Show 334, July 27, 2019: Terri Henry, Founder, DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week

Terri Henry of Dine LBC and Terri Henry MarketingTerri Henry is the Founder and Organizer of DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week which debuted in 2014. Participating restaurants offer value-oriented dining menus during the nine days of the event from Saturday, August 3rd through Sunday, August 11th.

“Experience the diverse 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 located in twelve unique neighborhoods throughout the City.”

Each participating restaurant offers a three-course menu priced at $15, $25, $35, $45, $55 or $65 per guest with wine pairing options at select fine dining locations OR dinner for two priced at $25, $35, $45, $55 or $65, where diners share an appetizer, each enjoy their own entree, then share a dessert at more casual establishments.”

“The only meal planning you’ll need to worry about during Dine LBC week is which restaurant to try every night of the week.”

There is also a “Dine. Snap. Share” Instagram contest afoot for DINE LBC restaurant guests. One lucky diner will receive a two-nights Staycation at The Westin Long Beach along with dinner at the newly launched Navy Proof Food & Spirits. Contest rules on the Dine LBC Website. Good luck.

 

We’ll meet Terri Henry.

July 27: Live from the Dine LBC Launch Party

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Chris Garasic, Navy Proof Food and Spirits and The Westin Long Beach
Segment Three: Executive Chef Eric Samaniego, Michael’s on Naples, Long Beach
Segment Four: Kynbo App for Foodies with Co-Creator Thao Doan
Segment Five: Terri Henry, Founder, DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week
Segment Six: Crazy Fish Grill and Market, San Pedro
Segment Seven: John (J.T.) Thompson, Managing Director, The Westin Long Beach
Segment Eight: Beach City Food Tour’s (Long Beach) Founder, Layla Ali-Ahmad

Now an appealing preview of this Saturday’s 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 that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience. Couldn’t do it without you.

Dine LBC Long Beach Restaurant WeekIt’s a special morning as we’re broadcasting from the newly renovated Westin Long Beach at the kickoff party for DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week. It launches Saturday, August 3rd running through Sunday, August 11th. It’s a prime time to dine in a possible new restaurant discovery in Long Beach.

Navy Proof Food & Spirits, located in the Westin Long Beach, is their newly debuted destination restaurant. A concept created by Howe & Brown Hospitality, the restaurant offers locals and travelers alike new-American fare and craft cocktails with bold flavors. Inspired by the history of maritime traditions and the sea, the cuisine emphasizes technique and texture to highlight the versatility of seasonal ingredients and locally-sourced seafood and meat. We gently pull executive Chef Chris Garasic out of his busy kitchen for a chat.

Executive Chef Eric Samaniego and Michael’s on Naples on Naples Island are part of DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week. Chef Eric celebrated his 3rd Anniversary with Michael’s a few months back.

We’ll get updated on Michael’s on Naples with Chef Eric and preview their DINE LBC menu.

For the 2nd year the nifty KYNBO App is available as a genuinely useful tool for effortlessly navigating DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week. KYNBO is the direct access for getting up-to-date menu info and photos for DINE LBC Long Beach Restaurant Week. It’s available to download for free on either smart phone platform or via their Website. Founders Thao Doan and John Doolan join us with the intriguing specifics.

Terri Henry is the Founder and Organizer of DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week which debuted in 2014. Participating restaurants offer value-oriented dining menus during the nine days of the event from Saturday, August 3rd through Sunday, August 11th. We’ll meet Terri Henry.

San Pedro’s Crazy Fish Grill and Market in Garden Village center is new to DINE LBC. Crazy Fish was founded by a group of five guys who share a “crazy” passion for fresh seafood. We’ve reeled in partner Dannesh Alam to explain more…

The Westin Long Beach is celebrating the completion of an ambitious $23 million renovation which includes the debut of their destination restaurant, Navy Proof Food & Spirits. The refreshing includes a spacious lobby and revitalized guest rooms. Managing Director John Thompson (J.T.) is our hospitable guide.

