Show 302, December 15, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a tempting preview of Saturday’s delectable show. We’re in the true Holiday spirit…It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

Freelance food, libation and travel writer, Anne Marie Panoringan, is on the go, again, and with us in-studio. This time she is reporting for Coast Magazine (Orange County Register) and her travel destination is Healdsburg in picturesque Sonoma County wine country. Anne Marie graciously shares some worthy restaurant, winery, and lodging tips.

We’ve been in Las Vegas this week covering ment’or BKB Foundations’ Fifth Annual Young Chef and Third Annual Commis Competition held on the Campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The winners are awarded the extraordinary opportunity to travel to Lyon, France and support Team USA at the 2019 Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition Finale in January. Team USA will be defending their Gold Medal win from 2017 (an extraordinary achievement.) We’ll introduce the talented winner of the Young Chef Competition!

The new Toast Kitchen + Bakery in Costa Mesa (on the site of the revered Golden Truffle) is the creation of Chef/Partner John Park and restaurateur Ed Lee (Wahoo’s Fish Taco.) There is some incredible food, baked goods & desserts coming out of this kitchen. Think Hot Chicken and Hawaiian Malasadas for Brunch. We’ll meet the creative team from Toast.

After an incredible 46-year run Piero Selvaggio’s Valentino Ristorante will serve its last dinner on New Year’s Eve. Valentino is one of the pioneers of modern Italian food in Los Angeles. Valentino also is credited with introducing premium Italian wines as part of a deep cellar along with polished, unfussy wine service. Our own West Coast Prime Meats Meathead, Terry Hanks, along with Restaurateur Piero Selvaggio share some engaging memories.

Las Vegas Insider Eric Gladstone is the principal of The Feast of Friends. In Las Vegas Eric produces food festivals and provides creative marketing services to restaurants. His specialty is independent, chef-driven projects. Eric is the organizer of the inaugural Vegas UnStripped food festival in Downtown Las Vegas which will return in 2019. We’ll meet him.

Chef Steve Samson’s Rossoblu has been a resounding success since its opening Downtown mid-last year in the Fashion District. On Sept. 13th during service a small kitchen fire temporarily closed the establishment. The better news is that Rossoblu just reopened last week. Congrats, also, to Chef Steve and Dina Samson for having both Rossoblu and Sotto (his other restaurant) included in the closely watched Los Angeles Times’101 Restaurants We Love” list. Chef Steve is our guest.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel joins us with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment. With the Holidays upon us it’s great to have a real working chef in our corner providing handy advice! Tuna in a can, a staple of everyone’s home pantry, is, incredibly, losing popularity with Millennials. We’ll open the can on this one and explain…

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

December 15: Anne Marie Panoringan, ment’or BKB, Toast Kitchen + Bakery, Valentino’s Farewell, Eric Gladstone, Steve Samson

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Anne Marie Panoringan, Freelance, Food, Libation & Travel Journalist
Segment Three: Chef Ian P. Cairns, Winner of ment’or BKB’s Young Chef Competition
Segment Four: Restaurateur Ed Lee and Chef / Partner John Park, Toast Kitchen + Bakery, Costa Mesa
Segment Five: Valentino Ristorante, Santa Monica
Segment Six: Eric C. Gladstone, The Feast of Friends, Las Vegas
Segment Seven: Chef / Restaurateur Steve Samson, Rossoblu
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group & Co-host

Now a tempting preview of this Saturday’s delectable show. We’re in the true Holiday spirit…It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing…

Freelance food, libation and travel writer, Anne Marie Panoringan, is on the go, again, and with us in-studio. This time she is reporting for Coast Magazine (Orange County Register) and her travel destination is Healdsburg in picturesque Sonoma County wine country. Anne Marie will graciously share some worthy restaurant, winery, and lodging tips.

We’ve been in Las Vegas this week covering ment’or BKB Foundations’ Fifth Annual Young Chef and Third Annual Commis Competition held on the Campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The winners are awarded the extraordinary opportunity to travel to Lyon, France and support Team USA at the 2019 Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition Finale in January. Team USA will be defending their Gold Medal win from 2017 (an extraordinary achievement.) We’ll introduce the talented winner of the Young Chef Competition!

