Show 505, December 24, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

It’s our last show of 2022 so please do join us.

The Happiest of Happy Holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and more…) to all our listeners. Happy New Year, too! You’re always appreciated!

The Chef’s Table at Bello by Sandro Nardone in Newport Beach is one of the most exclusive dining experiences in Orange County. “It’s a journey with their chefs for an unforgettable meal. At Bello Chef’s Table, the culinary team combines the classical Italian approach to cooking with modern creativity and technique to create a truly unique, intimate and interactive dining experience for up to 8 people, with a single dedicated chef. Chef de Cuisine Zach Scherer runs Bello Chef’s Table in concert with Bello’s owner and Executive Chef, Sandro Nardone. Zach formerly ran special events at Big Canyon Country Club and was the Chef de Cuisine at the Playground.” Chef Zach Scherer is our guest with caviar and truffles in hand.

Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower in DTLA) is the newly appointed Executive Chef of The Colony Club restaurant located inside The Colony Palms Hotel and SO-PA at L’Horizon Palm Springs. He has also initiated a very special, first-time Los Angeles Guest Chef Series hosted by him at The Colony Club running through February 2023! Chef Michael Hung takes a break from his busy kitchens and Christmas Eve preparations to join us.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew looks back at the year’s highs and lows and what’s on the horizon for Hospitality in 2023. Also time to revisit the status of 3rd Party Delivery Firms serving restaurants. Is it still viable?

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

We’ll see you right back here @ 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2023!

Show 505, December 24, 2022: Executive Chef Michael Hung, The Colony Club and SO-PA, Palm Springs Part One

Chef Michael Hung

Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower) is the newly appointed Executive Chef of The Colony Club restaurant located inside The Colony Palms Hotel and SO-PA at L’Horizon Palm Springs. He has also initiated a very special, first-time Los Angeles Guest Chef Series hosted by him at The Colony Club running through February 2023!” For the continuing Guest Chef series Chef Govind Armstrong of The Lobster and Post & Beam is on the menu for January 11th and Chef Andreas Roller of the members-only, Jonathan Club cooks on January 18th.

“Chef Michael Hung’s illustrious career credentials include time spent with Traci Des Jardins’s James Beard Award-winning team at San Francisco’s Jardinière and overseeing the kitchen at Roland Passot’s Michelin-starred La Folie. Chef Hung then left San Francisco to open Faith & Flower in Downtown Los Angeles, where under his leadership the restaurant was honored “Best New Restaurant” by Esquire Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, and Travel + Leisure.”

“Michael’s success continued when he opened the highly acclaimed Viviane in the Avalon Hotel Los Angeles and then he started his own company Ardour Hospitality in 2016, which focuses on full-service consulting, culinary and hospitality experiences in Greater Los Angeles. Then in addition to running his own company, Michael returned to Faith & Flower in 2017 where he oversaw the kitchen and restaurant operations until the restaurant had to close due to the pandemic in 2021.”

“The Colony Club is The Colony Palms Hotel’s signature restaurant where Executive Chef Michael Hung showcases his innovative California fare forBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Guests of;The Colony Club can dine inside the main dining room while enjoying Proprietor & Designer Steve Hermann’s modern take on Art Deco glamour or enjoy the warm breezes while dining al fresco poolside with a stunning view of the mountains.”

SO-PA at the L’Horizon Palm Springs is intimate and dramatic offering a beautifully unique al fresco outside dining experience featuring Executive Chef Michael Hung’s progressive and refined New American Dinner Menu spotlighting global influences. SO-PA, is finished with Lindsey Adelman Chandeliers, fire pits, and fountains. This Steve Hermann designed space is perhaps the desert’s most distinctive restaurant. A new menu is being introduced in late January.”

“Executive Chef Michael Hung is currently hosting the first-ever Los Angeles Guest Chef Series at The Colony Club running through February 2023 where Hung reunites with a collection of his closest Los Angeles celebrity chef friends for two more evenings featuring a delectable Five-Course Prix-Fixe Menu, Optional Wine Pairing, and selection of Specialty Handcrafted Cocktails created by The Colony Club, SO-PA, and Hermann Bungalows Bar Manager Kelly David.”

“Steve Hermann is a celebrated designer of high-end homes and hotels. As one of the most prolific designers within California, he is known as the design guru for the Hollywood elite, captains of industry, and foreign royalty. Steve has established a world recognized luxury hospitality company, Steve Hermann Luxury Hotels, of which L’Horizon Palm Springs served as the initial flagship property. Steve has followed up his success by adding The Colony Palms Hotel to his portfolio, which he has transformed into another spectacular luxury resort.”

Chef Michael Hung takes a break from his Christmas Eve preparations to join us.

Show 505, December 24, 2022: Executive Chef Michael Hung, The Colony Club and SO-PA, Palm Springs Part Two

Chef Michael Hung

Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower) is the newly appointed Executive Chef of The Colony Club restaurant located inside The Colony Palms Hotel and SO-PA at L’Horizon Palm Springs. He has also initiated a very special, first-time Los Angeles Guest Chef Series hosted by him at The Colony Club running through February 2023!” For the Guest Chef series Chef Govind Armstrong of The Lobster and Post & Beam is on the menu for January 11th and Chef Andreas Roller of the members-only, Jonathan Club cooks on January 18th.

“Chef Michael Hung’s illustrious career credentials include time spent with Traci Des Jardins’s James Beard Award-winning team at San Francisco’s Jardinière and overseeing the kitchen at Roland Passot’s Michelin-starred La Folie. Chef Hung then left San Francisco to open Faith & Flower in Downtown Los Angeles, where under his leadership the restaurant was honored “Best New Restaurant” by Esquire Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, and Travel + Leisure.”

“Michael’s success continued when he opened the highly acclaimed Viviane in the Avalon Hotel Los Angeles and then he started his own company Ardour Hospitality in 2016, which focuses on full-service consulting, culinary and hospitality experiences in Greater Los Angeles. Then in addition to running his own company, Michael returned to Faith & Flower in 2017 where he oversaw the kitchen and restaurant operations until the restaurant had to close due to the pandemic in 2021.”

