Show 525, May 13, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

At the recent Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim first time Exhibitor Maka Wheatgrass Superfood Beverage was awarded the impactful NEXTY for “Best New Beverage Product” for their Hibiscus Passion Fruit style. They have recently been authorized for shelf placement in all the Sprouts Farmers Market stores nationwide. Founder Brian Hill joins us to tell their atypical story.

Owner Executive Chef Chis Feldmeier at Bar Moruno in Silver Lake has recently introduced a Saturday Brunch and a Sunday Roast menu. We get all the tempting specifics from Chef Chris.

Larry Schaffer, the founder and winemaker of tercero wines went back to school later in life to pursue his passion, taking classes at community colleges with kids who literally could have been his kids, and then received his MS in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. He moved to the Santa Barbara County wine region, and that is where he has remained since 2005, starting on the winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery and then eventually branching off to start and run tercero wines. Larry is especially adept not only at winemaking but at explaining the process in a very user-friendly manner.” He’s also a serious and accomplished home bread baker. Visit his tasting room in Los Olivos or follow him on social media to see for yourself. Winemaker Larry Schaffer joins us to gently pull the cork on all that is tercero wines.

Daniele Uditi is the master pizzaiolo and executive chef responsible for creating the growing network of Pizzana restaurants. Chef Uditi joins us with pizza peel securely in hand. “Since opening the Neo-Neapolitan pizzeria with Candace & Charles Nelson (Sprinkles Cupcakes) and partners in 2017 in Brentwood, Daniele has established himself as one of the country’s most revered pizzaiolos. LA Times’ restaurant critic Bill Addison recently noted that Pizzana “arguably ushered in L.A.’s current golden age of pizza.” Daniele has been praised for establishing new trends in the pizza landscape, including his signature cacio e pepe pie, and also lent his expertise as the head judge in Hulu‘s “Best in Dough” competition series.”

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. California and New York are evaluating a ban on five common food additives that, for the most part, are already prohibited in food products in Europe. The additives are most commonly found in baked goods, candy and soft drinks. Chef Andrew explains the significance and provides added background.

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

Show 525, May 13, 2023: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel 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 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.

California and New York are evaluating a ban on five common food additives that, for the most part, are already prohibited in food products in Europe. The additives are most commonly found in baked goods, candy and soft drinks. Of the additives Red Dye No. 3 is probably best known stateside to consumers. Also discussed are Titanium Dioxide and Brominated Vegetable Oil. Chef Andrew explains the significance and provides added background.

May 13: Maka Wheatgrass Superfood Beverage, Bar Moruno, Tercero Wines, Danielle Uditi

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Maka Wheatgrass Superfood Beverage with Founder Brian Hill
Segment Three: Executive Chef and Partner Chris Feldmeier, Bar Moruno, Silver Lake
Segment Four: Larry Schaffer, Winemaker and Proprietor, tercero wines, Los Olivos, CA Part One
Segment Five: Larry Schaffer, Winemaker and Proprietor, tercero wines, Los Olivos, CA Part Two
Segment Six: Executive Chef and Pizzaiolo Daniele Uditi, Pizzana Part One
Segment Seven: Executive Chef and Pizzaiolo Daniele Uditi, Pizzana Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

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

At the recent Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim first time Exhibitor Maka Wheatgrass Superfood Beverage was awarded the NEXTY for “Best New Beverage Product” for their Hibiscus Passion Fruit style. They have recently been authorized for shelf placement in all the Sprouts Farmers Market stores nationwide. Founder Brian Hill joins us to tell their atypical story.

Owner Executive Chef Chris Feldmeier at Bar Moruno in Silver Lake has recently introduced a Saturday Brunch and a Sunday Roast menu. We get all the tempting specifics from Chef Chris.

“Larry Schaffer, the founder and winemaker of tercero wines went back to school later in life to pursue his passion, taking classes at community colleges with kids who literally could have been his kids, and then received his MS in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. He moved to the Santa Barbara County wine region, and that is where he has remained since 2005, starting on the winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery and then eventually branching off to start and run tercero wines. Larry is especially adept not only at winemaking but at explaining the process in a very user-friendly manner.” He’s also a serious and accomplished home bread baker. Visit his tasting room in Los Olivos or follow him on social media to see for yourself. Winemaker Larry Schaffer joins us to gently pull the cork on all that is tercero wines.

