Show 368, April 11, 2020: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

It’s a troubling time for all of us and our “SoCal Restaurant Show” mission, until the Covid-19 crisis is fully abated, is to provide reliable and genuinely useful information on how the restaurant business is coping with the rapidly evolving events. With an emphasis on the health, safety and well-being of our listeners we’ll be detailing what the range of services restaurants can now provide to their guests. Creativity and adaptability are at the forefront. We’re keeping it upbeat…

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and CasinoAlso expect more helpful cooking tips from Chef Andrew Gruel because we’re all doing more meal prep at home. Chef Andrew is an incredible resource because he’s a real, working chef who cooks simply for his own family.

Chefs and restaurateurs are the most generous people I know. In times of need they are always the very first in generously giving back and meaningfully supporting their communities. Truly remarkable…Right now restaurants urgently need our support to stay afloat. Kindly keep this in mind and please do what you possibly can to support a community-focused, local restaurant….

As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience. Truly couldn’t do it without the encouragement of the foodie community.

Founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife duo of Chef Ryan and Katherine HarveyBare Bones is a San Diego-based nutrition company offering a full menu of protein-infused products including ready-to-use bone broth, collagen protein powder and instant bone broth beverage mixes. “As the leading innovator in the bone broth space, the company has provided wellness seekers convenient, quality protein and collagen enriched products that deliver the essential nutrients and hydration for the body, with no added sugars.” Chef Ryan Harvey stirs the simmering bone broth kettle for us.

“As executive chef and proprietor of the newly launched Glasspar in Dana Point, Rob Wilson draws upon decades of elite culinary and operational experience and childhood inspiration to present Glasspar’s menu of thoughtfully sourced, respectfully prepared, and creatively presented American seafood.” With dine-in off the menu during the ongoing health crisis Chef Rob has shifted his operation to create the Glasspar Seafood Market providing hard-to-find fresh seafood at better than supermarket pricing on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. We’ll reel Chef Rob is to provide the details.

If you’re in the gourmet specialty food business Las Vegas is the land of opportunity in normal times. There are multiple high-end, fine-dining restaurants located on The Strip as well as in the affluent suburbs of Summerlin and Henderson. A great local success story is Chef Michael Stamm of MGP Specialty Food. “Specialty Products for the Gourmand.” He brings out the foie gras just for us and explains how he is navigating this unheard of time where Las Vegas is essentially closed for visitors.

Pascal Olhats is the well-respected Dean of French chefs in Orange County. Last year he made the decision to focus his efforts on Café Jardin at Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona del Mar. His new restaurant chef there is Jessica Roy (ex-Current at Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel..) Pascal Catering is now based at Sherman Gardens, too. Chefs Pascal and Jessica Roy join us to explain the details of Café Jardin’s Gourmet Stand at Sherman Gardens operating during the current health crisis.

Last year the Pasta Shop Ristorante and Art Gallery celebrated its 30th Anniversary. Over the years two generations of the Alenik Family have brought fresh pasta and creative Italian cuisine to the Las Vegas valley. “Inspired by their late chef/founder David Alenik’s experiences as personal chef to Frank Sinatra and Steve Wynn, the family-owned restaurant and artisanal pasta makers use the best quality, local and imported ingredients throughout, including Vegan specialties. Pasta Shop also supplies fresh pasta to many of the most popular restaurants on the famed Las Vegas Strip!” Chef David’s widow, Ann, and daughter, Bianca, join us to roll out the pasta…

The newly opened Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen in Downtown Fullerton is a 100% Halal restaurant featuring high-end Desi cuisine paired alongside alcohol-free crafted mocktails from the award-winning Chef Imran Ali Mookhi. Built on the mission to highlight global cuisine in an elevated and elegant way, Khan Saab’s menu offers bold entrees made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Chef Ali is with all providing all the specifics.

