Show 249, November 25, 2017: Audra Wilford, Co-Founder, MaxLove Project

Audra WilfordMaxLove Project is an innovative grassroots nonprofit organization with a mission to increase the quality of life and reduce health risks for all children surviving cancer, both in treatment and beyond. MLP empowers families fighting childhood cancers and related life-threatening conditions with quality of life care, fierce foods, whole-body wellness resources, education and research.

MaxLove Project, an Orange County nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of child cancer patients, survivors and their families, recently raised $240,000 at their annual fundraiser at Tanaka Farms in Irvine to launch an initiative in partnership with Northern California-based The Charlie Cart Project with the goal of placing a nutritional teaching kitchen in every children’s hospital in the country.

The Charlie Cart is a mobile teaching kitchen equipped with a sink, oven, pantry storage, kitchen supplies and more. Each cart costs $9,500, as opposed to the enormous expense of constructing a kitchen at each children’s hospital nationwide.

“MaxLove Project has grown out of the idea that food can be medicine. When families face serious health conditions like pediatric cancer, they need to be empowered to take their children’s quality of life in their own hands,” MaxLove Project Co-Founder Audra Wilford, whose son Max is a brain cancer survivor, said. “By learning culinary skills and the nutrition science principles we call ‘Fierce Foods,’ parents and kids together can thrive against the odds.”

MaxLove Project is developing a curriculum where representatives and local chefs will educate doctors, nurses and the public on the healing potential of food as medicine. Locally, MaxLove Project has teamed up with Chefs Azmin Ghahreman of Sapphire Laguna, Zov Karamardian of Zov’s Bistro, Greg Daniels of Haven Gastropub, Michael Puglisi of Electric City Butcher and Cathy McKnight of Eilo to spearhead the movement.

Co-Founder of the MaxLove Project, Audra Wilford, is our guest.

Show 142, October 17, 2015: Zov Karamardian and Culinary Director Louie Jocson of Zov’s Bistro

Zov Karamardian or Zov's in TustinProprietress Zov Karamardian and Culinary Director Chef Louie Jocson of Tustin’s Zov’s Bistro had the honor of presenting a sold–out dinner at The James Beard Foundation in Greenwich Village on October 6th. It’s a B-I-G honor to be invited to cook at James Beard’s House and Zov is an esteemed repeater! Think Lamb Shoulder Tagine with pearl couscous risotto, pan jus, roasted carrots and ufra biber paired with St. Francis Sonoma Valley Merlot 2012. We’ll hear about this very special experience shared by a handful of Orange County chefs.

If you didn’t make it to New York, Chefs Zov & Louie are presenting a festive menu on Wednesday, October 21st with a salute to California’s family-owned Cakebread Cellars in Napa. They celebrated their 40th Anniversary in 2013.

On the four-course, wine-paired menu is Julia Child’s (Zov’s mentor) Inspired Beef Bourguignon En Croute with mushroom duxelles, savory puff pastry vegetable confetti and cabernet demi-glace. The wine pairing is Cakebread Two Creeks Pinot Noir, 2013.

The event is, unfortunately, sold out but do try and get on the waiting list!

Show 116, April 4, 2015: Celebrity Chef Mary Sue Milliken, Border Grill

Mary Sue MillikenJames Beard Award-winner Mary Sue Milliken is well-know to the audience of the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” She is a pioneer in Food TV and also the co-founder and co-executive chef (along with her long-time business partner, Susan Feniger) of the hugely successful Border Grill restaurants (and truck) in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Santa Monica. She also is the co-author of five popular cookbooks.

Additionally, Mary Sue is also an active volunteer for The James Beard Foundation in her prominent position on the Board of Trustees as a Board Member. Mary Sue joins us to talk about The James Beard Foundation’s 2015 Culinary Scholarship opportunities. A record $700,000 (plus) in Educational Scholarships and Professional Grants are available.

