tasty and safe rescued, recovered or repurposed food that otherwise would end up being tossed away.

“We are making inroads on reducing hunger and food waste, but we have a ways to go, so this event is designed to remind people that food and water are precious commodities,” said Patti Larson, executive director of Food Finders. “We’re continuing this theme not only because it remains timely, but aligns perfectly with our mission—and everyone loves the food created but these popular local chefs!”

Participating Chef Philip Pretty of Long Beach’s Restauration and Food Finders’ Patti Larson (Executive Director) join us.

Richard Binder2018 marks a major milestone for both Philippe the Original in Downtown Los Angeles and its famous French Dip Sandwich.

The classic French Dip will celebrate its centennial and the restaurant will celebrate 110 years in business. There’s an epic Monday, October 1st celebration planned, including $1.10 French Dips, live entertainment, the USC Trojan Marching Band and a whole lot more.

Today, Philippe’s boasts over 75 employees, serves about 20,000 sandwiches per week, more when the Dodgers are in town, and prepares about 100 gallons of its famous Hot Mustard every week.

The company has some employees who have been with the restaurant for over 30 years.

The Binder / Martin family has strived to keep the restaurant as original as possible throughout the years; sawdust floors, décor, payphone booths and some of the cheapest coffee in town at 45 cents a cup. It wasn’t until 2014 that the restaurant took down the cash only sign and began accepting credit cards.

General Manager and proud 3rd generation Family proprietor, Richard Binder is at our service with what’s on the menu.

Jason McClain of the Jonathan ClubThe Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) is hosting their 4 Chefs 4 Kids Harvest Dinner Benefit at Jonathan Club on Thursday evening, October 18th. Jonathan Club’s Executive Chef Jason McClain is the Host Chef along with courses prepared by talented culinarians including Tony Esnault (Church & State,) Sally Camacho Mueller (Tesse,) and Suzanne Tracht (Jar.)

C-CAP LA Alum, Mixologist Anthony Greco, will be preparing a exclusive specialty cocktail for the pre-Dinner Cocktail Reception featuring passed hors d’oeuvres from Jonathan Club’s Chef Jason McClain. It’s then a mouthwatering, four-course dinner paired with premium wines selected by Jonathan Club’s Sommelier.

Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger of Border Grill fame is the Special Guest Auctioneer.

Chef Jason McClain takes a break from his busy kitchens and rooftop vegetable garden to provide the Benefit’s enticing details.

Shachi MehraADYA (Anaheim) hosts interactive Indian culinary demos every 3rd Saturday of the month from 11a.m. to 1p.m. priced at $35 per guest (unless otherwise noted) and include easy-to-follow recipes to take home with you, culinary secrets from Chef Shachi Mehra and of course, lunch served with wine/beer or chai. Discover Diwali” is set for Saturday, Oct. 20th. Reservations (due to limited class size) are a must.

“At ADYA, we showcase the flavorful street food of India. Our inspiration comes from the multitude of bright flavors and textures representing the diversity of India itself. Working with our local farmers, growers and purveyors, we strive to use local, organic, biodynamic ingredients whenever possible. Combining these with modern creative and classic Indian styles of cooking, we present food that balances the bounty of California with the bold flavors and spices of India. The carefully curated wine list and rotating craft beer list complement our vibrant flavors and casual style.”

Chef Shachi steps away from the tandoor oven to join us.

Nathan TurnerCelebrity Designer Nathan Turner’s style is synonymous with the easy glam of California living. His new book (a love letter to his home state,) Nathan Turner’s I Love California: Live, Eat, And Entertain The West Coast Way (Abrams; 2018) is a journey up and down Highway 1 that takes readers from the redwoods of northern San Francisco to the mountains of the Sierra Nevada to the beaches of Southern California.

Simple recipes and tips for entertaining are featured alongside never-before-seen interiors. Lavish photographs capture the homes, people, and food of each unique location in glorious, sun-drenched detail. This book even includes Turner’s signature recipes for California comfort food, like his family’s Cioppino, Marinated Tri-tip Steak, Mexican Chocolate Cake, and more.

“The recipes and decor here are inspired by my home state, but really it’s a state of mind. Whether you are entertaining friends and dining with family, or just wishing to visit the sun-dappled coast, now you can create this dreamy California lifestyle anywhere.”

