Show 636, July 19, 2025: Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Outrageous Fair Food is always a mouthwatering highlight. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star, Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s fame on the RCS Carnival Midway. We’ll find out what indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up now for

The OC Fair (“Find Your Happy”) running now through Sunday, August 17th. We’re taking Fair Food at its tastiest best with The Midway Gourmet.

“Owner & Executive Chef Noah Clark and his family have brought their highly anticipated, award-winning BOX Chicken home to Los Angeles! This family legacy, rooted in culinary innovation, is introducing their revolutionary new fast-casual experience featuring BOX Chicken’s signature Japanese American Chicken Tendie, a mouth-wateringly delicious fusion of Japanese and American flavors that completely redefines the original Chicken Tender. Operating out of Westside Eats cloud kitchen, BOX Chicken is making its mark in Greater Los Angeles, with plans to expand through ghost kitchens across the city, leading to a flagship store.” BOX Chicken participated in the recent Concern Foundation 50th Annual Block Party. Chef Noah takes a break from his busy Cloud Kitchen to join us.

Founded in 2022 by Vince Nguyen, NAM Coffee is the first Vietnamese coffee importer and roaster based in Los Angeles. “Nam Coffee is Founder Vince Nguyen’s love letter to his journey from Vietnam to California, a flavor inspired by the mountains of his hometown in Pleiku as much as his current home in Los Angeles. Like many Vietnamese people around the world, Vince always carried the flavor and tradition of Vietnamese coffee with him wherever he goes.” The latest addition to the growing NAM Coffee empire is a retail Coffee Shop in East Hollywood. One of his signature beverages, Salted Cream Matcha Ube, was just featured in the Los Angeles Times as one of the “15 Over-the-Top Coffee & Matcha Drinks to Try in L.A.Vince Nguyen is our guest with a fresh-brewed cup of Orange County blend in hand.

“Rosé from Provence, France? Are they all the same? Provence is the only wine region in the world devoted to Rosé. The wine reflects the terroir of the hills, coastal regions and flora of this area.” Noelle Hale, Program Director for the Napa Valley Wine Academy is our guest to explain. “Rosé wine was born in Provence. Provence is actually not an ocean of grapevines. It is, instead, a series of small blocks and terraces, scattered here and there, and harmoniously intermingling with cabins, almond and olive trees, downy oaks, fields of lavender, umbrella pines and more…There are three appellations of the Vins de Provence.”

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Who doesn’t salivate over the anticipation of outrageous and decadent Fair Food. Forget the calories! With the OC Fair underway we’ll see what Chef Andrew’s favorite guilty treats at The Fair might be.

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

Show 636, July 19, 2025: Rosé from Provence with Noelle Hale, Program Director, Napa Valley Wine Academy

Noelle Hale of Napa Valley Wine Academy

“Rosé from Provence, France? Are they all the same? Provence is the only wine region in the world devoted to Rosé. The wine reflects the terroir of the hills, coastal regions and flora of this area.” Noelle Hale, Program Director for the Napa Valley Wine Academy is our guest to explain.

“Rosé wine was born in Provence. Provence is actually not an ocean of grapevines. It is, instead, a series of small blocks and terraces, scattered here and there, and harmoniously intermingling with cabins, almond and olive trees, downy oaks, fields of lavender, umbrella pines and more…There are three appellations of the Vins de Provence.”

“The craze for rosé wine extends beyond France’s borders. As a result, Vins de Provence exports more than 55 million bottles of rosé each year. The United States adores Provence rosés, purchasing approximately 37% of the volume sold abroad.”

Rosé pairs well with most foods.

July 19: OC Fair with the Midway Gourmet, BOX Chicken, NAM Coffee, Napa Valley Wine Academy

Podcasts

Hour One: OC Fair with the Midway Gourmet, Box Kitchen
Hour Two: Box Kitchen, NAM Coffee, Napa Valley Wine Academy, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Midway Gourmet, Dominic Palmieri, at the OC Fair
Segments Four and Five: Executive Chef Noah Clark of BOX Chicken at Westside Eats, West Los Angeles
Segment Six: NAM Coffee, Los Angeles with Founder Vince Nguyen
Segment Seven: Rosé from Provence with Noelle Hale, Program Director, Napa Valley Wine Academy
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House with “Ask the Chef”

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

Outrageous Fair Food is always a mouthwatering highlight. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star, Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s fame on the RCS Carnival Midway. We’ll find out what indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up now for.

