Show 439, August 21, 2021: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

Anne Marie Panoringan is Voice of OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. Anne Marie joins us talking about dining, and using the ordering Apps, at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. Sometimes it’s a bit cumbersome when you’re really hungry. As an alternative Anne Marie suggests some tasty options (outside of The Disneyland Resort) that are within walking distance as well as some worthy other dining possibilities a short drive away. We’ll also hear about Chef’s Counters in restaurants as a new attraction for dining theater. We’ll get a tantalizing preview of Anne Marie’s next Voice of OC column which publishes on Thursday, August 26th. She explores the rapidly rising costs across the board restaurants are now experiencing which has necessitated menu price increases.

Spicy Sugar, a neighborhood favorite Thai dining destination located in the Alamitos Beach area of Long Beach, is open Tuesday through Sunday for in-person dining with lunch offered from 11a.m. to 3p.m. and dinner served 4 to 11p.m.  Guests can also order take-out and delivery.” “Located in an unassuming storefront on Broadway Avenue, Chef/Owner Sugar Sungkamee and her staff offer an array of authentic Thai dishes made with fresh ingredients from family recipes that her father, the legendary Chef Suthiporn “Tui” Sungkamee (Jitlada,) brought with him when he immigrated to the United States.” Chef/Owner Sugar Sungkamee is our guest with a bowl of Pineapple Fried Rice at the ready.

“After falling in love with the Santa Ynez Valley, Ron and Nancy Piazza looked for a place to retreat from the city and call home for almost 30 years. They longed to have a ranch to share their love of the land with their family and friends. When they found what is now called Bella Vista Vineyard in Ballard Canyon they immediately knew it was home. Living among the vines and with sweeping views of Ballard Canyon, Ron and Nancy decided to begin Piazza Family Wines in 2018.” “As winemaker at Piazza Family Wines, Gretchen Voelcker is responsible for the entire process, from the vineyard to the barrel to the bottle.  With a focus on organic fruit and ingredients, she spends more time in the vineyard than most winemakers.  Her vision is to produce minimal interference wines from her favorite grapes, showcasing the fruit purely and precisely.”

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is continually updating us on the real impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the continued survival of restaurants during the initial, highly fluid stages of the hoped-for recovery. Genuine concerns remain… The Delta variant of the virus is on guests’ minds. How is that concern now impacting the restaurant business? Is the labor shortage in both the front and back of the house mitigating at all? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

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

Show 439, August 21, 2021: Gretchen Voelcker, Winemaker, Piazza Family Wines and Winemaker / Owner Luna Hart Wines Part One

Gretchen Voelcker of Piazza Family Wines

“After falling in love with the Santa Ynez Valley, Ron and Nancy Piazza looked for a place to retreat from the city and call home for almost 30 years. They longed to have a ranch to share their love of the land with their family and friends.”

“When they found what is now called Bella Vista Vineyard in Ballard Canyon they immediately knew it was home. Living among the vines and with sweeping views of Ballard Canyon, Ron and Nancy decided to begin Piazza Family Wines in 2018. With the production facility just a short walk down a well-trodden dirt path they hand crafted the first vintage from their estate.”

Winemaker, Gretchen Voelcker (also Winemaker for her own label, Luna Hart Wines,) knows the importance of the vines and spends the entirety of the year working with esteemed Vineyard Manager, Ruben Solerzano to grow grapes that allow for natural wines to be made using minimal intervention.

“The Piazza’s officially launched the brand in November of 2020 with a range of six wines from their Bella Vista estate vineyard in Ballard Canyon and their sister vineyard Mount Carmel in Sta. Rita Hills. They are focused on honest organic farming, natural winemaking and highlighting the land through their wines.”

“The Bella Vista Vineyard is producing Grenache, Syrah, Graciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano and Sangiovese; while the sister vineyard, Mt. Carmel, is producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These wines are stunning and elegant yet racy with true varietal definition.”

“As winemaker at Piazza Family Wines, Gretchen is responsible for the entire process, from the vineyard to the barrel to the bottle. With a focus on organic fruit and ingredients, she spends more time in the vineyard than most winemakers. Her vision is to produce minimal interference wines from her favorite grapes, showcasing the fruit purely and precisely. Inspired by gifted winemakers and driven by her own independent spirit, Gretchen pays strict attention to every detail and focuses on the craft of making wine the natural way.”

Winemaker Gretchen Voelcker pulls the cork on Piazza Family Wines and Luna Hart Wines for us.r us.

Show 439, August 21, 2021: Gretchen Voelcker, Winemaker, Piazza Family Wines and Winemaker / Owner Luna Hart Wines Part Two

Gretchen Voelcker of Piazza Family Wines

“After falling in love with the Santa Ynez Valley, Ron and Nancy Piazza looked for a place to retreat from the city and call home for almost 30 years. They longed to have a ranch to share their love of the land with their family and friends.”

“When they found what is now called Bella Vista Vineyard in Ballard Canyon they immediately knew it was home. Living among the vines and with sweeping views of Ballard Canyon, Ron and Nancy decided to begin Piazza Family Wines in 2018. With the production facility just a short walk down a well-trodden dirt path they hand crafted the first vintage from their estate.”

