Show 210, February 11, 2017: Jean-Jacques Granet, Executive Pastry Chef, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Jean Jacques GranetFriday, February 10th is the always incredible Chocolate Decadence at Pechanga. An eye-popping array of truly decadent chocolates and pastries are featured from the bakeshops of Pechanga’s Executive Pastry Chef, Jean-Jacques Granet.

New this year to the dazzling lineup of treats was edible chocolate lipstick presented in a tube!

Jean-Jacques Granet, an acclaimed pastry chef who has worked on three continents, is the Executive Pastry Chef at Pechanga Resort & Casino. After spending nearly 15 years as pastry chef at two of the most prestigious luxury resorts in Las Vegas, Granet is now happy to call Southern California home.

Chef Jean-Jacques arrived at Pechanga in March 2015 and has implemented positive changes to the 22-person in-house bakery and pastry shop. He has changed the lineup of desserts offered at Journey’s End golf course restaurant, The Great Oak Steakhouse, Paisano’s Italian restaurant and Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar.

He’s always working on improvements to the desserts and pastries offered at Blends Coffee & Wine Bar. Ongoing is efforts with each of the 11 dining outlets and banquets departments to fulfill and exceed  guests’ expectations in the sweets’ department. Two new restaurants (including a poolside bar & grill establishment) are on the way which will debut with the major hotel expansion by year’s end.

Chef Jean-Jacques puts down his whisk briefly to join us.

Show 195, October 29, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris and Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel, Founder, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Program Note:
Next Saturday, November 5th we graciously step aside in our regular morning time period for Fighting Irish Football. For this Saturday only we’re moving downfield to 2 to 4:00 p.m. See you there!

Andrew and William GruelExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Brea, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, most recently, The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for Rams and USC Football, is back as today’s Guest Host. San Clemente is launching next. In May in Chicago during the National Restaurant Association’s annual conclave he received Nation’s Restaurant News’ Trendsetter MenuMaster Award for Slapfish.

Now a provocatively tempting preview of Saturday’s full-measure show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a pretty good thing…

What does it take to design and execute a well-thought-out bar, restaurant or commercial kitchen? We’ll find out from veteran designer Rick Rose of the Chefs’ Toys Commercial Kitchen Design Group, formerly known as Michael Blackman & Associates. MBA has been operating for over 30 years and is known as one of the top restaurant kitchen designers in Southern California and nationally as well.

The Brennan Family represents the royalty of highly influential restaurateurs in New Orleans. The dynasty is led by the incomparable Miss Ella Brennan. She is a mother, chef mentor, and blunt-talking matriarch of the Brennan Family’s New Orleans empire whose flagship is the pioneering Commander’s Palace. Miss Ella and her daughter, Ti Adelaide Martin, have written her absorbing biography and, as expected, it’s a page-turner. Ti Martin joins us with a preview.

Pechanga Resort & Casino has a well-earned reputation for excellence in all levels of dining. Their signature Italian restaurant is Paisano’s Italian Restaurant. Newly arrived there in the open kitchen is Chef Andre Pinto. We’ll meet him.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel is no stranger to the intricacies of seafood. Smoked fish is pretty simple, right? Not exactly. Was that lox you just enjoyed prepared by hot or cold smoking? What’s the difference? It can be an elaborate process. What techniques are possibly correct for different types of fish? Chef Andrew explains.

Earlier this year we met the passionate Clarissa Nagy who is the distinguished Winemaker at Riverbench in Santa Maria. Separate from Riverbench, Clarissa has her own label, c nagy, with a rustic tasting room in historic Orcutt. Clarissa Nagy is our encore guest.

Show 195, October 29, 2016: Andre Pinto, Restaurant Chef, Paisano’s Italian Restaurant, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Andre Pinto of Paisanos Italian Restaurant at PechangaPechanga Resort & Casino in Wine Country Temecula just off the 15 Freeway has a well-earned reputation for excellence in all levels of dining. Their signature Italian restaurant is Paisano’s Italian Restaurant. Newly arrived there in the open kitchen is Chef Andre Pinto. We’ll meet him.

