Show 157, January 30, 2016: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Adam Bell

Next a tempting preview of Saturday’s delectable and always healful show and not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re doing it right we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s absolutely a good thing…

The fondly remembered Naugles fast food restaurant chain was founded by Dick Naugle (one of the founders of Del Taco) in 1970 in Southern California with 225 locations prior to merging with Del Taco in 1988. Sadly, Naugles lasted as an independent entity only 7 years after that. It featured an American and a Mexican kitchen. A new business group formed in the last few years has been patiently working on bringing the chain back. This grass roots revival is an incredible comeback story and we’ll meet the architect of it all, Christian Ziebarth.

Since partners Chef Michael Cimarusti, Donato Poto, and Craig Nickoloff opened Connie and Ted’s in West Hollywood in 2013 they have redefined the concept of a casual seafood dinner house serving premium seafood. New at Connie and Ted’s is a Weekend New England-style Seafood Brunch with freshly baked in-house breakfast breads and pastries. Opening General Manager Matthew De Marte provides the tasty details.

After launching its first two West Coast locations to huge crowds and an almost never-ending line, The Halal Guys are entering new territory with its upcoming grand opening in Koreatown, Los Angeles. The fast-casual New York concept opened its first West Coast location in Costa Mesa last October, its second location in Long Beach this past January and have plans to bring 50 units throughout Southern California.

Halal Guys local franchisee, Thomas Pham, is our guest. He’ll also talk about his new, soon to launch ice cream concept, Churned. Our regular guest Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel joins us for this interview.

Our favorite purveyor of genuinely useful wine knowledge, Kyle Meyer, the Co-Proprietor of The Wine Exchange, joins us for his monthly tutorial. Kyle will provide a preview of coming attractions in wine for the New Year along with comparative discussions about Bordeaux reds and California Cabernet. He’ll also have some practical tips on properly storing wine after you’ve opened the bottle.

Chef Amar Santana’s Vaca in Costa Mesa has been one of the toughest reservations in town since its opening. It’s a busy spot. The ambitious bar program there also merits a lot of attention. Vaca has created an enticing by-the-glass program for Sherry. Jerez (Sherry) actually pairs very well with food as the Spanish already know. Vaca’s incredibly knowledgeable Bar Manager, Michael Rooney, joins us for a short course on the joy of appreciating Sherry.

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

Show 157, January 30, 2016: Thomas Pham, The Halal Guys (for SoCal) and Churned

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Adam Bell

After opening its first two West Coast locations to huge crowds and an almost never-ending line, The Halal Guys are entering new territory with its upcoming grand opening in Koreatown, Los Angeles.

The fast-casual New York famed concept opened its first West Coast location in Costa Mesa last October, its second location in Long Beach this past January and have plans to bring 50 units throughout Southern California.

Known for its famous white sauce, gyro sandwiches and chicken-and-rice platters, The Halal Guys menu offers a mix of different Middle Eastern dishes. The Halal Guys aim to be different and encourage patrons across America to ditch burgers for something unique.

They pride themselves on only using high-quality products like their chicken. It has never been frozen and is marinated and seasoned overnight, then cooked and chopped on the grill and served directly to the plate to ensure a crave-worthy meal that’s piping hot. The Halal Guys’ mission is to ensure that every customer leaves happy, with a smile on their face and a satisfaction that brings them back again.

Halal Guys local franchisee, Thomas Pham, is our guest.

He’ll also talk about his new, soon to launch ice cream concept, Churned. The decadent ice cream is made in front of the guests in small batches and served in a fresh croissant. The churning equipment is imported from Italy. (The Italians certainly know a few things about premium ice cream.) The first location (opening later this month) will be in the Union Market at The District, Tustin.