Daniele Uditi is the master pizzaiolo and executive chef responsible for creating the growing network of Pizzana restaurants. Chef Uditi joins us with pizza peel securely in hand. “Since opening the Neo-Neapolitan pizzeria with Candace & Charles Nelson (Sprinkles Cupcakes) and partners in 2017 in Brentwood, Daniele has established himself as one of the country’s most revered pizzaiolos. LA Times’ restaurant critic Bill Addison recently noted that Pizzana “arguably ushered in L.A.’s current golden age of pizza.” Daniele has been praised for establishing new trends in the pizza landscape, including his signature cacio e pepe pie, and also lent his expertise as the head judge in Hulu’s “Best in Dough” competition series.”

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. California and New York are evaluating a ban on five common food additives that, for the most part, are already prohibited in food products in Europe. The additives are most commonly found in baked goods, candy and soft drinks. Chef Andrew explains the significance and provides added background.

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

Brian Hill of Maka Superfoods

At the recent Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim first time Exhibitor Maka Wheatgrass Superfood Beverage was awarded the NEXTY for “Best New Beverage Product” for their Hibiscus Passion Fruit style. They have recently been authorized for shelf placement in all the Sprouts Farmers Market stores nationwide.

Founder Brian Hill joins us to tell their atypical story.

“Wheatgrass is an amazing, yet underutilized, superfood that is considered nutritionally complete, is loaded with phytonutrients, chlorophyll, and anti-oxidants. Consuming wheatgrass at home is messy and expensive. To achieve the most benefit, avid wheatgrass consumers will consume multiple pressed shots daily. A typical 1-ounce shot in a juice bar averages $4 – consuming 8 shots daily would cost $32 daily!”

“For many, wheatgrass can have off-putting sensory tastes.

For some its the fresh cut grass smell, others the earthy yet sweet taste, and for a few the dark green visuals. Which is why Brian Hill created the super convenient, absolutely delicious, fruit-forward, lightly carbonated, organic certified, ready-to-drink wheatgrass beverage, Maka.”

“Each 12 FL drink is equivalent to 8-shots of wheatgrass energized with yerba mate & quayusa teas (90mg caffeine) and sweetened with fruit juice, essence, and blue agave. Available in Hibiscus Passionfruit, Mango, Lemon and Coconut Pineapple flavors.

Chris Feldmeier of Bar Moruno

Owner Executive Chef Chris Feldmeier at Bar Moruno in Silver Lake has recently introduced a Saturday Brunch and a Sunday Roast menu. We get the tempting specifics directly from Chef Chris.

“The Sunday Roast is a set menu of a main protein and two sides (sometimes three) for $75 that very generously feeds two and can definitely satisfy two adults and a child. Sunday May 14th is Rotisserie Pastrami Short Rib with Rye Flatbread, Sauerkraut, Pickles and Macaroni Salad.”

Chef Chris’ Saturday Brunch menu (available from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) is inspired by menu items from Bar Moruno’s signature woodfired oven. Consider a wood-oven baked Hoe Cake which is presented in its own little cast iron skillet and Shakshouka made with organic eggs, roasted tomato, onion and piquillo peppers.

Included on the new Brunch menu are colorful libations. How about Chef Chris’ Bull Shot with vodka, sherry and beef bone broth? Also there is a “Nitro Negroni which fulfills one of the eight cups of coffee a serious caffeine person might have on a typical Saturday.”

Larry Schaffer of Tercero Wines

Larry Schaffer the founder and winemaker of tercero wines went back to school later in life to pursue his passion, taking classes at community colleges with kids who literally could have been his kids, and then received his MS in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. He moved to the Santa Barbara County wine region, and that is where he has remained since 2005, starting on the winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery and then eventually branching off to start and run tercero wines.”

“Larry is especially adept not only at winemaking but at explaining the process in a very user-friendly manner. He’s also a serious and accomplished home bread baker. Visit his tasting room in Los Olivos or follow him on social media to see for yourself.”