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 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. Take-out/delivery when you can surely helps…Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first. Also some tips for Easter cooking at home. We’ll “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 368, April 11, 2020: Chef Michael Stamm, MGP Specialty Food and Cured & Whey, Las Vegas

Michael Stamm of MGP Specialty FoodIf you’re in the gourmet specialty food business Las Vegas is the land of opportunity in normal times. There are multiple high-end, fine-dining restaurants located on The Strip as well as in the affluent suburbs of Summerlin and Henderson. Downtown Las Vegas has been enjoying an independent dining revival, too. A great local success story for 21 years is Chef Michael Stamm of MGP Specialty Food. “Specialty Products for the Gourmand.”

His gourmet specialty food retail operation for the public is Cured & Whey. They offer one of the most impressive cheese and charcuterie board selections available in Las Vegas. During the health crisis all soft and hard cheeses are being sold at deep discounts. Cured & Whey also stocks the essential pantry items. Curbside pickup is available.

“It takes a lot of care and integrity to procure just the right products and deliver above and beyond what our customers need and want,” said Chef Michael. Chef Michael’s philosophy is indeed a reflection of his commitment to quality and the extraordinaire.  He shares his manufacturers’ passion for excellence and takes great pride in the products and manufactures he personally selects to represent.

Chef Michael brings out the foie gras just for us and explains how he is navigating this unheard of time where Las Vegas is essentially closed for visitors.

April 11: Bare Bones Broth, Glasspar, MGP Specialty Food, Café Jardin, Pasta Shop Ristorante and Art Gallery, Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Ryan Harvey of Bare Bones in San Diego
Segment Three: Executive Chef & Proprietor Rob Wilson, Glasspar, Dana Point
Segment Four: Chef Michael Stamm, MGP Specialty Food and Cured & Whey, Las Vegas
Segment Five: Chefs Pascal Olhats and Jessica Roy, Café Jardin at Sherman Gardens, Corona del Mar
Segment Six: Pasta Shop Ristorante and Art Gallery, Henderson, Nevada
Segment Seven: Chef / Proprietor Ali Mookhi of Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen, Fullerton
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

It’s a troubling time for all of us and our “SoCal Restaurant Show” mission, until the Covid-19 crisis is fully abated, is to provide reliable and genuinely useful information on how the restaurant business is coping with the rapidly evolving events. With an emphasis on the health, safety and well-being of our listeners we’ll be detailing what the range of services restaurants can now provide to their guests. Creativity and adaptability are at the forefront. We’re keeping it upbeat…

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and CasinoAlso expect more helpful cooking tips from Chef Andrew Gruel because we’re all doing more meal prep at home. Chef Andrew is an incredible resource because he’s a real, working chef who cooks simply for his own family.

Chefs and restaurateurs are the most generous people I know. In times of need they are always the very first in generously giving back and meaningfully supporting their communities. Truly remarkable…Right now restaurants urgently need our support to stay afloat. Kindly keep this in mind and please do what you possibly can to support a community-focused, local restaurant….

As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience. Truly couldn’t do it without the encouragement of the foodie community.

Founded in 2013 by husband-and-wife duo of Chef Ryan and Katherine Harvey, Bare Bones is a San Diego-based nutrition company offering a full menu of protein-infused products including ready-to-use bone broth, collagen protein powder and instant bone broth beverage mixes. As the leading innovator in the bone broth space, the company has provided wellness seekers convenient, quality protein and collagen enriched products that deliver the essential nutrients and hydration for the body, with no added sugars. Chef Ryan Harvey stirs the simmering bone broth kettle for us.

“As executive chef and proprietor of the newly launched Glasspar in Dana Point, Rob Wilson draws upon decades of elite culinary and operational experience and childhood inspiration to present Glasspar’s menu of thoughtfully sourced, respectfully prepared, and creatively presented American seafood.” With dine-in not allowed during the ongoing health crisis Chef Rob has shifted his operation to create the Glasspar Seafood Market providing hard-to-find fresh seafood at better than supermarket pricing on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. We’ll reel Chef Rob is to provide the details.

