Show 522, April 22, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

What’s a new season of Angels Baseball without a home run of new food items to contemplate and savor. Joining us to make us incredibly hungry is new Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe of Legends Hospitality at Angel Stadium. We’re chatting about what’s new in the concession stands, at Brewery X, and the Premium Suites. Angel Stadium also has an in-house pastry chef. Think fresh-baked brownie bites and oversized caramel (Granny Smith) apples! It’s everything from the Out-of-the-Park Dog to the juicy BX Burger on at Brewery X.

When we last visited Luchador Brewing Co. they were just operating their original craft brewery and restaurant in Chino Hills. A new location in Cathedral City joined the collection last year.
“Co-owner Brent Miller was inspired by the nostalgia of the Luchador wrestling he watched as a child and co-owner Jaime Benson had strong connections to both Chino Hills and the Coachella Valley, and thus, Luchador Brewing Co was born. The flagship location in Chino Hills opened its doors in March 2020 & their second location, Cathedral City in the Coachella Valley, opened in August 2022. Coming soon: LBC Distribution Center in Banning, CA.” Restaurateur Brent Miller joins us in-studio to tap the keg on Luchador Brewing Co.

“As a former professional athlete and a self- proclaimed health junkie Cristina Kown and Christian Gerloff were always trying to keep up with the latest health trends and best new wellness products. But when they started looking closely at labels and saw the amount of artificial ingredients, sugar, coloring and junk that was going into drinks that were made “healthy and natural” they just knew that they could create something better. Christina and Christian set out to make drinks that tasted great and could actually be helpful in supporting wellness. They had to be as clean as possible and contain real and organic ingredients. Their drinks had to contain meaningful levels of nutrition- not just buzz words on a label. And so, the idea for all Phenoms was born.” All Phenoms’ Cristina Kown and Christian Gerloff join us to pull the tab on all Phenoms sparkling functional beverages for us.

SoCalGas is hosting the 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (2 days) on Tuesday, April 25th and Wednesday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey. “With no-cost registration, the 10th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Innovate at one of the industry’s largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates.” SoCalGas Co.’s Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) and William Morris (Senior Foodservice Program Advisor) are our guests providing all the details.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the 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. If servers (middle-income earners at best) at full-service restaurants didn’t have it rough already coming back after the Pandemic there is a new force of concern out there to contend with. The IRS has a new campaign out there to aggressively audit servers looking at their gratuities. Hardly going after the possible big ticket tax cheats as promised. Chef Andrew explains.

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

Show 522, April 22, 2023: 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo and Restaurants Care Resilience Fund Grants

Gina Christian of SoCal Gas

SoCalGas is hosting the 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (2 days) on Tuesday, April 25thand Wednesday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey. “With no-cost registration, the 10th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Innovate at one of the industry’s largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates.” SoCalGas Co.’s Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) and William Morris (Senior Foodservice Program Advisor) are our guests providing all the details.

“Grant applications for the California Restaurant Foundation‘s (CRF) Restaurants Care Resilience Fund are open now to May 7, making $5,000 grants available to 177 restaurants in SoCalGas’ service area, with a total of 360 grants available statewide for qualifying independent restaurants. The grants will go towards technology adoption, equipment upgrades, employee onboarding and retention, or unforeseen hardships. This latest round of grants follows SoCalGas’ $1 million donation earlier this year to the foundation’s Restaurants Care Resilience Fund to support independently owned restaurants. Together, this brings this year’s fund total to $2.1 million, making it the largest Restaurants Care® Resilience Fund to date since the program started in 2021.”

SoCalGas is also a generous angel to C-CAP, The Careers through Culinary Arts Program. On Friday, April 21st was the 29th Annual C-CAP L.A. Scholarship Breakfast at Jonathan Club DTLA where over $485,000 in Scholarships was awarded to deserving, graduating High School students.

