SoCal Restaurant Show

“Tiki bar fans, rejoice — and grab a seat at Strong Water Anaheim. It’s a creatively reimagined classic of the genre, with its curio-shop-in-a-shipwreck atmosphere, its supercharged bar-food menu, its encyclopedic list of classic and creative tropical libations (zero proof options included), and its pirates’ treasure chest of rare artisanal rums worth drinking straight.”

Their Serpent’s Grasp cocktail is Orange Coast magazine’s “Cocktail of the Year.”

Strong Water’s latest national recognition is a nomination for the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program. Strong Water was the only Orange County nominee in any category for a James Beard Award in 2024!

The food menu is an important calling card for Strong Water, too. Their Galley Master (Executive Chef) is Steve Kling, previously the highly regarded culinary force in the kitchen at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. Contemplate an Appetizer of Hawaiian Garlic Butter Shrimp served shell-on with grilled sourdough, scallion and lemon, and a layered Loco Moco Burger with an 8oz. Wagu Patty, Spam, Fried Egg, Tempura Battered Onion Ring, Mixed Greens, Bone Marrow Gravy and Polynesian Spread served on a Brioche Hawaiian Bun!

“Welcome Aboard Strong Water Anaheim tucked away in Downtown Anaheim. When you enter Strong Water Anaheim, you will find yourself walking into the wreckage of the Clementine lost at sea in 1884.”

A new Anaheim venture, Double Luck, is on the horizon.

Proprietors Ying Chang (Fleet Commander) and (Prime Minister) Robert Adamson (just back from Chicago and The James Beard Awards) join us.

“The California Restaurant Foundation (CRF), a nonprofit focused on investing in and empowering California restaurants and their workforce, has proudly partnered with California’s energy companies to launch the fourth consecutive Restaurants Care® Resilience Fund. Thanks to the generosity of SoCalGas, The PG&E Corporation Foundation (PG&E Foundation) and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E), CRF will award $5,000 grants to 278 independent business owners across California. For the first time, commercial caterers are eligible to apply, in addition to independent restaurant owners.”

“Resilience Fund applications will be open from June 15 to June 30, 2024, and can be found at www.restaurantscare.org/resilience. Grants will be available to all California-based restaurant owners and commercial caterers within the utility companies' service areas, provided they operate fewer than five units and generate less than $3 million in annual revenue. Priority consideration will be given to restaurants that have not received a grant previously.”

Alycia Harfield, Executive Director of California Restaurant Foundation joins us to provide all the needed specifics.

“When Epoch Estate Wines owners Bill and Liz Armstrong set out on their “crazy” quest to make wine, they did not have their sights set on any particular wine region. However, Bill and Liz knew two things for sure: they loved wines made from Rhone varieties, and being geologists, understood the importance terroir plays in the making of world-class wines. Upon extensive research and travel, they kept coming back to Paso Robles for the weather, unique soils, hilliness, and extreme temperature swings that are known to this region and are found within each of their vineyard sites – Paderewski, Catapult, and York Mountain. The cowboy culture, entrepreneurial spirit, and unmistakable beauty were just added bonuses!”

“The Armstrong’s own epoch officially began in 2004 with the purchase of the Paderewski Vineyard. This chapter became so fruitful (pun intended) that they spread their roots to Catapult Vineyard in 2008 and then the historic York Mountain Winery two years later.”

“In 2010, after an extensive international search, Owners/Vintners Bill and Liz Armstrong, found their dream winemaker in Jordan Fiorentini. The Armstrong’s winemaking mission and unique vineyards stole Jordan’s heart. Passionate, dedicated, and not afraid to push the envelope Jordan brings an enthusiastic and experienced spirit to Epoch. Her palate is the kind wine lovers dream of and one that speaks to her through shapes. Having an awesome artistic side, Jordan now draws her Tasting Notes, called Vinpressions, in addition to writing about each wine.”

Winemaker Jordan Fiorentini joins us to uncork all that is Epoch Estate Wines.

“When Epoch Estate Wines owners Bill and Liz Armstrong set out on their “crazy” quest to make wine, they did not have their sights set on any particular wine region. However, Bill and Liz knew two things for sure: they loved wines made from Rhone varieties, and being geologists, understood the importance terroir plays in the making of world-class wines. Upon extensive research and travel, they kept coming back to Paso Robles for the weather, unique soils, hilliness, and extreme temperature swings that are known to this region and are found within each of their vineyard sites – Paderewski, Catapult, and York Mountain. The cowboy culture, entrepreneurial spirit, and unmistakable beauty were just added bonuses!”

