SoCal Restaurant Show

“Suisun Valley Wine Co-op in Fairfield (established in 2007) represents three local, family owned micro wineries with distinct wine styles and approaches to winemaking tasting their wines in a single, unique, visitor-friendly indoor and outdoor tasting room.”

“The three member wineries (Sunset Cellars, Blacksmith Cellars and King Andrew Vineyards) share a common goal of crafting high quality, distinctive wines from grapes grown locally in Suisun Valley and nearby regions. As long-time friends, the winemakers collaborate, exchange ideas, and lend hands in the vineyards and the cellars. With deep mutual respect, they are proud to represent one another’s wine at the Co-op.”

“Most of the tasting room staff at the Wine Co-op are actual wine producers and grape growers. They all take turns pouring the wines. While visiting them, you will learn firsthand their vision and philosophies behind the wines. The Co-op Team enjoys spending time with visitors and like sharing Suisun Valley’s rustic and authentic charm.”

Fah Sathirapongsasuti, the principal of the Suisun Valley Wine Co-op and Winemaker and Co-owner of Sunset Cellar, joins us to uncork all that is the Suisun Valley Wine Co-op.

“Winemaker Matt Smith built Blacksmith Cellars on the philosophy of crafting distinctive varietal driven and blended wines that he is passionate about. The process of winemaking is a lifestyle he embraces and enjoys and it shows in his releases.

“Founded by Doug and Katsuko Sparks in their garage in San Francisco’s Inner Sunset District, Sunset Cellars believes in “Zen Zin” a minimalist winemaking style and respect for our grower’s efforts in the vineyards. In 2007 they founded the Suisun Valley Wine Co-op. Fah and Mio succeeded them as winemaker and co-owners in 2021”

“Wine grower Roger King and his wife Carol (King Andrews Vineyards) bring you unique and boutique wines of Suisun Valley and Solano County. Small lot winemaking from the vineyard to the winery brings fresh vibrant wines to your palate. They grow, vint and bottle their wines with limited intervention.”

The post Show 547, October 14, 2023: Suisun Valley Wine Co-op and Sunset Cellars with Fah Sathirapongsasuti Part One appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Suisun Valley Wine Co-op in Fairfield (established in 2007) represents three local, family owned micro wineries with distinct wine styles and approaches to winemaking tasting their wines in a single, unique, visitor-friendly indoor and outdoor tasting room.”

“The three member wineries (Sunset Cellars, Blacksmith Cellars and King Andrew Vineyards) share a common goal of crafting high quality, distinctive wines from grapes grown locally in Suisun Valley and nearby regions. As long-time friends, the winemakers collaborate, exchange ideas, and lend hands in the vineyards and the cellars. With deep mutual respect, they are proud to represent one another’s wine at the Co-op.”

“Most of the tasting room staff at the Wine Co-op are actual wine producers and grape growers. They all take turns pouring the wines. While visiting them, you will learn firsthand their vision and philosophies behind the wines. The Co-op Team enjoys spending time with visitors and like sharing Suisun Valley’s rustic and authentic charm.”

Fah Sathirapongsasuti, the principal of the Suisun Valley Wine Co-op and Winemaker and Co-owner of Sunset Cellar, continue with us to uncork all that is the Suisun Valley Wine Co-op.

“Founded by Doug and Katsuko Sparks in their garage in San Francisco’s Inner Sunset District, Sunset Cellars believes in “Zen Zin” a minimalist winemaking style and respect for our grower’s efforts in the vineyards. In 2007 they founded the Suisun Valley Wine Co-op. Fah and Mio succeeded them as winemaker and co-owners in 2021”

The post Show 547, October 14, 2023: Suisun Valley Wine Co-op and Sunset Cellars with Fah Sathirapongsasuti Part Two appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

“Pacifica’s Rosalind Bakery’s delectable sourdough bread, pizzas, and pastries are made with a dash of love, a sprinkle of nostalgia, and a lot of dedication by proprietor and baker Matt Kosoy. They do more than just bake bread; they bring people together, creating moments of joy and connection.” Rosalind’s was introduced to us on the recent “Coastside Adventure!” tour hosted by The San Francisco Peninsula CVB.

“Named after the Matt’s maternal grandmother, Rosalind Bakery began in 2017 by building a community around food. They take pride in every step of the baking process, from selecting the finest ingredients to handcrafting each loaf, pizza, and pastry. The result? Unparalleled flavors that ignite your senses.”

