Show 463, February 26, 2022: Chef & Co-Host Andrew Gruel of Slapfish with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group

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.

The Wall Street Journal had a thought-provoking piece (in the February 12th issue) for foodies entitled, The Raw and the Cooked.” “From roasted grapes to sushi, some of the most appealing dishes challenge our expectations about how foods should be prepared.” Chef Andrew points out that Bluefin Tuna, prized in premium sushi, was actually used for pet food not that long ago…Chef Andrew shares his insights on “The Raw and The Cooked.”

Show 387, August 22, 2020: Chef Gino Choi, OmG Omakase by Gino, Santa Ana

Gino Choi of OmG Omakase by GinoChef Gino Choi’s OmG Omakase by Gino in Santa Ana is a multi-course, prix fixe menu dining experience. It’s all of 10 seats and Chef Gino sources a lot of his premium fish from Japan. He’s the star of the solo nightly show. When he can accommodate diners again it’s up to 18 courses and reservations are needed way in advance.

His guests have been asking so Chef Gino has just launched a limited program of Omakase Chirashi Dinner Boxes for 2 guests for takeout. The pre-orders are taken on the Wednesday (starting at Noon) before the available nights of Saturday and Sunday. Chef Gino is limiting this to 20 orders for each night to maintain his high standards. The boxes are $120 each (plus tax.)

We’ll meet the resourceful and ever adaptable Chef Gino Choi.

Show 384, August 1, 2020: Executive Chef Craig Hopson, Sea Level Restaurant & Lounge, Shade Hotel Redondo Beach

Craig Hopson of SeaLevel Restaurant and LoungeAt Sea Level Restaurant & Lounge at the Shade Hotel Redondo Beach Executive Chef Craig Hopson offers premium California coastal cuisine that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a weekend brunch. Start with a hand-crafted cocktail and fresh oysters from the raw bar, then move onto one of Chef Craig’s coastal inspired main dishes (Roasted Salmon Fillet with squash, radish, cucumber, quinoa and miso dressing) with a glass of wine or one of the on-tap craft beers from their extensive selection.

“Through it all, you’ll enjoy spectacular views from Palos Verdes to Malibu on plush outdoor seating, all complete with fire pits and heaters in a comfortable, inviting, and modern space that blends a beach feel with a luxury approach to indoor and outdoor dining. Enjoy Chef Craig Hopson’s gourmet culinary talent and experience all that California’s uniquely modern cuisine has to offer: visit for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.”

Newly launched is Chef Craig’s Friday and Saturday night Rooftop Izakaya with Sushi, Sashimi and Izakaya specialties along with a menu of Hand-Crafted Cocktails. Think Japanese Curry with a beef short rib, onion, carrots and served over rice with pickles or the Sea Level Roll with crab, avocado, aioli, masago and tempura crunchies

We reel in Executive Chef Craig Hopson for a chat.

Show 227, June 10, 2017: Chef Damian Stanley, Assistant Executive Chef, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Danian StanleyChef Damian Stanley is the Assistant Executive Chef at Pechanga. The highlight of his numerous achievements to date is the revamping of the restaurant space that has evolved into the highly successful Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar.

Umi means “sea” in Japanese. On the extensive menu are sushi, sashimi, nigiri, rolls, oysters on the half shell, seafood platters, specialty cocktails and so much more.

He’s also a two-time Pechanga Chili Champ (2014 & 2015) but has gracefully retired from competition to let the individual restaurant chefs have a clear field.

The two new restaurants at Pechanga as part of the ambitious expansion will include an outdoor poolside bar & grill and a Lobby restaurant.

Show 213, March 4, 2017: Executive Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group

Andrew and William GruelOur Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, is a recognized expert on seafood. Poke outlets are seemingly popping up on every corner and fresh sushi is now available at your neighborhood convenience store.

How do you know if your poke and sushi are really fresh ? Raw fish needs to be handled, and stored, with care. Chef Andrew (calling in from the newest Slapfish located near Salt Lake City) to the rescue with what you should know to be better informed!