The new Toast Kitchen + Bakery in Costa Mesa (on the site of the revered Golden Truffle) is the creation of Chef/Partner John Park and restaurateur Ed Lee (Wahoo’s Fish Taco.) There is some incredible food, baked goods & desserts coming out of this kitchen. Think Hot Chicken and Hawaiian Malasadas for Brunch. We’ll meet the creative team from Toast.

After an incredible 46-year run Piero Selvaggio’s Valentino Ristorante will serve its last dinner on New Year’s Eve. Valentino was one of the pioneers of modern Italian food in Los Angeles. Valentino also is credited with introducing premium Italian wines as part of a deep cellar along with polished, unfussy wine service. Our own West Coast Prime Meats Meathead, Terry Hanks, along with Restaurateur Piero Selvaggio share some engaging memories.

Las Vegas Insider Eric Gladstone is the principal of The Feast of Friends. In Las Vegas Eric produces food festivals and provides creative marketing services to restaurants. His specialty is independent, chef-driven projects. Eric is the organizer of the inaugural Vegas UnStripped food festival which will return in 2019. We’ll meet him.

Chef Steve Samson’s Rossoblu has been a big success since its opening Downtown mid-last year in the Fashion District. On Sept. 13th during service a small kitchen fire temporarily closed the establishment. The better news is that Rossoblu just reopened last week. Congrats, also, to Chef Steve and Dina Samson for having both Rossoblu and Sotto (his other restaurant) included in the closely watched Los Angeles Times’101 Restaurants We Love” list. Chef Steve is our guest.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel joins us with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment. With the Holidays upon us it’s great to have a real working chef in our corner providing handy advice! Tuna in a can, a staple of everyone’s home pantry, is, incredibly, losing popularity with Millennials. We’ll open the can on this one and explain…

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

Anne Marie PanoringanFreelance food, libation and travel writer, Anne Marie Panoringan, is on the go, again, and with us in-studio. This time she is reporting for Coast Magazine (Orange County Register) and her travel destination is Healdsburg in picturesque Sonoma County wine country. Anne Marie will graciously share some worthy restaurant, winery, and lodging tips.

A highlight was her stay at River Belle Inn located at the Russian River.

Ian Cairns and Bryn Rene are the winners of the 2018 Young Chef and Commis CompetitionWe’ve been in Las Vegas this week covering ment’or BKB Foundations’ Fifth Annual Young Chef and Third Annual Commis Competition held in the new Hospitality Hall on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

The seven Candidates developed a unique recipe based on the selected protein for the competition which was one, whole Bone-In Lamb Saddle provided by Pure Bred. Each Young Chef candidate had a hand-picked assistant helping them during the competition. They had 2 hours and 35 minutes to cook and plate 10 tasting-size portions of the dish for the chef judges.

The winners are awarded the extraordinary opportunity to travel to Lyon, France and support Team USA at the 2019 Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition Finale in January. Team USA will be defending their Gold Medal win from 2017 (an extraordinary achievement.) We’ll introduce the talented winner of the Young Chef Competition.

John ParkThe new Toast Kitchen + Bakery in Costa Mesa (on the site of the revered Golden Truffle) is the creation of Chef/Partner John Park and restaurateur Ed Lee (Wahoo’s Fish Taco.) There is some incredible food, baked goods & desserts coming out of this kitchen. Closed on Monday and Sunday is Brunch service only.

Think Hot Chicken and Hawaiian Malasadas for Brunch.

We’ll meet the creative team from Toast.

Valentino Santa MonicaAfter an incredible 46-year run Piero Selvaggio’s Valentino Ristorante will serve its last dinner on New Year’s Eve.

Valentino is one of the pioneers of modern Italian food in Los Angeles. Valentino also is credited with introducing premium Italian wines as part of a deep cellar along with polished, unfussy wine service.

