Show 515, March 4, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

We first introduced Chef Eric Klein to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” when he was the high- profile Executive Chef and Partner of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops. Later Chef Eric transitioned (with a major promotion) to Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering based at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Every year for over two-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony. 2023 is the 29th year celebration of Wolfgang Puck’s culinary responsibilities for the Governors Ball. As for the past several years this luxe menu was created by Wolfgang Puck and Eric Klein. The pastry design is by Kamel Guechida and Gary Larduinat. This year the Oscars return to the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Sunday, March 12th. Chef Eric Klein takes a break from his active kitchens to join us for this exclusive preview.

“Come celebrate and be part of the sixth annual Masters of Taste, as L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival returns and will be taking place on Sunday, April 2nd, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl. 100% of the proceeds will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a non-profit organization celebrating 50 years of providing homeless services and housing for thousands of neighbors. Masters of Taste is introducing Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed as Hosts of Masters of Taste 2023 which also marks the 6th Anniversary of this celebrated event. Masters of Taste 2023 Culinary Master and Host Chef Michael Reed is a classically trained chef and restaurateur, who has spent 19 years as a chef for restaurants across New York and Los Angeles. Today, Chef Reed is the co-owner and Executive Chef behind two Los Angeles restaurants, Poppy + Rose of Downtown Los Angeles, and Anaheim’s Poppy & Seed. In addition to the two concepts, Chef Reed and his wife and co-owner, Kwini Reed also run an upscale catering company, Root of All Food.” Chef Michael and Kwini Reed are our guests.

Bravo’s Top Chef” debuts its 20th season with “World All-Stars” in London, on Thursday evening, March 9th. The new season of the Emmy-winning series feature 16 of its greatest competitors, representing 11 different “Top Chef” versions around the world. The chefs will battle it out throughout scenic London, before the grand finale in Paris. Orange County’s own Chef Amar Santana (Vaca adjacent to South Coast Plaza and Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach) will be one of the esteemed returning Cheftestants. Chef Amar takes a break from his busy kitchens for a preview of “Top Chef” Season 20 – London.

“The inaugural, first of its kind Pizza City Fest Los Angeles will take place April 29-30, 2023 at L.A. LIVE – Downtown Los Angeles’ Sports and Entertainment District – offering fans the unique opportunity to sample pizzas from Southern California’s best pizza makers all in one location over two days. Steve Dolinsky – a 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter and “The Food Guy” at NBC 5 Chicago – has turned his love of pizza into an all-encompassing endeavor. Now he hopes to bring that same experience to Los Angeles (as he did last year in Chicago) and showcase the diversity – in both geography and styles – that the region exemplifies.” We are previewing Pizza City Fest Los Angeles in multiple segments leading up to the event. Today we’ll meet Founder, Steve Dolinsky.

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. Bring on the sweet and succulent shrimp, always a popular menu item. Chef Andrew tells us about the appeal of Fair Trade, 100 percent traceable wild blue Mexican shrimp.

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

March 4: Wolfgang Puck Catering, Poppy + Rose, Amar Santana, Pizza City Fest Los Angeles

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President Culinary & Partner, Wolfgang Puck Catering. The Oscars’ Governors Ball Cuisine
Segment Three: Masters of Taste Preview with Hosts and Culinary Masters Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed Part One
Segment Four: Masters of Taste Preview with Hosts and Culinary Masters Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed Part Two
Segment Five: Chef Amar Santana of Vaca and Broadway. Cheftestant for Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 20 London Part One
Segment Six: Chef Amar Santana of Vaca and Broadway. Cheftestant for Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 20 London Part Two
Segment Seven: Pizza City Fest Los Angeles Preview with Founder Steve Dolinsky
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”

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

We first introduced Chef Eric Klein to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” when he was the high- profile Executive Chef and Partner of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops. Later Chef Eric transitioned (with a major promotion) to Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering based at The Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Every year for over two-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony. 2023 is the 29th year celebration of the Governors Ball. As for the past several years this luxe menu was created by Wolfgang Puck and Eric Klein. The pastry design is by Kamel Guechida and Gary Larduinat. This year the Oscars return to the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Sunday, March 12th. Chef Eric Klein takes a break from his active kitchens to join us for this exclusive preview.