Show 175, June 11, 2016: Damien Stanley, Executive Sous Chef, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Danian StanleyChef Damien Stanley is the Executive Sous Chef at the Pechanga Resort & Casino. He’s responsible for creating the initial menu for the newest, full-service restaurant at Pechanga, the well-received Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar.

With his promotion Chef Stanley turned the sushi mat and chopsticks at Umi over to Kiyokuni Ikeda (ex-Morimoto.)

Umi means “sea” in Japanese. On the extensive menu are sushi, sashimi, nigiri, rolls, oysters on the half shell, seafood platters, specialty cocktails and so much more.

Chef Stanley held the Pechanga chili crown for two years in 2015 and 2014. He’s not competing this year but will provide an expert’s overview for us of the nine chef-created chilies in competition for 2016.

Chef Stanley will also give us a hint about the two new full-service restaurants which will be part of the current, in-the-works expansion. One will be a poolside bar and grill adjacent to the new Las Vegas-style resort pool deck.

 

Show 170, May 7, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, most recently, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Congrats to all the Southern California winners at The James Beard Foundation Awards presented in Chicago on May 2nd. A tip of the toque to Suzanne Goin, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, Dahlia Narvaez and food journalists Bill Esparza and Lesley Bargar Suter.

Now a sneak peak of Saturday’s appetizing show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a pretty good thing…

LA Weekly presents Tacolandia 2016 on Saturday afternoon, June 11th from 3 to 7:00 p.m. at El Pueblo de Los Angeles in DTLA. The fourth annual gourmet taco festival will feature more than 100 top taco vendors curated by the World’s First Tacorazzo, Bill Esparza, our guest.

The Hungry Cat in Downtown Santa Barbara is the newest restaurant in Chef David Lentz’s Hungry Cat empire which started in 2005 in a somewhat hidden location in Hollywood and eventually expanded to a highly visible, across the street from the beach location in Santa Monica. Santa Barbara’s General Manager, Bob Van Der Veer, joins us. He started in Hollywood as a relief bartender.

Panxa Cocina in Long Beach recently celebrated its year anniversary. It’s located in the former Christy’s space on E. Broadway. Chef Arthur Gonzalez ( the revived ROE Restaurant) is the Executive Chef and Co-Owner. It’s Santa Fe, New Mexico-style cuisine with rich, bold flavors and a lot of imagination. Chef Art is with us for the distinctive menu highlights.

Executive Chef Marc Johnson at Oak Grill at The Island Hotel in Newport Beach just launched Slow Smoked Sundaze. It’s a relaxed, family-style, smoked BBQ Sunday. Chef Marc is here with all the succulent details.

The 5th Annual Big Island Chocolate Festival gala is May 14th at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel on the Kohala Coast. Indulge in both savory and sweet temptations prepared by top chefs and chocolatiers while watching award-winning Chef Donald Wressell of Guittard Chocolate Company, sculpt one of the largest volcanoes ever created in fine chocolate. Chef Donald is our guest.

The Hollywood Farmers Market and the parent non-profit, SEE-LA, is celebrating 25 successful years of providing the Los Angeles community with sustainable and fresh produce with special market events each Sunday in May. The Sunday event series features cookbook signings and demonstrations by a few of Los Angeles’ most celebrated chefs and cookbook authors. Executive Director James Haydu has all the celebratory 411.

Sushi has become mainstream in California. It’s even sold in neighborhood convenience stores. Our own resident seafood expect, Chef Andrew Gruel, has everything you need to know about practical sushi basics. He’ll have tips for ordering as well as proper sushi etiquette.

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

Show 170, May 7, 2016: Chef Andrew Gruel and Sushi 411

Andrew Gruel and his son WilliamSushi has become mainstream in California. It’s even now sold in neighborhood convenience stores. Our own resident seafood expect, Chef Andrew Gruel, has just about everything you need to know about practical sushi basics. He’ll have useful tips for ordering as well as proper sushi etiquette.

