Podcasts
Hour One: Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery, Azure Sky Hotel
Hour Two: Azure Sky Hotel, Glenda Galvan-Garcia, Eric Klein, Andrew Gruel
Segment One: Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery, Pasadena, with Proprietors & Chefs Thomas Kalb & Vanessa Tilaka Kalb
Segments Four and Five: Azure Sky Hotel, Palm Springs, with General Manager Angie Bettinelli
Segment Six: The Whole Enchilada Cookbook with Chef Glenda Galvan-Garcia
Segment Seven: The Governors Ball (Post Oscars) Menu with Chef Eric Klein, Wolfgang Puck Catering
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel
Andy Harris, Executive Producer and Co-host previews the show.
“Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery in Pasadena is a lively neighborhood oasis that showcases live-fire cooking with seasonal ingredients behind a well-stocked cheese shop that offers unique and thoughtfully curated artisan cheeses and renowned provisions. With ample spaces for large parties, an open kitchen, inviting outdoor patio, and a beautiful marketplace, Agnes offers many opportunities for celebrating a wide variety of occasions. Year-round is a wonderful time to discover Agnes with the Cheesery offering several stunning products worth sharing with all of your friends and family. From large format cheese, meat and crudité platters, tinned fish, delicious gifts, freshly baked treats, to their decadent Sides & Pies offerings. Agnes offers stress-free catering for your parties and family get-togethers.” Owner / Chefs Thomas Kalb and Vanessa Tilaka Kalb take a break from their busy kitchens to join us.
“Azure Sky, celebrating it’s 3rd Anniversary this year, is a luxury boutique hotel in Palm Springs. This 21 and over, 14-room hotel is located at 1661 South Calle Palo Fierro, in Palm Springs, California. The vibe transforms a well-maintained mid-century gem into a contemporary, tranquil desert escape with personal service as a hallmark. Managing Operator Acme Hospitality, which has boutique food, beverage and hotel concepts in Santa Barbara and Nevada Counties has partnered with Real Estate Developer, Henry Courtemanche to bring this project to life. Azure Sky, originally built in 1959, evokes a simple and understated style with unmistakable MCM (Mid-century Modern) elements, offers unobstructed views of the San Jacinto Mountains, an oversized lounge pool with two shallow ends that are perfect for relaxing and imbibing. The property is enveloped by desert landscaping—it is a sanctuary with a peaceful residential feel. Guests are within walking distance of Villa Royale, Ace Hotel, Bar Cecil, and other neighboring boutique hotels and restaurants.” Azure Sky’s very hands-on General Manager, Angie Bettinelli, is our guide.
“Join Chef Glenda Galvan-Garcia with The Whole Enchilada – Mexican Recipes Full of History and Fun as she shares the tasty wonders of Mexican cuisine! Covering everything from snacks to main dishes, desserts and drinks, this bilingual book is the perfect way for young chefs to connect with their roots. Have you ever wondered how to make buñuelos? Have you missed abuelita’s arroz con leche? Or craved watermelon on a hot summer day? Learn how to make these and many more delicious dishes with Chef Glenda Galván-García, who will take you through the staples of Mexican cooking as she shares tidbits of Mexican history and introduces you to the Mexican and Chicano characters that have changed the world, making this a fun-filled book that the whole family will enjoy!” Chef Glenda takes a break from her busy kitchens to join us.
We first introduced Chef Eric Klein to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” when he was the high-profile Executive Chef and Partner of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops. Later Chef Eric transitioned (with a major promotion) to Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering based at The Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Every year for over three-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony. 2025 is the 31st year of Wolfgang Puck Catering creating the incredible menu for the Governors Ball. Chef Wolfgang and his team crafted 70 new dishes to add to the eye-popping menu. As for the past several years this luxe menu was created by Wolfgang Puck and Eric Klein. This year the Oscars return to the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Sunday, March 2nd. Chef Eric Kleintakes a break from his active kitchens to join us for this exclusive preview.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. It’s time to revisit 3rd party food delivery. Does it really make sense for a restaurant when the costs are so high ? Is it even a sustainable business model for the delivery services? Chef Andrew explains.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
“Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery in Pasadena is a lively neighborhood oasis that showcases live-fire cooking with seasonal ingredients behind an well-stocked cheese shop that offers unique and thoughtfully curated artisan cheeses and renowned provisions.”
“With ample spaces for large parties, an open kitchen, inviting outdoor patio, and a beautiful marketplace, Agnes offers many opportunities for celebrating a wide variety of occasions.”
“Year-round is a wonderful time to discover Agnes with the Cheesery offering several stunning products worth sharing with all of your friends and family. From large format cheese, meat and crudité platters, tinned fish, delicious gifts, freshly baked treats, to their decadent Sides & Pies offerings. Agnes offers stress-free catering for your parties and family get-togethers.”
An ample Cheese Board from Chef Vanessa featuring three artisan cheeses makes for a great start. A show-stopping dessert is the Thai Fried Banana Split with Thai Tea and Pandan Ice Creams.
“Founded by Chefs Thomas and Vanessa Tilaka Kalb, stop by while exploring the famous Gamble House, Rose Bowl, Castle Green, Huntington Library or strolling through Old Town Pasadena.”
Chefs Thomas and Vanessa take a break from their busy kitchens to join us.