The OC Fair (“Find Your Happy”) running through Sunday, August 17th. We’re taking Fair Food at its tastiest best with The Midway Gourmet.

“Owner & Executive Chef Noah Clark and his family have brought their highly anticipated, award-winning BOX Chicken home to Los Angeles! This family legacy, rooted in culinary innovation, is introducing their revolutionary new fast-casual experience featuring BOX Chicken’s signature Japanese American Chicken Tendie, a mouth-wateringly delicious fusion of Japanese and American flavors that completely redefines the original Chicken Tender. Operating out of Westside Eats cloud kitchen, BOX Chicken is making its mark in Greater Los Angeles, with plans to expand through ghost kitchens across the city, leading to a flagship store.” Chef Noah takes a break from his busy Cloud Kitchen to join us.

Founded in 2022 by Vince Nguyen, NAM Coffee is the first Vietnamese coffee importer and roaster based in Los Angeles. “Nam Coffee is Founder Vince Nguyen’s love letter to his journey from Vietnam to California, a flavor inspired by the mountains of his hometown in Pleiku as much as his current home in Los Angeles. Like many Vietnamese people around the world, Vince always carried the flavor and tradition of Vietnamese coffee with him wherever he goes.” The latest addition to the growing NAM Coffee empire is a retail Coffee Shop in East Hollywood. One of his signature beverages, Salted Cream Matcha Ube, was just featured in the Los Angeles Times as one of the “15 Over-the-Top Coffee & Matcha Drinks to Try in L.A.” Vince Nguyen is our guest with a fresh-brewed cup of Orange County blend in hand.

“Rosé from Provence, France ? Are they all the same? Provence is the only wine region in the world devoted to Rosé. The wine reflects the terroir of the hills, coastal regions and flora of this area.” Noelle Hale, Program Director for the Napa Valley Wine Academy is our guest to explain. “Rosé wine was born in Provence. Provence is actually not an ocean of grapevines. It is, instead, a series of small blocks and terraces, scattered here and there, and harmoniously intermingling with cabins, almond and olive trees, downy oaks, fields of lavender, umbrella pines and more… There are three appellations of the Vins de Provence.”

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Who doesn’t salivate over the anticipation of outrageous and decadent Fair Food. Forget the calories! With the OC Fair underway we’ll see what Chef Andrew’s favorite guilty treats at The Fair might be.

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

Dominic Palmieri of Midway Gourmet

Outrageous Fair Food is always a mouthwatering highlight. What crazy edible will they next put on a stick? One of the all-star, Fair Food personalities is the well-traveled Midway Gourmet, Chef Dominic Palmieri of Biggy’s fame on the RCS Carnival Midway. We’ll find out what indulgent deliciousness Chef Dominic is cooking up now for

The OC Fair (“Always a Good Time”) running through Sunday, August 17th We’re taking Fair Food at its tastiest best with The Midway Gourmet.

On Chef Dominic’s menus are Chocolate Strawberry Cup with a Dubai pistachio cream option, Mike’s Hot Honey Big Daddy Corn Dog, Mini-Me Hot Honey Turkey Leg, Pork-a-Pallouza Pizza and Blue Raspberry Pineapple Whip. Yum …! For the “Taste of the Fair” special how about Flamin’ Hot Cheetos & Cheese Pickles with a Mike’s Hot Honey option?

Nosh Clark of Box Kitchen

“Owner & Executive Chef Noah Clark and his family have brought their highly anticipated, award-winning BOX Chicken home to Los Angeles! This family legacy, rooted in culinary innovation, is introducing their revolutionary new fast-casual experience featuring BOX Chicken’s signature Japanese American Chicken Tendie, a mouth-wateringly delicious fusion of Japanese and American flavors that completely redefines the original Chicken Tender.”

“Founded by Los Angeles native Maggie Antoine over four decades ago, BOX Chicken began as a modest Bento Box operation serving Japanese tour groups and the film industry. Her signature Japanese American chicken tender, crafted from her Japanese heritage, became a city favorite, winning hearts across Los Angeles and beyond. In the late 1990s, Maggie and her sister, Reiko Clark, took their success to Atlanta, GA launching a successful franchise and receiving multiple awards. Now, led by Maggie’s nephew and Reiko’s son, Executive Chef Noah Clark, BOX Chicken has returned to its hometown to launch an entirely reinvented concept, bringing Angelenos their legendary Chicken Tendie that started it all.”

“Operating out of Westside Eats cloud kitchen, BOX Chicken is making its mark in Greater Los Angeles, with plans to expand through ghost kitchens across the city, leading to a flagship store.”