James Beard is fondly remembered by friends and colleagues as a man who offered unstinting help and encouragement to people embarking on a culinary career. Upholding Beard’s legacy of culinary education and support through their scholarship program is an essential component of the James Beard Foundation’s mission. The Friends of James Beard Foundation Scholarships and the James Beard Foundation School Scholarships have been established to assist aspiring culinary professionals who plan to further their education at a licensed or accredited culinary school. Professional grants are also available for independent work, study and travel.

Scholarship funds have been raised locally over the years at numerous Friends of James Beard Dinners. Host restaurants include AnQi in South Coast Plaza, Marche Moderne, Morgan’s in the Desert at La Quinta and Zov’s Bistro.

Show 115, March 21, 2015: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Louie Jocson and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

Louie JocsonOne of the OC’s best and brightest, youthful culinary talents, Chef Louie Jocson, joins us this morning as Guest Host. He’s the new Directory of Culinary Operations for the growing Zov’s family of restaurants. Now a preview of today’s over-stuffed show…

Cochon 555, probably the country’s most talked about culinary competition returns to Los Angeles on March 29, 2015 to celebrate family farms, heritage breed pigs and today’s emerging chef community. Attendees of this one-of-a-kind culinary competition embark on a journey to the new hyper-local culinary landscape, one whole pig at a time. Brady Lowe, the founder of Cochon 555, joins us with the pork-a-licious details.

Spring is here so the time is right to get an overview of the highlights in Spring produce. Our favorite produce savant, Robert Schueller, of Melissa’s World Variety Produce is with us to share what’s fresh from the fields. We’ll be talking about Kale, Kumquats, Rhubarb and Ojai Pixie Tangerines with a few cooking tips added for good measure.

Look who is turning 50 this year! 2015 marks the 50-year legacy of memorable dining at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. To celebrate, the Lawry’s family and Executive Chef Steve Kling have unveiled a brand new menu and beverage program unlike any other menu this fabled establishment has offered in it’s 50-year history. It’s not your Grandparents’ Five Crowns anymore (although they are still most welcome.) General Manager Jim Colombo (who is also a chef by training) and resident Mad Bar Scientist Amber join us with a tempting overview of the enhancements.

Top of the Market located on the Bay in San Diego just South of the USS Midway Museum offers an extensive variety of fresh fish, oysters and shellfish with a sophisticated twists. New executive chef, Ivan Flowers, has only enhanced the already proven concept. Incomparable views of San Diego Bay, Coronado and Point Loma make Top of the Market the ideal location for destination dining while in San Diego. Chef Ivan is our guest highlighting the addition of the new Spring ingredients.

EAT LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week returns for its big 2nd year from March 22nd to March 28th. One of the participating restaurants is the newly opened Panxa Cocina. It’s in the former Christy’s space on E. Broadway. Chef Arthur Gonzalez (ex-ROE Restaurant) is the Executive Chef and Co-Owner. It’s Santa Fe, New Mexico-style cuisine with rich, bold flavors and a lot of imagination. Chef Art is with us for the menu highlights.

Finally a chance to chat with Guest Host Chef Louie Jocson, the new Director of Culinary Operations for the growing Family of Zov’s restaurants. Chef Louie most recently created the highly regarded Red Table in Huntington Beach, a locals’ favorite. He sold his interest to his former partners to join Zov’s. Earlier in his career he was the Co-Executive Chef of the highly regarded Antonello’s in South Coast Plaza Villagee.

We’re stepping aside for Ducks Hockey on Saturday morning, March 28th. (The Ducks are facing-off against the New York Islanders in Uniondale, Long Island.) We’ll be back, as usual, with the “SoCal Restaurant Show” on Saturday morning, April 4th at 10:00 a.m. Chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish returns as Guest Host.