If you’re in the gourmet specialty food business Las Vegas is the land of opportunity in normal times. There are multiple high-end, fine-dining restaurants located on The Strip as well as in the affluent suburbs of Summerlin and Henderson. A great local success story is Chef Michael Stamm of MGP Specialty Food. “Specialty Products for the Gourmand.” He brings out the foie gras just for us and explains how he is navigating this unheard of time where Las Vegas is essentially closed for visitors.

Pascal Olhats is the well-respected Dean of French chefs in Orange County. Last year he made the decision to focus his efforts on Café Jardin at Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona del Mar. His new restaurant chef there is Jessica Roy (ex-Current at Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel.) Pascal Catering is now based at Sherman Gardens, too. Chefs Pascal and Jessica Roy join us to explain the details of Café Jardin’s Gourmet Stand at Sherman Gardens operating during the current health crisis.

Last year the Pasta Shop Ristorante and Art Gallery celebrated its 30th Anniversary. Over the years two generations of the Alenik Family have brought fresh pasta and creative Italian cuisine to the Las Vegas valley. Inspired by their late chef/founder David Alenik’s experiences as personal chef to Frank Sinatra and Steve Wynn, the family-owned restaurant and artisanal pasta makers use the best quality, local and imported ingredients throughout, including Vegan specialties. Pasta Shop also supplies fresh pasta to many of the most popular restaurants on the famed Las Vegas Strip! Chef David’s widow, Ann, and daughter, Bianca, join us to roll out the pasta…

The newly opened Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen in Downtown Fullerton is a 100% Halal restaurant featuring high-end Desi cuisine paired alongside alcohol-free crafted mocktails from the award-winning Chef Imran Ali Mookhi. Built on the mission to highlight global cuisine in an elevated and elegant way, Khan Saab’s menu offers bold entrees made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Chef Ali is with all providing all the specifics.

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 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. Take-out/delivery when you can surely helps…Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first. Also some tips for cooking at home. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

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

Ryan Harvey of Bare Bones Nutrition CompanyFounded in 2013 by husband-and-wife duo of Chef Ryan and Katherine Harvey, Bare Bones is a San Diego-based nutrition company offering a full menu of protein-infused products including ready-to-use bone broth, collagen protein powder and instant bone broth beverage mixes. As the leading innovator in the bone broth space, the company has provided wellness seekers convenient, quality protein and collagen enriched products that deliver the essential nutrients and hydration for the body, with no added sugars.

Leading innovators, Bare Bones, continues to elevate the bone broth industry with the expansion of their line of Bone Broth Instant Beverage Mix with a new added flavor, Chicken. This new evolution in bone broth is designed for those who demand the highest quality nutrition with the best taste, and anytime convenience.

“The Instant Beverage Mix starts the same way as the liquid broths: Simmering animal bones in water for 24-48 hours to extract the essential nutrients including collagen, protein and amino acids. The protein and collagen rich liquid is then dehydrated it into a water-soluble powder, creating a quick and easy mix with the same sippable, delicious, nutrient-dense bone broth in an easy-to-use instant beverage mix that delivers the protein and hydration your body needs with none of the sugar.”

“We turned to innovation, the heartbeat of any brand, and discovered a way to take bone broth, and dehydrate it – so we could still deliver the same benefits to consumers, but in a much more convenient and affordable package,” shared Ryan Harvey, Co-Founder of Bare Bones.

Chef Ryan Harvey stirs the simmering bone broth kettle for us.

Rob Wiilson of Glasspar“As executive chef and proprietor of the newly launched Glasspar in Dana Point, Rob Wilson draws upon decades of elite culinary and operational experience and childhood inspiration to present Glasspar’s menu of thoughtfully sourced, respectfully prepared, and creatively presented American seafood.” With dine-in not allowed during the ongoing health crisis Chef Rob has shifted his operation to create the Glasspar Seafood Market providing hard-to-find fresh seafood at better than supermarket pricing on Wednesday (2 to 6:00 p.m.) and Saturday afternoons (Noon to 4:00 p.m.)

