Show 412, February 13, 2021: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Happy Valentine’s Day Weekend! A word to the wise…Do plan ahead…

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

General Manager Sara O’Shea was part of the opening team for the Golden Road Pub – Anaheim (also a production brewery.) A highlight of the operation is their large outdoor Biergarden which is again welcoming guests. The food is creatively elevated from the typical brew pub fare (there is a real chef (Henry) in the kitchen) and there is always an intriguing variety of craft beers to sample. Also on the beer menu are limited production craft styles brewed right there that are exclusive to the Anaheim location. Well-behaved canine friends are again welcome outside at the Biergarden.

Mezcal has come a long way since the days of the worm in the bottle and can be savored (and appreciated) as it’s cousin, a fine premium tequila, can be enjoyed. It’s a clear liquor and originally came from Oaxaca. Mezcal can be produced from several species of the agave plant. Mezcaliera and Mezcal Sommelier Noah Arenstein is our informed guide. Noah relocated to Las Vegas from Brooklyn last year to be part of the opening team of Chef Enrique Olvera’s (Pujol in Mexico City) highly anticipated Encore at Wynn Las Vegas.

Factory Place Hospitality Group, a restaurant group led by Restaurateur Matteo Ferdinandi, was founded in March of 2013. Executive Chef and Business Partner Angelo Auriana, joined Ferdinandi and his wife, Francine Diamond-Ferdinandi, in August 2013 shortly before the opening of The Factory Kitchen in Downtown Los Angeles. The L.A. collection of establishments also includes Brera Ristorante and sixth+mill pizzeria. The Factory Kitchen (serving dinner nightly from Tuesday through Saturday) and Brera Ristorante (serving Dinner nightly from Tuesday through Saturday) have reopened for patio dining. Both Factory Kitchen and Brera reopen for lunch on February 16th. To-Go availability at both establishments continues. Matteo Ferdinandi is graciously at our service along with Chef Angelo Auriana.

Chef Marco Zapien’s Zapien’s Salsa Grill and Taqueria in Pico Rivera has reopened for sidewalk dining Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Family meals are still available To-Go. For Sunday (Valentine’s Day) from 4 to 8:00 p.m. Chef Marco has created a fine-dining, 3- course menu with options for each course either for al fresco dining or curbside pickup. Think Rosemary Roasted Prime Rib of Beef.

After chefing in the sports and entertainment industry for years, Chef Marco Zapien decided in 2003 that it was time to build a reputation in the private sector by partnering with his Father, Jess, in a family operated restaurant. Zapien’s Salsa Grill & Taqueria has been the culinary heart of the Pico Rivera community for 18 years now and has developed into a community favorite for preparing authentic regional Mexican fare. We pull Chef Marco out of his busy kitchen to chat about chiles rellenos and other Zapien’s specialties.

As Philip Brandes, the founder of Bravus Brewing Co. will gladly explain, “Not all non-alcoholic beer is created equal” and he has earned the meaningful accolades to back that statement up. When beverage enthusiasts want to pass on an alcoholic beer they certainly do not want to give up the taste of a high quality craft beer and they don’t have to! Bravus’ proprietary brewing process allows them to produce craft beer styles that taste exactly like their alcohol counterparts. Founded in 2015, Bravus Brewery is the first North American brewery dedicated to non-alcoholic craft beer with their carefully guarded, proprietary brewing process that has the industry wondering how they produce such award -winning beer! Founder Philip Brandes joins us to tap the keg on Bravus Brewing Co.

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 (and increasingly growing) concern. Restaurants in Southern California are finally again allowed to operate for outside/patio dining at reduced capacities with all the requisite COVID 19 safety precautions. How is it going thus far? We’ll “Ask the Chef.” Sous Vide cooking is a very popular technique used in fine dining kitchens. It’s available as a useful tool for serious home cooks, too. Chef Andrew provides the basics.

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

Show 412, February 13, 2021: Sara O’Shea, General Manager at Golden Road Pub – Anaheim

Sara O'Shea of Golden Road Pub OC in Anaheim

General Manager Sara O’Shea was part of the opening team for the Golden Road Pub Anaheim (also a production brewery) located across the street from the E. Orangewood Ave., southern entrance t Angel Stadium. A highlight of the operation is their large outdoor Biergarden (with shade) which is again welcoming guests. Well-behaved canine friends can accompany their human parents.

The food is creatively elevated from the typical brew pub fare (there is a real chef (Henry) cooking in the kitchen) and there is always an intriguing variety of craft beers to sample. Think Korean Chicken Salad for openers along with Pork Belly Bahn Mi with sweet chili glaze.

Also on the extensive beer menu are eye-catching, limited production craft styles brewed right there that are exclusive to the Anaheim location. A current example is Happy Daze Double IPA with subtle flavors of candied berries, orange citrus and pineapple. It’s brewed with Southern Sublime hops from South Africa.

We’ll explore the menu with Sara and also find out how their “Big Game” viewing celebration went last Sunday afternoon.