Nathan Turner is also the author of Nathan Turner’s American Style (Abrams 2012). Turner is a regular entertaining expert on The Today Show, and his designs, parties, and products have been featured in major publications including Architectural Digest, ELLE Decor, Vogue, Domino, Town & Country, House Beautiful, Food & Wine, and more. He lives in Los Angeles and Ojai, California.

Nathan Turner joins us.

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingThe inaugural Solvang Stomp, a “Footie” Wine Harvest Street Festival featuring the sensational chance to stomp grapes and taste vintages from 25 world-class wineries debuts Saturday, October 13, 2018, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in downtown Solvang. Solvang Stompers can also drink pink in the “I Love Rosé Lounge”; purchase food inside the festival area from Cecco Ristorante’s gourmet pizza oven and popular food trucks California Tacos and First & Oak; participate in the “Lucy & Ricky Ricardo Look-a-Like Contest” plus enjoy live music from bluegrass / Americana folk band Bryan Titus Trio and country / western rockers The Rawhides.

All guests will receive a logo wine glass and foot towel plus a ticket to win festive wine-related prizes.

A new event has just been added to the festivities on Saturday, October 13th at 8:00 p.m.—the first public screening and Santa Barbara County premiere of the wine movie SOMM 3 will be held outdoors under the stars in the historic Solvang Festival Theater, 420 Second Street, Solvang. SOMM 3 is the highly anticipated follow-up to the influential wine films SOMM and its sequel SOMM: Into the Bottle.

Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau’s Media Relations Director, Laura Kath, uncorks it all for us.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Food Finders’ “Chefs to the Rescue Benefit” featuring “Edible Extras,” Long Beach
Segment Three: Philippe the Original’s 110th Anniversary Celebration
Segment Four: C-CAP’s “4 Chefs 4 Kids Benefit” at Jonathan Club Preview with Executive Chef Jason McClain
Segment Five: Chef / Proprietor Shachi Mehra, ADYA, Anaheim – “Discover Diwali” Culinary Class
Segment Six: Celebrity Designer Nathan Turner – Nathan Turner’s I Love California: Live, Eat, And Entertain The West Coast Way
Segment Seven: The Inaugural Solvang Stop with Laura Kath, Media Relations Director, Solvang Conference &&Visitors Bureau Part One
Segment Eight: The Inaugural Solvang Stop with Laura Kath, Media Relations Director, Solvang Conference && Visitors Bureau Part Two

Show 263, March 3, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now an intriguing preview of this Saturday’s properly decadent 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 always here with you live every Saturday morning with a fresh show.

By all accounts Greek wines, in general, are improving but are still a bit of a mystery to the casual wine connoisseur. Our resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, to the rescue. He’ll provide us with an understandable overview of the wines of the Greek island of Santorini. The famous, high quality white wine grape there is Assyrtiko.

The Sky Room, an iconic restaurant in downtown Long Beach, will be hosting an afternoon wine tasting fundraising event featuring their signature Coquelicot wines, on Saturday, March 10th from 1-3pm. Organized by Dine LBC, funds raised will benefit Food Finders food rescue program. “The team at The Sky Room has always been supportive of the important work that Food Finders does in working to eliminate food security in Long Beach and beyond,” said Jonathan Rosenson, proprietor and sommelier of The Sky Room. Jonathan joins us with all the 411.

Chef Pascal Olhsats, the Dean of French chefs in Orange County, turns 30 this month. That’s 30 years of having a namesake restaurant (as the proprietor) in Orange County. It’s a month of festivities at Pascal San Juan Capistrano and the ultimate 5-course celebration dinner (with a Champagne toast) on March 21st at his Café Jardin in Corona Del Mar’s Sherman Gardens and Library. We entice Chef Pascal out of the kitchen with a glass of French Chablis to preview the celebrations.

From the Arabian Sea to the peaks of the Himalayas, cuisine in Karachi is as diverse as its inhabitants and draws influences from across South, Central, and West Asia. Acclaimed Pakistani chef, culinary educator, and food and prop stylist, Kausar Ahmed, has curated and created mouth-watering recipes in her first cookbook, The Karachi Kitchen – Classic and Contemporary Flavors of Pakistan. Chef Kausar is preparing a 4-course Karachi feast from her cookbook at a private home in Santa Monica on Sunday, March 25th with 100 per cent of the ticket price going to the Careers through Culinary Arts Program. Chef Kausar is our guest.

