Podcasts
Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Dustin Trani’s, Trani’s Dockside Station, San Pedro Part One
Segment Three: Chef Dustin Trani’s, Trani’s Dockside Station, San Pedro Part Two
Segment Four: The Midway Gourmet – Chef Dominic Palmieri, RCS Carnival Midway Foods Part One
Segment Five: The Midway Gourmet – Chef Dominic Palmieri, RCS Carnival Midway Foods Part Two
Segment Six: Zov’s Restaurants 35th Anniversary with Armen Karamardian Part One
Segment Seven: Zov’s Restaurants 35th Anniversary with Armen Karamardian Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”
Happy Memorial Day Weekend.
We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.
Chef Dustin Trani represents the 4th generation of the celebrated Trani Family to be an owner/chef cooking in San Pedro. Currently he is best known for J. Trani’s Ristorante which is his Family’s successor restaurant to their original San Pedro establishment, Trani’s Majestic Café opened in 1925 in downtown San Pedro. His latest venture (in the works since 2019) is the ambitious, soon to officially open Trani’s Dockside Station located in San Pedro’s historic waterfront in a vintage (fully restored and renovated) 1920 building that initially served as an immigration hall. In more recent years it was the local diner, Canetti’s Seafood Grotto, which closed in 2010 after a 70-year run. The exterior has been restored and preserved along with the addition of a striking, art deco neon vertical sign. The restaurant will eventually be open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Chef Dustin Trani joins us with all the details of long-in-the-works Trani’s Dockside Station.
Outrageous Fair Food is always a mouthwatering highlight. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star, Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s fame on the RCS Carnival Midway. We’ll find out what indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up now for the closing weekend of the Los Angeles County Fair and beyond. Then it’s on to the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar and the OC Fair launching on Friday, July 14th. We’re taking Fair Food at its tastiest best with The Midway Gourmet.
“Zov’s Bistro and Bakery, the renowned restaurant (started in Tustin) that has been delighting diners for 35 years with its unique Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, is celebrating multiple milestones this year – its 35th anniversary and expansion into San Clemente. What began as a catering company in 1987 has become one of Orange County’s most iconic multi-unit mainstays, continuing to make waves as it expands throughout Southern California. Founded in 1987 by Chef Zov Karamardian, Zov’s has been a staple in Orange County’s dining scene, earning numerous awards and accolades for its flavorful dishes, warm hospitality, and elegant ambiance. The Armenian immigrant credits family support as the foundation and inspiration throughout her culinary career. Her son, Armen, now leads the brand’s expansion as Zov’s CEO, and her daughter, Taleene, envisions its creative direction.”
2nd generation restaurateur Armen Karamardian is our guide to all things Zov’s.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. It’s Memorial Day Weekend. First Chef Andrew reminds us that there is more significance to this holiday besides the treat of Summer grilling. Since Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of the Summer grilling season Chef Andrew shares a few genuinely useful tips.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
Chef Dustin Trani represents the 4th generation of the Trani Family to be an owner/chef cooking in San Pedro. Currently he is best known for J. Trani’s Ristorante which is his Family’s successor restaurant to their original San Pedro establishment, Trani’s Majestic Café opened in 1925 in downtown San Pedro.
His latest venture (in the works since 2019) is the ambitious soon to officially open Trani’s Dockside Station located in San Pedro’s historic waterfront in a vintage (fully restored and renovated) 1920 building that initially served as an immigration hall. In more recent years it was the local diner, Canetti’s Seafood Grotto, which closed in 2010 after a 70-year run. The exterior has been carefully restored and preserved along with the addition of a striking, art deco neon vertical sign. The restaurant will eventually be open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
The handsome and spacious Trani’s Dockside (with inside and outside patio seating) features coastal cuisine with a prominent exhibition raw bar and wood-fired cooking. The bustling wholesale fish market is located directly across the street from Trani’s. When it comes to premium seafood It doesn’t get any fresher than that.
The distinctive curved stone and mahogany wood bar top (circa 1947) was repurposed from a departed area drinking establishment of note. An antique,1,600- pound cast bronze teller’s table from the original Bank of Italy (now Bank of America) serves as the unusual community table.