Promoted from the position of kitchen supervisor for Kelsey’s restaurant, Chef Pinto, 32, showed Pechanga culinary management he possesses both the technical and creative passion for food required to be a head chef at California’s largest resort / casino. Before spending a year and one-half in the kitchen at the newly renovated Kelsey’s restaurant, Pinto spent 10 years working at two of the east coast’s top restaurants. Earlier in his career he was immersed in preparing Italian cuisine at respected establishments in the Boston area.

Originally from Salvador, Bahia in Brazil, Andre Pinto recalls helping his mother in the kitchen at home often when he was a teenager. “The other kids would be out playing soccer, and I love soccer, but I wanted to help my mom make cold feijoada (Brazilian black bean stew) and see how it came together,” says Pinto. He also tried his hand at making cakes.

“I’m so happy and humbled to have been promoted to the head chef for Paisano’s,” said Pinto. “We have a great team here, and already, it’s exciting to see some of the regulars who have come back for my dishes. My approach to food is Brazilian meets East Coast meets West Coast while still remaining true to authentic Italian flavors, though the most important thing, every ingredient must be the freshest it possibly can.”

October 29: Chefs’ Toys, Ti Adelaide Martin, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Clarissa Nagy

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris and Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel, Founder, Slapfish Restaurant Group
Segment Two: Rick Rose, Chefs’ Toys Commercial Design Group (previously Michael Blackman & Associates.)
Segment Three: Ti Martin, Commander’s Palace, New Orleans
Segment Four: Andre Pinto, Restaurant Chef, Paisano’s Italian Restaurant, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Segment Five: Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish on Smoked Fish
Segment Six: Winemaker Clarissa Nagy, c nagy Wines, Orcutt, CA

Andrew and William GruelExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Brea, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, most recently, The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for Rams and USC Football, is back as today’s Guest Host. San Clemente is launching next. In May in Chicago during the National Restaurant Association’s annual conclave he received Nation’s Restaurant News’ Trendsetter MenuMaster Award for Slapfish.

Now a provocatively tempting preview of Saturday’s full-measure show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a pretty good thing…

What does it take to design and execute a well-thought-out bar, restaurant or commercial kitchen ? We’ll find out from veteran designer Rick Rose of the Chefs’ Toys Commercial Kitchen Design Group, formerly known as Michael Blackman & Associates. MBA has been operating for over 30 years and is known as one of the top restaurant kitchen designers in Southern California and nationally as well.

The Brennan Family represents the royalty of highly influential restaurateurs in New Orleans. The dynasty is led by the incomparable Miss Ella Brennan. She is a mother, chef mentor, and blunt-talking matriarch of the Brennan Family’s New Orleans empire whose flagship is the pioneering Commander’s Palace. Miss Ella and her daughter, Ti Adelaide Martin, have written her absorbing biography and, as expected, it’s a page-turner. Ti Martin joins us with a preview.

Pechanga Resort & Casino has a well-earned reputation for excellence in all levels of dining. Their signature Italian restaurant is Paisano’s Italian Restaurant. Newly arrived there in the open kitchen is Chef Andre Pinto. We’ll meet him.

Earlier this year we met the passionate Clarissa Nagy who is the distinguished Winemaker at Riverbench in Santa Maria. Separate from Riverbench, Clarissa has her own label, c nagy, with a rustic tasting room in historic Orcutt. Clarissa Nagy is our encore guest.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel is no stranger to the intricacies of seafood. Smoked fish is pretty simple, right? Not exactly. Was that lox you just enjoyed prepared by hot or cold smoking? What’s the difference? It can be an elaborate process. What techniques are possibly correct for different types of fish? Chef Andrew explains.

Rick Rose of Chefs ToysWhat does it take to design a well-thought-out bar, restaurant or commercial kitchen? What are the most common mistakes to avoid?

