Show 466, March 19, 2022: Executive Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner, Wolfgang Puck Catering

Eric Klein of Wolfgang Puck Catering

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

Every year for over two-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony. This year the Oscars return to the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Sunday, March 27th. Between the Tray Passed items, Passed Small Plates, Passed Small Plate Sweets, Small Plate Stations, Sweets and the Cookies and Milk Bar 20,000 portions will be served to the A-List guests. New this year are three Small Plate Stations from the Bronx-based Ghetto Gastro including “Triple C’s” (Trading Places Cornbread, Crab, Caviar.)

Last year Wolfgang Puck catered the exclusive “Cocktail Party” version of the Oscars at the historic Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. Nibbles and beverages were served (with proper pandemic protocols) in an outside patio during the ceremony.

They are the official caterers for the newly opened Academy Museum of Motion Pictures ($484 million) at Wilshire Blvd. and Fairfax Avenue on the Miracle Mile.

Chef Eric Klein takes a brief break from his busy kitchens to join us.

Show 445, October 2, 2021: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Andy Harris at the KLAA Studios

It’s the 9th Anniversary of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” on AM 830 KLAA. Thanks to all our loyal listeners over the years for being part of the Saturday morning fun. More years of food fun ahead…

We first introduced Chef Eric Klein to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” when he was the high- profile Executive Chef and Partner of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops. Later Chef Eric transitioned with a promotion to Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering based at the Dolby Theater (Hollywood & Highland) in Hollywood. Every year for over two-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony. Talk about great expectations…Chef Eric Klein takes a brief break from his busy kitchens to join us.

Buellton’s celebrated Chef and Winemaker Frank Ostini is the grill master at Hitching Post 2 Restaurant and the Co-Winemaker at Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Wines (with Gray Hartley.) We’re talking Santa Barbara County wine and Santa Maria BBQ with Chef Frank Ostini.

If you’re a foodie in good-standing you’ve most likely heard of the ultimate outdoor dining experience, Outstanding in the Field.” These ongoing, one-of-a-kind dining spectaculars are the creation of artist and chef, Jim Denevan. “A just released feature documentary, “Man In The Field: The Life and Art of Jim Denevan,” chronicles his memorable achievements. Instead of bringing the food to the restaurant, “Outstanding in the Field” has brought the restaurant to the food since 1999. Hosted at one long table, with 100 to 1000 guests dining together, Denevan has set tables in vineyards, beaches, meadows, fishing docks, and city streets. Over 120,000 lucky patrons in all 50 states and 16 countries have experienced this once-in-a-lifetime event and now Director Patrick Trefz’s film will allow audiences to experience it too.” The Director of “Man in The Field,” Patrick Trefz, is our guest.

Luchador Brewing Co. is the first craft brewery in the city of Chino Hills. Co-owners Brent Miller & Jaime Benson have put blood, sweat, tears, and LOTS of beers into making Luchador Brewing Company a reality. Brewmaster Paul Marquez heads up their custom brew system, made up of eight, five-barrel brew tanks. Eventually Luchador will have 20 of their own brewed cervezas in addition to a few rotating guest tap handles. The in-house food truck, El Camion, is always cooking to make sure guests enjoy some delicious Mexican street food while beer-tasting. Proprietor Brent Miller joins us to tap the keg of all things Luchador Brewing Co.

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 details his volunteer efforts in support of Bastards American Canteen (Veteran Owned and Operated) with a location in Downey and soon to open in an expanded space in Temecula. They are sponsors of Save The Brave.

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

Show 445, October 2, 2021: Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President Culinary-Partner, Wolfgang Puck Catering

Eric Klein of Wolfgang Puck Catering

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

Every year for over two-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony.

They are the official caterers for the newly opened Academy Museum of Motion Pictures ($484 million) at Wilshire Blvd. and Fairfax Avenue. Last Saturday night they catered the glitzy, star-studded Opening Gala for The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Talk about pressure!

Chef Eric also talks about the adapted foodservice they orchestrated for the outside patio area Reception Lounge for the VIP attendees at this Year’s reformatted Oscar festivities at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles.

