Show 546, October 7, 2023: Peter Priestley, Food and Beverage Director, Discovery Princess

Peter Priestley of Princess Cruises

Peter oversees all the food and beverage on Discovery Princess including the Main Dining Rooms (Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan), World Fresh Market & Bistro, Gigi’s Pizzeria and the specialty restaurants including Crown Grill, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and the soon-to-be The Catch by Rudi.

He’s also responsible for the newly introduced 360 Experience exclusively available on Discovery Princess and Enchanted Princess.

360: An Extraordinary Experience is a journey through sights, sounds, textures, and scents of the Mediterranean.” Guests visit Greece, Italy and France as if they were actually there. “An immersive, destination-inspired seven-course indulgence pared with drinks, adventures and surprises along the way. Exclusively on Discovery Princess® and Enchanted Princess®.” Previously available exclusively to Suite Guests and VIP’s, 360 Experience is now available (by reservation) to all cruise guests. It’s typically scheduled for 2 performances nightly for 20 lucky guests.

Peter Priestley joins us.

Show 502, December 3, 2022: Linda Kissam, Travel Journalist – Preview of Princess Cruises’ “360-An Extraordinary Experience”

Journalist Linda Kissam

Linda Kissam (Arizona and Seattle-based) is the immediate past President of the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), a by-invitation only group of credentialed travel journalists primarily based in North America.

Last month Princess Cruises brought Linda to San Pedro to board their newest ship, Discovery Princess, to preview their new VIP amenity, 360: An Extraordinary Experience. “It’s a new, invitation-only experience from Princess Cruises that transports guests nightly to the Mediterranean – no matter where they’re actually sailing – engaging all of their senses with the tastes, sights, sounds, touches and fragrances of the Mediterranean. The fully-immersive 360: An Extraordinary Experience is the cruise line’s most epic experience ever offered and is now available onboard Discovery Princess and coming to Enchanted Princess in late January.” Among the premium cruise lines Princess has always been known for their innovations in technology enhancing the guest experience aboard luxury cruise ships.

Linda Kissam is our “Cruise Director” to share highlights of 360: An Extraordinary Experience on Discovery Princess.

Show 484, July 23, 2022: Chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, Saffy’s on Fountain & Saffy’s Coffee & Tea Shop, East Hollywood Part One

Executive Chef Ori Menashe and Pastry Chef Genevieve Gergis of Bestia, Beval and Saffy's

Saffy’s on Fountain in East Hollywood is the new creation of Chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis the founders of Bestia and Bavel in The Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles. Ori and Genevieve join us with all the details on Saffy’s on Fountain and the adjacent Saffy’s Coffee & Tea Shop.

“Named after Saffron, Ori and Genevieve’s daughter, Saffy’s embodies her whimsical spirit.”

“Saffy’s transports the guest to another time and place, while still feeling familiar. It’s a Middle Eastern restaurant rooted in traditional flavors and executed using modern techniques. In this intimate space, you’ll be greeted by warm and energetic hospitality, flavors and dishes reminiscent of Middle-Eastern home-style cooking, and unexpected takes on classic desserts.”

“Saffy’s is your neighborhood haunt, the perfect place to walk in for a seat at the bar, grab a coffee or pastry next door, or to celebrate your next big occasion. Next door at the just launched Saffy’s Coffee & Tea Shop you’ll find coffee, tea, house-baked breads, and pastries. Dinner service centers around small plates, various house-made breads, seasonal vegetables, and meats that hit the table straight off of the fire.”

“The heart of Saffy’s lives in the open kitchen. Saffy’s wood fired shawarma rotisserie, wood burning oven, and hearth for grilling add their own unique character to both the food and the space. Framing the kitchen is a sixteen- seat bar, offering vibrant and refreshing cocktails to compliment the food. The wine list features coastal Mediterranean and island wines, focusing on small grower producers committed to healthy agriculture.”

Initial hours for Saffy’s are Dinner on Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. For Saffy’s Coffee & Tea it’s Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“This is Saffy’s place – where you can eat with your hands, drink with your friends, and get into some mischief.”

