Show 402, December 5, 2020: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Time for a generous serving of Holiday Cheer. …We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

“Dubbed “The Stir-Fry Guru” by the New York Times, Grace Young has devoted her career to celebrating wok cookery through her cookbooks and videos. On March 15, 2020, she began Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories, an oral history project with videographer Dan Ahn, in collaboration with Poster House, documenting the stories of how Manhattan’s Chinatown has been impacted by COVID-19. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History featured Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories in their 2020 Youth Summit for middle and high school students as an exemplar of how one person is addressing the challenging question of how we choose to strengthen a community in the middle of a pandemic.” Grace Young, a multiple James Beard Award recipient, joins us.

We’re delighted to welcome back accomplished food editor, recipe creator and food stylist, Tara Bench, discussing Holiday cooking.Tara Bench (aka “Tara Teaspoon”) has spent more than twenty years in the food publishing industry creating recipes and articles, and food styling for various magazines, books, television, and advertising.  Working as a food editor at Martha Stewart Living, and as the food and entertaining director of Ladies’ Home Journal, she knows how to write recipes for beginners as well as real foodies. Her philosophy is that anyone can cook and enjoy their time in the kitchen, and in her first cookbook, Live Life Deliciously – Recipes for Busy Weekdays & Leisurely Weekends, she proves it.” We’re back in the kitchen cooking with Tara Bench.

Connie and Ted’s in West Hollywood is inspired by the real Connie & Ted (the grandparents of Chef & Proprietor Michael Cimarusti,) their love for family, and the good times they spent together fishing off the shores of New England. At Connie and Ted’s you’ll find simply prepared fish and shellfish, inspired by the classic clam shacks, oyster bars, and fish houses, that dot the New England Seaboard and the West Coast. General Manager Matthew DeMarte has been there since the beginning. We’ll reel him in to explain how Connie & Ted’s is now hospitably serving their guests with takeaway.

Rob Lewis is the proprietor of both Lewis Station Winery and Stable Rock Winery & Distillery in Wisconsin. He started as an accomplished  home winemaker. “Lewis Station Winery is one of Wisconsin’s unique premium urban wineries in a re-purposed gas station. They specialize in small-batch, hand crafted premium award-winning wines using a low sulfite, natural approach to wine making.  “Stable Rock Winery & Distillery is a brand new winery & distillery located in a historic stable, on the banks of the Rock River in Jefferson, Wisconsin. Stable Rock has several German influences with it’s wines and food all while guests sit at authentic German Beer Garden tables. Winemaker Rob Lewis joins us to pull the cork on the specifics of home winemaking.

“Those who want to support small businesses and get great, high-quality artisan-made food to take home, will enjoy the continuing Artisan Pop-Up, every Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at OC Baking Company (1960 N. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92865). Guests can pick up with the convenience of one-stop shopping delicious fresh-baked breads from OC Baking Company; heart-warming curries from ADYA; and croissants, pastries and quiche from Crema Artisan Bakery. Other gourmet food items available, too, from local, artisan small purveyors. Artisans and offerings vary every Friday.” Many of the purveyors are cash only. Be prepared.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants which is a genuine (and growing) concern. New restrictions for restaurants are now in effect for all of Southern California as we approach the all-important Holiday dining season. Our thoughts now turn to festive Holiday entertaining at home. Chef Andrew presented his recipe for Lobster Pot Pie (guaranteed comfort food) on the Hallmark Channel’s “Home & Family” show this week. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness (with proper Social Distancing) on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 402, December 5, 2020: Tara Bench – Food Editor, Recipe Developer and Food Stylist with Live Life Deliciously

Tara BenchWe’re delighted to welcome back food editor and recipe creator Tara Bench discussing Holiday cooking. “Tara Bench (aka “Tara Teaspoon”) has spent more than twenty years in the food publishing industry creating recipes and articles, and food styling for various magazines, books, television, and advertising. Working as a food editor at Martha Stewart Living, and as the food and entertaining director of Ladies’ Home Journal, she knows how to write recipes for beginners as well as real foodies. Her philosophy is that anyone can cook and enjoy their time in the kitchen, and in her first cookbook, Live Life Deliciously – Recipes for Busy Weekdays & Leisurely Weekends, she proves it.”

