Food, Wine and Travel Magazine (FWT Magazine) is the official online magazine of the prestigious International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association, a group of distinguished professional, global travel writers. “Join the writers of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association as they take you around the globe to explore the most exciting stories in food, wine and travel. The seasoned travel journalists visit with the world’s top chefs, uncover exotic destinations, walk the vineyards with iconic winemakers, and so much more. Join FWT Magazine and enjoy the journey!” Subscriptions are complimentary! Our notable Travel Guides are Editor Amy Piper and Senior Editor Craig Stoltz.

“If there is just one edible plant to grow at home, it’s the tomato. Nowhere else is the contrast in flavor, nutrition and variety between homegrown and store-bought more evident. As a specialty crop of California, tomatoes play a vital role in the state’s agricultural heritage. This upcoming informative how-to-lecture, Homegrown Tomatoes, at Centennial Farms at the OC Fair & Exhibit Center on Saturday, February 22nd at 10:00 a.m. will provide attendees all the practical knowledge necessary to begin growing tomatoes. You’ll see tomato plants producing 50 to more than 100 tomatoes each! Learn which varieties to grow, how to plant and care for them, and how to manage common diseases and pests. Bring your questions and learn how to grow tomatoes easily! $7 fee covers materials and any handouts. Parking is free. RSVP online by February. 19. Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes.” Your expert green thumb tomato guide to successfully growing backyard tomatoes is Dave Freed (AKA “Dave the Tomato Guy.)

“Restaurateur Russell J. Bendel, known as Russ, was born in Pennsylvania and raised in California. Influenced by his father, a veteran restaurant industry executive, Russ grew up in the business and developed a passion for food and hospitality. He set his sights on a career in the industry and earned his bachelor's degree from The Collins College at Cal Poly Pomona with an emphasis on Restaurants and Business Management. Russ worked with Bloomin' Brands Restaurant Group for an impressive span of 15 years: first with Outback Steakhouse and later with Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, where he was promoted to partner of the flagship Newport Beach location at 25. Armed with knowledge, experience and recognition, Russ began his own venture in February 2013 by assuming ownership of Vine Restaurant in San Clemente, bringing longtime friends and family along for the ride. Their efforts have resulted in the opening of Ironwood - Cellar, Craft, Cook; Olea – Cellar, Craft, Cook; Sapphire & The Pantry – Cellar, Craft, Cook; Bloom – Restaurant & Bar; and, most recently, Parlor Woodfire Kitchen & Cocktails in San Clemente.” Russ takes a break from the extended Valentine’s Day Weekend madness to join us.

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. We’re now continuing the conversation talking about crave-worthy fast food menu items. Chefs, on occasion, do enjoy their favorite fast food menu items as guilty pleasures. We’ve covered the tops in fast-food fries. It’s time to talk burgers. Chef Andrew shares (a bit reservedly) his favorites. He mentions a pair of acceptable national chains but prefers the neighborhood Mom and Pop operations with character where one of the owners is probably at the grill. Same applies to his choice of burrito spots.