Starting on Monday they are responsible for the transplanted Spago restaurant at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Chef Eric Klein takes a brief break from his busy kitchens to join us.

October 2: 9th Anniversary Show with Eric Klein, Hitching Post II, Patrick Tretz, Luchador Brewing Company

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President Culinary-Partner, Wolfgang Puck Catering
Segment Three: Chef and Winemaker Frank Ostini, Hitching Post 2 and Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Wines Part One
Segment Four: Chef and Winemaker Frank Ostini, Hitching Post 2 and Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Wines Part Two
Segment Five: Director Patrick Trefz, “Man in The Field: The Life and Art of Jim Denevan” – Documentary
Segment Six: Restaurateur Brent Miller , Luchador Brewing Co., Chino Hills Part One
Segment Seven: Restaurateur Brent Miller , Luchador Brewing Co., Chino Hills Part Two
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.

Andy Harris at the KLAA Studios

It’s the 9th Anniversary of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” on AM 830 KLAA. Thanks to all our loyal listeners over the years for being part of the Saturday morning fun.

We first introduced Chef Eric Klein to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” when he was the high- profile Executive Chef and Partner of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops. Later Chef Eric transitioned with a promotion to Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering based at The Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Every year for over two-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony. Talk about great expectations…Chef Eric Klein takes a brief break from his busy kitchens to join us.

Buellton’s celebrated Chef and Winemaker Frank Ostini is the grill master at Hitching Post 2 Restaurant and the Co-Winemaker at Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Wines (with Gray Hartley.) We’re talking Santa Barbara County wine and Santa Maria BBQ with Chef Frank Ostini.

If you’re a foodie in good-standing you’ve most likely heard of the ultimate outdoor dining experience, “Outstanding in the Field.” These ongoing, one-of-a-kind dining spectaculars are the creation of artist and chef, Jim Denevan. A just released feature documentary, Man In The Field : The Life and Art of Jim Denevan, chronicles his memorable achievements. Instead of bringing the food to the restaurant, “Outstanding in the Field” has brought the restaurant to the food since 1999. Hosted at one long table, with 100 to 1000 guests dining together, Denevan has set tables in vineyards, beaches, meadows, fishing docks, and city streets. Over 120,000 lucky patrons in all 50 states and 16 countries have experienced this once-in-a-lifetime event and now Director Patrick Trefz’s film will allow audiences to experience it too.” The Director of “Man in The Field,”Patrick Trefz, is our guest.

Luchador Brewing Co. is the first craft brewery in the city of Chino Hills! Co-owners Brent Miller & Jaime Benson have put blood, sweat, tears, and LOTS of beers into making Luchador Brewing Company a reality. Brewmaster Paul Marquez heads up their custom brew system, made up of eight, five-barrel brew tanks. Eventually Luchador will have 20 of their own brewed cervezas in addition to a few rotating guest tap handles. The in-house food truck, El Camion, is always cooking to make sure guests enjoy some delicious Mexican street food while beer-tasting. Proprietor Brent Miller joins us to tap the keg of all things Luchador Brewing Co.

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 details his volunteer efforts in support of Bastards American Canteen (Veteran Owned and Operated) with a location in Downey and soon to open in an expanded space in Temecula. They are sponsors of Save The Brave.

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

Eric Klein of Wolfgang Puck Catering

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

Every year for over two-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony.

They are the official caterers for the newly opened Academy Museum of Motion Pictures ($484 million) at Wilshire Blvd. and Fairfax Avenue. Last Saturday night they catered the glitzy, star-studded Opening Gala for The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Talk about pressure!

Starting on Monday they are responsible for the transplanted Spago restaurant at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Chef Eric Klein takes a brief break from his busy kitchens to join us.

Frank Ostini of Hitching Post II

Buellton’s celebrated Chef and Winemaker Frank Ostini is the grill master at Hitching Post 2 Restaurant and the Co-Winemaker at Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Wines (with Gray Hartley.) We’re talking Santa Barbara County wine and classic Santa Maria BBQ with Chef Frank Ostini.