The 26th Annual Taste of Solvang returns from Wednesday through Sunday on March 14th to 18th, 2018. It’s a unique experiential culinary weekend featuring Solvang farmers, chefs, bakers, winemakers, brewers, distillers, and artisans showcasing the bounty of Santa Barbara wine country set amidst California’s quaint Danish town. Laura Kath the Media Relations Director for the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau has the scrumptious preview.

Food journalist and author Karen Kaplan has just launched her first solo cookbook, Open Faced: Single-Slice Sandwiches from Around the World, published by Gibbs Smith. In this concise yet comprehensive volume she shares her passion for open-faced sandwiches in authoritative text filled with history, lore, anecdotes and tips, and 65 no-fail international recipes, each with its own wine or spirit pairing suggestion. Each recipe reflects the taste and spirit of its place of origin, yet is perfectly translated for the way we cook and eat in America today. Karen Kaplan joins us.

Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his “Ask the Chef” series. Oysters, oysters everywhere… Non-seafood restaurants are now starting to feature raw oysters on their appetizer menus as well as visible Oyster Bars are popping up in dinner houses. What should you know before you order? Are there differences in flavor profiles? What condiments really enhance the flavor? Chef Andrew has the answers and will explain the oyster basics. Leave the shucking to the restaurant & happy slurping!

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!

Show 263, March 3, 2018: 26th Annual Taste of Solvang, Solvang

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingThe 26th Annual Taste of Solvang returns from Wednesday through Sunday on March 14th to 18th, 2018. It’s a unique experiential culinary weekend featuring Solvang farmers, chefs, bakers, winemakers, brewers, distillers, and artisans showcasing the bounty of Santa Barbara wine country set amidst California’s quaint Danish town.

The popular Taste of Solvang favorites of Friday evening’s Sip +Savor (March 16 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., $45); Saturday’s Tasting Trail (March 17 from 11:00 a.m-4:00 p.m., $30) and Saturday & Sunday’s Wine & Beer Walk (March 17 & 18; $45) are joined by two, new 2018 Taste of Solvang exclusive events in 2018.

NEW on Wednesday, March 14, 2018

4:00-7:00 p.m. Taste of Solvang: Farmers Market Dinner

Experience this new, family friendly farm-to-table event during the weekly Solvang Farmers Market featuring truly fresh-from-the-market ingredients prepared by Chef David Cecchini of Cecco Ristorante and Mathew Raab of Fresco Valley Café. Savor hearty seasonal stew, small bites, and dine al fresco at communal tables in Solvang Park (Mission Drive & First Street) while enjoying the sounds of the Bryan Titus Trio (bring your own beer / wine). Net proceeds benefit Santa Ynez Valley Veggie Rescue. ($15 adults, $5 children under age 12) Space is limited; reservations are required online.

NEW on Sunday, March 18, 2018

11:00 a.m-2:00 p.m. Taste of Solvang: Danish Sunday Brunch with Bottomless Mimosa OR Bloody Mary Bar OR Bottomless Coffee

Created by Executive Chef Brooke Stockwell at K’Syrah Catering Events Center (478 Fourth Place) this fresh menu includes pork belly bites with real maple syrup, mini yogurt parfaits with sweet balsamic reduction, ‘Aeeggkage’ Danish style mini-egg frittatas with caramelized onions and gruyere; local Danishes and breads with whipped cream cheese & house made jams, organic field greens salad with Solvang Olive Co. citrus vinaigrette, home-style breakfast potatoes with farmers market vegetables, house made Danish sausages, scrambled eggs with sautéed squash, house cured and smoked lox with goat cheese mousse, pickled red onion, fried capers and micro greens on Solvang-everything bagels. Choose from EITHER bottomless Farmers Market mimosas OR bottomless “Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar” featuring American Star Vodka from Ascendant Spirits OR bottomless coffee. ($65 with alcohol—be 21 years of age +; or $50 with coffee). Space is limited; reservations are required online right here.

