Show 351, December 14, 2019: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef” Part Two

Andy Harris, Andrew Gruel and JC Clow of the Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar at the SoCal Restaurant Show 5th AnniversaryOur own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group is in-studio with another informative “Ask the Chef” segment.

Valet parking charges (and overages) at fine-dining establishments are starting to skyrocket in the greater L.A. area. In certain congested areas of the City there are few alternatives. Destinations with no street parking or public garages. What’s reasonable?

Andy discusses a recent restaurant valet parking experience that will surprise you. To the new establishment’s credit the restaurant manager graciously turned the situation around.

Show 210, February 11, 2017: Sean Macready, Social Media / Digital Manager, Pechanga Resort & Casino

Sean MacReadyPechanga is well along with an ambitious $285 million expansion of the Hotel and all other guest amenities on the property with the exception of the Casino facilities. A new 2,400 space parking garage has just opened as the first part of the enhancements.

The project involves adding a new, AAA Four Diamond, 568-room and suite hotel wing; a stand-alone luxury two-story spa and salon with 17 treatment rooms, a fitness center and hydrotherapy pool terrace; a resort-style pool complex with eight pool areas; two new restaurants; and an additional 67,000 square feet of event space.

Pechanga Resort and Casino expansion“We estimate the expansion will result in an economic output of over $550 million, generating roughly 2,944 jobs up front as a result of construction-related activities,” said Dr. Christopher Thornberg, Founding Partner of Beacon Economics. “We estimate the local economy will benefit from an additional 560 jobs per year going forward as a result of expanded operations at Pechanga Resort & Casino.”

Pechanga’s Digital Marketing Manager, Sean MacReady fills us in.

Talk about clever marketing. How do you get the point across with recall that Pechanga always has complimentary Valet Parking for their guests?  See Sean’s creative approach in “Jurassic Parking” from Pechanga’s You Tube Channel.

Show 185, August 20, 2016: Brock Radke, Managing Editor, Las Vegas Weekly Part Two

Brock Radke of Las Vegas WeeklyJournalist Brock Radke is our well-connected Las Vegas insider. He’s the Managing Editor of Las Vegas Weekly and has been reporting on the dynamic Las Vegas scene for 15 years. He’s back continuing with his regular dining update.

MGM Resorts International is now charging non-locals for parking in all of their numerous properties on the Las Vegas Strip. Valet Parking now has a charge for everyone. The situation with locals might be reevaluated for 2017. We’ll learn how this is going over…Remember MGM already also adds a “Resort Fee” on top of the room rate at all of their properties.

Chef Andrew chats with Brock about the proliferation of gourmet burgers now available in Las Vegas. All the big names are there including celebrity chefs with better burger concepts. Is there room for more players? Even White Castle (with a devoted following) is now there.