Show 562, January 27, 2024: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Nancy Silverton, the author of The Cookie That Changed My Life and More Than 100 Other Classic Cakes, Cookies, Muffins, and Pies That Will Change Yours, changed the way America bakes. As the original pastry chef at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago (celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year,) she made us rethink how we make and eat bread. Now this “pastry doyenne” (Los Angeles Times) has not only returned to her roots, she has surpassed anything she has done before. Biting into a particularly delicious peanut butter cookie one day from Friends & Family’s Roxana Jullapat, she and had an epiphany: every single thing we bake should taste this good. And so she decided to return to her roots, and set to work perfecting the rest of the American baking canon. ”
Nancy Silverton joins us with a whisk at the ready.

Chef Sandra Cordero’s Gasolina Café + Mercado in Woodland Hills is a lively Spanish Café, Market and Natural Wine Shop now serving seasonal Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Gasolina features specialty coffee, Spanish Natural Wines, snacks and tinned fish to enjoy in-house or To Go. Paella Nights have returned and are every Third Friday and Saturday of the Month. Friday, February 16th and Saturday, February 17th are available for reservations now. Chef Sandra Cordero joins us with a properly seasoned paella pan at the ready.

Afghan Kitchen in South Surrey, British Columbia is the manifestation of a young boy’s dream. He roamed the streets of Kabul in his sandals and saw how hard his family worked to sustain themselves. In the times of war, they moved to different neighboring countries until they finally came to Canada. Afghan Kitchen presents the guest with the vision of the young boy’s very own restaurant since he was six years old. Every corner of Afghan Kitchen is thoughtfully curated. Every dish uses Mum’s recipe. (“Mum Sarwari” presides in the busy kitchen.) This is a proudly family-owned and-run business that reflects the best of Afghan roots, traditions, and values. Afghan Kitchen is the taste of home.” Upon entering you are transported into a tastefully decorated and spacious residence in Kabul with original art on the walls. There is an alternate traditional seating area where guests take off their shoes to enter. General Manager Zabi Sarwari joins us to embark on the culinary journey that is Afghan Kitchen.

“Winemaker Paul Warson of Warson Wine Co. grew up in Los Angeles, attended UC Davis where he eventually studied Fermentation Science. Before his final year he worked at a sparkling winery in Carneros when he decided he would spend his career doing what he did for his summer vacation. Upon completion of his degree, he was invited back to see, “the other side of things.” Feeling he needed a change of perspective, Paul traveled to Australia, where he lived and worked for six months. Desiring to seek outside perspectives to winemaking, when Paul returned to California, he worked at Chateau Potelle, back when it was owned by both Jean-Noel and Marketta Fourmeaux and sat atop Mount Veeder. It was here Paul integrated his schooling, his experience from Australia, along with what he learned from the owners: that with each wine that is created, the winemaker has an intimate commitment to both the wine and the consumer, to craft wines that are distinctive and true to their place. Warson Wine Company started as a need Paul felt he had to fulfill. An inner call, to again make wine on his terms, for people to enjoy, but now with the fruit he chooses.” Paul Warson joins us to uncork all that is Warson Wine Co.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. What’s the best cooking oil to use is various applications? Chef Andrew provides a measure of guidance. We’ve been asked to talk about the specific impact of the increase in minimum wage in California on restaurants and its effect on staffing levels. Chef Andrew weighs in on this.

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

Show 562, January 27, 2024: Chef and Restaurateur Nancy Silverton with The Cookie That Changed My Life Part One

Nancy Silverton of Mozza Restaurant Group

“Nancy Silverton, the author of The Cookie That Changed My Life and More Than 100 Other Classic Cakes, Cookies, Muffins, and Pies That Will Change Yours, changed the way America bakes. As the original pastry chef at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago (celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year,) she made us rethink how we make and eat bread. Now this “pastry doyenne” (Los Angeles Times) has not only returned to her roots, she has surpassed anything she has done before.”

“Biting into a particularly delicious peanut butter cookie one day from Friends & Family’s Roxana Jullapat, she and had an epiphany: every single thing we bake should taste this good. And so she decided to return to her roots, and set to work perfecting the rest of the American baking canon.”

“From Lattice-Topped Apple Pie to Carrot Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting (the secret? Carrot puree) to Cornbread (is it too much to ask that it actually taste like corn?), she shares recipes for the platonic ideals of our most beloved baked goods.”

