SoCal Restaurant Show

“When proprietor and winemaker Ettore Biraghi of Ettore Organic Winery first laid eyes on Mendocino, he knew it immediately to be an ideal terroir for the production of pure, organic, and low-intervention fine wines. Establishing his vineyard and winery in Hopland (along with winemaker Sofia Rivier,) he took his place in the centuries-long history of one of California’s most dramatic winegrowing regions—one whose future is as promising as its past is historic.”

“Expressing the best of Mendocino’s complex terroir, Ettore wines channel the soul of their abundant natural surroundings—and are only produced from organic, hand-harvested, and estate-grown grapes. From aromatic and elegant Chardonnay to deeply rich Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Ettore Biraghi (along with winemaker Sofia Rivier) brings his Old World Italian style.”

“Winemaker Sofia Rivier is an international agronomist whose career spans from Argentina to Switzerland and currently Mendocino County, USA. Just as she relishes the fine complexities of a wine’s palate, she also reveres the vibrant cultures and art of the world. As such, she continually desires to expand her understanding of the wine industry.”

“In 2018 Sofia decided to move to Mendocino County, California for a new adventure whereby a new project, Ettore Organic Winery, was born. Working closely with the winemaker Ettore Biraghi, Sofia finds the perfect fusion of creativity and work precision to develop interesting wines. She has found an authentic venue to channel her grand focus: make wine at its best expression, understanding the terroir, the challenges of the seasons, applying different techniques of winemaking and working with an excellent and dedicated group of people.”

Locally Ettore’s Vino E Cucina in the Original Farmers Market at Third & Fairfax in Los Angeles is a stylish Italian restaurant serving Lunch and Dinner as well as the local Tasting Room for all Ettore wines.

Sofia Rivier joins us to pull the cork on all that is Hopland’s Ettore Winery.

“When proprietor and winemaker Ettore Biraghi of Ettore Organic Winery first laid eyes on Mendocino, he knew it immediately to be an ideal terroir for the production of pure, organic, and low-intervention fine wines. Establishing his vineyard and winery in Hopland (along with winemaker Sofia Rivier,) he took his place in the centuries-long history of one of California’s most dramatic winegrowing regions—one whose future is as promising as its past is historic.”

“Expressing the best of Mendocino’s complex terroir, Ettore wines channel the soul of their abundant natural surroundings—and are only produced from organic, hand-harvested, and estate-grown grapes. From aromatic and elegant Chardonnay to deeply rich Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Ettore Biraghi (along with winemaker Sofia Rivier) brings his Old World Italian style.”

“Winemaker Sofia Rivier is an international agronomist whose career spans from Argentina to Switzerland and currently Mendocino County, USA. Just as she relishes the fine complexities of a wine’s palate, she also reveres the vibrant cultures and art of the world. As such, she continually desires to expand her understanding of the wine industry.”

Locally Ettore’s Vino E Cucina in the Original Farmers Market at Third & Fairfax in Los Angeles is a stylish Italian restaurant serving Lunch and Dinner as well as the local Tasting Room for all Ettore wines.

Sofia Rivier continues with us further uncorking all that is Hopland’s Ettore Winery.

“Celebrity Chef Katie is an award-winning cookbook author, spokesperson, food blogger and the Culinary Ambassador to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.” She joins us to talk about the rich tradition of Lunar New Year and her one-woman show, “Holy Shitake.””

“Katie’s acclaimed one-woman show, “Holy Shiitake! A Wok Star is Born,” returns to the Whitefire Theater in Sherman Oaks on February 21st. Filled with pathos and humor, “Holy Shitake: A Wok Star is Born” chronicles Chef Katie Chin’s true journey as a fish-out-of-water Chinese American girl growing up in Minneapolis, where she was raised by my mother, seamstress-turned-restaurateur Leeann Chin. A true warrior, her late mother overcame incredible obstacles and adversity having been in an arranged marriage to her emotionally abusive husband while raising 6 children making 50 cents an hour as a seamstress. Through it all, she found solace through cooking and built a $50-million-dollar Chinese restaurant empire through an extraordinary twist of fate involving 007 himself, Sean Connery.”