A great way to be introduced to the foods of a new area is to partake of the highest rated food walking tour of that neighborhood. Beach City Food Tours has been doing that very successfully in Long Beach for the last couple of years with their flagship tour, Downtown Long Beach Walking Tour. Last year they added the irresistible East Village Craft Cocktail Tour. Proprietress Layla Ali-Ahmad joins us with all the tempting details of what’s on the menu.

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

Chef Chris GarasicNavy Proof Food & Spirits, located in the Westin Long Beach, is their newly debuted destination restaurant. A concept created by Howe & Brown Hospitality, the restaurant offers locals and travelers alike new-American fare and craft cocktails with bold flavors. Inspired by the history of maritime traditions and the sea, the cuisine emphasizes technique and texture to highlight the versatility of seasonal ingredients and locally-sourced seafood and meat.

“Executive Chef Chris Garasic has combined the resilient spirit, sense of adventure and love with the sea, with local ingredients and modern techniques to create his beautifully plated and flavorful dishes. Highlights of the menu include Smoked and Crispy Fried Chicken, served with honey & green goddess dressing; Duck Confit Banh Mi, piled high with duck pate, pickled vegetables, and spicy aioli; and Fried Green Tomato with burrata & roasted beets for lunch.”

“Guests may enjoy a variety of entrees from the land or sea for dinner, including Dry Aged Organic Ribeye with potato rosti, black kale, and porcini jus; Roasted Zucchini Cavatelli topped with harissa, lemon, mint and creme fraiche; and Grilled Spanish Octopus accompanied by potato salad and green romesco.”

“As a graduate of Western Culinary School in Portland, Oregon, Executive Chef Chris Garasic joined Navy Proof after previously leading kitchens at Mucho Ultima, The Shade Hotel, and Malibu Farm Lido, and consulting for Rock’N Fish. Using his finely tuned culinary skills to develop menus that are both simple and unique, Chef Chris has continued to leave a lasting impression on the culinary industry for more than two decades.”

We gently pull executive Chef Chris Garasic out of his busy kitchen (Breakfast service is on…) for a chat.

Eric Samaniego of Michael's on NaplesExecutive Chef Eric Samaniego and Michael’s on Naples on Naples Island are part of DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week. Chef Eric celebrated his 3rd Anniversary of success with Michael’s a few months back.

“Our highest priority is providing you with an unforgettable dining experience. We partner with local farms to source fresh, seasonal produce. We believe in making everything from scratch—pasta to sauces, mozzarella to gelato.”

“We know where everything on your plate came from, and we believe it’s your right to know as well. Quality is our highest priority; we don’t cut corners, and it shows. We invite you to dine with us so you can see—and taste—for yourself.”

We’ll get updated on Michael’s on Naples with Chef Eric and preview their DINE LBC menu.

John Dolan and Thao Dian of the Kynbo AppFor the 2nd year the nifty KYNBO App is available as a genuinely useful tool for effortlessly navigating DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week.  

KYNBO is the direct access for getting up-to-date menu info and photos for DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week participating restaurants. It’s available to download for free on either smart phone platform or via their Website.

“We are parents, high-tech professionals, and active community members with a passion for food, especially when shared with family and friends. We believe in simplicity and getting to the point as quickly as possible, and within context. Kynbo™ means “vicinity” in Japanese.”

“We built the Kynbo™ app for diners mainly for us. We want to see menus from nearby restaurants with one-click and not five. We want the ability to find exactly what we want to eat and drink way beyond Cuisine. We also want restaurants to let us know of any Specials, Events, or Rewards in real time to help us decide where to eat. Restaurants can now do this with the Kynbo™ restaurant portal.”

“Our goal is for Kynbo™ to be helpful and accessible by anyone, anywhere, and at any time. The Kynbo™ app for diners is free, and it is also free for restaurants to be on Kynbo™. We want diners to search and find whatever food or drink they crave at any price point. As food lovers, we love the hole in the wall Pho place as much as the French Laundry. Kynbo™ will forever change how diners and restaurants interact, for the better. We hope you join us in this needed disruptive change.”