April 22: Angels Baseball Food, Luchador Brewing Co., All Phenoms Sparking Functional Beverages, SoCal Gas Foodservice Equipment Expo

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe, Legends Hospitality at Angel Stadium Part One
Segment Three: Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe, Legends Hospitality at Angel Stadium Part Two
Segment Four: Luchador Brewing Co., Chino Hills and Cathedral City with Co-Founder Brent Miller Part One
Segment Five: Luchador Brewing Co., Chino Hills and Cathedral City with Co-Founder Brent Miller Part Two
Segment Six: All Phenoms Sparkling Functional Beverages with Founders Cristina Kown and Christian Gerloff
Segment Seven: 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo and Restaurants Care Resilience Fund Grants
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.

What’s a new season of Angels Baseball without a home run of new food items to contemplate and savor. Joining us to make us incredibly hungry is new Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe and Pastry Chef Christy Petro of Legends Hospitality at Angel Stadium. We’ll be chatting about what’s new in the concession stands, at Brewery X, and the Premium Suites. Angel Stadium also has an in-house pastry chef. Think fresh-baked brownie bites and oversized caramel (Granny Smith) apples! It’s everything from the Out-of-the-Park Dog to the juicy BX Burger at Brewery X.

When we last visited Luchador Brewing Co. they were just operating their original craft brewery and restaurant in Chino Hills. A new location in Cathedral City has joined the collection last year.

Co-owner Brent Miller was inspired by the nostalgia of the Luchador wrestling he watched as a child and co-owner Jaime Benson had strong connections to both Chino Hills and the Coachella Valley, and thus, Luchador Brewing Co was born. The flagship location in Chino Hills opened its doors in March 2020 & their second location, Cathedral City in the Coachella Valley, opened in August 2022. Coming soon: LBC Distribution Center in Banning, CA.” Restaurateur Brent Miller joins us in-studio to tap the keg on Luchador Brewing Co.

“As a former professional athlete and a self- proclaimed health junkie Cristina Kown and Christian Gerloff were always trying to keep up with the latest health trends and best new wellness products. But when they started looking closely at labels and saw the amount of artificial ingredients, sugar, coloring and junk that was going into drinks that were made “healthy and natural” they just knew that they could create something better. Christina and Christian set out to make drinks that tasted great and could actually be helpful in supporting wellness. They had to be as clean as possible and contain real and organic ingredients. Their drinks had to contain meaningful levels of nutrition- not just buzz words on a label. And so, the idea for all Phenoms was born.” All Phenoms’ Cristina Kown and Christian Gerloff join us to pull the tab on all Phenoms sparkling functional beverages for us.

SoCalGas is hosting the 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (2 days) on Tuesday, April 25thand Wednesday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey. “With no-cost registration, the 10th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Innovate at one of the industry’s largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates.” SoCalGas Co.’s Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) and William Morris (Senior Foodservice Program Advisor) are our guests providing all the details.

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. If servers (middle-income earners at best) at full-service restaurants didn’t have it rough already coming back after the Pandemic there is a new force of concern out there to contend with. The IRS has a new campaign out there to aggressively audit servers looking at their gratuities. Hardly going after the possible big ticket tax cheats as promised. Chef Andrew explains.

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

Dennis Radcliffe of Legends Hospitality

What’s a new season of Angels Baseball without a home run of new food items to contemplate and savor. Joining us to make us incredibly hungry is new Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe and Pastry Chef Christy Petro of Legends Hospitality at Angel Stadium.

We’ll be chatting about what’s new in the concession stands, at Brewery X, and the Premium Suites. Angel Stadium also has an in-house pastry chef. Think fresh-baked brownie bites and oversized caramel (Granny Smith) apples!

It’s everything from the Out-of-the-Park Dog to the BX Burger at Brewery X. 

Also the Barbacoa Burrito and the California Steak Board in the Suites. A whole lot lot of deliciousness at the ready.

Brent Miller of Luuchador Brewing

When we last visited Luchador Brewing Co. they were just operating their original craft brewery and restaurant in Chino Hills. A new location in Cathedral City has joined the collection last year.

