Show 261, February 17, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now an appetizing preview of this Saturday’s sinfully tempting 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 with a fresh show.

Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food is a culinary tour of the original Disneyland park’s six lands packaged in an impressive coffee table-volume. Every attraction has a story, and so do many of the menu items. Disneyland’s food transports us as much as it satiates us, or as Walt declared, “The food is as fabulous as the fun, too.” We’ll meet author Marcy Carriker Smothers.

Los Olivos’ The Bear and Star, serving “Refined Ranch Cuisine” inspired by the Parker family at the eponymous Fess Parker Inn, continues their collaborative Chef’s Table Dinners with Chef Neal Fraser of Los Angeles’ Redbird on Sunday, February 25, 2018. The five-course tasting dinner championing Southern California restaurant talent, staged in the state-of-the-art Chef’s Room, blends products raised on the Parker ranch with inspiration from Los Angeles County. The Bear and Star’s Chef/Partner John Cox joins us with the enticing preview.

Chef/Proprietor Neal Fraser of Redbird then joins us to discuss the intimate Chef’s Table Dinner at Los Olivos’ The Bear and Star on Sunday, February 25th. Chef/Owner Neal Fraser and Owner/Operator Amy Knoll Fraser’s flagship restaurant Redbird features Modern American cuisine that is refined yet approachable and highlights the multi-cultural influences of Fraser’s native city – Los Angeles.

Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his “Ask the Chef” series. The New York Times had a thought-provoking piece by food journalist Karen Stabiner on the front page of their dedicated Food Section this week on February 14th. The issue contained in What to do When Laptops & Silence Take Over Your Café” is how does a café that wants to maintain a lively atmosphere handle customers who hang out there all day on their laptops (while buying little food & beverages) and use the establishment as their office. Chef Andrew weighs in on the debate.

New 2018 “Take Amtrak to Solvang” offer nets savings and specials at Hotels, Restaurants, Wine-Tasting, Museums and activities. Known as California’s Denmark, Solvang is 125 miles north of Los Angeles and 300 miles south of San Francisco and served via Amtrak Thruway Bus service connecting to trains from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara as well as San Luis Obispo six times daily (3 northbound, 3 southbound). The Amtrak bus stop is located in the heart of the village at Solvang Park, 1630 Mission Drive—within easy strolling distance to 16 hotels, 35 restaurants, 22 wine-tasting rooms, 150 boutique shops, 5 authentic Danish bakeries, 6 museums and many more activities. Solvang’s Media Relations Director Laura Kath is our guest.

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

Show 261, February 17, 2018: Laura Kath, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingNew 2018 Take Amtrak to Solvang” offer nets savings and specials at Hotels, Restaurants, Wine-Tasting, Museums and activities. Known as California’s Denmark, Solvang is 125 miles north of Los Angeles and 300 miles south of San Francisco and served via Amtrak Thruway Bus service connecting to trains from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara as well as San Luis Obispo six times daily (3 northbound, 3 southbound).

The Amtrak bus stop is located in the heart of the village at Solvang Park, 1630 Mission Drive—within easy strolling distance to 16 hotels, 35 restaurants, 22 wine-tasting rooms, 150 boutique shops, 5 authentic Danish bakeries, 6 museums and many more activities.

Solvang’s long-time Media Relations Director Laura Kath is our guest.

Show 261, February 17, 2018: Laura Kath, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau Continues…

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingNew 2018 Take Amtrak to Solvang” offer nets savings and specials at Hotels, Restaurants, Wine Tasting, Museums and activities. Known as California’s Denmark, Solvang is 125 miles north of Los Angeles and 300 miles south of San Francisco and served via Amtrak Thruway Bus service connecting to trains from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara as well as San Luis Obispo six times daily (3 northbound, 3 southbound).

Solvang’s long-time Media Relations Director Laura Kath continues…

Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Tracy Farhad reveals, “Just show your current Amtrak train/bus ticket to Solvang at participating businesses and you’ll enjoy rewards for taking a vacation from your car. It’s so easy to be car free in Solvang year-round and enjoy our warm, Scandinavian hospitality with no passport required!”

Here are the current participating Solvang businesses in the 2018 “Take Amtrak to Solvang & Show Your Ticket for Specials” offer, valid now through December 31, 2018.

First, be sure to visit the Solvang Visitor Center, 1639 Copenhagen Drive, open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily (behind the Solvang Park bus stop) for FREE 2018 Destination Guide, maps, savings coupons and gift of audio ear buds—perfect for enjoying by downloading the new Solvang Heritage Walking Tour App.

Be sure to check back often since more are being added frequently to this list: Atterdag Inn; Grapeline Wine Tours; Hamlet Inn; Holiday Inn Express; Home Connection; Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates; King Frederik Inn; Segway Tours of Solvang; Solvang Antiques; Solvang Restaurant; The Good Life Cellar; Wandering Dog Wine Bar; Wheel Fun Rentals and Wildling Museum of Art & Nature.