“Whether you’re a casual cook or a die-hard, classically-trained chef, you’ll have complete success on each and every recipe. She sets you up with flavor descriptions and tips and tricks (including an entire section on kitchen equipment, her favorite tools, and why they are so important).”

“Each chapter is from the heart and inspired by Tara’s family heritage and experiences eating at the best restaurants and tastiest dives in New York City. Create wonderful memories through food you can share with the people who love and inspire you.”

Tara will share some of her Holiday favorite recipes that are enjoyed by her own Family. You’ll be tempted with Mandarin and Prosciutto Crostini, and Moroccan Kebabs with Chermoula Sauce.

We’re happily back in the kitchen with Tara Bench.

December 5: Grace Young, Tara Teaspoon, Connie & Ted’s, Lewis Station Winery, OC Baking Company

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Grace Young, James Beard Award-winning Author with “Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories” Part One
Segment Three: Grace Young, James Beard Award-winning Author with “Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories” Part Two
Segment Four: Tara Bench – Food Editor, Recipe Developer and Food Stylist with Live Life Deliciously
Segment Five: Matthew DeMarte, General Manager, Connie & Ted’s, West Hollywood
Segment Six: Rob Lewis, Proprietor, Lewis Station Winery and Stable Rock Winery & Distillery, Wisconsin
Segment Seven: Baker Dean Kim of OC Baking Co. and Chef Shachi Mehra of ADYA
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Time for a generous serving of Holiday Cheer. …We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

“Dubbed “The Stir-Fry Guru” by the New York Times, Grace Young has devoted her career to celebrating wok cookery through her cookbooks and videos. On March 15, 2020, she began Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories, an oral history project with videographer Dan Ahn, in collaboration with Poster House, documenting the stories of how Manhattan’s Chinatown has been impacted by COVID-19. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History featured Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories in their 2020 Youth Summit for middle and high school students as an exemplar of how one person is addressing the challenging question of how we choose to strengthen a community in the middle of a pandemic.” Grace Young, a James Beard Award recipient, joins us.

We’re delighted to welcome back food editor and recipe creator, Tara Bench, discussing Holiday cooking. “Tara Bench (aka “Tara Teaspoon”) has spent more than twenty years in the food publishing industry creating recipes and articles, and food styling for various magazines, books, television, and advertising.  Working as a food editor at Martha Stewart Living, and as the food and entertaining director of Ladies’ Home Journal, she knows how to write recipes for beginners as well as real foodies. Her philosophy is that anyone can cook and enjoy their time in the kitchen, and in her first cookbook, Live Life Deliciously – Recipes for Busy Weekdays & Leisurely Weekends, she proves it.” We’re back in the kitchen cooking with Tara Bench.

Connie and Ted’s in West Hollywood is inspired by the real Connie & Ted (the grandparents of Chef Michael Cimarusti,) their love for family, and the good times they spent together fishing off the shores of New England. At Connie and Ted’s you’ll find simply prepared fish and shellfish, inspired by the classic clam shacks, oyster bars, and fish houses, that dot the New England Seaboard and the West Coast. General Manager Matthew DeMarte has been there since the beginning. We’ll reel him in to explain how Connie & Ted’s is still hospitably serving their guests with takeaway.

Rob Lewis is the proprietor of both Lewis Station Winery and Stable Rock Winery & Distillery in Wisconsin. He started as an accomplished home winemaker. “Lewis Station Winery is one of Wisconsin’s unique premium urban wineries in a re-purposed gas station. They specialize in small-batch, hand crafted premium award-winning wines using a low sulfite, natural approach to wine making.  “Stable Rock Winery & Distillery is a brand new winery & distillery located in a historic stable, on the banks of the Rock River in Jefferson, Wisconsin. Stable Rock has several German influences with it’s wines and food all while guests sit at authentic German Beer Garden tables. Winemaker Rob Lewis joins us to pull the cork on the specifics of home winemaking.

