Show 542, September 9, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Hungry Games 6.0 benefiting the worthy activities of Bracken’s Kitchen in Garden Grove is back better and bigger than ever before. The Hungry Games event benefits the less fortunate and food insecure in Southern California! Please join Chef Bill Bracken and Bracken’s Kitchen at their very own busy kitchen on Thursday, September 14th 2023 at 5:30 p.m. for a wonderful evening together! It will be full of great food, fun, and of course, friendly competition.” The defending champion, Chef Michael Rossi (The Beach Club, Santa Monica,) will be there. This year’s ambitious fundraising goal is a cool $500,000. “Come hungry for some yummy hors d’oeuvres, incredibly delicious meals, and beverages that you will love as the chefs battle for first place! Guests help vote for their favorites throughout the night. The Pinch Me! band returns to play some incredible live music!” Culinary Director of Bracken’s Kitchen, Bill Bracken, joins us with whisk in hand.

“Helmed by long-time Fairfield Restaurateur Molly Tou (ex-Sticky Rice) and Chef Joey Jaraba, Two60 Kitchen + Bar is a great new addition to Fairfield’s dining scene. It opened in 2020 at 260 Pittman Road. Over the last 23 years, Chef Jaraba has developed a career out of fusing his own background from the Philippines with his dishes. Two60 blends modern American cuisine with global influences to create a menu deeply rooted in sourcing ingredients from local farms. Besides traditional American fare such as hamburgers, steak and salads they feature items with Asian and Italian influences such as Shanghai Lumpia, Ahi Poke Towers and Pastas.” Restaurateur Molly Tou is our guest.

“The Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) brings back its Tastemakers of Orange County fundraising event on Wednesday, September 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. More than two dozen local chefs will celebrate the Asian and Pacific Islander community, culture, and heritage by giving guests the opportunity to indulge in one-of-a-kind Asian and Pacific Island-inspired dishes. Proceeds from tickets sold for this event benefit OCAPICA’s numerous programs and services in mental health and health, youth development, housing assistance, policy education and combating anti-Asian racism throughout Orange County.” Baker Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Café and Chef Kristen Nguyen of Garlic & Chives join us with all the tasty details.“

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar presents MAUI STRONG, a fundraiser on Sunday, September 17 at its waterfront location in Newport Beach to benefit the Maui Strong Fund. Guests will have the opportunity to attend a “Maui Strong Tasting Event” from 2 to 5 p.m. and “Taste of Hawaii Dinner” from 5 to 8:30 p.m., both supporting relief efforts through the Maui Strong Fund, organized by the Hawai’i Community Foundation and committed to distributing 100% of funds donated to local aid groups who are responding to community needs.” The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar’s Managing Partner, JC Clow, is our guest providing all the details.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Has the restaurant business really fully recovered from the Pandemic? What are the present concerns of chefs and restaurateurs? Some restaurants are really struggling in urban San Francisco. We’ll “Ask the Chef”.

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

Show 542, September 9, 2023: Tastemakers of Orange County Benefiting OCAPICA With Baker Tarit Tanjasiri and Chef Kristen Nguyen

Kristen Nguyen of Garlic and Chives

“The Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) brings back its Tastemakers of Orange County fundraising event on Wednesday, September 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. More than two dozen local chefs will celebrate the Asian and Pacific Islander community, culture, and heritage by giving guests the opportunity to indulge in one-of-a-kind Asian and Pacific Island-inspired dishes. Proceeds from tickets sold for this event benefit OCAPICA’s numerous programs and services in mental health and health, youth development, housing assistance, policy education and combating anti-Asian racism throughout Orange County.”

“In addition to the food tastings, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy beverages by Brewery X and Bondle Wines. The celebration at Argyros Plaza will also include entertainment, a silent auction and opportunity drawing for guests to enjoy. Tickets are available to the public for $250 for VIP, which allows early entry at 6 p.m.; and $195 for General Admission from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. More information and tickets can be found here.

Baker Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Café and Chef Kristen Nguyen of Garlic & Chives join us with all the tasty details.

