Show 509, January 28, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

Jonathan Rosenson is the knowledgeable and personable Owner and Creative Director for Coquelicot Organic Estate Vineyards in Solvang (vineyard) with their Tasting Room in Los Olivos. He’s also a seasoned restaurateur and hotelier. He is a level 2 sommelier, currently director of hospitality for a collection of boutique hotels consisting of the Mirabelle Inn, Solvang, CA, Chateau du Sureau, Oakhurst, CA, and The Mansion on Sutter, San Francisco, CA. Each boutique hotel offers luxurious dining options in an on-site destination restaurant including the Michelin Plate awarded First & Oak in Solvang. Jonathan joins us to uncork all that is First & Oak and Coquelicot Estate Vineyard.”

“Late last December Saltie Girl, the beloved Boston destination for pristine and sustainable seafood, opened a Los Angeles location on Sunset Boulevard (Sunset Plaza) in the heart of West Hollywood. Inspired by founder Kathy Sidell’s East Coast upbringing and a serendipitous meal at a wine bar in Barcelona, Saltie Girl reimagines the experience of classic seafood restaurants with a modern approach that reveals influences and ingredients from revered coastal regions around the world. Saltie Girl represents an intersection of those inspirations while showcasing the team’s meticulous sourcing and long-cultivated relationships with fishmongers and purveyors. An expansive raw bar selection and one of the country’s largest collections of tinned fish further emphasizes Saltie Girl’s celebration of every iteration of seafood.” The “Saltie Girl” herself, Kathy Sidell, joins us with lobster cracker in hand.

The year anniversary of Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini’s ambitious Neon Feast dining app is on the horizon. Lots of new features have now been added to the updated App. “Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android (as well as on Neon Feast’s website), Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.” Al is our guest with highlights of the Las Vegas dining scene.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the recently launched, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Why is there a shortage of California-grown and harvested fresh oysters? Chef Andrew has the specifics and also explains where he is currently sourcing quality oysters from.

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

Show 509, January 28, 2023: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

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

Why is there a shortage of California-grown and harvested fresh oysters? Chef Andrew has the specifics and also explains where he is currently sourcing his fresh oysters from.

Chef Andrew and Lauren Gruel have a new fast casual concept, Burger 101, coming soon to the 2-level, Kitchen United complex on the 3rd St. Promenade in Santa Monica. It’s Chef Andrew’s version of a value-priced, honest burger (and loaded fries) using quality ingredients including a premium burger patty sourced from West Coast Prime Meats. He’ll also launch a casual Mexican concept there, Lolo’s Tacos, specializing in clean and simple tacos, burritos and standout specialty sauces.

January 28: Jonathon Rosenson, Saltie Girl, Al Mancini

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Jonathan Rosenson, Proprietor, Coquelicot Estate Vineyard and First & Oak restaurant, Solvang Part One
Segment Three: Jonathan Rosenson, Proprietor, Coquelicot Estate Vineyard and First & Oak restaurant, Solvang Part Two
Segment Four: Kathy Sidell, Founder, Saltie Girl Seafood Bar, West Hollywood Part One
Segment Five: Kathy Sidell, Founder, Saltie Girl Seafood Bar, West Hollywood Part Two
Segment Six: Al Mancini, creator of Neon Feast app for Las Vegas Dining and “Food and Loathing” podcast Part One
Segment Seven: Al Mancini, creator of Neon Feast app for Las Vegas Dining and “Food and Loathing” podcast Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”

We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.

“Jonathan Rosenson is the knowledgeable and personable Owner and Creative Director for Coquelicot Organic Estate Vineyards in Solvang (vineyard) with their Tasting Room in Los Olivos. He’s also a seasoned restaurateur and hotelier. He is a level 2 sommelier, currently director of hospitality for a collection of boutique hotels consisting of the Mirabelle Inn, Solvang, CA, Chateau du Sureau, Oakhurst, CA, and The Mansion on Sutter, San Francisco, CA. Each boutique hotel offers luxurious dining options in an on-site destination restaurant including the Michelin Plate awarded First & Oak in Solvang. Jonathan joins us to uncork all that is First & Oak and Coquelicot Estate Vineyard.”

