This is inspired by the classic dip, usually weighed down with lots of cream cheese, on menus at many bars and restaurants. This version features the artichoke and crab in their purest and healthiest forms. I prefer to use king crab, which has a decent amount of omega-3s, but you can use blue crab, too. The artichoke base of this recipe is the crema di carciofi that is also in the recipe for carciofi e pepe pasta in The What to Eat When Cookbook.
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to finish
Salt
400 grams whole wheat
linguine, spaghetti, or home-made Sourdough Busiate
Pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh
parsley
Directions
Cut the crab shells using a pair of kitchen shears, and remove the crab meat. Chop the crab meat into chunks and reserve.
Process the artichokes and oil in a Vitamix or other high-speed blender on low speed, gradually increasing the speed and pureeing until the mixture is very thick (it may not puree if you increase the speed too quickly). Scrape the sides of the blender, then shake the jar, and continue to puree on high speed, adding 2 to 3 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until a very smooth puree is reached. Be patient; this may take 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
Place the artichoke puree in a sauté pan with the crab meat, and warm gently over low heat while you make the pasta.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add enough salt to make the water salty like the sea. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water; transfer pasta to the artichoke mixture, and stir to combine. Add a little pasta water if it’s too thick. Season with pepper to taste, garnish with the parsley, and drizzle with olive oil.
NOTE: If using dried pasta, you can use the whole box if you want, but Dr. Crupain recommends 100 grams per person.
When bread becomes toast, it undergoes a Maillard chemical reaction, which is a food-geek way to say it becomes even tastier. It also adds a crustiness, for an ever-better bed for toppings like the mushroom-tahini mixture in this recipe. This is a crowd-pleasing appetizer, but sometimes I have it for breakfast or lunch. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a sprig of thyme at the end for a picture-perfect finish.
1 pound assorted mushrooms (such as oyster, maitake, shiitake)
½ teaspoon urfa chile flakes (dried Turkish chile peppers)
3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for finishing
Salt
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1 cup dry white wine
3 tablespoons tahini
4 slices whole wheat or sourdough bread, toasted and rubbed with a raw garlic clove
Directions
Coarsely chop the mushrooms, and add to a bowl with the chile flakes and oil. Toss to coat the mushrooms.
Cook the mushrooms in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until browned. Season with salt, add the garlic, shallot, and thyme, and sauté for 4 minutes or until the shallot is soft. Stir in the wine, and cook until just evaporated. Turn off the heat, and stir in the tahini. If the mixture is too dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons water for desired consistency. Spoon the mushrooms over the toast, sprinkle with salt to taste, and serve.
“Solvang, California has added new features for this year’s Solvang Julefest (pronounced ‘Yule-Fest’), the Santa Ynez Valley wine country town’s annual celebration of all things “holidays.” The season’s event stretch will begin Friday, November 24, 2023, and run through Saturday, January 6, 2024. Solvang Julefest 2023 will include multiple holiday-themed happenings all located within the walkable California Central Coast travel destination, frequently described as one of the nation’s “most Christmassy towns.”” Susan Lee (a native) of the Solvang Visitor Center joins us to provide the festive Holiday Cheer.
The partners in the popular Luchador Brewing Company are hosting the family-friendly Desert Brewfest: The First Coachella Valley Beer Festival on Sunday December 10th at the Cathedral City Amphitheater in Cathedral City. It’s a festive holiday-themed outdoor craft beer festival with music, Lucha Libre wrestling, local food vendors, pictures with Santa, and beer sampling from distinctive craft breweries near and far. In the spirit of the season the Luchador Brewing Company is also raising funds for charities along with a Holiday Toy Drive. It’s truly a beer lovers paradise. The partners in Luchador Brewing Company, Jaime Benson and Brent Miller join us to tap the keg on Desert Brewfest.
What is sourdough and why is San Francisco Sourdough held in such high esteem? A few weeks ago we introduced you to Baker Matt Kosoy of Rosalind Bakery in Pacifica with a newly launched retail bakery store in Downtown San Francisco near the Ferry Building. Matt is a recognized sourdough specialist and is with us providing the 411 on this popular bread variety. “Pacifica’s Rosalind Bakery’s delectable sourdough bread, pizzas, and pastries are made with a dash of love, a sprinkle of nostalgia, and a lot of dedication by proprietor and baker Matt Kosoy. They do more than just bake bread; they bring people together, creating moments of joy and connection. Named after the Matt’s maternal grandmother, Rosalind Bakery began in 2017 by building a community around food.”