“Come celebrate and be part of the sixth annual Masters of Taste, as L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival returns and will be taking place on Sunday, April 2nd, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl. 100% of the proceeds will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a non-profit organization celebrating 50 years of providing homeless services and housing for thousands of neighbors. Masters of Taste is introducing Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed as Hosts of Masters of Taste 2023 which also marks the 6th Anniversary of this celebrated event. Masters of Taste 2023 Culinary Master and Host Chef Michael Reed is a classically trained chef and restaurateur, who has spent 19 years as a chef for restaurants across New York and Los Angeles. Today, Chef Reed is the co-owner and Executive Chef behind two Los Angeles restaurants, Poppy + Rose of Downtown Los Angeles, and Anaheim’s Poppy & Seed. In addition to the two concepts, Chef Reed and his wife and co-owner, Kwini Reed also run an upscale catering company, Root of All Food.” Chef Michael and Kwini Reed are our guests.

Bravo’s “Top Chef”debuts its 20th season with “World All-Stars” in London, on Thursday evening, March 9th. The new season of the Emmy-winning series feature 16 of its greatest competitors, representing 11 different “Top Chef” versions around the world. The chefs will battle it out throughout scenic London, before the grand finale in Paris. Orange County’s own Chef Amar Santana (Vaca adjacent to South Coast Plaza and Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach) will be one of the esteemed returning Cheftestants. Chef Amar takes a break from his busy kitchens for a preview of “Top Chef” Season 20 – London.

“The inaugural, first of its kind Pizza City Fest Los Angeles will take place April 29-30, 2023 at L.A. LIVE – Downtown Los Angeles’ Sports and Entertainment District – offering fans the unique opportunity to sample pizzas from Southern California’s best pizza makers all in one location over two days. Steve Dolinsky – a 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter and “The Food Guy” at NBC 5 Chicago – has turned his love of pizza into an all-encompassing endeavor. Now he hopes to bring that same experience to Los Angeles (as he did last year in Chicago) and showcase the diversity – in both geography and styles – that the region exemplifies.” We are previewing Pizza City Fest Los Angeles in multiple segments leading up to the event. Today we’ll meet Founder, Steve Dolinsky.

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. Bring on the sweet and succulent shrimp, always a popular menu item. Chef Andrew tells us about the appeal of Fair Trade, 100 percent traceable wild blue Mexican shrimp.

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

Eric Klein of Wolfgang Puck Catering

We first introduced Chef Eric Klein to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” when he was the high- profile Executive Chef and Partner of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops. Later Chef Eric transitioned (with a major promotion) to Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering based at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood.

Every year for over two-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony. 2023 is the 29th year celebration of the Governors Ball. As for the past several years this luxe menu was created by Wolfgang Puck and Eric Klein. The pastry design is by Kamel Guechida and Gary Larduinat. This year the Oscars return to the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Sunday, March 12th.

Wolfgang Puck is flying in his Executive Chef at CUT London, Elliott Grover, to prepare Fish and Chips and oversee the Beef Wellington Carving Station. New creations for this year are the Ma Maison Chicken Salad and Wolfgang’s spin on Chicken & Waffles.

Chef Eric takes a break from his active kitchens to join us.

Michael and Kwini Reed of Poppy and Seed

“Come celebrate and be part of the sixth annual Masters of Taste, as L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival returns and will be taking place on Sunday, April 2nd, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl. 100% of the proceeds will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a non-profit organization celebrating 50 years of providing homeless services and housing for thousands of neighbors.”