“Alongside the classics—Lemon Bars, Key Lime Pie, Layered Buttermilk Biscuits—Silverton includes a handful of her own inventions: Double-Decker Chocolate Cookies (double the fun!), Iced Raisin Bars (a better fig newton), and Chocolate Brandy Cake (chocolate and brandy!)—all sure to become future classics. With more than a hundred perfected recipes, The Cookie That Changed My Life is a veritable encyclopedia of the very best things to bake.”

“Chef and Restaurateur Nancy Silverton is the co-owner of Osteria Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza, Chi Spacca, and Mozza2Go, in Los Angeles and Newport Beach, California. She is the founder of the La Brea Bakery and the only chef ever to be awarded both the Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Pastry Chef awards from the James Beard Foundation.”

Nancy Silverton joins us with a whisk at the ready.

Show 562, January 27, 2024: Chef and Restaurateur Nancy Silverton with The Cookie That Changed My Life Part Two

Nancy Silverton of Mozza Restaurant Group

Nancy Silverton, the author of The Cookie That Changed My Life and More Than 100 Other Classic Cakes, Cookies, Muffins, and Pies That Will Change Yours, changed the way America bakes. As the original pastry chef at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago (celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year,) she made us rethink how we make and eat bread. Now this “pastry doyenne” (Los Angeles Times) has not only returned to her roots, she has surpassed anything she has done before.”

“Biting into a particularly delicious peanut butter cookie one day from Friends & Family’s Roxana Jullapat, she and had an epiphany: every single thing we bake should taste this good. And so she decided to return to her roots, and set to work perfecting the rest of the American baking canon.”

“From Lattice-Topped Apple Pie to Carrot Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting (the secret? Carrot puree) to Cornbread (is it too much to ask that it actually taste like corn?), she shares recipes for the platonic ideals of our most beloved baked goods.”

“Alongside the classics—Lemon Bars, Key Lime Pie, Layered Buttermilk Biscuits—Silverton includes a handful of her own inventions: Double-Decker Chocolate Cookies (double the fun!), Iced Raisin Bars (a better fig newton), and Chocolate Brandy Cake (chocolate and brandy!)—all sure to become future classics. With more than a hundred perfected recipes, The Cookie That Changed My Life is a veritable encyclopedia of the very best things to bake.”

“Chef and Restaurateur Nancy Silverton is the co-owner of Osteria Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza, Chi Spacca, and Mozza2Go, in Los Angeles and Newport Beach, California. She is the founder of the La Brea Bakery and the only chef ever to be awarded both the Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Pastry Chef awards from the James Beard Foundation.”

Nancy Silverton, with rolling pin in hand, continues with us discussing all the sweet deliciousness between the covers in The Cookie That Changed My Life.

January 27: Nancy Silverton, Sandra Cordero, Afghan Kitchen, Warson Wine Co.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef and Restaurateur Nancy Silverton with The Cookie That Changed My Life Part One
Segment Three: Chef and Restaurateur Nancy Silverton with The Cookie That Changed My Life Part Two
Segment Four: Restaurateur and Chef Sandra Cordero, Gasolina Café + Mercado, Woodland Hills Part One
Segment Five: Restaurateur and Chef Sandra Cordero, Gasolina Café + Mercado, Woodland Hills Part Two
Segment Six: Afghan Kitchen, Surrey, BC with General Manager Zabi Sarwari
Segment Seven: Winemaker Paul Warson, Warson Wine Co., Santa Barbara County
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host and Proprietor of Calico Fish House, with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.

“Nancy Silverton, the author of The Cookie That Changed My Life and More Than 100 Other Classic Cakes, Cookies, Muffins, and Pies That Will Change Yours, changed the way America bakes. As the original pastry chef at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago (celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year,) she made us rethink how we make and eat bread. Now this “pastry doyenne” (Los Angeles Times) has not only returned to her roots, she has surpassed anything she has done before. Biting into a particularly delicious peanut butter cookie one day from Friends & Family’s Roxana Jullapat, she and had an epiphany: every single thing we bake should taste this good. And so she decided to return to her roots, and set to work perfecting the rest of the American baking canon.”

Nancy Silverton joins us with a whisk at the ready.

Chef Sandra Cordero’s Gasolina Café + Mercado in Woodland Hills is a lively Spanish Café, Market and Natural Wine Shop now serving seasonal Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Gasolina features specialty coffee, Spanish Natural Wines, snacks and tinned fish to enjoy in-house or To Go. Paella Nights have returned and are every Third Friday and Saturday of the Month. Friday, February 16th and Saturday, February 17th are available for reservations now. Chef Sandra Cordero joins us with a properly seasoned paella pan at the ready.