“Those who want to support small businesses and get great, high-quality artisan-made food to take home, will enjoy the continuing Artisan Pop-Up, every Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at OC Baking Company (1960 N. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92865). Guests can pick up with the convenience of one-stop shopping delicious fresh-baked breads from OC Baking Company; heart-warming curries from ADYA; and croissants, pastries and quiche from Crema Artisan Bakery. Other gourmet food items available, too, from local, artisan small purveyors. Artisans and offerings vary every Friday.” Cash only.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants which is a genuine (and growing) concern. Our thoughts now turn to festive Holiday entertaining. What’s better on than a Lobster Pot Pie? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness (with proper Social Distancing) on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Stir Fry Queen Grace Young“Dubbed “The Stir-Fry Guru” by the New York Times, Grace Young has devoted her career to celebrating wok cookery through her cookbooks and videos. On March 15, 2020, she began Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories, an oral history project with videographer Dan Ahn, in collaboration with Poster House, documenting the stories of how Manhattan’s Chinatown has been impacted by COVID-19. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History featured Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories in their 2020 Youth Summit for middle and high school students as an exemplar of how one person is addressing the challenging question of how we choose to strengthen a community in the middle of a pandemic.”

Grace Young has partnered with the James Beard Foundation on an Instagram campaign to support Chinese restaurants all across the country. All independent restaurants are in danger of closing, and Chinese Americans have faced additional hardship as racism connected to COVID-19 rhetoric has threatened businesses even further.

“Help spread the word that Chinese restaurants are integral to America’s food culture and need our support now.”

How to participate:

  • Post a photo of your favorite dish from your local Chinese restaurant (takeout or dine-in) on Instagram with the hashtag #SaveChineseRestaurants and nominate your friends and followers to do the same.
  • Tag @beardfoundation and The James Beard Foundation will repost some of their favorites.

“In New York and San Francisco’s Chinatowns, the pandemic wiped out a steady customer base of both tourism and walk-in traffic from office workers. Now facing back rent and mounting bills, and with the onset of cold weather and limited indoor dining, barely surviving establishments are hanging on by sheer grit. We urgently need the #SaveChineseRestaurants campaign, launched together with the James Beard Foundation, which asks each of us—including family and friends—to support these restaurants just by showing up, either for takeout or dining in. This is a crisis and without steady patronage, these businesses will not survive. I truly believe if we all pitch in we can save these eateries and treasured ethnic neighborhoods everywhere.” — Grace Young

Grace is on a mission to spread the word that Chinese restaurants are integral to America’s food culture and need our support right now. She is our guest.

Tara BenchWe’re delighted to welcome back food editor and recipe creator Tara Bench discussing Holiday cooking. “Tara Bench (aka “Tara Teaspoon”) has spent more than twenty years in the food publishing industry creating recipes and articles, and food styling for various magazines, books, television, and advertising.  Working as a food editor at Martha Stewart Living, and as the food and entertaining director of Ladies’ Home Journal, she knows how to write recipes for beginners as well as real foodies. Her philosophy is that anyone can cook and enjoy their time in the kitchen, and in her first cookbook, Live Life Deliciously – Recipes for Busy Weekdays & Leisurely Weekends, she proves it.”

“Whether you’re a casual cook or a die-hard, classically-trained chef, you’ll have complete success on each and every recipe. She sets you up with flavor descriptions and tips and tricks (including an entire section on kitchen equipment, her favorite tools, and why they are so important).”

“Each chapter is from the heart and inspired by Tara’s family heritage and experiences eating at the best restaurants and tastiest dives in New York City. Create wonderful memories through food you can share with the people who love and inspire you.”

Tara will share some of her Holiday favorite recipes that are enjoyed by her own Family. You’ll be tempted with Mandarin and Prosciutto Crostini, and Moroccan Kebabs with Chermoula Sauce.

We’re happily back in the kitchen with Tara Bench.

Matthew de Marte wearing a mask at Connie and Ted'sConnie and Ted’s in West Hollywood is inspired by the real Connie & Ted (the grandparents of Chef Michael Cimarusti,) their love for family, and the good times they spent together fishing off the shores of New England. At Connie and Ted’s you’ll find simply prepared fish and shellfish, inspired by the classic clam shacks, oyster bars, and fish houses, that dot the New England Seaboard and the West Coast.