“Late last December Saltie Girl, the beloved Boston destination for pristine and sustainable seafood, opened a Los Angeles location on Sunset Boulevard (Sunset Plaza) in the heart of West Hollywood. Inspired by founder Kathy Sidell’s East Coast upbringing and a serendipitous meal at a wine bar in Barcelona, Saltie Girl reimagines the experience of classic seafood restaurants with a modern approach that reveals influences and ingredients from revered coastal regions around the world. Saltie Girl represents an intersection of those inspirations while showcasing the team’s meticulous sourcing and long-cultivated relationships with fishmongers and purveyors. An expansive raw bar selection and one of the country’s largest collections of tinned fish further emphasizes Saltie Girl’s celebration of every iteration of seafood.” The “Saltie Girl” herself, Kathy Sidell, joins us with lobster cracker in hand.

The year anniversary of Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini’s ambitious Neon Feast dining app is on the horizon. Lots of new features have now been added to the updated App. “Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android (as well as on the Neon Feast website), Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.” Al is our guest with highlights of the Las Vegas dining scene.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Why is there a shortage of California-grown and harvested fresh oysters? Chef Andrew has the specifics and also explains where he is currently sourcing quality oysters from.

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

Jonathan Rosenson of FIrst and Oak

Jonathan Rosenson is the knowledgeable and personable Owner and Creative Director for Coquelicot Organic Estate Vineyards in Solvang (vineyard) with their Tasting Room in Los Olivos. He’s also a seasoned restaurateur and hotelier.

“Jonathan Rosenson, a level 2 sommelier, currently is director of hospitality for a collection of boutique hotels consisting of the Mirabelle Inn, Solvang, CA, Chateau du Sureau, Oakhurst, CA, and The Mansion on Sutter, San Francisco, CA. Each boutique hotel offers luxurious dining options in an on-site destination restaurant including the Michelin Plate awarded First & Oak in Solvang.”

“Jonathan is also the creative director and owner for Coquelicot Estate Vineyards and is heavily involved in their wine growing and wholesale practices. Past endeavors have included The Sky Room in Long Beach, Wine Cask, Santa Barbara, and Bernard’s Wine Gallery. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry Jonathan is a seasoned pro at creating a culinary experience. Crafting elaborate menus, exquisite tastings, and special events are his forte.”

Jonathan joins us to uncork all that is First & Oak and Coquelicot Estate Vineyard.

Kathy Sidell of Saltie Girl

“Late last December Saltie Girl, the beloved Boston destination for pristine and sustainable seafood, opened a Los Angeles location on Sunset Boulevard in the heart of West Hollywood. Inspired by founder Kathy Sidell’s East Coast upbringing and a serendipitous meal at a wine bar in Barcelona, Saltie Girl reimagines the experience of classic seafood restaurants with a modern approach that reveals influences and ingredients from revered coastal regions around the world. Saltie Girl represents an intersection of those inspirations while showcasing the team’s meticulous sourcing and long-cultivated relationships with fishmongers and purveyors. An expansive raw bar selection and one of the country’s largest collections of tinned fish further emphasizes Saltie Girl’s celebration of every iteration of seafood.”

“With the opening, culinary director Kyle McClelland’s menu showcases Saltie Girl favorites alongside new dishes that reveal California influences and highlight local fishers and purveyors. McClelland’s broad menu features seafood towers, daily oyster and raw bar selections, farmer’s market salads and bright, seasonal crudos. Signature offerings include Fried Lobster & Waffles with sweet corn butter and spicy maple syrup; Clam Chowder; and Lump Crab Toast with pistachios, avocado and stracciatella. Contemporary preparations of seafood classics will also be available such as Moules Frites, French Dover Sole and Saltie Girl Lobster Roll. Saltie Girl also boasts a separate caviar menu and a collection of over 130 varieties of tinned fish which can be ordered alongside fresh bread and accoutrements.”