“The Piazza’s officially launched the brand in November of 2020 with a range of six wines from their Bella Vista estate vineyard in Ballard Canyon and their sister vineyard Mount Carmel in Sta. Rita Hills. They are focused on honest organic farming, natural winemaking and highlighting the land through their wines.”

“The Bella Vista Vineyard is producing Grenache, Syrah, Graciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano and Sangiovese; while the sister vineyard, Mt. Carmel, is producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These wines are stunning and elegant yet racy with true varietal definition.”

“As winemaker at Piazza Family Wines, Gretchen is responsible for the entire process, from the vineyard to the barrel to the bottle. With a focus on organic fruit and ingredients, she spends more time in the vineyard than most winemakers. Her vision is to produce minimal interference wines from her favorite grapes, showcasing the fruit purely and precisely. Inspired by gifted winemakers and driven by her own independent spirit, Gretchen pays strict attention to every detail and focuses on the craft of making wine the natural way.”

“Gretchen also has her own label, Luna Hart Wines, with grapes sourced from her favorite, hand-picked vineyards. It’s a boutique wine company specializing in small batch, handcrafted wines also in the Santa Ynez Valley. Gretchen crafts select wines in which she explores the techniques and nuances that continue to stoke her passion for wine.”

Winemaker Gretchen Voelcker continues with us pulling the corks on both Piazza Family Wines and Luna Hart Wines for us.

August 21: Anne Marie Panoringan, Spicy Sugar, Gretchen Voelcker

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Anne Marie Panoringan “Voice of OC’s” Food Columnist Part One
Segment Three: Anne Marie Panoringan “Voice of OC’s” Food Columnist Part Two
Segment Four: Sugar Sungkamee, Chef / Owner, Spicy Sugar, Alamitos Beach, Long Beach Part One
Segment Five: Sugar Sungkamee, Chef / Owner, Spicy Sugar, Alamitos Beach, Long Beach Part Two
Segment Six: Gretchen Voelcker, Winemaker, Piazza Family Wines and Winemaker / Owner Luna Hart Wines Part One
Segment Seven: Gretchen Voelcker, Winemaker, Piazza Family Wines and Winemaker / Owner Luna Hart Wines Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

Anne Marie Panoringan is Voice of OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. Anne Marie joins us talking about dining, and using the ordering Apps, at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. Sometimes it’s a bit cumbersome when you’re really hungry. As an alternative Anne Marie suggests some tasty options (outside of The Disneyland Resort) that are within walking distance as well as some worthy other dining possibilities a short drive away. We’ll also hear about Chef’s Counters in restaurants as a new attraction for dining theater. We’ll get a tantalizing preview of Anne Marie’s next Voice of OC column which publishes on Thursday, August 26th. She explores the rapidly rising costs across the board restaurants are now experiencing.

“Spicy Sugar, a neighborhood favorite Thai dining destination located in the Alamitos Beach area of Long Beach, is open Tuesday through Sunday for in-person dining with lunch offered from 11a.m. to 3p.m. and dinner served 4 to 11p.m. Guests can also order take-out and delivery.” “Located in an unassuming storefront on Broadway Avenue, Chef/Owner Sugar Sungkamee and her staff offer an array of authentic Thai dishes made with fresh ingredients from family recipes that her father, the legendary Chef Suthiporn “Tui” Sungkamee (Jitlada,) brought with him when he immigrated to the United States.” Chef / Owner Sugar Sungkamee is our guest with a bowl of Pineapple Fried Rice at the ready.

“After falling in love with the Santa Ynez Valley, Ron and Nancy Piazza looked for a place to retreat from the city and call home for almost 30 years. They longed to have a ranch to share their love of the land with their family and friends. When they found what is now called Bella Vista Vineyard in Ballard Canyon they immediately knew it was home. Living among the vines and with sweeping views of Ballard Canyon, Ron and Nancy decided to begin Piazza Family Wines in 2018.” “As winemaker at Piazza Family Wines, Gretchen Voelcker is responsible for the entire process, from the vineyard to the barrel to the bottle. With a focus on organic fruit and ingredients, she spends more time in the vineyard than most winemakers. Her vision is to produce minimal interference wines from her favorite grapes, showcasing the fruit purely and precisely.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is continually updating us on the real impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the continued survival of restaurants during the initial, highly fluid stages of the hoped-for recovery. Genuine concerns remain… The Delta variant of the virus is on guests’ minds. How is that concern now impacting the restaurant business? Is the labor shortage in both the front and back of the house mitigating at all? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

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

Food Journalist Anne Marie Panoringan

Anne Marie Panoringan is Voice of OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. Panoringan’s prior efforts includes writing about food for 8 years at the OC Weekly in which she interviewed more than 330 chefs, restauranteurs and industry professionals for her weekly “On the Line” column.

