Show 447, October 16, 2021: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Otium, launched in late 2015 and recently reopened, is a contemporary restaurant that draws from the rich culinary heritage of Chef Timothy Hollingsworth (ex-The French Laundry.) It is designed to be a social restaurant with an open kitchen merging indoor and outdoor spaces. The restaurant’s name, Otium, has its roots in Latin, a word that is meant to emphasize a place where time can be spent on leisurely social activities.” We pull Proprietor & Chef Timothy Hollingsworth away from forming the sweet potato agnolotti in his busy kitchen for a visit.

Modernist Pizza by Nathan Myhrvold and Chef Francisco Migoya is the result of 200,000 hours of work by the incredibly talented team of culinary professionals and food scientists at Modernist Cuisine. “It’s the ultimate deep dive into one of the world’s most beloved foods. Over four years of research in the making, Modernist Pizza delivers the story of pizza as it’s never been told before. The book is the culmination of Modernist Cuisine’s findings and discoveries into the deliciously diverse world of pizza, including, for the first time, a chapter on travel.” Chef Francisco Migoya joins us pizza peel in hand.

The Gas Co is again providing a number of genuinely useful services to Chefs and Restaurateurs. The Energy Resource Center in Downey offers small group demonstrations, equipment testing and tours. The Gas Co features their “Try Before You Buy” program out of the Energy Resource Center. Their Commercial Service Techs provide maintenance tips and repair services to restaurant operators (typically at no charge.) The Gas Co. offers outreach to restaurant and foodservice operators to receive rebates on qualified gas equipment purchases. Representing SoCal Gas with an informative overview of all of these efforts is Gina Christian, Foodservice Technical Specialist and Vendor Outreach and Carmen Oliver, Customer Programs Advisor II.

Sella & Mosca winery was founded in 1899 by two Piemontese businessmen, Erminio Sella and Edgardo Mosca, revered to this day for their prominent roles in the Risorgimento (Italy’s 19th-century unification movement). It was their love of unexplored terrains that led Sella, an engineer, and Mosca, a lawyer, to venture to Sardinia and start a winery on this idyllic island. European vineyards were just starting to recover from a devastating Phylloxera infestation and Sella and Mosca had an ambitious plan to reclaim the vineyards in the area known as I Piani. Today, Sella & Mosca’s I Piani estate in Sardinia is the second largest contiguous vineyard in Italy and counts itself among the country’s most impressive wineries. Situated in the northwest corner of Sardinia, just inland from the historic port of Alghero, this 1,600-acre property with more than 1,200 acres of vines is one of the largest wine estates in Europe. Designated a DOC in 1995, Alghero is characterized by its iron-rich limestone, clay and sandy soils. In addition to the I Piani estate, Sella & Mosca also has vineyards in Sulcis DOC and Gallura DOCG.” Joining us to uncork all that is Sella & Mosca is Alfonso Gagliano, Brand Manager USA for Sella & Mosca winery.

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. First Chef Andrew previews his Ultimate Lobster Roll how-to video available on YouTube. Chef Andrew then updates us on the impact to the area fisheries of the pipeline oil spill off the coast of Huntington Beach. He’ll also provide a status report on the ongoing labor shortage in the restaurant business.

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

Show 447, October 16, 2021: SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center with Gina Christian and Carmen Oliver

Gina Christian of SoCal Gas

The Gas Co is again providing a number of genuinely useful services to Chefs and Restaurateurs as the recovery continues. The Energy Resource Center in Downey offers small group demonstrations, equipment testing and tours. The Gas Co features their “Try Before You Buy” program out of the Energy Resource Center. Their Commercial Service Techs provide maintenance tips and repair services to restaurant operators (typically at no charge.) The Gas Co. offers outreach to restaurant and foodservice operators to receive rebates on qualified gas equipment purchases.

Representing SoCal Gas with an informative overview of all of this is Gina Christian, Foodservice Technical Specialist and Vendor Outreach, and Carmen Oliver, Customer Programs Advisor II.