 

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

March 21: Louie Jocson, Cochon 555, Melissa’s Produce, Five Crowns, Top of the Market, Panxa Cocina

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Louie Jocson and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Brady Lowe, Cochon 555
Segment Three: Produce Guru Robert Schueller, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce
Segment Four: General Manager Jim Colombo and Mad Bar Scientist Amber, Five Crowns Part One
Segment Five: General Manager Jim Colombo and Mad Bar Scientist Amber, Five Crowns Part Two
Segment Six: Executive Chef Ivan Flowers, Top of the Market, San Diego
Segment Seven: Chef Arthur Gonzalez, Panxa Cocina
Segment Eight: Chef Louie Jocson, Zov’s Bistro

One of the OC’s best and brightest, youthful culinary talents, Chef Louie Jocson, joins us this morning as Guest Host. He’s the new Directory of Culinary Operations for the growing Zov’s family of restaurants. Now a preview of today’s over-stuffed show…

Cochon 555, the country’s most talked about culinary competition returns to Los Angeles on March 29, 2015 to celebrate family farms, heritage breed pigs and today’s emerging chef community. Attendees of this one-of-a-kind culinary competition embark on a journey to the new hyper-local culinary landscape, one whole pig at a time. Brady Lowe, the founder of Cochon 555, joins us with the pork-a-licious details.

Spring is here so the time is right to get an overview of the highlights in Spring produce. Our favorite produce savant, Robert Schueller, of Melissa’s World Variety Produce is with us to share what’s fresh from the fields. We’ll be talking about Kale, Kumquats, Rhubarb and Ojai Pixie Tangerines with a few cooking tips added for good measure.

Look who is turning 50 this year! 2015 marks the 50-year legacy of dining at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. To celebrate, the Lawry’s family and Executive Chef Steve Kling have unveiled a brand new menu and beverage program unlike any other menu this fabled establishment has offered in its 50-year history. It’s absolutely not your Grandparents’ Five Crowns anymore (although they are still most welcome.) General Manager Jim Colombo (who is also a chef by training) and resident “Mad Bar Scientist Amber” join us with a tempting overview of the enhancements.

Top of the Market, located on the Bay in San Diego just South of the USS Midway Museum offers an extensive variety of fresh fish, oysters and shellfish with a sophisticated twists. New executive chef, Ivan Flowers, has only enhanced the already proven concept. Incomparable views of San Diego Bay, Coronado and Point Loma make Top of the Market the ideal location for destination dining while in San Diego. Chef Ivan is our guest highlighting the addition of the new Spring ingredients.

EAT LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week returns for its big 2nd year from March 22nd to March 28th. One of the participating restaurants is the newly opened Panxa Cocina. It’s in the former Christy’s space on E. Broadway. Chef Arthur Gonzalez (ex-ROE Restaurant) is the Executive Chef and Co-Owner. It’s Santa Fe, New Mexico-style cuisine with rich, bold flavors and a lot of imagination. Chef Art is with us for the menu highlights.

Finally a chance to chat with Guest Host Chef Louie Jocson, the new Director of Culinary Operations for the growing Family of Zov’s restaurants. Chef Louie most recently created the highly regarded Red Table in Huntington Beach, a locals’ favorite. He sold his interest to his former partners to join Zov’s. Earlier in his career he was the Co-Executive Chef of the highly regarded Antonello’s in South Coast Plaza Village.

Blue Ribbon Cupcake ChallengeThe 3rd Annual Blue Ribbon Culinary Cupcake Challenge 2015 is March 22nd from 1 to 4:00 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom of the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula. Professional and amateur bakers will compete for cash prizes, category awards and Temecula’s “People’s Choice Award.” Admission, including tastings, is a modest $25.00 per guest. The charitable beneficiary is Rancho Damacitas Children & Family Services.