February 17: Marcy Carriker Smothers, John Cox, Neal Fraser, Take Amtrak to Solvang

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Marcy Carriker Smothers, Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food Part One
Segment Three: Marcy Carriker Smothers, Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food Part Two
Segment Four: Executive Chef John Cox, The Bear and Star, Los Olivos
Segment Five: Chef / Proprietor Neal Fraser, Redbird & Vibiana, Downtown Los Angeles
Segment Six: Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”
Segment Seven: Laura Kath, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau Part One
Segment Eight: Laura Kath, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau Part Two

Program Note : For Saturday, February 17th (only) we unusually follow Ducks Hockey at the special time of 3 to 5:00 p.m. Don’t miss us !

Now an appetizing preview of this Saturday’s sinfully tempting 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 with a fresh show.

Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food is a culinary tour of the original Disneyland park’s six lands packaged in an impressive coffee table-volume. Every attraction has a story, and so do many of the menu items. Disneyland’s food transports us as much as it satiates us, or as Walt declared, “The food is as fabulous as the fun, too.” We’ll meet author Marcy Carriker Smothers.

Los Olivos’ The Bear and Star, serving “Refined Ranch Cuisine” inspired by the Parker family at the eponymous Fess Parker Inn, continues their collaborative Chef’s Table Dinners with Chef Neal Fraser of Los Angeles’ Redbird on Sunday, February 25, 2018. The five-course tasting dinner championing Southern California restaurant talent, staged in the state-of-the-art Chef’s Room, blends products raised on the Parker ranch with inspiration from Los Angeles County. The Bear and Star’s Chef/Partner John Cox joins us with the enticing preview.

Chef/Proprietor Neal Fraser of Redbird then joins us to discuss the intimate Chef’s Table Dinner at Los Olivos’ The Bear and Star on Sunday, February 25th. Chef/Owner Neal Fraser and Owner/Operator Amy Knoll Fraser’s flagship restaurant Redbird features Modern American cuisine that is refined yet approachable and highlights the multi-cultural influences of Fraser’s native city – Los Angeles.

Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his “Ask the Chef” series. The New York Times had a thought-provoking piece by food journalist Karen Stabiner on the front page of their dedicated Food Section this week on February 14th. The issue contained in “What to do When Laptops & Silence Take Over Your Café” is how does a café that wants to maintain a lively atmosphere handle customers who hang out there all day on their laptops (while buying little food & beverages) and use the establishment as their office. Chef Andrew weighs in on the debate.

New 2018 “Take Amtrak to Solvang” offer nets savings and specials at Hotels, Restaurants, Wine-Tasting, Museums and activities. Known as California’s Denmark, Solvang is 125 miles north of Los Angeles and 300 miles south of San Francisco and served via Amtrak Thruway Bus service connecting to trains from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara as well as San Luis Obispo six times daily (3 northbound, 3 southbound). The Amtrak bus stop is located in the heart of the village at Solvang Park, 1630 Mission Drive—within easy strolling distance to 16 hotels, 35 restaurants, 22 wine-tasting rooms, 150 boutique shops, 5 authentic Danish bakeries, 6 museums and many more activities. Solvang’s Media Relations Director Laura Kath is our guest.

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

Marcy Carriker SmothersEat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food is a culinary tour of the original Disneyland park’s six lands packaged in an impressive coffee table-volume. Every attraction has a story, and so do many of the menu items. Disneyland’s food transports us as much as it satiates us, or as Walt declared, “The food is as fabulous as the fun, too.”

Two decades before the California food revolution, Walt Disney was planning a revolution of his own. Walt knew that food could be more than nourishment – it could be entertaining, too. The concept of families eating and playing at the same time was an innovation in mid-century America. Food in Disneyland wasn’t gray or humdrum. It was full of fantasy and color!

We’ll meet author Marcy Carriker Smothers.

““Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food gives you a great sense of Walt Disney’s creative journey in designing Disneyland as an immersive experience, in thinking about food as an important part of creating something enjoyable and memorable. It’s a fascinating story, connecting the personal, professional and public sides of Walt Disney’s life: from his simple tastes and down-to-earth home life, to his attention to detail and good quality in everything he touched, to his incredible understanding of storytelling and entertainment as a complete experience.”

“Marcy paints an in-depth picture of the food at the Disney Studios and Disneyland during Walt’s lifetime. Reading it you can imagine what these places were like when they first opened – what it must have been like to see Walt standing in line at the commissary for lunch, or seated at the back table at the Carnation Café. Any Disney fan knows how exciting it is to get to hear a new part of the Disney story. This one is a special treat.” – John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios & Principal Creative Advisor, Walt Disney Imagineering.

John CoxLos Olivos’ The Bear and Star, serving “Refined Ranch Cuisine” inspired by the Parker family at the eponymous Fess Parker Inn, continues their collaborative Chef’s Table Dinners with Chef Neal Fraser of Los Angeles’ Redbird on Sunday, February 25, 2018. The five-course tasting dinner championing Southern California restaurant talent, staged in the state-of-the-art Chef’s Room, blends products raised on the Parker ranch with inspiration from Los Angeles County.

“The Bear and Star takes its name from the two states our founder called home – Texas and California – celebrating refined ranch cuisine paired with California’s bounty. The restaurant is intrinsically intertwined with the 714 -acre Fess Parker Home Ranch seven miles away where the Wagyu cattle herd are raised and finished with the spent grains and pomace from the family brewery and winery. Also raised on the ranch are chickens, quail, rabbits, pigs and bees along with a number of heirloom fruits and organic vegetables for use at the restaurant.”