“The Colony Club is The Colony Palms Hotel’s signature restaurant where Executive Chef Michael Hung showcases his innovative California fare forBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Guests of;The Colony Club can dine inside the main dining room while enjoying Proprietor & Designer Steve Hermann’s modern take on Art Deco glamour or enjoy the warm breezes while dining al fresco poolside with a stunning view of the mountains.”

SO-PA at the L’Horizon Palm Springs is intimate and dramatic offering a beautifully unique al fresco outside dining experience featuring Executive Chef Michael Hung’s progressive and refined New American Dinner Menu spotlighting global influences. SO-PA, is finished with Lindsey Adelman Chandeliers, fire pits, and fountains. This Steve Hermann designed space is perhaps the desert’s most distinctive restaurant. A new menu is being introduced in late January.”

“Executive Chef Michael Hung is currently hosting the first-ever Los Angeles Guest Chef Series at The Colony Club running through February 2023 where Hung reunites with a collection of his closest Los Angeles celebrity chef friends for two more evenings featuring a delectable Five-Course Prix-Fixe Menu, Optional Wine Pairing, and selection of Specialty Handcrafted Cocktails created by The Colony Club, SO-PA, and Hermann Bungalows Bar Manager Kelly David.”

“Steve Hermann is a celebrated designer of high-end homes and hotels. As one of the most prolific designers within California, he is known as the design guru for the Hollywood elite, captains of industry, and foreign royalty. Steve has established a world recognized luxury hospitality company, Steve Hermann Luxury Hotels, of which L’Horizon Palm Springs served as the initial flagship property. Steve has followed up his success by adding The Colony Palms Hotel to his portfolio, which he has transformed into another spectacular luxury resort.”

Chef Michael Hung takes a further break from his Christmas Eve Dinner preparations to continue with us.

December 24: The Chef’s Table at Bello by Sandro Nardone, Micheal Hung at the Colony Club and SO.PA

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Zach Scherer, Chef de Cuisine, Bello by Sandro Nardone & Bello Chef’s Table, Newport Beach Part One
Segment Three: Chef Zach Scherer, Chef de Cuisine, Bello by Sandro Nardone & Bello Chef’s Table, Newport Beach Part Two
Segment Four: Chef Zach Scherer, Chef de Cuisine, Bello by Sandro Nardone & Bello Chef’s Table, Newport Beach Part Three
Segment Five: Executive Chef Michael Hung, The Colony Club and SO-PA, Palm Springs Part One
Segment Six: Executive Chef Michael Hung, The Colony Club and SO-PA, Palm Springs Part Two
Segment Seven: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef” Part One
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef” Part Two

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

It’s our last show of the year so please do join us.

The Happiest of Happy Holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and more…) to all our listeners. You’re always appreciated!

The Chef’s Table at Bello by Sandro Nardone in Newport Beach is one of the most exclusive dining experiences in Orange County. “It’s a journey with their chefs for an unforgettable meal. At Bello Chef’s Table, the culinary team combines the classical Italian approach to cooking with modern creativity and technique to create a truly unique, intimate and interactive dining experience for up to 8 people, with a single dedicated chef. Chef de Cuisine Zach Scherer runs Bello Chef’s Table in concert with Bello’s owner and Executive Chef, Sandro Nardone. Zach formerly ran special events at Big Canyon Country Club and was the Chef de Cuisine at the Playground.” Chef Zach Scherer is our guest with caviar in hand.

Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower in DTLA) is the newly appointed Executive Chef of The Colony Club restaurant located inside The Colony Palms Hotel and SO-PA at L’Horizon Palm Springs. He has also initiate a very special, first-time Los Angeles Guest Chef Series hosted by him at The Colony Club running through February 2023! Chef Michael Hung takes a break from his busy kitchens and Christmas Eve preparations to join us.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew looks back at the year’s highs and lows and what’s on the horizon for Hospitality in 2023. Also time to revisit the status of 3rd Party Delivery Firms serving restaurants. Is it viable?

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

We’ll see you right back here @ 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2023!

Zach Scherer of the Chefs Table at Bello by Sandro Nardone

The Chef’s Table at Bello by Sandro Nardone in Newport Beach is one of the most exclusive dining experiences in Orange County. “It’s a journey with their chefs for an unforgettable meal. At Bello Chef’s Table, the culinary team combines the classical Italian approach to cooking with modern creativity and technique to create a truly unique, intimate and interactive dining experience for up to 8 people, with a single dedicated chef.”

“The Chef’s Table offers the guest a sense of place, and a slice of what Modern Italian at Bello truly is through their chefs’ eyes. The menu is hand-crafted weekly and constantly featuring a variety of items from their larder and local farms. There are no choices or substitutions, just your chef host taking you on a one of a kind culinary journey which probably couldn’t happen anywhere else.”

“The Chef’s Table experience is available Thursday through Saturday nights with as minimum of 3 days notice. It $245 per guest (plus tax and gratuity) and includes a complimentary beverage pairing.”

“Chef de Cuisine Zach Scherer orchestrates Bello Chef’s Table in concert with Bello’s owner and Executive Chef, Sandro Nardone. Zach formerly ran special events at Big Canyon Country Club and was the Chef de Cuisine at the Playground.”

“Sandro Nardone is a native Italian whose family was in the restaurant business. He trained as a chef in Italy and learned modern Italian food techniques in several of Italy’s top restaurants.”

Chef Zach Scherer is our guest with caviar in hand.

Chef Michael Hung

Chef Michael Hung (ex-Faith & Flower) is the newly appointed Executive Chef of The Colony Club restaurant located inside The Colony Palms Hotel and SO-PA at L’Horizon Palm Springs. He has also initiated a very special, first-time Los Angeles Guest Chef Series hosted by him at The Colony Club running through February 2023!”

