“WillaKenzie Estate is a family-owned, estate-driven winery located in the heart of Oregon’s Northern Willamette Valley. Since breaking ground more than 25 years ago, they have been passionate about crafting Pinot Noirs that convey a sense of place. They coined the moniker “Place Matters” - the Oregonian answer to the French concept of terroir. True to the vision of their Burgundian founder, terroir is not a simple notion ; it's the core to everything WillaKenzie does. It’s in the name, WillaKenzie, which describes the ancient sedimentary soils on which the vines are planted. The name also pays tribute to two of the Willamette Valley’s major rivers : the Willamette and McKenzie, which appear as two sets of waves in the top-right and lower-left corners of their crest. These expressive lines evoke the rivers as well as the rolling hills of their Yamhill-Carlton Estate. The fleur-der-lis at the center of the WillaKenzie crest pays homage to their founder, Bernard Lacroute’s, French heritage. A scientist by training, Winemaker Erik Kramer worked as a hydrogeologist before deciding to apply his precision and passion for balance to his love of wine. Kramer joined WillaKenzie Estate in January of 2017, bringing deep experience creating highly acclaimed Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from the region, defined by terroir and texture-driven winemaking and a refined style of finesse and balance.” Winemaker Erik Kramer joins us to pull the cork on all that is WillaKenzie Estate.”

“Regarding Her is celebrating Women’s History Month this March with its 5th annual festival designed to support women-owned and led food and beverage businesses in Los Angeles. The festival is a vibrant celebration honoring the remarkable achievements of women shaping the food and beverage industry. Ayara Thai in the Westchester area of Los Angeles is hosting a one-day brunch event (NumHERology, Mixology and Thai Gastronomy) on Sunday, March 30th at 11:30 a.m. celebrating women, food, and hope in support of Regarding Her Food! Sisters Chef Vanda and Chef Cathy Asapahu will curate an auspicious menu while guests will enjoy cocktails, mocktails, Thai, and wisdom from a professional numerologist. They’ll leave with full bellies and full hearts, understanding what their personal numerology means for the year ahead.” Chef Vanda is also one of the distinguished Culinary Masters cooking for the Masters of Taste Generous Plates 5-course dinner benefit for Union Station Homeless Services in the renovated Locker Rooms at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Sunday evening, April 6th. Chef Vanda Asapahu is our guest.

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. Julia Child aways said, “it’s better with butter.” We’re discussing the benefits of butter versus margarine. Is one possibly healthier than the other? Chefs prefer to cook with butter and a little can go a long way in terms of adding flavor.