Discover and Learn at Discovery Center at Agua Hedionda LagoonFoundation in Carlsbad. “An extraordinaire collection of hands-on nature activities that allow visitors to taste nature experiencing both the lagoon and the ecological reserve that resides in Carlsbad. The mission of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is to energize people through education and outreach to preserve Agua Hedionda Lagoon as an accessible and healthy watershed. Their vision is to be Stewards of the Watershed as they inspire future generations so all of us have access to a healthy lagoon. A safe place in nature…for all.”
Erin Hardin, Director of Community Relations for Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is our well-informed guide.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. The Holidays are arriving soon and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the objective. The Holidays are here and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and Family. Chef Andrew joins us with his continuing series of genuinely useful “Turkey Talk” cooking tips. Chef Andrew shares a simple recipe for cranberry sauce that easily outshines the version in the can. Also hints on crave-worthy gravy that adds excitement to the Holiday Table.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
What is sourdough and why is San Francisco Sourdough held in such high esteem? A few weeks ago we introduced you to Baker Matt Kosoy of Rosalind Bakeryin Pacifica with a newly launched retail bakery store in Downtown San Francisco. Matt is a recognized sourdough specialist and is with us providing the 411 on this ever popular bread variety. “Sourdough” is actually not a flavor.
“Pacifica’s Rosalind Bakery’s delectable sourdough bread, pizzas, and pastries are made with a dash of love, a sprinkle of nostalgia, and a lot of dedication by proprietor and baker Matt Kosoy. They do more than just bake bread; they bring people together, creating moments of joy and connection. Named after the Matt’s maternal grandmother, Rosalind Bakery began in 2017 by building a community around food. They take pride in every step of the baking process, from selecting the finest ingredients to handcrafting each loaf, pizza, and pastry. The result? Unparalleled flavors that ignite your senses.” Matt has recently closed an unusual, oversubscribed, $124,000 bond offering and expanded to a new location in Downtown San Francisco at 4 Embarcadero Center as part of the “Vacant to Vibrant Program.”
Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.
Solvang, California has added new features for this year’s Solvang Julefest (pronounced ‘Yule-Fest’), the Santa Ynez Valley wine country town’s annual celebration of all things “holidays.” The season’s event stretch will begin Friday, November 24, 2023, and run through Saturday, January 6, 2024. Solvang Julefest 2023 will include multiple holiday-themed happenings all located within the walkable California Central Coast travel destination, frequently described as one of the nation’s “most Christmassy towns.” Susan Lee of the Solvang Visitor Center joins us to provide the Holiday Cheer.
The partners in the popular Luchador Brewing Company are hosting the family-friendly Desert Brewfest: The First Coachella Valley Beer Festival on Sunday December 10th at the Cathedral City Amphitheater in Cathedral City. It’s a festive holiday-themed outdoor craft beer festival with music, Lucha Libre wrestling, local food vendors, pictures with Santa, and beer sampling from distinctive craft breweries near and far. In the spirit of the season the Luchador Brewing Company is also raising funds for charities. It’s truly a beer lovers paradise. The partners in Luchador Brewing Company, Jaime Benson and Brent Miller join us to tap the keg on Desert Brewfest.
What is sourdough and why is San Francisco Sourdough held in such high esteem? A few weeks ago we introduced you to Baker Matt Kosoy of Rosalind Bakery in Pacifica with a newly launched retail bakery store in Downtown San Francisco. Matt is a recognized sourdough specialist and is with us providing the 411 on this popular bread variety. “Pacifica’s Rosalind Bakery’s delectable sourdough bread, pizzas, and pastries are made with a dash of love, a sprinkle of nostalgia, and a lot of dedication by proprietor and baker Matt Kosoy. They do more than just bake bread; they bring people together, creating moments of joy and connection. Named after the Matt’s maternal grandmother, Rosalind Bakery began in 2017 by building a community around food.
Discover and Learn at Discovery Center at Agua Hedionda LagoonFoundation in Carlsbad. “An extraordinaire collection of hands-on nature activities that allow visitors to taste nature experiencing both the lagoon and the ecological reserve that resides in Carlsbad.
The mission of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is to energize people through education and outreach to preserve Agua Hedionda Lagoon as an accessible and healthy watershed. Their vision is to be Stewards of the Watershed as they inspire future generations so all of us have access to a healthy lagoon. A safe place in nature…for all.”
