Show 443, September 18, 2021: George Barker, Proprietor, Mayfield Restaurant & Market, San Juan Capistrano

George Barker of Mayfield Restaurant and Market

Mayfield Restaurant & Market is an ambitious, glowingly reviewed modern California restaurant and market located in Downtown San Juan Capistrano in an extensively refurbished historic building. It’s on two levels and includes a comfortable covered 2nd level patio. The menu has a distinctive Mediterranean and Levant flair and there is also an extensive cocktail list along with an ample selection of craft beers and natural wines. They just celebrated their Year Anniversary as a welcome addition to the burgeoning San Juan Capistrano dining scene.

A new menu item is PEI Mussels with Peach Harissa and served with 61hundred Sourdough.

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

Proprietor George Barker joins us with an update.

Show 141, October 10, 2015: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Greetings, and now a mouthwatering preview of Saturday’s high octane show and not, with apologies, for dieters. With any luck we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…

We respectfully again move aside this morning for Notre Dame football at 11:30 a.m.

The proudly Family-owned Terlato Wine Group is a holding company for several independent businesses specializing in the marketing and production of exceptional wines. They are probably best known for pioneering the popularity of Pinot Grigio in the United States. Representing the 2nd generation of Family ownership is John Terlato, our guest.

The Habit Burger Grill (which started locally in Santa Barbara in 1969) partnered with No Kid Hungry for the month of September to raise funds to wipe out childhood hunger in the United States. A minimum of $200,000 will be contributed. The Habit’s Chief Marketing Officer, Matt Hood, joins us with all the joyful details.

Rejoice. It’s National Seafood Month. Mussels seem to be the forgotten and underappreciated mollusk in the United States. They are incredibly popular in Europe. The meat is tougher than a oyster or clam but it’s still delicious with a mildly sweet flavor. Great health benefits, too. Our resident seafood authority and co-host, Chef Andrew Gruel, will spread the joy of mussels. They are really good eating. There is life beyond oysters !

The Wolfgang Puck of Northern Baja is acclaimed Chef Javier Plascencia. Savvy Southern Californians have enjoyed dining at both Romesco in Bonita and Mision 19 in Tijuana. His newest restaurant, Bracero Cocina de Raiz is located in San Diego’s Little Italy. He’s been all over Food TV including visits with Anthony Bourdain and Travel Channel’s Andrew Zimmern. His General Manager and Sommelier at Bracero, JM Woody van Horn is our guest.

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

Show 141, October 10, 2015: Chef Andrew Gruel, Mussels and National Seafood Month

Andrew GruelIt’s National Seafood Month and as our Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel points out there is a massive deficit of seafood in the American diet. For example Americans, on average, only consume 16 pounds of seafood a year. Compare that to Japan where the average consumption per person is 170 pounds per year. “The SoCal Restaurant Show” encourages all of our listeners to enjoy more seafood as a part of their regular diet. It’s both tasty and healthy…

Mussels seem to be the forgotten and underappreciated mollusk in the United States. They are incredibly popular in Europe. The meat is a bit tougher than an oyster or clam but it’s still delicious with a mildly sweet flavor.

Mussels are an ancient food of early man going back over 20,000 years.

The “SoCal Restaurtant Show” was recently on Prince Edward Island in Canada. We enjoyed mussels there simply steamed in white wine, craft beer, and with tomatoes. The broth is equally delicious, too.

Our resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel, will spread the joy of mussels. They are really good eating. There is life beyond oysters !

 

October 10: John Terlato, Habit Burger Grill, Andrew Gruel, Bracero Cocina

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: John Terlato, Terlato Wine Group
Segment Three: No Kid Hungry & The Habit Burger Grill
Segment Four: chef Andrew Gruel, Mussels and National Seafood Month
Segment Five: Bracero Cocina de Raiz and General Manager JM Woody Von Horn Part One
Segment Six: Bracero Cocina de Raiz and General Manager JM Woody Von Horn Part Two

Greetings, and now a mouthwatering preview of Saturday’s high octane show and not, with apologies, for dieters. With any luck we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…

We respectfully again move aside this morning for Notre Dame football at 11:30 a.m.

The proudly Family-owned Terlato Wine Group is a holding company for several independent businesses specializing in the marketing and production of exceptional wines. They are probably best known for pioneering the popularity of Pinot Grigio in the United States. Representing the 2nd generation of Family ownership is John Terlato, our guest.