“On the Central Coast of California BBQ has always meant grilling over an open fire of red oak, a style of cooking that is native to the area and goes back to the days of the Spanish Rancheros. By combining the old and the new, Hitching Post 2 has created an exciting cuisine with outstanding steaks, ribs and chicken, along with fresh fish and seafood and vegetarian options. They also create their own (world class) wines, Hartley – Ostini Hitching Post Wines, for sale and enjoyment in the restaurant and to the wider public.”

“Hitching Post Wines strives to create flavorful handcrafted wines that possess poise and balance, putting a slice of Santa Barbara in each glass, and a piece of their soul in every bottle of Hitching Post. The spacious Hitching Post Wines Tasting Room is located adjacent to Hitching Post 2 restaurant on Highway 246 and has ample parking.”

The Traditional Tasting at Hitching Post Wines priced at $15 per guest offers a flight of five Hitching Post Wines consisting of Pinks 2017; Hometown Pinot Noir 2016; Cork Dancer Pinot Noir 2015; Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2015; and Gen Red 2016.

A Reserve Tasting, priced at $20, includes five wines – Highliner Pinot Noir 2015; Perfect Set Pinot Noir 2015; Bien Nacido Pinot Noir 2015; Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir 2015; and Four Top 2012. The caveat of the Reserve Tasting will be its ever-changing menu featuring rare single-vineyard bottlings and special older vintages of Hitching Post.

“Hitching Post Wines Tasting Room would not be complete without the added flavor of Hitching Post 2’s Santa Maria Style BBQ food pairings to enjoy while tasting. Classic crowd-pleasing favorites served from the restaurant for Lunch (mid to late afternoon menu of appetizers & snacks, too) include HP Burgers; Triple-Fried French Fries; Santa Maria BBQ Artichokes; and Grilled Corn Quesadillas.”

Director Patrick Tretz

If you’re a foodie in good-standing you’ve most likely heard of the ultimate outdoor dining experience, Outstanding in the Field.” These ongoing, one-of-a-kind dining spectaculars are the creation of artist and chef, Jim Denevan. A just released feature documentary, Man In The Field: The Life and Art of Jim Denevan, chronicles his memorable achievements.

““MAN IN THE FIELD” profiles pioneering artist and chef Jim Denevan, founder of “Outstanding in the Field,” a radical alternative to the conventional dining experience. The documentary intimately reveals Denevan’s artistic and culinary gifts with land art in epic geometric formations alongside grand dinners in beautiful natural settings. Instead of bringing the food to the restaurant, “Outstanding in the Field” has brought the restaurant to the food since 1999. Hosted at one long table, with 100 to 1000 guests dining together, Denevan has set tables in vineyards, beaches, meadows, fishing docks, and city streets. Over 120,000 lucky patrons in all 50 states and 16 countries have experienced this once-in-a-lifetime event and now Director Patrick Trefz’s film will allow audiences to experience it too.”

The Director of “Man in The Field,” Patrick Trefz is our guest.

Brent Miller of Luuchador Brewing

Luchador Brewing Co. is the first craft brewery in the city of Chino Hills! “Co-owners Brent Miller & Jaime Benson have put blood, sweat, tears, and LOTS of beers into making Luchador Brewing Company a reality. Brewmaster Paul Marquez heads up their custom brew system, made up of eight five-barrel brew tanks. Eventually Luchador will have 20 of their own brewed cervezas in addition to a few rotating guest tap handles”

The in-house food truck, El Camion, is always cooking to make sure guests enjoy some delicious Mexican street food while beer-tasting. Think Carne Asada Fries with crinkle cut fries, carne asada, queso sauce, pico de gallo and crema ; Gorditas with a handmade masa shell, refried beans, shredded lettuce, queso fresca stuffed with the guest’s choice of Carne Asada, Pollo Asado, Carnitas, Al Pastor or Picadillo; Taco de Pescado with Mahi-Mahi fried or grilled, cabbage, lime-crema and pico de gallo; and Poblano Gordo with a roasted poblano chile, picadillo, rice, queso, tomato-serrano sauce and served with fresh chips.