Show 484, July 23, 2022: Chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, Saffy’s on Fountain & Saffy’s Coffee & Tea Shop, East Hollywood Part Two

Executive Chef Ori Menashe and Pastry Chef Genevieve Gergis of Bestia, Beval and Saffy's

Saffy’s on Fountain in East Hollywood is the new creation of Chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis the founders of Bestia and Bavel in The Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles. Ori and Genevieve continue with us with all the details on Saffy’s on Fountain and the adjacent Saffy’s Coffee & Tea Shop. Watch for expanded hours…

“Named after Saffron, Ori and Genevieve’s daughter, Saffy’s embodies her whimsical spirit.”

“Saffy’s transports the guest to another time and place, while still feeling familiar. It’s a Middle Eastern restaurant rooted in traditional flavors and executed using modern techniques. In this intimate space, you’ll be greeted by warm and energetic hospitality, flavors and dishes reminiscent of Middle-Eastern home-style cooking, and unexpected takes on classic desserts.”

“Saffy’s is your neighborhood haunt, the perfect place to walk in for a seat at the bar, grab a coffee or pastry next door, or to celebrate your next big occasion. Next door at the just launched Saffy’s Coffee & Tea Shop you’ll find coffee, tea, house-baked breads, and pastries. Dinner service centers around small plates, various house-made breads, seasonal vegetables, and meats that hit the table straight off of the fire.”

“The heart of Saffy’s lives in the open kitchen. Saffy’s wood fired shawarma rotisserie, wood burning oven, and hearth for grilling add their own unique character to both the food and the space. Framing the kitchen is a sixteen- seat bar, offering vibrant and refreshing cocktails to compliment the food. The wine list features coastal Mediterranean and island wines, focusing on small grower producers committed to healthy agriculture.”

Initial hours for Saffy’s are Dinner on Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. For Saffy’s Coffee & Tea it’s Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“This is Saffy’s place – where you can eat with your hands, drink with your friends, and get into some mischief.”

Show 455, December 11, 2021: Saffron with Authors Emily Brooke Sandor and Chef Christina Xenos

Christina Xenos of My Sweet Greek Catering

“Travel to Krokos-Kozanis, Greece to immerse yourself in cooking with saffron and Greece’s vibrant saffron harvest through the pages of this gorgeous, 88-page, full-color travel-cookbooklet (Saffron) collaboration by Photographer, Emily Brooke Sandor, and Greek-American Chef, Christina Xenos. Saffron contains a brief history of saffron, tips on best uses and storage of the spice, 12 lively saffron-forward recipes to inspire the beginner and advanced home cook, and a photography story of the annual saffron harvest in Krokos, one of forty small villages in the town of Kozani, Western Macedonia, Greece.”

“The goals of Saffron (the cookbook) are to demystify what saffron is and also to empower readers to confidently incorporate saffron into their dishes more frequently. The recipes in this cookbooklet are wonderful on their own but they also serve to familiarize the reader with flavors that pair well with saffron.”

Emily Brooke Sandor and Chef Christina Xenos join us with a cup of saffron tea in hand along with a piece of Saffron Star Bread.

Show 453, November 27, 2021: Roxy’z Eat & Drink by Zov’s, Anaheim, with Armen Karamardian Part One

Armen Karamardian of Zovs

Roxy’z Eat & Drink by Zov’s is a new concept with a full patio in the space at the corner of E. Katella Ave. and S. State College Blvd. in Anaheim that originally opened as a Zov’s. The establishment just debuted at the start of the month. It’s a bit more casual than Zov’s. Perfect for a business lunch, a group gathering or a quick bite with a craft beer before heading off to Angel Stadium or Honda Center. Everything is scratch-made including the bar mixers. Roxy was Zov’s astute Mother and the restaurant is a loving tribute to her. Ample free parking is on-site.

On tap there is a serious bar program at Roxy’z. There are a rotating selection of Signature Cocktails and ten craft beers on tap plus a hand-selected assortment of distinctive bottled brews. Signature Cocktails include the Cucumber Greenie which is Tito’s Vodka, fresh-pressed cucumber and lime juice with pineapple/habanero shrub and house-made ginger beer. A complimentary selection of wines by the glass and bottle, too.