Erin Hardin, Director of Community Relations for Agua HediondaLagoon Foundation is our well-informed guide.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. The Holidays are arriving soon and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the objective. The Holidays are arriving soon and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and Family. Chef Andrew joins us with his continuing series of genuinely useful “Turkey Talk” cooking tips. Chef Andrew shares a simple recipe for cranberry sauce that easily outshines the version on the can. Also hints on gravy and vegetable sides that add excitement to the Holiday Table.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
Solvang, California has added new features for this year’s Solvang Julefest (pronounced ‘Yule-Fest’), the Santa Ynez Valley wine country town’s annual celebration of all things “holidays.” The season’s event stretch will begin Friday, November 24, 2023, and run through Saturday, January 6, 2024. Solvang Julefest 2023 will include multiple holiday-themed happenings all located within the walkable California Central Coast travel destination, frequently described as one of the nation’s “most Christmassy towns.”
“The Month-Long Holiday Event includes Daily Light & Music Shows, Ongoing “Nisser Adventure” Scavenger Hunt, Nighttime Makers Market, and Newly-Added Candlelight Tours.Solvang, also known as “The Danish Capital of America,” presents an ideal getaway opportunity for travelers looking for a European-style holiday atmosphere without the transatlantic travel, whether a midweek or weekend escape.” Susan Lee of the Solvang Visitor Center joins us to provide the Holiday Cheer.
“The popular Solvang Julefest Candlelight Tours will be offered December 8, 9, 15, and 16, and as schools traditionally pause for the holiday season, the Candlelight Tours will run weeklong, Monday, December 18, through Saturday, December 23. Starting at 5:00 PM, the Solvang Julefest Candlelight Tours will provide special holiday experiences for locals and visitors as they traverse the streets of Solvang, accompanied by Christmas carols and an entertaining education about some Danish traditions and Solvang history. Guided by a costumed host, all tour participants will receive an LED candle to hold during the tour. Advance purchase is required.”
“Solvang, known for its Danish-American vibe, architecture and design details, pastries and bakeries, and array of wine tasting options, also boasts dozens of unique boutiques, restaurants and gourmet food purveyors. Carefully-curated indie booksellers and high-end home goods suppliers mingle with fairy tale-like children’s stores and museum gift shops. Solvang’s foodie destinations offer everything from elevated street cuisine – like locally-sourced fish tacos on hand-made tortillas, and comforting ramen noodles – to European-style pretzels and sausages, to Italian standbys or iconic Danish dishes, to elevated new-Californian fare in the form of Michelin-honored menus.”
“The partners in the popular Luchador Brewing Company are hosting the family-friendly Desert Brewfest: The First Coachella Valley Beer Festival on Sunday December 10th at the Cathedral City Amphitheater in Cathedral City. It’s a festive holiday-themed outdoor craft beer festival with music, Lucha Libre wrestling, local food vendors, pictures with Santa, and beer sampling from distinctive craft breweries near and far. In the spirit of the season the Luchador Brewing Company is also raising funds for charities. It’s a beer lovers paradise.”
CRAFT BEER: Unlimited craft beers to sample from local and non-local breweries.
LIVE BANDS: They have some amazing performances lined up for you! Enjoy the incredible sounds of Queen Nation, a Queen tribute band, and Metalachi, a heavy metal Mariachi band. Their MC, DJ Carlos, will keep the energy high with great tunes and even give out prizes in between sets.
LUCHA LIBRE WRESTLING: Throughout the day, there will be thrilling Lucha Libre matches.
FOOD TRUCKS: They know that good food is essential, so they have many outstanding food trucks on-site to keep guests’ bellies full and satisfied throughout the day.
SANTA CLAUS: Get into the holiday spirit and take your picture with jolly old St. Nick himself! Don’t forget to wear your UGLY SWEATERS to impress Santa and everyone around you.
TOY DRIVE: Help Desert Brewfest spread joy this holiday season by bringing an unwrapped toy valued over $10. By doing so, you’ll have a chance to win prizes. The goal is to collect over 250 gifts for children in need, so let’s make a difference together.
The partners in Luchador Brewing Company, Jaime Benson and Brent Miller join us to tap the keg on Desert Brewfest.