“Chef Michael Hung’s illustrious career credentials include time spent with Traci Des Jardins’s James Beard Award-winning team at San Francisco’s Jardinière and overseeing the kitchen at Roland Passot’s Michelin-starred La Folie. Chef Hung then left San Francisco to open Faith & Flower in Downtown Los Angeles, where under his leadership the restaurant was honored “Best New Restaurant” by Esquire Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, and Travel + Leisure.”

“Michael’s success continued when he opened the highly acclaimed Viviane in the Avalon Hotel Los Angeles and then he started his own company Ardour Hospitality in 2016, which focuses on full-service consulting, culinary and hospitality experiences in Greater Los Angeles. Then in addition to running his own company, Michael returned to Faith & Flower in 2017 where he oversaw the kitchen and restaurant operations until the restaurant had to close due to the pandemic in 2021.”

“The Colony Club is The Colony Palms Hotel’s signature restaurant where Executive Chef Michael Hung showcases his innovative California fare forBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Guests of;The Colony Club can dine inside the main dining room while enjoying Proprietor & Designer Steve Hermann’s modern take on Art Deco glamour or enjoy the warm breezes while dining al fresco poolside with a stunning view of the mountains.”

SO-PA at the L’Horizon Palm Springs is intimate and dramatic offering a beautifully unique al fresco outside dining experience featuring Executive Chef Michael Hung’s progressive and refined New American Dinner Menu spotlighting global influences. SO-PA, is finished with Lindsey Adelman Chandeliers, fire pits, and fountains. This Steve Hermann designed space is perhaps the desert’s most distinctive restaurant. A new menu is being introduced in late January.”

“Executive Chef Michael Hung is currently hosting the first-ever Los Angeles Guest Chef Series at The Colony Club running through February 2023 where Hung reunites with a collection of his closest Los Angeles celebrity chef friends for two more evenings featuring a delectable Five-Course Prix-Fixe Menu, Optional Wine Pairing, and selection of Specialty Handcrafted Cocktails created by The Colony Club, SO-PA, and Hermann Bungalows Bar Manager Kelly David.”

“Steve Hermann is a celebrated designer of high-end homes and hotels. As one of the most prolific designers within California, he is known as the design guru for the Hollywood elite, captains of industry, and foreign royalty. Steve has established a world recognized luxury hospitality company, Steve Hermann Luxury Hotels, of which L’Horizon Palm Springs served as the initial flagship property. Steve has followed up his success by adding The Colony Palms Hotel to his portfolio, which he has transformed into another spectacular luxury resort.”

Chef Michael Hung takes a break from his Christmas Eve preparations to join us.

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

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

Chef Andrew looks back at the year’s highs and lows and what’s on the horizon for Hospitality in 2023. Also time to check back on the status of 3rd Party Delivery Firms serving restaurants.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Zach Scherer, Chef de Cuisine, Bello by Sandro Nardone & Bello Chef’s Table, Newport Beach Part One
Segment Three: Chef Zach Scherer, Chef de Cuisine, Bello by Sandro Nardone & Bello Chef’s Table, Newport Beach Part Two
Segment Four: Chef Zach Scherer, Chef de Cuisine, Bello by Sandro Nardone & Bello Chef’s Table, Newport Beach Part Three
Segment Five: Executive Chef Michael Hung, The Colony Club and SO-PA, Palm Springs Part One
Segment Six: Executive Chef Michael Hung, The Colony Club and SO-PA, Palm Springs Part Two
Segment Seven: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef” Part One
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef” Part Two

Show 385, August 8, 2020: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Late last month Corona del Mar’s historic Five Crowns and SideDoor (part of the Lawry’s family of fine-dining restaurants) reopened the spacious backyard of the expansive property for open-air dining in the charming setting reminiscent of an English country garden. Set with thoughtfully spaced tables and accented by fire pits, the backyard of the beloved, dining establishment offers the same gracious hospitality for which the restaurants are known. Guests sip on specialty cocktails under the twinkling lights and experience signature dishes from both Five Crowns and SideDoor offered on a single menu available for backyard dining and to-go. Tracy Nelsen Five Crowns’ and SideDoor’s Restaurant Manager, Cheesemonger, Sommelier and Cicerone joins us with a tempting overview of what’s now on the menu.

Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana is a fine-casual Italian restaurant located in Irvine in the Los Olivos Marketplace. At Angelina’s, guests dine on authentic Italian food made with only the finest ingredients imported from Italy and fresh produce from local farms. From one-of-a-kind artwork to hand-picked fixtures, the modern, upscale interior redefines the concept of a pizzeria.

Their specialty is authentic Neapolitan-style pizza (pizza Napoletana). Each pizza is made using traditional techniques and cooked in their twin, high-end Ferrara wood-burning pizza ovens, making Angelina’s one of the few restaurants in the United States to hold a VPN Certification (Vera Pizza Napoletana). Angelina’s Managing Partner, Filippo Fusco, is our guest, pizza peel at the ready.

3rd generation restaurateur Ron Salisbury has been running successful, high-volume restaurants for sixty-six years, a period of time in which most people are born and retire. He grew up working after school as a dish sorter, busser, and steam table expediter in his parents’ Los Angeles restaurant, El Cholo. Salisbury is not one for utilizing voluminous operating manuals but over the years has acquired a bushel of practical morsels of wisdom for operating a successful restaurant. Starting with “Our Seven Pillars” Ron has collected all these short vignettes of incredibly useful advice into the very easy-to-read volume, What They Don’t Teach You at the C.I.A. (That’s the Culinary Institute of America by-the-way.) It’s truly an essential and valuable read for all aspiring restaurateurs. Ron Salisbury is with us to generously share a sampling of the practical wisdom from What They Don’t Teach You at the C.I.A.