“The Armstrong’s own epoch officially began in 2004 with the purchase of the Paderewski Vineyard. This chapter became so fruitful (pun intended) that they spread their roots to Catapult Vineyard in 2008 and then the historic York Mountain Winery two years later.”

“In 2010, after an extensive international search, Owners/Vintners Bill and Liz Armstrong, found their dream winemaker in Jordan Fiorentini. The Armstrong’s winemaking mission and unique vineyards stole Jordan’s heart. Passionate, dedicated, and not afraid to push the envelope Jordan brings an enthusiastic and experienced spirit to Epoch. Her palate is the kind wine lovers dream of and one that speaks to her through shapes. Having an awesome artistic side, Jordan now draws her Tasting Notes, called Vinpressions, in addition to writing about each wine.”

Winemaker Jordan Fiorentini continues with us further uncorking all that is Epoch Estate Wines.

“The 9th Annual Garagiste Wine Festival – Urban Exposure, returns to Los Angeles (Glendale Civic Auditorium) for the ninth time on Saturday, June 22nd, bringing 150+ extraordinary wines and 40+ of the best micro-production ‘garagiste’ wineries from all over California.” Tickets are now on sale: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/garagiste-wine-festival-9th-annual-urban-exposure-tickets-871263461467

“Renowned for its handcrafted wines from professional artisan winemakers who make less than 1,500 cases, its renegade spirit, and rules-breaking ‘no snobs allowed’ ethos, The Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure is the only festival to provide Angelenos with the opportunity to be first to discover so many under-the-radar wines, wineries, wine styles, and grape varieties from almost every AVA in the state, including Paso Robles, Sonoma, Napa, Livermore, Mendocino, Santa Barbara County, and, of course, Los Angeles.”

“Once again, we are bringing the best of Wine Country to Los Angeles with a scope of wineries and grape varieties that would take months, or years, of in-person research to find -- if you could find them at all,” said Garagiste Festival Co-founder Doug Minnick. “At Garagiste, we have done the research for you. With our long history as the home of the micro-winery movement, these wineries now seek us out to get their wines to our audience. Our winemakers love to personally pour their wines for you - not only their artisan takes on fan-favorite wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay - but also the widest array of grapes varieties and styles you will find anywhere. And this is exactly what continues to make the Garagiste Festival such a popular and unique event.”

 “The one-day Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure kicks off on Saturday June 22nd at 1:00 pm with an exclusive “Early Access: Rare and Reserve” tasting (only 150 of these Early Access tickets are available) where winemakers pour library, club-only or reserve wines.”

“The main event, the Grand Tasting, is from 2-5 p.m. During the Grand Tasting, local wine bar Vintage Wine + Eats will offer complimentary cheese & charcuterie plates. In addition, samples from artisan vendors will include: BoccaBella Farms Olive Oils and LA’s own Letterpress Chocolates. Bottled water will be provided along with a keepsake crystal logo glass from Stolzle.”

“All events take place at Glendale Civic Auditorium, 1401 North Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA. There is plenty of onsite parking and easy access from both the 134 and 210 freeways.”

Festival Co-Founder Doug Minnick joins us to uncork all that is The Garagiste Festival.

“The newly launched Alice B. is a unique dining destination from James Beard and Julia Child award-winning chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken (Border Grill and Socolo) located adjacent to downtown Palm Springs. The restaurant and bar is tucked inside the lobby of Living Out, a luxury resort-style LGBTQ+ community surrounded by spectacular desert and mountain views.”

“Combining Southern California’s incredible seasonal bounty with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, the culinary vision is a collaborative effort between Feniger, Milliken, and acclaimed Executive Chef Lance Velasquez.”

“Alice B.’s dinner and brunch menus evolve frequently with the seasons. Guests can also visit the bar for seasonal bites, classic cocktails or a glass of wine with live piano music on select evenings.”

“Inspired by the extraordinary life of Alice B. Toklas and her life partner Gertrude Stein, the restaurant establishes a welcoming space where culinary excellence, art, and community converge. The inviting bar and dining room reference the iconic mid-century modern style Palm Springs is famous for.” 

Not to be missed are the signature Cornmeal Cheddar Drop Biscuits with Cardamom honey!

Chef Susan Feniger is our guest with a plate of Cornmeal Cheddar Drop Biscuits at the ready.

