Tag Archives: organic

Show 526, May 20, 2023: Jonny Pops Frozen Treats with Co-Founder Connor Wray

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Connor Wray of Jonny Pops

“From humble beginnings making frozen treats in the basement of their college dorm room at St. Olaf College, cofounders of JonnyPops, Erik Brust and Connor Wray perfected an amazing and wonderful formula.”

“Real fruit. Heavy cream. Cane sugar. Purified water. And a pinch of salt. Just simple, wholesome ingredients with no fillers and absolutely nothing artificial.”

“JonnyPops has worked hard to achieve the right balance of real ingredients, flavor and creaminess. The simpler the ingredients, the more delicious the pop. It’s why they use a few wholesome ingredients – like fresh Midwest dairy – and blend small batches with care.”

“JonnyPops are also completely peanut-, tree nut-, and gluten-free, as well as kosher-certified.” At the recent Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, Jonny Pops was awarded the prestigious NEXTY for “Best New Sweet Snack” for their (dairy-free and water based) Organic Rainbow Fruit Stacks bar.

“Their frozen treats are called “JonnyPops” after Erik’s cousin and original co-conspirator, Jonathan. His passing, the result of a tragic drug overdose, filled the family with grief – but also fueled a desire to spark change.”

“In honor of their namesake, each JonnyPops stick is printed with a good deed because they believe sharing kindness, through actions big and small, helps them achieve their sincere mission of making the world a better place, one pop at a time” An example of a stick deed message that was perfect for Mother’s Day: “Remind someone you love them!”

Co-Founder Connor Wray joins us from Elk River, Minnesota with an Organic Rainbow Fruit Stack bar in hand.

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Restaurateur Debbie Thomas, Thomas Hill Organics, Paso Robles

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Debbie Thomas of Thomas Hill Organics

“Deemed one of the best restaurants in Paso Robles since its launch in 2009, Thomas Hill Organics is a farm-to-table restaurant dedicated to serving creative, organic cuisine and highlighting unique wines from the Central Coast.” Serving Lunch, Dinner and Sunday Brunch.

“With a dynamic menu reflecting Paso Robles’ local abundance, Thomas Hill Organics sources a vivid array of fresh ingredients to concoct bold, imaginative dishes. What began as a humble organic CSA showcasing the Central Coast’s bounty quickly evolved into a popular destination for creatively prepared, honest food.”

“Thomas Hill Organics believes in the significance of organic, regionally-produced food, working with California purveyors for their poultry, fish, beef, lamb, and exotic meats. Nearby farmers provide their fruits and vegetables, which are always straight-from-the-earth fresh, and the breads are crafted by local bakers who are celebrated artisans of their trade.”

Proprietress and Founder Debbie Thomas joins us.

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Show 308, January 26, 2019: Chef / Proprietor Jesse Paul, The Wooden Spoon, Escondido

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Jesse PaulEscondido’s Restaurant Week is happening January 27 to February 2, 2019. It’s a week of unrivaled deliciousness. No tickets needed… just show up, order the special at a participating restaurant, and make new memories! The Wooden Spoon Restaurant is participating.

“The Wooden Spoon Restaurant provides the freshest quality foods, sourced from local San Diego farms and artisans. We are organic when possible, GMO-free, sustainable and natural. Our food is made with love and respect. We are guided by passion and driven by perfection. Welcome to The Wooden Spoon!”

Their featured item for Dine Out Escondido! (at Lunch or Dinner) is a Beef Dip on a French Roll with au jus and Beer Mustard.

Many of the Dine Out Escondido! restaurants (including The Wooden Spoon) donate $1 for every special they sell during the restaurant week to the North County Food Bank‘s FOOD 4 KIDS Backpack Program.

We’ll meet Chef/Owner Jesse Paul.

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Show 228, June 17, 2017: Brandon Hernandez, Food, Wine & Craft Beer Journalist, San Diego

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Brandon HernandezBrandon Hernandez is a savvy local beer, food & wine journalist based in San Diego. He contributes to a bevy of publications including Celebrator Beer News, USA Today, San Diego Union Tribune and San Diego Magazine. Brandon joins us with an expert’s overview of the dynamic and evolving San Diego craft beer scene.