Winemakers and life partners Mireia Tena and Tara Gomez are the creative forces at Camins 2 Deams in Lompoc, their dream boutique winery. The grapes are sourced exclusively from select vineyards in the Santa Rita Hills, a unique appellation in Santa Barbara County. Their philosophy is to make hand-crafted, terroir-driven wines that are fermented with natural yeast and use minimal intervention in the winery. Camins 2 Dreams believes wine is made in the vineyard and desires to showcase the typicity of each site where the grapes originate.

Current releases include Gruner Veltliner, Rose of Syrah, and three vineyard specific Syrahs. Grenache and Graciano are in their future. Winemakers Tara and Mireia join us to pull the cork on all that is Camins 2 Dreams.

DTLA Pizza is a new Takeout and Delivery concept from Chef Michael Hung of Faith & Flower. The goal for Chef Michael’s new DTLA Pizza concept is to serve meat lovers and vegans alike, quality and comfort food driven dishes prepared with house-made sourdough crusts, toppings such as Impossible beef, locally grown produce, along with Burgers that are made with American Kobe beef and burst with flavor.” “As the world is today, I find myself craving comfort foods. The menu for DTLA Pizza reflects my time growing up in New Jersey eating at such institutions such as Star Tavern in Orange, NJ.  These dishes and flavors remind me of home and the joyful times I spent with my friends and family as a kid.” Chef Michael Hung joins us to artfully toss & stretch the from-scratch pizza dough. 

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. Dine-in is slowly, with multiple hiccups, starting to come back but with a lot of new rules that restrict guest counts. Alternately take-out/delivery when you can surely helps… National Oyster Day was August 5th. We started the conversation last week about fully appreciating oysters. Chef Andrew is our resident authority on these bivalve mollusks enjoyed since ancient times. We’ll resume with tips about cooking with oysters. Oyster stew anyone ?

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

Show 385, August 8, 2020: Chef Michael Hung, DTLA Pizza, Los Angeles

Michael Hung of Faith and FlowerDTLA Pizza is a new Takeout and Delivery concept from Chef Michael Hung of Faith & Flower. The goal for Chef Michael’s new DTLA Pizza establishment is to serve meat lovers and vegans alike, quality and comfort food driven dishes prepared with house-made sourdough crusts, toppings such as Impossible beef, locally grown produce, along with Burgers that are made with American Kobe beef and burst with flavor.”

“Los Angeles meets the Oranges, as in the same area of northern New Jersey as the Sopranos, at DTLA Pizza. This area is also Chef Michael Hung’s inspiration as he drew from his New Jersey roots to create DTLA Pizza’s menu of true pizzeria classics. “As the world is today, I find myself craving comfort foods. The menu for DTLA Pizza reflects my time growing up in New Jersey eating at such institutions such as Star Tavern in Orange, NJ. These dishes and flavors remind me of home and the joyful times I spent with my friends and family as a kid.””

“DTLA Pizza features two different styles of Pizza – expertly crafted Neapolitan-Style Pies from the wood oven and Sicilian-Style Pan Pizzas with thick focaccia crusts. In addition to the classic 4-Cheese Pizza, DTLA Pizza offers two other Signature Pizzas: The Street Meat Magic Pizza loaded with pepperoni, mortadella, Italian sausage, and prosciutto, and It’s Literally Possible Pizza which is a fully plant-based pizza prepared with Impossible sausage, marinated peppers and onions, and vegan mozzarella. In addition to the Signature Pizzas, guests can also Build Your Own Pizza with a selection of over a dozen toppings, and all of the Pizzas at DTLA Pizza can be made either Neapolitan Style or Sicilian Style.”

DTLA Pizza is open for TakeoutDelivery, and Curbside Pickup (only) every Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. To order, please call 213.465.9400 and guests can Curbside pickup at 709 West 9th Street in South Park district of downtown Los Angeles by calling DTLA Pizza upon arrival, or choose Delivery through CaviarDoorDashGrubhubTock, or UberEats.

Chef Michael joins us to artfully toss and stretch the from-scratch dough.

August 8: Five Crowns & SideDoor, Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana, Ron Salisbury, Camins 2 Dreams, DTLA Pizza

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Restaurant Manager Tracy Nelsen, Five Crowns and SideDoor, Corona del Mar
Segment Three: Filippo Fusco, Managing Partner, Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana, Irvine
Segment Four: Restaurateur Ron Salisbury (El Cholo) – What They Don’t Teach You at the C.I.A. Part One
Segment Five: Restaurateur Ron Salisbury (El Cholo) – What They Don’t Teach You at the C.I.A. Part Two
Segment Six: Winemakers Tara Gomez and Mireia Taribo, Camins 2 Dreams Winery, Lompoc
Segment Seven: Chef Michael Hung, DTLA Pizza, Los Angeles
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Late last month Corona del Mar’s historic Five Crowns and SideDoor (part of the Lawry’s family of fine-dining restaurants) reopened the spacious backyard of the property for open-air dining in the charming setting reminiscent of an English country garden. Set with thoughtfully spaced tables and accented by fire pits, the backyard of the beloved, dining establishment offers the same gracious hospitality for which the restaurants are known. Guests sip on specialty cocktails under the twinkling lights and experience signature dishes from both Five Crowns and SideDoor offered on a single menu available for backyard dining and to-go. Tracy Nelsen Five Crowns’ and SideDoor’s Restaurant Manager, Cheesemonger, Sommelier and Cicerone joins us with a tempting overview of what’s now on the menu.

Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana is a fine-casual Italian restaurant located in Irvine in the Los Olivos Marketplace. At Angelina’s, guests dine on authentic Italian food made with only the finest ingredients imported from Italy and fresh produce from local farms. From one-of-a-kind artwork to hand-picked fixtures, the modern, upscale interior redefines the concept of a pizzeria.

Their specialty is authentic Neapolitan-style pizza (pizza Napoletana). Each pizza is made using traditional techniques and cooked in their twin Ferrara wood-burning pizza ovens, making Angelina’s one of the few restaurants in the United States to hold a VPN Certification (Vera Pizza Napoletana). Angelina’s Managing Partner, Filippo Fusco, is our guest, pizza peel at the ready.