Many talented chefs with successful restaurants of their own now, polished their skills in the Valentino Kitchen. Piero launches a new restaurant on the Bay in Newport Beach (Louie’s) early in the New Year.

Our own West Coast Prime Meats Meathead, Terry Hanks, along with Restaurateur Piero Selvaggio share some engaging memories.

Eric GladstoneLas Vegas Insider Eric Gladstone is the principal of The Feast of Friends. In Las Vegas Eric produces food festivals and provides creative marketing services to restaurants. His specialty is independent, chef-driven projects.

Eric is the organizer of the inaugural Vegas UnStripped food festival which will return in 2019. Eric is also helping to organize a two-night benefit series for the Intuitive Forager, Kerry Clasby.

Steve Samson of Sotto and RossobluChef Steve Samson’s Rossoblu has been a big success since its opening Downtown mid-last year in the Fashion District. On Sept. 13th during service a small kitchen fire temporarily closed the establishment. The better news is that Rossoblu just reopened last week.

Congrats, also, to Chef Steve and Dina Samson for having both Rossoblu and Sotto (his other restaurant) included in the closely watched Los Angeles Times’101 Restaurants We Love” list. Chef Steve is our guest.

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and CasinoOur own Chef Andrew Gruel joins us with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment. With the Holidays upon us it’s great to have a real working chef in our corner providing handy advice!

Tuna in a can, a staple of everyone’s home pantry, is, incredibly, losing popularity with Millennials.

We’ll open the can on this one and explain…

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Anne Marie Panoringan, Freelance, Food, Libation & Travel Journalist
Segment Three: Chef Ian P. Cairns, Winner of ment’or BKB’s Young Chef Competition
Segment Four: Restaurateur Ed Lee and Chef / Partner John Park, Toast Kitchen + Bakery, Costa Mesa
Segment Five: Valentino Ristorante, Santa Monica
Segment Six: Eric C. Gladstone, The Feast of Friends, Las Vegas
Segment Seven: Chef / Restaurateur Steve Samson, Rossoblu
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group & Co-host

Show 179, July 9, 2016: Chef Cesar Gutierrez, Café Boulud, New York, ment’or BKB’s Young Chef Competition

Cesar GutierrezMent’or BKB Foundation Chef Founders, Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller and Jerome Bocuse hosted the 2016 Young Chef Competition at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in New York on June 8th to identify up-and-coming culinary leaders and provide them with the opportunity to work alongside Team USA 2017.

Cesar Gutierrez, Executive Sous Chef, Café Boulud, NY (and a C-CAP graduate) finished in Second Place. His assistant was Esther Ha also of Café Boulud. We’ll meet Chef Guitierrez.

The Young Chef competitors prepared one dish that featured one Veal Rack and Veal Sweetbreads and/or Veal Osso provided by Marcho Farms.

Chef Guitierrez will be going to Lyon, France in February of next year to stage with Team USA (Chef Mathew Peters (Per Se, NYC) and Commis Harrison Turone) competing in the Bocuse d’Or international culinary competition.

Show 163, March 12, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel, Founder, Slapfish Restaurant Group

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, now, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Next an ear-catching peek at Saturday’s thoughtfully decadent show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a good thing…

COCHON555 Los Angeles is set for Sunday, March 13th at The Viceroy in Santa Monica. It’s 5 Chefs, 5 Winemakers, and 5 Pigs. Experience this must-see, over-the-top, annual pork-centric culinary competition as part of the L.A. stop of the extensive national tour. It’s five high-profile, local chefs cooking over 36 dishes prepared from whole, locally-raised heritage breed pigs.

