Show 295, October 27, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Ruby Princess arriving in Cabo San Lucus, Baja CaliforniaNow an enticing preview of this Saturday’s properly celebratory show. It’s the 6th Anniversary of the launch of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” and we’re celebrating in style with Princess Cruises aboard Ruby Princess. 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…

This week we’ve been aboard Ruby Princess for a 5-Night sailing to Cabo San Lucas in Baja California. Today’s show will highlight this experience from the luxe accommodations to the diversity of the appealing cuisine and memorable shore excursions in Cabo. Thanks to Princess Cruises and the wonderful team aboard Ruby Princess, especially Food & Beverage Director Andrea Baiardo, for all the gracious hospitality. I was among the 3,000 guests aboard.

The inaugural cruise of Ruby Princess was November 8, 2008. It’s 951 feet in length with 1,200 in crew.
Riccardo Capraro is the Hotel Director aboard Ruby Princess. After the Captain he’s the next highest-ranking officer aboard ship. He’s responsible for just about everything other than safely maneuvering the ship. Huge responsibility. Ricardo has served 22 years with Princess Cruises and speaks English, Italian and Spanish.

What’s a cruise without appealing food and a range of creative libations?  On Ruby Princess this is the responsibility of Andrea Baiardo, the Food & Beverage Director. We’ll meet Andrea, an executive chef by experience and training, and a five-year employee of Princess.

Celebrity Chef Curtis Stone’s first restaurant at sea, SHARE, gives you an exclusive opportunity to enjoy his exquisite cuisine. It’s available aboard select Princess vessels including Ruby Princess. Chef Curtis’ Corporate Chef Christian Dortch works with the staff at each SHARE at sea to guarantee Curtis Stone’s culinary vision is maintained. We’ll meet him.

Distinguised chef Pierre-Marie Leprince is Princess Cruises’ Director of Guest Culinary Experience. We chatted with him earlier this year after visiting his impressive research kitchen in Santa Clarita and he now encores with us to discuss our cruise dining experience aboard Ruby Princess.

Bill Esparza is winner of a James Beard award (with Lesley Bargar Suter) for his coverage of the LA taco scene in Los Angeles Magazine. Considered one of the country’s leading experts on Mexican food, the LA native previously curated the annual Tacolandia festival in Los Angeles (now on hiatus) and writes about Mexican food for Los Angeles Magazine and other notable publications. Bill is a new Princess spokesperson and authoritative Latin America shore excursion consultant.

A relatively new position with the Princess Cruises’ family is the post of Entertainment Director. On Ruby Princess this is Kelly Rose. In the role of Entertainment Director she is responsible for the entire entertainment operation. The Cruise Director (a direct report) hosts the main shows and events.

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

Show 295, October 27, 2018: Chef Pierre-Marie Leprince, Director Guest Culinary Experience, Princess Cruises

Pierre-Marie LeprinceDistinguised and honored chef Pierre-Marie Leprince, a native of Brittany, France, is Princess Cruises’ Director of Guest Culinary Experience. He has been honored as a “Master Chef of France.” He is only one of 4 chefs around the world associated with a cruise line to be so honored.

With Princess Cruises leading the way the glory days of distinctive dining at sea have returned. No matter what a guest might be craving, there is a delicious, freshly-prepared option available aboard each Princess Cruises ship.

We chatted with Chef Leprince earlier this year after visiting his well-equipped research kitchen in Santa Clarita for a tasting and he now encores with us to discuss our cruise dining experience aboard Ruby Princess.

October 27: Our 6th Anniversary Show aboard the Ruby Princess

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Riccardo Capraro, Hotel Director, Ruby Princess, Princess Cruises
Segment Three: Andrea Baiardo, Food & Beverage Director, Ruby Princess
Segment Four: Corporate Chef (for Curtis Stone) Christian Dortch’ SHARE by Curtis Stone
Segment Five: Chef Pierre-Marie Leprince, Director Guest Culinary Experience, Princess Cruises
Segment Six: Food Journalist Bill Esparza, Spokesperson for Princess Cruises
Segment Seven: Kelly Rose, Entertainment Director, Ruby Princess, Princess Cruises

Ruby Princess arriving in Cabo San Lucus, Baja CaliforniaNow an enticing preview of this Saturday’s properly celebratory show. It’s the 6th Anniversary of the launch of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” and we’re celebrating in style with Princess Cruises aboard Ruby Princess. 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…

This week we’ve been aboard Ruby Princess for a 5-Night sailing to Cabo San Lucas in Baja California. Today’s show will highlight this experience from the luxe accommodations to the diversity of the appealing cuisine and memorable shore excursions in Cabo.