Restaurateur Ron Salisbury has been running successful, high-volume restaurants for sixty-six years, a period of time in which most people are born and retire. He grew up working after school as a dish sorter, busser, and steam table expediter in his parents’ Los Angeles restaurant, El Cholo. Salisbury is not one for utilizing voluminous operating manuals but over the years has acquired a bushel of practical morsels of wisdom for operating a successful restaurant. Starting with “Our Seven Pillars” Ron has collected all these short vignettes of incredibly useful advice into the very easy-to-read volume, What They Don’t Teach You at the C.I.A. (That’s the Culinary Institute of America.) It’s truly an essential read for all aspiring restaurateurs. Ron Salisbury is with us to generously share a sampling of the practical wisdom from What They Don’t Teach You at the C.I.A.

Winemakers and life partners Mireia Taribo Tena and Tara Gomez are the creative forces at Camins 2 Deams in Lompoc, their dream boutique winery. The grapes are sourced exclusively from select vineyards in the Santa Rita Hills, a unique appellation in Santa Barbara County. Their philosophy is to make hand-crafted, terroir-driven wines that are fermented with natural yeast and use minimal intervention in the winery. Camins 2 Dreams believes wine is made in the vineyard and desires to showcase the typicity of each site where the grapes originate.

Current releases include Gruner Veltliner, Rose of Syrah, and three vineyard specific Syrahs. Winemakers Mireia and Tara join us to pull the cork on all that is Camins 2 Dreams.

“DTLA Pizza is a new Takeout and Delivery concept from Chef Michael Hung of Faith & Flower. The goal for Chef Michael’s new DTLA Pizza concept is to serve meat lovers and vegans alike, quality and comfort food driven dishes prepared with house-made sourdough crusts, toppings such as Impossible beef, locally grown produce, along with Burgers that are made with American Kobe beef and burst with flavor.” “As the world is today, I find myself craving comfort foods. The menu for DTLA Pizza reflects my time growing up in New Jersey eating at such institutions such as Star Tavern in Orange, NJ. These dishes and flavors remind me of home and the joyful times I spent with my friends and family as a kid.” Chef Michael Hung joins us to artfully toss & stretch the pizza dough.

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. Dine-in is slowly, with multiple hiccups, starting to come back but with a lot of new rules that restrict guest counts. Alternately Take-Out / Delivery when you can surely helps… National Oyster Day was August 5th. We started the conversation last week about fully appreciating oysters. Chef Andrew is our resident authority on these bivalve mollusks enjoyed since ancient times. We’ll resume with tips about cooking with oysters. Oyster stew anyone?

Tracy Nelsen of Five CrownsLate last month Corona del Mar’s historic Five Crowns and SideDoor (part of the Lawry’s family of fine-dining restaurants) reopened the spacious backyard for open-air dining in the charming setting reminiscent of an English country garden.

Set with thoughtfully spaced tables and accented by fire pits, the backyard of the beloved, dining establishment offers the same gracious hospitality for which the restaurants are known. Guests sip on specialty cocktails under the twinkling lights and experience signature dishes from both Five Crowns and SideDoor offered on a single menu available for backyard dining and to-go.

In addition to Five Crowns specialties including Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and Colorado Lamb Chops four cuts of the classic Lawry’s Prime Ribs of Beef are available. SideDoor featured items available range from the Artisanal Cheese Plate to Prime Rib Chili.

Tracy Nelsen Five Crowns’ and SideDoor’s Restaurant Manager certified Cheesemonger, Sommelier and Cicerone joins us with the specifics of what’s on the menu.

Filippo Fusco of Angelina's Pizzeria NapoletanaAngelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana is a fine-casual Italian restaurant located in Irvine in the Los Olivos Marketplace. At Angelina’s, guests dine on authentic Italian food made with only the finest ingredients imported from Italy and fresh produce from local farms. From one-of-a-kind artwork to hand-picked fixtures, the modern, upscale interior redefines the concept of a pizzeria.

Angelina’s Pizzeria specializes in authentic Neapolitan-style pizza (pizza Napoletana). Each pizza is made using traditional techniques and cooked in their twin Ferrara wood-burning pizza ovens, making Angelina’s one of the few restaurants in the United States to hold a VPN Certification (Vera Pizza Napoletana). Overseen by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana in Napoli, the VPN certifies that Angelina’s adheres to the strict requirements that make their pizzas “true Neopolitan Pizza.”

Angelina’s Managing Partner, Filippo Fusco, is our guest, pizza peel at the ready.

Ron Salisbury of El CholoRestaurateur Ron Salisbury has been running successful, high-volume restaurants for sixty-six years, a period of time in which most people are born and retire. He grew up working after school as a dish sorter, busser, and steam table expediter in his parents’ Los Angeles restaurant, El Cholo.

In the decades since Ron has launched restaurants throughout Southern California. In addition to the El Cholo’s newer ventures are The Cannery and Louie’s By the Bay, both located in Newport Beach.

Salisbury is not one for voluminous operating manuals but over the years he acquired a bushel of practical morsels of wisdom for operating a successful restaurant. Starting with “Our Seven Pillars” Ron has collected all these short vignettes of incredibly useful advice into the very easy-to-read volume, What They Don’t Teach You at the C.I.A. (That’s the Culinary Institute of America.) It’s truly an essential read for all aspiring restaurateurs.

Ron Salisbury is the recipient of the Elizabeth Burns Lifetime Achievement Award from the Los Angeles Chapter of the California Restaurant Association. He has lectured at The Collins College of Hospitality Management at California State Polytechnic University Pomona.

Ron Salisbury is with us to generously share a sampling of the practical wisdom from What They Don’t Teach You at the C.I.A.