Dry Creek Vineyard was the first winery established in the Dry Creek Valley area of California after Prohibition. It was founder David Stare’s vision to plant Sauvignon Blanc grapes that firmly cemented the winery’s legacy as one of California’s most important wineries. It’s still proudly Family-owned. Winemaker Tim Bell is our guest

On Sunday, March 13, 2016 (two seatings: 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.) lauded L.A. chef Josiah Citrin of the two-Michelin Star restaurant, Mélisse, presents a seasonally-inspired seven-course prix-fixe dining event ($195) honoring the world-renowned ment’or BKB Foundation. Each course will feature contemporary Parisian fare designed by six internationally recognized guest chefs, including Chef Shaun Hergatt (Juni), Chef Justin Cogley (Aubergine), Chef Trey Foshee (George’s at the Cove), Chef William Bradley (Addison), and Chef Justin Wangler (Kendall-Jackson) with the assistance of Chef Matthew Peters and Harrison Turone of the 2017 Bocuse d’Or Team USA. Chef Josiah and ment’or BKB’s Executive Director, Young Yun, join us with the eye-popping details.

It’s 2016, which means it’s time to put on the wooden barrel pants, held up by suspenders. Firkfest 2016 is being planned for March 19, 2016, in Anaheim at Farmers Park, which is in-between the Packing House and Umami Burger. From Event Producer Greg Nagel @OCBeerBlog: While standing in a 200 person line for a cask of Noble Ale Works Naughty Sauce at a beer festival this past summer, it dawned on me. Orange County needs a proper cask ale festival. Greg will tap the keg for us and provide a full pour on Firkfest 3.0 supporting the OCBrewersGuild.

If you’ve been to Hawaii then you probably have your favorite locals’ spot for authentic, fresh poke. Poke, done properly, is fresh, delicious and affordable. It’s become a popular alternative to sushi and a bit easier on the wallet. Sweetfin Poke debuted in Santa Monica last April. It’s in 1,000 square-feet and is already very, very busy. Founders Seth Cohen and Brett Nestadt join us with their unlikely fish tale.

Cathy Thomas is the award-winning, long-time Food Editor and food columnist for the Orange County Register. On Friday afternoon, March 18th you’ll have a chance to meet her from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Chefs’ Toys warehouse store in Fountain Valley located right off the 405 Freeway. Cathy will be selling & signing all her must-have Melissa’s resource and reference books. All are invited and this is a free event.

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

 

March 12: Cochon 555, Dry Creek Vineyards, ment’or BKB, Firkfest 2016, Sweetfin Poke, Cathy Thomas

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel, Founder, Slapfish Restaurant Group
Segment Two: Brady Lowe, Founder, Cochon555 Tour
Segment Three: Winemaker Tim Bell, Dry Creek Vineyard, Healdsburg Part One
Segment Four: Winemaker Tim Bell, Dry Creek Vineyard, Healdsburg Part Two
Segment Five: Chef Josiah Citrin, Melisse, and Young Yun, Executive Director, ment’or BKB Foundation
Segment Six: Greg Nagel, Producer, FirkFest, OC Cask Beer Festival
Segment Seven: Sweetfin Poke, Santa Monica
Segment Eight: Cathy Thomas, Award-Winning Food Journalist & Author

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, now, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Next an ear-catching peek at Saturday’s thoughtfully decadent show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a good thing…

COCHON555 Los Angeles is set for Sunday, March 13th at The Viceroy in Santa Monica. It’s 5 Chefs, 5 Winemakers, and 5 Pigs. Experience this must-see, over-the-top, annual pork-centric culinary competition as part of the L.A. stop of the extensive national tour. It’s five high-profile, local chefs cooking over 36 dishes prepared from whole, locally-raised heritage breed pigs.

Dry Creek Vineyard was the first winery established in the Dry Creek Valley area of California after Prohibition. It was founder David Stare’s vision to plant Sauvignon Blanc grapes that firmly cemented the winery’s legacy as one of California’s most important wineries. It’s still proudly Family-owned. Winemaker Tim Bell is our guest.

On Sunday, March 13, 2016 (two seatings: 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.) lauded L.A. chef Josiah Citrin of the two-Michelin Star restaurant, Mélisse, presents a seasonally-inspired seven-course prix-fixe dining event ($195) honoring the world-renowned ment’or BKB Foundation. Each course will feature contemporary Parisian fare designed by six internationally recognized guest chefs, including Chef Shaun Hergatt (Juni), Chef Justin Cogley (Aubergine), Chef Trey Foshee (George’s at the Cove), Chef William Bradley (Addison), and Chef Justin Wangler (Kendall-Jackson) with the assistance of Chef Matthew Peters and Harrison Turone of the 2017 Bocus d’Or Team USA. Chef Josiah and ment’or BKB’s Executive Director, Young Yun, join us with the eye-popping details.