We’ll tap the keg on the new Urge Common House in San Marcos, San Diego’s first organic brewery, the best beers to pair with chili and lots more.

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Show 220, April 22, 2017: Janie Hoffman, Founder & CEO, Mamma Chia, Carlsbad

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Janie HoffmanChia seeds are moving into the mainstream from health food stores. One of the first pioneers of producing high quality chia-based foods and beverages is Mamma Chia based in Carlsbad. We met Mamma Chia’s founder and CEO, Janie Hoffman, at the recent Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim. Janie is our guest “planting the seed” on the healthful benefits of chia. Chia, for example, has 2 times more potassium than bananas.

“Mamma Chia is a conscious and sustainable company that honors and uplifts both the soul of humanity and the soul of the planet. Dedicated to sharing the Magic of Chia through delicious, nutrient-rich, organic foods and beverages powered by chia, Mamma Chia is continually adding innovative products to our already robust and delightful offerings.”

“Mamma Chia donates one percent of sales to support farmers, community groups and organizations that build healthy, local food systems.”

“If you’re looking for healthy snacks and beverages that are also delicious, then Mamma Chia is perfect for you! All of our products are packed with organic chia seeds that provide a plant-based source of Omega-3s, dietary fiber, complete protein and much more. From our lightly sweetened, refreshing beverages to our satisfying bars and granola, you will be delighted with the energy, strength and vitality you feel. The best part is that Mamma Chia is organic, Non-GMO, kosher and gluten free.”

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Show 200, December 3, 2016: Artisan Coffee Roaster, Martin Diedrich, Kean Coffee

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Martin DiedrichWhen it comes to world-class, artisan coffee roasters in Orange County the veteran bean roaster in chief is Martin Diedrich. He grew up on a coffee farm in Guatemala! Martin now oversees busy neighborhood Kean Coffee coffee shops in Tustin and Newport Beach.

“Kéan Coffee™ is the newest, most exciting coffeehouse concept by coffeehouse visionary Martin Diedrich. Our mission is to purvey fresh-roasted artisan coffee the way it is meant to be, in a beautiful, eclectic coffeehouse environment. Martin is craft roasting the finest coffees from around the globe on-site, many organic and fair-trade. This enables us to serve our coffee so fresh, most days it has been roasted within hours of the moment it reaches your cup. Our expertly trained baristas are creating the most innovative, cutting edge coffee beverages to be had.”

“Martin, local coffeehouse pioneer and founder of the Diedrich Coffee chain, left behind the world of corporate culture to return to his origins as an independent coffeehouse operator in order to stay true to his ideals of what a coffeehouse should be and what coffee culture should be.”

“Along with his wife Karen Varese Diedrich, Martin spent two years putting all of his creativity, inspiration and community and global awareness into bringing Kéan Coffee to reality. Martin and Karen Diedrich aptly named this next generation of coffeehouse after their son, Kean.”

Martin joins us.

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Show 166, April 2, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel

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

Now an enticing peek at Saturday’s provocatively decadent show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a good thing…

For the last ten years Executive Chef Michael Lomonaco has been at the culinary helm of Porter House New York at 10 Columbus Circle in Time Warner Center. After a carefully orchestrated month’s renovation the establishment has reopened as Porter House Bar & Grill. We’ll hear what’s new on the grill from Chef Lomonaco himself.

Every town has one: a humble restaurant serving up soul-satisfying food, a place that joins the whole community together. Since 1998, the James Beard Foundation has recognized nearly one hundred such establishments – local eateries distinguished as timeless institutions within their communities – by honoring them with their America’s Classic Awards. Newly published from The James Beard Foundation is James Beard’s All-American Eats – Recipes and Stories from Our Best-Loved Local Restaurants. Joining us is Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza (a 2015 Award Winner) and Alison Tozzi Liu, Editorial Director of JBF Media.

The annual Dine LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week is taking place April 23 – May 1, 2016. Each participating restaurant from twelve unique neighborhoods in the city offers a three course menu priced at $20, $30, $40 or $50, either per guest with wine pairing options at fine dining locations OR dinner for two priced at $20, $30, $40 or $50, where diners share an appetizer, each enjoy their own entree, then share a dessert at more casual establishments. Producer Terri Henry and Chef Philip Pretty of Restauration (a participating restaurant) are our guests.