The Bear and Star’s Chef/Partner John Cox joins us with the enticing preview.

Neal and Amy Knoll FraserLos Olivos’ The Bear and Star, serving “Refined Ranch Cuisine” inspired by the Parker family at the eponymous Fess Parker Inn, continues their collaborative Chef’s Table Dinners with Chef Neal Fraser of Los Angeles’ Redbird on Sunday, February 25, 2018. The five-course tasting dinner championing Southern California restaurant talent, staged in the state-of-the-art Chef’s Room, blends products raised on the Parker ranch with inspiration from Los Angeles County.

Dinner begins with a First Course of Sautéed Abalone with Wild Watercress, Preserved Lemon and Sea Beans; followed by Second Course of Beets from Our Farm with Smoked Garlic and Chanterelle Mushrooms. For the Third Course, guests enjoy Sweet Shrimp and Sea Urchin Risotto with Kuri Squash. Served for the Main Course will be Grilled “Parker Ranch” Wagyu Beef with Kale, Crouton, Snails, Cheese and Red Wine Sauce. The evening is complete with the final Dessert Course – Blackberry, Hazelnuts and Goat Cheese. Wine pairings are available for the dinner by The Bear and Star’s General Manager Robert Williams.

Andrew and William GruelOur always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his Ask the Chef series. The New York Times had a thought-provoking piece by food journalist Karen Stabiner on the Front Page of their Food Section this week on February 14th.

The provocative issue discussed in What to do When Laptops & Silence Take Over Your Café” is how does a café that wants to maintain a lively atmosphere handle customers who hang out there all day on their laptops (while buying little food & beverages) and use the establishment as their office. Chef Andrew weighs in on the hospitality debate.

Interestingly enough L.A. restaurants, including Venice’s Rose Café, are featured in the piece.

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingNew 2018 Take Amtrak to Solvang” offer nets savings and specials at Hotels, Restaurants, Wine-Tasting, Museums and activities. Known as California’s Denmark, Solvang is 125 miles north of Los Angeles and 300 miles south of San Francisco and served via Amtrak Thruway Bus service connecting to trains from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara as well as San Luis Obispo six times daily (3 northbound, 3 southbound).

The Amtrak bus stop is located in the heart of the village at Solvang Park, 1630 Mission Drive—within easy strolling distance to 16 hotels, 35 restaurants, 22 wine-tasting rooms, 150 boutique shops, 5 authentic Danish bakeries, 6 museums and many more activities.

Solvang’s long-time Media Relations Director Laura Kath is our guest.

Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Tracy Farhad reveals, “Just show your current Amtrak train/bus ticket to Solvang at participating businesses and you’ll enjoy rewards for taking a vacation from your car. It’s so easy to be car free in Solvang year-round and enjoy our warm, Scandinavian hospitality with no passport required!”

 Here are the current participating Solvang businesses in the 2018 “Take Amtrak to Solvang & Show Your Ticket for Specials” offer, valid now through December 31, 2018.

First, be sure to visit the Solvang Visitor Center, 1639 Copenhagen Drive, open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily (behind the Solvang Park bus stop) for FREE 2018 Destination Guide, maps, savings coupons and gift of audio ear buds—perfect for enjoying by downloading the new Solvang Heritage Walking Tour App.

Be sure to check back often since more are being added frequently to this list: Atterdag Inn; Grapeline Wine Tours; Hamlet Inn; Holiday Inn Express; Home Connection; Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates; King Frederik Inn; Segway Tours of Solvang; Solvang Antiques; Solvang Restaurant; The Good Life Cellar; Wandering Dog Wine Bar; Wheel Fun Rentals and Wildling Museum of Art & Nature.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Marcy Carriker Smothers, Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food Part One
Segment Three: Marcy Carriker Smothers, Eat Like Walt: The Wonderful World of Disney Food Part Two
Segment Four: Executive Chef John Cox, The Bear and Star, Los Olivos
Segment Five: Chef / Proprietor Neal Fraser, Redbird & Vibiana, Downtown Los Angeles
Segment Six: Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”
Segment Seven: Laura Kath, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau Part One
Segment Eight: Laura Kath, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau Part Two

Show 171, May 14, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel

Program Note…On May 21st we’re broadcasting live from the studios of Chicago’s ESPN 1000 – WMVP-AM. We’re there to join in the celebration of Chef Andrew Gruel’s Trendsetter MenuMaster Award presented by Nation’s Restaurant News. The vibrant Chicago dining scene will be well represented in the show! You don’t want to miss this show.

Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, most recently, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Now a stimulating peak at Saturday’s tantalizing show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a pretty good thing…

At the age of 15, Chef Brendan Collins quit secondary school to follow his dream and enroll in culinary school, where he was classically trained in French technique. Today Collins is the Executive Chef and Proprietor of Birch in Hollywood, Larry’s in Venice as well as the Executive Chef of The Corner Door in Culver City. On Sunday, May 15th he’s part of the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Hollywood Farmers Market.

Congratulations to native Angeleno, Chef Dahlia Narvaez, the Executive Pastry Chef of both Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza in Hollywood. Chef Dahlia was presented with the 2016 James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef in Chicago at Lyric Opera on May 2nd. She is our special guest.