Laura Kath the Media Relations Director for the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau has the scrumptious preview.

March 3: Wine Exchange, The Sky Room, Pascal Olhats, Kausar Ahmed, Taste of Solvang, Karen Kaplan

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Kyle Meyer, Managing Partner, Wine Exchange, The Wines of Santorini, Greece
Segment Three: The Sky Room’s Coquelicot Wines Benefit for Food Finders
Segment Four: Pascal Olhats, Pascal San Juan Capistrano & Café Jardin
Segment Five: Chef Kausar Ahmed, The Karachi Kitchen, Karachi Pakistan
Segment Six: 26th Annual Taste of Solvang
Segment Seven: Karen Kaplan, Food Journalist, Open Faced – Single-Slice Sandwiches from Around the World
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel’s “Ask the Chef”

Now an intriguing preview of this Saturday’s properly decadent 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 always here with you live every Saturday morning with a fresh show.

By all accounts Greek wines, in general, are improving but are still a bit of a mystery to the casual wine connoisseur. Our resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, to the rescue. He’ll provide us with an understandable overview of the wines of the Greek island of Santorini. The famous, high quality white wine grape there is Assyrtiko.

The Sky Room, an iconic restaurant in downtown Long Beach, will be hosting an afternoon wine tasting fundraising event featuring their signature Coquelicot wines, on Saturday, March 10th from 1-3pm. Organized by Dine LBC, funds raised will benefit Food Finders food rescue program. “The team at The Sky Room has always been supportive of the important work that Food Finders does in working to eliminate food security in Long Beach and beyond,” said Jonathan Rosenson, proprietor and sommelier of The Sky Room. Jonathan joins us with all the 411.

Chef Pascal Olhsats, the Dean of French chefs in Orange County, turns 30 this month. That’s 30 years of having a namesake restaurant (as the proprietor) in Orange County. It’s a month of festivities at Pascal San Juan Capistrano and the ultimate 5-course celebration dinner (with a Champagne toast) on March 21st at his Café Jardin in Corona Del Mar’s Sherman Gardens and Library. We entice Chef Pascal out of the kitchen with a glass of French Chablis to preview the celebrations.

From the Arabian Sea to the peaks of the Himalayas, cuisine in Karachi is as diverse as its inhabitants and draws influences from across South, Central, and West Asia. Acclaimed Pakistani chef, culinary educator, and food and prop stylist, Kausar Ahmed, has curated and created mouth-watering recipes in her first cookbook, The Karachi Kitchen – Classic and Contemporary Flavors of Pakistan. Chef Kausar is our guest.

The 26th Annual Taste of Solvang returns from Wednesday through Sunday on March 14th to 18th, 2018. It’s a unique experiential culinary weekend featuring Solvang farmers, chefs, bakers, winemakers, brewers, distillers, and artisans showcasing the bounty of Santa Barbara wine country set amidst California’s quaint Danish town. Laura Kath the Media Relations Director for the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau has the scrumptious preview.

Food journalist and author Karen Kaplan has just launched her first solo cookbook, Open Faced: Single-Slice Sandwiches from Around the World, published by Gibbs Smith. In this concise yet comprehensive volume she shares her passion for open-faced sandwiches in authoritative text filled with history, lore, anecdotes and tips, and 65 no-fail international recipes, each with its own wine or spirit pairing suggestion. Each recipe reflects the taste and spirit of its place of origin, yet is perfectly translated for the way we cook and eat in America today. Karen Kaplan joins us.

Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his “Ask the Chef” series. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has their closely observed Seafood Watch program to help consumers, restaurateurs and seafood retailers choose seafood that’s fished or farmed in ways that support a healthy ocean. Chef Andrew further explains the effort.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!

Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeBy all accounts Greek wines, in general, are improving but are still a bit of a mystery to the casual wine connoisseur. Our resident wine authority Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange to the rescue.

He’ll provide us with an understandable overview of the wines of the Greek island of Santorini. The famous, high quality white wine grape there is Assyrtiko. We’ll also hear the success story of Santorini’s Domaine Sigalas S.A.