“Azure Sky, celebrating its 3rd Anniversary this year, is a luxury boutique hotel in Palm Springs. This 21 and over, 14-room hotel is located at 1661 South Calle Palo Fierro, in Palm Springs, California. The vibe transforms a well-maintained mid-century gem into a contemporary, tranquil desert escape with personal service as a hallmark. Managing Operator Acme Hospitality, which has boutique food, beverage and hotel concepts in Santa Barbara and Nevada Counties has partnered with Real Estate Developer, Henry Courtemanche to bring this project to life.”
“Azure Sky, originally built in 1959, evokes a simple and understated style with unmistakable MCM (Mid-century Modern) elements, offers unobstructed views of the San Jacinto Mountains, an oversized lounge pool with two shallow ends that are perfect for relaxing and imbibing. The property is enveloped by desert landscaping—it is a sanctuary with a peaceful residential feel. Guests are within walking distance of Villa Royale, Ace Hotel, Bar Cecil, and other neighboring boutique hotels and restaurants.”
Upon check-in guests are offered a prepared to order, refreshing Slushy made with natural flavors and ingredients. It’s your choice of Spiked or No Buzz. A light Continental Breakfast (with potential add-ons) is delivered to your door in the Morning in a basket. The guests pre-order the night before and there are options to customize the menu.
“From the lobby, guests step out to take in “the meadow,” a 1,500 square foot courtyard lawn area with a long fire pit at the far end; a perfect place to gather to watch the light change on the palm trees and mountain views beyond. Leaving this first courtyard of rooms, guests wind their way through the grounds to the brand-new pool area, the second focal point of the property. The pool area spans 4,500 square feet with surrounding decking, ample seating areas, a bar, firepit and Jacuzzi.”
“The hotel’s fourteen rooms range from 225 – 620 square feet and include five spacious one-bedroom suites. Eleven rooms are equipped with private patios with hammocks and hangout spaces. The color of the suite doors was inspired by the color of the mountains when the sun first hits them at dawn. Upgrades also include walk-in showers with white, green, and dark mosaic tile; stone countertops; custom millwork; built-in beds; and stone tile flooring.”
Azure Sky’s very hands-on General Manager, Angie Bettinelli, is our guide.
“Join Chef Glenda Galvan-Garcia with The Whole Enchilada – Mexican Recipes Full of History and Fun as she shares the tasty wonders of Mexican cuisine! Covering everything from snacks to main dishes, desserts and drinks, this bilingual book is the perfect way for young chefs to connect with their roots.”
“Have you ever wondered how to make buñuelos? Have you missed abuelita’s arroz con leche? Or craved watermelon on a hot summer day? Learn how to make these and many more delicious dishes with Chef Glenda Galván-García, who will take you through the staples of Mexican cooking as she shares tidbits of Mexican history and introduces you to the Mexican and Chicano characters that have changed the world, making this a fun-filled book that the whole family will enjoy!”
“Once cooks have mastered some of the recipes, the book allows for enticing table talk: The Whole Enchilada tells you all about amazing Mexican and Latinx athletes, musicians, scientists, historical figures, and cultural shakers.”
Chef Glenda takes a break from her busy kitchens to join us
We first introduced Chef Eric Klein to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” when he was the high-profile Executive Chef and Partner of Spago Las Vegas in the Forum Shops. More recently Chef Eric transitioned (with a major promotion) to Senior Vice President Culinary – Partner at Wolfgang Puck Catering based at The Dolby Theater in Hollywood. Every year for over three-decades Wolfgang Puck Catering has had the honor and great responsibility of providing all celebratory food and beverage for the prestigious Governors Ball following the Academy Awards ceremony in the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood.
2025 is the 31st year of Wolfgang Puck Catering designing the menu for the Governors Ball. Chef Wolfgang and his team created 70 new dishes to add to the eye-popping menu. As for the past several years this luxe menu was crafted by Wolfgang Puck and Eric Klein. The exquisite pastry design is by Kamel Guechida and Garry Larduinat. This year the Oscars return to the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on Sunday, March 2nd
Wolfgang Puck is even flying in from London Executive Chef Elliott Grover, the Culinary Director of 45 Park Lane, to oversee the Taste of London Station with Traditional Fish & Chips, Classic Toad in the Hole, and Classic Beef Wellington. Think tray-passed Smoked Salmon Oscars on Matzah for starters. A new creation for this year is (tray-passed) Bougie Tots with Crème Fraiche and Caviar.
Chef Eric Klein takes a break from his active kitchens to join us for this exclusive preview.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries.
It’s time to revisit the controversial subject of 3rd party food delivery. Does it even make sense for a restaurant when the costs are so high? Is it even a sustainable business model for the delivery services? Chef Andrew explains.
Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook (newly published) is also available with signed copies at his Calico Fish House on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach.
Podcasts
Hour One: Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery, Azure Sky Hotel
Hour Two: Azure Sky Hotel, Glenda Galvan-Garcia, Eric Klein, Andrew Gruel
Segment One: Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segments Two and Three: Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery, Pasadena, with Proprietors & Chefs Thomas Kalb & Vanessa Tilaka Kalb
Segments Four and Five: Azure Sky Hotel, Palm Springs, with General Manager Angie Bettinelli
Segment Six: The Whole Enchilada Cookbook with Chef Glenda Galvan-Garcia
Segment Seven: The Governors Ball (Post Oscars) Menu with Chef Eric Klein, Wolfgang Puck Catering
Segment Eight: “Ask the Chef” with Co-Host Chef Andrew Gruel