“tercero wines concentrates on small lot, hand crafted wines using grapes exclusively from leading Santa Barbara County vineyards and works with grapes from nearly every AVA within the county. Though his main concentration is working with Rhone varieties, Larry remains curious and therefore also works with Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, and a few other fun and interesting grapes. And therein lies the beauty (and diversity) of Santa Barbara County.”

“Larry’s winemaking philosophy is still evolving, and the more vintages under his belt, the more he understands the variables at play. He also understands that a pragmatic approach is necessary to work with the unique dynamics of each and every vintage.”

“When you become a member of the tercero wines wine club, you ‘join the journey’ that Larry has been undertaking for nearly two decades. He continues to be more curious than ever, and the variety of wines produced and offered is greater than ever as well! Larry values his wine club members and treats them as his ‘best’ customers – because they are!”

Winemaker Larry Schaffer joins us to gently pull the cork on all that is tercero wines.

Daniele Uditi of Pizzana

Daniele Uditi is the master pizzaiolo and executive chef responsible for creating the network of Pizzana restaurants. Chef Uditi joins us with pizza peel in hand. “Since opening the Neo-Neapolitan pizzeria with Candace & Charles Nelson (Sprinkles Cupcakes) and partners in 2017 in Brentwood, Daniele has established himself as one of the country’s most revered pizzaiolos. LA Times’ restaurant critic Bill Addison recently noted that Pizzana “arguably ushered in L.A.’s current golden age of pizza.” Daniele has been praised for establishing new trends in the pizza landscape, including his signature cacio e pepe pie, and also lent his expertise as the head judge in Hulu‘s “Best in Dough” competition series.”

“An artisan who learned his craft growing up in Naples, Italy, Daniele incorporates his training from some of the best pizzerias in Campania with his Family Bakery’s traditional bread recipes. Since his arrival in Los Angeles in Los Angeles in 2010, his signature “slow dough” neo-neapolitan pizzas have garnered a passionate international following of pizza lovers and celebrities.”

Chef Daniele and team have expanded Pizzana from Brentwood with locations now in West Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Dallas and the most recent opening in Silver Lake.

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 the Sunset Beach area of 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.

California and New York are evaluating a ban on five common food additives that, for the most part, are already prohibited in food products in Europe. The additives are most commonly found in baked goods, candy and soft drinks. Of the additives Red Dye No. 3 is probably best known stateside. Chef Andrew explains the significance and provides added background.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Maka Wheatgrass Superfood Beverage with Founder Brian Hill
Segment Three: Executive Chef and Partner Chris Feldmeier, Bar Moruno, Silver Lake
Segment Four: Larry Schaffer, Winemaker and Proprietor, tercero wines, Los Olivos, CA Part One
Segment Five: Larry Schaffer, Winemaker and Proprietor, tercero wines, Los Olivos, CA Part Two
Segment Six: Executive Chef and Pizzaiolo Daniele Uditi, Pizzana Part One
Segment Seven: Executive Chef and Pizzaiolo Daniele Uditi, Pizzana Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

April 8: Melissa’s World Variety Produce, MacLeod Ale Brewing Co., C-CAP Los Angeles at the Jonathan Club

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Melissa’s World Variety Produce’s “Prince of Produce,” with the freshest of the Spring Season Part One
Segment Three: Melissa’s World Variety Produce’s “Prince of Produce,” with the freshest of the Spring Season Part Two
Segment Four: Jennifer Febre, Founder, MacLeod Ales Brewing, Van Nuys & Highland Park Part One
Segment Five: Jennifer Febre, Founder, MacLeod Ales Brewing, Van Nuys & Highland Park Part Two
Segment Six: “An Evening with Wolfgang Puck and Friends” Dinner Benefit for C-CAP LA with C-CAP’s Barbara Fairchild and Lisa Fontanesi
Segment Seven: “An Evening with Wolfgang Puck and Friends” Gala Dinner Benefit for C-CAP LA with Jonathan Club’s Matthew Allnatt and Executive Chef Andreas Roller
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel (Co-Host) of Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach with “Ask the Chef”

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

It’s Spring and time to revisit our “always in the know” resident produce authority, Robert Schueller, of Melissa’s World Variety Produce. When it comes to knowledge of the season’s best there is no better resource than Robert (also known as “The Prince of Produce.”) Robert will brief us on the newest produce items that are sure to be trendy this year. He’ll also discuss trends in fruits and veggies for 2023. From there Robert will recap the most popular Specialty Produce items in 2022.

