SoCal Restaurant Show

Affectionately known as the “Godfather” of the Paso Robles wine region, Gary Eberle’s contributions to the California and U.S. wine trade are significant. Eberle was the first to place the Paso Robles AVA designation on the Eberle Winery Cabernet Sauvignon label and he subsequently co-founded the distinctive Paso Robles terroir as an American Viticulture Area (AVA) in 1983.  With a staunch commitment to the possibility of age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, Eberle was also the first to plant Syrah on the Central Coast and make a 100 percent Syrah varietal wine in the United States. As chief promoter for his brand, Eberle has worked relentlessly for almost 50 years building awareness of the Paso Robles and California wines through his passionate promotion to consumers, media and trade across the country. These milestones have proven to be significant as Paso Robles has become a respected force in the wine industry.” Gary Eberle continues with us to uncork all that is Eberle Winery.

“Eberle began his academic studies at Penn State University where he played football and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He then attended Louisiana State University before heading west to California where he completed his coursework for a PhD in enology and viticulture from U.C. Davis in 1973. “I chose Paso Robles based on Dr. Olmo’s recommendation that Paso Robles was the place to grow world-class Cabernet Sauvignon,” said Eberle. “I think we’ve achieved that,” he added.””

“Once in Paso Robles, Eberle launched his career as partner and winemaker with Estrella River Winery & Vineyards. In the late 70s, he decided to pursue his own project and acquired nearly 64 acres just down the road from Estrella River Winery. Shortly thereafter, Gary released his first Eberle wine, the 1979 Cabernet Sauvignon and opened the winery and tasting room in 1983.”

“Eberle Winery has showcased the history and diversity of the Paso Robles Appellation since 1979.  Eberle Winery continues to be family owned and operated.  With an annual case production of 26,000, Eberle wines are distributed in 34 states and six countries. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with wine tasting and cave tours.” Unusually in the spirit of the Robert Mondavi the regular tasting (along with a cave tour) is complimentary.

Another attribute of Gary Eberle over his long tenure in Paso Robles is that his mission was to promote Paso Robles as a destination region for producing premium wines. Promoting the Eberle Winery was always secondary. Gary attributes this to another lesson learned from pioneering California winemaker Robert Mondavi. “Mr. Mondavi” (as Gary always deferentially refers to the late Robert Mondavi as) in his travels always promoted Napa Valley first as the locale for premium wines before pitching the Robert Mondavi Winery itself.

“Hot Tongue Pizza in Silver Lake (the creation of pizza whisperer Alex Koons) is a contemporary pizza shop (with a Vegan flair) that takes from the energy and vibrance of the best food city in the world, Los Angeles. The open floor plan of the restaurant allows for a peek inside the magic that goes on day in and day out. The pizza is not only meant to entice your tastebuds, but also to evoke the nostalgia of that slice you remember growing up.” They also have fun with their off the wall (but informative) Social Media posts.

“Hot Tongue’s welcoming counter service and low- key casual ambience makes for an inviting dining experience. Come in a stranger and leave a friend. The alchemy comes in the form of classic pizza combinations, on top of the best organic grains, carefully sourced ingredients with an Angeleno attitude.”

“With a remarkable 17-year journey in the pizza industry, proprietor Alex Koons boasts an impressive résumé that spans every role in the business, from a humble delivery driver to a visionary owner. In February 2022, he set the local pizza world on fire by inaugurating the first Hot Tongue location, which quickly garnered rave reviews and captured the hearts of pizza enthusiasts far and wide.”

​“But Alex's story didn't start in pizza. He draws intriguing parallels between his background in the music industry and his culinary ventures. To him, running a restaurant is akin to leading a band, where your team plays the role of the band, service becomes the electrifying live show, customers transform into devoted fans, and your food, the heart-pounding music.”

Hot Tongue Pizza will be one of the twenty artisan pizzerias participating in Pizza City Fest L.A. at L.A. Live on Saturday, April 27th. They will be serving their acclaimed Tomato Pizza (that just happens to be Vegan.) (The Festival also takes place for a 2nd day on Sunday, April 28th with a different set of participating pizzerias.)