From the founder of AmazingRibs.com (Meathead Goldwyn), the hugely popular grilling and barbecue website known for applying the latest scientific research to America’s favorite form of cooking, comes MEATHEAD: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling. Meathead is known as the barbecue whisperer and joins us.

There is a novel way to experience America’s Riviera, Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Car Free Project invites visitors to show their Amtrak train tickets and enjoy car free fun (with special discounts) in Santa Barbara. Laura Kath with Santa Barbara Car Free provides us with all the needed 411.

Shrimp is one of the most popular varieties of seafood enjoyed in America. What should you know about sourcing, cooking and enjoying this delicious crustacean? Does size matter? Fresh or frozen? Wild caught or farm raised? Should you pay attention to where the shrimp comes from? Our own resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel, joins us with all the specifics. It’s a peel-and-eat feast.

The Better Burger Battle is heating up again with the arrival of Fullerton’s favorite, The Burger Parlor, in Old Towne Orange. You have a serious fine dining chef creating premium burgers and loving it. They even make their own ice cream for the milk shakes. Burger-meister and Chef Joseph Mahon is with us with all the juicy details.

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

Show 171, May 14, 2016: Santa Barbara Car Free with Laura Kath

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingThere is a new, au courant way to experience America’s Riviera, Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Car Free Project invites visitors to show their Amtrak train tickets and enjoy car free fun (with special discounts) in Santa Barbara. Laura Kath with Santa Barbara Car Free joins us with all the needed 411.

“Start your vacation when you get on the train! Relax on your trip to Santa Barbara, then show your Amtrak ticket to our partners for some amazing experiences.”

Through December 31, 2016, travelers to Santa Barbara can show their Amtrak tickets (paper, e-ticket, or mobile device) to the following attractions and activities for specials and experiences: Adventure Company of Santa Barbara (kayaking & surf lessons), Captain Jack’s Tours & Events (wine tasting or horseback riding), Celebration Cruises (Lil Toot & Azure Seas sailing), CONDOR Express (whale watching), I Bike Santa Barbara (cycling wine tours), Pali Wine Company, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, Santa Barbara Trolley Company, Santa Barbara Zoo, Segway of Santa Barbara, Sunset Kidd Sailing Cruises and Wheel Fun Rentals (bikes).

Santa Barbara Car Free is an award-winning project founded and led by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District with more than 100 community partners who are dedicated to making car free vacations care-free.

May 14: Brendan Collins, Dahlia Narvaez, Meathead Goldwyn, Santa Barbara Car Free, Burger Parlor

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Owner / Executive Chef Brendan Collins of Birch, Larry’s and The Corner Door
Segment Three: Executive Pastry Chef Dahlia Narvaez, Osteria Mozza & Pizzeria Mozza
Segment Four: Meathead Goldwyn of AmazingRibs.com
Segment Five: Santa Barbara Car Free with Laura Kath
Segment Six: Chef Andrew Gruel with Shrimp 411
Segment Seven: Chef Joseph Mahon, The Burger Parlor, Fullerton & Old Towne Orange Part One
Segment Eight: Chef Joseph Mahon, The Burger Parlor, Fullerton & Old Towne Orange Part Two

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, most recently, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Now a stimulating peak at Saturday’s tantalizing show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a pretty good thing…

At the age of 15, Chef Brendan Collins quit secondary school to follow his dream and enroll in culinary school, where he was classically trained in French technique. Today Collins is the Executive Chef and Proprietor of both Birch in Hollywood as well as the Executive Chef of The Corner Door in Culver City. On Sunday, May 15th he’s part of the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Hollywood Farmers Market.

Congratulations to native Angeleno, Chef Dahlia Narvaez, the Executive Pastry Chef of both Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza in Hollywood. Chef Dahlia was presented with the 2016 James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef in Chicago at Lyric Opera on May 2nd. She is our special guest.

From the founder of AmazingRibs.com (Meathead Goldwyn), the hugely popular grilling and barbecue website known for applying the latest scientific research to America’s favorite form of cooking, comes MEATHEAD : The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling. Meathead is known as the barbecue whisperer and joins us.

There is a new way to experience America’s Riviera, Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Car Free Project invites visitors to show their Amtrak train tickets and enjoy car free fun (with special discounts) in Santa Barbara. Laura Kath with Santa Barbara Car Free provides us with all the needed 411.

Shrimp is one of the most popular varieties of seafood enjoyed in America. What should you know about sourcing, cooking and enjoying this delicious crustacean ? Does size matter ? Fresh or frozen ? Wild caught or farm raised? Should you pay attention to where the shrimp comes from ? Our own resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel, joins us with all the specifics. It’s a peel-and-eat feast.

The Better Burger Battle is heating up again with the arrival of Fullerton’s favorite, The Burger Parlor, in Old Towne Orange. You have a serious fine dining chef creating premium burgers and loving it. They even make their own ice cream for the milk shakes. Burger-meister and Chef Joseph Mahon is with us with all the juicy details.

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

Brendan CollinsAt the age of 15, Chef Brendan Collins quit secondary school to follow his dream and enroll in culinary school, where he was classically trained in French technique. By 17, the talented Nottingham native had his first job at London’s La Gavroche, a Michelin two-star restaurant.