For the duration Glasspar has artfully converted into a fresh seafood market. The restaurant, which originally ceased operations all together after the state-mandated dine-in closure, has now morphed its raw bar into a fresh seafood market.

“We saw an opportunity to meet a need in our community,” comments Chef Rob Wilson. “Supermarkets are barren, but we have access to fresh-caught, high-quality seafood from our partners at Superior Seafood and our raw bar is equipped to safely store and display it all. We’re in the business of feeding people and we’re happy to do our part by providing the community with the fresh seafood they can’t find at the market at better-than-supermarket prices.”

Guests are encouraged to place special seafood orders in advance by calling the restaurant at 949.240.6243.

In addition to fresh-caught seafood, the restaurant is selling bottles of wine from its cellar at a discount. Allowed by the temporarily relaxed ABC regulations, Glasspar is offering a selection of its signature pre-batched cocktails packaged in sealed containers to-go for at-home enjoyment.

We’ll reel Chef Rob is to provide the details.

Michael Stamm of MGP Specialty FoodIf you’re in the gourmet specialty food business Las Vegas is the land of opportunity in normal times. There are multiple high-end, fine-dining restaurants located on The Strip as well as in the affluent suburbs of Summerlin and Henderson. Downtown Las Vegas has been enjoying an independent dining revival, too. A great local success story for 21 years is Chef Michael Stamm of MGP Specialty Food. “Specialty Products for the Gourmand.”

His gourmet specialty food retail operation for the public is Cured & Whey. They offer one of the most impressive cheese and charcuterie board selections available in Las Vegas. During the health crisis all soft and hard cheeses are being sold at deep discounts. Cured & Whey also stocks the essential pantry items. Curbside pickup is available.

“It takes a lot of care and integrity to procure just the right products and deliver above and beyond what our customers need and want,” said Chef Michael. Chef Michael’s philosophy is indeed a reflection of his commitment to quality and the extraordinaire.  He shares his manufacturers’ passion for excellence and takes great pride in the products and manufactures he personally selects to represent.

Chef Michael brings out the foie gras just for us and explains how he is navigating this unheard of time where Las Vegas is essentially closed for visitors.

Jessica Roy and Pascal Olhats of Cafe Jardin in Corona del MarPascal Olhats is the well-respected Dean of French chefs in Orange County. Last year he made the decision to focus his efforts on Café Jardin at Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona del Mar. His new restaurant chef there is Jessica Roy (ex-Current at Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel.) Pascal Catering is now based at Sherman Gardens, too.

The new direction is “tradition meets innovation.” Both chefs are learning from each other.

Chefs Pascal and Jessica Roy join us to explain the details of Café Jardin’s Gourmet Stand at Sherman Gardens operating during the current health crisis.

There are daily specials of prepared meals to-go at curbside. Details on his Facebook page as well as recipes designed to be cooked at home.

Chef Pascal has a suggestion for you to consider for home delivery of premium grocery items….

“We’ve come up with something that we believe you should take advantage of. We have partnered up with our Specialty Food Supplier that provides us with some of the delicious food ingredients that we then prepare and cook for you in our restaurant. They are now providing Home Delivery of their exquisite line of products at discounted prices and delivered straight to your door.

All you have to do is enter our discount code CAFEJARD10 on their website and receive 10% OFF and we receive a portion of the sale to help us through these times. Let’s utilize our Supplier that has plenty of inventory, unused trucks and employees that are still allowed outside because groceries are essential. Skip the line and the heavily crowded supermarkets, buy directly the same products that we buy and let’s support one another.”

Free delivery for orders over $99.