It’s 2016, which means it’s time to put on the wooden barrel pants, held up by suspenders. Firkfest 2016 is being planned for March 19, 2016, in Anaheim at Farmers Park, which is in-between the Packinghouse and Umami Burger. From Event Producer Greg Nagel @OCBeerBlog: While standing in a 200 person line for a cask of Noble Ale Works Naughty Sauce at a beer festival this past summer, it dawned on me. Orange County needs a proper cask ale festival. Greg will tap the keg for us and provide a full pour on Firkfest 3.0 supporting the OCBrewersGuild.

If you’ve been to Hawaii then you probably have your favorite locals’ spot for authentic, fresh poke. Poke, done properly, is fresh, delicious and affordable. It’s become a popular alternative to sushi and a bit easier on the wallet. Sweetfin Poke debuted in Santa Monica last April. It’s in 1,000 square-feet and is already very, very busy. Founders Seth Cohen and Brett Nestadt join us with their unlikely fish tale.

Cathy Thomas is the award-winning, long-time Food Editor and food columnist for the Orange County Register. On Friday afternoon, March 18th you’ll have a chance to meet her from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Chefs’ Toys warehouse store in Fountain Valley located right off the 405 Freeway. Cathy will be selling & signing all her must-have Melissa’s resource and reference books. All are invited and this is a free event.

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

Brady Lowe of Cochon 555COCHON555 Los Angeles is set for Sunday, March 13th at The Viceroy in Santa Monica. It’s 5 Chefs, 5 Winemakers, and 5 Pigs. Experience this must-see, annual pork-centric culinary competition as part of the L.A. stop of the extensive national tour. It’s five high-profile chefs cooking over 36 dishes prepared from whole, locally-raised heritage breed pigs.

This year’s competing chefs include Carlos Salgado of Taco Maria, Bruce Kalman of Union, Jason Neroni of Rose Cafe, Brooke Williamson of The Tripel and returning champion Walter Manzke of Republique.

The five chefs will prepare a maximum of six dishes from one whole hog and their utilization will help them win votes from a crowd of hungry gourmands and celebrated judges. In addition to the 36 dishes prepared from locally-raised pigs, guests will feast on educational experiences featuring boutique wines and culinary cocktails paired with delicious bites.

The winner of the regional event will be announced as the “Prince of Porc” and go on to compete for the national title of “King or Queen of Porc” at Grand Cochon, the tour finale, held at the Viceroy in Snowmass / Aspen on June 18th.

Cochon’s founder, Brady Lowe, joins us with all the porkalicious details.

Tim Bell of Dry Creek Vineyard“The history of Dry Creek Vineyard is a long and colorful one. Founded in 1972 by David S. Stare, Dry Creek Vineyard paved the way for a renaissance of winemaking and viticulture in the Dry Creek Valley. Before his arrival, the Dry Creek Valley was little more than a few family farms and prune orchards. It was Dave’s vision to start a Loire Valley inspired winery, which triggered a viticultural reawakening in northern Sonoma County.

Without a doubt, David Stare is a pioneer. Heading west in the late 1960s, he personified the character and work ethic of early Gold Rush pioneers. Inspired by his trips to the Loire Valley, he headed west to California to start his own family winery.

Upon his arrival, Dave began taking winemaking classes at UC Davis as a graduate student. On the weekends, he spent time looking at vineyard land from Monterey to Mendocino. It was during one of those weekend trips that fate drew Dave to the Dry Creek Valley. When he saw an old prune orchard across the street from the Dry Creek General Store, Dave realized that he had found his dream location.

