Podcasts
Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Anna Maria Oyster Bar on The Pier, Bradenton Beach, FL Part One
Segment Three: Anna Maria Oyster Bar on The Pier, Bradenton Beach, FL Part Two
Segment Four: Bob Levey, Founder, Philly’s Best, Fountain Valley and Beyond Part One
Segment Five: Bob Levey, Founder, Philly’s Best, Fountain Valley and Beyond Part Two
Segment Six: ForFriends Inn & Village, Santa Ynez, CA with Innkeeper Dave Pollock
Segment Seven: William Lewis and Executive Chef Yvon Goetz, Founding Partners, The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar, Tustin
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”
We’re previewing the show with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris.
“The fun and family-friendly atmosphere a guest experiences in any Anna Maria Oyster Bar location comes from the warm smiles and gratitude their wonderful and loyal staff bring to the guests. Their dedication to keeping their restaurants fresh and fun for all who dine with Anna Maria Oyster Bar stems from the desire to make the guest experience memorable. From their managers and servers, cooks and kitchen staff, AMOB aims to provide you pleasant service at a great value. AMOB was founded on the Anna Maria City Pier in 1996, and the City Pier will always be their home. While this location closed in 1999, this is where AMOB established regulars and made a name for themselves with fresh seafood and fun atmosphere.” Fortunately in 2015 Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier launched on the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach, FL with unrivaled views of the Intercoastal Waterway. We reel in Managing Partner and Director of Purchasing Lynn Horne to discuss all that is Anna Maria Oyster Bar.
“This year Philly’s Best celebrates 30 years of true Philly flavor in California. The company was started by native Philadelphians Bob and Andrea Levey, who wanted to bring the flavors of Philadelphia to their new home of Southern California. In 1992, they opened their first Philly’s Best location in Fountain Valley (which still operates in its original location.) All Philly’s Best cheesesteaks are prepared to order on a seasoned flat-top grill featuring thinly sliced steak or chicken breast with melted white American cheese loaded into an authentic Amoroso’s roll brought in from the East Coast.” Founder Bob Levey takes a break from working the seasoned flat-top grill to join us with spatula in hand.
“ForFriends Inn & Village is situated in downtown Santa Ynez, California and just five minutes from Los Olivos & Solvang. This immaculately detailed eight-room boutique bed & breakfast lies in the heart of the Santa Barbara County Wine Country and is surrounded by rolling hills, cattle ranches, horse farms and over 200 gorgeous vineyards and wineries. ForFriends Inn is within a short walk to tasting rooms and the area’s best restaurants and entertainment; and a short, traffic-free drive to all of the wonderful wineries and other attractions throughout the Santa Ynez Valley and the Santa Rita Hills. Newly added is the adjacent Village featuring six private, free-standing bungalows. Each of the six, spacious units is a 650 square foot, “tiny inn” California Craftsman Bungalow. The Bungalows offer all the premium amenities found at the Inn plus extras with considerably more space and privacy.” Innkeeper Dave Pollock joins us to welcome the audience to ForFriends Inn & Village.
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar located in The District in Tustin is celebrating its 15th Anniversary this month. Founding Partners William Lewis and Executive Chef Yvon Goetzjoin us with Champagne flutes in hand to celebrate this achievement. There are now also thriving sister Winery Restaurants on the water in Newport Beach and in La Jolla. “The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar is focused on successfully pairing contemporary California regional cuisine, with a hip, vibrant, sophisticated setting, to create a cutting-edge dining experience. When Partners JC Clow, William Lewis and Chef Yvon Goetz set out 15 years ago to deliver a culinary experience straight from wine county, little did they know that they would also earn the title along the way of “Restaurateurs of the Year” for their achievements and have their restaurants in Newport Beach and Tustin earn the title of “Restaurant of the Year” multiple times!”
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. It’s no secret that finding good employees for both the front and back-of-the-house in the restaurant business is currently a challenge. Once you hire and train good employees the next hurdle is retaining them. Chef Andrew is about to debut his new, full-service Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach. We’ll explore the staffing challenge dilemma with him.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
“The fun and family-friendly atmosphere a guest experiences in any Anna Maria Oyster Bar location comes from the warm smiles and gratitude their wonderful and loyal staff bring to the guests. Their dedication to keeping their restaurants fresh and fun for all who dine with Anna Maria Oyster Bar stems from the desire to make the guest experience memorable. From their managers and servers, cooks and kitchen staff, AMOB aims to provide you pleasant service at a great value.”
“AMOB was founded on the Anna Maria City Pier in 1996, and the City Pier will always be their home. While this location closed in 1999, this is where AMOB established regulars and made a name for themselves with fresh seafood and fun atmosphere. Fortunately in 2015 Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier launched on the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach, FL with unrivaled views of the Intercoastal Waterway.”
“AMOB’s coastal-inspired menu showcases traditional favorites like fresh seafood, lobster, shrimp, chicken, soups and salads, fish specials and more. Don’t miss the Tuna Stack. And of course, AMOB wouldn’t be an oyster bar if they didn’t have delicious oysters available in a variety of preparations.”
We reel in Managing Partner and Director of Purchasing Lynn Horne to discuss all that is Anna Maria Oyster Bar.