Ann Alenik of Pasta Shop and Art GalleryLast year the Pasta Shop Ristorante and Art Gallery celebrated its 30th Anniversary. Over the years two generations of the Alenik Family have brought fresh pasta and creative Italian cuisine to the Las Vegas valley. Inspired by their late chef/founder David Alenik’s experiences as personal chef to Frank Sinatra and Steve Wynn, the family-owned restaurant and artisanal pasta makers use the best quality, local and imported ingredients throughout, including Vegan specialties.

Pasta Shop also supplies fresh pasta to many of the most popular restaurants on the famed Las Vegas Strip!

Mr. Sinatra’s dish of choice remains on the menu as Frank’s Favorite Meat Sauce. It’s finely diced meatballs, onions and spices in a robust tomato sauce served over house-made rigatoni.

Chef David’s widow, Ann, and daughter, Bianca, join us to roll out the pasta…

Imran Ali Mookhi of Khan Saab Desi Craft KitchenThe newly opened Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen in Downtown Fullerton is a 100% Halal restaurant featuring high-end Desi cuisine paired alongside alcohol-free crafted mocktails from the award-winning Chef Imran Ali Mookhi. Built on the mission to highlight global cuisine in an elevated and elegant way, Khan Saab’s menu offers bold entrees made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Khan Saab is now available for takeout and 3rd party delivery through Grubhub, Doordash, and Postmates! The doors and phone lines are open from 2 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily! Order directly by phone and receive 10% off!

Order from the Dinner menu and Family Take Out BBQ Kit, which includes your choice of smoked beef kabob, Malai chicken tikka, or Afghani Seekh kabob.  Packaged with Vegetable Biryani. $50 and serves four people.

Chef Ali is also serving the community with a weekly feeding program for those in need providing hot meals and bags of rice & lentils on Friday evenings.

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at the Fifth Anniversary of the SoCal Restaurant Show at Melissas World Variety ProduceOur 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 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. Take-out/delivery when you can surely helps…Of course, the safety of restaurant employees and guests comes first.

Chef Andrew also provides an extra helping of some timely cooking tips for preparing satisfying meals at home.

We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Ryan Harvey of Bare Bones in San Diego
Segment Three: Executive Chef & Proprietor Rob Wilson, Glasspar, Dana Point
Segment Four: Chef Michael Stamm, MGP Specialty Food and Cured & Whey, Las Vegas
Segment Five: Chefs Pascal Olhats and Jessica Roy, Café Jardin at Sherman Gardens, Corona del Mar
Segment Six: Pasta Shop Ristorante and Art Gallery, Henderson, Nevada
Segment Seven: Chef / Proprietor Ali Mookhi of Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen, Fullerton
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Show 258, January 27, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now an intriguing preview of this Saturday’s appetizing show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… Keep in mind we’re always here with you live every Saturday morning with a fresh show.

Barbara Fairchild, a distinguished member of The James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of American Food & Beverage and the former, long-time Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appetit Magazine, has a new volunteer assignment to add to her very full schedule. Barbara is Chairperson of the C-CAP L.A.’s Council. We’ll meet her and chat about C-CAP’s upcoming Full Circle Dinner Benefit on Friday evening, February 9th in the private dining rooms at Chef Neal Fraser’s Redbird in Downtown Los Angeles.

Real-deal Kansas City-style barbecue has arrived in Orange County with the launch of Ember BBQ in Santa Ana under the watchful direction of Chefs Derrick Foster and Kylie Gordon. Chef Derrick was born and raised in Kansas City. Ember BBQ is located within Native Son Alehouse. We’re getting fired up with Chef Derrick.

Our favorite, and always opinionated, “Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman” blogger, Anita Lau, has been dining in the Bay Area. One of her recent finds is Brown Sugar Kitchen. Think Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Cornmeal Waffle. The owner/chef Tanya Holland is a Cheftestant on the current season of Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Anita has the bite-by-bite report for us.