“MacLeod Ale Brewing Co. is a distinguished Craft Brewery and Pizzeria located in the heart of industrial Van Nuys. They serve a full range of beer styles from British traditional cask ale to the hazy IPAs, nitro beers and lagers. Guest taps, wine, cider and hard kombucha are available as well. They also operate a MacLeod Taproom and Pizzeria in Highland Park. Whatever your preferences are, MacLeod Ale Brewing has a beer that they know you’ll love. From pale ales, brown ales, nitro stouts, and lagers, to extra special bitters, cream ales, and porters – MacLeod’s rotating taps have always got something new to try. At MacLeod’s the mantra is “food has the ability to bring us together and is worth sharing.” MacLeod’s created their kitchen menu to adapt and expand in response to a growing need for hungry customers. Owners Jennifer and Alastair landed on pizza because it’s simple, delicious, and everyone loves a great pie.” Founder Jennifer Febre joins us with a pint of cask ale in hand.

“Long co-chaired by chef Marcus Samuelsson, Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) is a grass-roots workforce development nonprofit that provides underserved teens a pathway to success. Annually, C-CAP provides culinary, job and life skills to over 20,000 middle-and-high school students in seven regions across the United States: New York City, Newark, Philadelphia and Camden, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington DC/Maryland/Northern Virginia and Arizona. “The Wolfgang Puck and Culinary Friends” Gala Benefit Dinner is a celebratory evening of food and drink on Friday evening May 12th at Jonathan Club DTLA, to benefit C-CAP Los Angeles’ students and programming! Longtime C-CAP supporter and celebrated Chef Wolfgang Puck is leading a tantalizing multi-course menu featuring the talented chefs from his family of restaurants and ventures. Joining us with all the delectable details are C-CAP Los Angeles Director, Lisa Fontanesi, and Barbara Fairchild, C-CAP Council L.A.’s Chair and C-CAP National Board Member. Also with us are the General Manager and COO of Jonathan Club, Matthew Allnatt, and Jonathan Club’s Executive Chef Andreas Roller. (Jonathan Club has been a long-time generous supporter of the mission of C-CAP.)

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. Do you know Red Dye No. 3? It’s contained in a lot of food products including Skittles. California’s Assembly Bill 418 would ban Red Dye No. 3 (titanium dioxide) as well as four other suspect chemical additives found it lots of everyday food products. What’s it all about? Are they really necessary? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

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

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety Produce in the AM830 KLAA Studio

It’s Spring and time to revisit our resident produce authority, Robert Schueller, of Melissa’s World Variety Produce. When it comes to knowing the season’s best there is no better resource than Robert (also known as “The Prince of Produce.”) Robert will brief us on the newest produce items that are sure to be trendy this year. He’ll also discuss trends in fruits and veggies for 2023. From there Robert will recap the most popular Specialty Produce items in 2022.

Already tending is Baby Baker Russet Potatoes. “Melissa’s Baby Baker Russet Potatoes are absolutely adorable and perfect for almost any meal. Like regular-size Russets, these babies feature sandy-textured brown skin and bright white flesh that’s crisp and firm. Cooked, their flesh becomes light and oh-so fluffy, featuring a buttery sweet flavor profile with mild, earthy undertones.”

The 2nd Most Popular Specialty Produce item last year was Baby Red Potatoes. “There are several types of variety potatoes available from Melissa’s. The thin-skinned types include Baby Red Potatoes. Melissa’s Baby Red Potatoes are round with distinct red skins. Baby Red Potatoes can be cooked in almost any way imaginable. They have a light, subtle flavor and a creamy texture. To preserve the nutrients, leave the skins on and simply scrub gently in water before using.”

Robert continues with us with a signature Pink Pineapple in hand.

Jennefier Febre of MacLeod Ales

MacLeod Ale Brewing Co. is a distinguished Craft Brewery and Pizzeria located in the heart of industrial Van Nuys. They serve a full range of beer styles from British traditional cask ale to the hazy IPAs, nitro beers and lagers. Guest taps, wine, cider and hard kombucha are available as well! They also have a new MacLeod Taproom and Pizzeria in Highland Park.