Some very familiar fish we see used in sushi Stateside is not really a great choice for sushi. Chef Andrew explains…

Break out the chopsticks but go easy with the soy sauce…Your sushi chef is watching.

May 7: Tacolandia, Andrew Gruel, Panxa Cocina, Oak Grill, Donald Wressell, Hollywood Farmers Market

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Bill Esparza, Street Gourmet, Tacolandia
Segment Three: The Hungry Cat, Santa Barbara
Segment Four: Proprietor / Executive Chef Arthur Gonzalez, Panxa Cocina, Long Beach
Segment Five: Oak Grill’s Executive Chef, Marc Johnson, Island Hotel, Newport Beach
Segment Six: Guittard Chocolate Company’s Executive Chef, Donald Wressell
Segment Seven: Hollywood Farmers Market – 25th Anniversary
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel and Sushi 411

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosExecutive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, most recently, Brea, is back as today’s special Guest Host.

Now a sneak peak of Saturday’s appetizing show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s actually a pretty good thing…

LA Weekly presents Tacolandia 2016 on Saturday afternoon, June 11th from 3 to 7:00 p.m. at El Pueblo de Los Angeles in DTLA. The fourth annual gourmet taco festival will feature more than 100 top taco vendors curated by the World’s First Tacorazzo, Bill Esparza, our guest.

The Hungry Cat in Downtown Santa Barbara is the newest restaurant in Chef David Lentz’s Hungry Cat empire which started in 2005 in a somewhat hidden location in Hollywood and eventually expanded to a highly visible, across the street from the beach location in Santa Monica. Santa Barbara’s General Manager, Bob Van Der Veer, joins us. He started in Hollywood as a relief bartender.

Panxa Cocina in Long Beach recently celebrated its year anniversary. It’s located in the former Christy’s space on E. Broadway. Chef Arthur Gonzalez (ex-ROE Restaurant) is the Executive Chef and Co-Owner. It’s Santa Fe, New Mexico-style cuisine with rich, bold flavors and a lot of imagination. Chef Art is with us for the distinctive menu highlights.

Executive Chef Marc Johnson at Oak Grill at The Island Hotel in Newport Beach just launched Slow Smoked Sundaze. It’s a relaxed, family-style, smoked BBQ Sunday. Chef Marc is here with all the succulent details.

The 5th Annual Big Island Chocolate Festival gala is May 14th at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel on the Kohala Coast. Indulge in both savory and sweet temptations prepared by top chefs and chocolatiers while watching award-winning Chef Donald Wressell of Guittard Chocolate Company, sculpt one of the largest volcanoes ever created in fine chocolate. Chef Donald is our guest.

The Hollywood Farmers Market and the parent non-profit, SEE-LA, is celebrating 25 successful years of providing the Los Angeles community with sustainable and fresh produce with special market events each Sunday in May. The Sunday event series features cookbook signings and demonstrations by a few of Los Angeles’ most celebrated chefs and cookbook authors. Executive Director James Haydu has all the celebratory 411.

Sushi has become mainstream in California. It’s even sold in neighborhood convenience stores. Our own resident seafood expect, Chef Andrew Gruel, has everything you need to know about practical sushi basics. He’ll have tips for ordering as well as proper sushi etiquette.

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

Bill EsparzaA preview of Tacolandia with Bill Esparza.

Congrats to Bill on his prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for best “Food Coverage in a General Interest Publication” which he shares with his L.A. Magazine Editor, Lesley Bargar Suter. This was for their 14-page “Taco City” spread in L.A. Magazine last year.

LA Weekly presents Tacolandia 2016 on Saturday afternoon, June 11th from 3 to 7:00 p.m. at El Pueblo de Los Angeles in DTLA. The fourth annual gourmet taco festival will feature more than 100 top taco vendors curated by the World’s First Tacorazzo, Bill Esparza. Taquerias from as far away as London, England participate. All restaurants have tasty samples of their signature gourmet tacos for all to enjoy.

