Show 160, February 20, 2016: Mary Sue Milliken, Border Grill, Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Las Vegas Continues…

Mary Sue MillikenLeave it to our local celebrity chefs and Food Network favorites, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, to have some real fun with Leap Day on February 29th at Border Grill Downtown Los Angeles. For one night only on Leap Day, Mary Sue’s and Susan’s fondly remembered CITY will return for an encore.

James Beard Award-winner Mary Sue Milliken is well-know to the audience of the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” She is a pioneer in Food TV and also the co-founder and co-executive chef of the hugely successful Border Grill restaurants (and truck) in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Santa Monica. She is also an active volunteer for The James Beard Foundation in her prominent position on the Board of Trustees as a Board Member.

The 10th Annual Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appetit is coming up the Weekend of April 29th. As they have been for each previous year Mary Sue and Susan are involved in a lot of the culinary events, including a Tequila tasting dinner at Border Grill in the Forum Shops on Saturday, April 30th.

For the 2nd year Mary Sue Milliken is riding in the Chefs Cycle California event to raise funds for Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry effort. Last year her participation raised $14,000 and the goal for 2016 is $20,000. Go Mary Sue…!

 

Show 141, October 10, 2015: No Kid Hungry & The Habit Burger Grill

Habit Burger with Fries and Onion RingsWhile we were waiting to connect with Matt Hood of Habit Burger Co-host Andy Harris talked about his recent meal at the Malibu Farm Pier Café on the PCH end of the historic Malibu Pier. It’s operated by a well-known Malibu area caterer, Helena Henderson. The food is simple, fresh, creative and stylishly plated. Can’t really beat the incredible beach vibe there.

The Habit Burger Grill (which started locally in Santa Barbara in 1969) partnered with No Kid Hungry for the month of September to raise funds to wipe out childhood hunger in the United States. A minimum of $200,000 will be contributed. We’ll hear the good news about the grand total…

Doing its part to help end the problem of childhood hunger in America, The Habit Restaurants, Inc. launched a partnership with No Kid Hungry in which guests were encouraged to donate at the register and, in return, received a certificate to enjoy a complimentary Charburger with cheese on their next visit through October 31, 2015.

The campaign, which ran nationwide at participating Habit Burger Grill locations through September 30, 2015, addresses the serious issue of childhood hunger in the United States where 1 in 5 children cannot count on their next meal.  During the campaign guests at The Habit who donated $2 to No Kid Hungry, a national campaign from the nonprofit Share Our Strength, received a certificate for a free Charburger with cheese good on a future visit.

The Habit/No Kid Hungry partnership raised funds from 120 Habit restaurants nationwide and donations will directly support No Kid Hungry’s mission to wipe out childhood hunger in the U.S. by connecting kids in need with nutritious food and teaching families how to cook healthy, affordable meals.

The Habit’s Chief Marketing Officer Matt Hood, joins us with all the noteworthy results.

 

September 19: Andrew Gruel, John Terlato, The Habit, Ventura County Farm Day, Moulin Bistro, Eric Klein, Sipsmith Independent Spirits

Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, and now, Irvine at UCI, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Next an appetizing preview of Saturday’s high-energy and appropriately fully-loaded show and not, with apologies, for dieters. With any luck we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…

The proudly Family-owned Terlato Wine Group is a holding company for several independent businesses specializing in the marketing and production of exceptional wines. They are probably best known for pioneering the popularity of Pinot Grigio in the United States. Representing the 2nd generation of Family ownership is John Terlato, our guest.

The Habit Burger Grill (which started in Santa Barbara in 1969) has partnered with No Kid Hungry for the month of September to raise funds to wipe out childhood hunger in the United States. A minimum of $200,000 will be contributed. The Habit’s CEO, Russ Bendel, joins us with all the details.

Discover California agriculture first hand and learn about fun farm-specific facts and specialties at SEEAG’s (Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture) third annual Ventura County Farm Day on Saturday, September 26, 2015. This free event welcomes visitors to enjoy both guided and self-guided tours from over 20 working farms in Ventura County. SEEAG’s Founder & Executive Director Mary Maranville is our guest.