Today Collins is the Executive Chef and Proprietor of both Birch in Hollywood as well as the Executive Chef of The Corner Door in Culver City. On Sunday, May 15th he’s part of the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Hollywood Farmers Market.

Chef Collins is performing a cooking demonstration on the Cooking Stage at 12 Noon with a recipe from his new book, Cooking Blokes & Artichokes with a prior book-signing at 10:30 a.m.

The Hollywood Farmers Market and the parent non-profit, SEE-LA, are celebrating 25 successful years of providing the Los Angeles community with sustainable and fresh produce with special market events each Sunday in May. The Sunday event series for the balance of May features cookbook signings and demonstrations by a few of Los Angeles’ most celebrated chefs and cookbook authors

Dahlia Narvaez at the James Beard AwardsCongratulations to native Angeleno, Chef Dahlia Narvaez, the Executive Pastry Chef of both Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza in Hollywood. Chef Dahlia was presented with the 2016 James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef in Chicago at Lyric Opera on May 2nd. She is our special guest.

Dahlia Narvaez developed a love for food when cooking for her family after school in Highland Park. Trading the classroom for the kitchen, Narvaez left school for a job at the Conga Room at the age of 22.

Looking to take the next step in her career, Dahlia confidently strode through the doors of La Brea Bakery and asked for a counter job. But she never worked a minute behind the counter, vaulting immediately to the kitchen at Nancy Silverton’s Campanile where, in 2003, she was name Executive Pastry Chef.

Dahlia left Campanile in 2006 to assume the role of Executive Pastry Chef for what was to soon become Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza. Dahlia developed the menus and pastry departments for all of Mozza’s LA restaurants and oversees the department in Newport Beach and Singapore.

As a side project Chef Dahlia also created the distinctive dessert menu at Chef Chris Feldmeier’s Moruno located in the Original Farmers Market at Third & Fairfax. It’s really all in the Family as Chef Dahlia and Chef Chris are married.

Meathead GoldwynFrom the founder of AmazingRibs.com (Meathead Goldwyn), the hugely popular grilling and barbecue website known for applying the latest scientific research to America’s favorite form of cooking, comes MEATHEAD: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling. Meathead is known as the barbecue whisperer and joins us.

Goldwyn first began his food and drink career as a soda jerk in his parents’ Sarasota restaurant where is father affectionately nicknamed him Meathead. In MEATHEAD, he reveals in full but accessible detail, the science behind the interaction of fire and food, with foolproof techniques, researched results on hardware, and 118 mouthwateringly, satisfying, and thoroughly tested recipes.

After consulting with scientists, Meathead shatters many of the myths that hang around barbecue lore, oftentimes standing in the way of perfection.

“Remember, almost anything you can cook indoors can be cooked outdoors, only better,” Meathead writes. “All it takes is the four P’s: practice, patience, persistence, and a knowledge of key cooking principles.”

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingThere is a new, au courant way to experience America’s Riviera, Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Car Free Project invites visitors to show their Amtrak train tickets and enjoy car free fun (with special discounts) in Santa Barbara. Laura Kath with Santa Barbara Car Free joins us with all the needed 411.

“Start your vacation when you get on the train! Relax on your trip to Santa Barbara, then show your Amtrak ticket to our partners for some amazing experiences.”

Through December 31, 2016, travelers to Santa Barbara can show their Amtrak tickets (paper, e-ticket, or mobile device) to the following attractions and activities for specials and experiences: Adventure Company of Santa Barbara (kayaking & surf lessons), Captain Jack’s Tours & Events (wine tasting or horseback riding), Celebration Cruises (Lil Toot & Azure Seas sailing), CONDOR Express (whale watching), I Bike Santa Barbara (cycling wine tours), Pali Wine Company, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, Santa Barbara Trolley Company, Santa Barbara Zoo, Segway of Santa Barbara, Sunset Kidd Sailing Cruises and Wheel Fun Rentals (bikes).

Santa Barbara Car Free is an award-winning project founded and led by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District with more than 100 community partners who are dedicated to making car free vacations care-free.

Andrew Gruel and his son WilliamShrimp is one of the most popular varieties of seafood enjoyed in America. What should you know about sourcing, cooking and enjoying this delicious crustacean? Does size matter? Fresh or frozen? Wild caught or farm raised? Should you pay close attention to where the shrimp comes from? Are there any food safety concerns to be aware of about consuming shrimp?

Our own resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel, joins us with all the specifics. It’s a veritable peel-and-eat feast.

Joseph MahonThe Better Burger Battle is heating up again with the arrival of Fullerton’s favorite, The Burger Parlor in Old Towne Orange. You have a serious fine dining chef creating premium burgers and loving it. They even make their own homemade ketchup and ice cream for the milk shakes. Burger-meister and Chef Joseph Mahon is with us with all the juicy details.

“Often times, when customers order a hamburger in a fine-dining establishment, they wind up disappointed. Either the patty blend isn’t right or the burger lacks a sauce or the whole dish is too precious.”

“Not so with Joseph Mahon. When the fine-dining veteran introduced his hamburger at the posh Bastide in West Hollywood, the reception was so overwhelmingly positive, Mahon started penciling out his own burger business.”

The result is The Burger Parlor in Fullerton and now, Old Towne Orange.