Tara Gomez and Mireia Taribo Tena of Camins 2 Dreams in Lompoc CaliforniaWinemakers and life partners Mireia Taribo Tena and Tara Gomez are the creative forces at Camins 2 Deams in Lompoc, their dream winery. The grapes are sourced exclusively from select vineyards in the Santa Rita Hills, a unique appellation in Santa Barbara County.

Their philosophy is to make hand-crafted, terroir-driven wines that are fermented with natural yeast and use minimal intervention in the winery. Camins 2 Dreams believes wine is made in the vineyard and desires to showcase the typicity of each site where the grapes originate.

“We are lucky both to live and make our wines in the Santa Rita Hills where foggy mornings and cool nights combine with marine soils to make the perfect ingredients for outstanding wines. “

Current releases include Gruner Veltliner, Rose of Syrah, and three vineyard specific Syrahs.

Tara Gomez, a Native American, is also the Winemaker for Kita Wines, a small premium winery in the Santa Ynez Valley owned by the Chumash Tribe (Chumash Casino Resort.)

Mireia and Tara join us to pull the cork on Camins 2 Dreams.

Michael Hung of Faith and FlowerDTLA Pizza is a new Takeout and Delivery concept from Chef Michael Hung of Faith & Flower. The goal for Chef Michael’s new DTLA Pizza establishment is to serve meat lovers and vegans alike, quality and comfort food driven dishes prepared with house-made sourdough crusts, toppings such as Impossible beef, locally grown produce, along with Burgers that are made with American Kobe beef and burst with flavor.”

“Los Angeles meets the Oranges, as in the same area of northern New Jersey as the Sopranos, at DTLA Pizza. This area is also Chef Michael Hung’s inspiration as he drew from his New Jersey roots to create DTLA Pizza’s menu of true pizzeria classics. “As the world is today, I find myself craving comfort foods. The menu for DTLA Pizza reflects my time growing up in New Jersey eating at such institutions such as Star Tavern in Orange, NJ.  These dishes and flavors remind me of home and the joyful times I spent with my friends and family as a kid.””

“DTLA Pizza features two different styles of Pizza – expertly crafted Neapolitan-Style Pies from the wood oven and Sicilian-Style Pan Pizzas with thick focaccia crusts. In addition to the classic 4-Cheese PizzaDTLA Pizza offers two other Signature Pizzas: The Street Meat Magic Pizza loaded with pepperoni, mortadella, Italian sausage, and prosciutto, and It’s Literally Possible Pizza which is a fully plant-based pizza prepared with Impossible sausage, marinated peppers and onions, and vegan mozzarella. In addition to the Signature Pizzas, guests can also Build Your Own Pizza with a selection of over a dozen toppings, and all of the Pizzas at DTLA Pizza can be made either Neapolitan Style or Sicilian Style.”

DTLA Pizza is open for TakeoutDelivery, and Curbside Pickup (only) every Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. To order, please call 213.465.9400 and guests can Curbside pickup at 709 West 9th Street in South Park district of downtown Los Angeles by calling DTLA Pizza upon arrival, or choose Delivery through CaviarDoorDashGrubhubTock, or UberEats.

Chef Michael joins us to artfully toss and stretch the dough.

Chef Andrew Gruel savoring a New Jersey style Pizza“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. Dine-in is slowly, with multiple hiccups, starting to come back but with a lot of new rules that restrict guest counts. Alternately Take-Out / Delivery when you can surely helps…

National Oyster Day was August 5th. We started the conversation last week about appreciating oysters in the raw state. Chef Andrew is our resident authority on these bivalve mollusks enjoyed since ancient times. We’ll resume with tips about cooking with oysters. Oyster stew anyone?

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Restaurant Manager Tracy Nelsen, Five Crowns and SideDoor, Corona del Mar
Segment Three: Filippo Fusco, Managing Partner, Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana, Irvine
Segment Four: Restaurateur Ron Salisbury (El Cholo) – What They Don’t Teach You at the C.I.A. Part One
Segment Five: Restaurateur Ron Salisbury (El Cholo) – What They Don’t Teach You at the C.I.A. Part Two
Segment Six: Winemakers Tara Gomez and Mireia Taribo, Camins 2 Dreams Winery, Lompoc
Segment Seven: Chef Michael Hung, DTLA Pizza, Los Angeles
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Show 380, July 4, 2020: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Happy 4th of July to all. Please do celebrate safely.

“Fun illustrations and delightfully quirky characters bring the kitchen to life in The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids. Join Chef Pierre A. Lamielle on a kitchen adventure as he introduces you to the Munchy Munchy Gang, a team of characters here to educate kids on the art of cooking and the range of flavors they’ll encounter. Learn how to make over 28 different recipes, including ketchup, pancakes and other kid favorites with simple, easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations for every step. Pierre’s characters make complex cooking theories, like balancing the five tastes, accessible to kids of all ages. The perfect manual for a budding chef.” Chef Pierre Lamielle is our guest.

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Susan Feniger is best known for creating Border Grill (Los Angeles & Las Vegas) with her business partner Mary Sue Milliken. She was also one of the first stars on Food Network. The partners have made their return to Santa Monica with the launch of Socalo in the Gateway Hotel which has just reopened for expanded patio dining and curbside pickup.

“In his best-selling cookbook, Fair Foods: The Most Popular and Offbeat Recipes from America’s State and County Fairs, award-winning chef, best-selling author, and renowned educator George Geary celebrates the fun, delicious, strange and wonderful foods sold at state and county fairs.  Since we can’t go to the fair this year, George brings the fair to us with a volume of the most popular and iconic fair food recipes.” Think Funnel Cake with Berries and Deep-Fried Twinkies. Chef George Geary is with us, Cheesecake on a Stick in hand.