​Pizzaiolo Alex Koons joins us with a square slice of Vegan Tomato pizza in hand.

“Hot Tongue Pizza in Silver Lake (the creation of pizza whisperer Alex Koons) is a contemporary pizza shop (with a Vegan flair) that takes from the energy and vibrance of the best food city in the world, Los Angeles. The open floor plan of the restaurant allows for a peak inside the magic that goes on day in and day out. The pizza is not only meant to entice your tastebuds, but also to evoke the nostalgia of that slice you remember growing up.” They also have fun with their off the wall (but informative) Social Media posts.

“Hot Tongue’s welcoming counter service and low- key casual ambience makes for an inviting dining experience. Come in a stranger and leave a friend. The alchemy comes in the form of classic pizza combinations, on top of the best organic grains, carefully sourced ingredients with an Angeleno attitude.”

“With a remarkable 17-year journey in the pizza industry, proprietor Alex Koons boasts an impressive résumé that spans every role in the business, from a humble delivery driver to a visionary owner. In February 2022, he set the local pizza world on fire by inaugurating the first Hot Tongue location, which quickly garnered rave reviews and captured the hearts of pizza enthusiasts far and wide.”

​“But Alex's story didn't start in pizza. He draws intriguing parallels between his background in the music industry and his culinary ventures. To him, running a restaurant is akin to leading a band, where your team plays the role of the band, service becomes the electrifying live show, customers transform into devoted fans, and your food, the heart-pounding music.”

Hot Tongue Pizza will be one of the twenty artisan pizzerias participating in Pizza City Fest L.A. at L.A. Live on Saturday, April 27th. They will be serving their acclaimed Tomato Pizza (that just happens to be Vegan.) (The Festival also takes place on Sunday, April 28th with a different set of participating pizzerias.)

Pizzaiolo Alex Koons continues with us with his well-used pizza peel at the ready.

“In mid-2022 Citrus City Grille transitioned to new ownership for the longtime Orange based restaurant. Since first opening in 1996, Citrus City Grille quickly became an iconic part of the Old Towne Orange aesthetic, serving up incredible contemporary American cuisine with a touch of Mediterranean. New owner and restaurant industry veteran Charlie Cosmas alongside his family have been longtime patrons of Citrus City Grille, and as of July 2022 took over day to day operations. Former owner Steve Tsirtsis and Charlie Cosmas happen to share a greek heritage, which has been a hugely influential part of the Citrus City Grille menu and ethos.”

“As always, Citrus City Grille showcases the freshest seafood, steaks, pastas, and more. Other recent additions to their menu include the Citrus City Caprese, the elevated CCB Burger on a brioche bun, Chicken Caesar Wrap, Tomahawk Chicken, and Citrus City Meatloaf. Since opening in 1996, CCG has become an iconic part of the central Orange aesthetic, serving up incredible, fresh Californian cuisine with a Mediterranean flair.”

“Since the beginning Citrus City Grille has served up modern American cuisine with a touch of Mediterranean and includes a robust menu of sandwiches, steaks, salads, tacos, soups, cocktails, wines and more. They are known for dishes such as their signature Chilean sea bass and stuffed chicken breast, and also offer a popular dessert menu, breakfast served on Saturday and a wildly popular brunch hosted every Sunday. Daily lunch offerings include soups, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas and freshly caught fish.”

Chef Charlie Cosmas takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.

“In mid-2022 Citrus City Grille transitioned to new ownership the the longtime Orange based restaurant. Since first opening in 1996, Citrus City Grille quickly became an iconic part of the Old Towne Orange aesthetic, serving up incredible contemporary American cuisine with a touch of Mediterranean. New owner and restaurant industry veteran Charlie Cosmas alongside his family have been longtime patrons of Citrus City Grille, and as of July 2022 took over day to day operations. Former owner Steve Tsirtsis and Charlie Cosmas happen to share a Greek heritage, which has been a hugely influential part of the Citrus City Grille menu and ethos.”

“As always, Citrus City Grille showcases the freshest seafood, steaks, pastas, and more. Other recent additions to their menu include the Citrus City Caprese, the elevated CCB Burger on a brioche bun, Chicken Caesar Wrap, Tomahawk Chicken, and Citrus City Meatloaf. Since opening in 1996, CCG has become an iconic part of the central Orange aesthetic, serving up incredible, fresh Californian cuisine with a Mediterranean flair.”