Moulin Bistro in Newport Beach, celebrating their first anniversary, is an incredible success story. It’s a busy French bistro, epicerie, boulangerie and patisserie under one roof. (“Always Fresh Always French.”) The ambitious proprietor (unbelievably) had no previous restaurant experience. Proprietor Laurent Vrignaud joins us.

Executive Chef Eric Klein of Spago Las Vegas is no stranger to the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” In the last two weeks he has cooked a private dinner for The President, been the celebrity guest chef aboard Holland America Line’s ms Maasdam, and cooked at one of the most prestigious charity funds-raisers in Las Vegas. We’ll catch-up with the busy Chef Eric.

Our friends at The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) are at it again. Their next Los Angeles Program is “Gin! A Botanical Mystery Tour” on Tuesday evening, September 22nd at 6:30 p.m. at the newly renovated Clifton’s Cafeteria in Downtown Los Angeles. Jared Brown, Master Distiller at Sipsmith Independent Spirits in London is our guest.

Mussels seem to be the forgotten and underappreciated mollusk in the United States. They are incredibly popular in Europe. The meat is a bit tougher than an oyster or clam but it’s still delicious with a mildly sweet flavor. Our resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel, will spread the joy of mussels. They are really good eating. There is life beyond oysters !

All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!

John TerlatoThe proudly Family-owned Terlato Wine Group, based in a Chicago suburb, is a holding company for several independent businesses specializing in the marketing and production of exceptional wines. They are probably best known for pioneering the popularity of Pinot Grigio in the United States.

The Terlatos started out in the wine business as retailers in 1955. Over the years, they have been involved in every facet of the business as wine distributors and importers, as well as winery owners and vineyard developers. No other company in the industry has successfully operated throughout all channels. This vertical integration and diversity of experience shaped the Terlato family’s unique perspective and approach to luxury wine marketing, sales and production.

Chairman Anthony Terlato’s philosophy that “Quality Endures” has guided the growth of the Terlato family’s businesses and provided opportunities to lead, rather than follow, industry trends.

Representing the 2nd generation of Family ownership is Vice Chairman John Terlato, our guest.

Russ BendelThe Habit Burger Grill (which started in Santa Barbara in 1969) has partnered with No Kid Hungry for the month of September to raise funds to wipe out childhood hunger in the United States. A minimum of $200,000 will be contributed.

Doing its part to help end the problem of childhood hunger in America, The Habit Restaurants, Inc.  has launched a partnership with No Kid Hungry in which guests are encouraged to donate at the register and, in return, receive a certificate to enjoy a complimentary Charburger with cheese on their next visit through October 14, 2015.

The campaign, which runs nationwide at participating Habit Burger Grill locations now through September 30, 2015, addresses the serious issue of childhood hunger in the United States where 1 in 5 children cannot count on their next meal.  During the campaign guests at The Habit who donate $2 to No Kid Hungry, a national campaign from the nonprofit Share Our Strength, will receive a certificate for a free Charburger with cheese good on a future visit .

The Habit/No Kid Hungry partnership will raise funds from 120 Habit restaurants nationwide and donations will directly support No Kid Hungry’s mission to wipe out childhood hunger in the U.S. by connecting kids in need with nutritious food and teaching families how to cook healthy, affordable meals.

The Habit’s CEO, Russ Bendel, joins us with all the details.

Ventura County Farm DayDiscover California agriculture first hand and learn about fun, farm-specific facts and specialties at SEEAG’s (Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture) third annual Ventura County Farm Day on Saturday, September 26, 2015. This free event welcomes visitors to enjoy both guided and self-guided tours, hands-on activities and educational demonstrations from over 20 working farms in Ventura County, followed by a ticketed outdoor BBQ at Limoneria Ranch.

A perfect family event, Ventura County Farm Day is free to attend at participating Ventura County farms in Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Saticoy and Somis.

This year, Ventura County Farm Day will also feature the new Farm Day Mercantile Hub at Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center. The Mercantile Hub will host a collection of local artisanal vendors displaying their goods and demonstrating the beautiful products that can be created from the raw bounty grown by our farmers. The market will include meat curers, bread makers, goat milk soaps, honey, jam, pickles, chocolate and more.