“Masters of Taste is introducing Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed as Hosts of Masters of Taste 2023 which also marks the 6th Anniversary of this celebrated event. Masters of Taste 2023 Culinary Master and Host Chef Michael Reed is a classically trained chef and restaurateur, who has spent 19 years as a chef for restaurants across New York and Los Angeles. Today, Chef Reed is the co-owner and Executive Chef behind two Los Angeles restaurants, Poppy + Rose of Downtown Los Angeles, and Anaheim’s Poppy & Seed. In addition to the two concepts, Chef Reed and his wife and co-owner, Kwini Reed also run an upscale catering company, Root of All Food.”

“In 2011, Chef Reed and Kwini Reed jointly created the high-end catering company, Root of All Food which specializes in high-end boutique catering, in-home cooking and events, and catering to Southern California. During the summer of 2014, Reed opened DTLA brunch darling, Poppy + Rose, a restaurant that specializes in classic American diner-fare made from scratch with a seasonal menu. He owns the restaurant alongside his wife, Kwini Reed. In 2021, Poppy & Seed opened, branching more upscale service and cuisine in a modern greenhouse setting. Located in the Anaheim Packing District, Poppy & Seed features a menu of refined American fare.”

“The sixth annual Masters of Taste 2023 is expected to bring over 3,000 food and beverage enthusiasts together for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 100 Culinary Masters and restaurants, delectable sweets prepared by L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, top Beverage Masters who will be featuring signature handcrafted cocktail tastings from over 25 spirit brands and top cocktail bars, a premier 50-Yard-Line Cocktail Bar, select wineries, local craft breweries, cold-pressed juices, cold brew coffee, live entertainment and much, much more.”

Ticket Information: Masters of Taste 2023 will take place on Sunday, April 2nd, 2023, and this is a 21+ event. A VIP Power Hour will be held from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm and General Admission will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed are our guests.

Amar Santana at the Finale of Top Chef

Bravo’s Top Chef” debuts its 20th season with “World All-Stars” in London, on Thursday evening, March 9th. The new season of the Emmy-winning series feature 16 of its greatest competitors, representing 11 different “Top Chef” versions around the world. The chefs will battle it out throughout scenic London, before the grand finale in Paris. Orange County’s own Chef Amar Santana (Vaca adjacent to South Coast Plaza and Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach) will be one of the esteemed returning Cheftestants.

Chef Amar is a “Top Chef” veteran and characterized as a fierce competitor. In a spectacular and memorable finale he was judged the 1st runner up for “Top Chef” Season 13 – California narrowly missing the coveted top spot. He was then invited back for “Top Chef” Season 18 – Portland as a member of the elite judging panel.

Chef Amar takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us with a preview of “Top Chef” Season 20 – London.

Sail in style with Chef Amar on a premium Douro River Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) cruise for 7 nights (starting November 5th.) around Porto, Portugal (the City of Bridges) on a Uniworld boutique river cruise. Also a visit to Spain’s glorious city of Salamanca. On-board cooking classes with Chef Amar will feature fresh, regional produce. Also learn the art of Spanish winemaking and Ports from Porto with visits to some of Chef Amar’s favorite wineries in the region featured on the Wine Lists at Vaca and Broadway by Amar Santana.

Steve Dolinsky and Andreew Gruel

“The inaugural, first of its kind Pizza City Fest Los Angeles will take place April 29-30, 2023 at L.A. LIVE – Downtown Los Angeles’ Sports and Entertainment District – offering fans the unique opportunity to sample pizzas from Southern California’s best pizza makers all in one location over two days. Steve Dolinsky – a 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter and “The Food Guy” at NBC 5 Chicago – has turned his love of pizza into an all-encompassing endeavor. Now he hopes to bring that same experience to Los Angeles (as he did last year in Chicago) and showcase the diversity – in both geography and styles – that the region exemplifies.”

“I’ve seen the L.A. pizza scene explode recently, having visited about 60 places while researching over the past year,” said Dolinsky. “But with so much great pizza spread out from Santa Barbara to San Diego, there needed to be a way to highlight these artisans all in one place. Not only will we do that, but we’ll also bring together some of the most talented local pizza pros to share their knowledge and expertise with home cooks.”