Anne Marie joins us to talk about dining, and using the ordering Apps, at Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure. Sometimes it’s a bit cumbersome when you’re really hungry. As an alternative Anne Marie suggests some tasty options (outside of The Disneyland Resort) that are within walking distance as well as some worthy other dining possibilities a short drive away. We’ll also hear about Chef’s Counters in restaurants as a new attraction for dining theater.

We’ll get a preview of Anne Marie’s next column which publishes on Thursday, August 26th. She explores the rapidly rising costs across the board restaurants are now experiencing.

Sugar Sungkamee of Spicy Sugar

Spicy Sugar, a neighborhood favorite Thai dining destination located in the Alamitos Beach area of Long Beach, is open Tuesday through Sunday for in-person dining with lunch offered from 11a.m. to 3p.m. and dinner served 4 to 11p.m. Guests can also order take-out and delivery.”

“Located in an unassuming storefront on Broadway Avenue, Chef-owner Sugar Sungkamee and her staff offer an array of authentic Thai dishes made with fresh ingredients from family recipes that her father, the legendary Chef Suthiporn “Tui” Sungkamee (Jitlada,) brought with him when he immigrated to the United States.”

“Like many chefs, my culinary education is not a formal one,” said Sugar. “The skills and techniques I learned in the kitchen are what my dad patiently taught me. From helping me learn to read recipes and measure ingredients to showing me what to look for when selecting fresh seafood and produce – I owe my love and knowledge of food and cooking to him.”

“Among Spicy Sugar’s signature dishes are Tom Kha Soup, galangal coconut soup punctuated with mushrooms and tomatoes; Pineapple Fried Rice prepared with chunks of pineapple, cashews and raisins; and Yellow Curry, featuring roasted curry with coconut cream. Most dishes from the menu can be made vegetarian or vegan. Spicy Sugar also recently started serving Thai Singha Beer and sake.”

Chef / Owner Sugar Sungkamee joins us with a bowl of Pineapple Fried Rice at the ready.

Gretchen Voelcker of Piazza Family Wines

“After falling in love with the Santa Ynez Valley, Ron and Nancy Piazza looked for a place to retreat from the city and call home for almost 30 years. They longed to have a ranch to share their love of the land with their family and friends.”

“When they found what is now called Bella Vista Vineyard in Ballard Canyon they immediately knew it was home. Living among the vines and with sweeping views of Ballard Canyon, Ron and Nancy decided to begin Piazza Family Wines in 2018. With the production facility just a short walk down a well-trodden dirt path they hand crafted the first vintage from their estate.”

Winemaker, Gretchen Voelcker, knows the importance of the vines and spends the entirety of the year working with esteemed Vineyard Manager, Ruben Solerzano to grow grapes that allow for natural wines to be made using minimal intervention.

“The Piazza’s officially launched the brand in November of 2020 with a range of six wines from their Bella Vista estate vineyard in Ballard Canyon and their sister vineyard Mount Carmel in Sta. Rita Hills. They are focused on honest organic farming, natural winemaking and highlighting the land through their wines.”

“The Bella Vista Vineyard is producing Grenache, Syrah, Graciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano and Sangiovese; while the sister vineyard, Mt. Carmel, is producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These wines are stunning and elegant yet racy with true varietal definition.”

“As winemaker at Piazza Family Wines, Gretchen is responsible for the entire process, from the vineyard to the barrel to the bottle. With a focus on organic fruit and ingredients, she spends more time in the vineyard than most winemakers. Her vision is to produce minimal interference wines from her favorite grapes, showcasing the fruit purely and precisely. Inspired by gifted winemakers and driven by her own independent spirit, Gretchen pays strict attention to every detail and focuses on the craft of making wine the natural way.”

“Gretchen also has her own label, Luna Hart Wines, with grapes sourced from her favorite, hand-picked vineyards. It’s a boutique wine company specializing in small batch, handcrafted wines also in the Santa Ynez Valley. Gretchen crafts select wines in which she explores the techniques and nuances that continue to stoke her passion for wine.”

Winemaker Gretchen Voelcker pulls the cork on Piazza Family Wines for us.

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

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is continually updating us on the real impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the continued survival of restaurants during the initial, highly fluid stages of the hoped-for recovery with the new concerns about the Delta variant. Genuine concerns remain…

The Delta variant of the virus is on guests’ minds. How is that new concern now impacting the restaurant business? Is the labor shortage in both the front and back of the house mitigating at all ? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Anne Marie Panoringan “Voice of OC’s” Food Columnist Part One
Segment Three: Anne Marie Panoringan “Voice of OC’s” Food Columnist Part Two
Segment Four: Sugar Sungkamee, Chef / Owner, Spicy Sugar, Alamitos Beach, Long Beach Part One
Segment Five: Sugar Sungkamee, Chef / Owner, Spicy Sugar, Alamitos Beach, Long Beach Part Two
Segment Six: Gretchen Voelcker, Winemaker, Piazza Family Wines and Winemaker / Owner Luna Hart Wines Part One
Segment Seven: Gretchen Voelcker, Winemaker, Piazza Family Wines and Winemaker / Owner Luna Hart Wines Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”