Riccardo Capraro is the Hotel Director aboard Ruby Princess. After the Captain he’s the next highest-ranking officer aboard ship. He’s responsible for just about everything other than safely maneuvering the ship. Huge responsibility. Ricardo has served 22 years with Princess Cruises and speaks English, Italian and Spanish.

What’s a cruise without incredible food and a range of creative libations ?  On Ruby Princess this is the responsibility of Andrea Baiardo, the Food & Beverage Director. We’ll meet Andrea, an executive chef by experience and training, and a five-year employee of Princess.

Celebrity Chef Curtis Stone’s first restaurant at sea, SHARE, gives you an exclusive opportunity to enjoy his exquisite cuisine. It’s available aboard select Princess vessels including Ruby Princess. Chef Curtis’ Corporate Chef Christian Dortch works with the staff at each SHARE at sea to guarantee Curtis Stone’s culinary vision is maintained. We’ll meet him.

Distinguised chef Pierre-Marie Leprince is Princess Cruises’ Director of Guest Culinary Experience. We chatted with him earlier this year after visiting his impressive research kitchen in Santa Clarita and he now encores with us to discuss our cruise dining experience aboard Ruby Princess.

Bill Esparza is winner of a James Beard award (with Lesley Bargar Suter) for his coverage of the LA taco scene in Los Angeles Magazine. Considered one of the country’s leading experts on Mexican food, the LA native previously curated the annual Tacolandia festival in Los Angeles (now on hiatus) and writes about Mexican food for Los Angeles Magazine and other notable publications. Bill is Princess’ authoritative Latin America shore excursion consultant.

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

Riccardo CapraroRiccardo Capraro is the Hotel Director aboard Ruby Princess. After the Captain he’s the next highest- ranking officer aboard ship.

He’s responsible for just about everything other than safely maneuvering the ship. Huge responsibility. Ricardo has served 22 years with Princess Cruises and speaks English, Italian and Spanish.

Andrea BaiardoWhat’s a cruise without incredible food and a range creative libations? On Ruby Princess this is the responsibility of Andrea Baiardo, the Food & Beverage Director.

We’ll meet Andrea, an executive chef by training with five-years of service with Princess.

 

Christian DortchCelebrity Chef Curtis Stone’s first restaurant at sea, SHARE, gives you an exclusive opportunity to enjoy his exquisite cuisine in 6-courses with lots of choice along the way. It’s available aboard select Princess vessels including Ruby Princess. SHARE by Curtis Stone originated on Ruby Princess a bit over 3 years ago.

Chef Curtis’ Corporate Chef Christian Dortch (ex-Maude) works with the staff at each SHARE at sea to guarantee Curtis Stone’s culinary vision is maintained. We’ll meet him.

Pierre-Marie LeprinceDistinguised and honored chef Pierre-Marie Leprince is Princess Cruises’ Director of Guest Culinary Experience.

With Princess Cruises leading the way the glory days of distinctive dining at sea have returned. No matter what a guest might be craving, there is a delicious, freshly-prepared option available aboard each Princess Cruises ship.

We chatted with Chef Leprince earlier this year after visiting his well-equipped research kitchen in Santa Clarita for a tasting and he now encores with us to discuss our cruise dining experience aboard Ruby Princess.

Bill EsparzaBill Esparza is winner of a James Beard award (with Lesley Bargar Suter) for his coverage of the LA taco scene in Los Angeles Magazine. Considered one of the country’s leading experts on Mexican food, the LA native previously curated the annual Tacolandia festival in Los Angeles (on hiatus) and writes about Mexican food for Los Angeles Magazine and other notable publications. Bill is Princess’ authoritative Latin America shore excursion consultant.

In Cabo at San Jose del Cabo we partook of a tour he created, Le Revolucion / Tortilla Workshop and Taco Experience with Chef Benito Molina. His famous Oyster Kung Fu Tacos were on the menu.