He purchased the orchard and began planting vines. Captivated by his memories of Loire-style wines, Sauvignon Blanc seemed destined to figure prominently in the Dry Creek Vineyard portfolio. However, several famed vineyard specialists advised him against planting Sauvignon Blanc. Always looking to push the envelope, Dave planted the varietal anyway and the rest is history.

Today, our second-generation family owned winery continues to evolve and grow to meet the demands of a global wine marketplace. The primary mission of our winery is to produce distinctive wines that overdeliver on quality. For more than 40 years, this pursuit of winemaking excellence has led to many international awards and accolades. With a loyal following of wine club members and customers, the future of Dry Creek Vineyard has never been brighter.”

Winemaker Tim Bell is our guest.

Dry Creek Vineyard was the first winery established in the Dry Creek Valley area of California after Prohibition. It was founder David Stare’s vision to plant Sauvignon Blanc grapes that firmly cemented the winery’s legacy as one of California’s most important wineries. It’s still proudly Family-owned.

“Our wines show that Sonoma County and Dry Creek Valley can compete with any wine growing region in the world. Since 1972, our winemaking style has been to produce classic varietals that define their varietal category. From our signature offerings to our single vineyard and limited release wines, each bottling personifies our family’s passion to produce elegant, balanced and food-friendly wines. The wine from Dry Creek Vineyard reflects our desire for excellence.”

“Our Signature wines represent our passion for producing balanced wines that are true to the terroir in which they are grown. Each of our signature wines offers wonderful intensity of fruit, supple texture and a rich mouthfeel which make them easy to enjoy and extremely food friendly. At Dry Creek Vineyard we product a wide array of wines, many under $20, making them affordable for almost any special occasion or celebration.”

Young YunOn Sunday, March 13, 2016 (two seatings: 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.) lauded L.A. chef Josiah Citrin of the two-Michelin Star restaurant, Mélisse, presents a seasonally-inspired seven-course prix-fixe dining event ($195) honoring the world-renowned ment’or BKB Foundation. Each course will feature contemporary Parisian fare designed by six internationally recognized guest chefs, including Chef Shaun Hergatt (Juni), Chef Justin Cogley (Aubergine), Chef Trey Foshee (George’s at the Cove), Chef William Bradley (Addison), and Chef Justin Wangler (Kendall-Jackson) with the assistance of Chef Matthew Peters and Harrison Turone of the 2017 Bocuse d’Or Team USA.

Reservations can be made via OpenTable or by calling 310.395.0881.

Chef Josiah and ment’or BKB’s Executive Director, Young Yun, join us with the eye-popping details.

Greg NagelIt’s 2016, which means it’s time to put on the wooden barrel pants, held up by suspenders. Firkfest 2016 is being planned for March 19, 2016, in Anaheim at Farmers Park, which is in-between the Packing House and Umami Burger.

From Event Producer Greg Nagel @OCBeerBlog:

“While standing in a 200 person line for a cask of Noble Ale Works Naughty Sauce at a beer festival this past summer, it dawned on me. Orange County needs a proper cask ale festival.”

“Expect fifty-ish casks from true craft beer makers. Brewers love the fest, the press loves the fest, and I’ve heard nothing but praise from guests. So buy your tickets early and tell a friend!”

“Why a cask ale festival? A cask is simply a vessel filled with liquid meant to be served within a day or so once tapped. Brewers fill the cask with beer for conditioning and then can treat it like a blank canvas; adding fresh hops, blending beers, adding tea/coffee or other creative ingredients.  It’s a one-time shot to try something new and fun.”

Greg will tap one of the 50 plus casks for us and provide a full pour on all the thirst-quenching ingredients of Firkfest 3.0 supporting the OCBrewersGuild.

Sweetfin PokeIf you’ve been to Hawaii then you probably have your favorite locals’ spot for authentic, fresh poke. It’s an Islands’ specialty. Poke, done properly, is fresh, delicious and affordable.

It’s become a popular alternative to sushi and a bit easier on the wallet. Sweetfin Poke debuted in Santa Monica last April. It’s in a modest 1,000 square-feet and already is very, very busy.

