Show 588, August 3, 2024: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on August 5, 2024 by Adam Bell

Jim Cascone of Huntington Meats and Farmers Market Poultry

“There’s just something about new school supplies that helps kids get excited about learning, and Huntington Meats in the Original Farmers Market at W. Third St. and Fairfax Ave. is doing their part to make sure all children enjoy that excitement as the new school year kicks off. Huntington Meats’ sister shop Farmers Market Poultry will also be participating in the drive. The two shops offering quality product are coming together to participate in their inaugural Back-to-School School Supply Drive to take place the entire month of August. Proprietor / Organizer Jim Cascone’s goal is to collect enough supplies for 350 kids for distribution to the Union Rescue Mission in Downtown LA. Customers that visit either of the shops and donate new, unused school supplies valued at $10 or more will receive a complimentary pound of ground beef or homemade sausages from Huntington Meats, or a dozen fresh eggs from Farmers Market Poultry.” Proprietor Jim Cascone joins us providing a brief overview of the effort.

“St. Lucia native Nina Compton fell in love with New Orleans while filming Bravo’s Top Chef Season 11: New Orleans (she grabbed the runner-up spot and was voted fan favorite). In 2015, she returned to the city to open Compère Lapin at the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery. Since then, the requests for reservations have been almost non-stop along with the well-deserved acclaim. The success of Compere Lapin lead Compton to open a second restaurant, Bywater American Bistro, in the spring of 2018. Chef Nina Compton takes a break from her busy kitchens to join us.”

“Westwood Coast, the newest culinary venture from San Francisco-based Proof Positive, debuted in early July at Triangle Square in Costa Mesa. Proof Positive now makes its debut in Orange County with Westwood Coast by pairing an elevated, chef-driven steakhouse dining experience with lively country entertainment. At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Jayro Martinez, who brings over a decade of culinary experience to the venture. Martinez has led as an Executive Chef in several acclaimed kitchens, including Mayfield in San Juan Capistrano, AHBA in Laguna Beach, Social in Costa Mesa, and most recently, at Dana Point’s Outer Reef and then Knife Modern Steak under the tutelage of Texas-based celebrity Chef John Tesar. Westwood Coast is bolstered by a team of powerhouse hospitality professionals, including General Manager Michael Ruiz of BOA Steakhouse. Westwood Coast presents a unique experience that artfully blends attentive hospitality, lively entertainment, and bold American flavors with premium cuts of meat.” Executive Chef Jayro Martinez and General Manager Michael Ruiz are our guests to reveal all the diverse elements that are Westwood Coast.

Bub and Grandma’s Restaurant and Bakery is a phenomenally popular breakfast and lunch establishment in the Glassell Park neighborhood of northeast Los Angeles. It’s the retail home for the Bub and Grandma’s Bread and serve daily pastries, sandwiches, salads, sides, chips and other “really good stuff.” They also offer an eclectic collection of craft beer and premium wines. On Sunday and Monday Nights at Bub and Grandma’s after dark are BG Nights with musical guests and cheese, meat and veggie charcuterie boards, Bub’s Bread with toppings, and desserts like their Baguette Bread Pudding with house-made Vanilla Ice Cream and Hot Fudge. Breakfast is served daily until 11:00 a.m. For Lunch Cold Sandwiches are on the menu at 10:00 a.m., with full Lunch available at 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The very modest Founder and Baker Andy Kadin joins us on the rise.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Meatballs of all sizes are all the current rage on restaurant menus of all levels. Chef Andrew suggests grilled meatballs are the best summer dish. They take burgers to a whole new level. He prepares them in slider form so they still have the meatball shape. Chef Andrew shares his proven recipe.

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

Show 588, August 3, 2024: Chef / Restaurateur Nina Compton, Compere Lapin and Bywater American Bistro, New Orleans

Posted on August 5, 2024 by Adam Bell

“St. Lucia native Nina Compton fell in love with New Orleans while filming Bravo’s Top Chef Season 11: New Orleans (she grabbed the runner-up spot and was voted fan favorite). In 2015, she returned to the city to open Compère Lapin at the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery. Since then, the requests for reservations have been non-stop along with the deserved acclaim. The success of Compere Lapin lead Compton to open a second restaurant, Bywater American Bistro, in the spring of 2018.”