“Co-owner Brent Miller was inspired by the nostalgia of the Luchador wrestling he watched as a child and co-owner Jaime Benson had strong connections to both Chino Hills and the Coachella Valley, and thus, Luchador Brewing Co was born. The flagship location in Chino Hills opened its doors in March 2020 & their second location, Cathedral City in the Coachella Valley, opened in August 2022. Coming soon: LBC Distribution Center in Banning, CA.”

“Brewer Paul Marquez and his team head up Luchador’s custom brew system, made up of eight five-barrel brew tanks in Chino Hills and four ten-barrel tanks in Cathedral City. LBC has 15 rotating taps featuring a wide selection of beers & seltzers, all made in-house, as well as a solid selection of wine by the glass and bottle.

Luchador’s in-house food truck El Camión turns the brewery food truck tradition on its head and serves up delicious Mexican street food small plates, Tijuana-style. Specialties include Aguachile, Gorditas, Tortas, Tacos, Birria Ramen, Luchador Dog and a Mexi-Cali Cheesesteak. Growlers, crowlers, and their full menu are available for take-out. Check LBC’s beer and food links for our current selection.

Brent Miller joins us in-studio to tap the keg on Luchador Brewing Co. and also preview their upcoming Cinco de Mayo festivities.

Christian Gerloff and Christina Kown of All Phenoms

“As a former professional athlete and a self-proclaimed health junkie Cristina Kown and Christian Gerloff were always trying to keep up with the latest health trends and best new wellness products. But when they started looking closely at labels and saw the amount of artificial ingredients, sugar, coloring and junk that was going into drinks that were made “healthy and natural” they just knew that they could create something better.”

“Christina and Christian set out to make drinks that tasted great and could actually be helpful in supporting wellness. They had to be as clean as possible and contain real and organic ingredients. Their drinks had to contain meaningful levels of nutrition- not just buzz words on a label. And so, the idea for all Phenoms was born.”

“Christina and Christian crafted three delicious organic fruit infused sparkling waters to enjoy anytime of day. And each of all Phenoms drinks contain a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, botanicals, adaptogens and nootropics crafted to make getting the best in wellness a little bit easier.”

“Try Daily (sparling Mango Pineapple) for simple nutrition and daily wellness. Superboost (sparking Strawberry Mint) supports immune health and hydration and Motivate (sparking Citrus Ginger) is crafted for better energy and focus.”

All Phenoms also has partnered with 1% For The Planet, because we believe that all businesses need to do their part in supporting responsible environmental practices.

All Phenoms’ Cristina Kown and Christian Gerloff join us to pull the tab on all Phenoms sparkling beverages for us.

Gina Christian of SoCal Gas

SoCalGas is hosting the 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (2 days) on Tuesday, April 25thand Wednesday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey. “With no-cost registration, the 10th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Innovate at one of the industry’s largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates.” SoCalGas Co.’s Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) and William Morris (Senior Foodservice Program Advisor) are our guests providing all the details.

“Grant applications for the California Restaurant Foundation‘s (CRF) Restaurants Care Resilience Fund are open now to May 7, making $5,000 grants available to 177 restaurants in SoCalGas’ service area, with a total of 360 grants available statewide for qualifying independent restaurants. The grants will go towards technology adoption, equipment upgrades, employee onboarding and retention, or unforeseen hardships. This latest round of grants follows SoCalGas’ $1 million donation earlier this year to the foundation’s Restaurants Care Resilience Fund to support independently owned restaurants. Together, this brings this year’s fund total to $2.1 million, making it the largest Restaurants Care® Resilience Fund to date since the program started in 2021.”

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 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.