October 16: Timothy Hollingsworth, Modernist Pizza, SoCal Gas, Sella & Mosca

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef & Partner Timothy Hollingsworth, Otium, Los Angeles Part One
Segment Three: Executive Chef & Partner Timothy Hollingsworth, Otium, Los Angeles Part Two
Segment Four: Francisco Migoya, Modernist Cuisine Head Chef on Modernist Pizza Part One
Segment Five: Francisco Migoya, Modernist Cuisine Head Chef on Modernist Pizza Part Two
Segment Six: SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center with Gina Christian and Carmen Oliver
Segment Seven: Sella & Mosca winery (Sardinia) with Alfonso Gagliano, US Brand Manager
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

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

Otium, launched in late 2015 and recently reopened, is a contemporary restaurant that draws from the rich culinary heritage of Chef Timothy Hollingsworth (ex-The French Laundry.) It is designed to be a social restaurant with an open kitchen merging indoor and outdoor spaces. The restaurant’s name, Otium, has its roots in Latin, a word that is meant to emphasize a place where time can be spent on leisurely social activities.” We pull Proprietor & Chef Timothy Hollingsworth away from forming the agnolotti in his busy kitchen for a visit.

Modernist Pizza by Nathan Myhrvold and Chef Francisco Migoya is the result of 200,000 hours of work by the talented team of culinary professionals and food scientists at Modernist Cuisine. “It’s the ultimate deep dive into one of the world’s most beloved foods. Over four years of research in the making, Modernist Pizza delivers the story of pizza as it’s never been told before. The book is the culmination of Modernist Cuisine’s findings and discoveries into the deliciously diverse world of pizza, including, for the first time, a chapter on travel.” Chef Francisco Migoya joins us pizza peel in hand.

The Gas Co is again providing a number of genuinely useful services to Chefs and Restaurateurs. The Energy Resource Center in Downey offers small group demonstrations, equipment testing and tours. The Gas Co features their “Try Before You Buy” program out of the Energy Resource Center. Their Commercial Service Techs provide maintenance tips and repair services to restaurant operators (typically at no charge.) The Gas Co. offers outreach to restaurant and foodservice operators to receive rebates on qualified gas equipment purchases. Representing SoCalGas with an informative overview of all of this is Gina Christian, Foodservice Technical Specialist and Vendor Outreach and Carmen Oliver, Customer Programs Advisor II.

Sella & Mosca winery was founded in 1899 by two Piemontese businessmen, Erminio Sella and Edgardo Mosca, revered to this day for their prominent roles in the Risorgimento (Italy’s 19th-century unification movement). It was their love of unexplored terrains that led Sella, an engineer, and Mosca, a lawyer, to venture to Sardinia and start a winery on this idyllic island. European vineyards were just starting to recover from a devastating Phylloxera infestation and Sella and Mosca had an ambitious plan to reclaim the vineyards in the area known as I Piani. Today, Sella & Mosca’s I Piani estate in Sardinia is the second largest contiguous vineyard in Italy and counts itself among the country’s most impressive wineries. Situated in the northwest corner of Sardinia, just inland from the historic port of Alghero, this 1,600-acre property with more than 1,200 acres of vines is one of the largest wine estates in Europe. Designated a DOC in 1995, Alghero is characterized by its iron-rich limestone, clay and sandy soils. In addition to the I Piani estate, Sella & Mosca also has vineyards in Sulcis DOC and Gallura DOCG.” Joining us to uncork all that is Sella & Mosca is Bethany Burke, Senior Vice President, Public Relations and Corporate Communications for Taub Family Selections, the US importer.

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. First Chef Andrew previews his “Ultimate Lobster Roll” how-to video available on You Tube. Chef Andrew then updates us on the impact to the area fisheries of the pipeline oil spill off the coast of Huntington Beach. He’ll also provide a status report on the ongoing labor shortage in the restaurant business.

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

Timothy Hollingsworth of Otium

Otium, launched in late 2015 and recently reopened, is a contemporary restaurant that draws from the rich culinary heritage of Chef Timothy Hollingsworth (ex-The French Laundry.) It is designed to be a social restaurant with an open kitchen merging indoor and outdoor spaces. The restaurant’s name, Otium, has its roots in Latin, a word that is meant to emphasize a place where time can be spent on leisurely social activities.”