“Afghan Kitchen in South Surrey, British Columbia is the manifestation of a young boy’s dream. He roamed the streets of Kabul in his sandals and saw how hard his family worked to sustain themselves. In the times of war, they moved to different neighboring countries until they finally came to Canada. Afghan Kitchen presents the guest with the vision of the young boy’s very own restaurant since he was six years old. Every corner of Afghan Kitchen is thoughtfully curated. Every dish uses mum’s recipe. This is a proudly family-owned and-run business that reflects the best of Afghan roots, traditions, and values. Afghan Kitchen is the taste of home.” Upon entering you are transported into a lavishly decorated and spacious residence in Kabul with original art on the walls. There is an alternate traditional seating area where guest take off their shoes to enter. General Manager Zabi Sarwari joins us to embark on the culinary journey that is Afghan Kitchen.

“Winemaker Paul Warson of Warson Wine Co. grew up in Los Angeles, attended UC Davis where he eventually studied Fermentation Science. Before his final year he worked at a sparkling winery in Carneros when he decided he would spend his career doing what he did for his summer vacation. Upon completion of his degree, he was invited back to see, “the other side of things.” Feeling he needed a change of perspective, Paul traveled to Australia, where he lived and worked for six months. Desiring to seek outside perspectives to winemaking, when Paul returned to California, he worked at Chateau Potelle, back when it was owned by both Jean-Noel and Marketta Fourmeaux and sat atop Mount Veeder. It was here Paul integrated his schooling, his experience from Australia, along with what he learned from the owners: that with each wine that is created, the winemaker has an intimate commitment to both the wine and the consumer, to craft wines that are distinctive and true to their place. Warson Wine Company started as a need Paul felt he had to fulfill. An inner call, to again make wine on his terms, for people to enjoy, but now with the fruit he chooses.” Paul Warson joins us to uncork all that is Warson Wine Co.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. What’s the best cooking oil to use is various applications? Chef Andrew provides a measure of guidance. We’ve been asked to talk about the specific impact of the increase in minimum wage in California on restaurants and its effect on staffing levels. Chef Andrew weighs in on this.

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

Nancy Silverton of Mozza Restaurant Group

“Nancy Silverton, the author of The Cookie That Changed My Life and More Than 100 Other Classic Cakes, Cookies, Muffins, and Pies That Will Change Yours, changed the way America bakes. As the original pastry chef at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago (celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year,) she made us rethink how we make and eat bread. Now this “pastry doyenne” (Los Angeles Times) has not only returned to her roots, she has surpassed anything she has done before.”

“Biting into a particularly delicious peanut butter cookie one day from Friends & Family’s Roxana Jullapat, she and had an epiphany: every single thing we bake should taste this good. And so she decided to return to her roots, and set to work perfecting the rest of the American baking canon.”

“From Lattice-Topped Apple Pie to Carrot Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting (the secret? Carrot puree) to Cornbread (is it too much to ask that it actually taste like corn?), she shares recipes for the platonic ideals of our most beloved baked goods.”

“Alongside the classics—Lemon Bars, Key Lime Pie, Layered Buttermilk Biscuits—Silverton includes a handful of her own inventions: Double-Decker Chocolate Cookies (double the fun!), Iced Raisin Bars (a better fig newton), and Chocolate Brandy Cake (chocolate and brandy!)—all sure to become future classics. With more than a hundred perfected recipes, The Cookie That Changed My Life is a veritable encyclopedia of the very best things to bake.”

“Chef and Restaurateur Nancy Silverton is the co-owner of Osteria Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza, Chi Spacca, and Mozza2Go, in Los Angeles and Newport Beach, California. She is the founder of the La Brea Bakery and the only chef ever to be awarded both the Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Pastry Chef awards from the James Beard Foundation.”

Nancy Silverton joins us with a whisk at the ready.

Sandra Cordero

Chef Sandra Cordero’s Gasolina Café + Mercado in Woodland Hills is a lively Spanish Café, Market and Natural Wine Shop now serving seasonal Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Gasolina features specialty coffee, Spanish Natural Wines, snacks and tinned fish to enjoy in-house or To Go.”

Paella Nights have returned and are every Third Friday and Saturday of the Month. Friday, February 16th and Saturday, February 17th are available for reservations now.

“Opened in 2015, on Ventura Blvd. in Woodland Hills, Chef Sandra Cordero’s Gasolina Café brought Spanish influenced food to the table in an entirely new way. Seasonally driven, sustainably raised and grown and locally sourced, Gasolina Cafe has always taken pride in honoring Chef Sandra’s Spanish heritage.”

Chef Sandra Cordero joins us with a properly seasoned paella pan at the ready.

