If you’re looking to go all out for Valentine’s Day Weekend you might want to consider the ocean front Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes. Executive Chef Andrew Vaughan joins us with what’s on his romantic menu. “Located on Southern California’s Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea Resort is a luxurious 102-acre oceanfront destination. Opened in 2009, the resort offers unparalleled views and world-class accommodations ranging from hotel suites to bungalows, ocean-view casitas and private villas. On property are five scenic restaurants showcasing the resort’s farm-to-Terranea philosophy utilizing Terranea's herb and vegetable gardens, lemon groves and more. The resort also offers unique activities such as falconry, archery, kayaking, paddleboarding, guided coastal hikes, and exploration of nearby ocean coves and beaches.”

Chef and Restaurateur Ross Pangilinan features two special Dinner menus for Valentine’s Day Weekend at his pair of South Coast Plaza properties. On Friday and Saturday nights Chef Ross’ Terrace by Mix Mix showcases a luxe four course menu for $125 per guest. Pangilinan is partners with Chef Nicholas Weber in Populaire Modern Bistro. Chef Nick is also offering his Valentine’s weekend Dinner menu ($125 per guest) on both Friday and Saturday nights. His tasting menu is five elevated courses with unexpected flourishes and an optional wine pairing. Ross Pangilinan previews both very special menus.

“Vegas-born, award-winning Lip Smacking Foodie Tours is always first on the scene to showcase the city’s newest and most important trends in its luxury culinary experiences. Its latest experience shines a light on the Top 5 craft cocktail bars in the Arts District, the colorful, industrious neighborhood now reinvigorating craft cocktail culture. A 2-hour experience that begins at 8:30 p.m., it’s designed for those 21 years and older. Like all Lip Smacking experiences, this one also comes complete with VIP service, from start to finish. Guests will gain immediate entry into these five acclaimed establishments, where long lines are the norm. At each venue, they’ll be seated at the best tables in the house to enjoy its top craft cocktail. Elevated gourmet dishes also are included. With specialty cocktails often hovering in the $25 range in Vegas, this experience, which includes all taxes and venue gratuities, can’t be beat at $99 per person.” Founder Donald Contursi of Lip Smacking Foodie Tours is our official tour guide with swizzle stick in hand.

“Pizza lovers unite! The inaugural, region-wide SoCal Pizza Week starts this Sunday and runs through Sunday, February 15. SoCal Pizza Week will be a medium to bring everyone to the table, from all walks of life, to showcase Southern California's diverse pizza scene. Organized and supported by Southern California Food & Beverage, a California registered 501(c)3 non-profit, SoCal Pizza Week is an eight day event devoted to celebrating the diverse pizza restaurants in Southern California, from Los Angeles to Orange County to San Diego and everywhere in between. The event also seeks to highlight all styles of this beloved snack, including but not limited to, New York, Chicago, Detroit, Neopolitan, and Roma styles, with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan offerings as well. “SoCal Pizza Week is more than an eight-day event featuring dozens of pizzerias and restaurants,” stated Leysla Rubino, organizer of the event and executive director of SoCal Food & Beverage. "It's an opportunity to showcase the many pizza styles that Southern California has to offer." Leysla Rubino joins us with all the details.

Stadium Pepz Pizza & Eatery in Anaheim is one of the participating restaurants in the inaugural SoCal Pizza Week. We’ll meet proprietor Chris Sarkissian. “Since opening in 2001, Stadium Pepz Pizza has perfected the art of hand-crafted recipes that bring authentic delicious flavors to every dish. At Stadium Pepz Pizza in Anaheim, a local, family-owned business, they continue this legacy by offering an upbeat, curated dining experience for every guest. From the pizza to salads, pasta, sandwiches, possibly the best wings in Anaheim and more, their menu offers something for everyone.”

Nardo (Huntington Beach and Culver City) is one of the participating restaurants in the inaugural SoCal Pizza Week. We’ll meet co-proprietor and executive chef Alessandro Ciaccia. “Nardò tells the story of family, culinary tradition, and the sea. Founded by award-winning restaurateur Gianni Chiloiro, Nardò combines authentic Italian cuisine with innovative dishes and a modern atmosphere. Located just minutes from the beach, Nardò’s oceanside location (Huntington Beach) features a stunning interior with a full-service bar, imported wood-fired oven, and an in-house pasta station. Take a culinary trip to the beautiful region of Puglia. Enjoy traditional dishes and recipes from the Southern Italian region in the heart of Southern California. Featuring wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and freshly made pasta, Nardò brings together the best of what Southern Italy offers with an innovative twist.” Both the Huntington Beach (Pacific City) and Culver City locations are part of SoCal Pizza Week.

For our concluding segment at 11:45 a.m. 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. This week Chef Andrew’s continues his discussion of “Kitchen Hacks” that actually work from someone who cooks for a living. Picking up the conversation with the proper way of slicing citrus before juicing to maximize the resulting juice volume. (Postponed from last week.)

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