“Adjacent to one of Los Angeles’ most important cultural corridors — Grand Avenue — and next to its newest, most vibrant addition, the contemporary art museum, The Broad, Otium strips away the rigid formalities of dining while focusing on the quality of food, warm service, and relaxed casual ambience, paralleling the true essence of its name. The restaurant draws inspiration from the 100-year-old olive trees planted in The Broad’s adjacent Plaza by utilizing rustic cooking with wood fire and sustainable ingredients grown in the garden of the restaurant’s mezzanine.”

“Partner and Chef Timothy Hollingsworth’s 13-year history in Napa Valley, blended with his present roots as an Angeleno living in downtown Los Angeles, sets the stage for an environment of sophisticated rusticity with highly eclectic, vibrant, and seasonal flavors.”

“While working at The French Laundry under Chef Thomas Keller in 2008, Hollingsworth competed in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or USA, where he was awarded the opportunity to represent the United States at the Bocuse d’Or World Cuisine Contest—the biennial global cooking competition. In early 2009, Hollingsworth traveled to Lyon, France to compete in the prestigious event, where he placed sixth out of 24 prominent chef teams from around the world.”

“Shortly after leaving his post at The French Laundry in 2013 and traveling to stage under acclaimed European Chefs including Alain Ducasse and Gordon Ramsay, Chef Hollingsworth moved to Los Angeles to begin new ventures. In his current role and first solo project at Otium, he looks to be a mentor to the next generation of aspiring chefs.”

Chef Tim competed in the first global cooking competition series, Netflix’s 10-part “The Final Table,” released for streaming in November 2018. Hollingsworth bested 23 other prominent chefs from around the world to emerge as top toque.

Chef Timothy Hollingsworth joins us.

Francisco Migoya of Modernist Cuisine

Modernist Pizza by Nathan Myhrvold and Chef Francisco Migoya is the result of 200,000 hours of work by the talented team of culinary professionals and food scientists at Modernist Cuisine. “It’s the ultimate deep dive into one of the world’s most beloved foods. Over four years of research in the making, Modernist Pizza delivers the story of pizza as it’s never been told before. The book is the culmination of Modernist Cuisine’s findings and discoveries into the deliciously diverse world of pizza, including, for the first time, a chapter on travel.”

“Whether you’re a professional pizzaiolo or new to making pizza, Modernist Pizza is for anyone who enjoys a slice. The recipes in the book were developed using both professional and home ovens (and equipment). Filled with gorgeous photographs and helpful illustrations, you’ll find guides to help you choose gear, determine where to start with their dough recipes, and build your own pizzas.”

Modernist Pizza explores all aspects of pizza. Volumes 1 and 2 cover the science, history, fundamentals, ingredients, pizza travels, and techniques of making pizza. Volume 3 is dedicated to both traditional and innovative recipes for pizza found around the globe. A Kitchen Manuel (400 pages, wire-bound) makes the recipes portable.”

“Deep-dish pizza made with Neapolitan dough. A game-changing flavor-infused fiord di latte mozzarella. Ordinary canned soup, transformed into robust pizza sauce. The ultimate leftover slice. Backed by extensive experiments, Modernist Pizza contains new insights, techniques, and scientific knowledge that will take your pizza-making skills and creativity to the next level.”

“Francisco Migoya is the coauthor of Modernist Bread (2017) and Modernist Pizza (2021.) As head chef, he leads the Modernist Cuisine culinary team in Bellevue, Washington. An innovative pastry chef Migoya is the author of three books on his own. He has been recognized as a top US pastry chef and chocolatier.” Prior to joining the Modernist Cuisine team, Migoya was a professor at the Culinary Institute of America, where his areas of instruction included bread, viennoiserie, pastry, and culinary science.”

Chef Francisco Migoya joins us pizza peel in hand.