Bill fills us in on his new role for Princess Cruises.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Riccardo Capraro, Hotel Director, Ruby Princess, Princess Cruises
Segment Three: Andrea Baiardo, Food & Beverage Director, Ruby Princess
Segment Four: Corporate Chef (for Curtis Stone) Christian Dortch’ SHARE by Curtis Stone
Segment Five: Chef Pierre-Marie Leprince, Director Guest Culinary Experience, Princess Cruises
Segment Six: Food Journalist Bill Esparza, Spokesperson for Princess Cruises
Segment Seven: Kelly Rose, Entertainment Director, Ruby Princess, Princess Cruises

Show 284, August 4, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a tempting preview of this Saturday’s positively delectable 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…

Voting for the 7th Annual Golden Foodie Awards representing the best in dining in Orange County commenced on August 3rd and runs in two waves of voting. The 2nd voting period extends from August 10th through 17th. It’s the people’s choice awards as Orange County foodies make the decisions. Pamela Waitt the Creator and Producer of the Golden Foodie >Awards joins us with the details of how the voting works and what the categories are.

Returning for its highly-anticipated ninth year, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade, hosted by James Beard Foundation award-winners Chef Suzanne Goin and partner Caroline Styne (The Lucques Group) along with Chef David Lentz (The Hungry Cat), is set for Saturday, September 8, 2018, from 12:30 – 4:30 pm on  UCLA’s Royce Quad. Goin, Styne and Lentz have again enlisted the support and generosity of their culinary-superstar friends around the country who will donate their time and services to raise funds and awareness for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) and its mission to find better treatments and cures for all kids with cancer. Our guest with all the tempting details is Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group.

With Princess Cruises leading the way the glory days of distinctive dining at sea have returned. No matter what a guest might be craving, there is a delicious, freshly-prepared option available aboard each Princess Cruises ship. Heading ashore to join us is Princess Cruises’ Director of Guest Culinary Experience, Chef Pierre-Marie Leprince. Earlier this year Chef Leprince was bestowed the honor of Master Chef of France by the Association of the Master Chefs of France. Only 30 chefs from around the world will be so honored in 2018.

Eat your heart out Long Beach ! DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week returns August 4 to 12, 2018. Experience cuisine that delights the palate and defines the art of dining in Long Beach. Held annually, Dine LBC features value-oriented two or three course menus from dozens of Long Beach’s best restaurants in twelve unique neighborhoods throughout the city. The new contemporary German restaurant in Bixby Knolls, Rasselbock, is one of the participating restaurants in DINE LBC. We’ll meet proprietor Bjoern Risse, talk about his appealing DINE LBC menu and find out what a “Rasselbock” is. It is not on the menu.

When we last spoke with Chef Mike Minor, the Executive Chef for Mary Sue Milliken’s and Susan Feniger’s Border Grill in Las Vegas, he teased us with news that a BBQ concept was in the works. That has now launched as BBQ Mexicana, a quick service eatery located across the corridor from Border Grill at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The menu was created by Mary Sue and Susan in collaboration with Chef Mike, a passionate BBQ master. We pull Chef Mike away from the smoker for a meaty chat.

Time for our mid-season report on the winning food and beverage lineup at Angel Stadium with Executive Chef Robert Biebrich. Joining him is Pastry Chef Tracy Felipe. We’ll update you on what’s new on the menu and the Japanese specialty items appearing regularly in St. Archer Brewing Co. Restaurant as well as in the Diamond Club Restaurant as a culinary salute to Shohei Ohtani. We also hear a rumor that Japanese specialties will be appearing during the next Halo homestand which is August 6th through 12th.

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

Show 284, August 4, 2018: Chef Pierre-Marie Leprince, Director of Guest Culinary Experience, Princess Cruises

Pierre-Marie LeprinceWith Princess Cruises leading the way the fondly-remembered days of distinctive dining at sea have returned. No matter what a guest might be craving, there is a delicious, freshly-prepared option available aboard each Princess Cruises ship.

Earlier this year Chef Pierre-Marie Leprince was bestowed the honor of Master Chef of France by the Association of the Master Chefs of France. Only 30 chefs from around the world will be so honored in 2018.

As Director of Guest Culinary Experience, Chef Leprince works with Princess Cruises’ executive and onboard culinary teams to ensure they are maintaining the finest standards. Princess Cruises is one of the few cruise lines whose ships were built with the delivery of fresh cuisine in mind.

The line’s culinary approach is “Designed for Fresh,” with breads baked freshly all day, sauces made from scratch using the freshest ingredients, steaks aged and hand cut onboard, and house-prepared ice cream made daily.

