Show 270, April 21, 2018: Chef Ronnel Capacia, The Coveside Grill at The Cove & Journey’s End at Pechanga

Ronnel Capacia at the Chili CookoffChef Ronnel Capacia is no stranger to the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” We first met him when he assumed the culinary reins of Kelsey’s. When we last chatted with him he had just been promoted to oversee Journey’s End at Pechanga.

Now he’s also taken on the added responsibilities as menu-maker for the Coveside Grill at The Cove. That includes a table service restaurant with an eye-catching golf course or Cove view as well as a fast-casual spot.

Think Potato Chip Nachos. Also Kalua Pulled Pork Sliders with pineapple mango slaw, fried onions, BBQ sauce and served with house potato chips. At Kelsey’s Chef Ronnel added popular BBQ specialties to his menu.

Pizzas from a gas-fired oven were also specialties of Chef Ronnel at Kelsey’s. A selection of appealing Flatbread Pizzas (using Naan) are on the menu at Coveside Grill. We enjoyed the Margherita. Rounding out the pizza menu are Meat Lovers, BBQ Chicken and The Hawaiian.

Plus creative Coveside Cocktails including The Coveside (Blended.) It’s Tito’s Vodka, Blue Chair Bay Coconut Rum, Island Oasis Watermelon and Ice Cream Blend. Also, Temecula craft beers on tap and local wines by the glass and bottle.

Show 170, May 7, 2016: Oak Grill’s Executive Chef, Marc Johnson, Island Hotel, Newport Beach

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

Chef Marc isn’t just playing around with grilling and barbecue here. He has three years of serious regional cooking experience in Huntsville, Alabama. That’s real barbecue country! His creations at Slow Smoke Sundaze play homage to the various styles of American regional barbecue.

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

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

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

Slow Smoked Sundaze is an inspired idea for Dad on Father’s Day on June 19th. It’s a reasonable $34 for adults with generous portions. You’ll probably have food to take home.