Show 312, February 23, 2019: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now a salivating preview of Saturday’s incredibly delectable 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, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience.

Thre Landsby Hotel in SolvangWe’re live from The Landsby boutique hotel in historic Solvang in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Solvang has been recognized by USA Today as one of America’s Ten Best Small Historic Towns. It’s a delectable taste of Denmark without the long flight. Think Ableskiver, a popular Danish dessert (pancake balls) served with raspberry jam and a dusting of powdered sugar. Also artisan Danish chocolate confections along with mouthwatering, freshly-baked butter cookies with not even a hint of preservatives…

It’s hard to believe but before last year Hitching Post Wines (made famous in the Oscar-winning, 2004 feature motion picture, Sideways, never had a tasting room. That all changed for the better last year when acclaimed winemakers Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini debuted a mid-century farmhouse, destination Tasting Room (with lunch service delivered piping hot from Hitching Post 2) adjacent to Chef Ostini’s Hitching Post 2 in Buellton. Gray & Frank pop the cork on a bottle of their signature Highliner for us.

Our broadcast host is The Landsby, the newest and possibly the most innovative hotel in the Santa Ynez Valley. This stunning 50-room boutique hotel offers warm hospitality and refined, stylish accommodations. Hospitality veteran Barry Prescott, The Landsby’s meticulous General Manager, is our guest.

In the last three years the Chumash Casino Resort has expanded to 320 rooms and 58 suites. It’s a AAA Four Diamond rated property. The 135 foot tall Hotel Tower provides guests exquisite views of the Santa Ynez Valley. Food options range from specialty Tacos and fresh Sushi in the Food Court to formal dining with a deep wine list in The Willows Steakhouse. On the guest menu is Paul Hohe, the Director of Food & Beverage for Chumash.

Located in Solvang, California, the Danish capital of America, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolate Factory was first opened in 1961. The traditional chocolate recipes were first brought to Solvang by Ingeborg Larsen, a chocolate dipper in one of Denmark’s largest chocolate factories. Ingeborgs is now safely in the hands of Kim and Carol Jensen who have preserved the tradition of Danish artisan chocolate making. Kim joins us in sweet conversation.

Lucas & Lewellen Estate Vineyards, established in 1996, owns and farms three vineyards in Santa Barbara County. They have been supplying grapes to some of the finest wineries in California for decades. Lucas & Lewellen believes that quality begins in the vineyard, where all the work is done by hand and standards of uncompromising quality are maintained. Co-Proprietor Royce Lewellen is our guest.

Tracy Farhad is the Executive Director of the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau. “We are at your service.” “Whether you are a visitor trying to arrange for a family reunion or wedding; or a travel industry professional needing extra assistance while planning a trip to Solvang, the Solvang CVB can be your liaison for coordinating essential details.”

Tracy joins us with a preview of the upcoming 27th Annual “Taste of Solvang.”

Mad & Vin is the well-received, destination restaurant and bar at The Landsby. It’s farm-to-kitchen fresh ingredients for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner as Chef Beto Huizar shops at Solvang’s Wednesday afternoon Farmers Market. Chef Beto escapes the busy kitchen and is our guest.

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

Show 312, February 23, 2019: Tracy Farhad, Executive Director, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau

Tracy FarhadTracy Farhad is the Executive Director of the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau. “We are at your service.” “Whether you are a visitor trying to arrange for a family reunion or wedding; or a travel industry professional needing extra assistance while planning a trip to Solvang, the Solvang CVB can be your liaison for coordinating essential details.”

The 27th Annual “Taste of Solvang” food and wine events are offering delicious delights and savory flavors from Friday, March 15 through Sunday, March 17, 2019. From iconic sweets and award-winning wines, beers, and spirits plus farm-to-table, rustic wine-country cuisine to New American and modern Danish fare, this popular celebration features a variety of food and beverage experiences featuring Solvang area chefs, bakers, farmers, winemakers, brewers, distillers and artisans showcasing the bounty of the region since 1993.

Tracy joins us with a preview of the upcoming 27th Annual “Taste of Solvang.”