Complete with live mariachi music, cash bars with beer, wine and cocktails as well as awards for best tacos in various categories presented by The Vendys, Tacolandia 2016 will be LA Weekly’s largest event of the year and one not to be missed. This event is for guests 21 years of age and older.

Some VIP tickets are still available. This event usually sells out so buy your tickets now.

Bob Van Der VeerThe Hungry Cat in Downtown Santa Barbara is the youngest restaurant in Chef David Lentz’s Hungry Cat empire (2007 launch) which started in a hidden location in Hollywood and eventually expanded to a highly visible, across the street from the beach location in Santa Monica and then North to Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara’s General Manager, Bob Van Der Veer, joins us. He started in Hollywood as a relief bartender.

“Since 2005, The Hungry Cat (Hollywood) has offered the highest quality fish and meats matched with Southern California’s abundant seasonal produce.”

“The result is not simply a seafood house, but a continuously evolving restaurant, following the seasons, but always remaining true to the product.”

“With a focus on the artisan, The Hungry Cat produces its own in-house smoked meats and seafood, curing and pickling, as well as featuring a unique farmers market driven cocktail program, esoteric wine list and rotating local beers.”

“Our rotating raw bar (Santa Barbara) showcases Pacific and Atlantic oysters, clams, Santa Barbara sea urchin, raw and marinated fish dishes, crab and lobster.”

Arthur GonzalezPanxa Cocina in Long Beach recently celebrated its year anniversary. It’s located in the former Christy’s space on E. Broadway. Chef Arthur Gonzalez (ex-ROE Restaurant) is the Executive Chef and Co-Owner. It’s Santa Fe, New Mexico-style cuisine with rich, bold flavors and a lot of imagination. Chef Art is with us for the menu highlights.

Panxa Cocina was born out of a lifetime of love for Latin cuisine and a desire to support locally sourced foods. Growing up in Cerritos, California, Chef Arthur Gonzalez helped his German mother and his Oaxacan grandmother prepare meals growing up.

Chef Gonzalez wanted to be a firefighter and started as a paid call firefighter at age 26, but due to a back injury, he discovered his passion for cooking in the firehouse kitchen. He then went on to Seal Beach restaurant, Spaghettini, as a dishwasher. This humble beginning for Chef gave him the opportunity to train in the kitchen. Two years after starting at Spaghettini, Chef Gonzalez was the pastry/sous chef at local legend Mahé before moving to New Mexico.

After working in several restaurants in New Mexico, Chef Gonzalez was introduced to James Beard award-winning Chef Eric Distefano of Coyote Café and Geronimo, who became his mentor. While working at Señor Lucky’s in Santa Fé, Chef Gonzalez met Vanessa Auclair, his current business partner here in California.

Vanessa and Chef came back to Southern California to work at McKenna’s On The Bay in Long Beach as Manager and Head Chef, respectively, with the goal of creating delicious, clean and simple food. Their success at McKenna’s led to the opening of seafood focused Roe on Second Street in Belmont Shore.

Deciding to try something new, Vanessa and Chef opened Panxa, inspired by their Southwestern roots, together creating a menu authentic to New Mexico and influenced by his family’s cooking throughout his childhood.

At Panxa, pronounced pan-zah (the Catalan word for belly), Chef Gonzalez has created a place for flavorful unique dishes, craft cocktails, wine, and an extensive tequila menu.

Marc JohnsonExecutive Chef Marc Johnson at Oak Grill at The Island Hotel in Newport Beach just launched Slow Smoked Sundaze. It’s a relaxed, family-style, smoked BBQ Sunday. Chef Marc is here with all the succulent details.

“All summer long you’ll find us smoking up Southern goodness at Oak Grill. Join us for Slow Smoked Sundaze and devour authentic BBQ smoked on property with a mixture of cherry and oak wood.”

“Choose from baby back ribs, brisket, cedar-plank salmon, fried chicken and whole roasted catch of the day. The mains are accompanied by deliciously authentic sides and down-home desserts.”

“Wash it down with our backyard lemonade, spiked with Tito’s Vodka if that’s your thing.”

