Show 536, July 29, 2023: Brewmaster Bob Brandt – Red Car Brewery and Restaurant, Old Town Torrance

Bob Brandt of Red Car Brewery and Restaurant

“At Red Car Brewery and Restaurant in Old Town Torrance, the first craft brewery in Torrance, Brewmaster and owner Bob Brandt oversees the brewing of every barrel of Red Car ale enjoyed by their loyal patrons since 2000. From classics to their seasonal offerings, their fun variety of beers are imbued with personality and crafted with care.”

“Red Car beers are quintessentially English. They use English barley, wheat, yeast strains, and hops. In some of their beer styles, they incorporate domestic hops as well. Red Car Brewery’s small brewing system produces 14 kegs per batch — about 220 gallons.”

Motorman Reserve™ is one of Red Car Brewery’s classic ales. It shows complex flavor in a beer that is deceptively light. Pale Ale, Maris Otter, crystal and chocolate malts all contribute to an ale of modest strength. This ale is a satisfying tribute to the men who drove the thundering Big Red Cars.” Another popular style is there South Bay I.P.A. “It’s a potent combination of alcohol and fresh hop flavors. Remaining true to the style the Red Car Brewery selection is served unfiltered.”

A future segment will highlight the menu at Red Car Brewery & Restaurant. Think Signature Sandwiches, Brewpub Burgers, Fresh Pastas, Chicken Piccata, Woodfired Pizzas and Salads.

Brewmaster Bob Brandt is our guest to tap the keg on all that is Red Car Brewery.

Show 488, August 27, 2022: Rob Croxall, Founder and Head Brewer, El Segundo Brewing Co.

Rob Croxall of El Segundo Brewing Company

El Segundo Brewing is an independent craft brewery focusing on fresh, hoppy, West Coast IPAs. The Founder and Head Brewer is Rob Croxall. In May they celebrated their 11th Anniversary.

The festivities continue with their Oktoberfest 2022 Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 3rd starting at Noon. Last year they brought back Huftgold Festbier @ 5.8% (a taste of Munich) and it was so successful that it’s back in pint cans with a designed, real label.

Also in the Oktoberfest 2022 line up is Dunkel Bock, a collaboration style with John Palmer, the author of How To Brew. It’s a malty-rich German lager that was first brewed in Einbeck, Germany in the 14th Century. ESBC describes it as somewhere between a Marzen and a Dopplebock.

The on-site Mayberry Grill will be open serving Bratwurst, Sauerkraut and giant, freshly-baked pretzels from the renown Rockenwagner Bakery.

Rob Croxall joins us to tap the keg on the Oktoberfest festivities.

Show 460, February 5, 2022: Chef Sherry Yard of Bakery By the Yard, El Segundo Part One

The newly opened Bakery By the Yard in El Segundo is an elevated neighborhood bakery imagined by James Beard Award Winning Chef, cookbook author and Food TV personality (ABC’s “Great American Baking Show”) Sherry Yard. “Chef Sherry brings together farmers market ingredients, along with her award -winning recipes, to inspire the palates of all who visit. Whether it’s large scale events, custom catering, or cooking classes with Sherry + Friends, Bakery By the Yard offers something for everyone.”

VIP classes range from a Galentine’s Day Class to a Chocolate Lovers’ Class.

Look for Chef Sherry in late March on Food Network’s (and Discovery +) upcoming “The Julia Show” (a new competition series) hosted by Chef Antonia Lafaso.

Sherry Yard is our guest to tempt us with the best of both Bakery By the Yard and Pantry By the Yard.

Show 460, February 5, 2022: Chef Sherry Yard of Bakery By the Yard, El Segundo Part Two

The newly opened Bakery By the Yard in El Segundo is an elevated neighborhood bakery imagined by James Beard Award Winning Chef, cookbook author and Food TV personality (ABC’s “Great American Baking Show”) Sherry Yard. “Chef Sherry brings together farmers market ingredients, along with her award -winning recipes, to inspire the palates of all who visit. Whether it’s large scale events, custom catering, or cooking classes with Sherry + Friends, Bakery By the Yard offers something for everyone.”

VIP classes range from a Galentine’s Day Class to a Chocolate Lovers’ Class.

Look for Chef Sherry in late March on Food Network’s (and Discovery +) upcoming “The Julia Show” (a new competition series) hosted by Chef Antonia Lafaso.

Sherry Yard continues to further tempt us with the edible delights of Bakery By the Yard.

Show 415, March 6, 2021: Restaurateur Kate Failor of Hudson House, Redondo Beach

Hudson House in Redondo Beach was opened in early 2008 by Chefs Brooke Williamson and Nick Roberts, aptly named after their newborn son, Hudson. For over 11 years, they built a restaurant focused on the neighborhood, good food and cocktails which quickly helped grow the business into what it is today, a loved South Bay staple. In 2020, Nick & Brooke sadly stepped away from the business as a result of the stresses of COVID-19.”

“In a happy turn of events, their former Director of Operations, Kate Failor, partnered up with the owner of the former A Basq Kitchen in Redondo Beach, Jessica Ibarra, to help keep Hudson House alive. With a few enhancements and a lot of love, the new Hudson House was born.”

“With a surf shack vibe Hudson House now displays a curation of pieces from local artists and photographers all inspired by the beach and Southern California lifestyle. Blending together good food, amazing cocktails and a welcoming space, Hudson House aspires to be your favorite local bar and restaurant in the South Bay!”