Jonathan RosensonThe Sky Room, an iconic restaurant in downtown Long Beach, will be hosting an afternoon wine tasting fundraising event featuring their signature Coquelicot wines, on Saturday, March 10th from 1-3pm. Organized by Dine LBC, funds raised will benefit Food Finders food rescue program.

For this unique social event, guests will be invited to sample up to twenty Coquelicot wines while enjoying light appetizers provided by The Sky Room. The Sky Room is located at 40 S.Locust Avenue in downtown Long Beach.

Tickets are $35 per guest and are available for purchase right here. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Food Finders to support their ongoing food rescue program.

“The team at The Sky Room has always been supportive of the important work that Food Finders does in working to eliminate food insecurity in Long Beach and beyond,” said Jonathan Rosenson, proprietor and sommelier of The Sky Room, “We’re excited to have this chance to invite guests to spend a fun afternoon tasting our Coquelicot wines and support Food Finders at the same time.”

Wines by the bottle will also be available for sale for guests to take home during the event, with all proceeds also going to Food Finders.

Jonathan uncorks the needed 411 for us.

Pascal OlhatsChef Pascal Olhats, the Dean of French chefs in Orange County, turns 30 this month. That’s 30 years of having a namesake restaurant (as the proprietor) in Orange County. It’s a month of festivities at Pascal San Juan Capistrano and the ultimate 5-course celebration dinner (with a Champagne toast) including a Chef Pascal cooking demonstration on March 21st at his Café Jardin in Corona Del Mar’s Sherman Gardens and Library.

“It will be 30 years in March that I signed my first restaurant lease for Pascal Restaurant in Newport Beach. I am not sure if I will still own a restaurant for another decade so it’s time to celebrate” – Chef Pascal Olhats.

At Pascal San Juan Capistrano in March for every Thursday, Friday and Saturday dinner service they are offering a special “Pascal’s Patrons’ Favorite” menu for a 30 per cent discount. It’s 3 courses for $50 including a Champagne cocktail toast. The celebration menu features Salade Lyonaise, choice of Thyme crusted seabass or Duck a l’orange and a lemon tart.

We entice Chef Pascal out of the kitchen with a glass of proper French Chablis to preview the celebrations.

Kausar AhmedFrom the Arabian Sea to the peaks of the Himalayas, cuisine in Karachi is as diverse as its inhabitants and draws influences from across South, Central, and West Asia. Acclaimed Pakistani chef, culinary educator, and food and prop stylist, Kausar Ahmed, has curated and created mouth-watering recipes in her first cookbook, The Karachi Kitchen – Classic and Contemporary Flavors of Pakistan.

Chef Kausar is best known Internationally for her work through “Kitchen Craft by Kausar,” an organization she founded in 2009 that offers free nutrition and cooking workshops to women and youth in high-risk communities around Karachi. The goal is to promote healthy eating and hygiene in the most impoverished families. Hands-on workshops teach students about cooking, nutrition, kitchen safety, personal hygiene, gardening and more.

Chef Kausar is our guest.

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingThe 26th Annual Taste of Solvang returns from Wednesday through Sunday on March 14th to 18th, 2018. It’s a unique experiential culinary weekend featuring Solvang farmers, chefs, bakers, winemakers, brewers, distillers, and artisans showcasing the bounty of Santa Barbara wine country set amidst California’s quaint Danish town.

The popular Taste of Solvang favorites of Friday evening’s Sip +Savor (March 16 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., $45); Saturday’s Tasting Trail (March 17 from 11:00 a.m-4:00 p.m., $30) and Saturday & Sunday’s Wine & Beer Walk (March 17 & 18; $45) are joined by two, new 2018 Taste of Solvang exclusive events in 2018.

NEW on Wednesday, March 14, 2018

4:00-7:00 p.m. Taste of Solvang: Farmers Market Dinner

Experience this new, family friendly farm-to-table event during the weekly Solvang Farmers Market featuring truly fresh-from-the-market ingredients prepared by Chef David Cecchini of Cecco Ristorante and Mathew Raab of Fresco Valley Café. Savor hearty seasonal stew, small bites, and dine al fresco at communal tables in Solvang Park (Mission Drive & First Street) while enjoying the sounds of the Bryan Titus Trio (bring your own beer / wine). Net proceeds benefit Santa Ynez Valley Veggie Rescue. ($15 adults, $5 children under age 12) Space is limited; reservations are required online.