September 9: Hungry Games 6.0, Two60 Kitchen + Bar, Tastemakers of Orange County, The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Bill Bracken, Culinary Director and Founder, Bracken’s Kitchen, Garden Grove Part One
Segment Three: Chef Bill Bracken, Culinary Director and Founder, Bracken’s Kitchen, Garden Grove Part Two
Segment Four: Restaurateur Molly Tou, Two60 Kitchen + Bar, Fairfield, CA Part One
Segment Five: Restaurateur Molly Tou, Two60 Kitchen + Bar, Fairfield, CA Part Two
Segment Six: Tastemakers of Orange County Benefiting OCAPICA With Baker Tarit Tanjasiri and Chef Kristen Nguyen
Segment Seven: The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar’s Benefits for Maui Strong (Newport Beach)
Segment Eight: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.

“Hungry Games 6.0 benefiting the worthy activities of Bracken’s Kitchen in Garden Grove is back better and bigger than ever before. The Hungry Games event benefits the less fortunate and food insecure in Southern California! Please join Chef Bill Bracken and Bracken’s Kitchen at their very own busy kitchen on Thursday, September 14th 2023 at 5:30 p.m. for a wonderful evening together! It will be full of great food, fun, and of course, friendly competition. The defending champion, Chef Michael Rossi (The Beach Club, Santa Monica,) will be there. This year’s ambitious fundraising goal is a cool $500,000. Come hungry for some yummy hors d’oeuvres, incredibly delicious meals, and beverages that you will love as the chefs battle for first place! Guests help vote for their favorites throughout the night. The Pinch Me! band returns to play some incredible live music!” Culinary Director of Bracken’s Kitchen, Bill Bracken, joins us with whisk in hand.

“Helmed by long-time Fairfield Restaurateur Molly Tou (ex-Sticky Rice) and Chef Joey Jaraba, Two60 Kitchen + Bar is a great new addition to Fairfield’s dining scene. It opened in 2020 at 260 Pittman Road. Over the last 23 years, Chef Jaraba has developed a career out of fusing his own background from the Philippines with his dishes. Two60 blends modern American cuisine with global influences to create a menu deeply rooted in sourcing ingredients from local farms. Besides traditional American fare such as hamburgers, steak and salads they feature items with Asian and Italian influences such as Shanghai Lumpia, Ahi Poke Towers and Pastas.” Restaurateur Molly Tou is our guest.

“The Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) brings back its Tastemakers of Orange County fundraising event on Wednesday, September 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. More than two dozen local chefs will celebrate the Asian and Pacific Islander community, culture, and heritage by giving guests the opportunity to indulge in one-of-a-kind Asian and Pacific Island-inspired dishes. Proceeds from tickets sold for this event benefit OCAPICA’s numerous programs and services in mental health and health, youth development, housing assistance, policy education and combating anti-Asian racism throughout Orange County.” Baker Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Café and Chef Kristen Nguyen of Garlic & Chives join us with all the tasty details.

“The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar presents MAUI STRONG, a fundraiser on Sunday, September 17 at its waterfront location in Newport Beach to benefit the Maui Strong Fund. Guests will have the opportunity to attend a “Maui Strong Tasting Event” from 2 to 5 p.m. and “Taste of Hawaii Dinner” from 5 to 8:30 p.m., both supporting relief efforts through the Maui Strong Fund, organized by the Hawai’i Community Foundation and committed to distributing 100% of funds donated to local aid groups who are responding to community needs.”

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar’s Managing Partner, JC Clow, is our guest providing all the details.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Has the restaurant business really fully recovered from the Pandemic? What are the present concerns of chefs and restaurateurs? Some restaurants are really struggling in urban San Francisco. We’ll “Ask the Chef”?

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

Bill Bracken of Brackens Kitchen

Hungry Games 6.0 benefiting the worthy activities of Bracken’s Kitchen in Garden Grove is back better and bigger than ever before. The Hungry Games event benefits the less fortunate and food insecure in Southern California! Please join Chef Bill Bracken and Bracken’s Kitchen at their very own busy kitchen on Thursday, September 14th 2023 at 5:30 p.m. for a wonderful evening together! It will be full of great food, fun, and of course, friendly competition.” The defending champion, Chef Michael Rossi (The Beach Club, Santa Monica,) will be there. This year’s ambitious fundraising goal is a cool $500,000.

“Come hungry for some yummy hors d’oeuvres, incredibly delicious meals, and beverages that you will love as the chefs battle for first place! Guests help vote for their favorites throughout the night. The Pinch Me! band returns to play some incredible live music!”