Growlers & crowlers are available for take-out. Think Los Banditos Hazy DIPA with Amarillo, Cascade and NZH hops and Nutty Samoan Nut Brown Ale with macadamias and toasted coconut.

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at Cabana 14 at the Cove at Pechanga Resort and Casino

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 details his volunteer efforts in support of Bastards American Canteen (Veteran Owned and Operated) with a location in Downey and soon to open on a grander scale in Temecula. They are sponsors of Save The Brave.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President Culinary-Partner, Wolfgang Puck Catering
Segment Three: Chef and Winemaker Frank Ostini, Hitching Post 2 and Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Wines Part One
Segment Four: Chef and Winemaker Frank Ostini, Hitching Post 2 and Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Wines Part Two
Segment Five: Director Patrick Trefz, “Man in The Field: The Life and Art of Jim Denevan” – Documentary
Segment Six: Restaurateur Brent Miller , Luchador Brewing Co., Chino Hills Part One
Segment Seven: Restaurateur Brent Miller , Luchador Brewing Co., Chino Hills Part Two
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Show 311, February 16, 2019: Chef Eric Klein, Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner, Wolfgang Puck Catering, Governors Ball 2019

Eric Klein of Wolfgang Puck CateringFor the 25th consecutive year the celebrity chef to the stars Wolfgang Puck will set the stage for the Oscars’ Governors Ball menu pairing classic Hollywood glamour with culinary whimsy. It’s for 1,500 VIP guests including Oscar winners and Nominees in the Ray Dolby Ballroom on the top level of the Hollywood & Highland Center. It starts immediately following the Oscar telecast on ABC.

Working alongside Chef Puck is Wolfgang Puck Catering’s Executive Chef and Vice President, Culinary, Eric Klein (formerly Executive Chef & Partner of Spago Las Vegas.

The culinary team creates more than 60 imaginative dishes from one-bite hors d’oeuvres to small-plate entrees that will be passed throughout the evening. The festivities include a Raw Bar with made-to-order Nigiri.

A guest favorite, the Black Truffle Chicken Pot Pie is back along with the Smoked Salmon Oscars Matzo (shaped like a flat Oscar.) New is the Nashville Hot Fried Quail on a Red Velvet Waffle with House Made Pickles.

How about the incredible dessert offerings? The Chocolate Oscars this year are made from Valrhona Illanka Chocolate (Single Origin from Peru.) Think Piper Heidsieck Golden Champagne Strawberry Push Pop.

Service will be performed by a team of 10 maitre d’ staff, 850 service and support staff and 200 culinary staff.

On the order list for the Governors Ball is 350 pounds of Atlantic Bigeye tuna, 15 kilos of American, farm-raised caviar, 250 Maine lobsters, 450 pounds of house-smoked salmon, 240 kilos of Miyazaki Wagyu beef, 250 pounds of Parmesan Reggiano and 800 crab claws.

 

Show 251, December 9, 2017: Tom Kaplan, Senior Managing Partner, Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group

Tom KaplanAs Senior Managing Partner of the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, Tom Kaplan has worked alongside Wolfgang Puck for nearly 36 years with his world-renowned restaurants. Tom started his lengthy association with Chef Wolfgang as Office Manager two months after the original Spago West Hollywood opened in 1982. His responsibilities include overall business management, strategic development, design, and construction supervision, and philanthropy for the company’s 28 domestic and international locations.

Since 1982, Puck and Kaplan have grown the company from several individual restaurants into a collection of restaurants known as the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group. Primary brands include Spago, CUT, re/Asian Cuisine, and the Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. Over the years Kaplan has nurtured key strategic partnerships with luxury hotel brands and major casinos such as the Four Seasons, Dorchester Collection, MGM Resorts International and Las Vegas Sands.

Tom relocated to Las Vegas in 1992 to coincide with the opening of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops, Wolfgang’s first (and trendsetting restaurant) restaurant there.

In Las Vegas in addition to the flagship Spago Las Vegas the dining group’s properties there include Cucina, CUT, Lupo by Wolfgang Puck, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at the MGM Grand and off The Strip in Downtown Summerlin.