“Coming together for the very first time to celebrate restaurants all throughout Southern California, Los Angeles and Orange County unite to introduce Burger Week, which will be held from Sunday, July 12th, 2020 through Sunday, July 18th, 2020. Burger Week, produced by the Orange County Restaurant Association, will be a first-time event in Los Angeles and second annual event in Orange County. Burger Week was created to encourage diners all throughout the Southland (Orange County, Los Angeles County, Long Beach, and Pasadena) to celebrate and support SoCal restaurants while enjoying America’s favorite food – the almighty Burger!” Chef Michael Hung of Faith & Flower in Downtown Los Angeles is one of the participating chefs and restaurants in Burger Week. He’s offering three special burger creation meals To-Go including a plant-based Cheeseburger option. Chef Michael Hung temps us with all the juicy burger deliciousness.

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. Dine-in is slowly, with multiple hiccups, starting to come back but with a lot of new rules that restrict guest counts. Alternately take-out/delivery when you can surely helps… Chef Andrew launched a new Slapfish in downtown Indianapolis this week. What’s it like opening a restaurant away from California during the Covid 19 crisis? We’ll, of course, “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 380, July 4, 2020: Preview of “Burger Week” with Chef Michael Hung of Faith & Flower DTLA

Michael Hung of Faith and Flower“Coming together for the very first time to celebrate restaurants all throughout Southern California, Los Angeles and Orange County unite to introduce Burger Week, which will be held from Sunday, July 12th, 2020 through Sunday, July 18th, 2020. Burger Week, produced by the Orange County Restaurant Association, will be a first-time event in Los Angeles and second annual event in Orange County. Burger Week was created to encourage diners all throughout the Southland (Orange County, Los Angeles County, Long Beach, and Pasadena) to celebrate and support SoCal restaurants while enjoying America’s favorite food – the almighty Burger!”

“Burger Week will feature burger creations from participating restaurants all across Southern California and during this week-long event running from Sunday, July 12th through Sunday, July 18th, 2020, diners will be able to explore a variety of Burgers, ranging from classic to creative, featuring proteins including beef, chicken, turkey, mushroom, and plant-based options, on menus priced at $10, $15, $20, and luxe menus at $25.

Many restaurants will also be featuring special outdoor Dine-in, Takeout and Delivery packages, along with specialty featured Cocktails made with Maker’s Mark or Knob Creek Bourbon Whiskey. The restaurants participating in Burger Week, their Menus, and their featured Cocktails are all highlighted at BurgerWeek.com.”

Chef Michael Hung of Faith & Flower in Downtown Los Angeles is one of the participating chefs and restaurants in Burger Week. He’s offering three special burger creation meals including a plant-based Cheeseburger option. With the new directives for dine-in Faith & Flower’s “Burger Week” menu will be available To-Go and for delivery Thursday thru Sunday from 5 to 10:00 p.m.

Chef Michael Hung temps us with all the juicy burger deliciousness.

July 4: Pierre A. Lamielle, Susan Feniger, George Geary, Burger Week with Faith & Flower

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Pierre A. Lamielle with The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids Part One
Segment Three: Chef Pierre A. Lamielle with The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids Part Two
Segment Four: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger, Socalo Santa Monica and Border Grill DTLA & Las Vegas Part One
Segment Five: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger, Socalo Santa Monica and Border Grill DTLA & Las Vegas Part Two
Segment Six: Chef George Geary with Fair Foods: The Most Popular and Offbeat Recipes from America’s State and County Fairs
Segment Seven: Preview of “Burger Week” with Chef Michael Hung of Faith & Flower DTLA
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Happy 4th of July to all. Please do celebrate safely.

“Fun illustrations and delightfully quirky characters bring the kitchen to life in The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids. Join Chef Pierre A. Lamielle on a kitchen adventure as he introduces you to the Munchy Munchy Gang, a team of characters here to educate kids on the art of cooking and the range of flavors they’ll encounter. Learn how to make over 28 different recipes, including ketchup, pancakes and other kid favorites with simple, easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations for every step. Pierre’s characters make complex cooking theories, like balancing the five tastes, accessible to kids of all ages. The perfect manual for a budding chef.” Chef Pierre Lamielle is our guest.

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Susan Feniger is best known for creating Border Grill (Los Angeles & Las Vegas) with her business partner Mary Sue Milliken. She was also one of the first stars on Food Network. The partners have made their return to Santa Monica with the launch of Socalo in the Gateway Hotel which has just reopened for expanded patio dining and curbside pickup.

“In his best-selling cookbook, Fair Foods: The Most Popular and Offbeat Recipes from America’s State and County Fairs, award-winning chef, best-selling author, and renowned educator George Geary celebrates the fun, delicious, strange and wonderful foods sold at state and county fairs.  Since we can’t go to the fair this year, George brings the fair to us with a volume of the most popular and iconic fair food recipes. Think Funnel Cake with Berries and Deep-Fried Twinkies.” Chef George Geary is with us, Cheesecake on a Stick in hand.

“Coming together for the very first time to celebrate restaurants all throughout Southern California, Los Angeles and Orange County unite to introduce Burger Week, which will be held from Sunday, July 12th, 2020 through Sunday, July 18th, 2020. Burger Week, produced by the Orange County Restaurant Association, will be a first-time event in Los Angeles and second annual event in Orange County. Burger Week was created to encourage diners all throughout the Southland (Orange County, Los Angeles County, Long Beach, and Pasadena) to celebrate and support SoCal restaurants while enjoying America’s favorite food – the almighty Burger!” Chef Michael Hung of Faith & Flower in Downtown Los Angeles is one of the participating chefs and restaurants in Burger Week. He’s offering three special burger creation meals including a plant-based Cheeseburger option. Chef Michael Hung temps us with all the juicy burger deliciousness.

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. Dine-In is slowly, with multiple hiccups, starting to come back but with a lot of new rules that restrict guest counts. Alternately Take-Out / Delivery when you can surely helps… Chef Andrew launched a new Slapfish in downtown Indianapolis this week. What’s it like opening a restaurant during the Covid 19 crisis? We’ll, of course, “Ask the Chef.”