“Trained in the French tradition at the Culinary Institute of America, Nina mixes the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans with those of her Caribbean roots. She was named one of Food & Wine magazine’s “Best New Chefs 2017.” Along with receiving a rave review from The New York Times, Compère Lapin was named “Best New Restaurant” by both New Orleans Magazine and The Times-Picayune. And then in 2018, she took home the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for “Best Chef: South.”

“Nina began her career at Daniel in New York City, alongside Chef Daniel Boulud. From there, she joined Norman Van Aken in Miami at Norman’s. Next up, was a stint with Philippe Ruiz at Palme d’Or at the historic Biltmore Hotel. Then Nina moved to Casa Casuarina in Miami Beach where she rose to the rank of executive chef. Before settling in New Orleans, she was chef de cuisine at the Italian restaurant Scarpetta at Fontainebleau Miami Beach. There the “Gnocchi Queen” worked with celebrity chef and restaurateur Scott Conant.

Chef Nina was one of the distinguished Host Chefs (and Judge) for the recent Bocuse d’Or Americas competition in New Orleans.

Chef Nina will be one of the high-profile chefs with a tasting station at L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade benefit on Saturday, October 5^th at the Royce Quad at UCLA.

Chef Nina Compton takes a break from her busy kitchens to join us.

August 3: Huntington Meats, Nina Compton, Westwood Coast, Bub and Grandma’s

Posted on August 1, 2024 by Adam Bell

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Chef / Restaurateur Nina Compton, Compere Lapin and Bywater American Bistro, New Orleans
Segments Four and Five: Westwood Coast, Costa Mesa with Chef Jayro Martinez and General Manager Michael Ruiz
Segments Six and Seven: Bub and Grandma’s Restaurant & Bakery with Founder & Proprietor Andy Kadin
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House with “Ask the Chef”

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

“St. Lucia native Nina Compton fell in love with New Orleans while filming BRAVO’s Top Chef Season 11: New Orleans (she grabbed the runner-up spot and was voted fan favorite). In 2015, she returned to the city to open Compère Lapin at the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery. Since then, the requests for reservations have been almost non-stop along with the deserved acclaim. The success of Compere Lapin lead Compton to open a second restaurant, Bywater American Bistro, in the spring of 2018. Chef Nina Compton takes a break from her busy kitchens to join us.”

“Westwood Coast, the newest culinary venture from San Francisco-based Proof Positive, debuted in early July at Triangle Square in Costa Mesa. Proof Positive now makes its debut in Orange County with Westwood Coast by pairing an elevated, chef-driven steakhouse dining experience with lively country entertainment. At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Jayro Martinez, who brings over a decade of culinary experience to the venture. Martinez has led as an Executive Chef in several acclaimed kitchens, including Mayfield in San Juan Capistrano, AHBA in Laguna Beach, Social in Costa Mesa, and most recently, at Dana Point’s Outer Reef and then Knife Modern Steak under the tutelage of Texas-based celebrity Chef John Tesar. Westwood Coast is bolstered by a team of powerhouse hospitality professionals, including General Manager Michael Ruiz of BOA Steakhouse. Westwood Coast presents a unique experience that artfully blends attentive hospitality, lively entertainment, and bold American flavors with premium cuts of meat.” Executive Chef Jayro Martinez and General Manager Michael Ruiz are our guests to reveal all the diverse elements that are Westwood Coast.

Bub and Grandma’s Restaurant and Bakery is a phenomenally popular breakfast and lunch establishment in the Glassell Park neighborhood of northeast Los Angeles. It’s the retail home for the Bub and Grandma’s Bread and serve daily pastries, sandwiches, salads, sides, chips and other “really good stuff.” They also offer an eclectic collection of craft beer and premium wines. On Sunday and Monday Nights at Bub and Grandma’s after dark are BG Nights with musical guests and cheese, meat and veggie charcuterie boards, Bub’s Bread with toppings, and desserts like their Baguette Bread Pudding with house-made Vanilla Ice Cream and Hot Fudge. Breakfast is served daily until 11:00 a.m. For Lunch Cold Sandwiches are on the menu at 10:00 a.m., with full Lunch available at 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Founder and Baker Andy Kadin joins us on the rise.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Meatballs of all sizes are all the current rage on restaurant menus of all levels. Chef Andrew suggests grilled meatballs are the best summer dish. They take burgers to a whole new level. He prepares them in slider form so they still have the meatball shape. Chef Andrew shares his proven recipe.

