Show 636, July 19, 2025: Rosé from Provence with Noelle Hale, Program Director, Napa Valley Wine Academy

Noelle Hale of Napa Valley Wine Academy

“Rosé from Provence, France? Are they all the same? Provence is the only wine region in the world devoted to Rosé. The wine reflects the terroir of the hills, coastal regions and flora of this area.” Noelle Hale, Program Director for the Napa Valley Wine Academy is our guest to explain.

“Rosé wine was born in Provence. Provence is actually not an ocean of grapevines. It is, instead, a series of small blocks and terraces, scattered here and there, and harmoniously intermingling with cabins, almond and olive trees, downy oaks, fields of lavender, umbrella pines and more…There are three appellations of the Vins de Provence.”

“The craze for rosé wine extends beyond France’s borders. As a result, Vins de Provence exports more than 55 million bottles of rosé each year. The United States adores Provence rosés, purchasing approximately 37% of the volume sold abroad.”

Rosé pairs well with most foods.

Show 324, May 18, 2019: Innkeeper Richard Slosky, La Maison Palm Springs Hotel

Richard SchusterLa Maison Palm Springs Hotel is an award-winning boutique hotel property in Palm Springs. They are a member of the Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels. This boutique hotel is a Mediterranean-inspired property, complete with clay tile roofs, terracotta floors, and a walled garden, offering a tranquil place for guests to unwind. The unique ambiance combines the relaxing colors and warmth of Provence with the vibrant energy of Palm Springs.

“Indulge in lavender scones and handcrafted lattes each morning. Spend the day lounging by the pool in our charming inner courtyard. At night, enjoy the most peaceful sleep on your feather bed dressed in imported luxury linens.”

“Here at La Maison Palm Springs Hotel, we know that every detail is important. All 13 guest rooms surround the pool and lush gardens. Each room is individually decorated and includes either a queen or king feather bed with luxury linens, seasonal down comforters and a small guest fridge. Our bathrooms have marble or granite accents, L’Occitane bath amenities, plush bathrobes and rain showerheads. The pièce de résistance? A complimentary lavender sachet on your pillow at night.”

Our gracious host is Proprietor Richard Slosky (who operates the property with his wife, Cornelia Schuster.)

Show 147, November 21, 2015: Chef Dean Thomas, Europa Village & Inn at Europa Village, Temecula, CA

Dean ThomasChef Dean Thomas is the Executive Chef at Europa Village Winery in Temecula as well as the Innkeeper at the adjacent Inn at Europa Village. His from-scratch, 2-course breakfasts with International themes for the Inn’s guests are the talk of Temecula Valley.

Chef Dean has just returned from a Europa Village organized, 7-night AmaWaterways river cruise through Provence starting in Barcelona and ending in Paris. He was in Paris during the recent tragic events. Chef Dean suggests to travel to Europe without fear.

We’ll share in the culinary highlights with Chef Dean himself including a meal at Chef Paul Bocuse’s l’Auberge du Pont de Collonges in Lyon.

Chef Dean was also charmed by Barcelona. This was his first visit there and it’s thumbs way up on tapas dining. He was inspired…

At Europa Village on Friday, November 27th is Vivi Bene.” It’s their festive antidote to “Black Friday” starting at 10:00 a.m. From 5 to 8:00 p.m. there will be Strolling Carolers and Chef Dean’s Delights including bread pudding, mulled wine, cider, butternut squash bisque and house-made preserves.

Show 35, July 13, 2013: Dining discoveries of the week with Chef Jet, and Producer Andy

Marche Moderne Bouillabaisse WeekProducer Andy’s pick of the week is Marche Moderne’s Annual Bouillabaisse Week on now nightly until July 18th. All of the fish used in this iconic seafood stew from Provence is flown in from the South of France under the watchful eye of Chef / Proprietor Florent Mareneau. He is one of the most accomplished French chefs cooking in the West. There are special aperitifs and French Rose selections available to compliment the meal.

Reservations suggested at 714.434.7900 or go to Marche’s Moderne’s website.

Jet is frequently asked for a solid recommendation for Northern Thai food. As it happens his Mother, Mary, is from that area.

Khao Soi at Spicy Thai BBQJet suggests The Spicy BBQ Restaurant in the Little Armenia neighborhood of East Hollywood. It’s a small place (15 seats) so reservations are advised. They do not have a beer and wine license so it BYOB. Like most family-owned Thai restaurants it’s cash only.

Two standout dishes are khao soi and Northern-style larb.

Spicy BBQ Restaurant
5101 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
323.663.4211