Show 313, March 2, 2019: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris

Now an intriguing preview of Saturday’s tempting show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always, we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience.

Orange County Restaurant Week returns Sunday, March 3th through Saturday, March 9th. This year, nearly 150 restaurants will participant in OC Restaurant Week, offering diners a wide variety of options, from casual and family friendly establishments, to upscale and fine dining. The new Toast in Costa Mesa is participating for the first time with special menus for both Lunch and Dinner. Proprietor Ed Lee and Proprietor/Chef John Park join us with all the delectable specifics.

One of our most reliable sources of key restaurant news in Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is a staff writer for The Las Vegas Review Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. Al has been masterfully working the Vegas food scene since 2003. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas annual restaurant guide series. Al has just visited Honda Center for the first time catching the Vegas Golden Knights on the ice and also done some local dining. We’ll get a morsel by morsel report from Al.

Owner/ Chef Craig Strong (Ex-Studio at Montage Laguna Beach) has just debuted his new Weekend Brunch Menu at Laguna Beach’s Ocean at Main. Bottomless mimosas and specialty cocktails are featured, too. Chef Craig cooks up all the details for us.

Our resident “Meatheads” from West Coast Prime Meats (the protein experts) are back with answers to your “meaty” inquiries. Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson provide genuinely useful insight into your Easter dinner cooking questions.

Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, joins us to talk about Bordeaux wines. The Union Des Grands Crus De Bordeaux was just in West Hollywood with a comprehensive tasting. This was the 14th edition of this anticipated Tasting in the United States. Kyle shares his professional insights with us and also explains how a Sommelier or Wine Merchant navigates such a vast tasting. It’s honestly real work…Cheers!

Our own Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group, is again hosting a sumptuous table at OC Chef’sTable (as a total donation) benefiting the Illumination Foundation. Its theme is “Take a Seat to End Homelessness.” Impressively the high-end Benefit is already sold out and tickets are now on sale for 2020. Chef Andrew will detail why he’s a multi-year, enthusiastic supporter of the good work of the Illumination Foundation.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

Show 313, March 2, 2019: Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal

Al ManciniOne of our most reliable sources of key restaurant news in Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is a staff writer for The Las Vegas Review Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. Al has been working the Vegas food scene since 2003. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas restaurant guide series.

Al has just visited Honda Center for the first time catching the Vegas Golden Knights on the ice and also did some local dining at The Ranch. Honda Center’s Executive Chef Jo-Jo Doyle gave him the grand tour of their extensive food and beverage facilities.

A Vegas Golden Knights player, Ryan Reaves, has a new craft beer label 7Five. The first release is Training Day Golden Ale. It’s a brew for everyday lager drinkers curious about the craft beer possibilities.

A lager for Summer is probably next.

We’ll get a morsel by morsel commentary from Al who joins us in-studio.

Show 313, March 2, 2019: Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal Continues…

Al ManciniOne of our most reliable sources of key restaurant news in Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is a staff writer for The Las Vegas Review Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. Al has been working the Vegas food scene since 2003. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas restaurant guide series.

Al has just visited Honda Center for the first time catching the Vegas Golden Knights on the ice and also done some local dining. We’ll get a morsel by morsel report from Al (in-studio) along with Vegas dining doings.

The big Vegas Dining News is that Chef Sheridan Su of the acclaimed Flock & Foul in Downtown Las Vegas was just named a semifinalist for Best Chef: West for The James Beard Foundation Awards. Finalists will be announced in Houston on March 27th.

March 2: Toast Kitchen + Bakery, Al Mancini, Ocean at Main, West Coast Prime Meats, Wine Exchange

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Toast Costa Mesa’s Restaurateur Ed Lee & Chef / Proprietor John Park, OC Restaurant Week
Segment Three: Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal Part One
Segment Four: Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal Part Two
Segment Five: Owner / Chef Craig Strong, Ocean at Main, Laguna Beach
Segment Six: West Coast Prime Meats “Meatheads” – Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson with Easter Cooking Tips
Segment Seven: Wine Authority Kyle Meyer, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana – Bordeaux Tasting
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Now an intriguing preview of this Saturday’s tempting show. It’s not, with profuse apologies, for dieters. If we’re successful we will always leave you incredibly hungry and thirsty. In our case, and upon careful reflection, that’s probably a pretty good thing… As always we greatly appreciate you being a part of our loyal listening audience.