Zabi Sarwari of Afghan Kitchen

Afghan Kitchen in South Surrey, British Columbia is the manifestation of a young boy’s dream. He roamed the streets of Kabul in his sandals and saw how hard his family worked to sustain themselves. In the times of war, they moved to different neighboring countries until they finally came to Canada.”

“Afghan Kitchen presents the guest with the vision of the young boy’s very own restaurant since he was six years old. Every corner of Afghan Kitchen is thoughtfully curated. Every dish uses mum’s recipe.”

“This is a proudly family-owned and-run business that reflects the best of Afghan roots, traditions, and values. Afghan Kitchen is the taste of home.” Upon entering you are transported into a lavishly decorated and spacious residence in Kabul with original art on the walls. There is also a traditional seating area where guest take off their shoes to enter.

Specialties include the Bolani (appetizer, and Mantu which are steamed, minced beef dumplings topped with split peas, tomato sauce and yogurt. Also specialty cocktails like the Gulrang Rose and Afghan Chutney Caesar created with house-prepared ingredients and fresh Afghani spices.

General Manager Zabi Sarwari joins us to embark on the culinary journey that is Afghan Kitchen.

Paul Warson of Warson Wine Company

“Winemaker Paul Warson of Warson Wine Co. grew up in Los Angeles, attended UC Davis where he eventually studied Fermentation Science. Before his final year he worked at a sparkling winery in Carneros when he decided he would spend his career doing what he did for his summer vacation. Upon completion of his degree, he was invited back to see, “the other side of things.””

“Feeling he needed a change of perspective, Paul traveled to Australia, where he lived and worked for six months. With the change in varietals, climate, and overall attitude to winemaking, Paul discovered a different approach to the craft he studied and trained in for so long. Desiring to seek outside perspectives to winemaking, when Paul returned to California, he worked at Chateau Potelle, back when it was owned by both Jean-Noel and Marketta Fourmeaux and sat atop Mount Veeder. It was here Paul integrated his schooling, his experience from Australia, along with what he learned from the owners: that with each wine that is created, the winemaker has an intimate commitment to both the wine and the consumer, to craft wines that are distinctive and true to their place.”

“After working an additional nine years in Napa Valley, a conversation with Bill Foley brought Paul to Firestone Vineyard, in the Santa Ynez Valley, where he was winemaker and General Manager for nine years. By this time, estate vineyards had become Paul’s specialty, and he was able to elevate all of the tiers for each winery he worked for.”

Warson Wine Company started as a need Paul felt he had to fulfill. An inner call, to again make wine on his terms, for people to enjoy, but now with the fruit he chooses.” At present Paul is primarily sourcing fruit from familiar, esteemed vineyards in Santa Barbara County.

Paul Warson joins us to uncork all that is Warson Wine Co.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

What’s the best cooking oil to use in various applications? Chef Andrew provides a measure of guidance. We’ve been asked to talk about the specific impact of the increase in minimum wage in California on restaurants and its effect on staffing levels. Chef Andrew weighs in on this.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef and Restaurateur Nancy Silverton with The Cookie That Changed My Life Part One
Segment Three: Chef and Restaurateur Nancy Silverton with The Cookie That Changed My Life Part Two
Segment Four: Restaurateur and Chef Sandra Cordero, Gasolina Café + Mercado, Woodland Hills Part One
Segment Five: Restaurateur and Chef Sandra Cordero, Gasolina Café + Mercado, Woodland Hills Part Two
Segment Six: Afghan Kitchen, Surrey, BC with General Manager Zabi Sarwari
Segment Seven: Winemaker Paul Warson, Warson Wine Co., Santa Barbara County
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host and Proprietor of Calico Fish House, with “Ask the Chef”

Show 341, September 21, 2019: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now an enticing preview of Saturday’s mouthwatering show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will hopefully leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience. Truly couldn’t do it without you.

Congratulations to Chef Shachi Mehra, the Co-owner of the Adya restaurants in the Anaheim Packing House and in Irvine at University Center. To the best of our knowledge Chef Shachi is the very first Orange County chef to compete on Food Network’s Chopped and win the fierce competition. Chef Shachi is our accomplished guest.

Food Finders, a Southern California nonprofit focused on food recovery, is hosting its 4th annual Chefs to the Rescue fundraiser on Tuesday, October 1st from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Golden Sails Hotel located at 6285 E Pacific Coast Hwy in Long Beach. Food Finders celebrates 30 years of rescuing food this year. This unique, food-centric event challenges prominent local chefs to create “Edible Extras”; tasting samples and small plates made from perfectly edible recovered or repurposed food that might otherwise end up being tossed away. Food Finders’ Executive Director Patti Larson and participating chef Maralyn diPiazza of diPiazza Restaurant & Lounge join us with the tempting specifics.