February 23: Live from the Landsby in Solvang

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Winemakers Gray Hartley and Chef Frank Ostini, Hitching Post Wines, Buellton
Segment Three: Barry Prescott, General Manager, The Landsby
Segment Four: Paul Hohe, Food and Beverage Director, Chumash Casino Resort
Segment Five: Kim Jensen, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates, Solvang
Segment Six: Royce Lewellen, Co-Proprietor, Lucas & Lewellen Estate Vineyards, Solvang
Segment Seven: Tracy Farhad, Executive Director, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Beto Huizar, Mad & Vin at The Landsby, Solvang

Now a salivating preview of this Saturday’s incredibly delectable 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, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience.

Thre Landsby Hotel in SolvangWe’re live from The Landsby boutique hotel in historic Solvang in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Solvang has been recognized by USA Today as one of America’s Ten Best Small Historic Towns. It’s a delectable taste of Denmark without the long flight. Think Ableskiver, a popular Danish dessert (pancake balls) served with raspberry jam and a dusting of powdered sugar. Also artisan Danish chocolate confections along with mouthwatering, freshly-baked butter cookies with not even a hint of preservatives…

It’s hard to believe but before last year Hitching Post Wines (made famous in the Oscar-winning, 2004 feature motion picture, “Sideways,” never had a tasting room. That all changed for the better last year when acclaimed winemakers Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini debuted a mid-century farmhouse, destination Tasting Room (with lunch service delivered piping hot from Hitching Post 2) adjacent to Chef Ostini’s Hitching Post 2 in Buellton. Gray & Frank pop the cork on a bottle of their signature Highliner for us.

Our broadcast host is The Landsby, the newest and possibly the most innovative hotel in the Santa Ynez Valley. This stunning 50-room boutique hotel offers warm hospitality and refined, stylish accommodations. Hospitality veteran Barry Prescott, The Landsby’s General Manager, is our guest.

In the last three years the Chumash Casino Resort has expanded to 320 rooms and 58 suites. It’s a AAA Four Diamond rated property. The 135 foot tall Hotel Tower provides guests exquisite views of the Santa Ynez Valley. Food options range from specialty Tacos and fresh Sushi in the Food Court to formal dining with a deep wine list in The Willows Steakhouse. On the guest menu is Paul Hohe, the Director of Food & Beverage for Chumash.

Located in Solvang, California, the Danish capital of America, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolate Factory was first opened in 1961. The traditional chocolate recipes were first brought to Solvang by Ingeborg Larsen, a chocolate dipper in one of Denmark’s largest chocolate factories. Ingeborgs is now safely in the hands of Kim and Carol Jensen who have preserved the tradition of Danish artisan chocolate making. Kim joins us in sweet conversation.

Lucas & Lewellen Estate Vineyards, established in 1996, owns and farms three vineyards in Santa Barbara County. They have been supplying grapes to some of the finest wineries in California for decades. Lucas & Lewellen believes that quality begins in the vineyard, where all the work is done by hand and standards of uncompromising quality are maintained. Co-proprietor Royce Lewellen is our guest.

Tracy Farhad is the Executive Director of the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau. “We are at your service.” “Whether you are a visitor trying to arrange for a family reunion or wedding; or a travel industry professional needing extra assistance while planning a trip to Solvang, the Solvang CVB can be your liaison for coordinating essential details.”

Tracy joins us with a preview of the upcoming 27th Annual “Taste of Solvang.” 

Mad & Vin is the well-received, destination restaurant and bar at The Landsby. It’s farm-to-kitchen fresh ingredients for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner as Chef Beto Huizar shops at Solvang’s Wednesday afternoon Farmers Market. Chef Beto escapes the kitchen and is our guest.

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

Frank Ostini and Gray HartleyIt’s hard to believe but before last year Hitching Post Wines (made famous in the Oscar-winning 2004 feature motion picture, Sideways,) never had a tasting room. That all changed for the better last year when acclaimed winemakers Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini debuted a mid-century farmhouse, destination Tasting Room (with lunch service delivered from Hitching Post 2) adjacent to Chef Ostini’s Hitching Post 2 restaurant in Buellton.