If hard-working servers (middle-income earners at best) at full-service restaurants didn’t have it rough already coming back after the Pandemic there is a new force of concern out there to contend with. The IRS has a fresh campaign out there to aggressively audit servers looking at their gratuities. Hardly going after the possible big ticket tax cheats as promised. This impacts the restaurants, too. Chef Andrew explains.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe, Legends Hospitality at Angel Stadium Part One
Segment Three: Executive Chef Dennis Radcliffe, Legends Hospitality at Angel Stadium Part Two
Segment Four: Luchador Brewing Co., Chino Hills and Cathedral City with Co-Founder Brent Miller Part One
Segment Five: Luchador Brewing Co., Chino Hills and Cathedral City with Co-Founder Brent Miller Part Two
Segment Six: All Phenoms Sparkling Functional Beverages with Founders Cristina Kown and Christian Gerloff
Segment Seven: 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo and Restaurants Care Resilience Fund Grants
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel (Co-Host) of Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach with “Ask the Chef”

Show 450, November 6, 2021: California Restaurant Foundation’s “The Grateful Table® Dine Out“

Alycia Harshfield of the California Restaaurant Association

“The California Restaurant Foundation (CRF), a nonprofit that invests in and empowers California’s restaurant workforce, invites all Californians to participate in its second annual ‘The Grateful Table® Dine Out event, happening all November long! Back in its ‘dine out’ format by popular demand, The Grateful Table® Dine Out encourages Californians to “Dine Out to Help Out” at any restaurant throughout the state as a show of support for local restaurant owners and employees who worked tirelessly to keep doors open over the last year and a half.”

“Those wanting to go the extra mile and financially support California’s restaurant workforce can visit select featured restaurants and donate to CRF’s Restaurants Care®, a nonprofit program that provides restaurant workers facing hardships with relief grants for basic living needs like groceries, utilities, diapers, clothing, gas and rent.”

“For 18 months, California’s restaurant workforce has shown remarkable resilience, arriving to work daily – ready to serve guests through the ups and downs of dine-in, to-go and delivery. Sometimes, these dedicated individuals have been the only humans we interact with outside our homes,” said Alycia Harshfield, Executive Director of CRF. “Our Dine Out event is intended to show appreciation and gratitude for California’s resilient restaurant workforce simply by showing up, dining out and, if you’re able, offering financial support to the chefs, bussers, servers and more who need our help.”

“As an added incentive, Restaurants Care is hosting social media giveaways on Instagram and Twitter to encourage Californians to dine out. Each week in November, diners can enter to win a $200 gift card to the restaurant of their choice by following Restaurants Care on Instagram and Twitter and tagging a restaurant in the comments along with a friend with whom they want to dine!”

CRF’s Alycia Harshfield is our guest.

Show 420, April 10, 2021: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

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

Taste Hungary: Food & Wine Experiences in the New Old World founded by the husband and wife team of Gabor and Carolyn Banfalvi, is a multi-tiered company dedicated to showcasing Hungarian cuisine and wine. Their experiences educate travelers about the region through its cuisine and wine, history, culture, and context in the larger world. The Banfalvis draw on their experience, research, and deep personal connections to craft their tours, and choose the Taste Hungary Taste Hungary is also committed to making Hungarian wine accessible to their followers by offering services such as shipping in the EU, retail, importing to the US, and wine clubs.” Gabor Banfalvi provides us with an overview of the wines and foods of Hungary.wines.

Isaias Hernandez and Josh Bentrem (the co-founders of Smoke & Fire Social Eatery with locations in La Habra and Paramount) began their journey as hospitality associates for top dining institutions. Ranging from local eateries to billion-dollar restaurant groups, the partners specialize in all things’ food and beverage. With almost two decades of experience in operations and senior leadership, Isaias and Josh had the privilege of opening restaurant concepts across the United States before venturing off on their own with Smoke & Fire.”“Smoke and Fire is a prime example that when a business operates correctly, you don’t create a company, you start a family. We are a family turned restaurant group that provides the ultimate comfort food experience in a quick-service format. The goal is to produce full-service standards in a quick service capacity.”

“It’s estimated that one million restaurant jobs have been lost in California alone as a result of COVID-19. To provide support for independent restaurant owners across the state, the California Restaurant Association Foundation (CRF) has partnered with California’s energy companies to launch the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund. The $1.25 million fund, which includes generous donations from SoCalGas, PG&E and SDG&E, will provide grants up to $3,500 to single-unit restaurants in select counties across the state, with priority given to woman – and person of color-owned restaurants.” Applications for the Resilience Fund will be open from April 11-18 only. The California Restaurant Association Foundation’s Executive Director, Alycia Harshfield, is our guest to explain the Resilience Fund’s purpose and program details.