After tour hours have concluded, attendees are invited to enjoy a rustic outdoor BBQ from 4-9 p.m. at Limoneira Ranch in Santa Paula. The BBQ will feature live music by Grammy Award-winning artist Todd Hannigan, a kiss-the-farmer photo booth, tractor rides, gourmet salads prepared by farm-to-table Chef Jason Collis, craft beers from Poseidon Brewing Company, small-batch wines from Four Brix Winery and barbeque fired up by the Young Farmers & Ranchers of Ventura County.

SEEAG’s Founder & Executive Director Mary Maranville is our guest.

Laurent VrignaudMoulin Bistro in Newport Beach, celebrating their first anniversary, is an incredible success story. It’s a busy French bistro, epicerie, boulangerie and patisserie under one roof. (“Always Fresh, Always French.”) All the appointments and fixtures are French. The ambitious proprietor (unbelievably) had no previous restaurant experience.

It’s already the darling of Orange County Food writers. Moulin is one of three nominees for “Best New Restaurant” at The Golden Foodie Awards on Sept. 27th at The Fairmont Newport Beach.

The French Rotisserie Chicken is a standout.

Laurent wanted to close at 7:00 p.m. but his French guests had another opinion. By popular demand he opened on Tuesday evenings for Dinner at Moulin. It’s a weekly changing appetizer, main dish, and dessert for $25.00. It now sells out at capacity way in advance. Laurent then added Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It’s Entrecote Frites night with unlimited fries. It’s also $25.00.

The Orange County Register’s long-time food writer Cathy Thomas recently did a feature on Moulin’s Le Croque Madame. The video (demonstrating the recipe with Laurent and French-born Chef Jeoffrey Offer) is available for viewing on YouTube.

Proprietor Laurent Vrignaud joins us.

Eric KleinExecutive Chef Eric Klein of Spago Las Vegas is no stranger to the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” In the last two weeks he has cooked a private dinner for The President, been the celebrity guest chef aboard Holland America Line’s ms Maasdam, and cooked with Wolfgang Puck as the host chef at one of the most prestigious charity funds-raisers in Las Vegas.

Earlier in the week Chef Eric was the host chef for Chef Wolfgang Puck’s 3rd annual “Sip & Savor” benefit at Spago Las Vegas. It benefits Keep Memory Alive.

It’s a mix-and-mingle, wine-and-dine event which gave the guests the opportunity to indulge in an interactive culinary affair sampling the signature cuisine of each of Puck’s six Las Vegas restaurants, paired with a number of Chef Puck’s favorite wines.

We’ll catch-up with Chef Eric.

Our friends at The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC) are at it again. Their next interactive Los Angeles Program is Gin! A Botanical Mystery Tour” on Tuesday evening, September 22nd at 6:30 p.m. at the newly (and expensively) renovated Clifton’s Cafeteria in Downtown Los Angeles.

Master Distiller Jared Brown, (a MOTAC co-founder) will lead participants on a historical and global tour of gins, including London Dry, New World and Old Tom.

The evening also celebrates the eagerly anticipated reopening of Clifton’s Cafeteria, a Los Angeles culinary icon, now extensively renovated and the future home of MOTAC’s next Los Angeles gallery. Admission includes gourmet appetizers courtesy of Clifton’s kitchen.

Jared Brown, Master Distiller at Sipsmith Independent Spirits in London is our guest.

Andrew GruelMussels seem to be the forgotten and underappreciated mollusk in the United States. They are incredibly popular in Europe. The meat is a bit tougher than an oyster or clam but it’s still delicious with a mildly sweet flavor.

Mussels are an ancient food of early man going back over 20,000 years.

The “SoCal Restaurant Show” was recently on Prince Edward Island in Canada. We enjoyed mussels there cooked in white wine, craft beer, and with tomatoes. The broth is equally delicious, too.

Our resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel, will spread the joy of mussels. They are really good eating. There is life beyond raw oysters!