The Habit Burger Grill (which started locally in Santa Barbara in 1969) partnered with No Kid Hungry for the month of September to raise funds to wipe out childhood hunger in the United States. A minimum of $200,000 will be contributed. The Habit’s Chief Marketing Officer, Matt Hood, joins us with all the joyful details.

Rejoice. It’s National Seafood Month. Mussels seem to be the forgotten and underappreciated mollusk in the United States. They are incredibly popular in Europe. The meat is tougher than a oyster or clam but it’s still delicious with a mildly sweet flavor. Great health benefits, too. Our resident seafood authority and co-host, Chef Andrew Gruel, will spread the joy of mussels. They are really good eating. There is life beyond oysters !

The Wolfgang Puck of Northern Baja is acclaimed Chef Javier Plascencia. Savvy Southern Californians have enjoyed dining at both Romesco in Bonita and Mision 19 in Tijuana. His newest restaurant, Bracero Cocina de Raiz is located in San Diego’s Little Italy. He’s been all over Food TV including visits with Anthony Bourdain and Travel Channel’s Andrew Zimmern. His General Manager and Sommelier at Bracero, JM Woody van Horn is our guest.

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

John TerlatoThe proudly Family-owned Terlato Wine Group based in a Chicago suburb is a holding company for several independent businesses specializing in the marketing and production of exceptional wines. They are probably best known for pioneering the popularity of Pinot Grigio in the United States. That’s no small accomplishment…

The Terlatos started out in the wine business as retailers in 1955. Over the years, they have been involved in every facet of the business as wine distributors and importers, as well as winery owners and vineyard developers. No other company in the industry has successfully operated throughout all channels. This vertical integration and diversity of experience shaped the Terlato family’s unique perspective and approach to luxury wine marketing, sales and production.

Chairman Anthony Terlato’s philosophy that “Quality Endures” has guided the growth of the Terlato family’s businesses and provided opportunities to lead, rater than follow, industry trends.

Representing the 2nd generation of Family ownership is Vice Chairman John Terlato, our guest.

Habit Burger with Fries and Onion RingsThe Habit Burger Grill (which started locally in Santa Barbara in 1969) partnered with No Kid Hungry for the month of September to raise funds to wipe out childhood hunger in the United States. A minimum of $200,000 will be contributed. We’ll hear the good news about the grand total…

Doing its part to help end the problem of childhood hunger in America, The Habit Restaurants, Inc. launched a partnership with No Kid Hungry in which guests were encouraged to donate at the register and, in return, received a certificate to enjoy a complimentary Charburger with cheese on their next visit through October 31, 2015.

The campaign, which ran nationwide at participating Habit Burger Grill locations through September 30, 2015, addresses the serious issue of childhood hunger in the United States where 1 in 5 children cannot count on their next meal.  During the campaign guests at The Habit who donated $2 to No Kid Hungry, a national campaign from the nonprofit Share Our Strength, received a certificate for a free Charburger with cheese good on a future visit.

The Habit/No Kid Hungry partnership raised funds from 120 Habit restaurants nationwide and donations will directly support No Kid Hungry’s mission to wipe out childhood hunger in the U.S. by connecting kids in need with nutritious food and teaching families how to cook healthy, affordable meals.

The Habit’s Chief Marketing Officer Matt Hood, joins us with all the noteworthy results.

It’s National Seafood Month and as our Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel points out there is a massive deficit of seafood in the American diet. For example Americans, on average, only consume 16 pounds of seafood a year. Compare that to Japan where the average consumption per person is 170 pounds per year. “The SoCal Restaurant Show” encourages all of our listeners to enjoy more seafood as a part of their regular diet. It’s both tasty and healthy…

Mussels seem to be the forgotten and underappreciated mollusk in the United States. They are incredibly popular in Europe. The meat is a bit tougher than an oyster or clam but it’s still delicious with a mildly sweet flavor.

Mussels are an ancient food of early man going back over 20,000 years.

The “SoCal Restaurtant Show” was recently on Prince Edward Island in Canada. We enjoyed mussels there simply steamed in white wine, craft beer, and with tomatoes. The broth is equally delicious, too.

Our resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel, will spread the joy of mussels. They are really good eating. There is life beyond oysters!

JM Woody Von HornThe “Wolfgang Puck” of Northern Baja is acclaimed Chef Javier Plascencia. Savvy Southern Californians have enjoyed dining at both Romesco in Bonita and Mision 19 in Tijuana. His newest restaurant, Bracero Cocina de Raiz is located in San Diego’s Little Italy.