“Initially, Chef Mahon plied his sandwiches through food trucks and then a pop-up venue. “The first six months was a laboratory, improving consistency and getting guest feedback,” he reminisces. But changes in his personal life required a permanent address. “My daughter was on the way,” Mahon reveals, adding, “I stopped seeking out the next trend – I could chase that for 25 years.” He began to ask himself, “What’s more stable?”

“The answer was Burger Parlor, a location just around the corner from the pop-up site in Fullerton.”

“No matter what the burger combination, Mahon insists, “let the meat shine. Everything else is second, third or fourth.”

Chef Mahon generously shares his recipe for the Kali Burger on Pages 148 – 149 in West Coast Prime Meats Cooks – Professional Recipes For The Home Kitchen.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Owner / Executive Chef Brendan Collins of Birch, Larry’s and The Corner Door
Segment Three: Executive Pastry Chef Dahlia Narvaez, Osteria Mozza & Pizzeria Mozza
Segment Four: Meathead Goldwyn of AmazingRibs.com
Segment Five: Santa Barbara Car Free with Laura Kath
Segment Six: Chef Andrew Gruel with Shrimp 411
Segment Seven: Chef Joseph Mahon, The Burger Parlor, Fullerton & Old Towne Orange Part One
Segment Eight: Chef Joseph Mahon, The Burger Parlor, Fullerton & Old Towne Orange Part Two

Show 96, November 8, 2014: Show Preview with Producer Andy Harris

Andy Harris at the KLAA StudiosProducer and occasional Co-Host Andy Harris is going solo in the host chair this morning. Now a preview of today’s full show…

Two weeks ago we introduced you to the ment’or BKB Foundation (previously known as The Bocuse d’Or USA Foundation) and their Executive Director, Young Yun. The mission of the nonprofit Foundation is to inspire culinary excellence in young professionals and to preserve the traditions and quality of classic cuisine in America. They also mentor and support Team USA’s participation in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or competition staged every other year in Lyon, France.

This morning we have the winner of the Ment’or Young Chef Competition held in Beverly Hills at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro as well as Chef Timothy Hollingsworth who was Team USA in the 2009 Bocuse d’Or.

The Ventura Limoncello Co. was founded in 2007 by James Carling and Manuela Zaretti-Carling. Our mission is to be the premier producer of limoncello liqueurs in the United States. We use the recipe handed down to Manuela from her Nonna in Italy. Ventura California is home to some of the most amazing lemons in the world and their peels make a world class Limoncello.” James Carling joins us this morning.

Take a full weekend culinary journey at La Quinta Resort & Spa in La Quinta with James Beard Award-Winning Chef Jimmy Schmidt of Morgan’s in The Desert from November 21st to 23rd benefiting The James Beard Foundation. It’s a multi-event weekend highlighted by a gala dinner in Morgan’s in the desert exquisitely paired with boutique California wines. Guest Chef Larry Forgione (who was mentored by James Beard) will participate in the dinner. Chef Jimmy Schmidt has all the details.

Orange County has been a hotbed of support for the craft cocktail movement for a few years now. Only recently has it offered its community and bartenders a place to find the highest quality bar tools found nowhere else in the OC, bitters, vintage glassware and classes taught by leaders in the craft cocktail movement. With the opening last year of Gabrielle Dion’s The Mixing Glass at the OC Mix at SoCo that pressing need has been answered all in one location. Gabrielle is the mastermind behind some of the most innovative and buzzed about cocktails in Orange County. The Mixing Glass offers the needed tools and education to make superb craft cocktails at home and for the trade.

The “SoCal Restaurant Show” was on assignment in Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley this past week. One of standout restaurants in the area, and it’s tasteful and elegant, is Root 246 in Solvang. The menu has been totally redone in the last year under the direction of newly arrived Chef Seth Nelson. It’s craft based American food utilizing as much of the local bounty as possible. Even the desserts are something special without being fussy. They make their own flavored vinegars. We’ll talk with Chef Seth.

As always there are a lot of major new Fall restaurant openings in Las Vegas both on, and off, The Strip. Our inside man in Las Vegas, Brock Radke, the Food Editor of Las Vegas Weekly is back with us to bring us up-to-date.

As we discovered earlier in the week there is a lot more to Solvang than the quaint and charming recreation of a period Danish village with multiple windmills. In addition to art, history and culture there is premium wine and a variety of standout baked goods. Food and travel writer Laura Kath, a long-time resident of the area, joins us with the intriguing overview of the area and its many varied attractions. Laura is the editor-in-chief of the annual Solvang and Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Guide. Laura is also the author of San Ysidro Ranch: A Century of Legendary Hospitality.

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

Show 96, November 8, 2014: Laura Kath, travel journalist, Santa Ynez Valley

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingAs we discovered earlier in the week there is a lot more to Solvang (“California’s Little Denmark”) than the quaint and charming recreation of a period Danish village with multiple windmills. There is a great background story there too, going back to 1947, about how that historic “look” all came about. Actually three Danish-American families founded Solvang in 1911.

In addition to art, history and culture there is premium wine and a variety of standout baked goods. Intertwined in the rich history of the area are the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, the Spanish Missionaries, and the Danes.

A wonderful extra in Solvang is hassle-free street & lot parking. No annoying parking meters or fee valet parking anywhere. It’s all free.