Native Son Alehouse opened in Downtown Santa Ana in the Summer of 2014. It’s a relaxed, laid-back hangout with a rooftop lounge known for its extensive selection of 27 rotating, hand-selected craft brews on tap. We’ll tap the keg for all the 411 with proprietor Jon Sanchez.

When it comes to fresh seafood the term “Organic” is starting to be thrown around quite regularly. With fish and other seafood what does the organic label really mean? Are there even accepted standards in the United States for using this on a label? Our own resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish, will clear the haze for us on this one

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

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Show 166, April 2, 2016: “Organic” Seafood with Chef Andrew Gruel

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Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosWhen it comes to fresh seafood the term “Organic” is starting to be thrown around quite regularly as a buzzword. With fish and other seafood what does organic really mean? Are there even accepted standards for using this on a label? We’ll find out…

Our own resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel, will clear the haze for us on this one.

The United States Department of Agriculture sets the standards in the United States for what “Organic” means. Unfortunately, these standards have not been established for seafood. In other words when you see the label “Organic” on fresh seafood in America it’s meaningless.

Next there is the issue of whether wild caught seafood could ever be labeled organic. Since you can’t control what the fish ate before being caught the answer is “probably not.” Know your seafood supplier…

Most of the seafood we consume in the United States is now safely farm-raised. Can this ever conceptually be organic? Possibly, if the fish is raised on vegetarian, organic feed.

 

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April 2: Michael Lomonaco, America’s Classics, Philip Pretty, Native Son Alehouse, Andrew Gruel

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Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Executive Chef/Partner Michael Lomonaco, Porter House Bar and Grill, New York
Segment Three: The James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Awards Part One
Segment Four: The James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Awards Part Two
Segment Five: Chef Philip Pretty, Restauration, Long Beach Part One
Segment Six: Chef Philip Pretty, Restauration, Long Beach Part Two
Segment Seven: Jon Sanchez, Native Son Alehouse, Santa Ana
Segment Eight: “Organic” Seafood with Chef Andrew Gruel

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

Now an enticing peek at Saturday’s provocatively decadent show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a good thing…

For the last ten years Chef Michael Lomonaco has been at the culinary helm of Porter House New York at 10 Columbus Circle in Time Warner Center. After a carefully orchestrated month’s renovation the establishment has reopened as Porter House Bar & Grill. We’ll hear what’s new on the grill from Chef Lomonaco himself.

Every town has one: a humble restaurant serving up soul-satisfying food, a place that joins the whole community together. Since 1998, the James Beard Foundation has recognized nearly one hundred such establishments – local eateries distinguished as timeless institutions within their communities – by honoring them with their America’s Classic Awards. Newly published from The James Beard Foundation is James Beard’s All-American Eats – Recipes and Stories from Our Best-Loved Local Restaurants. Joining us is Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza (a 2015 Award Winner) and Alison Tozzi Liu, Editorial Director of JBF Media.

The annual Dine LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week is taking place April 23 – May 1, 2016. Each participating restaurant from twelve unique neighborhoods in the city offers a three course menu priced at $20, $30, $40 or $50, either per guest with wine pairing options at fine dining locations OR dinner for two priced at $20, $30, $40 or $50, where diners share an appetizer, each enjoy their own entree, then share a dessert at more casual establishments. Producer Terri Henry and Chef Philip Pretty of Restauration (a participating restaurant) are our guests.

Native Son Alehouse opened in Downtown Santa Ana in the Summer of 2014. It’s a relaxed, laid-back hangout with a rooftop lounge known for its extensive selection of 27 rotating, hand-selected craft brews on tap. We’ll tap the keg for all the 411 with proprietor Jon Sanchez.

When it comes to fresh seafood the term “Organic” is starting to be thrown around quite regularly. With fish and other seafood what does organic really mean? Are there even accepted standards for using this on a label? Our own resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish, will clear the haze for us on this one.