He’s been all over Food TV in recent years including visits with Anthony Bourdain and Travel Channel’s Andrew Zimmern. He’s also been profiled in The New York Times.

Chef Javier will be preparing a special 9 course wine-paired tasting menu on Monday evening, Oct. 19th at Bracero for American Institute of Wine & Food – San Diego Chapter’s members and guests.

Javier Plasencia’s General Manager and Sommelier at Bracero, JM Woody van Horn is our guest.

Of his new restaurant, Chef Javier says, “The traditional Mexican kitchen is a central gathering place, where lively talk resonates and generations of home-crafted meals are envisioned, created and enjoyed. So it is at Bracero Cocina de Raiz. We celebrate memorable dishes and specialty cocktails, and raise a toast to the heart and soul of those who have nurtured each and every plant that has produced what goes into recipes that are both reminiscent, and perfected in a way that has never tasted quite so good.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: John Terlato, Terlato Wine Group
Segment Three: No Kid Hungry & The Habit Burger Grill
Segment Four: chef Andrew Gruel, Mussels and National Seafood Month
Segment Five: Bracero Cocina de Raiz and General Manager JM Woody Von Horn Part One
Segment Six: Bracero Cocina de Raiz and General Manager JM Woody Von Horn Part Two

September 19: Andrew Gruel, John Terlato, The Habit, Ventura County Farm Day, Moulin Bistro, Eric Klein, Sipsmith Independent Spirits

Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, and now, Irvine at UCI, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Next an appetizing preview of Saturday’s high-energy and appropriately fully-loaded show and not, with apologies, for dieters. With any luck we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…

The proudly Family-owned Terlato Wine Group is a holding company for several independent businesses specializing in the marketing and production of exceptional wines. They are probably best known for pioneering the popularity of Pinot Grigio in the United States. Representing the 2nd generation of Family ownership is John Terlato, our guest.

The Habit Burger Grill (which started in Santa Barbara in 1969) has partnered with No Kid Hungry for the month of September to raise funds to wipe out childhood hunger in the United States. A minimum of $200,000 will be contributed. The Habit’s CEO, Russ Bendel, joins us with all the details.

Discover California agriculture first hand and learn about fun farm-specific facts and specialties at SEEAG’s (Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture) third annual Ventura County Farm Day on Saturday, September 26, 2015. This free event welcomes visitors to enjoy both guided and self-guided tours from over 20 working farms in Ventura County. SEEAG’s Founder & Executive Director Mary Maranville is our guest.

Moulin Bistro in Newport Beach, celebrating their first anniversary, is an incredible success story. It’s a busy French bistro, epicerie, boulangerie and patisserie under one roof. (“Always Fresh Always French.”) The ambitious proprietor (unbelievably) had no previous restaurant experience. Proprietor Laurent Vrignaud joins us.

Executive Chef Eric Klein of Spago Las Vegas is no stranger to the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” In the last two weeks he has cooked a private dinner for The President, been the celebrity guest chef aboard Holland America Line’s ms Maasdam, and cooked at one of the most prestigious charity funds-raisers in Las Vegas. We’ll catch-up with the busy Chef Eric.

Our friends at The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) are at it again. Their next Los Angeles Program is “Gin! A Botanical Mystery Tour” on Tuesday evening, September 22nd at 6:30 p.m. at the newly renovated Clifton’s Cafeteria in Downtown Los Angeles. Jared Brown, Master Distiller at Sipsmith Independent Spirits in London is our guest.

Mussels seem to be the forgotten and underappreciated mollusk in the United States. They are incredibly popular in Europe. The meat is a bit tougher than an oyster or clam but it’s still delicious with a mildly sweet flavor. Our resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel, will spread the joy of mussels. They are really good eating. There is life beyond oysters !

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

John TerlatoThe proudly Family-owned Terlato Wine Group, based in a Chicago suburb, is a holding company for several independent businesses specializing in the marketing and production of exceptional wines. They are probably best known for pioneering the popularity of Pinot Grigio in the United States.

The Terlatos started out in the wine business as retailers in 1955. Over the years, they have been involved in every facet of the business as wine distributors and importers, as well as winery owners and vineyard developers. No other company in the industry has successfully operated throughout all channels. This vertical integration and diversity of experience shaped the Terlato family’s unique perspective and approach to luxury wine marketing, sales and production.

Chairman Anthony Terlato’s philosophy that “Quality Endures” has guided the growth of the Terlato family’s businesses and provided opportunities to lead, rather than follow, industry trends.

Representing the 2nd generation of Family ownership is Vice Chairman John Terlato, our guest.