Chef Dustin Trani is our guest with a platter of freshly shucked oysters at the ready.
The 2023 Los Angeles County Fair concludes its season in Pomona on Monday, May 29th.
Outrageous Fair Food is always a mouthwatering highlight. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star, Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s fame on the RCS Carnival Midway. We’ll find out what indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up now for the closing weekend of the Los Angeles County Fair and beyond. Then it’s on to the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar and the OC Fair launching on Friday, July 14th.
Chef Dominic’s Enzo Pizza is always a Fair standout. New on Enzo’s menu for the 2023 season is an outrageous Hot Cheeto Cheese Pickle Pizza. Chef Dominic assures that “this will change how anyone thinks about pizza.” Remember its his Italian heritage that’s on the line here…
We’re taking Fair Food at its tastiest best with The Midway Gourmet. A giant Turkey Leg has appeared.
“Zov’s Bistro and Bakery, the renowned restaurant (started in Tustin) that has been delighting diners for 35 years with its unique Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, is celebrating multiple milestones this year – its 35th anniversary and expansion into San Clemente. What began as a catering company in 1987 has become one of Orange County’s most iconic multi-unit mainstays, continuing to make waves as it expands throughout Southern California.”
“Founded in 1987 by Chef Zov Karamardian, Zov’s has been a staple in Orange County’s dining scene, earning numerous awards and accolades for its flavorful dishes, warm hospitality, and elegant ambiance. The Armenian immigrant credits family support as the foundation and inspiration throughout her culinary career. Her son, Armen, now leads the brand’s expansion as Zov’s CEO, and her daughter, Taleene, envisions its creative direction.”
“As Zov’s marks its 35th anniversary, Karamardian and her family look back on the restaurant’s journey with pride and gratitude for the loyal guests and dedicated staff who have supported its growth.”
“It’s been an incredible journey. My dream was fueled by my passion for cooking and a desire to bring Mediterranean-inspired cuisine to Orange County,” reflects Zov Karamardian. “Our loyal customers have been the driving force behind our success, and we’re excited to continue to serve them and new diners in the years to come.”
“In celebration of their 35th anniversary, Zov’s restaurant is proud to partner with the UCI Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute. A collaboration between Chef Zov Karamardian and UCI Samueli Institute’s Executive Chef Jessica VanRoo, the menu is a celebration of a shared commitment to the transformative power of the culinary arts to our health. Started in early May, Zov’s now offers a special 3-course menu for $35 complete with Roasted Beet Dip with tahini swirl and toasted pita, Pan Roasted Sea Bass, with seared zucchini cake and toasted feta in a lemon caper sauce, and for dessert, Chia Seed Yogurt with turmeric and fresh mango.”
“As a family-owned business, we are thrilled to be celebrating our 35th anniversary in Orange County,” said Armen Karamardian, CEO of Zov’s. “As we expand into San Clemente, our team provides a memorable dining experience with fresh, healthy ingredients and exceptional service. We can’t wait to share our passion for food and hospitality with the South Orange County community.”
“Zov’s currently has three locations in Orange County, including Tustin, Irvine, and Newport Beach, and a sister concept, Roxy’z, in Anaheim.”
2nd generation restaurateur Armen Karamardian is our guide to all things Zov’s.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the recently launched, full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.
It’s Memorial Day Weekend. First Chef Andrew reminds us that there is more significance to this holiday besides the treat of Summer grilling. Since Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of the Summer grilling season Chef Andrew shares a few genuinely useful tips.
Podcasts
Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Dustin Trani’s, Trani’s Dockside Station, San Pedro Part One
Segment Three: Chef Dustin Trani’s, Trani’s Dockside Station, San Pedro Part Two
Segment Four: The Midway Gourmet – Chef Dominic Palmieri, RCS Carnival Midway Foods Part One
Segment Five: The Midway Gourmet – Chef Dominic Palmieri, RCS Carnival Midway Foods Part Two
Segment Six: Zov’s Restaurants 35th Anniversary with Armen Karamardian Part One
Segment Seven: Zov’s Restaurants 35th Anniversary with Armen Karamardian Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”