Food and travel writer Laura Kath, a long-time resident of the area, joins us with the intriguing overview of the area and it’s many varied attractions for all age groups and tastes. Laura is the editor-in-chief of the annual Solvang and Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Guide. Laura is also the author of San Ysidro Ranch: A Century of Legendary Hospitality.

November 8: ment’or BKB, Ventura Limoncello, Jimmy Schmidt, Gabrielle Dion, Seth Nelson, Brock Radke, Laura Kath

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Mentor BKB Foundation’s Young Chefs Competition
Segment Three: Ventura Limoncello Co.
Segment Four: Chef Jimmy Schmidt and Morgan’s in the Desert
Segment Five: The Mixing Glass
Segment Six: Chef Seth Nelson, Root 246, Solvang
Segment Seven: Brock Radke, Food Editor – Las Vegas Weekly
Segment Eight: Laura Kath, travel journalist, Santa Ynez Valley

Andy Harris at the KLAA StudiosProducer and occasional Co-Host Andy Harris is going solo in the host chair this morning. Now a preview of today’s full show…

Two weeks ago we introduced you to the ment’or BKB Foundation (previously known as The Bocuse d’Or USA Foundation) and their Executive Director, Young Yun. The mission of the nonprofit Foundation is to inspire culinary excellence in young professionals and to preserve the traditions and quality of classic cuisine in America. They also mentor and support Team USA’s participation in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or competition staged every other year in Lyon, France.

This morning we have the winner of the Ment’or Young Chef Competition held in Beverly Hills at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro as well as Chef Timothy Hollingsworth who was Team USA in the 2009 Bocuse d’Or.

The Ventura Limoncello Co. was founded in 2007 by James Carling and Manuela Zaretti-Carling. Our mission is to be the premier producer of limoncello liqueurs in the United States. We use the recipe handed down to Manuela from her Nonna in Italy. Ventura California is home to some of the most amazing lemons in the world and their peels make a world class Limoncello.” James Carling joins us this morning.

Take a full weekend culinary journey at La Quinta Resort & Spa in La Quinta with James Beard Award-Winning Chef Jimmy Schmidt of Morgan’s in The Desert from November 21st to 23rd benefiting The James Beard Foundation. It’s a multi-event weekend highlighted by a gala dinner in Morgan’s in the desert exquisitely paired with boutique California wines. Guest Chef Larry Forgione (who was mentored by James Beard) will participate in the dinner. Chef Jimmy Schmidt has all the details.

Orange County has been a hotbed of support for the craft cocktail movement for a few years now. Only recently has it offered its community and bartenders a place to find the highest quality bar tools found nowhere else in the OC, bitters, vintage glassware and classes taught by leaders in the craft cocktail movement. With the opening last year of Gabrielle Dion’s The Mixing Glass at the OC Mix at SoCo that pressing need has been answered all in one location. Gabrielle is the mastermind behind some of the most innovative and buzzed about cocktails in Orange County. The Mixing Glass offers the needed tools and education to make superb craft cocktails at home and for the trade.

The “SoCal Restaurant Show” was on assignment in Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley this past week. One of standout restaurants in the area, and it’s tasteful and elegant, is Root 246 in Solvang. The menu has been totally redone in the last year under the direction of newly arrived Chef Seth Nelson. It’s craft based American food utilizing as much of the local bounty as possible. Even the desserts are something special without being fussy. They make their own flavored vinegars. We’ll talk with Chef Seth.

As always there are a lot of major new Fall restaurant openings in Las Vegas both on, and off, The Strip. Our inside man in Las Vegas, Brock Radke, the Food Editor of Las Vegas Weekly is back with us to bring us up-to-date.

As we discovered earlier in the week there is a lot more to Solvang than the quaint and charming recreation of a period Danish village with multiple windmills. In addition to art, history and culture there is premium wine and a variety of standout baked goods. Food and travel writer Laura Kath, a long-time resident of the area, joins us with the intriguing overview of the area and its many varied attractions. Laura is the editor-in-chief of the annual Solvang and Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Guide. Laura is also the author of San Ysidro Ranch : A Century of Legendary Hospitality.

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

Mentor KBK Young Chef Competition winner Lyn Wells with Thomas KellerTwo weeks ago we introduced you to the ment’or BKB Foundation (previously known as The Bocuse d’Or USA Foundation) and their Executive Director, Young Yun. The mission of the nonprofit Foundation is to inspire culinary excellence in young professionals and to preserve the traditions and quality of classic cuisine in America. The founders are Chefs Jerome Bocuse (Paul’s son,) Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller.

They also mentor and support Team USA’s participation in the Bocuse d’Or competition staged every other year in Lyon, France. The Bocuse d’Or is considered to be the world’s most prestigious and rigorous cooking competition. The standards and traditions set by Bocuse d’Or have served as a model for ment’or BKB in building their Young Chef Competitions.

Lyn WellsThis morning we have the winner of the Ment’or Young Chef Competition, Lyn Wells of Canyon Park Café, held recently in Beverly Hills at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro as well as Chef Timothy Hollingsworth who was Team USA in the 2009 Bocuse d’Or. Timothy will be the executive chef and partner of the ambitious restaurant that will open next Fall as part of The Broad contemporary art museum located on Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles.