“Whatever your preferences are, MacLeod Ale Brewing has a beer that they know you’ll love. From pale ales, brown ales, nitro stouts, and lagers, to extra special bitters, cream ales, and porters – MacLeod’s rotating taps have always got something new to try.”

At MacLeod’s the mantra is “food has the ability to bring us together and is worth sharing.”

“MacLeod’s created their kitchen menu to adapt and expand in response to a growing need for hungry customers. Owners Jennifer and Alastair landed on pizza because it’s simple, delicious, and everyone loves a great pie.”

“With the best raw ingredients, fresh California produce, and proteins sourced locally, their kitchen has got only the best to work with – which means you’re getting a truly superior pizza.”

MacLeod Ale Brewing Co.’s Vegan Classic Pepperoni Pizza was personally selected by Chicago-based Pizza Authority and Food Journalist, Steve Dolinsky, to be one of the featured pizzas at the upcoming Pizza City Fest Los Angeles at LA Live on Saturday, April 29th. (The Vegan Pepperoni itself is the proprietary creation of their Highland Park neighbor, Maciel’s Plant-Based Butcher Shop and Deli.)

Founder Jennifer Febre joins us with a pint of cask ale in hand.

Lisa Fontanesi of C-CAP Los Angeles

The Careers through Culinary Arts Program has been quietly transforming lives since its creation in 1990.

“Long co-chaired by chef Marcus Samuelsson, Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) is a grass-roots workforce development nonprofit that provides underserved teens a pathway to success.”

“Annually, C-CAP provides culinary, job and life skills to over 20,000 middle-and-high school students in seven regions across the United States: New York City, Newark, Philadelphia and Camden, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington DC / Maryland / Northern Virginia and Arizona.”

Journalist Barbara Fairchild

“The Wolfgang Puck and Culinary Friends” Gala Benefit Dinner is a celebratory evening of food and drink on Friday evening May 12th at Jonathan Club DTLA, to benefit C-CAP Los Angeles’ students and programming! Longtime C-CAP supporter and celebrated Chef Wolfgang Puck is leading a tantalizing multi-course menu featuring the talented chefs all-star from his family of restaurants and ventures:

In addition, premium wine pairings by Hitching Post Wines (Santa Barbara) and Matthiasson Wines (Napa Valley), and more!

Joining us with all the delectable details are C-CAP Los Angeles Director, Lisa Fontanesi, and Barbara Fairchild, C-CAP Council L.A.’s Chair and C-CAP National Board Member.

Then with more of the salivating details is the General Manager and COO of Jonathan Club, Matthew Allnatt, and Jonathan Club’s Executive Chef Andreas Roller. Jonathan Club has been a generous, long-time supporter of the mission of C-CAP and C-CAP students have successfully interned at Jonathan Club’s facilities in DTLA and Santa Monica and earned their way to become part of the Club’s permanent culinary team.

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 the Sunset Beach area of 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.

Do you know Red Dye No. 3? It’s contained in a lot of food products including Skittles. California’s Assembly Bill 418 would ban Red Dye No. 3 (titanium dioxide) as well as four other suspect chemical additives found it lots of everyday food products. What’s it all about? Are they really necessary? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Melissa’s World Variety Produce’s “Prince of Produce,” with the freshest of the Spring Season Part One
Segment Three: Melissa’s World Variety Produce’s “Prince of Produce,” with the freshest of the Spring Season Part Two
Segment Four: Jennifer Febre, Founder, MacLeod Ales Brewing, Van Nuys & Highland Park Part One
Segment Five: Jennifer Febre, Founder, MacLeod Ales Brewing, Van Nuys & Highland Park Part Two
Segment Six: “An Evening with Wolfgang Puck and Friends” Dinner Benefit for C-CAP LA with C-CAP’s Barbara Fairchild and Lisa Fontanesi
Segment Seven: “An Evening with Wolfgang Puck and Friends” Gala Dinner Benefit for C-CAP LA with Jonathan Club’s Matthew Allnatt and Executive Chef Andreas Roller
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel (Co-Host) of Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach with “Ask the Chef”