Gina Christian of SoCal Gas

The Gas Co is again providing a number of genuinely useful services to Chefs and Restaurateurs as the recovery continues. The Energy Resource Center in Downey offers small group demonstrations, equipment testing and tours. The Gas Co features their “Try Before You Buy” program out of the Energy Resource Center. Their Commercial Service Techs provide maintenance tips and repair services to restaurant operators (typically at no charge.) The Gas Co. offers outreach to restaurant and foodservice operators to receive rebates on qualified gas equipment purchases.

Representing SoCalGas with an informative overview of all of this is Gina Christian, Foodservice Technical Specialist and Vendor Outreach, and Carmen Oliver, Customer Programs Advisor II.

Sella & Mosca winery was founded in 1899 by two Piemontese businessmen, Erminio Sella and Edgardo Mosca, revered to this day for their prominent roles in the Risorgimento (Italy’s 19th-century unification movement). It was their love of unexplored terrains that led Sella, an engineer, and Mosca, a lawyer, to venture to Sardinia and start a winery on this idyllic island. European vineyards were just starting to recover from a devastating Phylloxera infestation and Sella and Mosca had an ambitious plan to reclaim the vineyards in the area known as I Piani.”

“Today, Sella & Mosca’s I Piani estate in Sardinia is the second largest contiguous vineyard in Italy and counts itself among the country’s most impressive wineries. Situated in the northwest corner of Sardinia, just inland from the historic port of Alghero, this 1,600-acre property with more than 1,200 acres of vines is one of the largest wine estates in Europe. Designated a DOC in 1995, Alghero is characterized by its iron-rich limestone, clay and sandy soils. In addition to the I Piani estate, Sella & Mosca also has vineyards in Sulcis DOC and Gallura DOCG.”

“As Sardinia’s foremost wine producer, Sella & Mosca is renowned for premium wines made exclusively from estate-grown grapes. In addition to native varieties such as Vermentino and Cannonau, the winery has successfully pioneered the introduction of international grape varieties, notably Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.”

“Surrounded by landscaped gardens, the estate winery features multiple tasting rooms, an expertly designed enoteca and a fascinating exhibit showcasing replicas of archaeological finds unearthed on the estate and now housed in museums.”

Joining us to uncork all that is Sella & Mosca is Alfonso Gagliano, Brand Manager USA for Sella & Mosca winery.mporter.

Andrew and Lauren Gruel making the Ultimate Lobster Roll on YouTube

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.

First Chef Andrew previews his new Ultimate Lobster Roll how-to video available on You Tube. Chef Andrew then updates us on the impact to the area fisheries of the pipeline oil spill off the coast of Huntington Beach. What’s the situation with the spiny lobster season? He’ll also provide a status report on the ongoing labor shortage in the restaurant business.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef & Partner Timothy Hollingsworth, Otium, Los Angeles Part One
Segment Three: Executive Chef & Partner Timothy Hollingsworth, Otium, Los Angeles Part Two
Segment Four: Francisco Migoya, Modernist Cuisine Head Chef on Modernist Pizza Part One
Segment Five: Francisco Migoya, Modernist Cuisine Head Chef on Modernist Pizza Part Two
Segment Six: SoCal Gas’ Energy Resource Center with Gina Christian and Carmen Oliver
Segment Seven: Sella & Mosca winery (Sardinia) with Alfonso Gagliano, US Brand Manager
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

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

Alycia Harshfield of the California Restaaurant Association

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

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

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

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

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

Show 392, September 26, 2020: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Angelenos who dine out frequently may remember the name of Chef Enrico Glaudo (Italian-born) from his days in Los Angeles with restaurateur Piero Selvaggio as executive chef of the fondly remembered Primi in West Los Angeles. He trained at two, 3-Star Michelin restaurants in Italy. Chef Enrico recently joined Malibu’s long-running Tra di Noi Ristorante Italiano as executive chef for proprietor Tarcisio Hess. It’s been a local icon of welcoming Italian dining for 30 years. Chef Enrico joins us to discuss his plans for refreshing the menu and keeping the loyal regulars coming back while attracting new guests.