What is sourdough and why is San Francisco Sourdough held in such high esteem? A few weeks ago we introduced you to Baker Matt Kosoy of Rosalind Bakeryin Pacifica with a newly launched retail bakery store in Downtown San Francisco. Matt is a recognized sourdough specialist and is with us providing the 411 on this ever popular bread variety.
“Pacifica’s Rosalind Bakery’s delectable sourdough bread, pizzas, and pastries are made with a dash of love, a sprinkle of nostalgia, and a lot of dedication by proprietor and baker Matt Kosoy. They do more than just bake bread; they bring people together, creating moments of joy and connection. Named after the Matt’s maternal grandmother, Rosalind Bakery began in 2017 by building a community around food. They take pride in every step of the baking process, from selecting the finest ingredients to handcrafting each loaf, pizza, and pastry. The result? Unparalleled flavors that ignite your senses.” Matt has recently closed an unusual, oversubscribed, $124,000 bond offering and expanded to a new location in Downtown San Francisco at 4 Embarcadero Center as part of the “Vacant to Vibrant Program.”
Discover and Learn at Discovery Center at Agua Hedionda LagoonFoundation in Carlsbad. “An extraordinaire collection of hands-on nature activities that allow visitors to taste nature experiencing both the lagoon and the ecological reserve that resides in Carlsbad.”
“The mission of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is to energize people through education and outreach to preserve Agua Hedionda Lagoon as an accessible and healthy watershed. Their vision is to be Stewards of the Watershed as they inspire future generations so all of us have access to a healthy lagoon. A safe place in nature…for all.”
“The Discovery Center is open to the public, and they primarily serve families with school-aged children who visit for active ways to involve their kids in fun, hands-on, educational experiences that give them a sense of accomplishment. The Foundation’s three initiatives include Environmental Education, Conservation and Access through Trails.”
Erin Hardin, Director of Community Relations for Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is our well-informed guide.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.
The Holidays are arriving soon and stress-free Holiday cooking is always the objective. As a working chef Andrew has plenty of experience with cooking wisely for the Holidays for both demanding guests and Family. Chef Andrew joins us with his continuing series of genuinely useful “Turkey Talk” cooking tips. Chef Andrew shares an easy recipe for cranberry sauce that easily outshines the version on the can. Also hints on gravy and vegetable sides that add excitement to the Holiday Table.
“Baker Arturo Enciso’s Gusto Bread is an organic panadería in Long Beach, California, specializing in pan and pan dulce made only with masa madre (natural leaven: sourdough starter).Find freshly made loaves, conchas, long breads, nixtamal, polvorones, horchata, café de olla, yerba mate, as well as delicious pantry goods (sardinas, beans), and so much more.”
“Gusto Bread is a homey, creative, latinx operation, with a love for tradition and nutrition, serving and supported by their local community. Gusto loves putting their heart and soul into their acclaimed work. Baker Arturo has a passionate connection to bread and baking.”
“Proprietor Arturo Enciso is a baker from Lebec, CA who has called Long Beach his home for over 10 years. As a self-taught baker for the last 7+ years, he’s grown his hobby into a career with his business Gusto Bread, a panadería orgánica on Retro Row in Long Beach (storefront just opened in August 2020). The bakery uses only masa madre (sourdough) for making breads and pan dulces, embracing ancient knowledge and using high-quality ingredients. He believes that good food and bread provide a beautiful way for people to connect with one another, to traditions and wisdom of the past and create community for a brighter future together.” Arturo takes a break from his busy ovens and joins us.
“Working alongside Arturo is his partner of over 10 years, Ana Belén Salatino, who you’ll find minding the shop, answering the phone and emails, and general day-to-day operations at the bakery. She is in awe of the amount of support and encouragement Gusto Bread has seen from the Long Beach community (and beyond) and knows a good part of the business’ success comes from the heartfelt passion Arturo has for baking and their shared deep commitment to the highest quality ingredients and processes.”
Gusto Bread is open five days and closed on Monday and Tuesday.
“Baker Arturo Enciso’s Gusto Bread is an organic panadería in Long Beach, California, specializing in pan and pan dulce made only with masa madre (natural leaven: sourdough starter).Find freshly made loaves, conchas, long breads, nixtamal, polvorones, horchata, café de olla, yerba mate, as well as delicious pantry goods (sardinas, beans), and so much more.”
“Gusto Bread is a homey, creative, latinx operation, with a love for tradition and nutrition, serving and supported by their local community. Gusto loves putting their heart and soul into their acclaimed work. Baker Arturo has a passionate connection to bread and baking.”