We’ll find out from veteran designer Rick Rose of the Chefs’ Toys Commercial Kitchen Design Group, formerly known as Michael Blackman & Associates. MBA has been operating for over 30 years and is known as one of the top restaurant kitchen designers in Southern California and nationally as well. It was acquired by Chefs’ Toys in late 2015.

“Chefs’ Toys has provided commercial kitchen design services for many years. Michael Blackman & Associates has developed an exceptional reputation in the industry”, says Steve Dickler President of Chefs’ Toys. “With their deep expertise in kitchen and bar design, restaurant interior design, tremendous knowledge and resources for restaurant fixtures, architecture, planning and construction, the MBA team will help take Chefs’ Toys to a whole new level”.

“Chefs’ Toys has developed a fantastic reputation in the restaurant business for restaurant equipment and smallwares, says Rick Rose, of Chefs’ Toys Commercial Kitchen Design Group. “We are excited to be a part of the Chefs’ Toys team and help build on their already solid project teams. This will create a new synergy that will help us both affording our customers that one-stop-shop, from planning, to building, and managing a high performance commercial kitchen design project.”

Ti Adelaide MartinThe Brennan Family represents the royalty of highly influential restaurateurs in New Orleans. The dynasty is led by the incomparable Miss Ella Brennan. She is a mother, chef mentor, and blunt-talking matriarch of the Brennan Family’s New Orleans empire whose flagship is the pioneering Commander’s Palace. Miss Ella and her daughter, Ti Adelaide Martin, have written her absorbing biography and, as expected, it’s a page-turner. Ti Martin joins us with a preview.

Ella Brennan, “Miss Ella,” changed the way America eats. At 18-years old, she went to work at her brother’s bar on Bourbon street. The New Orleans dining scene had no idea what was about to hit it. Turns out it was one of America’s greatest business coaches, whose impact on the restaurant industry and Creole cuisine is evident across the nation today. Miss Ella of Commander’s Palace is the story of The Brennan Family’s beloved restaurant matriarch!

When Miss Ella and her family launched Commander’s Palace, it quickly became the city’s most popular restaurant, where famous chefs such as Paul Prudhomme, Emeril Lagasse, and James Beard Award winner Troy McPhail got their start.

Ti Adelaide Martin is the daughter of Ella Brennan. Raised in New Orleans, she has followed in her mother’s footsteps and is now co-proprietor of Commander’s Palace. She remembers her mother “always hosting these lavish parties at our house,” she recalls. “There were always lots of interesting people there from around the country, many from the culinary world.”

Andre Pinto of Paisanos Italian Restaurant at PechangaPechanga Resort & Casino in Wine Country Temecula just off the 15 Freeway has a well-earned reputation for excellence in all levels of dining. Their signature Italian restaurant is Paisano’s Italian Restaurant. Newly arrived there in the open kitchen is Chef Andre Pinto. We’ll meet him.

Promoted from the position of kitchen supervisor for Kelsey’s restaurant, Chef Pinto, 32, showed Pechanga culinary management he possesses both the technical and creative passion for food required to be a head chef at California’s largest resort/casino. Before spending a year and one-half in the kitchen at the newly renovated Kelsey’s restaurant, Pinto spent 10 years working at two of the east coast’s top restaurants. Earlier in his career he was immersed in preparing Italian cuisine at respected establishments in the Boston area.

Originally from Salvador, Bahia in Brazil, Andre Pinto recalls helping his mother in the kitchen at home often when he was a teenager. “The other kids would be out playing soccer, and I love soccer, but I wanted to help my mom make cold feijoada (Brazilian black bean stew) and see how it came together,” says Pinto. He also tried his hand at making cakes.

“I’m so happy and humbled to have been promoted to the head chef for Paisano’s,” said Pinto. “We have a great team here, and already, it’s exciting to see some of the regulars who have come back for my dishes. My approach to food is Brazilian meets East Coast meets West Coast while still remaining true to authentic Italian flavors, though the most important thing, every ingredient must be the freshest it possibly can.”