“As Bracken’s Kitchen celebrates their tenth anniversary of serving healthy and delicious meals to those in need, the Bracken’s Kitchen Team is humbled by and grateful for what they have been able to accomplish. Bracken’s Kitchen is still striving to meet the needs of their community – after pandemic high numbers of 1.7 million meals in 2020 and 2021, they served 1.5 million meals last year, 2022. For 2023, Bracken’s Kitchen is on pace to serve 2 million meals in and around Orange County. In addition to their community feeding program, they are in the middle of their third culinary training class helping those in need with a hand up out of poverty.”

Culinary Director of Bracken’s Kitchen, Bill Bracken, joins us with whisk in hand.

Molly Tou of Two60 Kitchen and Bar

“Helmed by long-time Fairfield Restaurateur Molly Tou (ex-Sticky Rice) and Chef Joey Jaraba, Two60 Kitchen + Bar is a great new addition to Fairfield’s growing dining scene, opened in 2020 at 260 Pittman Road.”

“Over the last 23 years, Chef Jaraba has developed a career out of fusing his own background from the Philippines with his dishes. Two60 blends modern American cuisine with global influences to create a menu deeply rooted in sourcing ingredients from local farms. Besides traditional American fare such as hamburgers, steak and salads they feature items with Asian and Italian influences such as Shanghai Lumpia, Ahi Poke Towers and Pastas.”

“The restaurant is family friendly, including a children’s menu with grilled cheese sandwich, chicken strips and fries, simple pastas and grilled chicken and vegetables. There are two separate dining areas one in the main room and a bar/ seating area off to the back for people who enjoy a bustling bar atmosphere.” There is also patio seating.

“The completely renovated space in Cordelia is the perfect place to grab an innovative bite and a nice cocktail with house-made syrups. You’ll notice the cocktails are named after some streets in Green Valley and Cordelia. They are also serving local favorites including Tolenas Vineyards, Wooden Valley, Caymus Vineyards and Heretic Brewing.”

Proprietress Molly Tou is our guest.

Kristen Nguyen of Garlic and Chives

“The Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) brings back its Tastemakers of Orange County fundraising event on Wednesday, September 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. More than two dozen local chefs will celebrate the Asian and Pacific Islander community, culture, and heritage by giving guests the opportunity to indulge in one-of-a-kind Asian and Pacific Island-inspired dishes. Proceeds from tickets sold for this event benefit OCAPICA’s numerous programs and services in mental health and health, youth development, housing assistance, policy education and combating anti-Asian racism throughout Orange County.”

“In addition to the food tastings, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy beverages by Brewery X and Bondle Wines. The celebration at Argyros Plaza will also include entertainment, a silent auction and opportunity drawing for guests to enjoy. Tickets are available to the public for $250 for VIP, which allows early entry at 6 p.m.; and $195 for General Admission from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. More information and tickets can be found here.

Baker Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema Café and Chef Kristen Nguyen of Garlic & Chives join us with all the tasty details.

JC Clow of the Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar presents MAUI STRONG, a fundraiser on Sunday, September 17 at its waterfront location in Newport Beach to benefit the Maui Strong Fund. Guests will have the opportunity to attend a “Maui Strong Tasting Event” from 2 to 5 p.m. and “Taste of Hawaii Dinner” from 5 to 8:30 p.m., both supporting relief efforts through the Maui Strong Fund, organized by the Hawai’i Community Foundation and committed to distributing 100% of funds donated to local aid groups who are responding to community needs.”

“We have hosted many fundraising events, but this one is near and dear to our hearts, as many of us at The Winery have a deep connection to Maui,” commented JC Clow, Founding Partner at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar, who revealed that the restaurants have raised approximately $599,300 to date for various charities. “The goal of the event is to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by the fires in Maui by raising significant funds for the Maui Strong Fund.”

“Tickets for both MAUI STRONG events are limited and a portion of each ticket is tax-deductible. Tickets for the “Maui Strong Tasting Event” from 2-5 p.m. are $150 per guest and may be purchased in advance online. The “Taste of Hawaii Dinner” from 5-8:30 p.m. is $175 per guest and reservations may be made by calling 949-999-6622 or online.”

The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar’s Managing Partner, JC Clow, is our guest providing all the details.

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative Ask the Chef segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.

Has the restaurant business really recovered from the Pandemic? What are the present concerns of chefs and restaurateurs? Some restaurants are really struggling in urban San Francisco. We’ll “Ask the Chef”?