The Kirsh Baking Company of Long Beach launched in May. The mail order bakery concentrates on crafting masterfully made cookies. “The founders are the husband and wife duo, Pastry Chef Uyen (Nguyen) Kirshenbaum and Jeff Kirshenbaum also a hospitality veteran. Like many who were furloughed during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Kirshenbaums are now pouring their energy into their passion, transforming what were once special-order cookies for those in the know, into a full-fledged business.” Chef Uyen’s signature cookies are available for mail order by the dozen. Chef Uyen takes a pause from mixing cookie dough to join us.

The Billy Harris Dinner Series presents Dinner At Home to benefit the Careers Through Culinary Arts Program, Los Angeles (C-CAP LA) featuring a Multi-Course Dinner in your very own home from Chef Jason Neroni of The Rose Venice, dessert from food television personality and Pastry Chef Duff Goldman, special appearance from celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson, and Musical Performance by the Award-Winning Vonda Shepard on Saturday, October 10th, 2020 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm!” Celebrity Master of Ceremonies Billy Harris and The Rose Venice’s Partner & Executive Chef Jason Neroni join us with all the delectable details.

Our friends at Melissa’s World Variety Produce are again hauntingly clever in putting together a complete package of inspired party ideas and fun, healthy recipes to make your socially distanced Halloween celebration the ultimate ghostly gathering for both kids and adults. It all starts with Melissa’s exclusive selection of Freaky Fruits. These delicious items (exotic and tropical fruits) include Kiwano Melon, Dragon Fruit, Jackfruit, Blood Oranges, Passion Fruit, Strawberry Papaya, Pomegranates, Rambutans, Cherimoya, and Finger Limes. Our resident produce authority, Robert Schueller, (also respectfully known as the Prince of Produce) provides the fun & squishy facts on Freaky Fruits for inspired Halloween entertaining and where to find the accompanying recipes created by the talented Melissa’s Chefs.

As restaurants are slowly reopening as allowed in the various Counties of Southern California, SoCal Gas has a host of valuable services available to restaurants and foodservice operators. This assistance includes the Food Service Equipment Center located within the Energy Resource Center in Downey. Also available are Energy Savings Programs and a variety of helpful Reopening Services. Our knowledgeable guides are SoCalGas’ Carmen Oliver (Title Customer Programs) and Gina Christian (Food Service Technical Specialist & Customer Programs.) We’re cooking with gas…

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. Dine-in is slowly, with multiple hiccups, starting to come back but with a lot of new rules that greatly restrict guest counts. Alternately Take-Out / Delivery when you can surely helps… The consensus is that fine dining will look a bit different once the Covid 19 crisis finally subsides and there is a safe & proven vaccine readily available to all Americans. We all anticipate other significant changes in eating out at all levels. Will fine dining fully recover? How does the cost of real estate figure into the discussion? We continue this revealing discussion started with Chef Andrew last week.

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

Show 392, September 26, 2020: SoCal Gas Co’s services to Restaurants & Foodservice Operators

Gina Christian of SoCal GasAs restaurants are slowly reopening as allowed in the various Counties of Southern California, SoCal Gas has a host of valuable services available to restaurants and foodservice operators. This assistance includes the Food Service Equipment Center located within the Energy Resource Center in Downey. Also available are Energy Savings Programs and a variety of helpful Reopening Services.

“The Food Service Equipment Center, located at the Energy Resource Center in Downey, is a state-of-the-art kitchen and a great resource for any commercial foodservice customer. SoCalGas’ FSEC is the largest test kitchen for natural gas fired equipment in the country. You can attend webinars, learn about energy-efficient equipment and which equipment qualifies for a rebate.”

For restaurants and food service operators who would like to schedule a no cost, on-site inspection of your kitchen equipment with a SoCalGas Commercial Services Tech/CST call, 1-800-427-2000.

Our knowledgeable guides are SoCalGas’ Carmen Oliver (Title Customer Programs) and Gina Christian (Food Service Technical Specialist & Customer Programs.)