Adam Bell, the founder of dataTV established in 1996, is the “SoCal Restaurant Show’s” accomplished, long -time web designer, webmaster and all-around social media guru. His clients include Chef Jet Tila and New Orleans’ Café du Monde. Adam relocated to Los Angeles from New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. As restaurants are slowly regrouping and reestablishing their enterprises Adam has some sound (and non-technical) advice to share regarding the importance of having a useful and easy to navigate website with speedy page loading. Social media is vitally important and genuinely useful but it doesn’t replace the need for an inviting website.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants during the early stages of recovery which remains a genuine concern. Restaurants in Southern California are finally again allowed to operate for outside/patio dining and inside dining at reduced capacities with all the requisite COVID 19 safety precautions. Shifting the conversation to food we’ll ask Chef Andrew about what’s happening with the crazy pricing of fresh lobster. It’s priced at a premium and in short supply once again.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness (with proper Social Distancing) on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 420, April 10, 2021: Alycia Harshfield, Executive Director, California Restaurant Association Foundation

Alycia Harshfield of the California Restaaurant Association

“It’s estimated that one million restaurant jobs have been lost in California alone as a result of COVID-19. To provide support for independent restaurant owners across the state, the California Restaurant Association Foundation (CRF) has partnered with California’s energy companies to launch the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund. The $1.25 million fund, which includes generous donations from SoCalGas, PG&E and SDG&E, will provide grants up to $3,500 to single-unit restaurants in select counties across the state, with priority given to woman- and BIPOC-owned restaurants. Applications for the Resilience Fund will be open from April 11-18 only.

“Grants given by CRF’s Restaurants Care Resilience Fund are intended to be used on payroll and related expenses so the restaurant operator can free up funds for other expenses such as rent, technology upgrades and outdoor dining retrofitting. Additionally, restaurants that receive a Resilience Fund grant will also receive support services and resources to improve their business for the long-term. Over the past year, through the non-profit’s Restaurants Care® program, CRF has helped more than 1,200 restaurant workers, their families and businesses and believes that by investing in the lasting success of these restaurants, we can also preserve jobs and communities throughout California.”

“What’s really unique about our Resilience Fund is that it supports the business as well as individual restaurant workers,” said Alycia Harshfield, Executive Director of the California Restaurant Association Foundation. “A portion of the funds raised will provide grants for cooks, servers, dishwashers and more who face unforeseen hardship and have nowhere else to turn and the rest will go to the restaurant. So yes, we’re helping restaurants keep their crew on payroll, while also offering a safety net for when things get tough. While we’re delighted to see restaurants opening up and COVID cases drop, the recovery will take years and we’re doing what we can to help.”

“Resilience Fund applications will be open from April 11-18, 2021 and can be found at www.restaurantscare.org/resilience. Grants will be available to single-unit, California-based restaurants in the following counties: Alameda, Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Joaquin with a staff of 50 or fewer employees. To qualify, the restaurant must currently be open and have experienced a revenue loss of at least 20% from 2019-2020.”

The California Restaurant Association Foundation’s Executive Director, Alycia Harshfield, is our guest to explain the Resilience Fund’s purpose and program details.

April 10: Taste Hungary, Smoke & Fire Social Eatery, California Restaurant Association Foundation, dataTV Web Design for Restaurants

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Gabor Banfalvi of Taste Hungary & Tasting Table Budapest Part One
Segment Three: Gabor Banfalvi of Taste Hungary & Tasting Table Budapest Part Two
Segment Four: Chef Isaias Hernandez and Josh Bentrem, Smoke & Fire Social Eatery Part One
Segment Five: Chef Isaias Hernandez and Josh Bentrem, Smoke & Fire Social Eatery Part Two
Segment Six: Alycia Harshfield, Executive Director, California Restaurant Association Foundation
Segment Seven: Web Designer and Developer Adam Bell of dataTV
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