Clarissa NagyEarlier this year we met the passionate Clarissa Nagy who is the distinguished Winemaker at Riverbench in Santa Maria. Separate from Riverbench Clarissa has her own label, c nagy, with a rustic tasting room in historic Orcutt. Clarissa Nagy is our encore guest.

“People often ask how I started in the wine industry. It was never my plan to make wine. Actually, my original intention was to work with food. Thankfully, food and wine are often paired together. Through that means, wine found me.”

“I met my husband while we were working together in the wine industry. We made a barrel of 2002 Viognier as a wedding favor. It seemed a fitting gift for our family and friends. My quest for another source of Viognier was encouraged by those who had tasted the “wedding wine.” It would be a longer quest than I expected.”

“I purchased one ton of Pinot Noir in 2004. I wanted to continue making Pinot Noir and work with an amazing vineyard. One thing led to another. In 2005, I began working with 3 different vineyards and my brand was born.”

“Pinot Noir and Syrah were my main focus for the next 6 years. I made a Viognier in 2010, but frost would prevent me from doing so in 2011. The loss of Viognier opened the door to work with Pinot Blanc as well, and my journey continued to unfold. The newest chapter of my story is the addition of the tasting room.”

“Winemaking has become my passion. Sharing that joy with others is a priority. I’d love to be able to bring everyone into the vineyard and cellar to experience winemaking firsthand. Since that isn’t realistic, I offer you a taste of my labor. Here is that experience captured in bottle. I hope to share this passion with you in person. Until then, enjoy!”

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosOur own Chef Andrew Gruel is no stranger to the intricacies of seafood. Smoked fish is pretty simple, right? Not exactly. Was that lox you just enjoyed prepared by hot or cold smoking? What’s the difference? It can be an elaborate process. What techniques are possibly correct for different types of fish? Chef Andrew explains with a promise of no smoke.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris and Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel, Founder, Slapfish Restaurant Group
Segment Two: Rick Rose, Chefs’ Toys Commercial Design Group (previously Michael Blackman & Associates.)
Segment Three: Ti Martin, Commander’s Palace, New Orleans
Segment Four: Andre Pinto, Restaurant Chef, Paisano’s Italian Restaurant, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Segment Five: Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish on Smoked Fish
Segment Six: Winemaker Clarissa Nagy, c nagy Wines, Orcutt, CA

Show 161, February 27, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel, Founder, Slapfish Restaurant Group

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.

Pechanga Wine Festival 2016We’ve live on Saturday from the 8th Annual Pechanga Wine Festival at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in beautiful Wine Country Temecula.

Next a tempting preview of Saturday’s delightfully 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 absolutely a good thing…

Proceeds from the 8th Annual Pechanga Wine Festival benefit Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley’s “Brush with Kindness” program that provides much needed home repairs to senior citizens and those no longer able to do such work themselves. Representing Habitat is our guest, Craig Evans, a Board Member of Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley.

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at the Pechanga Wine Festival for Angels Radio AM830 KLAATemecula’s historic Callaway Vineyards & Winery has come a long way since it returned to local ownership in 2005. Craig Larson has been the distinguished Winemaker there for the last eight years. We’ll meet him.

Bruno Amato is the new head chef of Paisano’s Italian Restaurant at Pechanga Resort & Casino. A native of the Calabria region of Italy, Chef Amato injects his innate knowledge of traditional Italian fare and flavors to make Paisano’s dishes approachable, contemporary, and authentic to his home country. Chef Bruno joins us.

Kita Wines, a premium brand launched by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, has earned numerous distinctions for excellence in the handful of years since it became part of the Santa Ynez Valley wine scene. Kita’s winemaker and general manager, Tara Gomez, is our guest.

Executive Chef Jason Rivas is newly arrived at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and the adjacent Carter Estate Winery and Resort. He’s also a Certified Sommelier. We’ll meet him.