“A full bar program complements the culinary experience with a well-balanced wine list showcasing international and biodynamic producers, Saltie Girl’s proprietary Rosé, and a champagne by-the-glass program. Cocktails showcasing seasonal ingredients and classic preparations include the Saltie Martini with vodka or gin, castelvetrano olive, pickled onion and caviar.”

Ben Sidell, founder of SweetBoy bakery and Kathy’s son, helms the pastry program, bringing his popular pop-up to life within Saltie Girl. His menu showcasing playful twists on classic desserts expands in the restaurant setting with plated desserts such as a Yuzu Persimmon Tart and Apple Tarte Tatin, with Ben lending his talents to savory pastries, as well, including buns to accompany the caviar service.

The “Saltie Girl” herself, Kathy Sidell, is our guest with lobster cracker in hand.

Al Mancini of Neon Feast

The year anniversary of Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini’s ambitious Neon Feast dining app is on the horizon. Lots of new features have been added to the updated app.

“Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android (as well as on Neon Feast’s website), Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.”

Al also updates us on his weekly Food & Loathing podcast, his take on the just revealed Semi-Final Nominations from the James Beard Awards for Las Vegas, Guy Fieri’s upcoming new restaurant and the 2nd Anniversary of The Vegas Test Kitchen.

Al Mancini is our guest to discuss dining in Las Vegas and provide an update on the progress of Neon Feast.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

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

Why is there a shortage of California-grown and harvested fresh oysters? Chef Andrew has the specifics and also explains where he is currently sourcing his fresh oysters from.

Chef Andrew and Lauren Gruel have a new fast casual concept, Burger 101, coming soon to the 2-level, Kitchen United complex on the 3rd St. Promenade in Santa Monica. It’s Chef Andrew’s version of a value-priced, honest burger (and loaded fries) using quality ingredients including a premium burger patty sourced from West Coast Prime Meats. He’ll also launch a casual Mexican concept there, Lolo’s Tacos, specializing in clean and simple tacos, burritos and standout specialty sauces.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Jonathan Rosenson, Proprietor, Coquelicot Estate Vineyard and First & Oak restaurant, Solvang Part One
Segment Three: Jonathan Rosenson, Proprietor, Coquelicot Estate Vineyard and First & Oak restaurant, Solvang Part Two
Segment Four: Kathy Sidell, Founder, Saltie Girl Seafood Bar, West Hollywood Part One
Segment Five: Kathy Sidell, Founder, Saltie Girl Seafood Bar, West Hollywood Part Two
Segment Six: Al Mancini, creator of Neon Feast app for Las Vegas Dining and “Food and Loathing” podcast Part One
Segment Seven: Al Mancini, creator of Neon Feast app for Las Vegas Dining and “Food and Loathing” podcast Part Two
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”

Show 496, October 22, 2022: Anna Maria Oyster Bar on The Pier, Bradenton Beach, FL Part One

Lynn Horne of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar

“The fun and family-friendly atmosphere a guest experiences in any Anna Maria Oyster Bar location comes from the warm smiles and gratitude their wonderful and loyal staff bring to the guests. Their dedication to keeping their restaurants fresh and fun for all who dine with Anna Maria Oyster Bar stems from the desire to make the guest experience memorable. From their managers and servers, cooks and kitchen staff, AMOB aims to provide you pleasant service at a great value.”

“AMOB was founded on the Anna Maria City Pier in 1996, and the City Pier will always be their home. While this location closed in 1999, this is where AMOB established regulars and made a name for themselves with fresh seafood and fun atmosphere. Fortunately in 2015 Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier launched on the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach, FL with unrivaled views of the Intercoastal Waterway.” Also on the Bridge Street Pier is Paradise Boat Tours known for their informative & entertaining dolphin and manatee excursions.

“AMOB’s coastal-inspired menu showcases traditional favorites like fresh seafood, lobster, shrimp, chicken, soups and salads, fish specials and more. Don’t miss the Tuna Stack. And of course, AMOB wouldn’t be an oyster bar if they didn’t have delicious oysters available in a variety of preparations.” A pair of new land-sided Anna Maria Oyster Bars are on the horizon.