“Proprietor Arturo Enciso is a baker from Lebec, CA who has called Long Beach his home for over 10 years. As a self-taught baker for the last 7+ years, he’s grown his hobby into a career with his business Gusto Bread, a panadería orgánica on Retro Row in Long Beach (storefront just opened in August 2020). The bakery uses only masa madre (sourdough) for making breads and pan dulces, embracing ancient knowledge and using high-quality ingredients. He believes that good food and bread provide a beautiful way for people to connect with one another, to traditions and wisdom of the past and create community for a brighter future together.” Arturo takes a further break from his busy ovens and continues with us.
“Working alongside Arturo is his partner of over 10 years, Ana Belén Salatino, who you’ll find minding the shop, answering the phone and emails, and general day-to-day operations at the bakery. She is in awe of the amount of support and encouragement Gusto Bread has seen from the Long Beach community (and beyond) and knows a good part of the business’ success comes from the heartfelt passion Arturo has for baking and their shared deep commitment to the highest quality ingredients and processes.”
Gusto Bread is open five days and closed on Monday and Tuesday.
“Chef Ori maintains an aggressive house-cured meats program with over 60 different forms of charcuterie for Bestia. Bestia means “Beast” in Italian. He is also responsible for raising his own yeast culture which he uses to bake Bestia’s sourdough Pain au Levain, used as toast ubiquitously on the menu, as well as for the pizza dough, which rises and falls over a 24-hour cycle prior to being composed as a Napolitana pizza. It’s then baked in the Acunto (wood burning) oven at 900 degrees.”
Chef Ori observes that his wood-burning oven is the most unforgiving oven he’s ever worked with. He loves the results but you can easily scorch things if you’re not constantly monitoring the oven.
‘On the dolci side of the menu, Chef Genevieve is preparing a plethora of desserts from scratch using the finest raw ingredients such as acquarello rice for her al dente rice pudding served with perfectly ripened in-season fruit or her earthy, nutty, chestnut flour zeppole served with house-made coffee gelato and cream. In addition Chef Genevieve was partially responsible for the design of Bestia. She re-furbished oil drum spouts converting them into lighting fixtures.”
Bestia, which launched in late 2012 in a secluded location in the former warehouse district of Downtown Los Angeles (now known as the Arts District,) has been a high-profile foodie destination since the beginning. Meet the husband and wife team of Executive Chef Ori Menashe and Pastry Chef Genevieve Gergis and you’ll understand why.
Chef Shachi Mehra is well-known to Orange County diners as the opening chef for the fine-dining Tamarind of London in Newport Coast. Now Chef Shachi has branched out on her own and launched the more accessible ADYA in the Anaheim Packing House. It’s a reflection of modern India cuisine revolving around fresh, sustainable ingredients, simply prepared, in a casual setting.
Why would anyone sell nearly everything he owns, then pack up and travel for three years – alone – on a motorcycle? Meet world traveler and adventurer, Allan Karl, the author of Forks: A Quest For Culture, Cuisine And Connection. The standout book documents his 62,000 mile journey through 35 countries on 5 continents as well as provides authentic local recipes.
Spencer’s Restaurant at The Mountain is consistently one of the most popular and favorably reviewed restaurants in the greater Palm Springs area. Since 2008 the secret has been the culinary talents of Executive Chef Eric Wadlund in the kitchen.
The Museum of the American Cocktail is hosting one of their special “Touring the Cocktail” evenings at Guelaguetza Restaurante on July 23rd. It’s a tequila appreciation evening with Oaxacan food tastes. Tomas Estes, Mexico’s official Tequila Ambassador to Europe has the details.
All of this and lots more absolutely incredible deliciousness on Saturday’s show!
Bestia, which launched in late 2012 in a secluded location in the former warehouse district of Downtown Los Angeles (now known as the Arts District,) has been a high-profile foodie destination since the very beginning. Meet the husband and wife team of Executive Chef Ori Menashe and Pastry Chef Genevieve Gergis and you’ll better understand why.
“The overall industrial feel of Bestia, couplled with the passion, hard work and talent of Chef Ori and Chef Genevieve make Bestia an honest Mom and Pop restaurant (with character) built to last.”
