Show 272, May 5, 2018: Executive Chef Henry Tran, Golden Road Pub OC, Anaheim

Henry TranIt’s Cinco de Mayo (our favorite created holiday to encourage responsible imbibing) so our thoughts are certainly on festively appropriate food and craft beer. Just across the street from us at Angel Stadium is the new Golden Road Pub OC.

We’ll see what tasty morsels Executive Chef Henry Tran (ex-TAPS) has on the menu. We guarantee you won’t go thirsty there either!

Thankfully this is not typical pub grub served at Golden Road. You’ll initially come for the incredible craft beer selection (40 rotating selections on tap) but the food is destination-worthy, too. Chef Henry comes from TAPS and The Catch so he knows his way around a menu. Surprisingly there are many Vegan options, too.

Instead of Avocado Toast look for Fried Avocado Tacos with corn slaw, black beans, shaved cabbage, tomatillo salsa and chipotle cream. How about Duck Confit Fries?

From the sea the IPA Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels with Vietnamese sausage in a yuzu burre blanc is a standout.

Golden Road Pub OC is also dog friendly. A spacious dog park is in the final stages of competition there.

Parking tip…You can park there before Halo games and then walk across E. Orangewood to the Big “A.” Perfect spot for an after-game nightcap and some dessert. Croissant Bread Pudding, anyone ?

 

Show 269, April 14, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Hosts Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel

Now a tantalizing preview of Saturday’s decadent show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… Keep in mind we’re here with you live every Saturday morning with a brand-new show.

The long and rich history of winemaking in California began in San Diego County more than two hundred years ago. Professor Richard Carrico</strong> is a Lecturer at San Diego State University and the author of Of Wine on The Lees Well Refined – A History of Wines & Wineries in San Diego County. Professor Carrico will be presenting a talk, “The Surprising History of Wine in San Diego County” for the Culinary Historians of San Diego on Saturday, April 21st @ 10:30 a.m. at the San Diego Central Library.

Lawry’s Restaurants Inc. announced the appointment of Alejandra Padilla as Executive Chef of the historic Five Crowns and SideDoor in Corona del Mar back in January. Chef Padilla recently introduced her new Spring Menu. Don’t forget Five Crowns as an excellent choice for Mom on Mother’s Day. Chef Padilla joins us with the highlights.

Come celebrate and be part of the 3rd Annual Masters of Taste, L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival that will take place on Sunday, May 6th, 2018 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the Historic Pasadena Rose Bow! Masters of Taste 2018 will bring over 2,500 food and beverage enthusiasts together from all over Greater Los Angeles for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival. Founder & restaurateur Rob Levy and participating chef, Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Luk provide all the tempting details.

Almost 20 years ago restaurateur Joe Manzella (and his Family) debuted TAPS Fish House & Brewery in Downtown Brea. The popular establishment recently reopened after a $1.5- million remodeling. The comprehensive refresh comes as TAPS, one of the region’s most decorated breweries and a standout for its high-quality seafood, fine steaks, oyster bar and famous Las Vegas-style Sunday brunch, readies for its 20th anniversary next year. Joe is with us in-studio.

When it comes to wine jargon you sometimes hear the term “field blend.” What is it exactly? Our resident, and always intelligible, wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, explains all.

Also uncorked is Alsace’s Marcel Deiss winery, an example of a star producer exemplifying the spirit of a field blend.

The 12th Vegas Uncork’d is in the horizon for the fabled Las Vegas Strip the Weekend of May 10th thru Sunday, May 13. It’s a foodies paradise as most celebrity chefs represented on The Strip will be hosting an incredible assortment of high profile, one-of-a-kind food & libation events. Joining us to preview her three Vegas Uncorked celebrations is Susan Feniger of Border Grill fame. We’ll be there in the heart of the action, too, broadcasting from Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo Resort on Saturday May 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon.

Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, is back in-studio and continues with his “Ask the Chef” series. Today it’s Butter 411. These days butter is a bit of a maligned cooking fat. Olive oil seemingly remains supreme. It really can be better with butter as Julia Child gracefully told us over the years. Butter adds taste and flavor to recipes and a modest amount can go a long way. We’ll reflect on this as Chef Andrew puts the butter churn aside and has the flavorful specifics for us.