If you’re in the gourmet specialty food business Las Vegas is the land of opportunity. There are multiple high-end, fine-dining restaurants located on The Strip as well as in the affluent suburbs of Summerlin and Henderson. A great local success story is Chef Michael Stamm of MGP Specialty Food. “Specialty Products for the Gourmand.” He brings out the imported cheese and foie gras just for us.

The current thinking is that a lot of fine wines are released for sale way too early. What wines have aging potential and for how long? What are the suggested storing conditions? Our resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, provides the need insight.

Our always in-the-know Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, returns with his “Ask the Chef” series. Chilean Sea Bass (actually Antarctic toothfish or Patagonian toothfish) is back on restaurant menus. Only a few years ago diners were asked to not order it due to illegal overfishing. Is this desirable fish a good choice now?

Program Note: On Saturday, February 3rd we follow Ducks Hockey at the special time of 2 to 4:00 p.m.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!

Show 258, January 27, 2018: Chef Michael Stamm, MGP Specialty Food, Cured & Whey, Las Vegas Part One

Michael StammIf you’re in the gourmet specialty food business Las Vegas is the land of opportunity. There are multiple high-end fine-dining restaurants located on The Strip as well as in the affluent suburbs of Summerlin and Henderson. A great local success story is Chef Michael Stamm of MGP Specialty Food. “Specialty Products for the Gourmand.”

Chef Michael also operates Cured & Whey, an unusual retail gourmet specialty food store and deli.

He brings out imported cheese and foie gras especially for us.

Show 258, January 27, 2018: Chef Michael Stamm, MGP Specialty Food, Cured & Whey, Las Vegas Part Two

Michael StammIf you’re in the gourmet specialty food business Las Vegas is the land of opportunity. There are multiple high-end fine-dining restaurants located on The Strip as well as in the affluent suburbs of Summerlin and Henderson. A great local success story is Chef Michael Stamm of MGP Specialty Food. “Specialty Products for the Gourmand.”

Chef Michael also operates the new Cured & Whey, an unusual retail gourmet specialty food store and deli.

Chef and owner, Michael Stamm, began Michael’s Gourmet Pantry in 1999. Since that time, the business has grown to become the ultimate source for gourmet ingredients, servicing Las Vegas’s premier restaurants and the individual gourmand.

“It takes a lot of care and integrity to procure just the right products and deliver above and beyond what our customers need and want,” said Chef Michael. Chef Michael’s philosophy is indeed a reflection of his commitment to quality and the extraordinaire. He shares his manufacturers’ passion for excellence and takes great pride in the products and manufactures he personally selects to represent.

We continue our conversation with Chef Michael.

January 27: Barbara Fairchild, Ember BBQ, Mad Hungry Woman, MGP Specialty Food, Wine Exchange

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Barbara Fairchild, Food Journalist, Author & Chairperson, C-CAP L.A. Council
Segment Three: Chef Derrick Foster, Ember BBQ, Santa Ana
Segment Four: Anita Lau, “Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman” Blogger
Segment Five: Chef Michael Stamm, MGP Specialty Food, Cured & Whey, Las Vegas Part One
Segment Six: Chef Michael Stamm, MGP Specialty Food, Cured & Whey, Las Vegas Part Two
Segment Seven: Kyle Meyer, Managing Partner, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Now an intriguing preview of this Saturday’s appetizing show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… Keep in mind we’re always here with you live every Saturday morning with a fresh show.

Barbara Fairchild, a distinguished member of the The James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of American Food & Beverage and the former, long-time Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appetit Magazine, has a new volunteer assignment to add to her full schedule. Barbara is Chairperson of the C-CAP L.A.’s Council. We’ll meet her and chat about C-CAP’s upcoming Full Circle Winter Dinner Benefit on Friday evening, February 9th in the private dining rooms at Chef Neal Fraser’s Redbird in Downtown Los Angeles.