January 30: Naugles Tacos, Connie & Ted’s, The Halal Guys, Wine Exchange, Jason Neroni, Vaca

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Adam Bell

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Christian Ziebarth and Chef John Smittle, the new Naugles
Segment Three: Matthew De Marte, General Manager, Connie and Ted’s, West Hollywood
Segment Four: Thomas Pham, The Halal Guys (for SoCal) and Churned
Segment Five: Kyle Meyer, Co-Proprietor, The Wine Exchange, Tustin
Segment Six: Michael Rooney, Bar Manager, Amar Santana’s Vaca, Costa Mesa Part One
Segment Seven: Michael Rooney, Bar Manager, Amar Santana’s Vaca, Costa Mesa Part Two

Executive Chef Andrew Gruel of the rapidly growing Slapfish empire with restaurants in Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, LAX, Irvine at UCI and, now, Brea, is back as today’s regular Guest Host.

The fondly remembered Naugles fast food restaurant chain was founded by Dick Naugle in 1970 in Southern California with 225 locations prior to merging with Del Taco in 1988. Sadly, Naugles lasted only 7 years after that and was absorbed into Del Taco. It featured an American and a Mexican kitchen. A new business group formed in the last few years has been patiently working on bringing the chain back. This grass roots revival is an incredible comeback story and we’ll meet the architect of it all, Christian Ziebarth.

Halal Guys local franchisee, Thomas Pham, is our guest. He’ll also talk about his new, soon to launch ice cream concept, Churned.

For the first time in its 36- year history the newly renovated Rose Café – Restaurant in Venice is now serving dinner under the direction of Chef Jason Neroni and Sprout LA. Chef Jason Neroni is our guest.

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

The fondly remembered Naugles fast food restaurant chain was founded by Dick Naugle in 1970 in Southern California with 225 locations prior to merging with Del Taco in 1988. Sadly, Naugles lasted only 7 years on its own after that. It featured an American and a Mexican kitchen. Popular items included the cheese burrito, the bun taco, the combo cup with tortilla chips, the Naugleburger, the Ortega burger and more.

A new business group formed in the last few years has been patiently working on bringing the chain back. The group recently opened a corporate kitchen with plans to expand to more locations. It’s open for service on Weekends.

This effort is not affiliated with Del Taco nor with any other prior owner of the brand. The mission is reviving the original concept with a new company.

In 2014 Gustavo Arellano, the editor of OC Weekly and the author of a highly regarded book on the history of Mexican food in America, recognized the new Naugles as one of his “5 Favorite Restaurants of 2014.”

“So Naugles isn’t technically a restaurant again yet, but the effort by a Naugles fan to bring back the legendary Mexican fast-food chain from the archives of Del Taco is not only a great story, but a delicious one. Are the meals Taco Maria-worthy ? Absolutely not. But they did teach me why people get so crazy over the popups. Go to the next one. Get a simple bean-and-cheese, and you’ll tell me what’s up.” Gustavo Arellano.

This unusual grass roots revival is an incredible comeback story and we’ll meet the architect of it all, Christian Ziebarth.

Since partners Chef Michael Cimarusti, Donato Poto, and Craig Nickoloff opened Connie and Ted’s in West Hollywood in 2013 they have redefined the concept of a casual seafood dinner house serving premium seafood. New at Connie and Ted’s from Executive Chef Sam Baxter is a Weekend New England-style Seafood Brunch with freshly baked in-house breakfast breads and pastries. It’s served Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Pastry Chef Melissa McFail creates all the breakfast baked goods in-house. Highlights are Biscuit & Butter, Grilled Pullman Bread and Cinnamon Roll with nutmeg, orange zest and cream cheese icing.

A brunch highlight is the Nor’Easter Breakfast Sandwich. It’s Nueske’s bacon, egg, clam strips, Hook’s cheddar, tartar sauce on a housemade English muffin and served with home fried potatoes.

Opening General Manager Matthew De Marte (a 3^rd generation restaurant professional) provides all the tasty details.

The fast-casual New York concept opened its first West Coast location in Costa Mesa last October, its second location in Long Beach this past January and have plans to bring 50 units throughout Southern California.

They pride themselves on only using high-quality products like their chicken. It has never been frozen and is marinated and seasoned overnight, then cooked and chopped on the grill and served directly to the plate to ensure a crave -worthy meal that’s piping hot. The Halal Guys’ mission is to ensure that every customer leaves happy, with a smile on their face and a satisfaction that brings them back again.