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

April 14: Richard Carrico, Five Crowns, Masters of Taste, Taps Fish House & Brewery, Wine Exchange, Susan Feniger

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Hosts Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Professor Richard Carrico, Of Wine On The Lees Well Refined – A History Of Wines & Wineries In San Diego County
Segment Three: Alejandra Padilla, Executive Chef, Five Crowns and SideDoor, Corona del Mar
Segment Four: 3rd Annual Masters of Taste, The Rose Bowl
Segment Five: Joe Manzella, TAPS Fish House & Brewery, Brea
Segment Six: Kyle Meyer, Co-Founder, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana
Segment Seven: Vegas Uncork’d Preview with Susan Feniger
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel’s “Ask the Chef”

Now a tantalizing preview of this Saturday’s decadent show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… Keep in mind we’re here with you live every Saturday morning with a brand-new show.

The long and rich history of winemaking in California began in San Diego County more than two hundred years ago. Professor Richard Carrico is a Lecturer at San Diego State University and the author of Of Wine on The Lees Well Refined – A History of Wines & Wineries in San Diego County. Professor Carrico will be presenting a talk, “The Surprising History of Wine in San Diego County” for the Culinary Historians of San Diego on Saturday, April 21st @ 10:30 a.m. at the San Diego Central Library.

Lawry’s Restaurants Inc. announced the appointment of Alejandra Padilla as Executive Chef of the historic Five Crowns and SideDoor in Corona del Mar back in January. Chef Padilla recently introduced her new Spring Menu. She joins us with the highlights.

Come celebrate and be part of the 3rd Annual Masters of Taste, L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival that will take place on Sunday, May 6th, 2018 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the Historic Pasadena Rose Bowl! Masters of Taste 2018 will bring over 2,500 food and beverage enthusiasts together from all over Greater Los Angeles for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival. Founder Rob Levy and participating chef, Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Luk provide all the tempting details.

Almost 20 years ago restaurateur Joe Manzella (and his Family) debuted TAPS Fish House & Brewery in Downtown Brea. The popular establishment recently reopened after a $1.5- million remodeling. The comprehensive refresh comes as TAPS, one of the region’s most decorated breweries and a standout for its high-quality seafood, fine steaks, oyster bar and famous Las Vegas-style Sunday brunch, readies for its 20th anniversary next year. Joe is with us in-studio.

When it comes to wine jargon you sometimes hear the term “field blend.” What is it exactly? Our resident, and always intelligible, wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, explains all.

Also uncorked is Alsace’s Marcel Deiss winery, an example of a star producer exemplifying the spirit of a field blend., blend.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4E6WGeza04&t=645s

The 12th Vegas Uncorked is in the horizon for the fabled Las Vegas Strip the Weekend of May 10th thru Sunday, May 13. It’s a foodies paradise as most celebrity chefs represented on The Strip will be hosting an incredible assortment of high profile, one-of-a-kind food & libation events. Joining us to preview her pair of Vegas Uncorked celebrations is Susan Feniger of Border Grill fame. We’ll be there in the heart of the action, too, broadcasting from Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo Resort on Saturday May 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon.

Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, is back in-studio and continues with his “Ask the Chef” series. Today it’s Butter 411. These days butter is a bit of a maligned cooking fat. Olive oil seemingly remains supreme. It really can be better with butter as Julia Child gracefully told us over the years. Butter adds taste and flavor to recipes and a modest amount can go a long way. We’ll reflect on this as Chef Andrew puts the butter churn aside and has the flavorful specifics for us.

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

Richard CarricoThe long and rich history of winemaking in California began in San Diego County more than two hundred years ago. Professor Richard Carrico is a Lecturer at San Diego State University and the author of Of Wine on The Lees Well Refined – A History of Wines & Wineries in San Diego County. Professor Carrico will be presenting a talk, “The Surprising History of Wine in San Diego County” for the Culinary Historians of San Diego on Saturday, April 21st @ 10:30 a.m. at the Neil Morgan Auditorium at San Diego Central Library.

Carrico will guide the audience on a visual trip through wine’s long San Diego County history as he weaves an enlightening tale of vineyards, grape stomping, murders, Prohibition, and the near death and recovery of the County’s wine industry.