Real-deal Kansas City-style barbecue has arrived in Orange County with the launch of Ember BBQ in Santa Ana under the watchful direction of Chefs Derrick Foster and Kylie Gordon. Chef Derrick was born and raised in Kansas City. Ember BBQ is located within Native Son Alehouse. We’re getting fired up with Chefs Derrick and Kylie.

Our favorite, and always opinionated, “diary of a Mad Hungry Woman” blogger, Anita Lau, has been dining in the Bay Area. One of her recent finds is Brown Sugar Kitchen. Think Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Cornmeal Waffle. The owner/chef Tanya Holland is a Cheftestant on the current season of Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Anita has the bite-by-bite report for us.

If you’re in the gourmet specialty food business Las Vegas is the land of opportunity. There are multiple high-end, fine-dining restaurants located on The Strip as well as in the affluent suburbs of Summerlin and Henderson. A great local success story is Chef Michael Stamm of MGP Specialty Food. “Specialty Products for the Gourmand.” He brings out the foie gras just for us.

The current thinking is that a lot of fine wines are released for sale way too early. What wines have aging potential and for how long? What are the suggested storing conditions? Our resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, provides the need insight.

Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, returns with his “Ask the Chef” series. Chilean Sea Bass (actually Antarctic toothfish or Patagonian toothfish) is back on restaurant menus. Only a few years ago diners were asked to not order it due to illegal fishing. Is this desirable fish a good choice now?

Program Note: On Saturday, February 3rd we follow Ducks Hockey at the special time of 2 to 4:00 p.m.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!

Barbara FairchildBarbara Fairchild, a distinguished member of the The James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of American Food & Beverage and the former, long-time Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appetit Magazine, has a new volunteer assignment to add to her full schedule. Barbara is Chairperson the C-CAP L.A.’s Council. We’ll meet her and chat about C-CAP’s upcoming Full Circle Winter Dinner Benefit on Friday evening, February 9th in the private dining rooms at Chef Neal Fraser’s Redbird in Downtown Los Angeles.

Chef Neal Fraser of Redbird in Downtown Los Angeles is the Host Chef for the upcoming C-CAP Los Angeles Full Circle Winter Dinner Benefit on February 9th. Chef Neal has assembled an impressive group of celebrity chefs to join him for the stellar evening.

It’s 6:30 p.m. for the Cocktail Reception featuring a specialty libation created by mixologist Devon Espinosa of Sunset & Vinyl and also a C-CAP alum. The grand, five-course premium wine & craft beer-paired Dinner (and the Live Auction) is set for 7:30 p.m. The MC is Billy Harris.

The A-List chef brigade stars Host Chef Neal Fraser, Josiah Citrin (Melisse), Ben Ford (Ford’s Filling Station), Ray Garcia & Ivan Marquez (Broken Spanish), David LeFevre (Manhattan Beach Post), Jason Neroni (Rose Cafe), Amar Santana (Vaca & Broadway by Amar Santana), Michael Voltaggio (ink.well) and Sherry Yard (iPic Entertainment).

Derrick FosterReal-deal Kansas City-style barbecue has arrived in Orange County with the launch of Ember BBQ in Santa Ana under the watchful direction of Chefs Derrick Foster and Kylie Gordon. Chef Derrick was born and raised in Kansas City.

Ember BBQ is located within Native Son Alehouse. Ember BBQ serves a limited “Snack Menu” on Tuesday and Wednesday, and a full “Smokehouse Menu” Thursday through Sunday for lunch and dinner.

With an on-site smoker, Chef Derrick stays true to Kansas City-style barbecue tradition and history by featuring a variety of meats rubbed with a blend of spices and slow-smoked over hickory wood. His “Smokehouse Menu” features sliced-to-order 1855 Certified Angus Beef Brisket from Colorado, St. Louis Ribs, Smoked Chicken, and Pulled Pork. He showcases creativity in dishes such as Hogchos, his take on traditional nachos, using chicharron in place of tortilla chips, topped with pulled pork, smoked cheese sauce, pork jerky, pickled onion, sour cream, jalapenos and his housemade BBQ sauce.