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

Michael LomonacoFor the last ten years Chef Michael Lomonaco has been at the culinary helm of Porter House New York at 10 Columbus Circle in Time Warner Center. After a carefully orchestrated month’s renovation the establishment has reopened as Porter House Bar & Grill.

Michael Lomonaco, Chef and Managing Partner of Porter House New York, has dedicated his life to the American kitchen, celebrating the generosity and abundance of the American spirit with food that is equally bountiful, bold and filled with flavor. A native New Yorker and veteran of the New York restaurant scene, Chef Lomonaco has brought his cuisine and leadership to some of New York’s most iconic restaurants. Along with returning glory to the storied ‘21 Club’, reviving the reputation to the magnificent Windows on the World and the memorable Wild Blue, Chef Lomonaco has been a well-respected, long-term participant in New York’s food world.

In 2006 Chef Lomonaco teamed up with Kenneth Himmel, an esteemed developer and restaurant operator, to bring Porter House New York and the neighboring Center Bar to the Time Warner Center.

We’ll hear what’s new from Chef Lomonaco himself.

Bricia LopezEvery town has one: a humble restaurant serving up soul-satisfying food, a place that joins the whole community together. Since 1998, the James Beard Foundation has recognized nearly one hundred such establishments – local eateries distinguished as timeless institutions within their communities – by honoring them with their America’s Classic Awards.

Newly published from The James Beard Foundation is James Beard’s All-American Eats – Recipes and Stories from Our Best-Loved Local Restaurants. This impressive reference book also compiles over 75 tested recipes from these beloved restaurants so the home cook can re-create regional favorites such as The Shed’s Red Chile Enchiladas, Frank Pepe’s White Clam Pizza and Guelaguetza’s Chicken Estofado.

Joining us is Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza (a 2015 America’s Classics Award Winner) and Alison Tozzi Liu, Editorial Director of JBF Media.

Alison Tozzi IiuGuelaguetza is the most recent Los Angeles area recipient (2015) of The James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Award. Other area recipients are Langer’s Delicatessen, Philippe the Original and Yuca’s Hut.

“Guelaguetza first opened its doors in 1994 by immigrant husband and wife Fernando Lopez and Maria Monterrubio. Since then, our goal at Guelaguetza has been to showcase the best of our family recipes and stay true to authentic Oaxacan ingredients. Guelaguetza’s mission is for all of its patrons to live and experience Oaxaca through all of its dishes.

Today, Mr. and Mrs. Lopez are retired and have paved the way for their children, Paulina, Fernando Jr, Elizabeth and Bricia Lopez.  This new generation of Oaxaqueños has taken upon themselves the responsibility of not only continuing their family’s restaurant success but also expanding its legacy. The Lopez’s have undoubtedly become ambassadors to Oaxacan cuisine in Los Angeles.

philip-prettyThe annual Dine LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week is taking place April 23 – May 1, 2016. Each participating restaurant from twelve unique neighborhoods in the city offers a three course menu priced at $20, $30, $40 or $50, either per guest with wine pairing options at fine

dining locations OR dinner for two priced at $20, $30, $40 or $50, where diners share an appetizer, each enjoy their own entree, then share a dessert at more casual establishments.

Producer Terri Henry and Chef Philip Pretty of Restauration (a participating restaurant) are our guests with all the hunger-inducing specifics.

DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week is April 23 to May 1, 2016. Experience cuisine that delights the palate and defines the art of dining in Long Beach. Held annually, DINE LBC features value-oriented three-course menus from dozens of Long Beach’s best restaurants in twelve unique neighborhoods throughout the city.

“What’s old is new again. Restauration is a combination of two of our favorite words that are defining pillars of the Long Beach community: restaurant+restore. Situated in the vibrant and creative stretch on 4th street between Cherry and Temple dubbed Retro Row, our little eatery brings the Long Beach family together to pay tribute to the American culinary spirit while embracing modern fare.”

“Menus for Restauration are locally sourced and responsibly grown, using seasonal ingredients based on the abundant bounty available on the Southern and Central Coast. Many options are served family style intended for sharing. Our beer offerings feature craft beer on draft and in large bottles from all over the world. The comprehensive wine list highlights small producers from California and other unique wine growing regions from afar.”