“Since the beginning Citrus City Grille has served up modern American cuisine with a touch of Mediterranean and includes a robust menu of sandwiches, steaks, salads, tacos, soups, cocktails, wines and more. They are known for dishes such as their signature Chilean sea bass and stuffed chicken breast, and also offer a popular dessert menu, breakfast served on Saturday and a wildly popular brunch hosted every Sunday. Daily lunch offerings include soups, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas and freshly caught fish.”

Chef Charlie Cosmas takes a 2nd break from his busy kitchen to continue with us.

Tipping is back in the news. Love it or hate it tipping seems to endure in the United States. Does it really motivate the serving staff? Wouldn’t it be better to have the gratuity simply built into the price of the meal and compensate the staff well as is done in much of Europe? Chef Andrew has his informed perspective.

The 2nd year anniversary of notable Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini’s ambitious Neon Feast dining app happened last month. Lots of new features have now been added to the updated App. “Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android (as well as neonfeast.com), Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.” To celebrate there is an exciting photo sweepstakes contest on right now with the lucky grand prize winner being hosted to an evening for two at Joel Robuchon at the MGM Grand. Monthly there is a $300 Lip Smacking Foodie Tours gift certificate awarded. Al Mancini is our always in-the-know guest with highlights of what’s new on the Vegas dining scene. Al also has just launched with Gemini Stevens (his co-host on the Food & Loathing podcast) the NeonNews Website with current news (and breaking headline news) on the vibrant Vegas dining scene and lots more reported from his most reliable local sources.

“Three Sticks Wines is a boutique, family-owned winery recognized for its unique super premium collection of Sonoma vineyards, award-winning pinot noir, and chardonnay. Proprietor William “Bill” S. Price III (nicknamed Billy Three Sticks) set about building a collection of six Grand Cru level Estate vineyards in Sonoma County starting with Durell in 1997. By way of acquiring or newly planting, he has built a reputation for owning and farming some of the finest pinot and chardonnay acreages in California. Since 2002 Three Sticks Co-founder and General Manager Prema Kerollis set about designing and building the experiences, culture, and voice of Three Sticks while Bill focused on the vineyards with Rob Harris, head of all vineyard activities and winegrowing for the Price Family Vineyards and Estates portfolio. After years spent focusing on vineyards and hospitality, Three Sticks was ripe for some serious winemaking talent. Director of Winemaking Ryan Prichard joined Three Sticks in 2015 to craft wines from Bill’s sought-after Heritage vineyards, notably Durell, Gap’s Crown, and Walala, only to discover the majesty of his small, organically farmed, hand-planted properties, known internally as Monopoles: One Sky, Alana, and William James.” Winemaker Ryan Prichard is our guest to pull the cork on all that is Three Sticks Wine.

Three generations of the Gonzalez Family have been in the grocery business in Southern California with the very popular Northgate Gonzalez Markets. Now they are pioneering a new, first of its kind in the United States shopping experience, with the arrival of the long-in-the-works Mercado Gonzalez in Costa Mesa. It’s a 70,000 square foot culinary wonder of truly mouth-watering authentic foods representing many regions of Mexico with some 20 Puestos (Food Stands) “teeming with vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and an array of flavorful delights. Explore a variety of flavors at Mercado González’s Puestos / Food Stands, where each stand offers a unique culinary adventure. Mercado has something to please every palate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.” Representing the 3rd generation of proud Gonzalez Family ownership is Joshua Gonzalez who is also the project Manager for Mercado Gonzalez. Joshua is our informed guide to all the enticing wonders of Mercado Gonzalez.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. French Fries…! There is nothing better than fresh-cut perfectly crisp fries. Chef Andrew shares his proven technique. (Rescheduled from last week.)

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

The post Show 571, March 30, 2024: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

The 2nd year anniversary of notable Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini’s ambitious Neon Feast dining app has happened. Lots of new features have now been added to the updated App. “Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android (as well as on their website), Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.” To celebrate there is an exciting photo sweepstakes contest on right now with the lucky winner being hosted to an evening for two at Joel Robuchon at the MGM Grand or a $300 Lip Smacking Foodie Tours gift certificate.