February 13: Golden Road Pub Anaheim, Mezcal Sommelier Noah Arenstein, Factory Place Hospitality Group, Zapien’s Salsa Grill, Bravus Brewing Co.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Sara O’Shea, General Manager at Golden Road Pub – Anaheim
Segment Three: Mezcal & Agave Spirits Sommelier Noah Arenstein, Las Vegas
Segment Four: Factory Place Hospitality Group with Matteo Ferdinandi and Chef Angelo Auriana, Los Angeles
Segment Five: Chef & Proprietor Marco Zapien, Zapien’s Salsa Grill and Taqueria, Pico Rivera Part One
Segment Six: Chef & Proprietor Marco Zapien, Zapien’s Salsa Grill and Taqueria, Pico Rivera Part Two
Segment Seven: Philip Brandes, Founder, Bravus Brewing Co., Anaheim
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Happy Valentine’s Day Weekend! Do plan ahead…

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

General Manager Sara O’Shea was part of the opening team for the Golden Road Pub – Anaheim (also a production brewery.) A highlight of the operation is their large outdoor Biergarden which is again welcoming guests. The food is creatively elevated from the typical brew pub fare (there is a real chef in the kitchen) and there is always an intriguing variety of craft beers to sample. Also on the beer menu are limited production craft styles brewed right there that are exclusive to the Anaheim location.

Mezcal has come a long way since the days of the worm in the bottle and can be savored (and appreciated) as it’s cousin, a fine premium tequila, can be enjoyed. It’s a clear liquor and originally came from Oaxaca. Mezcal can be produced from several species of the agave plant. Mezcaliera and Mezcal Sommelier Noah Arenstein is our informed guide. Noah relocated to Las Vegas from Brooklyn last year to be part of the opening team of Chef Enrique Olvera’s (Pujol in Mexico City) highly anticipated Elio at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas.

Factory Place Hospitality Group, a restaurant group led by Restaurateur Matteo Ferdinandi, was founded in March of 2013. Executive Chef and Business Partner Angelo Auriana, joined Ferdinandi and his wife, Francine Diamond-Ferdinandi, in August 2013 shortly before the opening of The Factory Kitchen in Downtown Los Angeles. The L.A. collection of establishments also includes Brera Ristorante and sixth+mill pizzeria. The Factory Kitchen (serving dinner nightly from Tuesday through Saturday) and Brera Ristorante (serving Dinner nightly from Tuesday through Saturday) have reopened for patio dining. Brera reopens for lunch on February 16th. To-Go availability at both establishments continues. Matteo Ferdinandi is graciously at our service along with Chef Angelo Auriana.

Chef Marco Zapien’s Zapien’s Salsa Grill and Taqueria in Pico Rivera has reopened for sidewalk dining Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Family meals are still available To-Go. For Sunday (Valentine’s Day) from 4 to 8:00 p.m. Chef Marco has created a 3- course menu with options for each course either for al fresco dining or curbside pickup. Think Rosemary Roasted Prime Rib of Beef.

After chefing in the sports and entertainment industry for years, Chef Marco Zapien decided in 2003 that it was time to build a reputation in the private sector by partnering with his Father, Jess, in a family operated restaurant. Zapien’s Salsa Grill & Taqueria has been the culinary heart of the Pico Rivera community for 18 years now and has developed into a community favorite for preparing authentic regional Mexican fare. We pull Chef Marco out of his busy kitchen to chat about chiles rellenos and other Zapien’s specialties.

As Philip Brandes, the founder of Bravus Brewing Co. will gladly explain, “Not all non-alcoholic beer is created equal” and he has earned the meaningful accolades to back that statement up. When beverage enthusiasts want to pass on an alcoholic beer they certainly do not want to give up the taste of a high quality craft beer and they don’t have to! Bravus’ proprietary brewing process allows them to produce craft beer styles that taste exactly like their alcohol counterparts. Founded in 2015, Bravus Brewery is the first North American brewery dedicated to non-alcoholic craft beer with their carefully guarded, proprietary brewing process that has the industry wondering how they produce such award -winning beer! Founder Philip Brandes joins us to tap the keg on Bravus Brewing Co.

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 (and increasingly growing) concern. Restaurants in Southern California are finally again allowed to operate for outside/patio dining at reduced capacities with all the requisite COVID 19 safety precautions. How is it going thus far? We’ll “Ask the Chef.” Sous vide cooking is a very popular technique used in fine dining kitchens. It’s available as a useful tool for serious home cooks, too. Chef Andrew provides the basics.

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

Sara O'Shea of Golden Road Pub OC in Anaheim

General Manager Sara O’Shea was part of the opening team for the Golden Road Pub Anaheim (also a production brewery) located across the street from the southern entrance to Angel Stadium. A highlight of the operation is their large outdoor Biergarden (with shade) which is again welcoming guests. The food is creatively elevated from the typical brew pub fare (there is a real chef cooking in the kitchen) and there is always an intriguing variety of craft beers to sample. Think Korean Chicken Salad for openers. Also on the beer menu are limited production craft styles brewed right there that are exclusive to the Anaheim location.