Show 110, February 14, 2015: Chefs Shirley Chung & Nina Compton of “Top Chef” Season 11

Shirley ChungThe newly launched Twenty Eight Restaurant & Lounge is hosting its first exclusive Chef Dinner prepared by “Top Chef New Orleans’” star contestants Chef Shirley Chung and Chef Nina Compton. (Chef Nina was voted “Fan Favorite” for her season on “Top Chef.”) This fierce, highly competitive female duo is coming together to present an incredible menu for two seatings per night on Wednesday, February 25th and Thursday, February 26th.

Twenty percent of ticket sales will benefit Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. The organization is ending childhood hunger in America by connecting kids in need with nutritious food and teaching families how to cook healthy, affordable meals.

Chef Shirley and Chef Nina will present a seven-course collaborative menu. Each chef will present three courses inspired by their competition dishes on “Top Chef” Season 11.The dinner will feature two seatings from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and again from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each night

on Wednesday, February 25th and Thursday, February 26th. Tickets for the Top Chef Duo Dinner are priced at $168 per guest ($68 for wine and cocktail pairings.)

Chef Nina confirms that she is next going to be doing a restaurant in New Orleans.

Chefs Shirley and Nina join us with a tempting preview of the stellar evenings.

 

Show 101, December 13, 2014: Mercadito Red Rock Resort, Las Vegas

Patricio SandovalA festive new taco is coming to Mercadito at Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas as part of Mercadito Hospitality’s national Tacos for Strength Campaign. This December, Mercadito will feature a winter-inspired taco created by James Beard Award finalist and Michelin Star award-winning chef Paul Virant of Vie and Perennial Virant in Chicago. A portion of the proceeds will go to Share Our Strength.

Mercadito at Red Rock Resort opened with great anticipation among locals mid-summer. Drawing from culinary experiences in Mexican Markets, Mercadito features a wide variety of creative tacos made with handmade corn masa tortillas, guacamoles, refreshing ceviche and classic dishes like enchiladas and chile rellenos.

Mercadito Hospitality (now based in Chicago) started with their first restaurant (Mercadito) in New York in 2004. A second Las Vegas area Mercadito is slated to open in 2015 in Henderson at The Green Valley Ranch Resort.

Executive Chef & Owner Patricio Sandoval (born in Acapulco) is our guest.

Show 97, November 15, 2014: Susan Feniger, Border Grill and Mud Hen Tavern

Susan Feniger of Mud Hen TavernSusan Feniger is the co-executive chef and co-owner (along with long-time business partner Mary Sue Milliken) of the popular and critically acclaimed Border Grill restaurants and Truck serving modern Mexican food in Las Vegas, Santa Monica and Downtown Los Angeles. A second Border Grill location in Las Vegas (Mandalay Bay was the first) is newly opened at The Forum Shops at Caesars (also the home of the pioneering Spago Las Vegas.)

One of the already talked about attractions of the new Border Grill Las Vegas is the ceviche bar. “We’re excited to offer a variety of fresh, sustainable seafood from our new ceviche and oyster bar, inspired by the flavors from our first trip to Veracruz where we tasted the most incredible ceviche,” says Susan Feniger.

One of the great conveniences of this location (as pointed out by food journalist Brock Radke previously) at the North end of The Forum Shops (next to Joe’s Stone Crab) is valet parking right outside their entrance.

Away from the Border Grill empire Feniger is also the principal of Mud Hen Tavern in Los Angeles.

Susan and her business partner, Mary Sue Milliken, were early pioneers of Food Network with the long-running series, “Too Hot Tamales.” They have also authored five cookbooks including Cooking with Too Hot Tamales. Active members of the community, both play leading roles in Share Our Strength and the Scleroderma Research Foundation.

Show 38, August 10, 2013: Dave Bernahl of LA Food & Wine Festival

David BernahlToday’s show was a preview of the upcoming 3rd Annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival taking place in Downtown Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica on August 22nd through 25th.

Dave Bernahl, the co-founding partner and CEO of Coastal Luxury Management, joined us to preview the Festival. Costal Luxury Management (organizers of the famed annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival) produces the event.