Halal Guys local franchisee, Thomas Pham, is our guest.

He’ll also talk about his new, soon to launch ice cream concept, Churned.

Our favorite purveyor of genuinely useful wine knowledge, Kyle Meyer, the Co-Proprietor of The Wine Exchange, joins us for his eagerly anticipated monthly tutorial. We’re thirsty…

Kyle will provide a preview of coming attractions in wine for the New Year (think 2014 Pinot Noirs from Oregon) along with the chatter involving comparative discussions about Bordeaux reds and California Cabernet. He’ll also have some practical tips on properly storing wine after you’ve opened the bottle.

“For as long as we have been doing this, there have been comparative discussions about Bordeaux reds and California Cabernet. A lot of that discourse centers on the fact that they are both essentially made from the same group of varietals. Inevitably the bantering arrives at which is better, and that becomes a much more parochial argument with those in whichever camp arguing their side. There is no middle ground. Folks who like big bold Cabernets and other weighty renditions of Bordeaux varietals as they are made in California will point to Bordeaux and say they are thin. Those in the Bordeaux camp will point to the ageability and complexity that Bordeaux has historically demonstrated, and call the Cali versions plodding and one dimensional.”

For the first time in its 36- year history the newly renovated Rose Café – Restaurant in Venice is now serving dinner under the direction of Chef Jason Neroni and Sprout LA. Chef Jason Neroni is our guest.

Rose Cafe – Restaurant, the long-awaited project from Chef Jason Neroni and Sprout LA, finally reopened its Venice doors this past November after a major overhaul and renovation. The Rose now serves breakfast, lunch, brunch, quick service, and most recently, a nighttime HEARTH menu, with a selection of options available at the bar only.

While still looking to keep the roots of the Rose, the expansion of dinner gives the community an opportunity to experience Neroni’s cuisines, in an even bigger way. The beautiful 120 seat main dining room is set off from bustling market and open kitchens.

All the breads are baked in-house.

Chef Jason Neroni’s Rose Café menu focuses on local Southern California cuisine with an international influence from his world travels. The bakery, helmed by Jacob Fraijo and Christina Hanks (Quince/Cotogna, SF) under the mentorship of Alen Ramos and Carolyn Nugent, celebrates American classics, as well as brings back some of the original Rose bakery classics re-conceptualized with their innovative techniques.

The bar program, from Julian Cox and Nick Meyer is an extension of not only Chef Neroni’s menu, but also of the Venice community. Taking the same approach of the kitchen by utilizing the freshest and most compelling ingredients to feature in the drinks, Meyer and team are also playing with curious ingredients like macadamia nuts, acid phosphate, licorice root, artichoke, and rhubarb. Favorites from the lunch and brunch menus will live on through the dinner menu and you’ll even find some fun dessert cocktails popping up.

As carefully as the culinary team has procured and selected produce and meat purveyors, Wine Director Nathaniel Muñoz has chosen a spectrum of wines from classic regions around the world that express their unique terroir and tradition. Whether you are ready for a classic rosé from Provence or venture into a bottle of Turkish Öküzgözü, the wine should be a delicious part of the culinary journey at The Rose.

Chef Amar Santana’s Vaca in Costa Mesa has been one of the toughest reservations in town since its opening. It’s a busy spot.

The ambitious bar program there also merits a lot of serious attention. They even create their own vermouth.

Vaca has developed an enticing by-the-glass program for Sherry. Jerez (Sherry) actually pairs very well with food as the Spanish already know. 17 distinctive Jerezes are available by-the-glass at Vaca. The Bar Manager was previously turned on to Sherry as a result of a transformative, 6-course Sherry paired dinner he enjoyed in Spain.

“The wines of the D.O. Jerez (Sherry) are beautiful, expressive wines ranging from bracingly dry, to complex umami, to fruity sweet.”

“They’re touted by Sommeliers around the World as ideal food-pairing wines for their strong acidity, complex palate, and ability to stand up to bold, flavorful dishes.”