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

“St. Lucia native Nina Compton fell in love with New Orleans while filming Bravo’s Top Chef Season 11: New Orleans (she grabbed the runner-up spot and was voted fan favorite). In 2015, she returned to the city to open Compère Lapin at the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery. Since then, the requests for reservations have been non-stop along with the deserved acclaim. The success of Compere Lapin lead Compton to open a second restaurant, Bywater American Bistro, in the spring of 2018.”

Chef Nina was one of the distinguished Host Chefs for the recent Bocuse d’Or Americas competition in New Orleans.

Chef Nina will be one of the high-profile chefs with a tasting station at L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade benefit on Saturday, October 5^th at the Royce Quad at UCLA.

Chef Nina Compton takes a break from her busy kitchens to join us.

“Westwood Coast, the newest culinary venture from San Francisco-based Proof Positive, debuted in early July at Triangle Square in Costa Mesa. Known for its buzzworthy Bay Area portfolio, which includes Wilder, Horsefeather, Thriller Social Club, Last Rites, and Westwood Gold, Proof Positive makes its debut in Orange County with Westwood Coast by pairing an elevated, chef-driven steakhouse dining experience with lively country entertainment.

“At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Jayro Martinez, who brings over a decade of culinary experience to the venture. Martinez has led as an Executive Chef in several acclaimed kitchens, including Mayfield in San Juan Capistrano, AHBA in Laguna Beach, Social in Costa Mesa, and most recently, at Dana Point’s Outer Reef and then Knife Modern Steak under the tutelage of celebrity Chef John Tesar. Westwood Coast is bolstered by a team of powerhouse hospitality professionals, including Chef de Cuisine Dan Perry, formerly of The Ranch, and General Manager Michael Ruiz of BOA Steakhouse. Westwood Coast presents a unique experience that artfully blends exceptional hospitality, lively entertainment, and bold American flavors with premium cuts of meat.”

“Shareable starters are brought to life with locally sourced peak-of-season ingredients in dishes like the Grilled Spanish Octopus, which shares the plate with fried green tomatoes and crispy Smoked Duck Wings. Martinez’s signature Corn Ribs are reimagined with tangy lime aioli and salsa macha powder. Standout entrees include Short Rib Agnolotti with bone marrow and shaved Brussels sprouts, and Petaluma Fried Chicken served with herby buttermilk and hot honey.

“The menu’s ‘headliners’ are its premium char-broiled steaks, which include options like a 10-oz Picahna and large-format Big Daddies, boasting impressive cuts like a 32-oz 45-day Dry-Aged Porterhouse, and a 40-oz Bone-in Australian Wagyu Ribeye served with braised king trumpet mushrooms and cippolini onions.”

“Westwood Coast is where fine dining meets fun,” says General Manager Michael Ruiz. “We’ve curated an elevated menu and bar program that caters to discerning diners, while our lively entertainment offerings ensure that every visit is a memorable experience.”

Executive Chef Jayro Martinez and General Manager Michael Ruiz are our guests to reveal all the elements that are Westwood Coast.

Bub and Grandma’s Restaurant and Bakery is a standout breakfast and lunch establishment located in the Glassell Park neighborhood of northeast Los Angeles. It’s the retail home for the wildly popular Bub and Grandma’s Bread and serve daily pastries, sandwiches, salads, sides, chips and other “really good stuff.” They also offer an eclectic collection of craft beer and premium wines.

“On Sunday and Monday Nights at Bub and Grandma’s after dark are BG Nights with musical guests and cheese, meat and veggie charcuterie boards, Bub’s Bread with toppings, and desserts like their Baguette Bread Pudding with house-made Vanillas Ice Cream and Hot Fudge.”

Breakfast is served daily from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. For Lunch Cold Sandwiches are on the menu starting at 10:00 a.m., with full Lunch available at 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

They are well-known for their Classic Tuna Salad with iceberg lettuce, pickles, mayo, mustard and red onion served on House Challah.

Bub and Grandma’s artisan breads are also available at the Hollywood Farmers Market on Sundays and the Culver City Farmers Market on Tuesdays.

Founder and Baker Andy Kadin joins us on the rise.

Chef Andrew Gruel savoring a New Jersey style Pizza

Meatballs of all sizes are all the current rage on restaurant menus. Chef Andrew suggests grilled meatballs are the best summer dish. They take burgers to a whole new level. He prepares them in slider form so they still have the meatball shape. Chef Andrew shares his proven recipe.