Founders Thao Doan and John Doolan join us with the intriguing specifics.

Terri Henry of Dine LBC and Terri Henry MarketingTerri Henry is the Founder and Organizer of DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week which debuted in 2014. Participating restaurants offer value-oriented dining menus during the nine days of the event from Saturday, August 3rd through Sunday, August 11th.

“Experience the diverse 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 located in twelve unique neighborhoods throughout the City.”

Each participating restaurant offers a three-course menu priced at $15, $25, $35, $45, $55 or $65 per guest with wine pairing options at select fine dining locations OR dinner for two priced at $25, $35, $45, $55 or $65, where diners share an appetizer, each enjoy their own entree, then share a dessert at more casual establishments.”

“The only meal planning you’ll need to worry about during Dine LBC week is which restaurant to try every night of the week.”

We’ll meet Terri Henry.

Dannesh Alam of Crazy Fish Grill and MarketSan Pedro’s Crazy Fish Grill and Market in Garden Village center is new to DINE LBC. Crazy Fish was founded by a group of five guys who share a “crazy” passion for fresh seafood.

“We decided to take our passion for seafood and provide a fast casual restaurant that promotes sustainability without reducing affordability. We know that the City of San Pedro (Los Angeles) shares this passion with us, so we look forward to serving you fresh fish daily for years to come.”

We’ve reeled in partner Dannesh Alam to explain more…

John Thompson of the Westin Long BeachThe Westin Long Beach is celebrating the completion of an ambitious $23 million renovation which includes the launch of their destination restaurant, Navy Proof Food & Spirits. The refreshing includes a spacious lobby and revitalized guest rooms. The refurbished spaces reflect a modern, sophisticated style reflecting the property’s vibrant California coastline setting.

“This is such an exciting time to be in Long Beach. There is an abundance of growth as well as an overall elevation of our city, and we are thrilled to be able to contribute by offering Long Beach a chic and welcoming revamped destination in the heart of downtown,” said John Thompson, Westin Long Beach Managing Director. “Transformations like the one we are currently going through bring a new, fresh dynamic to the overall cityscape of Long Beach but also instill a sense of pride for our loyal team members who have been with us from the beginning. For the community and guests alike, the Westin’s new spaces will set the tone for an innovative way to gather, interact and connect.”

Managing Director John Thompson is our hospitable guide.

Layla Ali Ahmad of Beach City Food ToursA great way to be introduced to the foods of a new area is to partake of the highest rated food walking tour of that neighborhood. Beach City Food Tours has been doing that very successfully in Long Beach for the last couple of years with their flagship tour, Downtown Long Beach Walking Tour. Last year they added the irresistible East Village Craft Cocktail Tour.

Proprietress Layla Ali-Ahmad joins us with all the details of what’s on the menu.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Chris Garasic, Navy Proof Food and Spirits and The Westin Long Beach
Segment Three: Executive Chef Eric Samaniego, Michael’s on Naples, Long Beach
Segment Four: Kynbo App for Foodies with Co-Creator Thao Doan
Segment Five: Terri Henry, Founder, DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week
Segment Six: Crazy Fish Grill and Market, San Pedro
Segment Seven: John (J.T.) Thompson, Managing Director, The Westin Long Beach
Segment Eight: Beach City Food Tour’s (Long Beach) Founder, Layla Ali-Ahmad

Show 326, June 1, 2019: Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week Preview with Eight4Nine Restaurant

Joyce Kiehl of the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors BureauThe 13th Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week (GPSRW) is a 10-day dining event beginning Friday, May 31st and continuing through Sunday, June 9th. GPSRW is a special opportunity to treat the guest to a new restaurant, a new menu or an old favorite at a special value.

Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in all the unique local cuisine that this foodie oasis has to offer. Unlike many food and wine festivals, no passes or tickets are required to dine out during Restaurant Week, making it accessible to everyone wanting to attend.