Sherry can only come from a specific DO, a designated area in Southern Spain’s Andalucia region.

Vaca’s incredibly knowledgeable Bar Manager, Michael Rooney, joins us for a short course on the joy of appreciating Sherry.

Podcasts

Show 137, September 5, 2015: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel & Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Posted on September 7, 2015 by Adam Bell

Thanks for sharing your Labor Day Weekend with us!

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

Next a tantalizing preview of Saturday’s festive and appropriately loaded show and not, with apologies, for dieters. With any luck we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case that’s probably a good thing…

Premium tea is gaining traction at better restaurants everywhere. Steve Schwartz, a Master Tea Blender, is our guest. Steve is serious about tea! He’s the incredibly knowledgeable proprietor of the locally-based, Art of Tea. For starters Art of Tea supplies Bestia, Pizzeria Mozza, Sotto, Son of a Gun, and many more fine restaurants. We’ll also learn about the the intriguing “8 Minute Digital Detox with Tea.”

We last chatted with the Midway Gourmet, Dominic Palmieri, at the beginning of the 125^th Anniversary OC Fair. His standout new item at Biggy’s, located on the Midway at The Fair, was as Bacon-Wrapped Pork Belly on a stick. Now it’s on to the L.A. County Fair through Sept. 27^th. We’ll find out what’s on the menu for the L.A. County Fair and get the post-Fair results for Orange County’s “One Big Party.”

If you’re a fan of bouillabaisse, the celebrated fresh seafood stew from Provence, then you need to plan your evening at Marche Moderne in South Coast Plaza. Nightly from September 10^th through Sunday, September 20^th is their annual Bouillabaisse 2015 festival! It’s an occasion worthy of celebration.

After 25 years in business, The Halal Guys are expanding from New York’s City’s most popular food cart to its first West Coast brick-and-mortar fast casual location in Costa Mesa. In New York the cart is famous for “The Never-Ending Line.” Well-known for its gyro sandwiches, chicken-and-rice platters and mystery white sauce, The Halal Guys menu offers a mix of various Middle Eastern dishes. The area franchisee for SoCal, Thomas Pham, joins us.

East Coasters particularly enjoy their clams of which there are two main varieties. You hear Easterners long for Ispswich Belly Clams. There is also the revered white clam pizza to consider. We’ll now get the basics of Clam 411 from our own, and highly knowledgeable, Chef Andrew Gruel. This is no shell game…

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

Show 137, September 5, 2015: The Halal Guys, Thomas Pham, SoCal Franchisee

Posted on September 7, 2015 by Adam Bell

In New York the cart is famous for “The Never-Ending Line.” Well-known for its gyro sandwiches, chicken-and-rice platters and mystery white sauce, The Halal Guys menu offers a mix of various Middle Eastern dishes.

The Halal Guys grew from its humble beginnings as a food cart on the streets of New York City to a global icon known as the largest American halal street food concept in the world. This Manhattan-based landmark was created by three like-minded men from Egypt who came to America in search of a lucrative life.

When Mohamed Abouelenein, Ahmed Elsaka and Abdelbaset Elsayed noticed many Muslim cab drivers in New York were looking for a place to buy meals in Manhattan, they created their first food cart and quickly grew into a leading tourist and native New Yorker destination for American Halal fare.

In 2013, The Halal Guys were ranked the most popular food truck reviewed on FourSquare and the third most Yelped restaurant in the United States in 2014.

The area franchisee for SoCal, Thomas Pham, joins us.

September 5: Andrew Gruel, Art of Tea, Midway Gourmet, Marche Moderne, Halal Guys

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Adam Bell

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel & Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Steve Schwartz, Master Tea Blender, Art of Tea Part One
Segment Three: Steve Schwartz, Master Tea Blender, Art of Tea Part Two
Segment Four: Dominic Palmieri, Midway Gourmet Part One
Segment Five: Dominic Palmieri, Midway Gourmet Part Two
Segment Six: Chef / Proprietor Florent Marneau, Marche Moderne
Segment Seven: The Halal Guys, Thomas Pham, SoCal Franchisee
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish

Thanks for sharing your Labor Day Weekend with us!