“Chef Ori maintains an aggressive house-cured meats program with over 60 different forms of charcuterie for Bestia. Bestia means “Beast” in Italian. He is also responsible for raising his own yeast culture which he uses to bake Bestia’s sourdough Pain au Levain, used as toast ubiquitously on the menu, as well as for the pizza dough, which rises and falls over a 24-hour cycle prior to being composed as a Napolitana pizza. It’s then baked in the Acunto (wood burning) oven at 900 degrees.”
‘On the dolci side of the menu, Chef Genevieve is preparing a plethora of desserts from scratch using the finest raw ingredients such as acquarello rice for her al dente rice pudding served with perfectly ripened in-season fruit or her earthy, nutty, chestnut flour zeppole served with house-made coffee gelato and cream. In addition Chef Genevieve was partially responsible for the design of Bestia. She re-furbished oil drum spouts converting them into lighting fixtures.”
Chef Shachi Mehra is well-known to Orange County diners as the opening chef for the fine-dining Tamarind of London in Newport Coast. Now Chef Shachi has branched out on her own and launched the more accessible ADYA in the Anaheim Packing House. It’s a reflection of modern India cuisine revolving around fresh, sustainable ingredients, simply prepared, in a casual setting.
Earlier in her career Chef Shachi was mentored by pioneering Indian Chef Floyd Cardoz in Manhattan. She worked at both Tabla and Bread Bar eventually rising to the position of Head Cook at Bread Bar.
“With ADYA, I present an Indian experience that will allow those who are both familiar and less experienced with Indian cuisine to embark on a delicious, unique culinary journey that emphasizes fresh ingredients and pronounced flavors,” commented Chef Shachi, who blends Western and Indian cultures to create artful dishes that successfully marry tradition with modernity. “The casual setting of ADYA makes it inviting and accommodating to a wide range of guests who seek out the rich experiences that Indian cuisine has to offer.”
Why would anyone of sound mind sell nearly everything he owns (including a premium wine collection with cult California labels,) then pack up and travel for three years – alone – on a motorcycle? Meet world traveler and adventurer, Allan Karl, the author of Forks: A Quest For Culture, Cuisine And Connection. The standout book documents his incredible 62,000 mile journey through 35 countries on 5 continents over three years as well as provides authentic local recipes.
Getting the beautiful coffee table book published was an additional three-year odyssey of its own that became a Kickstarter case study..
From Allan: “Through the pages of this book, I share not only incredible adventures, I share the powerful gift of human connection – often made over good food and drink. Readers can experience the world as I did by traveling through each country, meeting the people and their unique cultures, and tasting their food.”
“As I traveled it occurred to me how important is the ritual of sharing food and how much we learn when we take the time to connect and share a meal with strangers or good friends alike.”
“Forks: A Quest For Culture, Cuisine And Connections is an oversized, coffee-table art-book with more than 700 photos, stories of adventure and survival and global local food.”
For two years Allan struggled to find a publisher willing to take on this unusual and ambitious book project. They couldn’t pigeonhole it…Finally he turned to Kickstarter to raise the needed initial funds to self publish. He raised almost twice his initial goal for a total of $44,994
After three years on the road Allan truly believes the Irish Proverb: “There are no strangers, only friends you haven’t met.”
Spencer’s Restaurant at The Mountain is consistently one of the most popular and favorably reviewed restaurants in the greater Palm Springs area. Since 2008 the secret has been the culinary talents of Executive Chef Eric Wadlund in the kitchen. Their relaxing Sunday Brunch is top of the mind with the locals.
“Featuring Four Star American Cuisine with a French – Pacific Rim Influence in a casually elegant atmosphere.”
The restaurant’s outdoor patios and the striking indoor dining area create an extremely inviting visual experience.
Chef Eric was just four when he whipped up his first culinary delight: doughnuts. His father owned a bakery and taught him the tricks of the trade, and, most of all, to love food and cooking.
Tomas Estes, London resident, native Angeleno, acclaimed restaurateur, and Mexico’s “Official Tequila Ambassador to Europe,” issues participants a passport to the world of tequila and takes them on a behind-the-scenes tour of agave spirits. Josh Goldman, Co-Founder of Soigné Group, a portfolio of 12 Los Angeles-area craft cocktail bars and restaurants, executes a drink menu that demonstrates tequila’s range and versatility.
A sampling of savory specialties from the authentic Oaxacan kitchen of Koreatown’s Restaurante Guelaguetza are included in the price of admission. Come taste why Pulitzer Prize-winning Los Angeles Times food critic Jonathan Gold says “Guelaguetza is the best Oaxacan restaurant in the country.”