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

 

 

Brady Lowe of Cochon 555Cochon 555, the country’s most talked about culinary competition returns to Los Angeles on March 29, 2015 to celebrate family farms, heritage breed pigs and today’s emerging chef community. Attendees of this one-of-a-kind culinary competition embark on a journey to the new hyper-local culinary landscape, one whole pig at a time. The tour is aligned with the modern-day good food movement – notable chefs, barrier-breaking women, artist-like butchers, spirited bartenders, top winemakers, brewers, distillers and brazen pastry talent working together to prepare an epic feast celebrating responsible family farming.

This culinary experience features five top chefs in a one-of-a-kind culinary competition featuring over 36 dishes prepared from locally-raised whole heritage breed pigs with virtually endless wine, brews and spirits. This year’s competing chefs include Tony DiSalvo of CAST at the Viceroy Santa Monica – The Official Host & Hotel, Ricardo Zarate of Chef Zarate, Walter Manzke of Republique, Kris Morningstar of Terinne, and Steven Fretz of The Church Key. The five chefs, champions of whole hog utilization, will prepare a maximum of six dishes each with hopes to win voters from a crowd of hungry gourmands and celebrated judges.

Brady Lowe, the founder of Cochon 555, joins us with all the pork-a-licious details.

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety ProduceSpring is here so the time is right to get an authoritative overview of the highlights in Spring produce. Our favorite produce savant, Robert Schueller, of Melissa’s World Variety Produce is with us to share what’s really fresh from the fields.

We’ll be talking about Kale, Kumquats, Rhubarb and Ojai Pixie Tangerines with a few practical cooking tips added for good measure.

Jim ColomboLook who is turning 50 this year! 2015 marks the 50-year legacy of dining at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar.

To celebrate, the Lawry’s family and newly promoted Executive Chef Steve Kling have unveiled a brand new menu and beverage program unlike any other menu this fabled establishment has offered in its 50-year history. It’s not your Grandparents’ Five Crowns anymore (although they are still most welcome.)

The refreshed menu presents nearly three times the culinary selections of past menus including a broad array of starters, main dishes, new family-style options and seafood selections. It breaks guests out of the expected course structure of fine dining. The fare pays homage to some of the Five Crowns heritage items, but with a modern twist. The new menu and beverage program are only the beginning of exciting Five Crowns at 50 announcements expected throughout the year.

There is also some quiet conversation about a “rediscovered” hidden speakeasy.

General Manager Jim Colombo (who is also a chef by training) and resident “Mad Bar Scientist Amber” join us with a tempting overview of the creative enhancements.

The Five Crowns General Manager, Jim Colombo (who is also a chef by training) and resident “Mad Bar Scientist Amber” continue with their tempting overview of the creative enhancements to the restaurant to celebrate their 50th Anniversary in Corona del Mar.

There is lots more than the wonderful Lawry’s prime rib on the menu these days!

Ivan Flowers of Top of the MarketTop of the Market, located on the Bay in San Diego just South of the USS Midway Museum offers an extensive variety of fresh fish, oysters and shellfish with a sophisticated twists. New executive chef, Ivan Flowers, has only enhanced the already proven concept. Incomparable views of San Diego Bay, Coronado and Point Loma make Top of the Market the ideal location for destination dining while in San Diego.

One of the house specialties is Oregon Dungeness Crab Cioppino. It has mussels, clams, prawns, fish, scallops and linguini in an herb wine tomato broth.

Arriving for the Spring Menu are Wild Salmon, Alaskan Halibut, White Seabass and Rockfish.

Chef Ivan is our guest highlighting the addition of the new Spring ingredients.

Arthur GonzalezEAT LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week returns for its big 2nd year from March 22nd to March 28th. One of the participating restaurants is the newly opened Panxa Cocina. It’s in the former Christy’s space on E. Broadway. Chef Arthur Gonzalez (ex-ROE Restaurant) is the Executive Chef and Co-Owner. It’s Santa Fe, New Mexico-style cuisine with rich, bold flavors and a lot of imagination with accents from Mexico and South America, too. Look for distinctive, seasonal Hatch chiles (from Hatch, NM) as a key ingredient.