“Downtown Los Angeles’ Preux & Proper is rooted in the bold flavors and techniques of the South. We season our food with a bit of Lowcountry swag and So-Cal culture. Our scratch cookery focuses on thoughtfully sourced sustainable ingredients, modern culinary technique and putting a whole lotta love into everything we do.” Newly launched at Preux & Proper is the lunchtime popup, South City Fried Chicken taking place Monday through Saturday. On Thursday nights it’s (Chef) Sammy’s Cookout. Serving all the delicious details with style is proprietor Joshua Kopel.

Greg Nagel is a certified Cicerone Beer Server and, as a journalist, is a regular contributor to OC Weekly’s extensive beer, wine & spirits coverage. Recently held (September 12th to 14th) at the Long Beach Convention Center was the 3-day 2019 California Craft Beer Summit produced by the California Craft Brewers Association. Greg provides the highlights.

As the long-time Los Angeles Times Test Kitchen director, Noelle Carter oversaw the testing of all recipes that appear in The Times. In addition, she wrote features and contributed to Food’s Daily Dish blog. Noelle also researched and penned the popular Culinary SOS weekly column for Food. A native Southern Californian, she holds a degree in film from the University of Southern California. She left The Times in January 2019. We’ll get updated on Noelle’s new activities with Noelle Carter Food.

The 3rd annual Valle Food & Wine Festival, hosted by celebrity chefs Nancy Silverton and Javier Plascencia, returns to Valle de Guadalupe, the hottest new wine-travel destination in the west, on Saturday, October 5, 2019 with a stellar list of over 30 award-winning culinary talents from both sides of the United States-Mexico border. The festival is unique in drawing a lineup of top chefs from as far as Mexico City and New York City to promote and celebrate the bounty of the region and the cuisine and wines of Baja California, both now being recognized world-wide. Event Co-Founder & Producer Carolynn Carreno (James Beard Award-winning author) joins us with the alluring details.

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

Show 341, September 21, 2019: Carolynn Carreno, Valle Food & Wines Fest, Event Founder and Producer Part One

Author Carolyn Carreno=The 3rd annual Valle Food & Wine Festival, hosted by celebrity chefs Nancy Silverton and Javier Plascencia, returns to Valle de Guadalupe, the hottest new wine-travel destination in the west, on Saturday, October 5, 2019 with a stellar list of over 30 award-winning culinary talents from both sides of the United States-Mexico border.

The festival is unique in drawing a lineup of top chefs from as far as Mexico City and New York City to promote and celebrate the bounty of the region and the cuisine and wines of Baja California, both now being recognized world-wide.

“I fell in love with the Valle de Guadalupe while cooking a dinner there two summers ago,” says Nancy Silverton. “I knew I wanted to come back and to give back to this place. By the end of a marvelous weekend under the stars in this magical place, Javier, Carolynn, and I had decided to start a festival.”

James Beard Award-winning writer Carolyn Carreno, Event Co-Founder and Producer, joins us from the Guadalupe Valley with the alluring preview of Valle Food & Wine Festival.

Show 341, September 21, 2019: Carolynn Carreno, Valle Food & Wines Fest, Event Founder and Producer Part Two

Author Carolyn CarrenoThe 3rd annual Valle Food & Wine Festival, hosted by celebrity chefs Nancy Silverton and Javier Plascencia, returns to Valle de Guadalupe, the hottest new wine-travel destination in the west, on Saturday, October 5, 2019 with a stellar list of over 30 award-winning culinary talents from both sides of the United States-Mexico border.

The festival is unique in drawing a lineup of top chefs from as far as Mexico City and New York City to promote and celebrate the bounty of the region and the cuisine and wines of Baja California, both now being recognized world-wide.

James Beard Award-winning writer Carolynn Carreno, Event Co-Founder and Producer, continues the preview of Valle Food & Wine Festival from Finca Altozano (the Fest site) in the Guadalupe Valley in northern Baja.

September 21: Shachi Mehra, Chefs to the Rescue, Preux & Proper, CA Craft Beer Summit, Noelle Carter, Nancy Silverton, Carolynn Carreno

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Proprietress & Chef Shachi Mehra of Adya
Segment Three: Food Finders’ “Chefs to the Rescue” Benefit
Segment Four: Preux & Proper’s Proprietor Joshua Kopel
Segment Five: Libation & Food Journalist Greg Nagel with highlights from the California Craft Beer Summit
Segment Six: Chef & Journalist Noelle Carter, Noelle Carter Food
Segment Seven: Carolynn Carreno, Valle Food & Wines Fest, Event Founder and Producer Part One
Segment Eight: Carolynn Carreno, Valle Food & Wines Fest, Event Founder and Producer Part Two

Now an enticing preview of this Saturday’s mouthwatering show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will hopefully leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience. Truly couldn’t do it without you.