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at the Pechanga Wine Festival for Angels Radio AM830 KLAANestled on more than 45 acres of rolling hills and vintage terroir in the Temecula Wine Country, Europa Village is a unique destination for connoisseurs of fine wine and a relaxing atmosphere. The big personality of the Tasting Room at Europa Village is Dr. Doug Garman. He’s been there since the beginning and is our guest.

enFuso and Beautiful Olive are locally owned and operated Olive Oil and Balsamic vinegar businesses. enFuso does the R & D, manufacturing and packaging of the line of artisan products. Beautiful Olive sells the product line at 10 weekly farmers markets in Southern California and are proud to represent the wonderful handmade products. enFuso is showcasing their products at the Pechanga Wine Festival. Co-owner Jon Yee (enFuso) and Beautiful Olive’s Nicole Stinson join us.

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

February 27: Live from the Pechanga Wine Festival

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel, Founder, Slapfish Restaurant Group
Segment Two: Craig Evans, Board Member, Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley
Segment Three: Craig Larson, Winemaker, Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Segment Four: Chef Bruno Amato, Paisano’s Italian Restaurant, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Segment Five: Tara Gomez, Winemaker, Kita Wines, Lompoc, CA
Segment Six: Executive Chef Jason Rivas, South Coast Winery Resort & Carter Estate Winery, Temecula
Segment Seven: Dr. Doug Garman, Sommelier and Wine Educator, Europa Village, Temecula
Segment Eight: Jon Yee, enFuso, and Nicole Stimson, Beautiful Olive

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.

Pechanga Wine Festival 2016We’ve live on Saturday from the 8th Annual Pechanga Wine Festival at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in beautiful Wine Country Temecula.

Next a tempting preview of Saturday’s delightfully 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 absolutely a good thing…

Proceeds from the 8th Annual Pechanga Wine Festival benefit Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley’s “Brush with Kindness” program that provides much needed home repairs to senior citizens and those no longer able to do such work themselves. Representing Habitat is our guest, Craig Evans, a Board Member of Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley.

Temecula’s historic Callaway Vineyards & Winery has come a long way since it returned to local ownership in 2005. Craig Larson has been the distinguished Winemaker there for the last eight years. We’ll meet him.

Bruno Amato is the new head chef of Paisano’s Italian restaurant at Pechanga Resort & Casino. A native of the Calabria region of Italy, Chef Amato injects his innate knowledge of traditional Italian fare and flavors to make Paisano’s dishes approachable, contemporary, and authentic to his home country. Chef Bruno joins us.

Kita Wines, a premium brand launched by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, has earned numerous distinctions for excellence in the handful of years since it became part of the Santa Ynez Valley wine scene. Kita’s winemaker and general manager, Tara Gomez, is our guest.

Executive Chef Jason Rivas is newly arrived at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and the adjacent Carter Estate Winery and Resort. He’s also a Certified Sommelier. We’ll meet him.

Nestled on more than 45 acres of rolling hills and vintage terroir in the Temecula Wine Country, Europa Village is a unique destination for connoisseurs of fine wine and a relaxing atmosphere. The big personality of the Tasting Room at Europa Village is Dr. Doug Garman. He’s been there since the beginning and is our guest.

enFuso and Beautiful Olive are locally owned and operated Olive Oil and Balsamic vinegar businesses. enFuso does the R & D and manufacturing of the line of artisan products. Beautiful Olive sells the product line at 10 weekly farmers markets in Southern California and are proud to represent the wonderful handmade products. enFuso is showcasing their products at The Pechanga Wine Festival. Co-owner Jon Yee (enFuso) and Beautiful Olive’s Kellie Albano join us.

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

habitat-humanity-inland-valleyProceeds from the 8th Annual Pechanga Wine Festival benefit Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley’s “Brush with Kindness” program that provides much needed home repairs to senior citizens and those no longer able to do such work themselves.

Through the work of Habitat for Humanity, thousands of low-income families have found new hope in the form of affordable housing. Churches, community groups and others have joined together to successfully tackle a significant social problem ― decent housing for all. Today, Habitat for Humanity has built more than 500,000 houses, sheltering more than 2 million people worldwide.

More information may be found here,.