We are previewing Pizza City Fest Los Angeles in multiple segments leading up to the event. Today we’ll meet the Founder of Pizza City Fest Los Angeles, Steve Dolinsky.

Tickets for Pizza City Fest Los Angeles start at $95. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Pizza City’s Ticketing page or call 1-877-234-8425.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the recently launched, full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

Bring on the sweet and succulent shrimp, always a popular menu item. Chef Andrew tells us about the appeal of Fair Trade, 100 percent traceable wild blue Mexican shrimp.

Chef Andrew and Lauren Gruel have a new fast casual concept, Burger 101, coming soon to the 2-level, Kitchen United complex on the 3rd St. Promenade in Santa Monica. It’s Chef Andrew’s version of a value-priced, honest burger (and loaded fries) using quality ingredients including a premium burger patty sourced from West Coast Prime Meats. He’ll also launch a casual Mexican concept there, Lolo’s Tacos, specializing in clean and simple tacos, burritos and standout specialty sauces.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President Culinary & Partner, Wolfgang Puck Catering. The Oscars’ Governors Ball Cuisine
Segment Three: Masters of Taste Preview with Hosts and Culinary Masters Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed Part One
Segment Four: Masters of Taste Preview with Hosts and Culinary Masters Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed Part Two
Segment Five: Chef Amar Santana of Vaca and Broadway. Cheftestant for Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 20 London Part One
Segment Six: Chef Amar Santana of Vaca and Broadway. Cheftestant for Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 20 London Part Two
Segment Seven: Pizza City Fest Los Angeles Preview with Founder Steve Dolinsky
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”

Insalata di Mare / Seafood Salad

Insalata di Mare by Amy Riolo

Recipe excerpt from:
Italian Recipes for Dummies
by Amy Riolo

Prep Time: 10 Min
Cook Time: 10 Min
Yield: 8 Servings

Ingredients

  • 4 vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 carrot, thinly sliced
  • bf 1/4 teaspoon unrefined sea salt
  • 1⁄8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Juice and zest from 1 large lemon
  • 1 pound dry scallops
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3/4 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless cod, haddock, or other white fish, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 pound baby squid tubes, cleaned and sliced in small rings
  • 1/2 cup Amy Riolo Selections or other good-quality extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 pound mussels, scrubbed well
  • 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • Additional lemon slices, for garnish

Directions

  1. Place the tomatoes, carrot, salt, pepper, and lemon zest in a large bowl, and mix well.
  2. Bring a medium-size pot 3/4 full of water to boil over high heat.
  3. Lower the heat to medium, and add the scallops and bay leaf. Cook, uncovered, until scallops are opaque, approximately 1 minute. Remove scallops with a slotted spoon to a dish lined with paper towels. Add the shrimp and fish to the water, and cook until opaque, 1–2 minutes. Transfer to another dish lined with paper towels. Add the squid and cook for approximately 40 seconds, until rings begin to tighten slightly. Remove with a slotted spoon into a colander. Immediately transfer squid to a bowl of very cold water to stop the cooking.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons EVOO and garlic cloves to a large, wide skillet with a fitted lid over a medium-high flame. When oil is hot, add mussels, toss to coat, and add 1/2 cup water over the top. Cover and cook for 2–4 minutes until mussels are open (cooked). Remove opened mussels, and set aside. If any mussels fail to open after another minute or two of cooking, discard them.
  5. In a small bowl, make the dressing by whisking the EVOO and lemon juice together until emulsified.
  6. Add the seafood to a salad bowl, and stir to combine. Drizzle with dressing, and stir. Sprinkle with parsley, garnish with lemon slices, and serve immediately.

Tip

Reserve this recipe, a traditional Christmas Eve appetizer that can be enjoyed anytime, for a time when the freshest seafood and produce possible are available to you.

Pair this dish with a bottle of Passerina di Offida or similar. A white wine with a slender body, low alcohol, and a taste profile underlined by freshness, sapidity, and tropical notes.