Naturally there is an assortment of hand-crafted pizzas on the menu. A standout is the Spicy Lamb Sausage with house-made lamb sausage, caramelized onions, pickled fresno chile, harissa, feta and organic tomato sauce. A signature is the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich with crispy buttermilk fried chicken, kale and napa cabbage slaw, a fresh pickle spear, chipotle and served on a toasted brioche bun. An appealing starter is the Pork Belly Hummus with slow-braised Duroc pork belly, house hummus, sumac, harissa and served with warm pita. An eye-catching dessert is the Apple Pie Pizza which is perfect for sharing.

Happy Hour is from 3 to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. $9.95 cocktails including Roxy’z House Margarita and Tito’s Moscow Mule with snacks like Eggplant Fries ($7.95) and Two Shrimp Tostados ($9.95.)

Roxy’z is part of the long-running and still growing Zov’s restaurant collection. “Founded in 1987 by Chef Zov Karamardian, legendary Zov’s Bistro and Bakery in Tustin, CA has become a culinary institution and a locals favorite. The restaurants feature her unique cuisine that blends contemporary with Eastern Mediterranean influences, in an upscale chic environment.”

Second generation restaurateur Armen Karamardian is our guest with a Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich at the ready.

Show 453, November 27, 2021: Roxy’z Eat & Drink by Zov’s, Anaheim, with Armen Karamardian Part Two

Armen Karamardian of Zovs

Roxy’z Eat & Drink by Zov’s is a new concept with a full patio in the space at the corner of E. Katella Ave. and S. State College Blvd. in Anaheim that originally opened as a Zov’s. The establishment just debuted at the start of the month. It’s a bit more casual than Zov’s. Perfect for a business lunch, a group gathering or a quick bite with a craft beer before heading off to Angel Stadium or Honda Center. Everything is scratch-made including the bar mixers. Roxy was Zov’s astute Mother and the restaurant is a loving tribute to her. Ample free parking is on-site.

On tap there is a serious bar program at Roxy’z. There are a rotating selection of Signature Cocktails and ten craft beers on tap plus a hand-selected assortment of distinctive bottled brews. Signature Cocktails include the Cucumber Greenie which is Tito’s Vodka, fresh-pressed cucumber and lime juice with pineapple/habanero shrub and house-made ginger beer. A complimentary selection of wines by the glass and bottle, too.

Naturally there is an assortment of hand-crafted pizzas on the menu. A standout is the Spicy Lamb Sausage with house-made lamb sausage, caramelized onions, pickled fresno chile, harissa, feta and organic tomato sauce. A signature is the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich with crispy buttermilk fried chicken, kale and napa cabbage slaw, a fresh pickle spear, chipotle and served on a toasted brioche bun. An appealing starter is the Pork Belly Hummus with slow-braised Duroc pork belly, house hummus, sumac, harissa and served with warm pita. An eye-catching dessert is the Apple Pie Pizza which is perfect for sharing.

Happy Hour is from 3 to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. $9.95 cocktails including Roxy’z House Margarita and Tito’s Moscow Mule with snacks like Eggplant Fries ($7.95) and Two Shrimp Tostados ($9.95.)

Roxy’z is part of the long-running and still growing Zov’s restaurant collection. “Founded in 1987 by Chef Zov Karamardian, legendary Zov’s Bistro and Bakery in Tustin, CA has become a culinary institution and a locals favorite. The restaurants feature her unique cuisine that blends contemporary with Eastern Mediterranean influences, in an upscale chic environment.”

Second generation restaurateur Armen Karamardian continues as our guest with a Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich at the ready.

Show 417, March 20, 2021: Restaurateur George Barker an Executive Chef Jayro Martinez, Mayfield, San Juan Capistrano Part One

George Barker of Mayfield Restaurant and Market

Mayfield Restaurant & Market is an ambitious, glowingly reviewed modern California restaurant and market located in Downtown San Juan Capistrano in an extensively refurbished historic building. It’s on two levels and includes a comfortable covered patio. The menu has a distinctive Mediterranean and Levant flair and there is also an extensive cocktail list along with an ample selection of craft beers and natural wines. The tables in all dining areas of Mayfield are properly socially distanced.

The operating days, and hours, have just been extended.