Representing Habitat is our guest, Craig Evans, a Board Member of Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley.

Craig LarsonTemecula’s historic Callaway Vineyards & Winery has come a long way since it returned to local ownership in 2005. Case production on the 70-acre vineyard estate is now a more modest 13,000 cases a year. It’s all sold from the renovated winery tasting room, online, and via their loyal wine club.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery currently grows seven different varietals. The winery property now has 20 acres of Estate vineyards planted with Viognier, Syrah, Dolcetto, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Grenache, Roussanne, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The Lin family owns an additional 200 acres of property at the corner of De Portola Road and Monte de Oro, of which approximately 50 acres are currently planted with Chardonnay, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Muscat Canelli and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.

Craig Larson has been the distinguished Winemaker there for the last eight years. We’ll meet him.

Bruno AmatoBruno Amato is the new head chef of the popular Paisano’s Italian Restaurant at Pechanga Resort & Casino. A native of the Calabria region of Italy, Chef Amato injects his innate knowledge of traditional Italian fare and flavors to make Paisano’s dishes approachable, contemporary, and authentic to his home country.

Bruno Amato grew up in the 7,000-person town of Nicotera in Calabria, Italy. A popular fishing village, Bruno enjoyed casting ropes and hooks from rocks into the ocean to catch seafood. During his childhood, his mother worked in a neighborhood restaurant kitchen. After school and on weekends, Bruno went to the restaurant to help her. This would be his first taste of culinary life, and he would later develop an affinity for cooking fish. From the dishwashing station, he watched the chefs work frenetically creating their specialties. He continued to assist his mom and when he was 14, decided culinary was the direction he would take his career.

After high school, he enrolled in culinary school, free for all interested students in Italy. Following graduation, he moved to Guestalla, Italy to become a line cook. His subsequent gastronomic tour of Italy lasted 20 years and took him to Ostia, Milan, Rome and other well-known locales, working at some of the top restaurants and resorts in the country.

“I love cooking for people because it gives me the chance to improve myself every day,” said Amato. “When the food goes to each table, I watch the customers’ faces. To see their reactions makes me happy.”

Chef Bruno joins us.

Tara GomezKita Wines, a premium brand launched by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, has earned numerous distinctions in the handful of years since it became part of the Santa Ynez Valley wine scene. Kita means “our valley oak” in the native language of the Chumash people.

It starts with where the grapes primarily come from – a vineyard situated at the gateway to Santa Barbara County’s renowned Happy Canyon wine region. It’s here that the soil and climate combine to produce some of the valley’s most sought-after grapes.

Owning both a vineyard and winery has meant the Santa Ynez Chumash are also making history. In fact, the California Legislature has recognized Chumash as the first tribe to have a vineyard and winemaking operation in the country run by tribal people.

At the 2015 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Kita was awarded two Double Golds. One was for the 2012 Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills Hilliard Bruce and the other for the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Ynez Valley Camp 4 Vineyard.

Kita’s winemaker and general manager, Tara Gomez, is our guest. Her winemaking degree is from Fresno State. Tara interned at Fess Parker Winery and worked grape harvests in Europe before starting the Kita Wines venture in 2010.

Jason RivasExecutive Chef Jason Rivas is newly arrived at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and the adjacent Carter Estate Winery and Resort. He’s also a Certified Sommelier. We’ll meet him.

“Today, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estates is the “Diamond of the Temecula Valley.” Touting over 600 distinguished awards for the wines they’ve produced in just four years, South Coast surprised the Wine Industry further in July of 2008 when it took the coveted “Golden Bear” award from its Northern California counterparts, naming it “California Winery of the Year” from the California State Fair Wine Competition”

“It’s an honor to have South Coast Winery recognized as an outstanding wine producer among its peers of California Wineries. I’m on top of the world right now, but I didn’t do it alone. I simply set the goal to create the finest wines in all of California; then provided our incredibly talented winemakers with the tools they needed to accomplish our joint mission. The three of us – Jon McPherson, Javier Flores, and myself — did it really. By combining their skills, with my quality vineyards, adding in some hard work, and a lot of heart, we have created the best wines in the Golden State of California.” says a smiling Jim Carter, owner/vintner. “This marks the beginning for our winery.”