Menu highlights include Brown Sugar Pork Ribs with crispy shallots and cilantro and Sweet Corn Cake with roasted plantain, fermented black garlic, stewed lentils and avocado cotija cream. For fruit pie lovers don’t miss a slice (a la mode of course) from Pastry Chef Lindsay Miller’s A Little Salty Pie Co.

Proprietress Kate Failor is our guest.

Show 411, February 6, 2021: Anthony Zaller, Esq., Zaller Law Group Part One

Anthony Zaller of Zaller Law Group PC

Anthony Zaller, Esq. is the principal of the Zaller Law Group, PC based in El Segundo. His boutique firm specializes in representing restaurants in labor and employment issues specifically related to California. His firm is a partnered law firm of the California Restaurant Association. He serves on the Los Angeles Chapter of the Board of Directors of the California Restaurant Association and also is the Chair of the California Restaurant Association Foundation.

As the restaurant business in California ever so slowly begins to recover Anthony joins us to preview the top employment law issues facing California restaurants in 2021.

Show 411, February 6, 2021: Anthony Zaller, Esq., Zaller Law Group Part Two

Anthony Zaller of Zaller Law Group PC

Anthony Zaller, Esq. is the principal of the Zaller Law Group, PC based in El Segundo. His boutique firm specializes in representing restaurants in labor and employment issues specifically related to California. His firm is a partnered law firm of the California Restaurant Association. He serves on the Los Angeles Chapter of the Board of Directors of the California Restaurant Association and also is the Chair of the California Restaurant Association Foundation.

As the restaurant business in California ever so slowly begins to recover from the impact of COVID 19 Anthony continues with us explaining the top employment law issues facing California restaurants in 2021.

Show 409, January 23, 2021: Rob Rubens, Founder & Head Distiller, R6 Distillery, El Segundo

Rob Rubens of R6 DistilleryR6 is a family-owned distillery in the Los Angeles suburb of El Segundo. Founder and Head Distiller Rob Rubens fell in love with the art of distilling after his first (unplanned) trip to New Orleans Rum Distillery. He knew it was time for a change. After spending the better part of a decade in corporate America and realizing that was not his path, Rob visited distilleries and breweries and decided it was time to make waves. Coupling his experience with his desire to bring quality spirits to Los Angeles, Rob opened this speakeasy (Smoky Hollow Tasting & Tap) inspired distillery for everyone to enjoy in 2014.”

“Our process is quite different than most. We use only the purest form of our distillate when producing spirits. This is where most take short cuts and compromise the quality of the product. But we’re about quality – and our promise to you is just that. Each bottle of spirits will be crafted from the “hearts” of our distillate. We stick to doing what is right and what is authentic.”

New is the California Mule in a can and FDA certified hand sanitizer originally created to help mitigate the initial shortage last March with the onset of the pandemic.

Rob is particularly proud of his R6 Blue Corn Bourbon Whiskey aged in new American charred oak barrels. It has already won numerous awards. It’s probably the first “legal” Bourbon created and distilled in Los Angeles County.

In the interests of safety and complying with all COVID 19 restrictions R6 Distillery is open exclusively (Friday through Sunday) for bottle purchases and cocktails & beer to go. The online store can ship R6 spirits to any California address.

 

Show 401, November 28, 2020: Rob Croxall, Brewmaster & Proprietor, El Segundo Brewing Co., El Segundo

Rob Croxall of El Segundo Brewing CompanyEl Segundo Brewing Company’s The Slice & Pint is the restaurant spinoff of the successful El Segundo Brewing Company, one of the first craft brewers in the South Bay. Earlier in the year before the initial “Stay at Home” they celebrated their Year Anniversary.

Under the new L.A. County guidelines they are closed (again) for dine-in but are open with vigorous sanitary protections for takeout and packaged beer sales seven days a week. On the menu are a variety of original pizzas created from a dough that ferments and proofs for multiple days, and salads and sandwiches. Also on the menu are Family Meals.

The Taproom at the Brewery is closed (under current regulations) but the ESBC’s styles are available To-Go for pick-up from 12 Noon to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.

Proprietor Rob Croxall joins us to update beer to-go at the El Segundo Brewing Co. and food specials to-go at The Slice & Pint. He’ll also preview the pending release of On The Horizon (A West Coast IPA.)

Show 388, August 29, 2020: Chef Christine Brown, Pacific Standard Prime and Co-Chair – 20CHEFS: A Socially Distanced Fundraiser

Christine Brown of Pacific Standard PrimeBeacon House Association of San Pedro is an all-male alcohol and drug treatment facility established in 1970 by a South Bay minister and a merchant seaman. The non-profit’s mission is to assist men recover from the diseases of alcoholism and addiction to other drugs. For this year their annual fundraiser will be 20CHEFS : A Social Distanced Fundraiser.

Supporters are encouraged to bid (online) for very special meals for a maximum of 10 guests created and prepared by prominent area chefs that are served at the buyer’s residence or at the chef’s restaurant. Celebrity Chef Andrew Zimmern of Food Network fame will be donating one of these dinner experiences. Chef Zimmern’s dinner for ten has already sold for a cool $25,000. Zimmern has now graciously added a second dinner for the bidding. The bidding for each of the other chef dinners for ten starts at $5,000.

Chef Christine Brown of the newly opened Pacific Standard Prime in Redondo Beach is Co-Chair of the benefit and one of the participating chefs cooking a meal for ten lucky guests. Chef Cristine puts down her tongs and joins us with all the 20CHEFS details.