Show 127, June 20, 2015: Show Preview with Chef Andrew Gruel and Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

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

Now a tantalizing preview of Saturday’s high octane show. With any luck we will always leave you hungry and thirsty. In our case, that’s a good thing…

Chef David Guas (Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery, Arlington, Virginia, Arlington, Virginia & Washington DC) knows how to get your grill going with the publication of Grill Nation – 200 Surefire Recipes, Tips, and Techniques to Grill Like a Pro. You know him as the host of Travel Channel’s “American Grilled.” We’re going to master the flame with Chef David Guas.

L.A Beer Week, produced by the Los Angeles County Brewers Guild, is set for L.A. and environs from June 20th to 28th, 2015. For one thirst-quenching week local breweries, bars, restaurants and other hospitable venues host a wide variety of events celebrating the culture of craft beer in the L.A. area. The festival kickoff is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, June 20th in Exposition Park. Beer journalist Tomm Carroll of Celebrator Beer News and Beer Paper L.A. along with Thomas Kelley of El Segundo Brewing Co. join us with an effervescent preview.

Restaurants in tree-lined Claremont, CA are preparing for the third annual “Claremont Restaurant Week” set for July 10 – 19, 2015. The annual Midsummer Night’s Dine will run for 10 days, including two weekends, to encourage Southern California foodies to stay overnight at one of Claremont’s five distinctive hotel properties. Sal Medina of Packing House Wine Merchants in the restored College Heights Lemon Packing House in Claremont will provide us with the tempting overview.

Italian-American character actor Steve Schirripa is best known for his role as Bobby Baccalieri on HBO’s “The Soprano’s.” He’s also a serious home cook. Taking his mother’s recipe for pasta sauce he created a line of popular sauces including Marinara, Tomato Basil and Arrabiata in the Steve Schirripa’s Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties line. The premium pasta sauces are each hand-crafted with organic whole, imported Italian peeled tomatoes, fresh onions, extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, sea salt and spices.

Orange County’s 37th annual “A Taste of Greece” festival will be held on June 26-28 at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine. More than 12,000 guests are expected to attend the three-day festival, which will feature traditional Greek cuisine, wine tasting, live music, authentic Greek dancing with lessons and boutique booths reminiscent of the Plaka, a well-known picturesque historical neighborhood of Athens. The long-time volunteer pastry chef, Kathy Gabriel, who oversees the time-consuming preparation of thousands of incredible Greek pastries for the Festival is our guest.

Andrew Gruel and Anthony Dispensa of Slapfish Restaurants and FYI Say It To My FaceDon’t miss Guest Host Chef Andrew Gruel’s new restaurant makeover series, “Say It To My Face” on FYI. An original episode is aired every Thursday evening with an encore episode thereafter. Check your local listings. On-line food reviewers confront restaurateurs with the shortcomings of their establishments. It’s then up to Chef Andrew and his colleague, Chef Anthony Dispensa, to coach the chef and restaurateur to achieve a much higher level of guest satisfaction when the on-line reviews return for another look! Sometimes it’s tough-love…

Show 127, June 20, 2015: Steve Schirripa, Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties

Steve SchirripaItalian-American character actor Steve Schrripa is best known for his role as Bobby Baccalieri on HBO’s “The Sopranos.” He’s also a serious home cook.

Taking his mother’s recipe for pasta sauce he created a collection of popular sauces including Marinara, Tomato Basil and Arrabiata in the Steve Schirripa’s Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties line. The pasta sauces are each hand-crafted with organic whole, imported Italian peeled tomatoes, fresh onions, extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, sea salt and spices. They are slow-simmered for six hours before bottling.

In the L.A. area they are available at Gelson’s with other retailers on the way.

Steve shares his struggles in initially getting his pasta sauces taken seriously by retail grocery store buyers. Because there are so many celebrity pasta sauces out there on the shelves that are mediocre, the buyers are resistant. Even the late Frank Sinatra had a line of jarred pasta sauces that didn’t survive the rigors of the marketplace. Schirripa’s key to success is simply getting them to try the sauce and judge it for the quality in the jar! This is why he’s resisted the temptation to put his image on the label.