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef Bill Bracken, Culinary Director and Founder, Bracken’s Kitchen, Garden Grove Part One
Segment Three: Chef Bill Bracken, Culinary Director and Founder, Bracken’s Kitchen, Garden Grove Part Two
Segment Four: Restaurateur Molly Tou, Two60 Kitchen + Bar, Fairfield, CA Part One
Segment Five: Restaurateur Molly Tou, Two60 Kitchen + Bar, Fairfield, CA Part Two
Segment Six: Tastemakers of Orange County Benefiting OCAPICA With Baker Tarit Tanjasiri and Chef Kristen Nguyen
Segment Seven: The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar’s Benefits for Maui Strong (Newport Beach)
Segment Eight: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

Show 260, February 10, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Program Note : On Saturday, February 17th we follow Ducks Hockey at the special time of 3 to 5:00 p.m. Don’t keep it a secret.

Now an enticing preview of this Saturday’s crave-worthy 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 always here with you live every Saturday with a fresh show.

The ment’or BKB Foundation oversees, and funds, the USA’s participation in the biannual Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition. Inspired by Team USA’s unprecedented Gold Statue at the Bocuse last year ment’or is now funding, and building, a dedicated training kitchen for Bocuse d’Or Team USA located at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia’s campus in Napa. Executive Director Young Yun provides the details.

Baker and restaurateur Tarit Tanjasiri closed his popular Crema Café in Seal Beach late last year for a total remodel. It originally launched on Main St. in 2006. It feels more open now as the wall between the Bakery & Café was removed. We’re on the rise with Tarit.

The globetrotting Chef Bernard Guillas is the long-time, beloved Executive Chef of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club and The Marine Room (oceanfront) in La Jolla. He’s also San Diego’s energetic culinary ambassador to the World. He just back from the 10th Annual Cayman Cookout with Le Bernardin’s Eric Ripert. We’re long overdue for a chat with Chef Bernard.

Sima Cohen is a celebrity trainer, nutritionist, wellness expert, and life coach with more than twenty years’ experience. Her new book is Sima’s Healthy Indulgence – 100 Revampred, Guilt-Free Recipes to Transform Your Life. This book is perhaps the ultimate guide to guiltless freedom that you can celebrate every day, without any depriving, compromising, counting calories, or measuring body fat! We’ll meet Sima.

Restaurateur Michael McCarty of Michael’s Santa Monica fame has been a larger-than-life fixture on the local dining scene (Manhattan, too) since 1979. He is a legendary discoverer (and developer) of youthful culinary talent. In the summer of 2016 Michael reinvented Michael’s Santa Monica once again with the arrival of a hot young chef, Miles Thompson. We’ll chat with Michael about the diminishing influence of high-profile restaurant critics over the years as well as Chef Miles’ new Winter Happy Hour menu.

Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his “Ask the Chef” series. What’s the future of home-delivery meal kits like Blue Apron? Even the supermarkets are offering their own labels of these fresh, and ready-to-cook at home meal kits. Are they even a good deal? Chef Andrew weighs in. He certainly supports any honest effort that encourages people to cook at home.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!

February 10: ment’or BKB Foundation, Crema Café, Bernard Guillas, Sima Cohen, Michael McCarty

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Young Yun, Executive Director, ment’or BKB Foundation
Segment Three: Restaurateur & Baker Tarit Tanjasiri, Crema Café, Seal Beach
Segment Four: Executive Chef Bernard Guillas, The Marine Room & The La Jolla Breach & Tennis Club, La Jolla
Segment Five: Celebrity Trainer Simi Cohen, Sima’s Healthy Indulgences Part One
Segment Six: Celebrity Trainer Simi Cohen, Sima’s Healthy Indulgences Part Two
Segment Seven: Restaurateur Michael McCarty, Michael’s Santa Monica & NYC
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group & Show Co-Host

Now an enticing preview of this Saturday’s crave-worthy 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 always here with you live every Saturday with a fresh show.

The ment’or BKB Foundation oversees, and funds, the USA’s participation in the biannual Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition. Inspired by Team USA’s unprecedented Gold Statue at the Bocuse last year ment’or is now funding, and building, a dedicated training kitchen for Bocuse d’Or Team USA located at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia’s campus in Napa. Executive Director Young Yun provides the details.

Baker and restaurateur Tarit Tanjasari closed his popular Crema Café in Seal Beach late last year for a total remodel. It originally launched on Main St. in 2006. It feels more open now as the wall between the Bakery & Café was removed. We’re on the rise with Tarit.