James Carling of Ventura Limoncello CompanyThe Ventura Limoncello Co. was founded in 2007 by James Carling and Manuela Zaretti-Carling. Our mission is to be the premier producer of limoncello liqueurs in the United States. We use the recipe handed down to Manuela from her Nonna in Italy. Ventura California is home to some of the most amazing lemons in the world and their peels make a world class Limoncello.”

“Ventura Limoncello celebrates the rich tradition of Italy while embracing the adventurous style of Californians. Like all things Italian, Ventura Limoncello radiates passion and pleasure. We are pleased to now offer three award-winning, artisan, handcrafted liqueurs : Ventura Limoncello Originale, Ventura Limonmcello Crema and Ventura Orangecello Blood Orange.”

“Our tantalizing, all-natural limoncello infusions bring together our generation-honed recipe with locally grown fruit. We use only carefully selected lemon varietals, grown in the protected valleys and rolling hills of Ventura County.”

James Carling joins us this morning.

Jimmy SchmidtTake a full weekend culinary journey at La Quinta Resort & Spa in La Quinta with James Beard Award-Winning Chef Jimmy Schmidt of Morgan’s in The Desert from November 21st to 23rd benefiting The James Beard Foundation. It’s a multi-event weekend of celebration highlighted by a gala dinner in Morgan’s in the desert exquisitely paired with boutique California wines. Guest Chef Larry Forgione (who was mentored by James Beard) will participate in the dinner.

Friday evening, November 21st is the decadent kick-off to the festive weekend with a farmers market reception at La Quinta Resort’s palm tree grove at Morgan House, celebrating the roots of Morgan’s in the Desert.

Saturday evening brings a spectacular gala featuring a 5-course dinner prepared by James Beard Award-winning Chef Jimmy Schmidt and his special guest chef, Larry Forgione.

This impressive culinary celebration concludes with a remarkable Sunday Brunch including a one-hour Q&A with Chef Schmidt regarding the future of food in Americas.

Gabrielle Dion of the Mixing GlassOrange County has been a hotbed of support for the craft cocktail movement for a few years now. Only recently has it offered its community and bartenders a place to find the highest quality bar tools found nowhere else in the OC, bitters, vintage glassware and classes taught by leaders in the craft cocktail movement. With the opening last year of Gabrielle Dion’s The Mixing Glass at the OC Mix at SoCo that pressing need has been answered, all under one roof.

Gabrielle is the mastermind behind some of the most innovative and buzzed about cocktails in Orange County. The Mixing Glass offers the needed tools and education to make superb craft cocktails at home and for the trade.

The Mixing Glass also hosts regular classes ranging from how to make homemade ingredients for cocktails, as well as bar mechanics, and Mixology 101. Look for Holiday Cocktails 101 on Thursday, November 20th from 7 to 9:00 p.m.

Seth NelsonThe “SoCal Restaurant Show” was on assignment in Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley this past week. One of standout restaurants in the area, and it’s tasteful and elegant, is Root 246 in Solvang. The menu has been totally redone in the last year under the direction of newly arrived Chef Seth Nelson.

It’s craft based American food utilizing as much of the local bounty as possible. Even the desserts are something special without being fussy. They make their own flavored vinegars. There is an intimate 4-seat chef’s table right in the kitchen.

There is also a serious libation program. Available at Root 246 is one of the most extensive collections of local wines available in the area. They also pride themselves on the whiskey labels and choices for craft beers. It’s a standout cocktail program.

Root 246 is owned by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

We’ll chat with Chef Seth.

Brock Radke of Las Vegas WeeklyAs always there are a lot of major new Fall restaurant openings in Las Vegas both on, and off, The Strip. On The Strip the chatter is about the new Border Grill in The Forum Shops at Caesars and Jose Andres’ restaurants at the SLS Las Vegas. Off The Strip in Summerlin the buzz is about restaurateur Elizabeth Blau’s and Chef Kim Cantweenwalla’s Made LV in Tivoli Village and the Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill.

Our inside man in Las Vegas, Brock Radke, the greatly respected Food Editor of Las Vegas Weekly is back with us to bring us up-to-date on what new spots are worth spending your dining dollars on.

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingAs we discovered earlier in the week there is a lot more to Solvang than the quaint and charming recreation of a period Danish village with multiple windmills. In addition to art, history and culture there is premium wine and a variety of standout baked goods. Intertwined in the rich history of the area are the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, the Spanish Missionaries, and the Danes.

Food and travel writer Laura Kath, a long-time resident of the area, joins us with the intriguing overview of the area and it’s many varied attractions. Laura is the editor-in-chief of the annual Solvang and Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Guide. Laura is also the author of San Ysidro Ranch: A Century of Legendary Hospitality.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Producer Andy Harris
Segment Two: Mentor BKB Foundation’s Young Chefs Competition
Segment Three: Ventura Limoncello Co.
Segment Four: Chef Jimmy Schmidt and Morgan’s in the Desert
Segment Five: The Mixing Glass
Segment Six: Chef Seth Nelson, Root 246, Solvang
Segment Seven: Brock Radke, Food Editor – Las Vegas Weekly
Segment Eight: Laura Kath, travel journalist, Santa Ynez Valley