“This year Philly’s Best celebrates 30 years of true Philly flavor in California. The company was started by native Philadelphians Bob and Andrea Levey, who wanted to bring the flavors of Philadelphia to their new home of Southern California. In 1992, they opened their first Philly’s Best location in Fountain Valley (which still operates in its original location.)”
“The company’s authentic flavors start with proprietary recipes, along with ingredients and products direct from Philadelphia, including Amoroso’s® rolls, Wise® Chips, Taylor® Pork Roll, Hank’s Soda, Pennsylvania Dutch Birch Beer® and a variety of TastyKake® offerings. A uniquely Philly brand and concept, Philly’s Best has grown to 20 locations throughout California.”
“All Philly’s Best cheesesteaks are prepared to order on a seasoned flat-top grill featuring thinly sliced steak or chicken breast with melted white American cheese loaded into an authentic Amoroso’s roll brought in from the East Coast.”
“Starting in July 2022 as we celebrate our 30th anniversary of serving up California’s most authentic cheesesteaks, we’ve taken our west coast guests on a little trip down south with the introduction of our new Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteak,” said Bob Levey, founder of Philly’s Best. “While always staying true to our East Coast roots, Philly’s Best is passionate about unveiling new and exciting flavors to our guests, and we know that even those most loyal to our award-winning cheesesteaks like to mix it up from time to time. We’re confident this new kickin’ chicken option is sure to become a fast favorite, especially among fans who love to load up their cheesesteaks and hoagies with our spicy pepper spread.” “This newest chicken cheesesteak is packing a sweet, savory, smokey heat with the fiery flavors of Nashville Hot!”
Founder Bob Levey takes a break from working the seasoned flat-top grill to join us with spatula in hand.
“ForFriends Inn & Village is situated in downtown Santa Ynez, California and just five minutes from Los Olivos & Solvang. This immaculately detailed eight-room boutique bed & breakfast lies in the heart of the Santa Barbara County Wine Country and is surrounded by rolling hills, cattle ranches, horse farms and over 200 gorgeous vineyards and wineries. ForFriends Inn is within a short walk to tasting rooms and the area’s best restaurants and entertainment; and a short, traffic-free drive to all of the wonderful wineries and other attractions throughout the Santa Ynez Valley and the Santa Rita Hills.”
“Completed in 2005, ForFriends Inn was built in the fashion of a large Craftsman farmhouse. Great care has been given to combine Wine Country and the New West with a touch of elegance to create a perfect wine country getaway for couples and friends seeking a brief respite from their busy lives.”
“Eight large, elegant rooms in ForFriends Inn include six in the main house and two private cottages — the two-story Sunstone Tower and the cozy Kalyra Cottage. All of the rooms offer a California king-sized bed, large private bathrooms, sitting areas, premium linens, upgraded amenities, luxurious bathrobes, balconies and porches. All are elegantly appointed to provide you with an array of personal touches and all of the amenities guests deserve.”
“Newly added is the adjacent Village featuring six private, free-standing bungalows. Each of the six, spacious units is a 650 square foot, “tiny inn” California Craftsman Bungalow. A custom studio layout features Amish-made bedroom furniture, well-appointed kitchenette with table and chairs, custom cabinets with granite countertops and premium finishes, whisper quiet appliances, private porches with rocking chairs, and on-site parking. The Bungalows offer all the premium amenities found at the Inn plus extras with considerably more space and privacy.”
“All stays include a chef-driven, homemade 3-course breakfast at the Inn and a fun and social wine and hors d’oeuvres Happy Hour featuring local wineries.”
Innkeeper Dave Pollock joins us to welcome the audience to ForFriends Inn & Village.
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar located in The District in Tustin is celebrating its 15th Anniversary this month. Founding Partners William Lewis and Executive Chef Yvon Goetz join us with Champagne flutes in hand to celebrate this achievement. There are now also thriving sister Winery Restaurants on the water in Newport Beach and in La Jolla.
“The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar is focused on successfully pairing contemporary California regional cuisine, with a hip, vibrant, sophisticated setting, to create a cutting-edge dining experience. When Partners JC Clow, William Lewis and Chef Yvon Goetz set out 15 years ago to deliver a culinary experience straight from wine county, little did they know that they would also earn the title along the way of “Restaurateurs of the Year” for their achievements and have their restaurants in Newport Beach and Tustin earn the title of “Restaurant of the Year” multiple times!”
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries.
It’s no secret that finding reliable employees for both the front and back-of-the-house in the restaurant business is currently a challenge. Once you hire and train good employees the next hurdle is actually retaining them. Chef Andrew is about to debut his new, full-service Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach. We’ll explore the current staffing challenge dilemma with him.
Podcasts
Segment One: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Anna Maria Oyster Bar on The Pier, Bradenton Beach, FL Part One
Segment Three: Anna Maria Oyster Bar on The Pier, Bradenton Beach, FL Part Two
Segment Four: Bob Levey, Founder, Philly’s Best, Fountain Valley and Beyond Part One
Segment Five: Bob Levey, Founder, Philly’s Best, Fountain Valley and Beyond Part Two
Segment Six: ForFriends Inn & Village, Santa Ynez, CA with Innkeeper Dave Pollock
Segment Seven: William Lewis and Executive Chef Yvon Goetz, Founding Partners, The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar, Tustin
Segment Eight: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host, with “Ask the Chef”