Chef Leprince and his team strive to ensure that guests discover the unique flavors of the places they visit while dining onboard Princess ships. He is also responsible for developing and updating the menus onboard all 17 Princess Cruises ships.

Princess also collaborates with accomplished celebrity chefs to creatively enhance the dining experience at sea. Curtis Stone has SHARE by Curtis Stone Restaurants on three Princess ships and also has special seasonal “Chef Curtis Stone” dishes available in the Main Dining Room of other Princess vessels. Chef Ernesto Uchimura (the original menu developer for Umami Burger and Chef/Partner for Plan Check Kitchen + Bar) has developed the Salty Dog Gastropub concept for Princess available on select ships.

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern cruise ships (with 3 more under construction) renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment, and amenities, all provided with the experience of exceptional customer service. As the world’s largest international premium cruise brand, Princess carries two million guests each year to more than 360 destinations around the globe on more than 150 itineraries ranging in length from three to 114 days.

August 4: Golden Foodie Awards, LA Loves Alex’s Lemonade, Princess Cruises, Rasselbock, BBQ Mexicana, Angel Stadium Food

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Pamela Waitt, Founder and Producer, 7th Annual Golden Foodie Awards
Segment Three: Caroline Styne, The Lucques Group, Co-Founder, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Benefit
Segment Four: Chef Pierre-Marie Leprince, Director of Guest Culinary Experience, Princess Cruises
Segment Five: Rasselbock, Bixby Knolls, Long Beach – Participant in DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week
Segment Six: Executive Chef Mike Minor, Border Grill Las Vegas, BBQ Mexicana
Segment Seven: Angel Stadium’s Executive Chef Robert Biebrich and Pastry Chef Tracy Felipe Part One
Segment Eight: Angel Stadium’s Executive Chef Robert Biebrich and Pastry Chef Tracy Felipe Part Two

Now a tempting preview of this Saturday’s positively delectable 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…

Voting for the 7th Annual Golden Foodie Awards representing the best in dining in Orange County commences on August 3rd and runs in two waves of voting. The 2nd voting period extends from August 10th through 17th. It’s the people’s choice awards as Orange County foodies make the decisions. Pamela Waitt the Creator and Producer of the Golden Foodie Awards joins us with the details of how the voting works and what the categories are.

Returning for its highly-anticipated ninth year, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade, hosted by James Beard Foundation award-winners Chef Suzanne Goin and partner Caroline Styne (The Lucques Group) along with Chef David Lentz (The Hungry Cat), is set for Saturday, September 8, 2018, from 12:30 – 4:30 pm on  UCLA’s Royce Quad. Goin, Styne and Lentz have again enlisted the support and generosity of their culinary-superstar friends around the country who will donate their time and services to raise funds and awareness for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) and its mission to find better treatments and cures for all kids with cancer. Our guest with all the details is Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group.

With Princess Cruises leading the way the glory days of distinctive dining at sea have returned. No matter what a guest might be craving, there is a delicious, freshly-prepared option available aboard each Princess Cruises ship. Heading ashore to join us is Princess Cruises’ Director of Guest Culinary Experience, Chef Pierre-Marie Leprince.

Earlier this year Chef Leprince was bestowed the honor of Master Chef of France by the Association of the Master Chefs of France. Only 30 chefs from around the world will be so honored in 2018.

Eat your heart out Long Beach! DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week returns August 4 to 12, 2018. Experience cuisine that delights the palate and defines the art of dining in Long Beach. Held annually, Dine LBC features value-oriented two or three course menus from dozens of Long Beach’s best restaurants in twelve unique neighborhoods throughout the city. The new contemporary German restaurant in Bixby Knolls, Rasselbock, is one of the participating restaurants in DINE LBC. We’ll meet proprietor Bjoern Risse, talk about his appealing DINE LBC menu and find out what a “Rasselbock” is. It is not on the menu.

When we last spoke with Chef Mike Minor, the Executive Chef for Mary Sue Milliken’s and Susan Feniger’s Border Grill in Las Vegas, he teased us with news that a BBQ concept was in the works. That has now launched as BBQ Mexicana, a quick service eatery located across the corridor from Border Grill at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The menu was created by Mary Sue and Susan in collaboration with Chef Mike, a passionate BBQ master. We pull Chef Mike away from the smoker for a meaty chat.