“In Latin, “panxa” (pronounced “pan-zah”) means “belly” which is fitting because at Panxa Cocina, your belly will always be naturally filled with love, flavors and wonderful food.”

“Panxa reflects a youthful exuberance of timeless, beautiful Latin culture, fresh ingredients home-grown, exciting foods and flavors hand-crafted with love, home comfort, family and friends, tequila and other exciting drinks and so much more.”

Chef Art is with us for the menu highlights.

Louie JocsonFinally a chance to chat with Guest Host Chef Louie Jocson, the new Director of Culinary Operations for the growing Family of Zov’s restaurants. Chef Louie most recently created the highly regarded Red Table in Huntington Beach, a locals’ favorite. He sold his interest to his former partners right before joining Zov’s.

Chef Louie has come full circle with Zov Karamardian. He started his career in the restaurant business at age 15 washing dishes and helping in the kitchen at Zov’s Bistro before enrolling in culinary school in San Francisco (California Culinary Academy) and working his way up the ranks at many of Orange County’s top restaurants in the ensuring years. As it happens Zov wrote the needed Letter of Recommendation for Louie to be accepted to culinary school.

Earlier in his career he was the Co-Executive Chef of the highly regarded Antonello’s in South Coast Plaza Village.

Podcasts

Segment One: Show Preview with Guest Host Chef Louie Jocson and Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris
Segment Two: Brady Lowe, Cochon 555
Segment Three: Produce Guru Robert Schueller, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce
Segment Four: General Manager Jim Colombo and Mad Bar Scientist Amber, Five Crowns Part One
Segment Five: General Manager Jim Colombo and Mad Bar Scientist Amber, Five Crowns Part Two
Segment Six: Executive Chef Ivan Flowers, Top of the Market, San Diego
Segment Seven: Chef Arthur Gonzalez, Panxa Cocina
Segment Eight: Chef Louie Jocson, Zov’s Bistro

Show 94, October 25, 2014: Zov’s Kitchen & Bar, Anaheim

Armen KaramardianZov’s which started in Tustin in 1987 is growing again. This week they launched the prototype of Zov’s Kitchen & Bar located at 1801 E. Katella Ave within walking distance of both Honda Center and Angel Stadium. Veteran OC General Manager Kevin Hall is at the door.

Many new items are on this menu including “Who Gives a Shitake Pitza” with rotisserie chicken, shitake mushrooms, basil puree, goat cheese, and olives and cooked in a deck oven. From the sea is Sumac Roasted Seabass with shaved Brussels sprouts, baby spinach, tomato, rice pilaf, and caper citrus butter sauce.

The new Corporate Executive Chef for Zov’s is rising star chef Louie Jocson who previously created the highly-regarded Red Table in Huntington Beach..

Chief Executive Officer Armen Karamardian (representing the 2nd generation of proud Family Ownership) is with us to walk us through.

“We are delighted to be a part of the ever-evolving and dynamic community of Anaheim,” said Armen Karamardian, who has overseen the expansion of the family operations from the original restaurant in Tustin to include the Irvine and Newport Coast locations as well as 2 at Orange County Airport. “We look forward bringing Zov’s to Anaheim, the epicenter of Orange County, and being a part of the community.”

Show 88, September 13, 2014: Zov Karmardian, Zov’s Bistro

Zov Karamardian or Zov's in TustinChef, restaurateur and cookbook author Zov Karmardian of the flagship Zov’s Bistro in Tustin needs no introduction to the listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” An Anaheim Zov’s near Angel Stadium is in the works and soon to launch.

Zov also has brought on board as Culinary Director, Louie Jocson. You know Chef Louie as the executive chef and creator of the glowingly-reviewed Red Table in Huntington Beach. This is a return, of sorts, for Chef Jocson. In high school (before culinary school) he washed dishes at Zov’s as well as peeled garlic and chopped parsley.