Congratulations to Chef Shachi Mehra, the Co-owner of the Adya restaurants in the Anaheim Packing House and in Irvine at University Center. To the best of our knowledge Chef Shachi is the very first Orange County chef to compete on Food Network’s “Chopped” and win the fierce competition. Chef Shachi is our accomplished guest.

Food Finders, a Southern California nonprofit focused on food recovery is hosting its 4th annual Chefs to the Rescue fundraiser on Tuesday, October 1st from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Golden Sails Hotel located at 6285 E Pacific Coast Hwy in Long Beach. Food Finders celebrates 30 years of rescuing food this year. This unique, food-centric event challenges prominent local chefs to create “Edible Extras”; tasting samples and small plates made from perfectly edible recovered or repurposed food that might otherwise end up being tossed away. Food Finders’ Executive Director Patti Larson and participating chef Maralyn diPiazza of diPiazza Restaurant & Lounge join us with the tempting specifics.

“Downtown Los Angeles’ Preux & Proper is rooted in the bold flavors and techniques of the South. We season our food with a bit of Lowcountry swag and So-Cal culture. Our scratch cookery focuses on thoughtfully sourced sustainable ingredients, modern culinary technique and putting a whole lotta love into everything we do.” Newly launched at Preux & Proper is the lunchtime popup, South City Fried Chicken taking place Monday through Saturday. On Thursday nights it’s (Chef) Sammy’s Cookout. Serving all the delicious details with style are proprietor Joshua Kopel and Executive Chef Sammy Monsour.

Greg Nagel is a certified Cicerone Beer Server and, as a journalist, is a regular contributor to OC Weekly’s extensive beer, wine & spirits coverage. Recently held (September 12th to 14th) at the Long Beach Convention Center was the 3-day 2019 California Craft Beer Summit produced by the California Craft Brewers Association. Greg provides the highlights.

As the long-time Los Angeles Times Test Kitchen director, Noelle Carter oversaw the testing of all recipes that appear in The Times. In addition, she wrote features and contributed to Food’s Daily Dish blog. Noelle also researched and penned the popular Culinary SOS weekly column for Food. A native Southern Californian, she holds a degree in film from the University of Southern California. She left The Times in January 2019. We’ll get updated on Noelle’s new activities with Noelle Carter Food.

The 3rd annual Valle Food & Wine Festival, hosted by celebrity chefs Nancy Silverton and Javier Plascencia, returns to Valle de Guadalupe, the hottest new wine-travel destination in the west, on Saturday, October 5, 2019 with a stellar list of over 30 award-winning culinary talents from both sides of the United States-Mexico border. The festival is unique in drawing a lineup of top chefs from as far as Mexico City and New York City to promote and celebrate the bounty of the region and the cuisine and wines of Baja California, both now being recognized world-wide. Event Co-Founder & Producer Carolynn Carreno (James Beard Award-winning author) join us with the tempting details.

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

Shachi Mehra of ADYAOur heartiest congratulations to Chef Shachi Mehra, the Co-owner of the Adya restaurants in the Anaheim Packing House and in Irvine at University Center. To the best of our knowledge Chef Shachi is the first Orange County chef to compete on Food Network’s Chopped and win the fierce competition.

It’s a great year for Chef Shachi as she is also one of the three nominees for “Rising Star Chef of the Year” at the 2019 Golden Foodie Awards being celebrated at a gala on Sept. 29th at the Marriott Newport Beach.

Once a month Chef Shachi hosts an interactive cooking class in the Boxcar Patio at ADYA Anaheim. Today’s class is “The Perfect Cup of Chai & Indian Tea Sandwiches.”

Chef Shachi is our guest.

Maralyn diPiazza of Diapiazza'sFood Finders, a Southern California nonprofit focused on food recovery is hosting its 4th annual Chefs to the Rescue fundraiser on Tuesday, October 1st from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Golden Sails Hotel located at 6285 E Pacific Coast Hwy in Long Beach. Food Finders celebrates 30 years of rescuing food this year. This unique, food-centric event challenges prominent local chefs to create “Edible Extras”; tasting samples and small plates made from perfectly edible recovered or repurposed food that might otherwise end up being tossed away.