Podcasts

Show 587, July 27, 2024: Chef Stefani De Palma and Commis Bradley Waddle – Team USA 2025

Posted on July 29, 2024 by Adam Bell

When we last left Team USA 2025 on the road to Lyon, France they were on the way to New Orleans for the Americas competition. “The U.S. is now heading to Lyon, France in January 2025 to compete at the Bocuse d’Or, the world’s most prestigious culinary competition! Team USA Head Chef Stefani De Palma and Commis Bradley Waddle secured their spot on the international stage following a 5-hour and 30-minute battle in New Orleans, LA. They faced eight countries from North, Central, and South America.”

“Team USA secured the Gold and was selected to advance along with two-person teams from Canada (Silver), Mexico (Bronze), Chile (4th place), and Colombia (5th place). When they reach Lyon, Team USA will once again face these finalists from the Americas selection, alongside finalists from Africa, Asia, and Europe—a total of 24 teams from around the world are vying for the Gold Medal.”

“I’m so proud to be representing the United States. It’s rewarding to see all of our training lead to this result. I’m the type of person who is focused on one goal at a time and now my eyes are set on what we need to accomplish in Lyon,” said De Palma who has spent the last nine-months training in preparation for the Americas selection with Commis Waddle. “We’re so impressed by the final plates and platters presented by the other teams and admire the workmanship and professionalism they showed throughout the competition.”

“Each team in the competition was tasked with completing the Bocuse d’Or’s two iconic tests: the theme on a plate and the platter theme, both featuring the host region’s local and emblematic products, which include wild boar rack, grits, alligator sausage, whole white shrimp, Murder Point oysters, and jumbo lump crab meat. To secure their spot in the finals, Team USA prepared a dish entitled “California’s Celebration of Louisiana Shellfish” and a platter entitled “Golden State Soul: California Meets the Bayou.””

““Our victory in the Americas selection is a result of dedication and commitment. Team USA showcased their innovative ideas for presentation at the highest level. It is important to acknowledge the coaches, chefs, mentors, and supporters who have been an integral part of this success. We are very proud of Chef De Palma and Commis Waddle and look forward to the Finals in Lyon,” said Chef Thomas Keller who is a founding member of Ment’or and President of the Foundation’s Board of Directors alongside chef co-founders and fellow board members Daniel Boulud and Jérôme Bocuse. Chef Keller is also an active mentor for Team USA along with some of the country’s most highly regarded culinary talents.”

Chefs Stefani and Bradley and all the members of Team USA 2025 particularly thank host New Orleans Chefs Emeril and EJ Lagasse and Nina Compton for their gracious hospitality during the Americas competition.

Team USA Head Chef Stephanie de Palma and Commis Bradley Waddle are our guests.

Show 110, February 14, 2015: Show Preview with Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on February 17, 2015 by Adam Bell

Producer and Co-Host Andy Harris is going solo in the host chair this morning. Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish is back in the Guest Host seat on February 21st. Now a preview of today’s abundantly overstuffed show with a dash of romance in celebration of Valentine’s Day.

Twenty Eight Restaurant & Lounge is hosting its first exclusive Chef Dinner prepared by “Top Chef New Orleans’ star contestants Chef Shirley Chung and Chef Nina Compton. (Chef Nina was voted “Fan Favorite” for her season on “Top Chef.”) This fierce, highly competitive female duo is coming together to present an incredible menu for two seatings per night on Wednesday, February 25^th and Thursday, February 26^th. Twenty percent of ticket sales will benefit Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. Chefs Shirley and Nina join us with a tempting preview of the stellar evenings.

American diners began to flock to Chinese restaurants more than a century ago, making Chinese food the first mass-produced cuisine in the United States. By 1980, it had become the country’s most popular ethnic cuisine. Chop Suey, USA – The Story of Chinese Food in America by Yong Chen offers the first comprehensive interpretation of the rise of Chinese food, revealing the forces that made it ubiquitous in the American gastronomic landscape and turned the country into an empire of consumption. Our guest, Yong Chen, raised by his food-loving mother in China, is a professor of history at the University of California, Irvine.

With Mardi Gras in full swing and Fat Tuesday coming up it’s time to talk about the wonderful tradition of King Cakes with our New Orleans food authority, Gisele Perez. Food historian and chef, Gisele Perez, is a contributor to SoFab Magazine, the official publication of the Southern Food and Beverage Institute and a New Orleans native who recently returned there after a long stay in Los Angeles. She is also the chef/proprietor of Small Pleasures, a full service boutique catering firm based in New Orleans.

Chef 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. Chef Damian will also preview the upcoming 2-day, Chocolate Decadence and Pechanga Wine Festival where fine chocolate and premium wines come together on February 27^th and 28^th.