Donald WressellThe 5th Annual Big Island Chocolate Festival gala is May 14th at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel on the Kohala Coast. Indulge in both savory and sweet temptations prepared by top chefs and chocolatiers while watching award-winning Chef Donald Wressell of Guittard Chocolate Company, sculpt one of the largest volcanoes ever created in fine chocolate. Chef Donald is our guest.

This year’s event theme is “Lavalicious-A Chocolate Salute to the 100th Birthday of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park” and culinary stations will be judged on their depiction of the popular park, plus a host of “best” culinary categories: savory, plated dessert, bon bon, bean-to-bar, Hawaiian cacao and People’s Choice.

More chocolatey fun includes a tasty mole and salad bar, chocolate body painting, live music and dancing, a silent auction, wines, cocktails and handcrafted beer using cacao nibs from Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory.

Presented by the Kona Cacao Association (KCA), event proceeds benefit the ACF Kona Kohala Chefs Assn./University of Hawai‘i endowment fund for the culinary program at Hawai‘i Community College-Palamanui and programs at Kona Pacific Public Charter School in Kealakekua.

James HayduThe Hollywood Farmers Market and the parent non-profit, SEE-LA, is celebrating 25 successful years of providing the Los Angeles community with sustainable and fresh produce with special market events each Sunday in May. The Sunday event series features cookbook signings and demonstrations by a few of Los Angeles’ most celebrated chefs and cookbook authors. Executive Director James Haydu has all the celebratory 411.

“We are so excited to be celebrating a quarter century in Hollywood,” said James Haydu, Executive Director, SEE-LA. “What began as a dream has become one of the oldest and best-loved institutions in Los Angeles, and we’re thrilled to be paying homage to all those who helped make it a success…from the city leaders to the farmers who have been with us for all these years. It’s a truly special community and we can’t wait to fete everyone involved.”

Andrew Gruel and his son WilliamSushi has become mainstream in California. It’s even now sold in neighborhood convenience stores. Our own resident seafood expect, Chef Andrew Gruel, has just about everything you need to know about practical sushi basics. He’ll have useful tips for ordering as well as proper sushi etiquette.

Break out the chopsticks but go easy with the soy sauce…

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Bill Esparza, Street Gourmet, Tacolandia
Segment Three: The Hungry Cat, Santa Barbara
Segment Four: Proprietor / Executive Chef Arthur Gonzalez, Panxa Cocina, Long Beach
Segment Five: Oak Grill’s Executive Chef, Marc Johnson, Island Hotel, Newport Beach
Segment Six: Guittard Chocolate Company’s Executive Chef, Donald Wressell
Segment Seven: Hollywood Farmers Market – 25th Anniversary
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel and Sushi 411

Show 110, February 14, 2015: Damian Stanley, Executive Sous Chef, Pechanga Resort & Casino Continues…

Umi Sushi and Oyster Bar at Pechanga Resort and CasinoChef Damian Stanley is the always on the move Executive Sous Chef at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula. Since the hotel tower and casino opened in 2002 at Pechanga they have enjoyed an outstanding reputation for the quality and diversity of their food and beverage offerings.

Chef Damian was the project manager for one of their newest interactive fine-dining spots, Umi Sushi and Oyster Bar. which launched after Thanksgiving in 2013. Umi means “sea” in Japanese. Sushi, sashimi, nigiri, rolls, oysters on the half shell, seafood platters, specialty cocktails and lots more are on the varied menu at Umi Sushi and Oyster Bar.

Three highly skilled Japanese sushi chefs (actually from Japan) are part of the culinary team. It’s an interactive and highly entertaining experience with the sushi chefs if you dine at the sushi bar.

There is a hint of the South on the menu, too. Look for gumbo and jambalaya. The specialty bouillabaisse has clams, fish, shrimp, scallop, and mussels in the hearty seafood broth.

A standout dish is the Bone Marrow Lobster with pear, tatsoi salad, celery root skordalia and black truffle vinaigrette.