Russ BendelThe Habit Burger Grill (which started in Santa Barbara in 1969) has partnered with No Kid Hungry for the month of September to raise funds to wipe out childhood hunger in the United States. A minimum of $200,000 will be contributed.

Doing its part to help end the problem of childhood hunger in America, The Habit Restaurants, Inc.  has launched a partnership with No Kid Hungry in which guests are encouraged to donate at the register and, in return, receive a certificate to enjoy a complimentary Charburger with cheese on their next visit through October 14, 2015.

The campaign, which runs nationwide at participating Habit Burger Grill locations now through September 30, 2015, addresses the serious issue of childhood hunger in the United States where 1 in 5 children cannot count on their next meal.  During the campaign guests at The Habit who donate $2 to No Kid Hungry, a national campaign from the nonprofit Share Our Strength, will receive a certificate for a free Charburger with cheese good on a future visit .

The Habit/No Kid Hungry partnership will raise funds from 120 Habit restaurants nationwide and donations will directly support No Kid Hungry’s mission to wipe out childhood hunger in the U.S. by connecting kids in need with nutritious food and teaching families how to cook healthy, affordable meals.

The Habit’s CEO, Russ Bendel, joins us with all the details.

Ventura County Farm DayDiscover California agriculture first hand and learn about fun, farm-specific facts and specialties at SEEAG’s (Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture) third annual Ventura County Farm Day on Saturday, September 26, 2015. This free event welcomes visitors to enjoy both guided and self-guided tours, hands-on activities and educational demonstrations from over 20 working farms in Ventura County, followed by a ticketed outdoor BBQ at Limoneria Ranch.

A perfect family event, Ventura County Farm Day is free to attend at participating Ventura County farms in Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Saticoy and Somis.

This year, Ventura County Farm Day will also feature the new Farm Day Mercantile Hub at Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center. The Mercantile Hub will host a collection of local artisanal vendors displaying their goods and demonstrating the beautiful products that can be created from the raw bounty grown by our farmers. The market will include meat curers, bread makers, goat milk soaps, honey, jam, pickles, chocolate and more.

After tour hours have concluded, attendees are invited to enjoy a rustic outdoor BBQ from 4-9 p.m. at Limoneira Ranch in Santa Paula. The BBQ will feature live music by Grammy Award-winning artist Todd Hannigan, a kiss-the-farmer photo booth, tractor rides, gourmet salads prepared by farm-to-table Chef Jason Collis, craft beers from Poseidon Brewing Company, small-batch wines from Four Brix Winery and barbeque fired up by the Young Farmers & Ranchers of Ventura County.

SEEAG’s Founder & Executive Director Mary Maranville is our guest.

Laurent VrignaudMoulin Bistro in Newport Beach, celebrating their first anniversary, is an incredible success story. It’s a busy French bistro, epicerie, boulangerie and patisserie under one roof. (“Always Fresh, Always French.”) All the appointments and fixtures are French. The ambitious proprietor (unbelievably) had no previous restaurant experience.

It’s already the darling of Orange County Food writers. Moulin is one of three nominees for “Best New Restaurant” at The Golden Foodie Awards on Sept. 27th at The Fairmont Newport Beach.

The French Rotisserie Chicken is a standout.

Laurent wanted to close at 7:00 p.m. but his French guests had another opinion. By popular demand he opened on Tuesday evenings for Dinner at Moulin. It’s a weekly changing appetizer, main dish, and dessert for $25.00. It now sells out at capacity way in advance. Laurent then added Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It’s Entrecote Frites night with unlimited fries. It’s also $25.00.

The Orange County Register’s long-time food writer Cathy Thomas recently did a feature on Moulin’s Le Croque Madame. The video (demonstrating the recipe with Laurent and French-born Chef Jeoffrey Offer) is available for viewing on YouTube.

Proprietor Laurent Vrignaud joins us.

Eric KleinExecutive Chef Eric Klein of Spago Las Vegas is no stranger to the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” In the last two weeks he has cooked a private dinner for The President, been the celebrity guest chef aboard Holland America Line’s ms Maasdam, and cooked with Wolfgang Puck as the host chef at one of the most prestigious charity funds-raisers in Las Vegas.

Earlier in the week Chef Eric was the host chef for Chef Wolfgang Puck’s 3rd annual “Sip & Savor” benefit at Spago Las Vegas. It benefits Keep Memory Alive.

It’s a mix-and-mingle, wine-and-dine event which gave the guests the opportunity to indulge in an interactive culinary affair sampling the signature cuisine of each of Puck’s six Las Vegas restaurants, paired with a number of Chef Puck’s favorite wines.