The 10^th Annual Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show brings thousands of travel options and international culture and cuisine to the Long Beach Convention Center the Weekend of February 21^st and 22^nd.

The nation’s largest travel show features an impressive roster of celebrity expert travel speakers including Travel Channel’s Samantha Brown, Rick Steves, Pauline Frommer, Peter Greenberg and Phil Keoghan. Food, wine and travel journalist Linda Kissam is the President of the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association. IFWTWA is part of the L.A. Travel & Adventure Show and Linda is with us to provide an overview of the event.

It’s the 7^th banner year for OC Restaurant Week coming up on March 1^st (Sunday) through March 7^th (Saturday.) The popular annual promotion provides a wide variety of dining options ranging from casual and family friendly establishments to upscale and fine dining. The values at every price level are especially diner-friendly. During the weeklong event, participating restaurants will offer special three-course menus, many with a cocktail or signature item at no additional cost. Veteran restaurateur Don Myers, the co-owner of Brunos Italian Kitchen and ChaCha’s Latin Kitchen (both in Downtown Brea) is participating in OC Restaurant Week. He’s here to provide all the delicious details.

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

Show 110, February 14, 2015: Chefs Shirley Chung & Nina Compton of “Top Chef” Season 11

Posted on February 17, 2015 by Adam Bell

The newly launched Twenty Eight Restaurant & Lounge is hosting its first exclusive Chef Dinner prepared by “Top Chef New Orleans’” star contestants Chef Shirley Chung and Chef Nina Compton. (Chef Nina was voted “Fan Favorite” for her season on “Top Chef.”) This fierce, highly competitive female duo is coming together to present an incredible menu for two seatings per night on Wednesday, February 25^th and Thursday, February 26^th.

Twenty percent of ticket sales will benefit Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. The organization is ending childhood hunger in America by connecting kids in need with nutritious food and teaching families how to cook healthy, affordable meals.

on Wednesday, February 25^th and Thursday, February 26^th. Tickets for the Top Chef Duo Dinner are priced at $168 per guest ($68 for wine and cocktail pairings.)

Chef Nina confirms that she is next going to be doing a restaurant in New Orleans.

Chefs Shirley and Nina join us with a tempting preview of the stellar evenings.

February 14: Shirley Chung, Nina Compton, Chop Suey USA, Gisele Perez, Pechanga Resort Casino, Linda Kissam, OC Restaurant Week

Posted on February 12, 2015 by Adam Bell

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chefs Shirley Chung & Nina Compton of “Top Chef” Season 11
Segment Three: Chop Suey, USA – The Story of Chinese Food in America
Segment Four: Food Historian & Chef, Gisele Perez on King Cakes
Segment Five: Damian Stanley, Executive Sous Chef, Pechanga Resort & Casino Part One
Segment Six: Damian Stanley, Executive Sous Chef, Pechanga Resort & Casino Part Two
Segment Seven: LA Travel & Adventure Show
Segment Eight: OC Restaurant Week 2015

Twenty Eight Restaurant & Lounge is hosting its first exclusive Chef Dinner prepared by “Top Chef New Orleans’” star contestants Chef Shirley Chung and Chef Nina Compton. (Chef Nina was voted “Fan Favorite” for her season on “Top Chef.”) This fierce, highly competitive female duo is coming together to present an incredible menu for two seatings per night on Wednesday, February 25^th and Thursday, February 26^th. Twenty percent of ticket sales will benefit Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. Chefs Shirley and Nina join us with a tempting preview of the stellar evenings.

With Mardi Gras in full swing and Fat Tuesday coming up it’s time to talk about the tradition of King Cakes with our New Orleans food authority, Gisele Perez. Food historian and chef, Gisele Perez, is a contributor to SoFab Magazine, the official publication of the Southern Food and Beverage Institute and a New Orleans native who recently returned there after a long stay in Los Angeles. She is also the chef/proprietor of Small Pleasures, a full service boutique catering firm based in New Orleans.

The 10^th Annual Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show brings thousands of travel options and international culture and cuisine to the Long Beach Convention Center the Weekend of February 21^st and 22^nd. The nation’s largest travel show features an impressive roster of celebrity expert travel speakers including Travel Channel’s Samantha Brown, Rick Steves, Pauline Frommer, Peter Greenberg and Phil Keoghan. Food, wine and travel journalist Linda Kissam is the President of the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association. IFWTWA is part of the L.A. Travel & Adventure Show and Linda is with us to provide an overview of the event.