“Growing up in Brooklyn, Sunday was the day you would wake up to the aroma of tomatoes, garlic and olive oil simmering on Mom’s stove as she prepared the sauce for Sunday dinner. My fondest memories are from those day, my Italian heritage and the comfort of family that I wish to share.” – Steve Schirripa

Show 127, June 20, 2015: Steve Schirripa, Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties. Continues…

Spaghetti and Meatballs with Uncle Steve's Marinara Sauce and a bottle of Fat Tire BeerItalian-American character actor Steve Schrripa is best known for his role as Bobby Baccalieri on HBO’s “The Sopranos.” He’s also a serious home cook. Taking his mother’s recipe for pasta sauce he created a collection of popular sauces including Marinara, Tomato Basil and Arrabiata in the Steve Schirripa’s Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties line. The pasta sauces (cooked in small batches) are each hand-crafted with organic whole, imported Italian peeled tomatoes, fresh onions, extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, sea salt and spices.

Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties is about a year-old. The pasta sauces are already in some 2,000 retail stores across the USA with more outlets being added every week.

Schirripa is also the author of The New York Times bestseller, A Goomba’s Guide to Life. This humorous book includes chapters on growing up in Brooklyn, great Goomba’s in History, Goomba recipes and Goomba’s Do’s and Don’ts.

Steve had a popular TV series in 2007, “Steve Schirripa’s Hungry.” In the episodes Steve visits New York City restaurants and homes of various guests including an Italian grandmother’s for cooking lessons from the pros. “What’s round and very popular? If you’re talking about me you’re only partially right. I’m talking about the meatball. I’m Steve Schirripa and I’m hungry,” proclaims Schirripa at the start of one episode dedicated to the art of the Italian meatball.

June 20: David Guas, LA Beer Week, Packing House Wine Merchants, Steve Schrippa, OC Greek Festival

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Chef Andrew Gruel and Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef-Owner David Guas, Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery Part One
Segment Three: Chef-Owner David Guas, Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery Part Two
Segment Four: L.A. Beer Week Preview
Segment Five: Claremont Restaurant Week Preview with Sal Medina, Packing House Wines
Segment Six: Steve Schirripa, Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties Part One
Segment Seven: Steve Schirripa, Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties Part Two
Segment Eight: 37th Annual “A Taste of Greece” in Irvine

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

Now a tantalizing preview of Saturday’s high octane show. With any luck we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, that’s a good thing…

Chef David Guas (Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery, Arlington, Virginia) knows how to get your grill going with the publication of Grill Nation – 200 Surefire Recipes, Tips, and Techniques to Grill Like a Pro. You know him as the host of Travel Channel’s “American Grilled.”

We’re going to master the flame with Chef David Guas.

L.A Beer Week, produced by the Los Angeles County Brewers Guild, is set for L.A. and environs from June 20th to 28th, 2015. For one thirst-quenching week local breweries, bars, restaurants and other hospitable venues host a wide variety of events celebrating the culture of craft beer in the L.A. area. The festival kickoff is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, June 20th in Exposition Park. Beer journalist Tomm Carroll of Celebrator Beer News and Beer Paper L.A. along with Thomas Kelley of El Segundo Brewing Co. joins us with a preview.

Restaurants in tree-lined Claremont, CA are preparing for the third annual “Claremont Restaurant Week” set for July 10 – 19, 2015. The annual Midsummer Night’s Dine will run for 10 days, including two weekends, to encourage Southern California foodies to stay overnight at one of Claremont’s five distinctive hotel properties. Sal Medina of Packing House Wine Merchants in the restored College Heights Lemon Packing House in Claremont will provide us with the tempting overview.

Italian-American character actor Steve Schrippa is probably best known for his role as Bobby Baccalieri on HBO’s “The Soprano’s.” He’s also a serious home cook. Taking his mother’s recipe for pasta sauce he artfully created a portfolio of popular sauces including Marinara, Tomato Basil and Arrabiata in the Steve Schirripa’s Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties line. The pasta sauces are each hand-crafted with organic whole, imported Italian peeled tomatoes, fresh onions, extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, sea salt and spices.