Show 485, July 30, 2022: “Ask the Chef” with Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of Calico Fish House

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.

We all know salmon is healthy and, ideally, should be part of our regular diet. It also can be kind of boring. As our resident seafood authority we have Chef Andrew to the culinary rescue. Chef Andrew shares his thoughts on easily adding some excitement to that traditional salmon dish. Also some advice for jazzing up Salmon Burgers. Think about adding shrimp when preparing and shaping the patty.

Show 464, March 5, 2022: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

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, among many attributes, is a nationally recognized authority on seafood, sustainability and it’s sourcing. Chef Andrew’s commentary is on seafood imports and exports. A few surprises along the way. 90 per cent of the seafood we consume in the United States is imported. 65 per cent of that is farm-raised. The number one country we import that seafood from is China where the health and safety standards, unfortunately, aren’t quite as rigorous as in the States.

Chef Andrew would like to see a lot more farm-raised, sustainable seafood “grown” domestically where the standards of supervision are a lot more rigorous. Tilapia and shrimp are already being farm-raised domestically with the result being a high-quality product.

Show 281, July 14, 2018: Edgar Cisneros, Producer, Puerto Vallarta’s 6th Annual Ceviche & Aguachile Festival

Edgar CisnerosThe 6th Edition of Puerto Vallarta’s celebrated Ceviche and Aguachile Festival is set for Sunday, July 29th in Old Town Puerto Vallarta from Noon to 7:00 p.m. No admission charge and you pay as you go for the samples.

The Festival celebrates the local seafood delicacy with participating restaurants, local microbreweries, and raicilla producers. 40, plus, varieties will be available to sample including vegetarian options. Also live music with a local flair throughout the day.

“Aguachile is a Mexican dish made of shrimp, submerged in liquid seasoned with chili peppers, lime juice, salt, cilantro, and slices of onion. Fresh vegetables such as cucumber are usually added.” It can be thought of as a kicked-up version of ceviche.

Producer & Founder Edgar Cisneros reels in all the spicy details for us live from Puerto Vallarta.

Show 278, June 23, 2018: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at the Fifth Anniversary of the SoCal Restaurant ShowChef Andrew Gruel, the founder of The Slapfish Restaurant Group, joins us with another installment of Ask the Chef.”

There is still a lot of unfortunate confusion out there regarding the desirability and safety of farm-raised seafood. The myth persists that wild-caught is always best.

As Chef Andrew explains most of the seafood we enjoy domestically is actually farm-raised. Think shrimp…

It’s all a matter of best practices for the farm-raised seafood and uniform standards. That’s the wrinkle. It’s not a question of one over the other. Both wild caught and farm raised are part of the seafood we enjoy on the table.

Chef Andrew provides more needed insight.

 

Show 212, February 25, 2017: Chef Louie Jocson, Vice President, Food & Beverage, California Fish Grill

Louie JocsonWe all know the experts suggest we get more heart-healthy seafood into our regular diet. How do you dine out and find quality seafood at affordable prices? Answering that need has been the Ambitious goal of California Fish Grill since the first location opened in 1998.

“Since 1998, California Fish Grill has been serving quality seafood at affordable prices to our loyal customers and their families. The vision for our restaurant came more from a simple question than the thought of a successful business enterprise. It is widely known that seafood is rich in nutrients and healthy omega-3 oils. The Surgeon General recommends that Americans eat 2-3 servings of seafood per week to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

“Why is it so hard to find a place that serves great seafood at prices someone could afford to eat 2-3 times per week?” That is where the concept of California Fish Grill was born.”

“Our menu consists of grilled and fried seafood to satisfy anyone’s palate. We also offer wonderful crisp, fresh salads topped with your choice of grilled fish or seafood. One of our most popular offerings is fish tacos. We offer the widest variety of fish tacos served anywhere. From grilled Mahi-Mahi, Tuna, Salmon and Shrimp to our fried selections of Arctic White Fish and Shrimp.”