The new charity beneficiary this year is Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign.

August 10: Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival Preview

Podcasts

Segment One: Dave Bernahl of LA Food & Wine Festival
Segment Two: Chef Fabio Viviani
Segment Three: Chef Edward Lee Part One
Segment Four: Chef Edward Lee Part Two
Segment Five: Chef Ben Ford, Ford’s Filling Station Part One
Segment Six: Chef Ben Ford, Ford’s Filling Station Part Two
Segment Seven: Chef Ida Rodriguez, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce Part One
Segment Eight: Chef Ida Rodriguez, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce Part Two

This morning’s show is a preview of the Third Annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival taking place August 22nd to 25th. The primary location is Downtown Los Angeles with boutique events in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.

David BernahlDave Bernahl, the co-founding partner and CEO of Coastal Luxury Management, joins us to preview the Festival. Costal Luxury Management (organizers of the annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival) produces the event.

The new charity beneficiary this year is Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign.

Fabio VivianiBravo’s “Top Chef” alum Chef Fabio Viviani is in the house. In the Los Angeles area he is the chef/proprietor of Café Firenze and Firenze Osteria. He also has restaurants in Chicago.

His newly released second cookbook is Fabio’s Italian Kitchen.

Chef Fabio will be part of three events at the Festival. Thursday night he’s cooking for Giada’s Festa Italiana, and on Saturday morning he’s performing a Fabio Viviani Cooking Demo followed by hosting a tasting station at the Lexus Grand Tasting in the afternoon.

Edward LeeYou know Chef Edward Lee from his victory on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” and Bravo’s “Top Chef: Texas.” He’s the chef/proprietor of 610 Magnolia in Louisville.

On Friday, August 23rd he cooks for Iron Chef Morimoto’s Asian Night Market. On Saturday afternoon he then hosts “Bacon & Bourbon with Chef Edward Lee.”

Chef Lee’s first cookbook is Smoke & Pickles. It was nominated for a James Beard Award.

He’s also a new father.

Chef Ed shared his thoughts on preparing the perfect fried chicken. One of the tricks is to poach the chicken before frying. It gives the chicken a ton of extra flavor.

Ben Ford of Ford's Filling StationBen Ford, the proprietor of the innovative Ford’s Filling Station in Culver City, joins the show. Ford’s Filling Station was actually the first gastropub in the United States and Chef Ford is properly credited with originating that name.

For LA Food & Wine he’s joining forces with musician Ziggy Marley on Saturday morning for a high octane cooking demo showcasing sustainability. Chef Ben is then part of the culinary lineup for the Saturday afternoon Lexus Grand Tasting.

Ford discusses the evolution of Ford’s Filling Station and the changes over the years. He has a passion for pork and all is parts. Chef Ford is a pioneer in the revival of Downtown Culver City as a restaurant destination.

A Ford’s Filling Station is coming to LAX this year.

Chef Ford’s first cookbook, Taming the Feast, will be published in May of 2014.

Chef Ida Rodriquez of Melissas World Variety ProduceChef Ida Roriguez has an unusual position as the long-time Corporate Chef for Melissa’s / World Variety Produce, the largest specialty produce firm in the United States. She supervises a staff of dedicated chefs striving to educate the public and chefs about the benefits of enjoying all types of fruits and vegetables and creating delicious, satisfying, and nutritious recipes that the average home cook can prepare at home!

Melissa’s has a state-of-the-art research kitchen and culinary classroom at their corporate headquarters in Vernon where recipes are created and tested daily. Consumer education is Chef Ida’s favorite duty.

Chef Ida has taught popular classes for The Southern California Gas Company as well as Sur La Table. Celebrity Chef Martin Yan has been a co-instructor with her.

Chef Ida grew up in El Paso so she was exposed to the short season of availability of New Mexico Hatch Chiles (about six weeks) at a young age. She began cooking with them early on before they achieved the cult status they enjoy today!