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

Chef Shirley and Chef Nina will present a seven-course collaborative menu. Each chef will present three courses inspired by their competition dishes on “Top Chef” Season 11.The dinner will feature two seatings from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and again from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each night on Wednesday, February 25^th and Thursday, February 26^th. Tickets for the Top Chef Duo Dinner are priced at $168 per guest ($68 for wine and cocktail pairings.)

Chefs Shirley and Nina join us with a tempting preview of the stellar evenings.

“Engineered by a politically disenfranchised, numerically small, and economically exploited group, Chinese food’s tour de America is an epic story of global cultural encounter. It reflects not only changes in taste but also a growing appetite for a more leisurely lifestyle. Americans fell in love with Chinese food not because of its gastronomic excellence but because of its affordability and convenience. This explains why Americans preferred the quick and simple dishes of China while shunning its haute cuisine. Epitomized by chop suey, American Chinese food was a forerunner of McDonald’s, democratizing the once-exclusive dining-out experience for such groups as marginalized Anglos, African Americans, and Jews.”

Chop Suey, USA just received honorable mention in the 2015 PROSE Awards in the category of American History.

Our guest, Yong Chen, raised by his food-loving mother in China, is a professor of history at the University of California, Irvine.

One of the most popular foods during Mardi Gras is the King Cake, consumed by the carload and traditionally sold in bakeries, grocery stores and delis from January 6^th to Ash Wednesday. Locals and visitors alike eat King Cakes for breakfast, coffee break, and dessert. In fact, almost any excuse to grab a slice will do.

The tradition of King Cakes dates back to the Middle Ages when a popular devotion during Christmas was placed on the Three Wise Men (or Kings) who followed the North Star to find Christ. The twelfth night after the birth of Christ marks the end of Christmas and the celebration of the Epiphany. Thus, Twelfth Night in some cultures becomes a time for pageants and giving special presents to children. Along with gifts came the celebratory cake, or King Cake.

Chef Damian will also preview the upcoming 2-day, Chocolate Decadence and Pechanga Wine Festival where fine chocolate and premium wines come together on February 27^th and 28^th.

Hundreds of wine varieties, sweet and savory chocolate confections, food samples from acclaimed Pechanga Resort & Casino Restaurants, live music, silent auction and helping out a good cause are all on the agenda for the two days of events inside the Pechanga Resort & Casino Grand Ballroom in Temecula, CA.

Chocolate Decadence on Friday, February 27^th features more than 30 wine varietals that have been shown to masterfully partner with chocolate and other sweet desserts. The event runs from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and is $50 per guest.

The 7^th annual Pechanga Wine Festival goes from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28^th. Tickets for this unforgettable event are $65.00. Combo tickets for entry into both events are available for $100.00. Proceeds from both events benefit Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley.

Attendees on Saturday will get to partake in wine varietals from the Temecula Valley, Central California, Napa/Sonoma, the Pacific Northwest, as well as international winemaking regions. Pechanga Resort & Casino’s chefs will prepare delectable tastes for guests to savor with their favorite wines. Country/pop live music will be performed by singer Alaina Blair and her band.

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.

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

The event will feature hundreds of exhibiting companies and countries representing some of the world’s most sought-after destinations, tour offerings and travel experiences. The Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show promises a weekend of discovery and inspiration to help travelers “dream it, plan it and book it.” Event attendees will be able to shop exclusive travel deals, attend travel seminars on three educational stages and meet prominent travel experts.

Food, wine and travel journalist Linda Kissam is the President of the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association. IFWTWA is part of the L.A. Travel & Adventure Show and Linda is with us to provide an overview of the event.

It’s the 7^th banner year for OC Restaurant Week coming up on March 1^st (Sunday) through March 7^th (Saturday.) The popular annual promotion provides a wide variety of dining options at over 100 restaurants ranging from casual and family friendly establishments to upscale and fine dining. The values at every price level are especially diner-friendly. During the weeklong event, participating restaurants will offer special three-course menus, many with a cocktail or signature item at no additional cost. Food lovers simply dine out at as many participating restaurants as they like.

Veteran restaurateur Don Myers, the co-owner of Brunos Italian Kitchen and ChaCha’s Latin Kitchen (both in Downtown Brea,) is participating in OC Restaurant Week. Brunos is offering a $30 dinner menu while ChaCha’s presents a $15 lunch menu and a $20 dinner menu. Myers is here to provide all the delicious details.