It’s a fast casual concept. You order and pay up front and then your food is delivered to your table by a runner when it’s ready. There is a separate order counter for takeout.

Veteran Chef Louie Jocson, Vice President, Food & Beverage for California Fish Grill joins us with all the details.

Show 171, May 14, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel

Program Note…On May 21st we’re broadcasting live from the studios of Chicago’s ESPN 1000 – WMVP-AM. We’re there to join in the celebration of Chef Andrew Gruel’s Trendsetter MenuMaster Award presented by Nation’s Restaurant News. The vibrant Chicago dining scene will be well represented in the show! You don’t want to miss this show.

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

Now a stimulating peak at Saturday’s tantalizing show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a pretty good thing…

At the age of 15, Chef Brendan Collins quit secondary school to follow his dream and enroll in culinary school, where he was classically trained in French technique. Today Collins is the Executive Chef and Proprietor of Birch in Hollywood, Larry’s in Venice as well as the Executive Chef of The Corner Door in Culver City. On Sunday, May 15th he’s part of the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Hollywood Farmers Market.

Congratulations to native Angeleno, Chef Dahlia Narvaez, the Executive Pastry Chef of both Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza in Hollywood. Chef Dahlia was presented with the 2016 James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef in Chicago at Lyric Opera on May 2nd. She is our special guest.

From the founder of AmazingRibs.com (Meathead Goldwyn), the hugely popular grilling and barbecue website known for applying the latest scientific research to America’s favorite form of cooking, comes MEATHEAD: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling. Meathead is known as the barbecue whisperer and joins us.

There is a novel way to experience America’s Riviera, Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Car Free Project invites visitors to show their Amtrak train tickets and enjoy car free fun (with special discounts) in Santa Barbara. Laura Kath with Santa Barbara Car Free provides us with all the needed 411.

Shrimp is one of the most popular varieties of seafood enjoyed in America. What should you know about sourcing, cooking and enjoying this delicious crustacean? Does size matter? Fresh or frozen? Wild caught or farm raised? Should you pay attention to where the shrimp comes from? Our own resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel, joins us with all the specifics. It’s a peel-and-eat feast.

The Better Burger Battle is heating up again with the arrival of Fullerton’s favorite, The Burger Parlor, in Old Towne Orange. You have a serious fine dining chef creating premium burgers and loving it. They even make their own ice cream for the milk shakes. Burger-meister and Chef Joseph Mahon is with us with all the juicy details.

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

May 14: Brendan Collins, Dahlia Narvaez, Meathead Goldwyn, Santa Barbara Car Free, Burger Parlor

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Owner / Executive Chef Brendan Collins of Birch, Larry’s and The Corner Door
Segment Three: Executive Pastry Chef Dahlia Narvaez, Osteria Mozza & Pizzeria Mozza
Segment Four: Meathead Goldwyn of AmazingRibs.com
Segment Five: Santa Barbara Car Free with Laura Kath
Segment Six: Chef Andrew Gruel with Shrimp 411
Segment Seven: Chef Joseph Mahon, The Burger Parlor, Fullerton & Old Towne Orange Part One
Segment Eight: Chef Joseph Mahon, The Burger Parlor, Fullerton & Old Towne Orange Part Two

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, most recently, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Now a stimulating peak at Saturday’s tantalizing show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a pretty good thing…

At the age of 15, Chef Brendan Collins quit secondary school to follow his dream and enroll in culinary school, where he was classically trained in French technique. Today Collins is the Executive Chef and Proprietor of both Birch in Hollywood as well as the Executive Chef of The Corner Door in Culver City. On Sunday, May 15th he’s part of the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Hollywood Farmers Market.

Congratulations to native Angeleno, Chef Dahlia Narvaez, the Executive Pastry Chef of both Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza in Hollywood. Chef Dahlia was presented with the 2016 James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef in Chicago at Lyric Opera on May 2nd. She is our special guest.

From the founder of AmazingRibs.com (Meathead Goldwyn), the hugely popular grilling and barbecue website known for applying the latest scientific research to America’s favorite form of cooking, comes MEATHEAD : The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling. Meathead is known as the barbecue whisperer and joins us.