The big Wolfgang Puck Las Vegas news is that after 25 years Spago Las Vegas, in 2018, will move to the former Olives location at The Bellagio, regarded as one of the best restaurant locations in Las Vegas.

Tom Kaplan is our guest.

Show 203, December 24, 2016: Eric Klein, Executive Chef, Vice President Culinary, Wolfgang Puck Catering

Eric KleinFor the last nine years Chef Eric Klein has been the face of Spago Las Vegas for Wolfgang Puck as Partner & Executive Chef. When superstars perform at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace they specifically ask to have Chef Eric cook for them.

Chef Eric just earned a well-deserved promotion within the Wolfgang Puck organization. He’s now back in Los Angeles as Executive Chef of Wolfgang Puck Catering based at Hollywood & Highland, the home of the annual Academy Awards Ceremony at The Dolby Theater.

Wolfgang Puck Catering provides all the food for The Governor’s Ball which follows the Oscar ceremony every year. You can’t find a more prestigious (or demanding) client than The Oscars! Every winner passes through the Governor’s Ball. Talk about pressure to dazzle…

We’ll rattle pans with Chef Eric.

Show 203, December 24, 2016: Eric Klein, Executive Chef, Vice President Culinary, Wolfgang Puck Catering Chef Eric continues…

Eric Klein of Wolfgang Puck CateringFor the last nine years Chef Eric Klein has been the face of Spago Las Vegas for Wolfgang Puck as Partner & Executive Chef. When superstars perform at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace they specifically ask to have Chef Eric cook for them.

Chef Eric just earned a well-deserved promotion within the Wolfgang Puck organization. He’s now back in Los Angeles as Executive Chef of Wolfgang Puck Catering (founded in 1988) based at Hollywood & Highland, the home of the annual Academy Awards Ceremony at The Dolby Theater.

Food journalist Al Mancini (co-creator of the original Eating Las Vegas Guidebook), now a staff writer for the Las Vegas Review Journal, just interviewed Chef Eric in Friday’s (Dec. 23rd) editions of the Las Vegas Review Journal.

Fun Fact: Wolfgang Puck Catering in Los Angeles alone served 4 tons of Beef Short Ribs in December.

Chef Eric is particularly excited about Wolfgang Puck’s Exclusive Test Kitchen based at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. It’s their creative Research & Development kitchen where 8 to 10 lucky guests get a one-of-a-kind, multi-course dinner prepared right in front of them by a brigade of Wolfgang Puck executive chefs. (A truly “only in L.A. experience!)

“A market-inspired twelve course sensory experience collaboratively prepared and served across the pass by our most talented chefs.”

Wolfgang Puck Catering also provides the food for the Rose Parade VIP Lounge on January 2nd, 2017.

 

Show 139, September 26, 2015: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Greetings, and now a mouthwatering preview of Saturday’s high octane show and not, with apologies, for dieters. With any luck we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…

We move aside this morning a bit early for Notre Dame football at 11:30 a.m.

Cooking authority Amelia Saltsman wrote the highly regarded Santa Monica Farmers’ Market Cookbook and is a fixture at The Market. Her newest tile is The Seasonal Jewish Kitchen – A Fresh Take On Tradition. Amelia joins us with all the tasty facts on her new book.

Executive Chef Eric Klein of Spago Las Vegas is no stranger to the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” In the last couple of weeks he has cooked a private dinner for The President, been the celebrity guest chef aboard Holland America Line’s ms Maasdam, and cooked at one of the most prestigious charity funds-raisers in Las Vegas. We’ll catch-up with the always on the move Chef Eric.

DANCIN Vineyards (Medford, Oregon) is a lush, Italian-esque vineyard estate where tasting is an experience of enjoyment and relaxation, where wines are served alongside harmonious food pairings. The hospitable proprietors are the gracious husband & wife team of Dan and Cindy Marca. Dan Marca is our guest.