Leading the Hitching Post Wines team are the creators and two long-time friends, Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini, who have been making wines in Santa Barbara County, California since 1979. Long before Hollywood discovered the winemaking landmark and its excellent wines, Gray Hartley, a former Alaskan salmon fisherman and Frank Ostini, chef and owner of the famed Hitching Post 2 Restaurant in Buellton, were brought together by their love of wine and winemaking. Over the years their backyard hobby has turned into a highly acclaimed winemaking enterprise.

Gray & Frank pop the cork on a bottle of their signature Highliner for us.

Barry PrescottOur Solvang broadcast host is The Landsby, the newest and possibly the most innovative hotel in the Santa Ynez Valley. This stunning 50-room boutique hotel offers warm hospitality and refined, stylish accommodations.

The Landsby features a clean contemporary design, with a hint of traditional Scandinavian aesthetic. The completely remodeled, bright and open guestrooms are finished with blonde woods, brushed brass accents, and elegant but comfortable hand-crafted furnishings complete with updated bathrooms, 47-inch flat-screen HDTVs, minibars, and stunning artwork commissioned from regional artists.

Hospitality veteran Barry Prescott, The Landsby’s General Manager, shows us around.

Paul HoheIn the last three years the Chumash Casino Resort has expanded to 320 rooms and 58 suites. It’s a AAA Four Diamond rated property. The 135 foot tall Hotel Tower provides guests exquisite views of the Santa Ynez Valley.

Under the supervision of Executive Chef Peter Sherlock the food options range from specialty Tacos and fresh Sushi in the Food Court to formal dining in The Willows Steakhouse. There is also The Buffet, the well-stocked Grains and Grounds grab & go (24 Hours,) the Pool Bar & Grill and The Café.

On the guest menu is Paul Hohe, the Director of Food & Beverage for Chumash.

Kim JensenLocated in Solvang, California, the Danish capital of America, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolate Factory was first opened in 1961. The traditional chocolate recipes were first brought to Solvang by Ingeborg Larsen, a chocolate dipper in one of Denmark’s largest chocolate factories. Ingeborg’s is now safely in the hands of caretakers Kim and Carol Jensen who have preserved the tradition of Danish artisan chocolate making with some contemporary touches.

“A perfect accent for fine wines, champagnes, and coffees, Ingeborg’s chocolates are made with absolutely the finest, fresh ingredients and no preservatives or additives. As the seasons change, the boxes and wrappings may vary, but never their commitment to quality.”

“No matter what the season, or the occasion, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Christmas, or any day, Ingeborg’s specialty Danish chocolates are sure to delight the palate of the most discriminating chocolate lover. Their light and dark chocolate Cornucopias make stunning centerpiece displays, elegant for any time of year, and are filled with their handmade luscious soft centered Truffles and now our new award-winning “Sea Salt and Butterscotch Sea Salt Caramel Chocolates.””

“Ingeborg’s also features a wide variety of unique molded chocolate items as well as our Orange and Peppermint chocolate sticks. All items are individually boxed and beautifully wrapped. Please note that we now also feature an expanded array of sugar-free chocolates, sweets, and assorted candies.”

Kim joins us in sweet conversation.

Lucas LewellenLucas & Lewellen Estate Vineyards, established in 1996, owns and farms three vineyards in Santa Barbara County. They have been supplying grapes to some of the finest wineries in California for decades. Lucas & Lewellen believes that quality begins in the vineyard, where all the work is done by hand and standards of uncompromising quality are maintained.

“This philosophy was carried on through the opening of the winery in 1999, with the goal of consistently producing estate wines of extraordinary character, reflecting the unique terroir of Santa Barbara County wine country. Megan McGrath Gates, winemaker since 2007, responds to the varying conditions and challenges that each year brings in the vineyard in order to express the natural individuality of each grape varietal grown.”

Co-proprietor Royce Lewellen is our guest.

Tracy FarhadTracy Farhad is the Executive Director of the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau. “We are at your service.” “Whether you are a visitor trying to arrange for a family reunion or wedding; or a travel industry professional needing extra assistance while planning a trip to Solvang, the Solvang CVB can be your liaison for coordinating essential details.”