General Manager Matthew DeMarte has been there since the beginning. We reel him in to explain how Connie & Ted’s is still hospitably serving their guests with takeaway.

Rob Lewis of Lewis Station WineryRob Lewis is the proprietor of both Lewis Station Winery and Stable Rock Winery & Distillery in Wisconsin. He started as an accomplished home winemaker.

“Lewis Station Winery is one of Wisconsin’s unique premium urban wineries in a re-purposed gas station. They specialize in small-batch, hand crafted premium award-winning wines using a low sulfite, natural approach to wine making. Lewis Station also have a large variety of Wisconsin craft beers and an appealing bistro style food menu. They offer “tasting flights” to enjoy the wines of Wisconsin’s First Certified Craft Winery.”

Stable Rock Winery & Distillery is a brand new winery & distillery located in a historic stable, on the banks of the Rock River in Jefferson, Wisconsin. Considering Jefferson’s rich German history, Stable Rock has several German influences with it’s wines and food all while guests sit at authentic German Beer Garden tables and benches obtained directly from Munich, Germany.”

All of Stable Rock’s unique wines and spirits are bottled on site.

Winemaker Rob Lewis joins us to pull the cork on the intriguing specifics of home winemaking.

Dean Kim of the OC Baking Company“Those who want to support small businesses and get great, high-quality artisan-made food to take home, will enjoy the continuing Artisan Pop-Up, every Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at OC Baking Company (1960 N. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92865). Guests can pick up with the convenience of one-stop shopping delicious fresh-baked breads from OC Baking Company; heart-warming curries from ADYA; and croissants, pastries and quiche from Crema Artisan Bakery. Other gourmet food items available, too, from local, artisan small purveyors. Artisans and offerings vary every Friday.” Cash only.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant GroupOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants which is a genuine (and growing) concern.

Our thoughts now turn to festive Holiday entertaining at home. Chef Andrew presented his recipe for Lobster Pot Pie (guaranteed comfort food) on the Hallmark Channel’s “Home & Family” show this week. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Grace Young, James Beard Award-winning Author with “Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories” Part One
Segment Three: Grace Young, James Beard Award-winning Author with “Coronavirus: Chinatown Stories” Part Two
Segment Four: Tara Bench – Food Editor, Recipe Developer and Food Stylist with Live Life Deliciously
Segment Five: Matthew DeMarte, General Manager, Connie & Ted’s, West Hollywood
Segment Six: Rob Lewis, Proprietor, Lewis Station Winery and Stable Rock Winery & Distillery, Wisconsin
Segment Seven: Baker Dean Kim of OC Baking Co. and Chef Shachi Mehra of ADYA
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Show 395, October 17, 2020: Tara Bench with Live Life Deliciously – Recipes for Busy Weekdays & Leisurely Weekends

Tara BenchTara Bench (aka “Tara Teaspoon”) has spent more than twenty years in the food publishing industry creating recipes and articles, and food styling for various magazines, books, television, and advertising. Working as a food editor at Martha Stewart Living, and as the food and entertaining director of Ladies’ Home Journal, she knows how to write recipes for beginners as well as real foodies. Her philosophy is that anyone can cook and enjoy their time in the kitchen, and in her first cookbook, Live Life Deliciously – Recipes for Busy Weekdays & Leisurely Weekends, she proves it.”

“Whether you’re a casual cook or a die-hard, classically-trained chef, you’ll have complete success on each and every recipe. She sets you up with flavor descriptions and tips and tricks (including an entire section on kitchen equipment, her favorite tools, and why they are so important).”

“Each chapter is from the heart and inspired by Tara’s family heritage and experiences eating at the best restaurants and tastiest dives in New York City. Create wonderful memories through food you can share with the people who love and inspire you.”

Who doesn’t appreciate an incredible dessert? The biggest chapter in Live Life Deliciously is promisingly, “Sweets to Share.” For the beginning home cook Tara suggests her recipe for Soft Gingersnaps with Sweet Orange Cream Cheese. It has become a Family classic for her and “deliciously good.”

We’re in the kitchen with Tara Bench.