In three years. Seoul Sausage Company has become the premier force behind cutting edge Korean BBQ in Los Angeles.  What began as a tiny catering company run out of their apartment kitchen, Seoul Sausage is now a multi-faceted culinary enterprise comprised of an acclaimed restaurant in West LA’s “Little Osaka” neighborhood, two food trucks, a customized grilling Scion and an in-demand catering company. Newly opened is a Downtown L.A. location in Little Tokyo with an expanded menu and a full bar. Co-founder Ted Kim joins us with a fiery update.

What is the role of a sommelier in a restaurant ? It’s certainly changing…Is the person a friend or a foe ? How do you really know? Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, shares his informed thoughts.

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

September 26: Amelia Saltsman, Spago Las Vegas, Dancin Vineyards, Seoul Sausage, Wine Exchange

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Amelia Saltsman and The Seasonal Jewish Kitchen
Segment Three: Executive Chef Eric Klein of Wolfgang Puck’s Spago Las Vegas
Segment Four: DANCIN Vineyards, Co & Proprietor Dan Marca
Segment Five: Seoul Sausage Co. and Co-Founder Ted Kim
Segment Six: Kyle Meyer, Co-proprietor, The Wine Exchange

Greetings, and now a mouthwatering preview of Saturday’s high octane show and not, with apologies, for dieters. With any luck we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…

We move aside this morning a bit early for Notre Dame football at 11:30 a.m.

Cooking authority  wrote the highly regarded Santa Monica Farmers’ Market Cookbook and is a fixture at The Market. Her newest tile is The Seasonal Jewish Kitchen – A Fresh Take On Tradition. Amelia joins us with all the tasty facts on her new book.

Executive Chef Eric Klein of Spago Las Vegas is no stranger to the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” In the last couple of weeks he has cooked a private dinner for The President, been the celebrity guest chef aboard Holland America Line’s ms Maasdam, and been the lead working chef at one of the most prestigious annual charity funds-raisers in Las Vegas. We’ll catch-up with the always on the move Chef Eric.

DANCIN Vineyards (Medford, Oregon) is a lush, hillside, Italian-esque vineyard estate where tasting is an experience of enjoyment and relaxation, where wines are served alongside harmonious food pairings. The hospitable proprietors are the gracious husband & wife team of Dan and Cindy Marca. Dan Marca is our guest.

In three years. Seoul Sausage Company has become the premier force behind cutting edge Korean BBQ in Los Angeles.  What began as a tiny catering company run out of their apartment kitchen, Seoul Sausage is now a multi-faceted culinary enterprise comprised of an acclaimed restaurant in West LA’s “Little Osaka” neighborhood, two food trucks, a customized grilling Scion and an in-demand catering company. Newly opened is a full-service Downtown L.A. location in Little Tokyo with an expanded menu and a full bar. Co-founder Ted Kim joins us with a fiery update.

What is the role of a sommelier in a restaurant? It’s certainly changing…Is the person a guest’s friend or a foe ? How do you really know? Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, shares his informed thoughts.

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

Amelia SaltsmanSanta Monica-based cooking authority and culinary personality Amelia Saltsman wrote the highly regarded Santa Monica Farmers’ Market Cookbook and is a fixture at The Market. Her newest title is The Seasonal Jewish Kitchen – A Fresh Take On Tradition.

In The Seasonal Jewish Kitchen Amelia traces the delicious thread of Jewish cuisine from its ancient roots to today’s focus on seasonality and sustainability. Guided by the Jewish lunar calendar, she divides the book into six micro-seasons that highlight the deep connection of Jewish traditions to the year’s natural cycles.

Amelia draws on her own rich food history to bring the reader a warmly personal cookbook filled with soul-satisfying spins on beloved classics and bold new dishes. From her Iraqi grandmother’s kitchri—red lentils melted into rice with garlic slow-cooked to sweetness—to four-ingredient Golden Borscht with Buttermilk and Fresh Ginger and vibrant Blood Orange and Olive Oil Polenta Upside-Down Cake, Amelia’s game-changing approach is sure to win over a new generation of cooks.

