Show 107, January 24, 2015: Chef Gary Arabia of the GC Marketplace

Gary ArabiaChef Gary Arabia, the long-established caterer to the stars, has operated the food and beverage operation on The Lot (previously known as Warner Brothers Hollywood) in Hollywood for 15 years. It’s also the base for his busy catering and event production firm, Global Cuisine by Gary Arabia.

Late last year Arabia launched a new venture, GC Marketplace by Gary Arabia, on Cahuenga Blvd. W. near Universal Studios. It’s a dazzling culinary destination for eating-in or grab-and-go. There are artisan food stations where the customers can interact with knowledgeable pros.

There is an impressive domestic and imported cheese case, a charcuterie counter with premium Jamon Iberico from Spain, smoked meats display, a pizza oven, rotisserie meats, prepared salad station, an ample dessert counter, an upscale coffee bar, a wine bar (with an in-house sommelier and 12 wines on “tap” dispensed from a Cruvinet) and a visually striking retail wine wall.

Virtually everything is made right there from scratch. That includes the buttery croissants, breakfast pastries, breads, and all the decadent desserts.

Gary Arabia joins us with an appetizing overview of GC Marketplace.

Show 67, March 29, 2014: Executive Chef Gretchen Beaumarchais, Angel Stadium, Anaheim, and Jaisun Ihm, Director of Premium Services, Legends.

Gretchen BeaumarchaisThe Angels Home opener is Monday evening, March 31st.

Executive Chef Gretchen Beaumarchais of Angel Stadium joins us to talk about all the enhancements for 2014. The food and beverage is now under the direction of Legends.

Jaisun (Jason) Ihm (Director of Premium Services) joins Chef Getchen.

There is now an in-house pastry chef (from the St. Regis, Monarch Beach) for 2014. All baked goods & sweets are now baked in-house. Bread is from OC Baking Co.

New grilled cheese sandwiches & smoked meats.

Around The Big A there is a fresh emphasis on providing local craft beers.

The Diamond Club has been remodeled and the menu revamped.

Halo at Angel Stadium (above The Diamond Club) is the new premium seating sports entertainment experience with globally inspired dining.

Show 43, October 12, 2013: Erika Nakamura, master butcher, chef, and co-owner of Lindy & Grundy Meats

Erika Nakamura of Lindy and Grundy MeatsThe classic, full-service neighborhood butcher shop is alive, well, and prospering at the 3-year old Lindy & Grundy Meats in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles. Artisan butcher Erika Nakamura (half of the Lindy & Grundy team along with Amelia Posada) was with us to fill us in. Erika is also a classically trained chef.

All of their premium meats are from humanely treated, grass fed animals and 100 per cent locally produced and sustainable. The partners only source meat from farms they have visited. They even inspect the harvesting facility where the animal is processed. They offer an alternative to commercial farming.

Here’s a tip for home tailgaters. On Sunday afternoon from 3 to 4:00 p.m. they feature “Smokey Sundays.” Each Sunday they offer a variety of slow smoked meats from their grill. You might see brisket, smoked ribs, chicken, buffalo chicken wings and more. Call that Sunday to see what’s on that menu.

They also offer educational classes.