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

Premium tea is gaining traction at the better restaurants everywhere. Steve Schwartz, a Master Tea Blender, is our guest. Steve is serious about tea! He’s the incredibly knowledgeable proprietor of the locally-based, Art of Tea. For starters Art of Tea supplies Bestia, Pizzeria Mozza, Sotto, Son of a Gun, and many more fine restaurants. We’ll also learn about the intriguing “8 Minute Digital Detox with Tea.”

Art of Tea is a tea importer and wholesaler based in Los Angeles. They hand blend and custom craft the world’s finest organic teas and botanicals. The Art of Tea’s products are carefully selected directly from growers, each one offering a unique story.

The seeds that formed the foundation of Art of Tea were first planted in 1996 when Steve Schwartz began his journey of extensive study in preventative medicine at the Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico. Since then, Art of Tea has become a leading purveyor of organic and specialty teas. Each year Steve travels extensively, returning with rare and unique teas from around the world.

Steve Schwartz is recognized by many authoritative figures in the tea industry as a Master Tea Blender. He has blended award-winning teas under the Art of Tea brand and his blends have won awards offered under their private label program for tea companies around the world. His drive and passion for expanding people’s knowledge and history of tea is captivating. Steve has lectured sold out tea blending classes for World Tea Conventions and frequently travels to offer educational programs on tea and tea blending.

Through his travels in Asia, India, Africa and the Middle East, Steve and Art of Tea have developed close relationships with farmers and distributors. These personal relationships, a hallmark at Art of Tea, make possible the offering of top tier organic teas and select botanicals, while ensuring that both employees and teas are treated with great respect.

“At Art of Tea, our intensive care program combines aesthetics with passion, flavor and high quality control.”

Art of Tea offers Customized Tea Menus, Retail Teas, Pyramid Tea bag Line, Hospitality Tea Program, Customized Blends, Training and Private Label Programs.

Now it’s on to the L.A. County Fair through Sept. 27^th. The theme is “Mind Blowing Fun.” We’ll find out what’s on the menu for the L.A. County Fair and get the post-Fair results for Orange County’s “One Big Party.”

“With my first OC Fair on the books, I fully appreciate all of the hard work that goes into creating this exciting summer tradition for 125 years. From the Deep-Fried Slim Fast Bar to a cattle drive down Harbor Boulevard to the cute piglets and beautiful competitive entries, the OC Fair is an amazing summer tradition that I am proud to have shared with more than one million guests and staff,” said OC Fair & Event Center CEO Kathy Kramer, who was appointed in January.

Biggy’s Meat Market (Dominic Palmieri) sold 2,500 pounds of Bacon-Wrapped Pork Belly skewers wrapped in 1.25 miles of thick-cut honey bacon plus 600 gluten-free burgers and 22,000 pounds of sausage.

If you’re a fan of bouillabaisse, the celebrated fresh seafood stew from Provence, then you need to head over to Marche Moderne in South Coast Plaza. Nightly from September 10^th through Sunday, September 20^th is their annual Bouillabaisse 2015 festival! It’s an occasion worthy of celebration.

Chef/Proprietor Florent Marneau flies in his fish from the South of France. In the bouillabaisse you’ll see Saint-Pierre, Daurade Royale or Seabream and Rouget or Rascasse. There is also a carefully selected group of Rose wines (available by the glass or bottle) to pair with the bouillabaisse.

In 2013, The Halal Guys were ranked the most popular food truck reviewed on FourSquare and the third most Yelped restaurant in the United States in 2014.

The area franchisee for SoCal, Thomas Pham, joins us.

East Coasters particularly enjoy their clams of which there are two main varieties. You hear Easterners longing for Ispswich Belly Clams. There is also the revered white clam pizza to consider.

Clams are high in protein with a healthy shot of iron, too.

We’ll now get the basics of Clam 411 from our own, and highly knowledgeable, Chef Andrew Gruel.

This is no shell game…