Professor Carrico earned Bachelor degrees in History and Anthropology from San Diego State, and has a Master’s degree in History from the University of San Diego. Carrico has studied wine-making at UC Davis.

The event is free and open to the public. A tasting and book-signing will follow the presentation.

Professor Carrico departs the lush San Diego County vineyards to join us.

Alejandra PadillaLawry’s Restaurants Inc. announced the appointment of Alejandra Padilla as Executive Chef of Five Crowns and SideDoor in Corona del Mar back in January. Chef Padilla recently introduced her new Spring menu. She joins us.

Featuring the season’s freshest flavors to compliment the restaurant’s classic dishes, the colorful Spring menu welcomes several new small plates such as the Smoked Octopus with meyer lemon yogurt, spring peas and pickled red onions, main dishes like the Coffee Rubbed Short Rib with broccolini, tomato petals, grilled leeks, horseradish gremolata and bordelaise and desserts including the Cheesecake with carrot cake crumbles, walnut ice cream and carrot chips.

Chef Padilla comes to Five Crowns and SideDoor from Hillstone Restaurant Group, where she served as Culinary Manager since 2015. Prior to joining Hillstone, Padilla moved up the ranks at Patina Restaurant Group where she started in 2010 as Sous Chef at La Fonda Del Sol in New York before moving to Los Angeles to take a position as Sous Chef at Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse. She was quickly promoted to Executive Chef, a position she served at two different Market Café locations in Los Angeles.

Chef Alejandra appeared on Cooking Channel’s Unique Eats in 2010 and was also the winner of the Season 6 premier episode of Food Network’s, Chopped in 2011.

Vanda AsapahuCome celebrate and be part of the 3rd Annual Masters of Taste, L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival that will take place on Sunday, May 6th, 2018 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the Historic Pasadena Rose Bowl! Masters of Taste 2018 will bring over 2,500 food and beverage enthusiasts together from all over Greater Los Angeles for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival.

Founder Rob Levy and participating chef, Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Luk, provide all the tempting details.

The 3rd Masters of Taste will include the finest fare from over 40 Culinary Masters and restaurants, delectable sweets prepared by L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, top Beverage Masters who will be featuring signature handcrafted cocktail tastings from 25 spirit brands and bars, a premier 50 yard-line cocktail bar featuring top Mixologists from four of L.A.’s most distinguished drinking destinations, select wineries, local craft breweries, cold-pressed juices, cold brew coffee, live entertainment and much, much more.

100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste 2018 will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives. Union Station is part of a premier group of human services agencies in Los Angeles County that are leading the way to end homelessness in our community and offers an array of services including street outreach, meals, shelter, housing, case management and career development. In the last two years Masters of Taste has raised nearly $1 Million in support of Union Station’s life-saving programs.

Ticket Information: Masters of Taste 2018 will take place on Sunday, May 6th, 2018. A VIP Power Hour will be held from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm and General Admission will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Tickets to this event are only available for guests 21+ and over.  For more information on Masters of Taste 2018 or to book your tickets directly, just go right here to order them.

Joe Manzella of Taps Fish House and Brewery and the CatchAlmost 20 years ago restaurateur Joe Manzella (and his Family) debuted TAPS Fish House & Brewery in Downtown Brea. It was an expensive undertaking and a major risk at the time.

The popular locals’ favorite establishment recently reopened after a $1.5 -million remodeling. The comprehensive refresh comes as TAPS, one of the region’s most decorated breweries and a standout for its high-quality seafood, fine steaks, oyster bar and famous Las Vegas-style Sunday brunch, readies for its 20th anniversary next year.

“It’s a big-picture renovation that simply says that after close to 20 years of high-volume business, we’re ready for a major refresh,” said Manzella, who opened the original TAPS with his sister, Michele, and their late father, Fred.

“The basic bones of the building remain,” said Manzella, referring to the iconic building’s 85,000 bricks, bow-string trusses and cherry wood. “It’s a classic architectural beauty and will always be a welcome decor aesthetic.”

“This business is about intriguing the guests, be it with innovative food, spirits or ambiance,” Manzella said. “You can’t stand still. Our loyal following and new guests deserve the best, and our job is to be constantly reviewing everything and doing it better.”