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

“Taste Hungary: Food & Wine Experiences in the New Old World founded by the husband and wife team of Gabor and Carolyn Banfalvi, is a multi-tiered company dedicated to showcasing Hungarian cuisine and wine. Their experiences educate travelers about the region through its cuisine and wine, history, culture, and context in the larger world. The Banfalvis draw on their experience, research, and deep personal connections to craft their tours, and choose the Taste Hungary wines. Taste Hungary is also committed to making Hungarian wine accessible to their followers by offering services such as shipping in the EU, retail, importing to the US, and wine clubs.” Gabor Banfalvi provides us with an overview of the wines and foods of Hungary.

“Isaias Hernandez and Isaias Hernandez (the co-founders of Smoke & Fire Social Eatery with locations in La Habra and Paramount) began their journey as hospitality associates for top dining institutions. Ranging from local eateries to billion-dollar restaurant groups, the partners specialize in all thing’s food and beverage. With almost two decades of experience in operations and senior leadership, Isaias and Josh had the privilege of opening restaurant concepts across the United States before venturing off on their own with Smoke & Fire.”
“Smoke and Fire is a prime example that when a business operates correctly, you don’t create a company, you start a family. We are a family turned restaurant group that provides the ultimate food experience in a quick-service format. The goal is to produce full-service standards in a quick service capacity.”

“It’s estimated that one million restaurant jobs have been lost in California alone as a result of COVID-19. To provide support for independent restaurant owners across the state, the California Restaurant Association Foundation (CRF) has partnered with California’s energy companies to launch the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund. The $1.25 million fund, which includes generous donations from SoCalGas, PG&E and SDG&E, will provide grants up to $3,500 to single-unit restaurants in select counties across the state, with priority given to woman – and person of color-owned restaurants.” Applications for the Resilience Fund will be open from April 11-18 only. The California Restaurant Association Foundation’s Executive Director, Alycia Harshfield, is our guest to explain the Resilience Fund’s purpose and program details.

Adam Bell, the founder of dataTV established in 1996, is the “SoCal Restaurant Show’s” accomplished, long -time web designer, webmaster and all-around social media guru. He relocated to Los Angeles from New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. As restaurants are slowly regrouping and reestablishing their enterprises Adam has some sound (and non-technical) advice to share regarding the importance of having a useful and easy to navigate website with speedy page loading. Social media is vitally important and genuinely useful but it doesn’t replace the need for an inviting website.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants during the early stages of recovery which remains a genuine concern. Restaurants in Southern California are finally again allowed to operate for outside/patio dining and inside dining at reduced capacities with all the requisite COVID 19 safety precautions. Shifting the conversation to food we’ll ask Chef Andrew about what’s happening with the crazy pricing of fresh lobster. It’s priced at a premium and in short supply once again.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness (with proper Social Distancing) on this week’s not-to-miss show!

“For Gabor and Carolyn Banfalvi travel has been a part of their lives together from the time they met working on a cruise ship in the Caribbean more than two decades ago. They share a special passion (and an appetite) for the food and wine of Central Europe, as well as the people, places, and stories that make this region so fascinating. The Banfalvi’s founded Taste Hungary—their Budapest-based food and wine tour company—in 2008, and ever since have loved doing this deep dive into the foodways and wine culture of Hungary.”

“After spending years researching and writing Carolyn’s culinary guidebook to Hungary—Food, Wine, Budapest (Little Bookroom, 2008)—the Banfalvi’s started Taste Hungary with the intention of sharing their passion for Hungarian food and wine with like-minded travelers who want to experience the region’s authentic flavors and experiences. At their independent wine shop and tasting cellar in Budapest’s Palace District, The Tasting Table Budapest, their team of sommeliers (in post Covid 19 times) leads daily wine tastings, introducing wine lovers’ to the (often unknown) treasures of Hungary.”