The 27th Annual “Taste of Solvang” food and wine events are offering delicious delights and savory flavors from Friday, March 15 through Sunday, March 17, 2019. From iconic sweets and award-winning wines, beers, and spirits plus farm-to-table, rustic wine-country cuisine to New American and modern Danish fare, this popular celebration features a variety of food and beverage experiences featuring Solvang area chefs, bakers, farmers, winemakers, brewers, distillers and artisans showcasing the bounty of the region since 1993.

Tracy joins us with a preview of the upcoming 27th Annual “Taste of Solvang.”

Beto HuizarThe Landsby’s signature restaurant is Mad & Vin showcasing wine-country inspired cuisine. The executive chef is Beto Huizar. It’s honestly “farm-to-kitchen” fresh ingredients as Chef Beto shops the weekly Wednesday afternoon Solvang Farmers Market.

Each dish is prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients from California’s Central Coast. Seating for breakfast, lunch or dinner is in the welcoming dining room or dine alfresco on the outdoor patio overlooking the striking interior courtyard.

Happy Hour at the popular Lobby Bar (soon to expand) is seven days a week. It’s a favorite with the locals for quick, chef-driven bites and quality libations.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Winemakers Gray Hartley and Chef Frank Ostini, Hitching Post Wines, Buellton
Segment Three: Barry Prescott, General Manager, The Landsby
Segment Four: Paul Hohe, Food and Beverage Director, Chumash Casino Resort
Segment Five: Kim Jensen, Ingeborg’s Danish Chocolates, Solvang
Segment Six: Royce Lewellen, Co-Proprietor, Lucas & Lewellen Estate Vineyards, Solvang
Segment Seven: Tracy Farhad, Executive Director, Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau
Segment Eight: Executive Chef Beto Huizar, Mad & Vin at The Landsby, Solvang

Show 263, March 3, 2018: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now an intriguing preview of this Saturday’s properly 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 always here with you live every Saturday morning with a fresh show.

By all accounts Greek wines, in general, are improving but are still a bit of a mystery to the casual wine connoisseur. Our resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, to the rescue. He’ll provide us with an understandable overview of the wines of the Greek island of Santorini. The famous, high quality white wine grape there is Assyrtiko.

The Sky Room, an iconic restaurant in downtown Long Beach, will be hosting an afternoon wine tasting fundraising event featuring their signature Coquelicot wines, on Saturday, March 10th from 1-3pm. Organized by Dine LBC, funds raised will benefit Food Finders food rescue program. “The team at The Sky Room has always been supportive of the important work that Food Finders does in working to eliminate food security in Long Beach and beyond,” said Jonathan Rosenson, proprietor and sommelier of The Sky Room. Jonathan joins us with all the 411.

Chef Pascal Olhsats, the Dean of French chefs in Orange County, turns 30 this month. That’s 30 years of having a namesake restaurant (as the proprietor) in Orange County. It’s a month of festivities at Pascal San Juan Capistrano and the ultimate 5-course celebration dinner (with a Champagne toast) on March 21st at his Café Jardin in Corona Del Mar’s Sherman Gardens and Library. We entice Chef Pascal out of the kitchen with a glass of French Chablis to preview the celebrations.

From the Arabian Sea to the peaks of the Himalayas, cuisine in Karachi is as diverse as its inhabitants and draws influences from across South, Central, and West Asia. Acclaimed Pakistani chef, culinary educator, and food and prop stylist, Kausar Ahmed, has curated and created mouth-watering recipes in her first cookbook, The Karachi Kitchen – Classic and Contemporary Flavors of Pakistan. Chef Kausar is preparing a 4-course Karachi feast from her cookbook at a private home in Santa Monica on Sunday, March 25th with 100 per cent of the ticket price going to the Careers through Culinary Arts Program. Chef Kausar is our guest.

The 26th Annual Taste of Solvang returns from Wednesday through Sunday on March 14th to 18th, 2018. It’s a unique experiential culinary weekend featuring Solvang farmers, chefs, bakers, winemakers, brewers, distillers, and artisans showcasing the bounty of Santa Barbara wine country set amidst California’s quaint Danish town. Laura Kath the Media Relations Director for the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau has the scrumptious preview.