“Chef Noah Clark
, who calls this fusion “Japanese Soul Food,” draws from his rich cultural heritage as a child of an African American father and Japanese American mother. “Growing up in Atlanta, we called ourselves ‘Blackanese.’ Raised on both California rolls and collard greens, we blend both flavors into something extraordinary,” says Chef Noah. “Los Angeles, my new home, feels like the perfect place to reintroduce BOX Chicken.”

Chef Noah takes a break from his busy Cloud Kitchen to join us.

Vince Nguyen of NAM Coffee

Founded in 2022 by Vince Nguyen, NAM Coffee is the first Vietnamese coffee importer and roaster based in Los Angeles. Nam Coffee is Founder Vince Nguyen’s love letter to his journey from Vietnam to California, a flavor inspired by the mountains of his hometown in Pleiku as much as his current home in Los Angeles. Like many Vietnamese people around the world, Vince always carried the flavor and tradition of Vietnamese coffee with him wherever he goes.”

“Vince spent his early childhood in Pleiku, a city known for its coffee, tea, and honey farms. He remembers drinking Vietnamese coffee from quite a young age. And when he was twelve, Vince got first-hand experience working at his mom’s coffee stand in Saigon, where the family moved. She was a single mother who worked long hours to provide for the family. Now, years later, Vince is proud to build off what he learned from that coffee stand and continue his family tradition of entrepreneurship.”

“When Vince moved to Orange County, California to pursue a career in fashion, he was frustrated by the lack of Vietnamese coffee that had the familiar flavors he grew up with. So he went out looking for a source, and luckily met NAM’s fantastic partner who is a third-generation farmer. NAM’s Arabica and Robusta beans come from a family farm on Langbiang mountain in Da Lat, a highland region famous for its scenic vistas and fertile soil.”

“When first developing the NAM roasts, Vince paid careful attention to all of the tiny details that go into achieving perfection. For example, NAM roasts premium, light Robusta beans at lower temperatures for longer periods of time to ensure that every bean gets a nice coat of oil and a lasting, vibrant aroma. NAM guarantees that their products are organic with no additives like corn starch or chicory. NAM offers both Arabica and Robusta blends, spotlighting the diversity and sophistication of Vietnam’s agricultural prowess.”

The latest addition to the growing NAM Coffee empire is a retail Coffee Shop located on Fountain Ave. in East Hollywood. One of his signature beverages there, Salted Cream Matcha Ube, was just featured in the Los Angeles Times as one of the “15 Over-the-Top Coffee & Matcha Drinks to Try in L.A.

Vince Nguyen is our guest with a fresh-brewed cup of Orange County blend in hand.

Noelle Hale of Napa Valley Wine Academy

“Rosé from Provence, France? Are they all the same? Provence is the only wine region in the world devoted to Rosé. The wine reflects the terroir of the hills, coastal regions and flora of this area.” Noelle Hale, Program Director for the Napa Valley Wine Academy is our guest to explain.

“Rosé wine was born in Provence. Provence is actually not an ocean of grapevines. It is, instead, a series of small blocks and terraces, scattered here and there, and harmoniously intermingling with cabins, almond and olive trees, downy oaks, fields of lavender, umbrella pines and more…There are three appellations of the Vins de Provence.”

“The craze for rosé wine extends beyond France’s borders. As a result, Vins de Provence exports more than 55 million bottles of rosé each year. The United States adores Provence rosés, purchasing approximately 37% of the volume sold abroad.”

Chef Andrew Gruel savoring a New Jersey style Pizza

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Who doesn’t salivate over the anticipation of outrageous and decadent Fair Food. Forget the calories! With the OC Fair underway we’ll see what Chef Andrew’s favorite guilty treats might be there at The Fair.

Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook is available with signed copies at his Calico Fish House on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach.

Podcasts

Hour One: OC Fair with the Midway Gourmet, Box Kitchen
Hour Two: Box Kitchen, NAM Coffee, Napa Valley Wine Academy, Andrew Gruel

Segment One: Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Midway Gourmet, Dominic Palmieri, at the OC Fair
Segments Four and Five: Executive Chef Noah Clark of BOX Chicken at Westside Eats, West Los Angeles
Segment Six: NAM Coffee, Los Angeles with Founder Vince Nguyen
Segment Seven: Rosé from Provence with Noelle Hale, Program Director, Napa Valley Wine Academy
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House with “Ask the Chef”