“Some of their most popular sourdough flavors are walnut rosemary, sesame rye, and olive. Rosalind also serves eye-catching hibiscus bear claws and “Mr. Charlie” pizzas – a Roman-style pizza with Point Reyes Toma Cheese, red sauce, shredded mozzarella, peaches, Mike’s Hot Honey, purple basil, red onion, parmesan, black pepper.”

“Quality is at the heart of everything they do. It’s not just about the ingredients—it’s about the connections they nurture—with their ingredients, their methods, and most importantly, their community.”

“Just like their namesake, Rosalind, Matt believes in the magic of bringing people together. The bakery isn’t just a place to buy treats—it’s a hub where stories are shared, friendships are formed, and memories are made.”

Matt has just closed an unusual, oversubscribed, $124,000 bond offering to finance the growing enterprise and expanded to a new location in Downtown San Francisco at 4 Embarcadero Center as part of the “Vacant to Vibrant Program.”

We’ll meet the Bay Area’s rising “Sourdough King” Matt Kosoy.

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“The Airliner is a historic, 100-year old, Lincoln Heights (Los Angeles) neighborhood bar that exudes warmth, character and hospitality. Whether you’re into beer and shots, sultry natural wines, or classic to modern cocktails, there’s something for everyone – with an intriguing Pan-Asian Izakaya comfort food menu created by fine-dining chef Vinh Nguyen (ex-Grumpy Pig in Shanghai) and nostalgic soundtracks.”

A design highlight is the impressive, restored and distinctive curved wooden bar running the length of the space. The interior is reminiscent of an art deco cruise ship

Menu highlights include Chong Qing Chicken Wings with whole crisp fried wings, chili oil and crispy bits, and Beef Rendang on a Roll with Indonesian stewed beef, cabbage and pickled red onions.

Chef Vinh Nguyen joins us with a plate of Hunan BBQ Pork Ribs.

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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.

Can cash still be readily used in restaurants and other small businesses? Remember when “cash was always king”? The Los Angeles City Council is discussing a new ordinance that will compel all businesses to still accept cash. How does this impact restaurants? We’ll “Ask the Chef”?

The post Show 547, October 14, 2023: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef” appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

We’re celebrating the 11th Anniversary of the debut of the “SoCal Restaurant Show” on AM830 KLAA. Please join us.

Executive Producer Andy Harris is just off the Discovery Princess (Princess’ newest (and final) Royal Class Ship) from their special Pacific Coast Wine & Food Experience (six-day voyage) with ports of call in Victoria, BC and San Francisco. The sailing was from Vancouver to the World Cruise Terminal in San Pedro. This was also the Annual Conference for the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA.) 

The show highlights this themed Princess cruise experience with the prominent, behind-the-scenes people responsible for creating memorable experiences for the cruise guests.

We’ll also speak with Winemaker Chuck Wagner of Caymus Vineyards, Napa, and the new Caymus-Suisun Winery in Suisun Valley / Fairfield. Chuck and the Culinary Team at Princess have added the very special 5-course, wine-paired Caymus Vineyards Winemaker Dinner as an amenity on Princess ships sailing in North America.

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 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. As nutty as it sounds both Houses of the California legislature have passed a bill prohibiting the sale of the popular plastic gift cards usable at a specific business. This would include the demise of your favorite restaurant’s branded gift cards. Chef Andrew shares his opinionated thoughts.

Segment Two: Chef Rudi Sodamin, Head of Culinary Arts for Princess Cruises
Segment Three: Winemaker Chuck Wagner, Caymus Vineyards, Napa & Caymus -Suisun Winery, Suisun Valley / Fairfield
Segment Four: Peter Priestley, Food and Beverage Director, Discovery Princess
Segment Five: Callum Moughan, Roving Bar Manager, Princess Cruises
Segment Six: Terri Cybuliak, Hotel General Manager, Discovery Princess
Segment Seven: Travel Journalist Stacey Wittig, Board Member and Secretary, International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association. “UNSTOPPABLE Stacey” Travel Blog
Segment Eight: Co-Host and Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

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Chef Rudi is probably the most decorated chef cooking on the ocean. He started cooking at age 14 in Austria. Next year he’ll be celebrating a 50-year career in the culinary arts and Chef Rudi is just getting started.