September 26: Tra Di Noi, Kirsh Baking Company, Billy Harris, Jason Neroni, Melissa’s Freaky Fruits, SoCal Gas

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Enrico Glaudo of Tra di Noi in Malibu
Segment Three: Pastry Chef & Proprietress Uyen Kirshenbaum, Kirsh Baking Co., Long Beach
Segment Four: Celebrity Emcee Billy Harris and Executive Chef & Partner Jason Neroni of The Rose Venice Part One
Segment Five: Celebrity Emcee Billy Harris and Executive Chef & Partner Jason Neroni of The Rose Venice Part Two
Segment Six: Produce Expert Robert Schueller of Melissa’s on Halloween Entertaining
Segment Seven: SoCal Gas Co’s services to Restaurants & Foodservice Operators
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Angelenos who dine out frequently may remember the name of Chef Enrico Glaudo (Italian-born) from his days in Los Angeles with Piero Selvaggio as executive chef of the fondly remembered Primi in West Los Angeles. He trained at two, 3-Star Michelin restaurants in Italy. Chef Enrico recently joined Malibu’s long-running Tra di Noi Ristorante Italiano as executive chef for proprietor Tarcisio Hess. Chef Enrico joins us to discuss his plans for refreshing the menu and keeping the loyal regulars coming back while attracting new guests.

The Kirsh Baking Company of Long Beach launched in May. The mail order bakery concentrates on crafting masterfully made cookies. The founders are the husband and wife duo, Pastry Chef Uyen (Nguyen) Kirshenbaum and Jeff Kirshenbaum also a hospitality veteran. Like many who were furloughed during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Kirshenbaums are now pouring their energy into their passion, transforming what were once special-order cookies for those in the know, into a full-fledged business. Chef Uyen’s signature cookies are available for mail order by the dozen. Chef Uyen takes a pause from mixing cookie dough to join us.

The Billy Harris Dinner Series presents Dinner At Home to benefit the Careers Through Culinary Arts Program, Los Angeles (C-CAP LA) featuring a Multi-Course Dinner in your very own home from Chef Jason Neroni of The Rose Venice, dessert from food television personality and Pastry Chef Duff Goldman, special appearance from celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson, and Musical Performance by the Award-Winning Vonda Shepard on Saturday, October 10th, 2020 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm!” Celebrity Master of Ceremonies Billy Harris and The Rose Venice’s Partner & Executive Chef Jason Neroni join us with all the delectable details. 

Our friends at Melissa’s World Variety Produce are again hauntingly clever in putting together a complete package of inspired party ideas and fun, healthy recipes to make your socially distanced Halloween celebration the ultimate ghostly gathering. It all starts with Melissa’s exclusive selection of Freaky Fruits. These delicious items (exotic and tropical fruits) include Kiwano Melon, Dragon Fruit, Jackfruit, Blood Oranges, Passion Fruit, Strawberry Papaya, Pomegranates, Rambutans, Cherimoya, and Finger lines. Our resident produce authority, Robert Schueller, (also known as the Prince of Produce) provides the fun & squishy facts on Freaky Fruits for inspired Halloween entertaining and where to find the accompanying recipes created by the inspired Melissa’s Chefs.

As restaurants are slowly reopening as allowed in the various Counties of Southern California, SoCal Gas has a host of valuable services available to restaurants and foodservice operators. This assistance includes the Food Service Equipment Center located within the Energy Resource Center in Downey. Also available are Energy Savings Programs and a variety of helpful Reopening Services. Our knowledgeable guides are SoCalGas’ Carmen Oliver (Title Customer Programs) and Gina Christian (Food Service Technical Specialist & Customer Programs.) We’re cooking with gas…

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. Dine-in is slowly, with multiple hiccups, starting to come back but with a lot of new rules that greatly restrict guest counts. Alternately Take-Out / Delivery when you can surely helps… The consensus is that fine dining will look a bit different once the Covid 19 crisis finally subsides and there is a safe & proven vaccine readily available to all Americans. We all anticipate other changes in eating out at all levels. Will fine dining fully recover? We continue this informative discussion started with Chef Andrew last week.