How it works:

Choose a Signature Bowl or Build Your Own Bowl (BYOB) with our selection of fresh ingredients

BUILD YOUR OWN BOWL (BYOB)

At Sweetfin Poké the choice is yours to make our signature bowls your own. Choose from a selection of bases, fish and vegetarian toppings and a wide variety of add-ons for an endless combination of tastes and flavor profiles. Whether you’re Pescatarian, Paleo or prefer your bowls vegan or gluten free there’s a combination that will be just right for your palate.

1. Base It

Our three bases cover all the bases for the foundation of your bowl. Our green BAMBOO RICE is a short-grain rice that has been milled with bamboo juice – not only is it as flavorful and textural as sushi rice – but it is loaded with essential B vitamins. Our KELP NOODLE – CUCUMBER SLAW is extremely low-carb, gluten free and delicious while our CITRUS – KALE salad combines the nutrient superpower of Kale with an orange vinaigrette for a dash of Vitamin C.

2. Top It

We started with Yellowfin TUNA, also known as Ahi, and continued on with SALMON, SNAPPER and ALBACORE. Our fish is sourced from all over the world – and will vary with seasonality. Our fish is caught responsibly and sustainably to ensure maximum quality with a minimum environmental impact.

3. Finish It

Choose from a selection of our chef created sauces: the CLASSIC for a traditional finish, CREAMY TOGARASHI for a little bit of sweet heat, YUZU KOSHO for a citrus spice, ponzu lime for something a little sweet and SRIRACHA PONZU for our twist on your favorite sauce.

Our wide variety of ADD-ONS can add a crunch, a bite, or even some sweetness to your signature bowl. Fresh produce – like avocado, seaweed and jalapeño – is complemented by wasabi-toasted coconut flakes, carrots and pickled shiitake mushrooms. They’re so addicting we wouldn’t blame you for wanting a whole bowl.

Founders Seth Cohen and Brett Nestadt join us with their unlikely fish tale.

Cathy ThomasCathy Thomas is the award-winning, long-time Food Editor and food columnist for the Orange County Register. She also publishes a genuinely useful weekly newsletter on food, Cathy Thomas Cooks! On Friday afternoon, March 18th you’ll have a chance to meet her from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Chefs’ Toys warehouse store in Fountain Valley located right off the 405 Freeway. All are invited and this is a free event.

Cathy will be selling & signing all her must-have Melissa’s resource and reference books. Great gifts for that special foodie in your life. At 3 and 4:00 p.m. Cathy will be making “Produce Love” presentations along with demonstrating a few of her favorite Chefs’ Toys kitchen gadgets.

Chef Bill Bracken of Bracken’s Kitchen will also be in the house along with the Melissa’s chefs cooking up nibbles from the recipes in the books.

RSVP for Friday’s event at Chefs’ Toys here –>

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel, Founder, Slapfish Restaurant Group
Segment Two: Brady Lowe, Founder, Cochon555 Tour
Segment Three: Winemaker Tim Bell, Dry Creek Vineyard, Healdsburg Part One
Segment Four: Winemaker Tim Bell, Dry Creek Vineyard, Healdsburg Part Two
Segment Five: Chef Josiah Citrin, Melisse, and Young Yun, Executive Director, ment’or BKB Foundation
Segment Six: Greg Nagel, Producer, FirkFest, OC Cask Beer Festival
Segment Seven: Sweetfin Poke, Santa Monica
Segment Eight: Cathy Thomas, Award-Winning Food Journalist & Author

Show 138, September 12, 2015: ment’or BKB Foundation’s 2015 Young Chef Competitions

philip-tessierThe ment’or BKB Foundation debuted its 2015 Young Chef Competition Series in Los Angeles on Sept. 27th at Bouchon Beverly Hills. Other upcoming dates will be in Chicago, Houston and New York City. Four chefs between the ages of 22 to 27 compete on a Bocuse d’Or-style challenge, with the winning team in each city being awarded $10,000, which may be used to stage at the restaurant of their choice. The team placing second receives $5,000.