We reel in Managing Partner and Director of Purchasing Lynn Horne to discuss all that is Anna Maria Oyster Bar.

Show 496, October 22, 2022: Anna Maria Oyster Bar on The Pier, Bradenton Beach, FL Part Two

Lynn Horne of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar

“The fun and family-friendly atmosphere a guest experiences in any Anna Maria Oyster Bar location comes from the warm smiles and gratitude their wonderful and loyal staff bring to the guests. Their dedication to keeping their restaurants fresh and fun for all who dine with Anna Maria Oyster Bar stems from the desire to make the guest experience memorable. From their managers and servers, cooks and kitchen staff, AMOB aims to provide you pleasant service at a great value.”

“AMOB was founded on the Anna Maria City Pier in 1996, and the City Pier will always be their home. While this location closed in 1999, this is where AMOB established regulars and made a name for themselves with fresh seafood and fun atmosphere.” Fortunately in 2015 Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier launched on the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach, FL with unrivaled views of the Intercoastal Waterway. Also on the Bridge Street Pier is Paradise Boat Tours known for their informative & entertaining dolphin and manatee excursions.

“AMOB’s coastal-inspired menu showcases traditional favorites like fresh seafood, lobster, shrimp, chicken, soups and salads, fish specials and more. Don’t miss the Tuna Stack. And of course, AMOB wouldn’t be an oyster bar if they didn’t have delicious oysters available in a variety of preparations.”

Anna Maria Island was spared from the destructive forces of Hurricane Ian. Some neighboring areas that are part of AMOB’s market area weren’t so fortunate. AMOB has a long history of supporting the communities they serve. AMOB was part of an ambitious feeding program in these impacted neighboring areas while they were without power and water.

We reel in Managing Partner and Director of Purchasing Lynn Horne to continue with us and explaining all that is Anna Maria Oyster Bar. (Think Conch Fritters…)

Show 484, July 23, 2022: “Ask the Chef” with Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

Clams in the West truly don’t get the respect they deserve. They can be prepared in a number of tasty ways and certainly merit equal status as oysters. Clams on pizza is a special treat. Chef Andrew shares his tips including the availability of pre-cooked, flash-frozen clams that are typically stocked in the frozen seafood section of your favorite market and priced at a great value… Think fried Ipswich Belly Clams for a special treat.

Show 411, February 6, 2021: Restaurateur Donato Poto, Co-Owner of Providence and Connie & Ted’s Part One

Donato Poto of Providence plus Connie and Ted's

For 16 years, Providence in Hollywood has elevated the standard of modern American seafood restaurants along with exemplary service. For Valentine’s Day Weekend (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) guests can experience Chef Michael Cimarusti’s award-winning cuisine for curbside takeaway. The extravagant Valentine’s feast (for 2) starts with Morro Bay Gold Oyster and Kaluga Caviar with Crème Fraiche and concludes with a Tarte au Chocolat with Pudwill Farms raspberries. For the decadent Valentine’s Day feast Chef Cimarusti has also created an entertaining, easy-to-follow video where he energetically walks the guest through the assembling and plating of the meal course-by-course.

“Chef Cimarusti is completely dedicated to procuring the finest sustainable seafood—from regional coasts and international waters—and treats those ingredients with uncompromising respect and sophisticated technique. “First and foremost, what guides us here is sustainability,” Cimarusti says. “We use only wild-caught, sustainable products, mostly from American waters, and look to highlight their finest qualities.””

Restaurateur, Co-Proprietor of Providence and graciously welcoming host Donato Poto is with us to talk about Valentine’s Day and look to the future when dine-in (inside) can return.

Show 384, August 1, 2020: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant GroupOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants. Dine-in is slowly, with multiple hiccups, starting to come back but with a lot of new rules that restrict guest counts. Alternately Take-Out / Delivery when you can surely helps…

Time for celebration. August 5th is National Oyster Day. … There are more ways to enjoy & appreciate oysters besides being served raw, freshly shucked on the half-shell. Oysters are a great source of vitamins and also provide high amounts of calcium, iron and protein. Also sustainable. Chef Andrew is our resident authority on these bivalve mollusks enjoyed since ancient times.