Traditional sides are prepared with the utmost attention, including his Rancho Gordo BBQ Beans, which are peppered with brisket burnt ends; Cheesy Corn, which features a Mornay sauce and fresh-off-the-cobb corn; and made-from-scratch traditional banana pudding.

“Kansas City has more than 100 barbecue joints and many have national recognition – I’m trying to bring some of that excitement to Orange County,” explains Chef Derrick, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park who has worked in the kitchens of Corton, The Musket Room, The Rieger and Le Bernardin. “This is definitely food that requires patience and passion, and I’m excited to share my love for it with local diners.”

Kansas City-style barbecue refers to the specific regional style of slowly smoked meats that originated in the early 1900s in Kansas City, Missouri. Chef Derrick’s menu showcases a wide variety of meats, from pork and sausage, to chicken and beef, including Burnt Ends, which are distinctive to Kansas City.

We’re getting fired up with Chefs Derrick and Kylie.

Anita Lau of Mad Hungry WomanOur favorite, and always opinionated, “Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman” blogger, Anita Lau, has been dining in the Bay Area. One of her recent finds is Brown Sugar Kitchen in Oakland. Think Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Cornmeal Waffle. The owner/chef Tanya Holland is a Cheftestant on the current season of Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Anita has the bite-by-bite report for us.

“diary of a Mad Hungry Woman began in 2008 as a food journal and has slowly evolved into a restaurant critique site. It follows the food adventures of Anita Lau, a 25-year veteran in the food writing business. Originally focusing solely on the culinary, the last year has seen the site shifting towards other topics dear to her heart — the arts, music and anything food related. A Travel section has been added to feature food adventures and getaways the Mad Hungry Woman takes out-of-state and overseas.”

Michael StammIf you’re in the gourmet specialty food business Las Vegas is the land of opportunity. There are multiple high-end fine-dining restaurants located on The Strip as well as in the affluent suburbs of Summerlin and Henderson. A great local success story is Chef Michael Stamm of MGP Specialty Food. “Specialty Products for the Gourmand.” He brings out the foie gras especially for us.

Chef Michael just returned from the 2018 Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco. We’re learn what products caught his attention.

Chef and owner, Michael Stamm, began Michael’s Gourmet Pantry in 1999.  Since that time, the business has grown to become the ultimate source for gourmet ingredients, servicing Las Vegas’s premier restaurants and the individual gourmand.

“It takes a lot of care and integrity to procure just the right products and deliver above and beyond what our customers need and want,” said Chef Michael.  Chef Michael’s philosophy is indeed a reflection of his commitment to quality and the extraordinaire.  He shares his manufacturers’ passion for excellence and takes great pride in the products and manufactures he personally selects to represent.

We continue our conversation with Chef Michael.

Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeThe current thinking is that a lot of fine wines are released for sale way too early. What wines have aging potential and for how long? What are the suggested storing conditions?

Our resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, provides the need insight.

 

Andrew and William GruelOur always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, returns with his “Ask the Chef” series.

Chilean Sea Bass (actually Antarctic toothfish or Patagonian toothfish) is back on restaurant menus. Only a few years ago diners were asked to not order it due to illegal fishing. Is this desirable fish a good choice now?

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Barbara Fairchild, Food Journalist, Author & Chairperson, C-CAP L.A. Council
Segment Three: Chef Derrick Foster, Ember BBQ, Santa Ana
Segment Four: Anita Lau, “Diary of a Mad Hungry Woman” Blogger
Segment Five: Chef Michael Stamm, MGP Specialty Food, Cured & Whey, Las Vegas Part One
Segment Six: Chef Michael Stamm, MGP Specialty Food, Cured & Whey, Las Vegas Part Two
Segment Seven: Kyle Meyer, Managing Partner, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group