There is a new way to experience America’s Riviera, Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Car Free Project invites visitors to show their Amtrak train tickets and enjoy car free fun (with special discounts) in Santa Barbara. Laura Kath with Santa Barbara Car Free provides us with all the needed 411.

Shrimp is one of the most popular varieties of seafood enjoyed in America. What should you know about sourcing, cooking and enjoying this delicious crustacean ? Does size matter ? Fresh or frozen ? Wild caught or farm raised? Should you pay attention to where the shrimp comes from ? Our own resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel, joins us with all the specifics. It’s a peel-and-eat feast.

The Better Burger Battle is heating up again with the arrival of Fullerton’s favorite, The Burger Parlor, in Old Towne Orange. You have a serious fine dining chef creating premium burgers and loving it. They even make their own ice cream for the milk shakes. Burger-meister and Chef Joseph Mahon is with us with all the juicy details.

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

Brendan CollinsAt the age of 15, Chef Brendan Collins quit secondary school to follow his dream and enroll in culinary school, where he was classically trained in French technique. By 17, the talented Nottingham native had his first job at London’s La Gavroche, a Michelin two-star restaurant.

Today Collins is the Executive Chef and Proprietor of both Birch in Hollywood as well as the Executive Chef of The Corner Door in Culver City. On Sunday, May 15th he’s part of the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Hollywood Farmers Market.

Chef Collins is performing a cooking demonstration on the Cooking Stage at 12 Noon with a recipe from his new book, Cooking Blokes & Artichokes with a prior book-signing at 10:30 a.m.

The Hollywood Farmers Market and the parent non-profit, SEE-LA, are celebrating 25 successful years of providing the Los Angeles community with sustainable and fresh produce with special market events each Sunday in May. The Sunday event series for the balance of May features cookbook signings and demonstrations by a few of Los Angeles’ most celebrated chefs and cookbook authors

Dahlia Narvaez at the James Beard AwardsCongratulations to native Angeleno, Chef Dahlia Narvaez, the Executive Pastry Chef of both Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza in Hollywood. Chef Dahlia was presented with the 2016 James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef in Chicago at Lyric Opera on May 2nd. She is our special guest.

Dahlia Narvaez developed a love for food when cooking for her family after school in Highland Park. Trading the classroom for the kitchen, Narvaez left school for a job at the Conga Room at the age of 22.

Looking to take the next step in her career, Dahlia confidently strode through the doors of La Brea Bakery and asked for a counter job. But she never worked a minute behind the counter, vaulting immediately to the kitchen at Nancy Silverton’s Campanile where, in 2003, she was name Executive Pastry Chef.

Dahlia left Campanile in 2006 to assume the role of Executive Pastry Chef for what was to soon become Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza. Dahlia developed the menus and pastry departments for all of Mozza’s LA restaurants and oversees the department in Newport Beach and Singapore.

As a side project Chef Dahlia also created the distinctive dessert menu at Chef Chris Feldmeier’s Moruno located in the Original Farmers Market at Third & Fairfax. It’s really all in the Family as Chef Dahlia and Chef Chris are married.

Meathead GoldwynFrom the founder of AmazingRibs.com (Meathead Goldwyn), the hugely popular grilling and barbecue website known for applying the latest scientific research to America’s favorite form of cooking, comes MEATHEAD: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling. Meathead is known as the barbecue whisperer and joins us.

Goldwyn first began his food and drink career as a soda jerk in his parents’ Sarasota restaurant where is father affectionately nicknamed him Meathead. In MEATHEAD, he reveals in full but accessible detail, the science behind the interaction of fire and food, with foolproof techniques, researched results on hardware, and 118 mouthwateringly, satisfying, and thoroughly tested recipes.

After consulting with scientists, Meathead shatters many of the myths that hang around barbecue lore, oftentimes standing in the way of perfection.