The newest enterprise for the Manzella Restaurant GroupTAPS Brewery & Barrel Room, will open in Tustin by the Legacy development in late spring 2018.

Joe is with us in-studio.

Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeWhen it comes to wine jargon you sometimes hear the term “field blend.” What is it exactly? Our resident, and always intelligible, wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, explains all.

Also Alsace’s Marcel Deiss winery (Father & Son duo) is an example of a star producer exemplifying the spirit of a field blend. It’s about the terroir.

Susan Feniger of Mud Hen TavernThe 12th Vegas Uncork’d is in the horizon for the fabled Las Vegas Strip the Weekend of May 10th thru Sunday, May 13. It’s a foodies paradise as most celebrity chefs represented on The Strip will be hosting an incredible assortment of high profile, one-of-a-kind food & libation events. Joining us to preview her pair of Vegas Uncork’d celebrations is Susan Feniger of Border Grill fame.

We’ll be there in the heart of the action, too, broadcasting from Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo Resort on Saturday May 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon.

Susan’s first event is Tequila & Salsa With Susan Feniger” on Thursday, May 10th from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Border Grill at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.

“The perfect event for tequila and taco lovers alike, or anyone who loves a good time. Join Too Hot Tamale and celebrity chef Susan Feniger for an exhilarating evening at Border Grill.  Enjoy unlimited signature tacos, ceviches, seafood cocktails, top-shelf tequila cocktails, and a salsa dance lesson to get everyone moving on the dance floor!”

Susan’s 2nd Uncorked event is Master Series – Women’s Power Lunch & Conversation” on Saturday, May 12th from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Border Grill, Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.

“This lunch is unlike anything you’ve experienced before! Get up close and personal with chefs Susan Feniger, Christina Tosi, Elizabeth Blau, Saipin Chutima, Nicole Brisson, and others at Border Grill in The Forum Shops for a panel discussion and lunch celebrating all things female! Guests will indulge in a delicious meal prepared by a team of all-women chefs, sip on curated wines from female winemakers, and indulge in tastings of top-shelf tequila from a women-operated distillery in this first-ever event at Vegas Uncork’d.”

Andrew and William GruelOur always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, is back in-studio and continues with his Ask the Chef series.

Today it’s Butter 411. These days butter is a bit of a maligned cooking fat. Olive oil seemingly reigns supreme. It really can be better with butter as Julia Child told us over the years. Butter adds taste and flavor to recipes and a modest amount can go a long way.

We’ll reflect on this as Chef Andrew puts the butter churn aside and has the flavorful specifics for us.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Hosts Andy Harris & Chef Andrew Gruel
Segment Two: Professor Richard Carrico, Of Wine On The Lees Well Refined – A History Of Wines & Wineries In San Diego County
Segment Three: Alejandra Padilla, Executive Chef, Five Crowns and SideDoor, Corona del Mar
Segment Four: 3rd Annual Masters of Taste, The Rose Bowl
Segment Five: Joe Manzella, TAPS Fish House & Brewery, Brea
Segment Six: Kyle Meyer, Co-Founder, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana
Segment Seven: Vegas Uncork’d Preview with Susan Feniger
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel’s “Ask the Chef”

Show 206, January 14, 2017: Food & Libation journalist, Anne Marie Panoringan, Contributor to OC Weekly

Anne Marie PanoringanThe always “in-the-know” Anne Marie Panoringan is a contributing writer for OC Weekly. She is also a widely-followed, authority on cocktails from the consumer point-of-view. Anne Marie joins us with a recap of her recent OC Weekly piece, Top 5 Orange County Cocktails of 2016, Anne Marie Edition!”

“Another year, another round of drinks. It’s a great time to love me some cocktails, because more places than ever have been pouring some of the best I’ve seen and tasted. We turn back the clock 300-ish days to recap on some of my favorites for the year. Any hey – they don’t all contain whiskey.”

One hint: “Pineapple Under the Sea at TAPS Fish House & Brewery ranks Number 5.

Show 158, February 6, 2016: Andrew Aoun, Corporate Wine & Spirits Manager, Taps Fish House & Brewery, The Catch and Lillie’s Q. Continues…

Andrew AnunTaps is known for their long-history of brewing award winning craft beers but they also want to elevate the rest of their bar program. There is a new emphasis on freshness and quality ingredients.