“We believe Hungary and Central Europe are undiscovered culinary gems—a culinary paradise which is slowly being (re)discovered. Hungarian food and winemaking have deep traditions, and a complex (and complicated) history. Decades of Communism caused many of these unique food traditions and industries to suffer terribly. But these days Budapest is a hot restaurant city (it even has four Michelin-starred establishments); local food artisans and growers around the country are reviving old traditions; and Hungarian wines are increasingly available around the world.”

“Our ultimate goal is to show guests that there is plenty of good food and wine here. We want to break down the language and cultural barriers that could make people feel uncomfortable. We want our guests to go home feeling like they discovered things they didn’t even know existed, and that it was well worth their while to dig deeply into new flavors, a new country, and meeting new people.”

Gabor Banfalvi joins us from Budapest to pull the cork on the joys of Hungarian wine and cuisine for us.

Josh Bentrem of Smoke and Fire Social Eatery

Isaias Hernandez and Josh Bentrem (the co-founders of Smoke & Fire Social Eatery with locations in La Habra and Paramount) began their journey as hospitality associates for top dining institutions. Ranging from local eateries to billion-dollar restaurant groups, the partners specialize in all thing’s food and beverage. With almost two decades of experience in operations and senior leadership, Isaias and Josh had the privilege of opening restaurant concepts across the United States before venturing off on their own with Smoke & Fire.”

“Smoke and Fire is a prime example that when a business operates correctly, you don’t create a company, you start a family. We are a family turned restaurant group that provides the ultimate food experience in a quick-service format. The goal is to produce full-service standards in a quick service capacity.”

Menu specialties include a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich (with the guest’s choice of heat,) a Smash Burger (double patty with cheese,) Brisket Grilled Cheese, Brisket Tacos and a Brisket Quesadilla. The appealing selection of Loaded Fries are generous portions of battered waffle fries with proteins (Nashville Hot Chicken, Smash Burger, and Texas Style Brisket) added in.

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much. At Smoke and Fire Social Eatery, we understand that it takes a village to raise a child so we honor all of those hardworking mentors, teachers and community servants with discounted meals and sponsorships.”

Proprietors Isaias Hernandez and Josh Bentrem join us with spatula in hand.

Alycia Harshfield of the California Restaaurant Association

“It’s estimated that one million restaurant jobs have been lost in California alone as a result of COVID-19. To provide support for independent restaurant owners across the state, the California Restaurant Association Foundation (CRF) has partnered with California’s energy companies to launch the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund. The $1.25 million fund, which includes generous donations from SoCalGas, PG&E and SDG&E, will provide grants up to $3,500 to single-unit restaurants in select counties across the state, with priority given to woman- and BIPOC-owned restaurants. Applications for the Resilience Fund will be open from April 11-18 only.

“Grants given by CRF’s Restaurants Care Resilience Fund are intended to be used on payroll and related expenses so the restaurant operator can free up funds for other expenses such as rent, technology upgrades and outdoor dining retrofitting. Additionally, restaurants that receive a Resilience Fund grant will also receive support services and resources to improve their business for the long-term. Over the past year, through the non-profit’s Restaurants Care® program, CRF has helped more than 1,200 restaurant workers, their families and businesses and believes that by investing in the lasting success of these restaurants, we can also preserve jobs and communities throughout California.”

“What’s really unique about our Resilience Fund is that it supports the business as well as individual restaurant workers,” said Alycia Harshfield, Executive Director of the California Restaurant Association Foundation. “A portion of the funds raised will provide grants for cooks, servers, dishwashers and more who face unforeseen hardship and have nowhere else to turn and the rest will go to the restaurant. So yes, we’re helping restaurants keep their crew on payroll, while also offering a safety net for when things get tough. While we’re delighted to see restaurants opening up and COVID cases drop, the recovery will take years and we’re doing what we can to help.”

“Resilience Fund applications will be open from April 11-18, 2021 and can be found at www.restaurantscare.org/resilience. Grants will be available to single-unit, California-based restaurants in the following counties: Alameda, Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Joaquin with a staff of 50 or fewer employees. To qualify, the restaurant must currently be open and have experienced a revenue loss of at least 20% from 2019-2020.”