Summer is the ideal season for enjoying Potato Salad. Chef Andrew shares his personal secrets for the perfect Potato Salad. “When it comes to cooking, few dishes can compare to the comfort and satisfaction of a well-made Potato Salad. Whether it’s for a picnic, a barbecue, or simply a side dish for dinner, a mouth-watering Potato Salad can elevate any meal.”

“With author Rowena Scherer’s A Taste of the World – Celebrating Global Flavors kids of all ages can savor the flavors of global cuisine (with more than 60 Family-Friendly recipes) as they learn about twenty countries from Asia and Africa to Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.” In A Taste of the World Scherer, who left Wall Street, went to culinary school, and created eat2explore, offers recipes that are easy to prepare, wholesome, and delicious.” Rowena Scherer joins us with her spatula at the ready.

Pioneering Las Vegas Chef James Trees is the restaurateur responsible for the newly relocated and expanded Esther’s Kitchen in the Arts District of Downtown Las Vegas and Al Solito Posto in Trivoli Village. As part of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants celebration in Vegas last Monday afternoon (June 3rd.) “Esther’s Kitchen Chef James welcomed Chef Tomos Parry of London’s Brat and Mountain restaurants for a unique collaboration. The five-course lunch featured dishes from the hearth, stove, and larder with a welcome reception of light bites and a signature cocktail.” Restaurateur and Chef James Trees joins us to recount the highlights of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants celebration in Las Vegas.

Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Juan Morales is “home to The Steakhouse, a consecutively awarded Forbes Four-Star restaurant with a Wine Spectator recognized wine list. With six dining options, guests can choose from upscale and intimate to fast casual and bistro style, providing something for everyone. The property’s dining offerings include The Steakhouse, which menu is also featured at Pὶvat Cigar Lounge, 360 Sports, Java Caliente, Waters Café, the seasonal pool WetBar and The District, a food court that offers a deli, Asian and Mexican cuisine - La Olla and Jade.” Executive Chef Juan Morales takes a break from his busy kitchens 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. The Red Lobster chain introduced many Americans to approachable, moderately priced seafood in a welcoming environment. Red Lobster is in bankruptcy and it’s downsized future is a bit uncertain. Chef Andrew weighs in.

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

With author Rowena Scherer’s A Taste of the World – Celebrating Global Flavors “kids of all ages can savor the flavors of global cuisine (with more than 60 Family-Friendly recipes) as they learn about twenty countries from Asia and Africa to Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.”

“Growing up in Malaysia, some of Rowena Scherer’s fondest memories were cooking with her family. The smell of spices, the sound of butter sizzling, and the joy of making and eating good food was something she treasured and wanted to give to her own family. But as a mom working on Wall Street, life became too hectic for family meals.”

“It wasn’t until she was on vacation taking a cooking class with her kids – seeing the joy on their faces but also watching as they struggled to cut an onion – that she knew something had to change. So she created an experiential way to teach them cooking skills while giving them bite-sized lessons in world geography, history, and culture.”

“In A Taste of the World Scherer, who left Wall Street, went to culinary school, and created eat2explore, offers recipes that are easy to prepare, wholesome, and delicious.”

Rowena graciously shares her Recipes for Soy Chicken with Chinese Broccoli in Garlic Sauce with Rice & Korean Rolls with Ground Beef or Tofu (Bulgogi Kimbap)

Rowena Scherer joins us with her spatula at the ready.

“With author Rowena Scherer’s A Taste of the World – Celebrating Global Flavors kids of all ages can savor the flavors of global cuisine (with more than 60 Family-Friendly recipes) as they learn about twenty countries from Asia and Africa to Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.”

“Growing up in Malaysia, some of Rowena Scherer’s fondest memories were cooking with her family. The smell of spices, the sound of butter sizzling, and the joy of making and eating good food was something she treasured and wanted to give to her own family. But as a mom working on Wall Street, life became too hectic for family meals.”

“It wasn’t until she was on vacation taking a cooking class with her kids – seeing the joy on their faces but also watching as they struggled to cut an onion – that she knew something had to change. So she created an experiential way to teach them cooking skills while giving them bite-sized lessons in world geography, history, and culture.”

“In A Taste of the World Scherer, who left Wall Street, went to culinary school, and created eat2explore, offers recipes that are easy to prepare, wholesome, and delicious.”

Rowena graciously shares her Recipes for Soy Chicken with Chinese Broccoli in Garlic Sauce with Rice & Korean Rolls with Ground Beef or Tofu (Bulgogi Kimbap)

Rowena Scherer continues with us with her spatula at the ready.