We’ll, of course “Ask the Chef.”

Show 349, November 30, 2019: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and CasinoOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group was in New York last weekend as a Judge in the Oyster Shucking Championship as part of the first ever All Canadian Oyster Festival held at Manhattan’s Docks Oyster Bar & Seafood GrillGrand Prize was a cool $1,000. We’ll slurp with Chef Andrew as he reports on the salty festivities with a Canadian accent.

The capacity crowd of 250 guests had the unusual opportunity to sniff, sip and slurp eighteen varieties of both West & East Coast Canadian Oysters. Guests enjoyed unlimited Canadian oysters, as well as three different Docks seafood chowders, mounds of shrimp, wine, beer and vodka.

Show 263, March 3, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now an intriguing preview of this Saturday’s properly decadent show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… Keep in mind we’re always here with you live every Saturday morning with a fresh show.

By all accounts Greek wines, in general, are improving but are still a bit of a mystery to the casual wine connoisseur. Our resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, to the rescue. He’ll provide us with an understandable overview of the wines of the Greek island of Santorini. The famous, high quality white wine grape there is Assyrtiko.

The Sky Room, an iconic restaurant in downtown Long Beach, will be hosting an afternoon wine tasting fundraising event featuring their signature Coquelicot wines, on Saturday, March 10th from 1-3pm. Organized by Dine LBC, funds raised will benefit Food Finders food rescue program. “The team at The Sky Room has always been supportive of the important work that Food Finders does in working to eliminate food security in Long Beach and beyond,” said Jonathan Rosenson, proprietor and sommelier of The Sky Room. Jonathan joins us with all the 411.

Chef Pascal Olhsats, the Dean of French chefs in Orange County, turns 30 this month. That’s 30 years of having a namesake restaurant (as the proprietor) in Orange County. It’s a month of festivities at Pascal San Juan Capistrano and the ultimate 5-course celebration dinner (with a Champagne toast) on March 21st at his Café Jardin in Corona Del Mar’s Sherman Gardens and Library. We entice Chef Pascal out of the kitchen with a glass of French Chablis to preview the celebrations.

From the Arabian Sea to the peaks of the Himalayas, cuisine in Karachi is as diverse as its inhabitants and draws influences from across South, Central, and West Asia. Acclaimed Pakistani chef, culinary educator, and food and prop stylist, Kausar Ahmed, has curated and created mouth-watering recipes in her first cookbook, The Karachi Kitchen – Classic and Contemporary Flavors of Pakistan. Chef Kausar is preparing a 4-course Karachi feast from her cookbook at a private home in Santa Monica on Sunday, March 25th with 100 per cent of the ticket price going to the Careers through Culinary Arts Program. Chef Kausar is our guest.

The 26th Annual Taste of Solvang returns from Wednesday through Sunday on March 14th to 18th, 2018. It’s a unique experiential culinary weekend featuring Solvang farmers, chefs, bakers, winemakers, brewers, distillers, and artisans showcasing the bounty of Santa Barbara wine country set amidst California’s quaint Danish town. Laura Kath the Media Relations Director for the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau has the scrumptious preview.

Food journalist and author Karen Kaplan has just launched her first solo cookbook, Open Faced: Single-Slice Sandwiches from Around the World, published by Gibbs Smith. In this concise yet comprehensive volume she shares her passion for open-faced sandwiches in authoritative text filled with history, lore, anecdotes and tips, and 65 no-fail international recipes, each with its own wine or spirit pairing suggestion. Each recipe reflects the taste and spirit of its place of origin, yet is perfectly translated for the way we cook and eat in America today. Karen Kaplan joins us.

Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his “Ask the Chef” series. Oysters, oysters everywhere… Non-seafood restaurants are now starting to feature raw oysters on their appetizer menus as well as visible Oyster Bars are popping up in dinner houses. What should you know before you order? Are there differences in flavor profiles? What condiments really enhance the flavor? Chef Andrew has the answers and will explain the oyster basics. Leave the shucking to the restaurant & happy slurping!

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!