Al Mancini is our always in-the-know guest with highlights of what’s new on the Vegas dining scene and looking ahead to what’s notable on the horizon for the rest of 2024. Some of the current talk of the town on dining is about the high-end restaurants at the newly opened (and long-delayed) Fontainebleau on The Strip and the reopening of the new Esther’s Kitchen (relocated) in the Arts District with Executive Chef James Trees.

Al also has just launched with Gemini Stevens (his co-host of the Food & Loathing podcast) the NeonNews Website with current news (and breaking headline news) on the vibrant Vegas dining scene and lots more reported from his most reliable local sources.

Al takes a break from the Las Vegas dining action to join us.

The post Show 571, March 30, 2024: Food Journalist Al Mancini, Las Vegas & Creator of the Neon Feast App for Las Vegas Dining Part One appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

The 2nd year anniversary of notable Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini’s ambitious Neon Feast dining app has happened. Lots of new features have now been added to the updated App. “Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android (as well as on their website), Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.” To celebrate there is an exciting photo sweepstakes contest on right now with the lucky winner being hosted to an evening for two at Joel Robuchon at the MGM Grand or a $300 Lip Smacking Foodie Tours gift certificate.

Al Mancini is our always in-the-know guest with highlights of what’s new on the Vegas dining scene and looking ahead to what’s notable on the horizon for the rest of 2024. Some of the current talk of the town on dining is about the high-end restaurants at the newly opened (and long-delayed) Fontainebleau on The Strip and the reopening of the new Esther’s Kitchen (relocated) in the Arts District with Executive Chef James Trees.

Al also has just launched with Gemini Stevens (his co-host for the weekly “Food & Loathing” podcast) the NeonNews Website with current news (and breaking headline news) on the vibrant Vegas dining scene and lots more reported from his most reliable local sources.

Al takes another break from the Las Vegas dining action to continue with us.

The post Show 571, March 30, 2024: Food Journalist Al Mancini, Las Vegas & Creator of the Neon Feast App for Las Vegas Dining Part Two appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Three Sticks Wines is a boutique, family-owned winery recognized for its unique super premium collection of Sonoma vineyards, award-winning pinot noir, and chardonnay. Proprietor William “Bill” S. Price III (nicknamed Billy Three Sticks) set about building a collection of six Grand Cru level Estate vineyards in Sonoma County starting with Durell in 1997. By way of acquiring or newly planting, he has built a reputation for owning and farming some of the finest pinot and chardonnay acreages in California.”

“Since 2002 Three Sticks Co-founder and General Manager Prema Kerollis set about designing and building the experiences, culture, and voice of Three Sticks while Bill focused on the vineyards with Rob Harris, head of all vineyard activities and winegrowing for the Price Family Vineyards and Estates portfolio. After years spent focusing on vineyards and hospitality, Three Sticks was ripe for some serious winemaking talent. Director of Winemaking Ryan Prichard joined Three Sticks in 2015 to craft wines from Bill’s sought-after Heritage vineyards, notably Durell, Gap’s Crown, and Walala, only to discover the majesty of his small, organically farmed, hand-planted properties, known internally as Monopoles: One Sky, Alana, and William James.”

“The intimate relationship between the winemaker, grower, and each of the six unique properties shines through in each of the wines. Ryan understands how working with great vineyards and a meticulous winemaking style can produce inspiring results. He originally joined Three Sticks with famed pinot noir winemaker Bob Cabral in 2015 and took over winemaking entirely from Cabral in 2021. Three Sticks has a down-to-earth, highly focused, quality-obsessed approach to growing and winemaking.”

The Sonoma home for hospitality at Three Sticks is the historic restored 1842 Vallejo-Castenada Adobe. It’s situated just steps off Sonoma’s town square. The Tasting Room is by appointment only.

Winemaker Ryan Prichard is our guest to pull the cork on all that is Three Sticks Wine.

The post Show 571, March 30, 2024: Three Sticks Wines, Sonoma County, with Director of Winemaking Ryan Prichard Part One appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.