All mixers and juices are prepared fresh. Even the Grenadine is made in-house. Big difference in flavor.

The well spirits have been elevated, too. No low end spirits in the well. All premium labels. For instance, George Dickel Rye is the whiskey in the well.

A new cocktail is the Pineapple Under The Sea. It’s made with Absolut Elyx Vodka and Corruba Coconut Rum. It’s served in an eye-catching copper Pineapple. Going to be hard to hang on to those.

The show-stopper is the Lime In The Coconut with Corruba Coconut Rum and Selvarey Cocoa Rum. It’s prepared tableside in dramatic fashion. It’s frozen “Mad Scientist”-style with liquid nitrogen and served in a coconut shell.

Show 129, July 4, 2015: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Happy 4th to all and thanks for sharing your Holiday Weekend with us.

We’re here for you…We can’t promise fireworks but we’ll do our level best to entertain you.

Now a mouthwatering preview of Saturday’s red-hot show. Our fireworks are always safe & sane. Bring on the apple pie…With any luck we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case, that’s a good thing…

TAPS Fish House & Brewery (Brea and Corona) has an impressive new location in Irvine at The Market Place. All the TAPS locations differ in design so you never have the feeling you’re dining in an impersonal, corporate restaurant. The environment offers fine dining and a more casual bar-lounge area. There is a comfortable patio, too. They are famous for their Sunday brunch and serve lunch, dinner and happy hour. Chef Andrew Monterrosa joins us with all the 411 on TAPS Irvine.

Downtown Las Vegas is not an easy market for independent restaurants.

You’re competing with all the dining options available in the large Hotels and must appeal to visitors, conventioneers, and the discriminating locals. Not an easy task. Shift Hospitality has overcome the obstacles with their highly successful MTO Café serving breakfast and lunch. They have recently opened a second branch in the Las Vegas suburb of Summerlin. It’s also open for dinner. Chef-Partner Johnny Church is our guest.

Think you’re heard everything you could possibly need to know about the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet? Think again…We’re diving into The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Cookbook – Harness the Power of the World’s Healthiest Diet to Live Better, Longer written by international cooking expert Amy Riolo.

When we last chatted with Chef Ben Ford he was just about to open the relocated Ford’s Filling Station at L.A. Live in the JW Marriott Los Angeles. It’s breakfast, lunch and dinner with Sunday Brunch, too. We’ll get caught up with Chef Ben and hear about his newly initiated Whole Hog Dinner. It’s a feast for 6 to 8 people! Chef Ben suggests that you “fill up on all the good things in life.”

Our own resident Guest Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, is at it again doing the seemingly impossible. He just opened a new Slapfish at LAX on a super compressed timetable that required a lot of ingenuity (and long hours) to pull-off. Chef Andrew is in Palm Springs on a menu development retreat. We’ll catch-up with him.

Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure produced by Garagiste Events, returns to Los Angeles on July 11th, with 50+ artisan ‘garagiste’ winemakers pouring over 200 wines in a new, and appropriately rock and roll, venue : the stunning art deco landmark, The Wiltern in Koreatown. A new element of the Festival is a first-time alliance with Artisanal LA that will see a mini pop-up of a sampling of their best artisan food producers offering tastes of their healthy, local, sustainable and delicious edibles.

Andrew Gruel and Anthony Dispensa of Slapfish Restaurants and FYI Say It To My FaceDon’t miss Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel’s (he’ll be joining us a bit later in the show) new restaurant makeover series, “Say It To My Face” on FYI. An original episode is aired every Thursday evening with an encore episode thereafter. Check your local listings. On-line food reviewers confront restaurateurs with the shortcomings of their establishments. It’s then up to Chef Andrew and his colleague, Chef Anthony Dispensa, to coach the chef and restaurateur to achieve a much higher level of guest satisfaction when the on-line reviews return for another look! Sometimes it’s tough-love…

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

Show 129, July 4, 2015: Executive Chef Andrew Monterrosa, TAPS Fish House & Brewery, Irvine

Andrew Monterrosa at the KLAA AM830 Studios in AnaheimTAPS Fish House & Brewery (Brea and Corona) has an impressive new location in Irvine at The Market Place. All the TAPS locations differ in design so you never have the feeling you’re dining in an impersonal, corporate restaurant.