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

Enrico Glaudo of Tra Di NoiAngelenos who dine out frequently may remember the name of Chef Enrico Glaudo (Italian-born) from his long tenure with Piero Selvaggio as executive chef of the fondly remembered Primi in West Los Angeles. He trained at two, 3-Star Michelin restaurants in Italy. Chef Enrico recently joined Malibu’s long-running Tra di Noi Ristorante Italiano as executive chef for proprietor Tarcisio Hess.

Tra di Noi literally means “between us”.

“We have chosen this name because we feel and believe in a casual, friendly and homey atmosphere. The decor is warm and romantic. Our cooking style is just as you would find in the Italian countryside.”

“Tra di Noi’s extensive menu features an appealing variety of classic Italian dishes prepared from the finest, freshest ingredients available. All of the pastas are handmade daily. Known for their own special flair in the creation of traditional “cucina autentica,” including a sumptuous selection of pastas, superb crudo, unique salads and delicious seasonal specialties.”

A percentage of Tra di Noi’s produce is from Thorn Family Farm which is a local farm in Malibu. The restaurant also supports the Malibu Farmers Market and Malibu Olive Oil Company.

Chef Enrico joins us to discuss his plans for refreshing the menu and keeping the loyal regulars coming back while attracting new guests.

Uyen and Jeff Kirshenbaum of Kirsh Baking CompanyThe Kirsh Baking Company of Long Beach launched in May. The mail order bakery concentrates on creating masterfully made cookies. The founders are the husband and wife duo, Pastry Chef Uyen (Nguyen) Kirshenbaum and Jeff Kirshenbaum also a hospitality veteran. Like many who were furloughed during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Kirshenbaums are now pouring their energy into their passion, transforming what were once special-order cookies for those in the know, into a full-fledged business. Chef Uyen’s signature cookies are available for mail order by the dozen.

The line of “Jeff’s Cookies” are a tribute to Chef Uyen’s painstaking efforts to create the perfect gluten and dairy free cookie for her husband. Although she reveled in the reactions of friends, family and other chefs who were shocked to learn her Double Chocolate Chip cookies were dairy and gluten free, the secret is out now! Cookies are carefully packaged by the dozen in beautiful gift boxes.

The Classics line of fresh-baked cookie flavors includes Salted Chocolate Chip, Snickerdoodle, PB Chocolate, Vanilla Lavender and Lemon Poppy.

“Chef Uyen Kirshenbaum’s career in pastry began with training at the internationally acclaimed culinary institute, Ecole Lenotre in Paris and includes such celebrated establishments as Patisserie Gaulupeau in Versailles, Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak in Las Vegas, and Guy Savoy‘s first American restaurant at Caesar’s Palace. Chey Uyen became the first female Pastry Chef to lead Savoy’s team, and the restaurant garnered Two Michelin Stars in its first year. In 2015 Chef Uyen joined the team at Chef David LeFevre’s trio of Manhattan Beach restaurants as Executive Pastry Chef of The Arthur J, Manhattan Beach Post and Fishing with Dynamite.”

Chef Uyen takes a pause from mixing cookie dough to join us.

The Billy Harris“The Billy Harris Dinner Series presents Dinner At Home to benefit the Careers Through Culinary Arts Program, Los Angeles (C-CAP LA) featuring a Multi-Course Dinner in your very own home from Chef Jason Neroni of The Rose Venice, dessert from food television personality and Pastry Chef Duff Goldman, special appearance from celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson, and Musical Performance by the Award-Winning Vonda Shepard on Saturday, October 10th, 2020 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm!”

“This exclusive evening will be Hosted by Billy Harris (Hanging with Harris, Billy Harris Dinner Series) and will commence with Master Mixologist, Charlotte Voisey as she demonstrates how to mix-shake-stir The Unusual Neroni Negroni cocktail as guests enjoy some savory snacks. This virtual Dinner At Home will continue with a special select bottle of wine, interactive cooking demo with Chef Jason Neroni, special appearance by C-CAP Co-Chair Chef Marcus Samuelsson and his Mentee Tiana Gee, previously Sous Chef at Red Rooster in Harlem and C-CAP LA Alumna from Glendale High School 2014, dessert from Duff Goldman, and Live Musical Performance from Vonda Shepard, creating a beautiful night of laughs, libations, and a delectable dinner all to benefit C-CAP LA!”