Friday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. until late is their Supper Club menu. It’s served family-style. The menu categories (with choices in each area) include Rip and Dip, Small Plates, Large Plates and Desserts. Especially popular is the Za’atar Fried Chicken with hot honey, house ranch and house pickles.

An a la carte Dinner menu is offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5:00 p.m. until late. Also available then is the full Supper Club sharing menu.

The daytime, a la carte menu is served Tuesday (newly added) to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It offers menu categories of Dips, Breakfast Bits and Lunch Dishes. Dishes are designed to be shared.

The newly extended Happy Hour is Tuesdays (all day) and Wednesday & Thursday from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Mayfield Market is stocked with premium food products Chef Jayro makes in-house and items Mayfield uses and loves. They carry anything to do with eating and drinking well, including pantry items, natural wines, homeware, cookbooks and more.

Proprietor George Barker and Executive Chef Jayro Martinez join us.

Show 417, March 20, 2021: Restaurateur George Barker an Executive Chef Jayro Martinez, Mayfield, San Juan Capistrano Part Two

George Barker of Mayfield Restaurant and Market

Mayfield Restaurant & Market is an ambitious, glowingly reviewed modern California restaurant and market located in Downtown San Juan Capistrano in an extensively refurbished historic building. It’s on two levels and includes a comfortable covered patio. The menu has a distinctive Mediterranean and Levant flair and there is also an extensive cocktail list along with an ample selection of craft beers and natural wines. The tables in all dining areas of Mayfield are properly socially distanced.

The operating days, and hours, have just been extended.

Friday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. until late is their Supper Club menu. It’s served family-style. The menu categories (with choices in each area) include Rip and Dip, Small Plates, Large Plates and Desserts. Especially popular is the Za’atar Fried Chicken with hot honey, house ranch and house pickles.

An a la carte Dinner menu is offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5:00 p.m. until late. Also available then is the full Supper Club sharing menu.

The daytime, a la carte menu is served Tuesday (newly added) to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It offers menu categories of Dips, Breakfast Bits and Lunch Dishes. Dishes are designed to be shared.

The newly extended Happy Hour is Tuesdays (all day) and Wednesday & Thursday from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Mayfield Market is stocked with premium food products Chef Jayro makes in-house and items Mayfield uses and loves. They carry anything to do with eating and drinking well, including pantry items, natural wines, homeware, cookbooks and more.

Proprietor George Barker and Executive Chef Jayro Martinez continue with us.

Show 406, January 2, 2021: Executive Chef Michael Patria and Assistant General Manager, Lana Nguyen, Cara Restaurant at Cara Los Feliz

Michael Patria of Cara RestaurantOpening rather quietly without fanfare in September was the Cara Los Feliz (Hotel,) a boutique luxury property with 60 well-appointed rooms located on the western edge of Thai Town adjacent to the Los Feliz neighborhood. It’s the result of a tasteful and ambitious (and expensive) makeover of a former dowdy motel. There is obviously big money behind this project.

For foodies the major attraction is the Cara Restaurant which offers relaxed patio dining around a tranquil interior pool. The lush landscaping includes 100-year old olive trees and California Palms. It’s a touch of class with no pretentiousness whatsoever. The menu maker is Executive Chef Michael Patria, most recently with the Four Seasons Biltmore Resort in Santa Barbara. The cuisine is California-Mediterranean inspired based around ingredients sourced from local farmers using biodynamic and organic methods.

The Lemon Fettuccine with lemon and Parmesan, and Pappardelle with short rib and mushroom ragout are standout pastas.  Both are available on the Cara At Home menu.

Cara debuted with nightly dinner until the ban on patio/outside dining arriving just before Thanksgiving. In the interim Cara is providing their guests with Cara At Home with both a prix fixe menu (for 2) option and a la carte offerings. Room Service is also on the menu for Hotel Guests.

The current Cara at Home complete meal package is centered around Charcoal Smoked Chicken prepared in Chef Patria’s Big Green Egg grills. The starter is Burrata with seasonal cherry tomatoes and grilled sourdough. The accompanying veggies are roasted carrots, broccolini, winter squash and colcannon. Raspberry Galette with almond cream completes the ample meal for two.

We’ll meet Chef Patria as well as Restaurant Manager Lana Nguyen.