The globetrotting Chef Bernard Guillas is the long-time, beloved Executive Chef of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club and The Marine Room (oceanfront) in La Jolla. He’s also San Diego’s energetic culinary ambassador to the World. He just back from the 10th Annual Cayman Cookout with Le Bernardin’s Eric Ripert. We’re long overdue for a chat with Chef Bernard.

Sima Cohen is a celebrity trainer, nutritionist, wellness expert, and life coach with more than twenty years’ experience. Her new book is Sima’s Healthy Indulgence – 100 Revamped, Guilt-Free Recipes to Transform Your Life. This book is perhaps the ultimate guide to guiltless freedom that you can celebrate every day, without any depriving, compromising, counting calories, or measuring body fat! We’ll meet Sima.

Restaurateur Michael McCarty of Michael’s Santa Monica fame has been a larger-than-life fixture on the local dining scene (Manhattan, too) since 1979. He is a legendary discoverer of youthful culinary talent. In the summer of 2016 Michael reinvented Michael’s Santa Monica once again with the arrival of a hot young chef, Miles Thompson. We’ll chat with Michael about the diminishing influence of high-profile restaurant critics over the years as well as Chef Miles’ new Winter Happy Hour menu.

Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his “Ask the Chef” series. What’s the future of home-delivery meal kits like Blue Apron? Even the supermarkets are offering their own labels of these fresh, and ready-to-cook at home meal kits. Are they a good deal ? Chef Andrew weighs in.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s show!

Young YunThe ment’or BKB Foundation oversees, and funds, the USA’s participation in the biannual Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition. Inspired by Team USA’s unprecedented Gold Statue at the Bocuse last year ment’or is now funding, and building, a dedicated training kitchen for Bocuse d’Or Team USA located at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia’s campus in Napa.

Scheduled to open in Spring 2018 ment’or’s hope is that this kitchen will become a permanent home for the Team.

The targeted fundraising goal is to raise $250,000.

The new space will replicate the kitchen at the Bocuse d’Or, so that Team USA can practice to compete as they would on the actual competition day. Most importantly, the kitchen will be outfitted with the necessary equipment to ensure that Team USA can continue to succeed on this international culinary stage. In addition, guests will be able to visit the training space to see the physical platters, tools. Photos, and memorabilia encompassing Team USA’s storied history and growing legacy.

Ment’or BKB’s Executive Director Young Yun provides the details.

Tarit Tanjasiri of Crema CafeBaker and restaurateur Tarit Tanjasari closed his popular Crema Café in Seal Beach late last year for a total remodel. It originally launched on Main St. in 2006. It feels more open now as the wall between the Bakery & Café was removed.

“The Crema Cafe is a European-inspired restaurant and bakery in beautiful downtown Seal Beach, California. We serve breakfast and lunch 7 days a week. Our menu offers classic favorites and delicious new alternatives. From our famous sweet and savory crepes to our tempting pastries, hearty sandwiches and fresh salads, we offer a variety of great breakfast and lunch choices.”

“Our artisan bakery offers a full range of fresh-baked goods. We use the finest ingredients like real butter and wholesome grains. Our assortment of handcrafted breads includes our signature 7-grain Crema Multigrain bread, sourdough and raisin pecan. See our schedule for a complete list of available daily breads. You can also indulge your sweet tooth with our enticing array of cookies, muffins, scones, sweet croissants and macarons, baked to perfection.”

“We invite you to dine al fresco on our airy patio or in our cozy interior. Our patio is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring man’s best friend along, too (please make sure Fido is on a leash).”

We’re on the rise with Tarit.

Bernard GxuillasThe globetrotting Chef Bernard Guillas is the long-time, beloved Executive Chef of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club and The Marine Room (oceanfront) in La Jolla. He’s also San Diego’s energetic culinary ambassador to the World. He just back from the 10th Annual Cayman Cookout with Le Bernardin’s Eric Ripert.

Since 1941, one symbol has stood for the most exquisite dining experience in San Diego. The Seahorse symbol of The Marine Room.