Food journalist and author Karen Kaplan has just launched her first solo cookbook, Open Faced: Single-Slice Sandwiches from Around the World, published by Gibbs Smith. In this concise yet comprehensive volume she shares her passion for open-faced sandwiches in authoritative text filled with history, lore, anecdotes and tips, and 65 no-fail international recipes, each with its own wine or spirit pairing suggestion. Each recipe reflects the taste and spirit of its place of origin, yet is perfectly translated for the way we cook and eat in America today. Karen Kaplan joins us.

Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his “Ask the Chef” series. Oysters, oysters everywhere… Non-seafood restaurants are now starting to feature raw oysters on their appetizer menus as well as visible Oyster Bars are popping up in dinner houses. What should you know before you order? Are there differences in flavor profiles? What condiments really enhance the flavor? Chef Andrew has the answers and will explain the oyster basics. Leave the shucking to the restaurant & happy slurping!

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

Show 263, March 3, 2018: 26th Annual Taste of Solvang, Solvang

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingThe 26th Annual Taste of Solvang returns from Wednesday through Sunday on March 14th to 18th, 2018. It’s a unique experiential culinary weekend featuring Solvang farmers, chefs, bakers, winemakers, brewers, distillers, and artisans showcasing the bounty of Santa Barbara wine country set amidst California’s quaint Danish town.

The popular Taste of Solvang favorites of Friday evening’s Sip +Savor (March 16 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., $45); Saturday’s Tasting Trail (March 17 from 11:00 a.m-4:00 p.m., $30) and Saturday & Sunday’s Wine & Beer Walk (March 17 & 18; $45) are joined by two, new 2018 Taste of Solvang exclusive events in 2018.

NEW on Wednesday, March 14, 2018

4:00-7:00 p.m. Taste of Solvang: Farmers Market Dinner

Experience this new, family friendly farm-to-table event during the weekly Solvang Farmers Market featuring truly fresh-from-the-market ingredients prepared by Chef David Cecchini of Cecco Ristorante and Mathew Raab of Fresco Valley Café. Savor hearty seasonal stew, small bites, and dine al fresco at communal tables in Solvang Park (Mission Drive & First Street) while enjoying the sounds of the Bryan Titus Trio (bring your own beer / wine). Net proceeds benefit Santa Ynez Valley Veggie Rescue. ($15 adults, $5 children under age 12) Space is limited; reservations are required online.

NEW on Sunday, March 18, 2018

11:00 a.m-2:00 p.m. Taste of Solvang: Danish Sunday Brunch with Bottomless Mimosa OR Bloody Mary Bar OR Bottomless Coffee

Created by Executive Chef Brooke Stockwell at K’Syrah Catering Events Center (478 Fourth Place) this fresh menu includes pork belly bites with real maple syrup, mini yogurt parfaits with sweet balsamic reduction, ‘Aeeggkage’ Danish style mini-egg frittatas with caramelized onions and gruyere; local Danishes and breads with whipped cream cheese & house made jams, organic field greens salad with Solvang Olive Co. citrus vinaigrette, home-style breakfast potatoes with farmers market vegetables, house made Danish sausages, scrambled eggs with sautéed squash, house cured and smoked lox with goat cheese mousse, pickled red onion, fried capers and micro greens on Solvang-everything bagels. Choose from EITHER bottomless Farmers Market mimosas OR bottomless “Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar” featuring American Star Vodka from Ascendant Spirits OR bottomless coffee. ($65 with alcohol—be 21 years of age +; or $50 with coffee). Space is limited; reservations are required online right here.

Laura Kath the Media Relations Director for the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau has the scrumptious preview.