“We’ve seen some of the most amazing dishes at this event made using everything from potato peels to fish necks to pork belly,” said Patti Larson, executive director of Food Finders. “and while restaurants do a great job utilizing their inventory, we want to inspire people to do the same in their own kitchens and across the food industry in general. We also want to ensure that Food Finders can continue to serve its 400+ nonprofit partners that feed people in need, so this event supports that ongoing effort.”

“Food Finders, founded in 1989, works with local food vendors, grocery stores, restaurants and caterers to distribute donated food to other nonprofit organizations that feed impoverished families, children and elderly. Today there are 13 staff and some 300 volunteers who help rescue millions of pounds of food each year. Food Finders’ mission is to eliminate hunger and food waste while improving nutrition in food insecure communities.”

Food Finders’ Executive Director Patti Larson and participating chef Maralyn diPiazza of diPiazza Restaurant & Lounge join us with the tempting specifics.

Sammy Monsour of Preux and Proper“Downtown Los Angeles’ Preux & Proper is rooted in the bold flavors and techniques of the South. We season our food with a bit of Lowcountry swag and So-Cal culture. Our scratch cookery focuses on thoughtfully sourced sustainable ingredients, modern culinary technique and putting a whole lotta love into everything we do.”

Newly launched at Preux & Proper is the lunchtime popup, South City Fried Chicken, served Monday through Saturday. The heart of the menu is inspired regional fried chicken sandwiches where the premium Georgia chicken breast is brined overnight on buttermilk. Think the Austin with rojo bean hummus, burrata, javi’s tia’s hot sauce, pickled radish, cilantro, blue corn tortilla crumble and heirloom tomato

On Thursday night’s it’s (Chef) Sammy’s Cookout Barbecue with handcrafted libations including the Texas Two-Timer (Reposado Tequila based.) The menu highlight is the 18- Hour Bone-In Pork Shoulder (for 8 to 12 guests) served with a variety of creative, regional BBQ sauces. The Baked Mac & Cheese is unusually good and don’t miss the Spam Fries served in a Spam can with pineapple chipotle ketchup.

Serving up all the delicious details are proprietor Joshua Kopel and Executive Chef Sammy Monsour.

Greg Nagel of FirkFestGreg Nagel is a certified Cicerone Beer Server and, as a journalist, is a regular contributor to OC Weekly’s extensive beer, wine & spirits coverage. Recently held (September 12th to 14th) at the Long Beach Convention Center was the 3-day 2019 California Craft Beer Summit produced by the California Craft Brewers Association.

“The Craft Beer Summit is possibly the most important event of the year for anyone who loves tasting beer or is interested in building their business in the craft beer industry.

“The three-day event launched with hands-on education, tastings, pairings, interactive exhibits and networking opportunities and concluded with the largest California craft beer festival hosted outdoors on the water in Long Beach at Marina Green Park. Unlimited tastings were offered from 170 breweries from across California pouring more than 500 beers of every style and variety.”

Greg provides us with the effervescent highlights.

Noelle Carter FoodAs the long-time Los Angeles Times Test Kitchen director, Noelle Carter oversaw the testing of all recipes that appear in The Times. In addition, she wrote features and contributed to Food’s Daily Dish blog. Noelle also researched and penned the popular Culinary SOS column for Food.

A native Southern Californian, she holds a degree in film from the University of Southern California and, when she’s not cooking, loves watching old movies. She left The Times in January 2019.

We’ll get updated on Noelle’s new activities with Noelle Carter Food.

Author Carolyn CarrenoThe 3rd annual Valle Food & Wine Festival, hosted by celebrity chefs Nancy Silverton and Javier Plascencia, returns to Valle de Guadalupe, the hottest new wine-travel destination in the west, on Saturday, October 5, 2019 with a stellar list of over 30 award-winning culinary talents from both sides of the United States-Mexico border. The festival is unique in drawing a lineup of top chefs from as far as Mexico City and New York City to promote and celebrate the bounty of the region and the cuisine and wines of Baja California, both now being recognized world-wide.

“I fell in love with the Valle de Guadalupe while cooking a dinner there two summers ago,” says Nancy Silverton. “I knew I wanted to come back and to give back to this place. By the end of a marvelous weekend under the stars in this magical place, Javier, Carolynn, and I had decided to start a festival.”

Nancy Silverton (Mozza) joins us with the details.

The festival is unique in drawing a lineup of top chefs from as far as Mexico City and New York City to promote and celebrate the bounty of the region and the cuisine and wines of Baja California, both now being recognized world-wide.