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

Pierre A Lamielle“From a young age, kids can have strong opinions about which foods they enjoy and which foods they definitely do not want to see on their plate! The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids by “Chopped Canada” winner Chef Pierre Lamielle takes knowledge from a practiced chef, and adds the quirky characters of the Munchy Munchy Gang into the mix!”

“The Munchy Munchy Gang teach budding foodies and chefs about skills and flavor profiles through 28 different recipes and a myriad of fun illustrations. Readers will learn how to make favorites including ketchup, pancakes, and more, with simple instructions and illustrations (drawn by Chef Lamielle) for every step.”

“Pierre’s characters make complex cooking theories, like balancing the five tastes, accessible to kids of all ages!”

“Fun illustrations and delightfully quirky characters bring the kitchen to life in The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids. Join Chef Pierre A. Lamielle on a kitchen adventure as he introduces you to the Munchy Munchy Gang, a team of characters here to educate kids on the art of cooking and the range of flavors they’ll encounter. Learn how to make over 28 different recipes, including ketchup, pancakes and other kid favorites with simple, easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations for every step. Pierre’s characters make complex cooking theories, like balancing the five tastes, accessible to kids of all ages. The perfect manual for a budding chef”

Chef Pierre A. Lamielle is the award- winning cookbook author of Alice Eats: A Wonderland Cookbook and Kitchen Scraps: A Humorous Illustrated Cookbook. Both won “Best Illustrated Cookbook in the World” at the Gourmand Cookbook Awards. He loves to teach cooking to all ages. He prefers cooking with friends but is not afraid of a little friendly culinary competition. He even competed on “Top Chef Canada” and “Chopped Canada”, which he won.

Chef Pierre is very excited for you to meet the amazing cast of characters in The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids and to learn all about cooking and eating tasty food.

We entice Chef Pierre Lamielle out of the kitchen for a chat.

Susan Feniger wearing a mask at Socalo in Santa MonicaCelebrity chef and restaurateur Susan Feniger is best known for creating Border Grill (Los Angeles & Las Vegas) with her business partner Mary Sue Milliken. She was also one of the first stars on Food Network. The partners have made their return to Santa Monica with the launch of Socalo in the Gateway Hotel which has just reopened for expanded patio dining.

Curbside pickup is available, too. A range of Family Meals are available by Tock. Also Margarita Kits, Wines by the Bottle, and Craft Beers.

Complimentary on-site parking is available.

Chicken Poblano Enchiladas (a favorite from Border Grill) have been added to the menu. Also returning to dinner dine-in is Baja Seabass and Lamb Birria.

Curbside pickup is available, too. A range of Family Meals are available by Tock. Also Margarita Kits, Wines by the Bottle, and Craft Beers.

Complimentary on-site parking is available.

We corral Chef Susan for a chat on what’s currently available at Socalo Santa Monica.

Cookbook Author George GearyWith fair season unfortunately cancelled this year, accomplished chef and author, George Geary lets you enjoy the food of county fairs without leaving your house.

The summer season is a time for ice cream, summer camp and state and county fairs.  But this summer is different with fairs postponed until 2021 due to COVID 19.  But that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the fun foods we love to eat served up at the fair.

In his best-selling cookbook, Fair Foods: The Most Popular and Offbeat Recipes from America’s State and County Fairs, award-winning chef, best-selling author, and renowned educator George Geary celebrates the fun, delicious, strange and wonderful foods sold at state and county fairs.  Since we can’t go to the fair this year, George brings the fair to us with a volume of the most popular and iconic fair food recipes. Think Funnel Cake with Berries and Deep-Fried Twinkies.

Chef George Geary is with us, Cheesecake on a Stick in hand.

Michael Hung of Faith and Flower“Coming together for the very first time to celebrate restaurants all throughout Southern California, Los Angeles and Orange County unite to introduce Burger Week, which will be held from Sunday, July 12th, 2020 through Sunday, July 18th, 2020. Burger Week, produced by the Orange County Restaurant Association, will be a first-time event in Los Angeles and second annual event in Orange County. Burger Week was created to encourage diners all throughout the Southland (Orange County, Los Angeles County, Long Beach, and Pasadena) to celebrate and support SoCal restaurants while enjoying America’s favorite food – the almighty Burger!”

“Burger Week will feature burger creations from participating restaurants all across Southern California and during this week-long event running from Sunday, July 12th through Sunday, July 18th, 2020, diners will be able to explore a variety of Burgers, ranging from classic to creative, featuring proteins including beef, chicken, turkey, mushroom, and plant-based options, on menus priced at $10, $15, $20, and luxe menus at $25. Many restaurants will also be featuring special outdoor Dine-in, Takeout and Delivery packages, along with specialty featured Cocktails made with Maker’s Mark or Knob Creek Bourbon Whiskey. The restaurants participating in Burger Week, their Menus, and their featured Cocktails are all highlighted at BurgerWeek.com.”

Chef Michael Hung of Faith & Flower in Downtown Los Angeles is one of the participating chefs and restaurants in Burger Week. He’s offering three special burger creation meals including a plant-based Cheeseburger option. Chef Michael Hung temps us with all the juicy burger deliciousness.

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. Dine-in is slowly starting to come back but with a lot of new rules that restrict guest counts. Alternately Take-Out / Delivery when you can surely helps…

Chef Andrew launched a new Slapfish in downtown Indianapolis this week. What’s it like opening a restaurant during the Covid 19 crisis? We’ll, of course, “Ask the Chef.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Pierre A. Lamielle with The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids Part One
Segment Three: Chef Pierre A. Lamielle with The Munchy Munchy Cookbook for Kids Part Two
Segment Four: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger, Socalo Santa Monica and Border Grill DTLA & Las Vegas Part One
Segment Five: Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger, Socalo Santa Monica and Border Grill DTLA & Las Vegas Part Two
Segment Six: Chef George Geary with Fair Foods: The Most Popular and Offbeat Recipes from America’s State and County Fairs
Segment Seven: Preview of “Burger Week” with Chef Michael Hung of Faith & Flower DTLA
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”