South Coast Winery produces a broad portfolio of premium wines that are 10 per cent grown and produced with care under his tutelage in Southern California’s up and coming Temecula Valley Wine Country. In fact, it’s targeting to produce over 65,000 cases of award-winning wine next year under four very distinct labels: Elevation; South Coast Winery; Wild Horse Peak Mountain Vineyard; and Carter Estates.

Dr Doug GarmanNestled on more than 45 acres of rolling hills and vintage terroir in the Temecula Wine Country, Europa Village is a unique destination for connoisseurs of fine wine and a relaxing atmosphere. The estate was originally part of the Callaway Vineyards, the first winery in Temecula.

“After savoring the elegant wines and picturesque terrain of wine regions in France, Spain, and Italy, our founders were determined to recreate their experiences in Southern California for others to enjoy. They envisioned a village of wineries offering exquisite wines created in the European styles they loved so much.”

“And so our story began. It took a decade of imagining, planning and research, but several years ago, Europa Village became a reality on more than 30 acres of lush vineyards in the rich “terroir” of Temecula Valley, where the soil, elevation, and weather work together to nurture wonderful grapes. Our first premium wines were produced from these grapes and offered to our guests in 2011 in our enchanting C’est La Vie wine tasting room.”

Guests can also stay at the Inn at Europa Village, which overlooks the tasting room and beautiful rolling hills of vineyards. Featuring Old World warmth and charm, the Inn is a magical getaway with ten recently redecorated, tasteful rooms. A major feature of your stay at the Inn will be the delicious breakfast “experience” served and prepared each morning by Chef Dean Thomas, an accomplished executive chef whose delicious, creative dishes feature local, seasonal ingredients.

“But the story is just beginning. Soon ground will be broken to carry out the original vision for Europa Village Resort — three wineries featuring wines made in the styles of France, Italy and Spain. Europa Village is delightful to visit right now and it will be fascinating to watch our vision for the future evolve right before your eyes. So come sample our superb wines, stroll around our beautiful gardens, and immerse yourself in our enthralling Old World experience.”

The big personality of the Tasting Room at Europa Village is Dr. Doug Garman. He’s been there since the beginning and is our guest.

Enfuso Olive OilenFuso and Beautiful Olive are locally owned and operated Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar production and distribution businesses. enFuso does the R & D and manufacturing of the line of high quality artisan products. Beautiful Olive sells the product line at10 weekly farmers markets in Southern California and are proud to represent the wonderful handmade products. enFuso is showcasing their products at The Pechanga Wine Festival.

enFuso is a 100% family-owned business based in Los Alamitos, California that produces high-quality, hand crafted artisanal California olive oil and Italian balsamic vinegar products. Their team guarantees every product is handled with the utmost craft and care.

enFuso is one of the few specialty food companies that handles their products in the following ways:

  • They hand craft their own recipes.
  • enFuso uses the highest quality base for all of their products.

enFuso uses real ingredients that come from nature – NOT artificially created in a lab.

Co-owner Jon Yee (enFuso) and Beauiful Olive’s Kellie Albano join us.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris and Chef Andrew Gruel, Founder, Slapfish Restaurant Group
Segment Two: Craig Evans, Board Member, Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley
Segment Three: Craig Larson, Winemaker, Callaway Vineyard & Winery
Segment Four: Chef Bruno Amato, Paisano’s Italian Restaurant, Pechanga Resort & Casino
Segment Five: Tara Gomez, Winemaker, Kita Wines, Lompoc, CA
Segment Six: Executive Chef Jason Rivas, South Coast Winery Resort & Carter Estate Winery, Temecula
Segment Seven: Dr. Doug Garman, Sommelier and Wine Educator, Europa Village, Temecula
Segment Eight: Jon Yee, enFuso, and Nicole Stimson, Beautiful Olive