He was unusually aboard Discovery Princess for the benefit of the IFWTWA (International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association) Conference and was a featured speaker. He also conducted a widely attended cooking demonstration in the Princess Theater for all the ship’s guests showcasing a souffle that will be part of the menu of The Catch by Rudi seafood specialty restaurant coming soon to Discovery Princess. The Catch is already available on Enchanted Princess, Majestic Princess and Sky Princess. It’s Princess’ first seafood specialty restaurant.

“Each day Chef Rudi lives by the philosophy, that “All can be done.” Chef Rudi’s unbridled passion for innovating global tastes and his exuberant influence in bringing international cuisines to an increasingly wide audience has been extensively celebrated.” He is also the author of 15 cookbooks.

We’ll meet him.

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“Caymus Vineyards and Cabernet Sauvignon are synonymous with wine enthusiasts globally as one of the most sought-after wines to pour and share around the table for special celebrations. Now Princess Cruises is working with this renowned winery to offer the exclusive Caymus Vineyards Winemaker Dinner, available initially on Princess ships sailing North America itineraries Alaska voyages, and eventually across all ships worldwide.”

“Available in the popular Crown Grill specialty restaurant for $140 per person, the new Winemaker Dinner leverages the expansive expertise of Chuck Wagner, owner and winemaker of the renowned Napa Valley’s Caymus Vineyards, to deliver a five-course menu, crafted to complement the tasting notes of his wines.”

“Wagner, along with the Princess culinary team, personally selected the wines paired with the multi-course menu served. In addition to Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, he has perfectly matched up the dinner courses with varietals from the family’s other offerings, including Caymus-Suisun ‘The Walking Fool’ Red Blend, Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay, Sea Sun Pinot Noir and Emmolo Sparkling.”

“We have an appreciation for family, friends, delicious food and great wine, along with the many connections between them,” said Chuck Wagner, Caymus Vineyards owner and winemaker. “We love how Princess also recognizes that cruise travel fosters deeper relationships with its guests and the destinations they visit by sharing experiences around the table, and we’re thrilled to pour our wines and share our passion through a specially curated dinner with this beloved cruise line.”

We’ll meet Chuck Wagner and also hear about the new Caymus-Suisun Winery in Suisun Valley and the very special visitor experience available there.

The post Show 546, October 7, 2023: Winemaker Chuck Wagner, Caymus Vineyards, Napa & Caymus -Suisun Winery, Suisun Valley / Fairfield appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.

Peter oversees all the food and beverage on Discovery Princess including the Main Dining Rooms (Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan), World Fresh Market & Bistro, Gigi’s Pizzeria and the specialty restaurants including Crown Grill, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and the soon-to-be The Catch by Rudi.

He’s also responsible for the newly introduced 360 Experience exclusively available on Discovery Princess and Enchanted Princess.

“360: An Extraordinary Experience is a journey through sights, sounds, textures, and scents of the Mediterranean.” Guests visit Greece, Italy and France as if they were actually there. “An immersive, destination-inspired seven-course indulgence pared with drinks, adventures and surprises along the way. Exclusively on Discovery Princess® and Enchanted Princess®.” Previously available exclusively to Suite Guests and VIP’s, 360 Experience is now available (by reservation) to all cruise guests. It’s typically scheduled for 2 performances nightly for 20 lucky guests.

Peter Priestley joins us.

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Part of the cruising experience is enjoying carefully crafted specialty libations along the way. Callum Moughan is a roving Bar Manager. He moves from ship to ship ensuring the bar service and hospitality at all outlets meets Princess’ high standards. Continuous training to maintain those high standards is also part of Callum’s responsibilities.

“Good Spirits® At Sea is the spot aboard Discovery Princess where every drink is an experience and tells a story, connecting you to those around you and regional flavors around the world. Based on Good Spirits, the popular TV series that traveled to far-away destinations in search of local ingredients for original cocktails, the lively bar is the perfect place to explore new drinks. Princess’ onboard mixologist immerses you in the culture of your chosen destination as he crafts your cocktail.”

“Princess’ expert Mixologist, Rob Floyd, has refreshed the cocktail menus across the entire Princess fleet using his unique blend of knowledge, technique and flair for storytelling. Exclusive cocktails from the master himself join guest favorites with locally inspired flavors to create moments remembered long beyond the last day of the voyage.”

Callum Moughan joins us with cocktail shaker in hand.

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