You’ll find naturally vegan dishes, Middle Eastern fare, and new ways to use Old-World ingredients—buckwheat, home-cured herring, and gribenes—in fresh, modern meals. Inspired by the farm-to-table movement, her 150 recipes offer a refreshingly different take on traditional and contemporary Jewish cooking.

Whether you’re Jewish or not, observant or not, Ashkenazic or Sephardic, this yearlong culinary journey through the Diaspora will have you saying, “This is Jewish food? Who knew?”

Amelia joins us with all the incredibly delectable facts on her new book.

Eric KleinExecutive Chef Eric Klein of Spago Las Vegas is no stranger to the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” In the last couple of weeks he has cooked a private dinner for The President, been the celebrity guest chef aboard Holland America Line’s ms Maasdam on a 7-day Northeast Canada Discovery voyage, and been at-the-stoves with Wolfgang Puck as the host chef at one of the most prestigious annual charity funds-raisers in Las Vegas.

Last week Chef Eric was the host chef for Chef Wolfgang Puck’s 3rd annual “Sip & Savor” benefit at Spago Las Vegas. It benefits Keep Memory Alive.

It’s a mix-and-mingle, wine-and-dine event which gave the guests the opportunity to indulge in an interactive culinary affair sampling the signature cuisine of each of Puck’s six Las Vegas restaurants, paired with a number of Chef Puck’s favorite wines.

We’ll catch-up with Chef Eric.

Dan MarcaDANCIN Vineyards (Medford, Oregon) is a lush, Tuscan Italian-esque vineyard estate known for award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay where tasting is an experience of enjoyment and relaxation, where wines are served alongside harmonious food pairings. The hospitable proprietors are the gracious husband & wife team of Dan and Cindy Marca.

The Marcas take only one thing more seriously than hospitality – growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes of exceptional quality and making premium wine that expresses the terroir of their special site while spotlighting the grape’s essential character.

“Our recent expansion allows us to use our estate’s natural topography for a gravity flow system that cuts out the need for pumps. We can get the wine from barrel to bottling with minimal agitation which is integral for great Pinot Noir because its delicate flavor is easily damaged” says owner Dan Marca.

Dan Marca is our guest.

Ted Kim of Seoul SausageIn three years. Seoul Sausage Company has become the premier force behind cutting edge Korean BBQ in Los Angeles. What began as a tiny catering company run out of their apartment kitchen, Seoul Sausage is now a multi-faceted culinary enterprise comprised of an acclaimed fast-casual restaurant in West LA’s “Little Osaka” neighborhood, two food trucks, a customized grilling scion and an in-demand catering company.

Newly opened is a full-service Downtown L.A. location in Little Tokyo with an expanded menu and a full bar. Think Vinny’s Fried Chicken Sandwich with Adobo marinated chicken, honey habanero slaw, aioli and served on a brioche bun. On the Adult Beverage side of the menu is the Seoul Sista with rum, lime juice, pineapple juice, and matcha coconut cream.

Founded by brothers Ted and Yong Kim alongside Chef Chris Oh, Seoul Sausage Company broke onto the public’s awareness when they won Season 3 of The Great Food Truck Race, Food Network’s second highest rated show. Now, food celebrities including Alton Brown, Giada De Laurentis, Bobby Flay and Simon Majumdar frequent their store during TV shoots to munch on their favorite dishes.

Co-founder Ted Kim joins us with a fiery update.

Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeWhat is the role of a sommelier in a restaurant? It’s certainly changing…Is the person a friend or a foe to the guest? How do you really know?

Can a sommelier work his way up with experience or is it a requirement to be certified by one of the Wine World’s governing bodies? Who creates the wine lists that you see at restaurants?

Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Wine Exchange in Santa Ana, shares his informed thoughts.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Amelia Saltsman and The Seasonal Jewish Kitchen
Segment Three: Executive Chef Eric Klein of Wolfgang Puck’s Spago Las Vegas
Segment Four: DANCIN Vineyards, Co & Proprietor Dan Marca
Segment Five: Seoul Sausage Co. and Co-Founder Ted Kim
Segment Six: Kyle Meyer, Co-proprietor, The Wine Exchange