“Remember, almost anything you can cook indoors can be cooked outdoors, only better,” Meathead writes. “All it takes is the four P’s: practice, patience, persistence, and a knowledge of key cooking principles.”

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingThere is a new, au courant way to experience America’s Riviera, Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Car Free Project invites visitors to show their Amtrak train tickets and enjoy car free fun (with special discounts) in Santa Barbara. Laura Kath with Santa Barbara Car Free joins us with all the needed 411.

“Start your vacation when you get on the train! Relax on your trip to Santa Barbara, then show your Amtrak ticket to our partners for some amazing experiences.”

Through December 31, 2016, travelers to Santa Barbara can show their Amtrak tickets (paper, e-ticket, or mobile device) to the following attractions and activities for specials and experiences: Adventure Company of Santa Barbara (kayaking & surf lessons), Captain Jack’s Tours & Events (wine tasting or horseback riding), Celebration Cruises (Lil Toot & Azure Seas sailing), CONDOR Express (whale watching), I Bike Santa Barbara (cycling wine tours), Pali Wine Company, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, Santa Barbara Trolley Company, Santa Barbara Zoo, Segway of Santa Barbara, Sunset Kidd Sailing Cruises and Wheel Fun Rentals (bikes).

Santa Barbara Car Free is an award-winning project founded and led by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District with more than 100 community partners who are dedicated to making car free vacations care-free.

Andrew Gruel and his son WilliamShrimp is one of the most popular varieties of seafood enjoyed in America. What should you know about sourcing, cooking and enjoying this delicious crustacean? Does size matter? Fresh or frozen? Wild caught or farm raised? Should you pay close attention to where the shrimp comes from? Are there any food safety concerns to be aware of about consuming shrimp?

Our own resident seafood authority, Chef Andrew Gruel, joins us with all the specifics. It’s a veritable peel-and-eat feast.

Joseph MahonThe Better Burger Battle is heating up again with the arrival of Fullerton’s favorite, The Burger Parlor in Old Towne Orange. You have a serious fine dining chef creating premium burgers and loving it. They even make their own homemade ketchup and ice cream for the milk shakes. Burger-meister and Chef Joseph Mahon is with us with all the juicy details.

“Often times, when customers order a hamburger in a fine-dining establishment, they wind up disappointed. Either the patty blend isn’t right or the burger lacks a sauce or the whole dish is too precious.”

“Not so with Joseph Mahon. When the fine-dining veteran introduced his hamburger at the posh Bastide in West Hollywood, the reception was so overwhelmingly positive, Mahon started penciling out his own burger business.”

The result is The Burger Parlor in Fullerton and now, Old Towne Orange.

“Initially, Chef Mahon plied his sandwiches through food trucks and then a pop-up venue. “The first six months was a laboratory, improving consistency and getting guest feedback,” he reminisces. But changes in his personal life required a permanent address. “My daughter was on the way,” Mahon reveals, adding, “I stopped seeking out the next trend – I could chase that for 25 years.” He began to ask himself, “What’s more stable?”

“The answer was Burger Parlor, a location just around the corner from the pop-up site in Fullerton.”

“No matter what the burger combination, Mahon insists, “let the meat shine. Everything else is second, third or fourth.”

Chef Mahon generously shares his recipe for the Kali Burger on Pages 148 – 149 in West Coast Prime Meats Cooks – Professional Recipes For The Home Kitchen.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Owner / Executive Chef Brendan Collins of Birch, Larry’s and The Corner Door
Segment Three: Executive Pastry Chef Dahlia Narvaez, Osteria Mozza & Pizzeria Mozza
Segment Four: Meathead Goldwyn of AmazingRibs.com
Segment Five: Santa Barbara Car Free with Laura Kath
Segment Six: Chef Andrew Gruel with Shrimp 411
Segment Seven: Chef Joseph Mahon, The Burger Parlor, Fullerton & Old Towne Orange Part One
Segment Eight: Chef Joseph Mahon, The Burger Parlor, Fullerton & Old Towne Orange Part Two