The stylish environment offers fine dining and a more casual bar-lounge area. There is a comfortable patio, too. They are famous for their Sunday brunch and serve lunch, dinner and happy hour.

The private dining room at the news TAPS Irvine accommodates 125 guests and features a handsome stone fireplace and large barn doors that slide open across an arched entry. A 1,800-squarte-foot, cigar-friendly patio with a full-service menu and cocktails seats 100.

TAPS is as well known for its quality cuisine served in generous portions as it is for award-winning, handcrafted ales and lagers. There is a critically acclaimed wine list, which includes 150 California-centric selections by the bottle and 20 wines by the glass.

The Irvine location has an impressive 24 taps – 14 of them for TAPS seasonal and signature ales and lagers. There are an additional four guest beers on draft selected by Brewmaster David Huls.

This is the first TAPS to showcase select meats and fish cooked on a J & R “Little Red Smokehouse” smoker. This Rolls Royce of smokers from Mesquite, TX is fueled by apple wood and cherry wood. It’s inspired by the smoker at sister restaurant, Lillie’s Q in Brea. A smoked prime rib is offered nightly. Rotating smoked fish offerings include trout, albacore, salmon, mussels and oysters.

Chef Andrew Monterrosa joins us in-studio with all the 411 on TAPS Irvine.

July 4: Taps Fish House Irvine, Johnny Church, Amy Riolo, Ben Ford, Andrew Gruel, Garagiste Festival

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Andrew Monterrosa, TAPS Fish House & Brewery, Irvine
Segment Three: Chef Johnny Church, MTO Cafes, Las Vegas
Segment Four: Amy Riolo, The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Cookbook
Segment Five: Chef Ben Ford, Ford’s Filling Station at L.A. Live
Segment Six: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group
Segment Seven: Doug Minnick, Co-Founder & Co-Producer – Garagiste Festival Part One
Segment Eight: Doug Minnick, Co-Founder & Co-Producer – Garagiste Festival Part Two

Happy 4th to all and thanks for sharing your Holiday Weekend with us.

We’re here for you…

Now, a mouthwatering preview of Saturday’s red-hot show. Our fireworks are always safe & sane. Bring on the apple pie…With any luck we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case, that’s a good thing…

TAPS Fish House & Brewery (Brea and Corona) has an impressive new location in Irvine at The Market Place. All the TAPS locations differ in design so you never have the feeling you’re dining in an impersonal, corporate restaurant. The environment offers fine dining and a more casual bar-lounge area. There is a comfortable patio, too. They are famous for their Sunday brunch and serve lunch, dinner and happy hour. Chef Andrew Monterrosa joins us with all the 411 on TAPS Irvine.

Downtown Las Vegas is not an easy market for independent restaurants.

You’re competing with all the dining options available in the large Hotels and must appeal to visitors, conventioneers, and the discriminating locals. Not an easy task. Shift Hospitality has overcome the obstacles with their highly successful MTO Café serving breakfast and lunch. They have recently opened a second branch in the Las Vegas suburb of Summerlin. It’s also open for dinner. Chef-Partner Johnny Church is our guest.

Think you’re heard everything you could possibly need to know about the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet ? Think again…We’re diving into The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Cookbook – Harness the Power of the World’s Healthiest Diet to Live Better, Longer written by international cooking expert Amy Riolo.

When we last chatted with Chef Ben Ford he was just about to open the relocated Ford’s Filling Station at L.A. Live in the JW Marriott Los Angeles. It’s breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant with Sunday Brunch, too. We’ll get caught up with Chef Ben and hear about his newly initiated Whole Hog Dinner. It’s a feast for 6 to 8 people! Chef Ben suggests that you “fill up on all the good things in life.”

Our own resident Guest Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, is at it again doing the seemingly impossible. He just opened a new Slapfish at LAX on a super compressed timetable that required a lot of ingenuity (and long hours) to pull-off. Chef Andrew is in Palm Springs on a menu development retreat. We’ll catch-up with him.

Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure produced by Garagiste Events, returns to Los Angeles on July 11th, with 50+ artisan ‘garagiste’ winemakers pouring over 200 wines in a new, and appropriately rock and roll, venue : the stunning art deco landmark, The Wiltern in Koreatown. A new element of the Festival is a first-time alliance with Artisnal LA that will see a mini pop-up of a sampling of their best artisan food producers offering tastes of their healthy, local, sustainable and delicious edibles.

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

Andrew MonterrosaTAPS Fish House & Brewery (Brea and Corona) has an impressive new location in Irvine at The Market Place. All the TAPS locations differ in design so you never have the feeling you’re dining in an impersonal, corporate restaurant.

The stylish environment offers fine dining and a more casual bar-lounge area. There is a comfortable patio, too. They are famous for their Sunday brunch and serve lunch, dinner and happy hour.

The private dining room at the news TAPS Irvine accommodates 125 guests and features a handsome stone fireplace and large barn doors that slide open across an arched entry. A 1,800-square-foot, cigar-friendly patio with a full-service menu and cocktails seats 100.

TAPS is as well known for its quality cuisine served in generous portions as it is for award-winning, handcrafted ales and lagers. There is a critically acclaimed wine list, which includes 150 California-centric selections by the bottle and 20 wines by the glass.

The Irvine location has an impressive 24 taps – 14 of them for TAPS seasonal and signature ales and lagers. There are an additional four guest beers on draft selected by Brewmaster David Huls.

This is the first TAPS to showcase select meats and fish cooked on a J & R “Little Red Smokehouse” smoker. This Rolls Royce of smokers from Mesquite, TX is fueled by apple wood and cherry wood. It’s inspired by the smoker at sister restaurant, Lillie’s Q in Brea. A smoked prime rib is offered nightly. Rotating smoked fish offerings include trout, albacore, salmon, mussels and oysters.

Chef Andrew Monterrosa joins us with all the 411 on TAPS Irvine.

Downtown Las Vegas is not an easy market for independent restaurants.

You’re competing with all the dining options available in the large Hotels and must appeal to visitors, conventioneers, and the discriminating locals. Not an easy task.

Johnny ChurchShift Hospitality has overcome the obstacles with their highly successful MTO Café serving breakfast and lunch. They have recently opened a second branch in the Las Vegas suburb of Summerlin. It’s also open for dinner.

The MTO Cafes serve fresh comfort food in a highly personal, everyday atmosphere. The goal is to position the MTO Cafes as the locals’ neighborhood go-to.

Chef Johnny Church is the culinary talent behind MTO. Named 2014 Culinarian of the Year by the Nevada Restaurant Association, Chef Johnny is an up and coming star on the dynamic Vegas food scene.

His career path has taken him through Rick Moonen’s rm Seafood & Rx Boiler Room, Charlie Palmer’s Aureole at Mandalay Bay, Andre’s at the Monte Carlo, Alize at the Top of the Palms, Paris Las Vegas’ Eiffel Tower Restaurant and the former AJ’s Steakhouse at the Hard Rock Hotel. He was part of Bradley Ogden’s opening team at Root 246 in Solvang, CA. Earlier in his career he was chef for Gordon Ramsey’s “Kitchen Nightmares.”

MTO’s Chef-Partner Johnny Church is our guest.

Amy RioloThink you’re heard everything you could possibly need to know about the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet? Think again…

We’re diving into The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Cookbook – Harness the Power of the World’s Healthiest Diet to Live Better, Longer written by international cooking expert Amy Riolo. It’s based on the science of the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid.

She gets right to the core of the Mediterranean lifestyle explaining what should be eaten, when it should be eaten, and why. Each recipe is complemented by “Mediterranean Tradition” – information on the history, culture, lore, and nutritional value of the dish and its ingredients.

Recent studies show that people who follow a Mediterranean diet were 47 percent less likely to develop heart disease – and the news gets even better. A Mediterranean diet works for all genders, all age groups, and regardless of overall condition.

Combined with the fact that the foods most common to the Mediterranean diet are easily available in the U.S. and Canada – and already number among our most popular dishes – make this diet plan perhaps one of the most effective, easiest to follow, and delicious. Rich in olive oil, nuts, beans, fish, fruits and vegetables, and even wine, The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet allows you to enjoy appealing food and good health.