We’ll catch-up with Chef Eric.

Our friends at The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) are at it again. Their next interactive Los Angeles Program is Gin! A Botanical Mystery Tour” on Tuesday evening, September 22nd at 6:30 p.m. at the newly (and expensively) renovated Clifton’s Cafeteria in Downtown Los Angeles.

Master Distiller Jared Brown, (a MOTAC co-founder) will lead participants on a historical and global tour of gins, including London Dry, New World and Old Tom.

The evening also celebrates the eagerly anticipated reopening of Clifton’s Cafeteria, a Los Angeles culinary icon, now extensively renovated and the future home of MOTAC’s next Los Angeles gallery. Admission includes gourmet appetizers courtesy of Clifton’s kitchen.

Jared Brown, Master Distiller at Sipsmith Independent Spirits in London is our guest.

Andrew GruelMussels seem to be the forgotten and underappreciated mollusk in the United States. They are incredibly popular in Europe. The meat is a bit tougher than an oyster or clam but it’s still delicious with a mildly sweet flavor.

Mussels are an ancient food of early man going back over 20,000 years.

The “SoCal Restaurant Show” was recently on Prince Edward Island in Canada. We enjoyed mussels there cooked in white wine, craft beer, and with tomatoes. The broth is equally delicious, too.

Our resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel, will spread the joy of mussels. They are really good eating. There is life beyond raw oysters!

Show 110, February 14, 2015: Damian Stanley, Executive Sous Chef, Pechanga Resort & Casino Continues…

Umi Sushi and Oyster Bar at Pechanga Resort and CasinoChef Damian Stanley is the always on the move Executive Sous Chef at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula. Since the hotel tower and casino opened in 2002 at Pechanga they have enjoyed an outstanding reputation for the quality and diversity of their food and beverage offerings.

Chef Damian was the project manager for one of their newest interactive fine-dining spots, Umi Sushi and Oyster Bar. which launched after Thanksgiving in 2013. Umi means “sea” in Japanese. Sushi, sashimi, nigiri, rolls, oysters on the half shell, seafood platters, specialty cocktails and lots more are on the varied menu at Umi Sushi and Oyster Bar.

Three highly skilled Japanese sushi chefs (actually from Japan) are part of the culinary team. It’s an interactive and highly entertaining experience with the sushi chefs if you dine at the sushi bar.

There is a hint of the South on the menu, too. Look for gumbo and jambalaya. The specialty bouillabaisse has clams, fish, shrimp, scallop, and mussels in the hearty seafood broth.

A standout dish is the Bone Marrow Lobster with pear, tatsoi salad, celery root skordalia and black truffle vinaigrette.

Show 107, January 24, 2015: Dine L.A.

Donato PotodineL.A.’s Winter Restaurant Week is underway and continuing until February 1, 2015. Fixed price lunch and dinner menus created by acclaimed L.A. chefs (at a great value) are available from over 300 participating restaurants.

Diners can enjoy lunch menus for $15, $20, or $25 or plan a night out on the town with dinner options priced at $30, $40, or $50 per person. The restaurants are in this to “Wow”. dineL.A.’s Director, Stacey Sun joins us with all the details.

Also with us is restaurateur Donato Poto, co-owner of Connie & Ted’s (who is participating for the first time.) The always gracious Poto is known among his colleagues as one of the most personable front-of-the-house personalities working in California. He’s overseen an impressive list of establishments along the way including the original Water Grill, Primi and Bastide.

Among the entrée possibilities on Connie and Ted’s dineL.A. dinner menu is Ed’s Portugese Fish Stew with hake, manila clams, mussels and linguica sausage.

Show 51, December 7, 2013: Barbara Fairchild, former long-time Editor of Bon Appetit Magazine, educator, food journalist, and cookbook author Continues…

Rotisserie Georgette in New York CityOn to New York…

Barbara has been particularly taken by the new Rotisserie Georgette. Georgette Farkas was Chef Daniel Boulud’s highly regarded ace public relations and marketing person for many years.

Barbara had already been there for lunch and was going back for dinner!

Barbara also graciously shared her find for favorite classic French Bistro on New York which is a bit under the dining radar. It’s Le Bateau Ivre, established in 1999. She suggests them for for mussels, onion soup, and roasted chicken.

In concluding Barbara shared her memories of the very popular Judy Rodgers of San Francisco’s iconic Zuni Café. She passed away last week.