James Beard Award-winning writer Carolyn Carreno, Event Founder and Producer, continues the preview of Valle Food & Wine Festival.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Proprietress & Chef Shachi Mehra of Adya
Segment Three: Food Finders’ “Chefs to the Rescue” Benefit
Segment Four: Preux & Proper’s Proprietor Joshua Kopel
Segment Five: Libation & Food Journalist Greg Nagel with highlights from the California Craft Beer Summit
Segment Six: Chef & Journalist Noelle Carter, Noelle Carter Food
Segment Seven: Carolynn Carreno, Valle Food & Wines Fest, Event Founder and Producer Part One
Segment Eight: Carolynn Carreno, Valle Food & Wines Fest, Event Founder and Producer Part Two

Show 333, July 20, 2019: Executive Chef Chris Feldmeier, Love & Salt, Manhattan Beach

Chris Feldmeier of Love and SaltLove and Salt is a restaurant story that begins with Cafe Pierre, a local classic restaurant birthed by Guy Gabriele in 1977 to bring a taste of France to Los Angeles’ South Bay. While Cafe Pierre was a beloved part of the community for nearly 37 years, in 2014, Guy and his daughter Sylvie Gabriele, now the owner of Love & Salt, closed the restaurant to bring new life to the iconic space with a new look and Italian flair. As of last year a creative new chef (Chris Feldmeier ex-Moruno) is behind the stoves.

Christopher Feldmeier began cooking as a child when he simply asked his mother to make breakfast. She replied by saying, “I will buy you anything you want to cook, but you are going to make it yourself.” That first breakfast sparked a passion and adoration for cooking, which grew into an undeniable desire to learn more.

“Searching for a more dynamic culinary landscape after culinary school and time in the San Diego fine-dining scene, Feldmeier relocated to Los Angeles and began working at the former Campanile restaurant. He quickly moved into a Sous Chef position, spending four years working collaboratively with seminal Los Angeles chefs Nancy Silverton and Mark Peel at the legendary establishment. During his tenure at Campanile, Feldmeier met his wife, James Beard award-winning pastry chef Dahlia Narvaez, as well as his future business partner David Rosoff.”

In 2007, Feldmeier left Campanile to join Silverton, Narvaez and Rosoff in opening the Michelin-starred Osteria Mozza. Feldmeier served as the Chef de Cuisine of this award-winning institution and consultant to Eataly until his departure in 2013 to pursue his own concept with Rosoff. After becoming immersed in Spanish culture and its gastronomic implications, in January of 2016, Feldmeier and Rosoff opened Moruno at The Original Farmers Market. Early on, the highly accoladed spot received a 3-star review from LA Weekly food critic Besha Rodell while former New York Times Food Critic and Gourmet Magazine editor-in-chief Ruth Reichl praised Feldmeier’s food as “spectacular”. In October of 2016, Moruno unfortunately closed.

With his passion for culinary innovation, Feldmeier subsequently partnered with the Gabriele Family to begin conceptualizing the next iteration of Guy’s beloved Redondo Beach restaurant, Zazou which re-opened as Gabi James in April 2018 boasting a menu featuring Spanish and Coastal French cuisine infused with California soul.

In September 2018, Feldmeier assumed the role of executive chef at Love & Salt in Manhattan Beach while continuing his involvement with Gabi James. In this role, Feldmeier works closely with Love & Salt owner Sylvie Gabriele to bring their shared vision for the Italian-inspired menu to life.

We now chat with Chef Chris Feldmeier about the enhancements in the menu.

Show 305, January 5, 2019: Jon Escobedo, Head Butcher, Huntington Meats & Sausages, Original Farmers Market, Los Angeles

John EscobedoEstablished in 1986, Huntington Meats & Sausages located at the Original Farmers Market is a true old fashion butcher shop offering traditional roasts, steaks, chops, a variety of house made sausages and much more.

On Saturday, January 12th Huntington Meats is joining forces with Trojan Grill Barbeque Catering to host an over-the-top BBQ lunch event for 300 men, women and children residing at the Union Rescue Mission in Downtown Los Angeles.

The lunch will feature a custom built Tomahawk Crown Roast weighing over 80 lbs. and a 70 lbs. Steamship Round Roast both created by Huntington Meats head butcher Jon Escobedo. Due to the size of the roasts, smoking and grilling will begin the day prior with the Tomahawk Roast going on the grill on the roof at 4:00 a.m. the morning of the event.

Owned and operated by Jim Cascone since 2000, Huntington Meats proudly offers the finest quality product at reasonable prices presented with friendly service.

Huntington Mears is also the proud purveyor of Chef Nancy Silverton’s (Osteria Mozza) “Burger Blend” meat for her signature hamburgers.

Huntington Meats head butcher, Jon Escobedo, is our guest.