Chef Ben Ford at the KLAA StudiosWhen we last chatted with Chef Ben Ford he was just about to open the relocated Ford’s Filling Station at L.A. Live in the JW Marriott Los Angeles. It’s breakfast, lunch and dinner with Sunday Brunch, too. We’ll get caught up with Chef Ben and hear about his newly initiated Whole Hog Dinner. It’s a feast for 6 to 8 people!

Chef Ben suggests that you “fill up on all the good things in life.”

Situated in the lobby of the JW Marriott Los Angeles, the new Ford’s Filling Station L.A. LIVE is an evolution of chef and restaurateur Ben Ford’s original ‘gastropub’ concept, showcasing sustainable, regional cuisine. Drawing inspiration from the abundance of fresh produce and artisanal meats available through California farms, as well as his travels through the south and southwest, Chef Ford has created a menu that is a unique blend of west coast flavors and southwest influence.

An onsite smoker fired with a blend of apple, pecan and cherry wood lends exceptional tenderness and flavor to meats; while fruits and vegetables culled from regional farms enhance a carefully curated menu.

The cocktail program from innovative mixologist Dushan Zarin of New York’s famed Employees Only bar, is food-friendly and filled with classic libations, craft beers and farm-fresh savory cocktails.

His impressive cookbook, Taming the Feast: Ben Ford’s Field Guide to Adventurous Cooking, focuses not only on bringing people together to eat good, sustainable organic food, but gathering lots, and lots, of people together to enjoy sumptuous feasts.

Andrew GruelOur own resident Guest Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, is at it again doing the seemingly impossible. He just opened a new Slapfish at LAX on a super compressed timetable that required a lot of ingenuity (and long hours) to pull-off. The Irvine Slapfish debuts mid-month.

Chef Andrew is in Palm Springs on a menu development retreat. He’s testing recipes with a crew of colleagues. We’ll catch-up with him and, yes, find out what’s cooking…

Garagiste FestivalGaragiste Festival: Urban Exposure produced by Garagiste Events, returns to Los Angeles on July 11th, from 2 to 6:00 p.m. with 50+ artisan ‘garagiste’ winemakers pouring over 200 wines in a new, and appropriately rock and roll, venue: the stunning art deco landmark, The Wiltern in Koreatown. Proceeds from the non-profit festival will benefit Cal Poly Wine and Viticulture program. Tickets are available here.

A new element of the Festival is a first-time alliance with Artisnal LA that will see a mini pop-up of a sampling of their best artisan food producers offering tastes of their healthy, local, sustainable and delicious edibles.

“We have always felt that finding undiscovered winemakers is like discovering a new band in a club before they have a hit record, so The Wiltern’s rock and roll history is a perfect fit for these renegade, under-the-radar wine makers. Plus, it is a stunning place,” said Doug Minnick Co-founder of The Garagiste Festivals. “And, as our fans know, a really cool venue is an integral part of the garagiste experience. As always, we will have one-on-one interaction with the winemakers, an unmatched tasting range of amazing hard-to-find wines, a no-snobs-allowed atmosphere, and just plain fun.”

The Garagiste Wine Festivals, which first exposed the American garagiste movement, are among the most unique and influential wine events in the world. They are the only wine events that exclusively showcase ultra-premium, cutting-edge, micro-production commercial wineries that produce fewer than 1,500 cases (and many under 800) a year.

“Garagistes” is a term originally used in the Bordeaux region of France to denigrate renegade small-lot wine makers, sometimes working in their “garages” (anything considered not a chateau), who refused to follow the “rules,” and is now a full-fledged movement responsible for making some of the best wine in the world. The Garagiste Festivals were the first to shine a light on the American garagiste winemaker in 2011.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Executive Chef Andrew Monterrosa, TAPS Fish House & Brewery, Irvine
Segment Three: Chef Johnny Church, MTO Cafes, Las Vegas
Segment Four: Amy Riolo, The Ultimate Mediterranean Diet Cookbook
Segment Five: Chef Ben Ford, Ford’s Filling Station at L.A. Live
Segment Six: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group
Segment Seven: Doug Minnick, Co-Founder & Co-Producer – Garagiste Festival Part One
Segment Eight: Doug Minnick, Co-Founder & Co-Producer – Garagiste Festival Part Two