March 3: Wine Exchange, The Sky Room, Pascal Olhats, Kausar Ahmed, Taste of Solvang, Karen Kaplan

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Kyle Meyer, Managing Partner, Wine Exchange, The Wines of Santorini, Greece
Segment Three: The Sky Room’s Coquelicot Wines Benefit for Food Finders
Segment Four: Pascal Olhats, Pascal San Juan Capistrano & Café Jardin
Segment Five: Chef Kausar Ahmed, The Karachi Kitchen, Karachi Pakistan
Segment Six: 26th Annual Taste of Solvang
Segment Seven: Karen Kaplan, Food Journalist, Open Faced – Single-Slice Sandwiches from Around the World
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel’s “Ask the Chef”

Now an intriguing preview of this Saturday’s properly 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 always here with you live every Saturday morning with a fresh show.

By all accounts Greek wines, in general, are improving but are still a bit of a mystery to the casual wine connoisseur. Our resident wine authority, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, to the rescue. He’ll provide us with an understandable overview of the wines of the Greek island of Santorini. The famous, high quality white wine grape there is Assyrtiko.

The Sky Room, an iconic restaurant in downtown Long Beach, will be hosting an afternoon wine tasting fundraising event featuring their signature Coquelicot wines, on Saturday, March 10th from 1-3pm. Organized by Dine LBC, funds raised will benefit Food Finders food rescue program. “The team at The Sky Room has always been supportive of the important work that Food Finders does in working to eliminate food security in Long Beach and beyond,” said Jonathan Rosenson, proprietor and sommelier of The Sky Room. Jonathan joins us with all the 411.

Chef Pascal Olhsats, the Dean of French chefs in Orange County, turns 30 this month. That’s 30 years of having a namesake restaurant (as the proprietor) in Orange County. It’s a month of festivities at Pascal San Juan Capistrano and the ultimate 5-course celebration dinner (with a Champagne toast) on March 21st at his Café Jardin in Corona Del Mar’s Sherman Gardens and Library. We entice Chef Pascal out of the kitchen with a glass of French Chablis to preview the celebrations.

From the Arabian Sea to the peaks of the Himalayas, cuisine in Karachi is as diverse as its inhabitants and draws influences from across South, Central, and West Asia. Acclaimed Pakistani chef, culinary educator, and food and prop stylist, Kausar Ahmed, has curated and created mouth-watering recipes in her first cookbook, The Karachi Kitchen – Classic and Contemporary Flavors of Pakistan. Chef Kausar is our guest.

The 26th Annual Taste of Solvang returns from Wednesday through Sunday on March 14th to 18th, 2018. It’s a unique experiential culinary weekend featuring Solvang farmers, chefs, bakers, winemakers, brewers, distillers, and artisans showcasing the bounty of Santa Barbara wine country set amidst California’s quaint Danish town. Laura Kath the Media Relations Director for the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau has the scrumptious preview.

Food journalist and author Karen Kaplan has just launched her first solo cookbook, Open Faced: Single-Slice Sandwiches from Around the World, published by Gibbs Smith. In this concise yet comprehensive volume she shares her passion for open-faced sandwiches in authoritative text filled with history, lore, anecdotes and tips, and 65 no-fail international recipes, each with its own wine or spirit pairing suggestion. Each recipe reflects the taste and spirit of its place of origin, yet is perfectly translated for the way we cook and eat in America today. Karen Kaplan joins us.

Our always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his “Ask the Chef” series. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has their closely observed Seafood Watch program to help consumers, restaurateurs and seafood retailers choose seafood that’s fished or farmed in ways that support a healthy ocean. Chef Andrew further explains the effort.

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

Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeBy all accounts Greek wines, in general, are improving but are still a bit of a mystery to the casual wine connoisseur. Our resident wine authority Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange to the rescue.

He’ll provide us with an understandable overview of the wines of the Greek island of Santorini. The famous, high quality white wine grape there is Assyrtiko. We’ll also hear the success story of Santorini’s Domaine Sigalas S.A.

Jonathan RosensonThe Sky Room, an iconic restaurant in downtown Long Beach, will be hosting an afternoon wine tasting fundraising event featuring their signature Coquelicot wines, on Saturday, March 10th from 1-3pm. Organized by Dine LBC, funds raised will benefit Food Finders food rescue program.