Time for our mid-season report on the winning food and beverage lineup at Angel Stadium with Executive Chef Robert Biebrich. Joining him is Pastry Chef Tracy Felipe. We’ll update you on what’s new on the menu and the Japanese specialty items appearing regularly in St. Archer Brewing Co. Restaurant as well as in the Diamond Club Restaurant as a culinary salute to Shohei Ohtani. We also hear a rumor that Japanese specialties will be appearing during the next Halo homestand which is August 6th through 12th.

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

Golden Foodie AwardsVoting for the 7th Annual Golden Foodie Awards representing the best in dining in Orange County commences on August 3rd and runs in two waves of voting. The 2nd voting period extends from August 10th through 17th. It’s the people’s choice awards as Orange County foodies make the decisions.

“The Golden Foodie Awards has evolved into a celebration of Orange County’s rich culinary scene,” said Pamela Waitt, creator and producer of the Golden Foodie Awards, and president of the OC Restaurant Association. “Now in its 7th year, the Golden Foodie Awards have grown exponentially in reach and media attention. To enable us to continue to grow as an event, we have brought on the accounting firm of Moss Adams to audit votes and continue to attract sponsors who share a vision of highlighting those stand-out chefs and restaurants in Orange County.”

The Golden Foodie Awards is a people’s choice event that recognizes the best chefs, libations and cuisine at chef-driven and independent restaurants. With its focus on involving the Orange County community to serve as judges through their voting, the Golden Foodie Awards serve as a high honor and is an indication of local culinary trends and consumer preferences.

Connoisseurs of cuisine and lovers of libations will have a chance each week to vote for their favorites among 15 categories. The voting for August 3rd to 9thth includes Bartender of the Year, Best Cocktails in Orange County, Best Wine Program, Best Beer Program, Best Bar Program, Best New Restaurant and Best Lunch Spot in Orange County.

Pamela Waitt the Creator and Producer of the Golden Foodie Awards joins us with the details of how the voting works and what the categories are.

Caroline StyneReturning for its highly-anticipated ninth year, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade, hosted by James Beard Foundation award-winners Chef Suzanne Goin and partner Caroline Styne (The Lucques Group) along with Chef David Lentz (The Hungry Cat), is set for Saturday, September 8, 2018, from 12:30 – 4:30 pm on UCLA’s Royce Quad. Goin, Styne and Lentz have again enlisted the support and generosity of their culinary-superstar friends around the country who will donate their time and services to raise funds and awareness for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) and its mission to find better treatments and cures for all kids with cancer.

Featuring fabulous food, wine and cocktails prepared by the nation’s best chefs, winemakers and mixologistsL.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade is an afternoon of fantastic fare, cocktails for a cause, children’s activities, extravagant silent and exhilarating live auctions, and much more. The 2018 event is guaranteed to surpass the aspirations of previous years with returning chefs Chris Bianco, April Bloomfield, Evan Funke, Giada De Laurentiis, Adam Perry Lang, Donald Link, Nancy Oakes, Nancy Silverton, Steve Samson, Jon Shook, Vinny Dotolo, Rocco Whalen and Marc Vetri coming together to cook for childhood cancer cures.

Pricing for General Admission tickets is $195. The culinary cookout is family-friendly; children under the age of 12 are free with accompanying adult and do not need to register for the event.

“The fact that this is our ninth year hosting this event is pretty mind blowing! It feels really amazing to be able to have such a tangible impact on something that is just so important,” said co-founder Caroline Styne.” It’s also so gratifying to see so many others jump on board and wholeheartedly support this event and the foundation as a whole.”

Our guest with all the tantalizing details is Caroline Styne of The Lucques Group.

Pierre-Marie LeprinceWith Princess Cruises leading the way the glory days of distinctive dining at sea have returned. No matter what a guest might be craving, there is a delicious, freshly-prepared option available aboard each Princess Cruises ship.

Heading ashore to join us is Princess Cruises’ Director of Guest Culinary Experience, Chef Pierre-Marie Leprince.

Earlier this year Chef Leprince was bestowed the honor of Master Chef of France by the Association of the Master Chefs of France. Only 30 chefs from around the world will be so honored in 2018.

As Director of Guest Culinary Experience, Chef Leprince works with Princess Cruises’ executive and onboard culinary teams to ensure they are maintaining the finest standards. Princess Cruises is one of the few cruise lines whose ships were built with the delivery of fresh cuisine in mind.