The set-up goes like this: there will be over 100 restaurants from all over the oasis (ranging from Palm Springs to Indio) that will be providing special fixed prices for lunch and dinner. There is no set venue, as diners simply select their favorite participating restaurant and dine out for a day (or more).

Reservations can be made online on the Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week website. For every online reservation made, a donation will be made to FIND Food Bank in Indio. The special prices that participating restaurants are offering for Restaurant Week diners are two-plus lunch items for fixed prices of $15, $20, and $25 and gourmet dining options of three-plus items for $29, $39, and $49.

Joining us with all the salivating details is Chef Albert Gonzalez of Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge (a participating restaurant) and Joyce Kiehl the Director of Communications for Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Show 308, January 26, 2019: Chef / Proprietor Jesse Paul, The Wooden Spoon, Escondido

Jesse PaulEscondido’s Restaurant Week is happening January 27 to February 2, 2019. It’s a week of unrivaled deliciousness. No tickets needed… just show up, order the special at a participating restaurant, and make new memories! The Wooden Spoon Restaurant is participating.

“The Wooden Spoon Restaurant provides the freshest quality foods, sourced from local San Diego farms and artisans. We are organic when possible, GMO-free, sustainable and natural. Our food is made with love and respect. We are guided by passion and driven by perfection. Welcome to The Wooden Spoon!”

Their featured item for Dine Out Escondido! (at Lunch or Dinner) is a Beef Dip on a French Roll with au jus and Beer Mustard.

Many of the Dine Out Escondido! restaurants (including The Wooden Spoon) donate $1 for every special they sell during the restaurant week to the North County Food Bank‘s FOOD 4 KIDS Backpack Program.

We’ll meet Chef/Owner Jesse Paul.

Show 307, January 19, 2019: James Floros, Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank / North County Food Bank

James FlorosEscondido’s Restaurant Week is happening January 27 to February 2, 2019. It’s a week of unrivaled deliciousness. No tickets needed… just show up, order the special at a participating restaurant, and make new memories!

Whether you’re looking for craft beer foodie burger pairings, local farm-to-fork delights, chef-owned culinary experiences, international flavors, high tea or home cooking… Escondido’s desirable restaurants have something for everyone!

Many of the Dine Out Escondido! restaurants donate $1 for every special they sell during the restaurant week to the North County Food Bank’s FOOD 4 KIDS Backpack Program.

James Floros, President & CEO of the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego / North County Food Bank provides the tempting specifics.

Show 307, January 19, 2019: James Floros, Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank / North County Food Bank Continues…

James FlorosEscondido’s Restaurant Week is happening January 27 to February 2, 2019. It’s a week of unrivaled deliciousness. No tickets needed… just show up, order the special at a participating restaurant, and make new memories!

Many of the Dine Out Escondido! restaurants donate $1 for every special they sell during the restaurant week to the North County Food Bank’s FOOD 4 KIDS Backpack Program.

The North County Food Bank’s FOOD 4 KIDS Backpack Program provides weekend backpacks filled with nutritious food to elementary school students living in poverty (Escondido’s Lincoln Elementary is in the program).

Kids on the program receive free breakfasts and lunches at school Monday through Friday but face hunger at home on the weekends. The backpack of food they receive sees them through the weekend so they can return to school ready to learn on Monday. To feed one child for the entire school year costs $200; for one month it costs $22, and for one weekend it costs $5.50.

Go here for more info about the Food 4 Kids program.

Show 306, January 12, 2019: William Lewis, Founding Partner, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, Newport Beach

Sir William Lewis of the Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar in TustinThe upcoming Newport Beach Restaurant Week is a 14-day dining event that takes place January 14 -27, 2019. The event showcases Newport Beach as one of Orange County’s premier dining destinations offering diners a wide variety of culinary experiences. Participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus with lunches available for just $10, $15, $20, or $25, and dinners for $20, $30, $40 or $50.

Founding Partner William Lewis (also the resident wine guru) of The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar (a participating restaurant in Newport Beach Restaurant Week) joins us with a preview.