We’ll explore the menu with Sara and also find out how their “Big Game” viewing celebration went last Sunday afternoon.

Noah Arenstein

Mezcal has come a long way since the days of the worm in the bottle and can be savored (and truly appreciated) as it’s cousin, a fine premium tequila, can be enjoyed. It’s a clear liquor and originally came from Oaxaca. Mezcal can be produced from several species of the agave plant. Mezcaliera and Mezcal Sommelier Noah Arenstein is our guide. Noah relocated to Las Vegas from Brooklyn last year to be part of the opening team of Chef Enrique Olvera’s (Pujol in Mexico City) highly anticipated Elio at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas. Unfortunately Elio’s only had a short run before being permanently closed as a result of the pandemic. Currently Noah is an agave spirits consultant who also conducts VIP private tastings.

Matteo Ferdinandi and Angelo Auriana of the Factory Kitchen

Factory Place Hospitality Group, a restaurant group led by Restaurateur Matteo Ferdinandi, was founded in March of 2013. Executive Chef and Business Partner Angelo Auriana, joined Ferdinandi and his wife, Francine Diamond-Ferdinandi, in August 2013 shortly before the opening of The Factory Kitchen in Downtown Los Angeles.

The L.A. collection of establishments also includes Brera Ristorante and sixth+mill pizzeria. The Factory Kitchen (serving dinner nightly from Tuesday through Saturday) and Brera Ristorante (serving Dinner nightly from Tuesday through Saturday) have reopened for patio dining. Brera reopens for lunch on February 16th. To-Go availability at both establishments continues.

Matteo Ferdinandi is graciously at our service along with Chef Angelo.

Marco Zapien of Zapiens Salsa Grill and Taqueria

Chef Marco Zapien’s Zapien’s Salsa Grill and Taqueria in Pico Rivera has reopened for sidewalk dining Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Family meals are still available To-Go. For Sunday (Valentine’s Day) from 4 to 8:00 p.m. Chef Marco has created a 3- course menu with options for each course either for al fresco dining or curbside pickup. Think Rosemary Roasted Prime Rib of Beef.

After chefing in the sports and entertainment industry for years, Chef Marco Zapien decided in 2003 that it was time to build a reputation in the private sector by partnering with his Father, Jess, in a family operated restaurant. Zapien’s Salsa Grill & Taqueria has been the culinary heart of the Pico Rivera community for 18 years now and has developed into a community favorite for preparing authentic regional Mexican fare. Marco has developed a signature style of cooking that incorporates two generations of his Mother’s and Father’s family recipes with a dash of his own passionate creativity.

We entice Chef Marco out of his busy kitchen for a chat.

Philip Brandes of Bravus Brewing Company

As Philip Brandes the founder of Bravus Brewing Co. will gladly explain, “Not all non-alcoholic beer is created equal” and he has earned the meaningful accolades to back that statement up.

When beverage enthusiasts want to pass on an alcoholic beer they certainly do not want to give up the taste of a high quality craft beer and they don’t have to. Bravus’ proprietary brewing process allows them to produce craft beer styles that taste exactly like their alcohol counterparts. Founded in 2015, Bravus Brewery is the first North American brewery dedicated to non-alcoholic craft beer with their carefully guarded, proprietary brewing process that has the industry wondering how they produce such award -winning beer! (The alcohol is not filtered out as is the standard from other brewers.) Crafted in Anaheim, Bravus was founded as a healthier alternative offering a wide variety of flavors and bold tastes to satisfy just about every beer lover. 

Bravus is currently available in Amber Ale, India Pale Ale (“IPA”), Award Winning Oatmeal Stout, Raspberry Gose, and Blonde Ale. The seasonal style is Peanut Butter Stout.

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group

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 (and increasingly growing) concern. Restaurants in Southern California are finally again allowed to operate for outside/patio dining at greatly reduced capacities with all the requisite COVID 19 safety precautions. How is it going thus far? We’ll “Ask the Chef.”

Sous Vide cooking is a very popular technique used in fine dining kitchens. It’s available as a useful tool for serious home cooks, too. Chef Andrew provides the basics.

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 $320,000 in small grants to deserving restaurant workers in need. All applications are carefully vetted by the Gruels. The need, and fundraising, continues…

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Sara O’Shea, General Manager at Golden Road Pub – Anaheim
Segment Three: Mezcal & Agave Spirits Sommelier Noah Arenstein, Las Vegas
Segment Four: Factory Place Hospitality Group with Matteo Ferdinandi and Chef Angelo Auriana, Los Angeles
Segment Five: Chef & Proprietor Marco Zapien, Zapien’s Salsa Grill and Taqueria, Pico Rivera Part One
Segment Six: Chef & Proprietor Marco Zapien, Zapien’s Salsa Grill and Taqueria, Pico Rivera Part Two
Segment Seven: Philip Brandes, Founder, Bravus Brewing Co., Anaheim
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”