Orange County Restaurant Week returns Sunday, March 3th through Saturday, March 9th. This year, nearly 150 restaurants will participant in OC Restaurant Week, offering diners a wide variety of options, from casual and family friendly establishments, to upscale and fine dining. The new Toast in Costa Mesa is participating with special menus for both Lunch and Dinner. Proprietor Ed Lee and Proprietor/Chef John Park join us with all the delectable specifics.

One of our most reliable sources of key restaurant news in Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is a staff writer for The Las Vegas Review Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. Al has been masterfully working the Vegas food scene since 2003. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas annual restaurant guide series. Al has just visited Honda Center for the first time catching the Vegas Golden Knights on the ice and also done some local dining. We’ll get a morsel by morsel report from Al.

Owner/ Chef Craig Strong (Ex-Studio at Montage Laguna Beach) has just debuted his new Weekend Brunch Menu at Laguna Beach’s Ocean at Main. Bottomless mimosas and specialty cocktails are featured, too. Chef Craig cooks up all the details for us.

Our resident “Meatheads” from West Coast Prime Meats (the protein experts) are back with answers to your “meaty” inquiries. Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson provide genuinely useful insight into your Easter dinner cooking questions.

Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, joins us to talk about Bordeaux wines. The Union Des Grands Crus De Bordeaux was just in West Hollywood with a comprehensive tasting. This was the 14th edition of this anticipated Tasting in the United States. Kyle shares his professional insights with us and also explains how a Sommelier or Wine Merchant navigates such a vast tasting. It’s honestly real work…Cheers!

Our own Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group, is again hosting a sumptuous table at OC Chef’s Table (as a total donation) benefiting the Illumination Foundation. Its theme is “Take a Seat to End Homelessness.” Impressively the high-end Benefit is already sold out and tickets are now on sale for 2020. Chef Andrew will detail why he’s a multi-year, enthusiastic supporter of the good work of the Illumination Foundation.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

John ParkOrange County Restaurant Week returns Sunday, March 3th through Saturday, March 9th. This year, nearly 150 restaurants will participant in OC Restaurant Week, offering diners a wide variety of options, from casual and family friendly establishments, to upscale and fine dining. The new Toast in Costa Mesa is participating with special menus for both Lunch and Dinner.

Proprietor Ed Lee and Proprietor/Chef John Park join us with the delectable specifics.

They are featuring a special $15, 3-course Lunch Menu and a $20, 3-course Dinner menu. Choices within each course. There is also a “Featured Cocktail” for $11 for OC Restaurant Week. It’s Whiskey Business with Makers Mark Bourbon, lemon & egg white.

Al ManciniOne of our most reliable sources of key restaurant news in Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is a staff writer for The Las Vegas Review Journal covering food, restaurants and other aspects of entertainment. Al has been working the Vegas food scene since 2003. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas restaurant guide series.

Al has just visited Honda Center for the first time catching the Vegas Golden Knights on the ice and also done some local dining. We’ll get a morsel by morsel report from Al who joins us in-studio.

A Vegas Golden Knights player, Ryan Reaves, has a new craft beer label 7Five. The first release is Training Day Golden Ale. A lager for Summer is probably next.

Craig StrongOwner/ Chef Craig Strong (Ex-Studio at Montage Laguna Beach) has just debuted his new Weekend Brunch Menu at Laguna Beach’s Ocean at Main. Bottomless mimosas and specialty cocktails are featured, too.

“Ocean at Main’s Weekend Brunch is offered Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Chef Craig Strong draws inspiration from culinary experiences – both personal and professional – to create a menu of sweet & savory brunch classics presented with his signature style and plated with panache.”

“Enjoy savory brunch classics like Chilaquiles made with Chef Strong’s salsa fuerte and sweet selections like Scarlet’s Favorite Five-Spice Pancakes. Toast to the weekend with bottle service, bottomless mimosas, or specialty brunch cocktails.”

Chef Craig cooks up all the mouthwatering details for us.

Jay HendersonOur resident Meatheads” from West Coast Prime Meats (the protein experts) are back with answers to your “meaty” inquiries.

The very knowledgeable Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson provide insight into your Easter dinner cooking questions submitted to us in advance via our Twitter (@SoCalRestaurant.)

We’ll initially offer inspired ideas for cooking the Easter lamb and ham.

Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeOur resident wine expert Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange joins us to talk about Bordeaux wines. The Union Des Grands Crus De Bordeaux was just in West Hollywood with a comprehensive tasting.

This was the 14th edition of this Tasting in the United States. Kyle shares his professional insights with us and also explains how a Sommelier or Wine Merchant navigates such a vast tasting. It’s honestly real work…Cheers!