The Hatch Chile is from the Anaheim chile family but has thicker walls and an entirely different taste profile unlike any other chile. This is attributed to the soil in Hatch as well as the temperature range (hot) during the short growing season.

Hatch Chiles come in a range of heat levels, from the mild end of the spectrum to extremely hot. Curiously when frozen they actually become hotter over time.

Melissas Hatch Chile CookbookJoining forces with the co-founder and co-owner of Melissa’s, Sharon Hernandez, Chef Ida penned the just-released Melissa’s Hatch Chile Cookbook. It’s the definitive guide to enjoying Hatch Chiles year-round.

Every Labor Day Weekend Chef Ida and Sharon journey to Hatch, New Mexico to partake of the annual Hatch Chile Festival. Would you believe Hatch Chile Ice Cream? (The craveable recipe is included in the book…)

The useful book features 150 unique and classic Hatch Chile recipes with plenty of helpful, full color photos. All the recipes are designed for use by home cooks and have been thoroughly tested. The range of dishes is impressive. You can create Breakfast, Appetizers, Sandwiches & Wraps, Salads, Sides, Entrees, Casseroles & Soups, Condiments, Desserts and Beverages using Hatch Chiles!

The Melissa’s Hatch Chile Cookbook is available at Melissas.com, Amazon and at select Bristol Farms stores and other fine food merchants.

The “SoCal Restaurant Show” will be broadcasting live from 10:00a.m. to Noon at the new Bristol Farms store at 3105 Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica on Saturday, August 24th. Team Melissa’s will be there in force roasting the new crop of Hatch Chiles. Samples of recipes from the book will be available for the tasting. Chef Ida will be present signing copies of the Melissa’s Hatch Chile Cookbook.

Podcasts

Segment One: Dave Bernahl of LA Food & Wine Festival
Segment Two: Chef Fabio Viviani
Segment Three: Chef Edward Lee Part One
Segment Four: Chef Edward Lee Part Two
Segment Five: Chef Ben Ford, Ford’s Filling Station Part One
Segment Six: Chef Ben Ford, Ford’s Filling Station Part Two
Segment Seven: Chef Ida Rodriguez, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce Part One
Segment Eight: Chef Ida Rodriguez, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce Part Two

Show 30, June 1, 2013: Celebrity Chef Alan Wong, Alan Wong’s, Honolulu

Alan WongChef Wong is one of the distinguished pioneers of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine. This group of influential chefs was advocating using local ingredients and sustainability years before the concept was fashionable. In Honolulu he is the owner / chef of Alan Wong’s and the more casual Pineapple Room located in Macy’s in the Ala Moana Center. On Maui his property is Alan Wong’s Amasia at the Grand Wailea Resort. That’s Hawaii Regional Cuisine with sushi and a robata grill.

Chef Alan defines Hawaii Regional Cuisine as an artful blending of all the cultures now populating the Islands. In addition to native Hawaiian food it includes influences from the Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Koreans, and Filipinos, among others.

Chopped Ahi Sashimi and Avocado Salsa StackThere are many ways to experience dinner at Alan Wong’s. The a la carte menu features salads and entrees. There is also an a la carte “Side By Side Tasting” menu. Additionally there is both a “Chef’s Tasting Menu” and “A Tasting of The Classics” prix fixe menu. Both of the “Tasting” menus have optional wine pairings matched with each course.

Miya Nishimura is Chef Alan’s Chef De Cuisine at Alan Wong’s. She is a rising star in her own right.

On Sunday, June 2nd Chef Alan Wong is one of the celebrity chefs with a tasting station at the annual Share Our Strength Taste of the Nation Benefit at Studio at Montage Laguna Beach Resort. The event starts at 4:00 p.m. One hundred per cent of the ticket sales revenues goes toward hunger relief efforts in Orange County

June 1: Hawaiian Food and Restaurant Special

Podcasts

Segment One: Hawaii Food Tours’Chef Matthew Gray
Segment Two: Jeffrey Vigilla, executive chef of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu
Segment Three: Celebrity Chef Alan Wong, Alan Wong’s, Honolulu
Segment Four: Chuck Furuya, Master Sommelier and partner in DK Restaurants, Honolulu
Segment Five: Celebrity Chef Sam Choy, Sam Choy’s Kai Lanai, The Big Island, Hawaii
Segment Six: Les Apoliona, Land Asset Manager, Land Assets Division of Kamehameha Schools of Hawaii

Summer is upon us and the vacation travel season is at hand. Both Jet and Producer Andy have recently been to Hawaii. Saturday will be our Hawaii special bringing you the best (and tastiest) tips for visits to Oahu and The Big Island.