As William points out there are few restaurants in Newport Beach who can rival their Newport Bay view! Their elaborate, 4-course dinner menu priced at $50 is a great value. The guest has choices within every course. Think Zinfandel Braised Angus Beef Short Rib as the Main…

Show 306, January 12, 2019: Restaurateur Andy Baumann, Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, San Diego Restaurant Week

Andy BaumannSan Diego County’s largest and most successful dining event, San Diego Restaurant Week (January 20 to 27, 2019) was launched with the intention of spotlighting the city as a premier dining destination. Held twice annually, this beloved culinary tradition features San Diego’s best restaurants offering fixed price, three-course dinners and two-course lunches.

3rd generation restaurateur Andy Baumann of Tom Ham’s Lighthouse previews the event. He is the Restaurant Chair for San Diego Restaurant Week as part of the San Diego Chapter of the California Restaurant Association.

“Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, a classic seafood restaurant, opened for business in 1971. An actual functioning lighthouse, known as Beacon #9 on any USCG Nautical Map, was incorporated into the design. The result is one of San Diego’s best- known architectural landmarks.”

“Besides the Lighthouse, Tom Ham’s is also famous for its eye-catching vistas of the San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge and San Diego skyline. Today, the restaurant is operated by a second and third generation of Hams who continue the tradition of fine dining and exceptional service that represents a culmination of the interests and visions of the Californian whose name it bears.”

Show 306, January 12, 2019: Restaurateur Andy Baumann, Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, San Diego Restaurant Week Continues…

Andy BaumannSan Diego County’s largest and most successful dining event, San Diego Restaurant Week (January 20 to 27, 2019) was launched with the intention of spotlighting the city as a premier dining destination. Held twice annually, this beloved culinary tradition features San Diego’s best restaurants offering fixed price, three-course dinners and two-course lunches.

“Grab your family, friends and co-workers and experience incredible cuisine at over 200 local restaurants across San Diego. Just browse the list of restaurants and menus, make your reservations and enjoy! There are no tickets or passes required.” 

“Food lovers may simply dine out at as many participating restaurants as they like during San Diego Restaurant Week, explore new dining opportunities or enjoy old favorites. Advance reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling restaurants directly or visiting their profile online.”

“Food lovers may simply dine out at as many participating restaurants as they like during San Diego Restaurant Week, explore new dining opportunities or enjoy old favorites. Advance reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling restaurants directly or visiting their profile online.”

Conveniently view all the menus (with enticing food photos) of participating restaurants at Kynbo.comIt’s also available to download as a handy, free App. Navigate the map to the San Diego area and click on the SDRW icon at the top of the page. It’s really handy…

3rd generation restaurateur Andy Baumann of Tom Ham’s Lighthouse continues with his preview of the event. He is the Restaurant Chair for San Diego Restaurant Week as part of the San Diego Chapter of the California Restaurant Association.

Show 285, August 11, 2018: Chef Tia Baker, The Federal Bar, Long Beach

Tia BakerEat your heart out Long Beach! DINE LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week is on through August 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 Federal Bar on Pine Avenue in Downtown Long Beach is one of the participating restaurants in DINE LBC. We’ll meet new Chef Tia Baker (ex-Sol Cocina) and talk about the elevated fare at The Federal Bar. New Happy Hour menu, too.

“Passing through the double doors into the main hall of this 1920’s Beaux-arts style building is just the beginning of the Federal experience. Your gaze will draw up into our three-story restaurant that doubles as an event space that can accommodate up 600 patrons, featuring two full-service bars, hand-painted beamed ceilings, towering columns, high windows that provide grand natural lighting, and an attached outside patio.”

There is a new Happy Hour Menu (every day) in place at The Federal. You can get Bottomless Sangria plus one food item (like Mexican Street Corn Flat Bread) for $20.

The DINE LBC menu for $35 per person is three courses with choices for each course. Selections for the Mains include Pine Street Bouillabaisse, Meatloaf Sundae, Investors Pasta and Chefs Fish of the Day.