Jon SanchezNative Son Alehouse opened in Downtown Santa Ana in the Summer of 2014. It’s a relaxed, laid-back hangout with a rooftop lounge known for its extensive selection of 27 rotating, hand-selected craft brews on tap.

There is a limited menu of nibbles available to go along with the craft beer. The Brussel Chips are a particular favorite.

Just concluded is their own version of March Madness, the Thursday Thursday Championship Bracket. 12 craft breweries have been competing. It came down to The Finals with Almanac Beer Co. from the Bay Area pitted again Anaheim’s Noble Ale House.

We’ll tap the keg for all the 411 with proprietor Jon Sanchez.

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosWhen it comes to fresh seafood the term “Organic” is starting to be thrown around quite regularly as a buzzword. With fish and other seafood what does organic really mean? Are there even accepted standards for using this on a label? We’ll find out…

Our own resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel, will expertly clear the haze for us on this one.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Executive Chef/Partner Michael Lomonaco, Porter House Bar and Grill, New York
Segment Three: The James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Awards Part One
Segment Four: The James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Awards Part Two
Segment Five: Chef Philip Pretty, Restauration, Long Beach Part One
Segment Six: Chef Philip Pretty, Restauration, Long Beach Part Two
Segment Seven: Jon Sanchez, Native Son Alehouse, Santa Ana
Segment Eight: “Organic” Seafood with Chef Andrew Gruel

Show 164, March 19, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

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Angels’ Baseball is upon us. Be listening to the show for your chance to win a four-pack of ducats for Sunday, April 3rd at Angel Stadium when our Halos take on the Chicago Cubs! For all Home Games remember to purchase your tickets at the convenient Angel Stadium ticket office or online at Angels.com.

Now an enticing peek at Saturday’s provocatively decadent show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a good thing…

Applications are now available for the 3rd Annual ment’or BKB Foundation Young Chef Competition and the new Commis Competition. Mentor’s programs celebrate the young culinary talent that exists in the US and provides unique opportunities for them to be recognized on a national level. Ment’or BKB’s Executive Director, Young Yun, and Chef Philip Tessier, Silver Medalist for Team USA at the 2015 Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition and Coach for Team USA 2017 have all the details.

How do you keep a fine-dining establishment with an incredible Marina-view fresh after 25 years? We’ll chat with Brian Cousins, the seasoned General Manager of Café Del Rey, about how he has accomplished this impressive feat at a well-known, destination restaurant in Marina del Rey.

In November 2009, Chef Thomas Keller returned to Southern California after almost 20 years to bring his renowned Bouchon Bistro cuisine to the City of Beverly Hills. Chef Keller’s accomplished culinary team also has a sense of humor. Chef Keller’s casual restaurant in Yountville, Ad Hoc, is known for their fried chicken. By demand Monday nights at Bouchon Beverly Hills are now Ad Hoc Fried Chicken nights. Chef de Cuisine David Hands and Executive Sous Chef Katie Hagan-Whelchel (ex-Ad Hoc) join us to take us behind-the-scenes.

The incredible 13th Season of Bravo’s “Top Chef” has just concluded in dramatic fashion in Las Vegas. The final showdown for the title of “Top Chef” was between Orange County’s Chef Amar Santana (Vaca and Broadway by Amar Santana) and Chef Jeremy Ford of Miami. Local food journalist, Anne Marie Panoringan (OC Weekly) has been penning an entertaining and informative weekly recap of the series all season. Anne Marie is with us with observations and commentary of Season 13th.

The story of Justin’s began when Justin Gold, a lover of the active lifestyle, moved to Boulder, Colorado in his 20’s. In order to fuel his long bike rides, Justin embarked on a mission to create new varieties of nut butter that not only packed the protein, but also tasted great. He began crafting the very first batches of his now-famous, culinary nut butters in his home kitchen. The newest addition to the Justin’s line of products is a cookbook, Justin My Kitchen – simple, delicious recipes in a nutshell. The effervescent author of the book, Julianna Abdallah, is our guest. She is also the Earned Media Manager for Justin’s.

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

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