Orange County’s 37th annual “A Taste of Greece” festival will be held on June 26-28 at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine. More than 12,000 guests are expected to attend the three-day festival, which will feature traditional Greek cuisine, wine tasting, live music, authentic Greek dancing with lessons and boutique booths reminiscent of the Plaka, a well-known picturesque historical neighborhood of Athens. The long-time volunteer pastry chef, Kathy Gabriel, who oversees the time-consuming preparation of thousands of incredible Greek pastries for the Festival is our guest.

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

Chef David GuasChef David Guas (Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery, Arlington, Virginia) knows how to get your grill going with the publication of Grill Nation – 200 Surefire Recipes, Tips, and Techniques to Grill Like a Pro. You know him as the host of Travel Channel’s “American Grilled.”

Chef Guas knows how to get your grill going, and once that fire is roaring, he expertly demystifies the complexities of outdoor cooking by offering pit-proven tips and techniques and step-by-step instructions for every skill level. After mastering the basics, get the grill fired up and discover in Grill Nation a crowd-pleasing collection of recipes ranging from grilled mains – beef, pork, chicken, fish and game – to fired-up sides, salads, and even desserts.

“Armed with this collection, home cooks everywhere will now have the tools, tips, and recipes to become a grill master in their very own backyard. Written with broad knowledge and a masterful eye, and illustrated throughout with more than 125 luscious color photographs, Grill Nation delivers delectable dishes that are sure to inspire grilling year-round.”

We’re going to master the flame with Chef David Guas.

“A grill’s natural habitat is a backyard filled with loved ones. It evokes feelings of comfort and togetherness in the multi-sensory experience it provides: The rich aromas that fill the air in wispy gray clouds of smoke and crackling sizzle of meat hitting the hot grill. Some of my happiest memories growing up involve cooking on the grill and with family, whether it was prepping hamburger meat with my Mom in the kitchen; then watching my Dad experiment with seasonings by adding a pinch here and there. There is no other cooking method as interactive and as fully absorbing. And don’t limit your cooking on the grill to the only centerpiece of the meal. You can also use it to add a smoky flavor and ineffable taste to greens, vegetables and fruits. In this book, I share many of my dearest stories, weaved in with my favorite grilling recipes and basic tips.” – David Guas

LA Beer WeekL.A Beer Week, produced by the Los Angeles County Brewers Guild, is set for L.A. and environs from June 20th to 28th, 2015. For one thirst-quenching week local breweries, bars, restaurants and other hospitable venues host a wide variety of events celebrating the culture of craft beer in the greater L.A. area.

The festival kickoff is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, June 20th in Exposition Park. It’s the flagship event for a week’s worth of great events staged all throughout the City of Angels.

L.A. Beer Week was founded in 2009 by a group of dedicated beer enthusiasts and community members. L.A. Beer Week is now organized by the Los Angeles County Brewers Guild; a 25+ brewery strong, non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the culture of #LAbeer.

L.A. Brewers Kickoff on Saturday, June 20th in Exposition Park will feature 75+ breweries, live music and entertainment, a wide selection of food trucks, educational panel discussions, a VIP private area and more. General Admission includes a commemorative tasting glass and samples of over 200 different types of beer, cider and home-brewed sodas. A portion of the proceeds will benefit L.A. Kitchen.

Beer journalist Tomm Carroll of Celebrator Beer News and Beer Paper L.A. along with Thomas Kelley of El Segundo Brewing Co. join us with a preview.

Sal MedinaRestaurants in lush, tree-lined Claremont, CA (known as “The City of Trees”) are preparing for the third annual “Claremont Restaurant Week” set for July 10 – 19, 2015. The annual Midsummer Night’s Dine will run for 10 days, including two weekends, to encourage Southern California foodies to stay overnight at one of Claremont’s five distinctive hotel properties.

You have to love Claremont. The first thing you notice is no parking meters and lots of City-owned parking lots. Their theme is “Take the Time to Exhale.” Why not…?

Many of the featured restaurants are located within the 12 city blocks of Claremont Village. There is also a convenient Metrolink station adjacent to The Village.