For this unique social event, guests will be invited to sample up to twenty Coquelicot wines while enjoying light appetizers provided by The Sky Room. The Sky Room is located at 40 S.Locust Avenue in downtown Long Beach.

Tickets are $35 per guest and are available for purchase right here. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Food Finders to support their ongoing food rescue program.

“The team at The Sky Room has always been supportive of the important work that Food Finders does in working to eliminate food insecurity in Long Beach and beyond,” said Jonathan Rosenson, proprietor and sommelier of The Sky Room, “We’re excited to have this chance to invite guests to spend a fun afternoon tasting our Coquelicot wines and support Food Finders at the same time.”

Wines by the bottle will also be available for sale for guests to take home during the event, with all proceeds also going to Food Finders.

Jonathan uncorks the needed 411 for us.

Pascal OlhatsChef Pascal Olhats, the Dean of French chefs in Orange County, turns 30 this month. That’s 30 years of having a namesake restaurant (as the proprietor) in Orange County. It’s a month of festivities at Pascal San Juan Capistrano and the ultimate 5-course celebration dinner (with a Champagne toast) including a Chef Pascal cooking demonstration on March 21st at his Café Jardin in Corona Del Mar’s Sherman Gardens and Library.

“It will be 30 years in March that I signed my first restaurant lease for Pascal Restaurant in Newport Beach. I am not sure if I will still own a restaurant for another decade so it’s time to celebrate” – Chef Pascal Olhats.

At Pascal San Juan Capistrano in March for every Thursday, Friday and Saturday dinner service they are offering a special “Pascal’s Patrons’ Favorite” menu for a 30 per cent discount. It’s 3 courses for $50 including a Champagne cocktail toast. The celebration menu features Salade Lyonaise, choice of Thyme crusted seabass or Duck a l’orange and a lemon tart.

We entice Chef Pascal out of the kitchen with a glass of proper French Chablis to preview the celebrations.

Kausar AhmedFrom the Arabian Sea to the peaks of the Himalayas, cuisine in Karachi is as diverse as its inhabitants and draws influences from across South, Central, and West Asia. Acclaimed Pakistani chef, culinary educator, and food and prop stylist, Kausar Ahmed, has curated and created mouth-watering recipes in her first cookbook, The Karachi Kitchen – Classic and Contemporary Flavors of Pakistan.

Chef Kausar is best known Internationally for her work through “Kitchen Craft by Kausar,” an organization she founded in 2009 that offers free nutrition and cooking workshops to women and youth in high-risk communities around Karachi. The goal is to promote healthy eating and hygiene in the most impoverished families. Hands-on workshops teach students about cooking, nutrition, kitchen safety, personal hygiene, gardening and more.

Chef Kausar is our guest.

Laura Kath of Mariah MarketingThe 26th Annual Taste of Solvang returns from Wednesday through Sunday on March 14th to 18th, 2018. It’s a unique experiential culinary weekend featuring Solvang farmers, chefs, bakers, winemakers, brewers, distillers, and artisans showcasing the bounty of Santa Barbara wine country set amidst California’s quaint Danish town.

The popular Taste of Solvang favorites of Friday evening’s Sip +Savor (March 16 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., $45); Saturday’s Tasting Trail (March 17 from 11:00 a.m-4:00 p.m., $30) and Saturday & Sunday’s Wine & Beer Walk (March 17 & 18; $45) are joined by two, new 2018 Taste of Solvang exclusive events in 2018.

NEW on Wednesday, March 14, 2018

4:00-7:00 p.m. Taste of Solvang: Farmers Market Dinner

Experience this new, family friendly farm-to-table event during the weekly Solvang Farmers Market featuring truly fresh-from-the-market ingredients prepared by Chef David Cecchini of Cecco Ristorante and Mathew Raab of Fresco Valley Café. Savor hearty seasonal stew, small bites, and dine al fresco at communal tables in Solvang Park (Mission Drive & First Street) while enjoying the sounds of the Bryan Titus Trio (bring your own beer / wine). Net proceeds benefit Santa Ynez Valley Veggie Rescue. ($15 adults, $5 children under age 12) Space is limited; reservations are required online.