Matthew Gray of Hawaii Food ToursChef and food critic Matthew Gray has been objectively observing the Oahu food scene since 1993. He was previously the food critic for the local newspaper, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Whether it’s a joint in Chinatown making their own noodles or the best in high-end cuisine Matthew knows the territory.

Some six years ago he created Hawaii Food Tours to provide visitors with highly entertaining, one-of-a-kind food adventures. His signature food tour is his Hole-in-the-Wall Food Tour where you discover the rich history of Honolulu through food. Matthew takes his guests to unusual places they would never discover on their own.

Chef Jeffrey Vigilla of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach ResortJeffrey Vigilla is the accomplished executive chef of the 2,860 room Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu on 22 lush tropical acres. It’s the largest hotel property on the famed Waikiki Beach with the widest stretch of beach. Chef Vigilla is going local with as much of his menu ingredients as possible. His chocolate is from Waialua Estates on Oahu and he even sources local honey.

 

Alan WongHawaii’s Alan Wong is one of the pioneers of Hawaiian Regional cuisine. Now, sourcing and serving the freshest local ingredients is in vogue. In Hawaii, Alan owns the flagship Alan Wong’s in Honolulu as well as the more casual Pineapple Room in Ala Moana Center. On Maui his most recent establishment is Amasia at the Grand Wailea.

The President dines with the First Lady at Alan Wong’s on his yearly vacations on Oahu.

On Sunday, June 2nd Chef Alan will be one of the celebrity chefs cooking at the Share Our Strength Taste of the Nation Benefit at Studio at Montage Laguna Beach.

Chuck FuruyaChuck Furuya of the D.K. Restaurant Group with hugely successful properties on Oahu, Maui, and The Big Island was only the 10th person in the United States to pass the rigorous Master Sommelier examination. He’s the recognized leader in the Islands in furthering wine education.  He loves to introduce undiscovered wines to his guests and good value is always part of his mission. No wine snobbery here…

Sam ChoyThe Big Island’s Sam Choy is known as Hawaii’s culinary ambassador to the world. He has a new restaurant on The Big Island, Sam Choy’s Kai Lanai, with a 180-degree view of the Pacific Ocean. He’s also known as the “Godfather of Poke” which is his signature dish. Chef Sam is the author of 16 cookbooks and is a regular culinary celebrity chef aboard Crystal Cruises.

Kamehameha Schools is Hawaii’s largest private landowner with some 365,000 acres on The Big Island, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, and Kauai. They own the choice land in Waikiki that are the sites of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and associated upscale retail complex. One of their new initiatives is to support value added agriculture with entrepreneurial leaseholders of their land. Two out of three coffee estates in the Kona area are on Kamehameha Schools leased land.

Les Apoliona, a land asset manager for the north Kona district for the Land Assets Division of Kamehameha joins us to talk about the inventive effort to support these businesses and the move to make The Big Island more self sufficient in the production of food. Les has a background in food service and hotel management and is well-known in the restaurant community of The Big Island.

Podcasts

Segment One: Hawaii Food Tours’Chef Matthew Gray
Segment Two: Jeffrey Vigilla, executive chef of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu
Segment Three: Celebrity Chef Alan Wong, Alan Wong’s, Honolulu
Segment Four: Chuck Furuya, Master Sommelier and partner in DK Restaurants, Honolulu
Segment Five: Celebrity Chef Sam Choy, Sam Choy’s Kai Lanai, The Big Island, Hawaii
Segment Six: Les Apoliona, Land Asset Manager, Land Assets Division of Kamehameha Schools of Hawaii/a>