Claremont Restaurant Week, presented by the Claremont Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Discover Claremont, is expected to feature more than two dozen participating restaurants offering prix fixe lunch and dinner menus that will showcase favorite local dishes and inspired summer seasonal specials. Last year, Claremont chefs highlighted locally grown vegetables, farm-raised beef and fresh fish selections in menu specials priced from $10 for lunch and $20 – $40 for dinner.

Sal Medina of Packing House Wine Merchants in the restored College Heights Lemon Packing House in Claremont will provide us with the tempting overview.

Steve SchirripaItalian-American character actor Steve Schrripa is best known for his role as Bobby Baccalieri on HBO’s “The Sopranos.” He’s also a serious home cook.

Taking his mother’s recipe for pasta sauce he created a collection of popular sauces including Marinara, Tomato Basil and Arrabiata in the Steve Schirripa’s Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties line. The pasta sauces are each hand-crafted with organic whole, imported Italian peeled tomatoes, fresh onions, extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, sea salt and spices. They are slow-simmered for six hours before bottling.

In the L.A. area they are available at Gelson’s with other retailers on the way.

“Growing up in Brooklyn, Sunday was the day you would wake up to the aroma of tomatoes, garlic and olive oil simmering on Mom’s stove as she prepared the sauce for Sunday dinner. My fondest memories are from those day, my Italian heritage and the comfort of family that I wish to share.” – Steve Schirripa

Spaghetti and Meatballs with Uncle Steve's Marinara Sauce and a bottle of Fat Tire BeerItalian-American character actor Steve Schrripa is best known for his role as Bobby Baccalieri on HBO’s “The Sopranos.” He’s also a serious home cook. Taking his mother’s recipe for pasta sauce he created a collection of popular sauces including Marinara, Tomato Basil and Arrabiata in the Steve Schirripa’s Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties line. The pasta sauces are each hand-crafted with organic whole, imported Italian peeled tomatoes, fresh onions, extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, sea salt and spices.

Schirripa is also the author of The New York Times bestseller, A Goomba’s Guide to Life. This humorous book includes chapters on growing up in Brooklyn, great Goomba’s in History, Goomba recipes and Goomba’s Do’s and Don’ts.

Steve had a popular TV series in 2007, “Steve Schirripa’s Hungry.” In the episodes Steve visits New York City restaurants and homes of various guests including an Italian grandmother’s for cooking lessons from the pros. “What’s round and very popular? If you’re talking about me you’re only partially right. I’m talking about the meatball. I’m Steve Schirripa and I’m hungry,” proclaims Schirripa at the start of one episode dedicated to the art of the Italian meatball.

A Taste of Greece in IrvineOrange County’s 37th annual “A Taste of Greece” festival will be held on June 26-28 at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine. More than 12,000 guests are expected to attend the three-day festival, which will feature traditional Greek cuisine, wine tasting, live music, authentic Greek dancing with lessons and boutique booths reminiscent of the Plaka, a well-known picturesque historical neighborhood of Athens.

Among the exquisite pastries available expect Loukoumathes (Greek doughnut holes), traditional Baklava and Galaktoboureko (milk pie).

“As Orange County’s largest Greek Orthodox congregation, we are delighted to host a festival that offers an opportunity for the community to experience authentic Greek dining, wine, music, dancing and entertainment,” said Father Steven Tsichlis, St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Priest. “This year’s festival, our 37th annual, will offer something for everyone with a variety of Greek-themed activities, and tours of the Church to view the beautiful sanctuary that contains Christian artwork done in mosaic patterned after ancient prototypes that are unique in Orange County.”

The long-time volunteer pastry chef, Kathy Gabriel, who oversees the time-consuming preparation of thousands of incredible Greek pastries for the Festival is our guest.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Chef Andrew Gruel and Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Chef-Owner David Guas, Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery Part One
Segment Three: Chef-Owner David Guas, Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery Part Two
Segment Four: L.A. Beer Week Preview
Segment Five: Claremont Restaurant Week Preview with Sal Medina, Packing House Wines
Segment Six: Steve Schirripa, Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties Part One
Segment Seven: Steve Schirripa, Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties Part Two
Segment Eight: 37th Annual “A Taste of Greece” in Irvine