Culinary greats from the distinguished ment’or Culinary Council are on hand in each city to judge the competition, a ticked event with all the proceeds hoping to support the Foundation. In Los Angeles Alan Wong (Alan Wong’s) flew in all the way in from Honolulu to be a judge!

Skylar Stover, the Commis for Team USA at the 2015 Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition in Lyon, was the winner at Bouchon Beverly Hills. The next leg of the competition is Chicago on Sept. 17th.

Culinary Council member Chef Philip Tessier, formerly the Executive Sous Chef of The French Laundry in Yountville is our guest. Chef Philip is also the Team USA Head Coach for the 2017 Bocuse d’Or international culinary competition. Chef Philip was the Silver Statue Winner for Bocuse d’Or Team USA in 2015. This was a prestigious first for the United States.

Show 109, February 7, 2015: Chef Philip Tessier, Team USA & The French Laundry

Bocuse D'Or Team USA wins SilverWhen we last chatted with Team USA (Chefs Philip Tessier and Commis Skylar Stover of The French Laundry) early last month they were on their way to Lyon to compete in the bi-annual Bocuse d’Or World Culinary Competition, the Olympics of the culinary world. This was after a year of intensive preparation and dedicated training.

24 teams of the most gifted culinary minds from across the world competed and Team USA (guided by the ment’or BKB Foundation) was awarded the Silver Medal (second place) for their artful and spectacular meat platter and fish plate. Team Norway was the first-place winner. This is a giant first for Team USA. Their previous top finish was sixth.

Congratulations to Team USA on a stunning achievement. Chef Tessier is our guest.

The non-profit ment’or BKB Foundation created by Jerome Bocuse, Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller supports Team USA with funding and coaching support. It also aims to inspire excellence in young culinary professionals and to preserve the traditions and quality of classic cuisine in America. Donations are graciously accepted.

Show 109, February 7, 2015: Chef Philip Tessier, Team USA & The French Laundry Continues…

24 teams of the most gifted culinary minds from across the world competed in the Bocuse d’Or Culinary Competition and Team USA (guided by the ment’or BKB Foundation) was awarded the Silver Medal (second place) for their artful and spectacular meat platter and fish plate. Team Norway was the first-place winner. This is a giant first for Team USA. Their previous top finish was sixth. Congratulations to Team USA on a stunning achievement.

Barrel-Oak Roasted Guinea Hen from Team USA at the Bocuse D'orTeam USA presented “the acclaimed panel of judges with a stunning meat platter of Barrel-Oak Roasted Guinea Hen with sausage of guinea leg confit, white corn mousse, and black winter truffle, “Garden of Sweet Peas” with French Laundry garden blossoms and herbs, sugar snap peas, and black trumpet mushroom panade, “Beehive” with boudin of smoked guinea liver, grapevine honey, pistachio “Pain des Genes, ” wild fennel buds, and topaz wine glaze, Black Truffle Consomme with ragout of gizzard and heart “confit,” steamed custard, and flowering cress, White Corn “Nest” with buttered corn pudding, crisped corn silk, and “petit” popcorn, and Preserved Chanterelles with salad of frisee and garden blossoms, pickled huckleberry, and “foie gras” jus.”

“The gorgeous fish plate showcased Brioche-Crusted Brown Trout Pave with American caviar, tartelette of crisped skin, garden dill, celery branch “Farci,” celery root puree, compressed apples, brown butter emulsion, sand smoked mushroom consomme. Both the meat platter and fish plate were designed by the lauded  Martin Kastner of Chicago.”

The non-profit ment’or BKB Foundation created by Jerome Bocuse, Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller supports Team USA with funding and coaching support. It also aims to inspire excellence in young culinary professionals and to preserve the traditions and quality of classic cuisine in America. Donations are graciously accepted.

Chef Phil Tessier continues as our guest.

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: Mentor BKB Foundation’s Young Chefs Competition

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 with his Commis) 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.

Chef Lyn’s award is a dream three-month stagiaire (internship) at one of America’s premier fine-dining establishments. This is worth $15,000. She will have her choice of some amazing possibilities. We’ll continue to follow Lyn’s progress.