Jason NeroniTickets to Dinner At Home to benefit the Careers Through Culinary Arts Program, Los Angeles (C-CAP LA) (Two Ticket order minimum) are available now at Dinner At Home to Benefit C-CAP LA. Each pair of Tickets will include a Multi-Course Dinner from Chef Jason Neroni and The Rose VeniceDessert from Duff Goldman, a Curated Cocktail Kit for Two, Bottle of WineBottle of S.Pellegrino, and a 20-gram Tin of Black River Caviar. The Dinner At Home Dinner Pick-up will be available between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 10th, 2020 at The Rose Venice or Dinner Delivery is available for $30 within twenty miles of the restaurant when selected with Ticket purchase.

Celebrity Master of Ceremonies Billy Harris and The Rose’s Partner & Chef Jason Neroni join us providing all the delectable details.

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety Produce in the AM830 KLAA StudioOur friends at Melissa’s World Variety Produce are again hauntingly clever in putting together a complete package of inspired party ideas and fun, healthy recipes to make your socially distanced Halloween celebration the ultimate ghostly gathering.

It all starts with Melissa’s exclusive selection of Freaky Fruits. These delicious items (exotic and tropical fruits) include Kiwano Melon, Dragon Fruit, Jackfruit, Blood Oranges, Passion Fruit, Strawberry Papaya, Pomegranates, Rambutans, Cherimoya, and Finger Limes.

The Melissa’s chefs have created a fiendishly clever collection of hauntingly delicious recipes for your Halloween entertaining. Don’t miss the Freaky Fruit Salad and the Dragon Egg Stew punch with cactus pears, apple cider, and rambutans.

All the easy-to-follow recipes and tips are @ melissas.com.

Our resident produce authority Robert Schueller (also known as the Prince of Produce) provides the fun & squishy facts on Freaky Fruits for inspired Halloween entertaining.

Gina Christian of SoCal GasAs restaurants are slowly reopening as allowed in the various Counties of Southern California, SoCal Gas has a host of valuable services available to restaurants and foodservice operators. This assistance includes the Food Service Equipment Center located within the Energy Resource Center in Downey. Also available are Energy Savings Programs and a variety of helpful Reopening Services.

“The Food Service Equipment Center, located at the Energy Resource Center in Downey, is a state-of-the-art kitchen and a great resource for any commercial foodservice customer. SoCalGas’ FSEC is the largest test kitchen for natural gas fired equipment in the country. You can attend webinars, learn about energy-efficient equipment and which equipment qualifies for a rebate.”

Our knowledgeable guides are SoCalGas’ Carmen Oliver (Title Customer Programs) and Gina Christian (Food Service Technical Specialist & Customer Programs.)

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant GroupOur 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. Dine-in is slowly, with multiple hiccups, starting to come back but with a lot of new rules that restrict guest counts. Alternately Take-Out / Delivery when you can surely helps…

The consensus is that fine dining will look a bit different once the Covid 19 crisis finally subsides and there is a safe & proven vaccine readily available to all Americans. We all anticipate other significant changes in eating out at all levels. Will fine dining fully recover? We continue this informative discussion started with Chef Andrew last week.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Enrico Glaudo of Tra di Noi in Malibu
Segment Three: Pastry Chef & Proprietress Uyen Kirshenbaum, Kirsh Baking Co., Long Beach
Segment Four: Celebrity Emcee Billy Harris and Executive Chef & Partner Jason Neroni of The Rose Venice Part One
Segment Five: Celebrity Emcee Billy Harris and Executive Chef & Partner Jason Neroni of The Rose Venice Part Two
Segment Six: Produce Expert Robert Schueller of Melissa’s on Halloween Entertaining
Segment Seven: SoCal Gas Co’s services to Restaurants & Foodservice Operators
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Show 38, August 10, 2013: Chef Ida Rodriguez, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce

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!

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