The California Restaurant Association Foundation’s Executive Director, Alycia Harshfield, is our guest to explain the Resilience Fund’s purpose and program details.

Adam Bell of dataTV

Adam Bell, the founder of dataTV established in 1996, is the “SoCal Restaurant Show’s” accomplished, long -time web designer, webmaster and all-around social media guru. He relocated to Los Angeles from New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

As restaurants are slowly regrouping and reestablishing their enterprises Adam has some sound (and easy to follow) advice to share regarding the importance of having a useful and easy to navigate website with speedy page loading. Social media is vitally important and useful but it doesn’t replace the need for a informative website.

There are now also new and affordable means for restaurant patrons to order online without engaging the mega delivery apps.

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Chef Andrew is regularly updating us on the impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the hospitality field and what we, as diners, can do to support the very survival of restaurants which is a genuine concern as recovery slowly starts to happen.

Restaurants in Southern California are finally again allowed to again operate for outside/patio dining and limited inside dining at reduced capacities with all the requisite COVID 19 safety precautions. We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Shifting the conversation back to food we’ll ask Chef Andrew about the pricing of fresh lobster. It’s, again, a bit pricey and in short supply.

Chef Andrew also updates us on the inspiring progress for the grass-roots, 86 Restaurant Struggle campaign to benefit out-of-work and struggling restaurant workers. Chef Andrew and his wife, Lauren, have already distributed over $380,000 in small grants to deserving restaurant workers in serious need. All applications are carefully vetted by the Gruels. The substantial need, and fundraising, continues…

Remember the juicy and delicious Community Burger (more than a mouthful) is available at all Southern California locations of Slapfish. The worthy burger is free with any donation to “86 Restaurant Struggle.” 100 per cent of that money goes to benefit struggling restaurant workers.

Show 399, November 14, 2020: California Restaurant Association Foundation’s The Grateful Table Dine Out! to Benefit Restaurants Care

Alycia Harshfield of the California Restaaurant Association“This November, the California Restaurant Association Foundation (CRAF), a non-profit that invests in and empowers California’s restaurant workforce, invites all Californians to participate in its inaugural ‘The Grateful Table® Dine Out!’ The ask is simple. Throughout November, Californians are encouraged to “dine out to help out” as much as possible in gratitude to their neighborhood restaurants. Want to do more? A guest can directly support California’s struggling foodservice community at featured restaurants by donating to Restaurants Care®, a nonprofit program which provides restaurant workers facing hardships with relief grants for basic living needs like groceries, utilities, diapers, clothing, gas and rent.”

“This very first The Grateful Table® Dine Out is a statewide campaign that’s complementary to our current way of life and has the potential to make a lasting impact on the industry by giving back to the hardworking people who operate our restaurants – chefs, cooks, bussers, bartenders, servers and dishwashers – in their greatest time of need. Since the pandemic hit in March, Restaurants Care has awarded grants to nearly 1,200 of California’s restaurant workers also benefitting their nearly 1,700 dependents, with 79% of grants awarded to people of color.”

“This November, dining out is our superpower! We have the ability to support our favorite restaurants and chip in to help struggling restaurant workers. Whether it’s takeout, dining in or having your meal delivered, we’re encouraging every Californian to help the restaurant community get back on their feet leading into the holiday season,” said Alycia Harshfield, Executive Director of CRAF. “Your support directly impacts our neighborhood restaurants, the employees and their families, and together, we can bring them some much-needed hope and stability.”

“As an added incentive to dine out, CRAF is hosting exciting social media giveaways throughout November where diners can enter to win a $500 gift card to their favorite restaurant! Every Thursday in November, two winners will be randomly selected to receive a $500 gift card to any restaurant they tag with the hashtag #GratefulTableSweepstakes. It’s as easy as that!”

The CRA Foundation’s Alycia Harshfield and Farmer Boys’ President & Chief Operating Officer Dave Wetzel (a featured restaurant partner of The Grateful Table Dine Out) join us with all the details.