Show 70, April 26, 2014: Robert Schueller, The Prince of Produce, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce, Inc.

Robert Schueller of Melissa's World Variety ProduceOur friends at Melissa’s have done it again. Newly published is Melissa’s “The Great Pepper Cookbook: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Cooking with Peppers.”

Fresh and dried peppers are a key ingredient in many cuisines around the world and they have gained popularity here in the U.S. recently thanks to the culinary world’s embracement of the vast variety of peppers. Beyond jalapenos, home cooks are now looking to learn more about these flavorful fruits, not just for their heat level, but to cook beyond their comfort zone.

This highly visual and engaging book shows readers how simple it is to use 37 different varieties of peppers.

In the “Fun Facts” area peppers are actually a fruit because they have seeds. The hottest part of the pepper is the veins followed by the seeds.

Part of the Melissa’s team responsible for creating Melissa’s “The Great Pepper Cookbook” will be hosting a lunch and presentation at Zov’s Bistro in Tustin at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7th. Executive Chef Ida Rodriguez, Test Kitchen Director Chef Tom Fraker and Robert Schueller (The Prince of Produce) will provide commentary and recipe tutorials.

The three-course lunch will feature recipes from the book. It’s a modest $25 per guest and reservations are essential.

Show 70, April 26, 2014: Test Kitchen Director, Chef Tom Fraker, Melissa’s / World Variety Produce

Tom FrakerOur friends at Melissa’s have done it again. Newly published is Melissa’s “The Great Pepper Cookbook: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Cooking with Peppers.”

Keep in mind that cooking with peppers is about adding flavor to food. It’s way beyond just adding heat.

Chef and Melissa’s Test Kitchen Director Tom Fraker is our guest. He tested, and retested, each and every recipe in the book using equipment found in home kitchens. He also developed many of the recipes in the book including the wonderful version of the classic Albondigas Soup using fresh Poblano peppers.

There is a difference in preparing and using chiles in their fresh and dry forms. Chef Tom will be our well-informed guide in understanding the nuances.

Part of the Melissa’s team responsible for creating Melissa’s “The Great Pepper Cookbook” will be hosting a lunch and presentation at Zov’s Bistro in Tustin at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7th. Executive Chef Ida Rodriguez, Test Kitchen Director Chef Tom Fraker and Robert Schueller (The Prince of Produce) will provide commentary and recipe tutorials.

The three-course lunch will feature recipes from the book. It’s a modest $25 per guest and reservations are essential.

Show 61, February 15, 2013: Host Jet Tila and Producer Andy Harris.

Chef Jet and Producer Andy preview the show.

Chef jet Tila and Alton BrownFood Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen” with host Alton Brown is back on Sunday nights for Season 2. Our own Chef Jet Tila is the most frequently appearing solo judge on this tough competition show that requires strategy as well as cooking chops. Look for Jet’s new episodes starting in February.

Thanks to all of our generous listeners who attended Chef Carla Hall’s Culinary Concert to benefit The James Beard Foundation at Zov’s Bistro in Tustin on Feb. 9th. Carla and guest MC Sherry Yard had the group thoroughly entertained with Carla’s demo of her Swamp Thing recipe which is from her new cookbook. It’s a braised pork shoulder in a smoked pork and corn broth.

America’s own master Mexican cooking authority, Rick Bayless of Topolobampo and Frontera Grill, is with us. He’s the menu-maker for the fashionable new Red O restaurant in Fashion Island in Newport Beach. It’s the 30th Anniversary of the legendary Grill on The Alley in Beverly Hills. We’ll celebrate with the founder. Cochon 555, a pork spectacular, returns to Santa Monica this month. We’ll tell you all about it. How about a fast food stand serving quality roast beef sandwiches using the very best ingredients? It’s run by fine dining chefs! Orange County Restaurant Week launches February 23rd. We’ll have a preview with one of the colorful participating executive chefs.

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