“During this time, The Marine Room has earned countless accolades. Renown critics have described its privileged setting on La Jolla’s finest beach and the thrill of being “eye-level” with the crashing surf at high tide. The culinary artistry of Executive Chef Bernard Guillas and Chef de Cuisine Ron Oliver has been called “world-class” for its devotion to fresh seafood, seasonal variety, hand-selected local ingredients and award-winning desserts. Others have defined the experience as “sophistication with a sense of delight.” But our greatest satisfaction comes simply from serving our guests – who come to celebrate the joy of life with good company, a perfectly-prepared meal, and a golden Pacific sunset to call their own.”

We’re long overdue for a chat with Chef Bernard.

Sima CohenSima Cohen is a celebrity trainer, nutritionist, wellness expert, and life coach with more than twenty years’ experience. In her life journey she learned the important elements that govern and influence health and happiness. Her new book is Sima’s Healthy Indulgence – 100 Revampred, Guilt-Free Recipes to Transform Your Life.

Sima’s definition of transformation is not about obsessing over the numbers on a scale—it is all about something that blossoms from within you, out from your very pores, that ends with a lustrous glow that shows all over your transformed self. It’s not just about eating good food and feeding your hungry belly, it’s about discovering who you are, and transforming your body and life from the inside out.

After two decades, countless hours, thousands of clients, and customized food and detox plans, it was a no-brainer to understand that everybody—no matter their age or social status—wants their cake, and to eat it too. This book will transform how you think, what you eat, and the way you live. Losing weight is just the cherry on top of the sugar-free sundae.

We’re hanging out in the kitchen with Sima.

When clients said they had a sweet tooth, or they were hungry for their latest diet’s “no-no food” and wanted to eat without the guilt that came with it, something immediately clicked in Sima’s mind, and she knew that she had to create a perfect, life-changing meal plan for them. This book is the ultimate guide to guiltless freedom that you can celebrate every day, without any depriving, compromising, counting calories, or measuring body fat!

She perfected her method to help people from all walks of life discover these elements that pave the way for achieving sustainable health and happiness in life: selfsweat, and substance. Her expertise in nutrition (substance) and fitness (sweat) has helped thousands of overweight individuals achieve ideal weight—the culinary part of that work resulted in the creation of this book.

Sima resides in Los Angeles, California, with her daughter Kayla.

Michael McCartyRestaurateur Michael McCarty of Michael’s Santa Monica fame has been a larger-than-life fixture on the local dining scene (Manhattan, too) since 1979. He is a legendary discoverer of youthful culinary talent. In the summer of 2016 Michael reinvented Michael’s Santa Monica once again with the arrival of a hot young chef, Miles Thompson.

When Chef & Restaurateur Michael McCarty opened the landmark Michael’s in Santa Monica back in 1979 I’m not sure he even suspected that he would become one of the pioneers of what is known as California cuisine along with Alice Waters and Wolfgang Puck. He pioneered having museum quality art on the restaurant’s wall with not a hint of pretention. A Michael’s in New York came on the scene about a decade later serving breakfast, lunch & dinner to the media elite.

Michael is also known for mentoring rising, young culinary talent. This distinguished alumni club includes Jonathan Waxman, Nancy Silverton, Mark Peel, Ken Frank, and Sang Yoon.

McCarty still can be seen at The Santa Monica Farmers Market on Wednesday mornings with his culinary team. When he’s home in Santa Monica he’s at the restaurant nightly still touching tables and welcoming guests.

We’ll chat with Michael about the diminishing influence of high-profile restaurant critics over the years as well as Chef Miles’ new Winter Happy Hour menu. How valuable is restaurant criticism to an established restaurant?

Andy Harris and Andrew Gruel at the Fifth Anniversary of the SoCal Restaurant ShowOur always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his “Ask the Chef” series. What’s the future of home-delivery meal kits like Blue Apron? Even the supermarkets are offering their own labels of these fresh, and ready-to-cook at home meal kits. Are they even a good deal for the money?

Chef Andrew weighs in.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Young Yun, Executive Director, ment’or BKB Foundation
Segment Three: Restaurateur & Baker Tarit Tanjasiri, Crema Café, Seal Beach
Segment Four: Executive Chef Bernard Guillas, The Marine Room & The La Jolla Breach & Tennis Club, La Jolla
Segment Five: Celebrity Trainer Simi Cohen, Sima’s Healthy Indulgences Part One
Segment Six: Celebrity Trainer Simi Cohen, Sima’s Healthy Indulgences Part Two
Segment Seven: Restaurateur Michael McCarty, Michael’s Santa Monica & NYC
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group & Show Co-Host