Andrew Gruel at the AM830 KLAA StudiosOur own Co-Host, Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group, is again hosting a sumptuous table at the 6th Annual OC Chef’s Table (as a total donation) benefiting the Illumination Foundation. Its theme is “Take a Seat to End Homelessnes.” It takes place at The Disneyland Hotel.

Impressively the high-end Benefit is already sold out and tickets are now on sale for 2020. Chef Andrew will detail why he’s a multi-year, enthusiastic supporter of the good work of the Illumination Foundation.

“Today in Orange County alone, there are more than 32,000 children that are homeless or unstably housed in cars and motels. An excess of 55,000 homeless individuals reside in Southern California alone.”

“The non-profit organization, Illumination Foundation, was founded in 2007 with the sole mission to break the cycle of homelessness. From its start, Illumination Foundation has focused on providing permanent housing solutions, along with emergency housing for families in dire need, recuperative care centers for homeless individuals recovering from hospital care, and a cadre of mental and physical health services, career counseling and placement, children’s resource centers for tutoring and healthy socialization and more.”

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Toast Costa Mesa’s Restaurateur Ed Lee & Chef / Proprietor John Park, OC Restaurant Week
Segment Three: Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal Part One
Segment Four: Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal Part Two
Segment Five: Owner / Chef Craig Strong, Ocean at Main, Laguna Beach
Segment Six: West Coast Prime Meats “Meatheads” – Terry Hanks and Jay Henderson with Easter Cooking Tips
Segment Seven: Wine Authority Kyle Meyer, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana – Bordeaux Tasting
Segment Eight: Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel, Slapfish Restaurant Group with “Ask the Chef”

Show 306, January 12, 2019: Food & Entertainment Journalist Al Mancini, Las Vegas Review Journal

Al ManciniOne of our most reliable sources of quality restaurant news in Las Vegas is Al Mancini, who is a staff writer for The Las Vegas Review Journal covering food, restaurants, Downtown Las Vegas and other aspects of entertainment. Al has been working the Vegas food scene since 2003. He was one of the creators of the popular, and widely referenced, Eating Las Vegas restaurant guide series.

The huge restaurant news of the moment is L.A.’s own Chef Roy Choi (Kogi BBQ) opening his first venture outside of California, Best Friend restaurant at the new Park MGM. Al explains what he means by saying the spot has an “L.A. feel” to it.

Al shares a preview of what is on the menu there with us plus the other enticing food options at Park MGM. We also talk about the locals’ phenomenon that is the Vegas Golden Knights.

Show 273, May 12, 2018: Al Mancini, Staff Writer, Las Vegas Review-Journal

Al ManciniVeteran Las Vegas insider and widely-followed food journalist Al Mancini works alongside The Las Vegas Review-Journal’s long-time restaurant critic, Heidi Knapp Rinella. As a Staff Writer he covers the burgeoning food scene in Las Vegas daily both in the print and online versions of the daily newspaper. Al also occasionally posts food & libation related videos. We pull him away from the Vegas Uncork’d festivities for an update.

We run the table with Al hitting on the impact of Vegas Uncork’d, Vegas Golden Knights fever in Vegas, The Vegas Unstripped, by Locals food festival and updates on the debuting Park MGM and the extensive enhancements at The Palms under new ownership.

Show 273, May 12, 2018: Executive Sous Chef Robert DeLillo, Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo

Robert DeLilloFor the 3rd time in the show’s history we’re happily broadcasting from Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo. It’s a sport’s fan’s and foodies’ paradise. Lagasse’s Stadium is the ultimate sports bar: a restaurant with stadium-seating featuring elevated game-time classics and gourmet options from Emeril Lagasse.

Lagasse’s Stadium combines Emeril Lagasse’s signature cuisine and kicked-up game day eats with more than 100 HD TVs including a 9 foot x 16 foot main TV, luxury boxes, plush stadium-style seating, billiard tables, and an expanded 1,800 square foot outdoor patio just steps from the Strip.

The expansion Vegas Golden Knights are the unlikely sports darlings of this hockey season. They are now, unbelievably, well on their way towards possibly competing for the coveted Stanley Cup. There are also Golden Knights specials on the Lagasse Stadium menu. Think Golden Tater Puffs. It’s “Poutine Style” tots topped with savory brown gravy, shredded beef brisket and Pepper Jack cheese.

Robert DeLillo, the Executive Sous Chef for Exec Scott Pajak is our guest.