NEW on Sunday, March 18, 2018

11:00 a.m-2:00 p.m.  Taste of Solvang: Danish Sunday Brunch with Bottomless Mimosa OR Bloody Mary Bar OR Bottomless Coffee

Created by Executive Chef Brooke Stockwell at K’Syrah Catering Events Center (478 Fourth Place) this fresh menu includes pork belly bites with real maple syrup, mini yogurt parfaits with sweet balsamic reduction, ‘Aeeggkage’ Danish style mini-egg frittatas with caramelized onions and gruyere; local Danishes and breads with whipped cream cheese & house made jams, organic field greens salad with Solvang Olive Co. citrus vinaigrette, home-style breakfast potatoes with farmers market vegetables, house made Danish sausages, scrambled eggs with sautéed squash, house cured and smoked lox with goat cheese mousse, pickled red onion, fried capers and micro greens on Solvang-everything bagels. Choose from EITHER bottomless Farmers Market mimosas OR bottomless “Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar” featuring American Star Vodka from Ascendant Spirits OR bottomless coffee. ($65 with alcohol—be 21 years of age +; or $50 with coffee). Space is limited; reservations are required online right here.

Laura Kath the Media Relations Director for the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau has the scrumptious preview.

Karen KaplanFood journalist and author Karen Kaplan has just launched her first solo cookbook, Open Faced: Single-Slice Sandwiches from Around the World, published by Gibbs Smith. In this concise yet comprehensive volume she shares her passion for open-faced sandwiches in authoritative text filled with history, lore, anecdotes and tips, and 65 no-fail international recipes, each with its own wine or spirit pairing suggestion.

There are tartines of France, bruschette and crostini of Italy, montaditos and tomato toasts of Spain, smorrebrod of Scandinavia, butterbrote of Germany, butterbrodi of Russia,molletes of Mexico as well as sandwiches and toasts of Britain and the U.S.  There are traditional recipes, reinterpretations of classics, and original creations based on the flavors, ingredients and/or specialties associated with the country at hand.

Each recipe reflects the taste and spirit of its place of origin, yet is perfectly translated for the way we cook and eat in America today.

This is an indispensable little cookbook for those who love single-slice sandwiches as much as Karen does, and for those who would like to learn more about this unique food trend-one that has a storied global gastronomic past, and an increasingly popular place in today’s culinary vernacular. Some of the recipes are rustic and some refined, some simple and some sophisticated, but all are easy to make and ideal for weekday cooking or weekend entertaining.

Karen Kaplan is a freelance writer, editor, translator and recipe developer. She was on staff at Bon Appétit Magazine for twenty years and concurrently was the restaurant critic for the LAWeekly for seven years and the host and producer of The Audible Feast on KCRW radio station for seven years. She was also a consultant for culinary websites and food-based reality television shows, a contributor to food and travel magazines and newspaper sections, and was a writer, editor, translator and recipe editor for many cookbooks. She holds Le Grand Diplômed’EtudesCulinaires from La VarenneEcole de Cuisine, has a B.A. in Comparative Literature and taught at USC and UCLA. She lives in Studio City, California.

Author Karen Kaplan joins us.

Andrew and William GruelOur always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his Ask the Chef series. Oysters, oysters everywhere… Non-seafood restaurants are now starting to feature raw oysters on their appetizer menus as well as visible Oysters Bars are popping up in dinner houses. What should you know before you order? Are there differences in flavor profiles? What condiments really enhance the flavor? Chef Andrew has the answers and will explain the oyster basics. Leave the shucking to the restaurant & happy slurping!

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Kyle Meyer, Managing Partner, Wine Exchange, The Wines of Santorini, Greece
Segment Three: The Sky Room’s Coquelicot Wines Benefit for Food Finders
Segment Four: Pascal Olhats, Pascal San Juan Capistrano & Café Jardin
Segment Five: Chef Kausar Ahmed, The Karachi Kitchen, Karachi Pakistan
Segment Six: 26th Annual Taste of Solvang
Segment Seven: Karen Kaplan, Food Journalist, Open Faced – Single-Slice Sandwiches from Around the World
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel’s “Ask the Chef”