NEW on Sunday, March 18, 2018

11:00 a.m-2:00 p.m.  Taste of Solvang: Danish Sunday Brunch with Bottomless Mimosa OR Bloody Mary Bar OR Bottomless Coffee

Created by Executive Chef Brooke Stockwell at K’Syrah Catering Events Center (478 Fourth Place) this fresh menu includes pork belly bites with real maple syrup, mini yogurt parfaits with sweet balsamic reduction, ‘Aeeggkage’ Danish style mini-egg frittatas with caramelized onions and gruyere; local Danishes and breads with whipped cream cheese & house made jams, organic field greens salad with Solvang Olive Co. citrus vinaigrette, home-style breakfast potatoes with farmers market vegetables, house made Danish sausages, scrambled eggs with sautéed squash, house cured and smoked lox with goat cheese mousse, pickled red onion, fried capers and micro greens on Solvang-everything bagels. Choose from EITHER bottomless Farmers Market mimosas OR bottomless “Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar” featuring American Star Vodka from Ascendant Spirits OR bottomless coffee. ($65 with alcohol—be 21 years of age +; or $50 with coffee). Space is limited; reservations are required online right here.

Laura Kath the Media Relations Director for the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau has the scrumptious preview.

Karen KaplanFood journalist and author Karen Kaplan has just launched her first solo cookbook, Open Faced: Single-Slice Sandwiches from Around the World, published by Gibbs Smith. In this concise yet comprehensive volume she shares her passion for open-faced sandwiches in authoritative text filled with history, lore, anecdotes and tips, and 65 no-fail international recipes, each with its own wine or spirit pairing suggestion.

There are tartines of France, bruschette and crostini of Italy, montaditos and tomato toasts of Spain, smorrebrod of Scandinavia, butterbrote of Germany, butterbrodi of Russia,molletes of Mexico as well as sandwiches and toasts of Britain and the U.S.  There are traditional recipes, reinterpretations of classics, and original creations based on the flavors, ingredients and/or specialties associated with the country at hand.

Each recipe reflects the taste and spirit of its place of origin, yet is perfectly translated for the way we cook and eat in America today.

This is an indispensable little cookbook for those who love single-slice sandwiches as much as Karen does, and for those who would like to learn more about this unique food trend-one that has a storied global gastronomic past, and an increasingly popular place in today’s culinary vernacular. Some of the recipes are rustic and some refined, some simple and some sophisticated, but all are easy to make and ideal for weekday cooking or weekend entertaining.

Karen Kaplan is a freelance writer, editor, translator and recipe developer. She was on staff at Bon Appétit Magazine for twenty years and concurrently was the restaurant critic for the LAWeekly for seven years and the host and producer of The Audible Feast on KCRW radio station for seven years. She was also a consultant for culinary websites and food-based reality television shows, a contributor to food and travel magazines and newspaper sections, and was a writer, editor, translator and recipe editor for many cookbooks. She holds Le Grand Diplômed’EtudesCulinaires from La VarenneEcole de Cuisine, has a B.A. in Comparative Literature and taught at USC and UCLA. She lives in Studio City, California.

Author Karen Kaplan joins us.

Andrew and William GruelOur always informed Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel, encores with his Ask the Chef series. Oysters, oysters everywhere… Non-seafood restaurants are now starting to feature raw oysters on their appetizer menus as well as visible Oysters Bars are popping up in dinner houses. What should you know before you order? Are there differences in flavor profiles? What condiments really enhance the flavor? Chef Andrew has the answers and will explain the oyster basics. Leave the shucking to the restaurant & happy slurping!

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Kyle Meyer, Managing Partner, Wine Exchange, The Wines of Santorini, Greece
Segment Three: The Sky Room’s Coquelicot Wines Benefit for Food Finders
Segment Four: Pascal Olhats, Pascal San Juan Capistrano & Café Jardin
Segment Five: Chef Kausar Ahmed, The Karachi Kitchen, Karachi Pakistan
Segment Six: 26th Annual Taste of Solvang
Segment Seven: Karen Kaplan, Food Journalist, Open Faced – Single-Slice Sandwiches from Around the World
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel’s “Ask the Chef”