The line’s culinary approach is “Designed for Fresh,” with breads baked freshly all day, sauces made from scratch using the freshest ingredients, steaks aged and hand cut onboard, and house-prepared ice cream made daily.

Chef Leprince and his team strive to ensure that guests discover the unique flavors of the places they visit while dining onboard Princess ships. He is also responsible for developing and updating the menus onboard all 17 Princess Cruises ships.

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern cruise ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment, and amenities, all provided with the experience of exceptional customer service. As the world’s largest international premium cruise brand, Princess carries two million guests each year to more than 360 destinations around the globe on more than 150 itineraries ranging in length from three to 114 days.

Bjoern RisseEat your heart out Long Beach! DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week returns August 4 to 12, 2018. Experience cuisine that delights the palate and defines the art of dining in Long Beach. Held annually, Dine LBC features value-oriented two or three course menus from dozens of Long Beach’s best restaurants in twelve unique neighborhoods throughout the city.

The new contemporary German restaurant in Bixby Knolls, Rasselbock, is one of the participating restaurants in DINE LBC. We’ll meet proprietor Bjoern Risse, talk about his appealing DINE LBC menu and find out what a “Rasselbock” is. It is not on the menu.

“Rasselbock is a German restaurant and pub (launched in late 2016) specializing in German food with a modern twist and pouring freshly tapped German and Belgian beers from small producers. They feature over 35 German and Belgian beers, homemade sangrias and a great selection of German and Californian Wines.”

A must on the DINE LBC menu are is Rasselbock’s Mini Potato Pancakes Appetizer. The potato pancakes are topped with house-made apple sauce and Mascarpone cheese. All menu items on the DINE LBC menu include a beer pairing suggestion. A dessert option worthy of major consideration is their house-prepared Apple Strudel. It’s adapted from Bjoern’s Grandmother’s treasured family recipe.

The patio of Rasselbock is dog-friendly. On Thursday “Dogs eat on the Haus.” It’s a special canine plate of all-natural Pork Bratwurst.

When we last spoke with Chef Mike Minor, the Executive Chef for Mary Sue Milliken’s and Susan Feniger’s Border Grill in Las Vegas, he teased us with news that a BBQ concept was in the works. That has now launched as BBQ Mexicana, a quick service eatery located across the corridor from Border Grill at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The menu was created by Mary Sue and Susan in collaboration with Chef Mike, a passionate BBQ master.

Inspired by Mary Sue and Susan’s travels to Mexico, where they fell in love with delicious barbacoa and smoked meats, the menu at BBQ Mexicana offers a variety of burritos, bowls, and salads filled with mesquite smoked chicken, pulled pork, slow smoked Texas-style brisket, and smoked tofu in addition to aguas frescas, beers and margaritas to go. BBQ Mexicana is ideal for convention attendees and those seeking a good meal on the go before continuing on to the casino, pool, convention center, or exploring Las Vegas.

Current hours are Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with select mornings and weekends.

We pull Chef Mike away from the smoker for a meaty chat.

Robert BiebrichTime for our mid-season report on the winning food and beverage lineup at Angel Stadium with Executive Chef Robert Biebrich. Joining him is Pastry Chef Tracy Felipe.

We’ll update you on what’s new on the menu and the Japanese specialty items appearing regularly in St. Archer Brewing Co. Restaurant as well as in the Diamond Club Restaurant as a culinary salute to Shohei Ohtani.

We’ll get the 411 on the decadent Celebration Cake.

We also hear a strong rumor that Japanese specialties will be appearing during the next Halo homestand which is August 6th through 12th.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Pamela Waitt, Founder and Producer, 7th Annual Golden Foodie Awards
Segment Three: Caroline Styne, The Lucques Group, Co-Founder, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Benefit
Segment Four: Chef Pierre-Marie Leprince, Director of Guest Culinary Experience, Princess Cruises
Segment Five: Rasselbock, Bixby Knolls, Long Beach – Participant in DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week
Segment Six: Executive Chef Mike Minor, Border Grill Las Vegas, BBQ Mexicana
Segment Seven: Angel Stadium’s Executive Chef Robert Biebrich and Pastry Chef Tracy Felipe Part One
Segment Eight: Angel Stadium’s Executive Chef Robert Biebrich and Pastry Chef Tracy Felipe Part Two