“When Katie’s life falls apart in her mid-30s after her divorce, her mother comes to her rescue through cooking instruction. After a dream in which the Kitchen God visits her, Katie decides to leave her career as a film marketing executive to carry her mother’s torch. In the quiet moments alone cooking together, her mother opens up to her about her life in China; stories filled with heartache and resilience. A magical mother-daughter bond is formed and they embark on a culinary journey together appearing the Today Show, the Food Network and in their own PBS series, “Double Happiness.” A time filled with east meets west tension and humor, Katie as the bumbling American born daughter and her mother as the tough as nails tiger mom boss. Through it all, her wish for Katie is to fly from her Bird’s Nest Soup.”

“After her mother’s death, Katie is forced to make a choice that drastically changes her life. A pivotal turning point presents itself and Katie is compelled to make a choice. In this emotional love letter to her mother, Katie finally learns to love herself and embrace her heritage by honoring her mother’s culinary legacy.”

“Celebrity Chef Katie is an award-winning cookbook author, spokesperson, food blogger and the Culinary Ambassador to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.” She joins us to talk about the rich tradition of Lunar New Year and her one-woman show, “Holy Shitake.”

“Katie’s acclaimed one-woman show, “Holy Shiitake! A Wok Star is Born,” returns to the Whitefire Theater in Sherman Oaks on February 21st. Filled with pathos and humor, “Holy Shitake: A Wok Star is Born” chronicles Chef Katie Chin’s true journey as a fish-out-of-water Chinese American girl growing up in Minneapolis, where she was raised by my mother, seamstress-turned-restaurateur Leeann Chin. A true warrior, her late mother overcame incredible obstacles and adversity having been in an arranged marriage to her emotionally abusive husband while raising 6 children making 50 cents an hour as a seamstress. Through it all, she found solace through cooking and built a $50-million-dollar Chinese restaurant empire through an extraordinary twist of fate involving 007 himself, Sean Connery.”

“When Katie’s life falls apart in her mid-30s after her divorce, her mother comes to her rescue through cooking instruction. After a dream in which the Kitchen God visits her, Katie decides to leave her career as a film marketing executive to carry her mother’s torch. In the quiet moments alone cooking together, her mother opens up to her about her life in China; stories filled with heartache and resilience. A magical mother-daughter bond is formed and they embark on a culinary journey together appearing the Today Show, the Food Network and in their own PBS series, “Double Happiness.” A time filled with east meets west tension and humor, Katie as the bumbling American born daughter and her mother as the tough as nails tiger mom boss. Through it all, her wish for Katie is to fly from her Bird’s Nest Soup.”

“Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill, California, founded in 1925 produces around 40,000 plus cases annually under their flagship brands, Guglielmo Private Reserve, Tre and the oldest label, Emile’s. Although the winery has grown, they still faithfully abide by the family philosophy to produce natural, quality wines to share with family and friends.” The current generation of the Guglielmo Family overseeing the family legacy is George Guglielmo as Winemaker and President and his Brother, Gene, as Partner and Vice President.

“Guglielmo Winery is situated within one of the larger American Viticultural Areas (AVA) of the Central Coast and San Francisco Bay with the specific designation of Santa Clara Valley. Their vineyards are comprised of around 50 acres planted to Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Carignane, Grignolino, Sagrantino, and Cabernet Sauvignon.”

“Visiting Guglielmo Winery’s Tasting Room and Retail Gift Shop in Morgan Hill is like taking a step back into Old Italy. Large wooden beams, stone walls, and terracotta tile provide a relaxing backdrop to enjoy tastings of the Guglielmo family’s award-winning wines. Open Wednesday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on all major holidays.”

“Third generation winemaker, George E. Guglielmo, grew up on the family wine estate in Morgan Hill, California and began absorbing many aspects of the wine business at a very young age from his father and grandfather. As a teenager, George began broadening his knowledge base by apprenticing with other local winemakers to learn as much as he could about grape growing and winemaking. He also completed Fresno State University’s Viticulture and Enology program to supplement his knowledge of traditional winemaking techniques with the more modern aspects required to produce wines for today’s marketplace.”

“George’s winemaking philosophy remains a blend of age-old tradition and cutting-edge winemaking science and technology. George produces their wines with minimal handling or filtering – believing that the wines are at their best when allowed to develop naturally with only the necessary interventions by the winemaker. He shares his family’s strong belief that wines should be easy for everyone to enjoy at a reasonable price. His philosophy has paid off in the many award-winning wines he produces today that have been noted for both quality and value.”

George Guglielmo joins us to pull the cork on all that is Guglielmo Winery.

“Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill, California, founded in 1925 produces around 40,000 plus cases annually under their flagship brands, Guglielmo Private Reserve, Tre and the oldest label, Emile’s. Although the winery has grown, they still abide by the family philosophy to produce natural, quality wines to share with family and friends.” The current generation of the Guglielmo Family overseeing the family legacy is George Guglielmo as Winemaker and President and his Brother, Gene, as Partner and Vice President.

“Guglielmo Winery is situated within one of the larger American Viticultural Areas (AVA) of the Central Coast and San Francisco Bay with the specific designation of Santa Clara Valley. Their vineyards are comprised of around 50 acres planted to Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Carignane, Grignolino, Sagrantino, and Cabernet Sauvignon.”

“Third generation winemaker, George E. Guglielmo, grew up on the family wine estate in Morgan Hill, California and began absorbing many aspects of the wine business at a very young age from his father and grandfather. As a teenager, George began broadening his knowledge base by apprenticing with other local winemakers to learn as much as he could about grape growing and winemaking.”

“George’s winemaking philosophy remains a blend of age-old tradition and cutting-edge winemaking science and technology. George produces their wines with minimal handling or filtering – believing that the wines are at their best when allowed to develop naturally with only the necessary interventions by the winemaker. He shares his family’s strong belief that wines should be easy for everyone to enjoy at a reasonable price. His philosophy has paid off in the many award-winning wines he produces today that have been noted for both quality and value”.

George Guglielmo stays with us further pulling the cork on all that is Guglielmo Winery.

This week Chef Andrew’s concludes his multi-part discussion of “Kitchen Hacks” that actually work from someone who cooks for a living. Picking up the concluding conversation in the series with the proper way of seasoning before cooking.

Most “kitchen hacks” online are nonsense. If a trick only works once, makes more dishes, or exists just for clicks, it’s not a hack, it’s simply a distraction. What Chef Andrew mentions are small, routine habits chefs use every day because they work, save time and reduce waste.”

If you’re looking to go all out for Valentine’s Day Weekend you might want to consider the ocean front Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes. Executive Chef Andrew Vaughan joins us with what’s on his romantic menu. “Located on Southern California’s Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea Resort is a luxurious 102-acre oceanfront destination. Opened in 2009, the resort offers unparalleled views and world-class accommodations ranging from hotel suites to bungalows, ocean-view casitas and private villas. On property are five scenic restaurants showcasing the resort’s farm-to-Terranea philosophy utilizing Terranea's herb and vegetable gardens, lemon groves and more. The resort also offers unique activities such as falconry, archery, kayaking, paddleboarding, guided coastal hikes, and exploration of nearby ocean coves and beaches.”

Chef and Restaurateur Ross Pangilinan features two special Dinner menus for Valentine’s Day Weekend at his pair of South Coast Plaza properties. On Friday and Saturday nights Chef Ross’ Terrace by Mix Mix showcases a luxe four course menu for $125 per guest. Pangilinan is partners with Chef Nicholas Weber in Populaire Modern Bistro. Chef Nick is also offering his Valentine’s weekend Dinner menu ($125 per guest) on both Friday and Saturday nights. His tasting menu is five elevated courses with unexpected flourishes and an optional wine pairing. Ross Pangilinan previews both very special menus.

“Vegas-born, award-winning Lip Smacking Foodie Tours is always first on the scene to showcase the city’s newest and most important trends in its luxury culinary experiences. Its latest experience shines a light on the Top 5 craft cocktail bars in the Arts District, the colorful, industrious neighborhood now reinvigorating craft cocktail culture. A 2-hour experience that begins at 8:30 p.m., it’s designed for those 21 years and older. Like all Lip Smacking experiences, this one also comes complete with VIP service, from start to finish. Guests will gain immediate entry into these five acclaimed establishments, where long lines are the norm. At each venue, they’ll be seated at the best tables in the house to enjoy its top craft cocktail. Elevated gourmet dishes also are included. With specialty cocktails often hovering in the $25 range in Vegas, this experience, which includes all taxes and venue gratuities, can’t be beat at $99 per person.” Founder Donald Contursi of Lip Smacking Foodie Tours is our official tour guide with swizzle stick in hand.

“Pizza lovers unite! The inaugural, region-wide SoCal Pizza Week starts this Sunday and runs through Sunday, February 15. SoCal Pizza Week will be a medium to bring everyone to the table, from all walks of life, to showcase Southern California's diverse pizza scene. Organized and supported by Southern California Food & Beverage, a California registered 501(c)3 non-profit, SoCal Pizza Week is an eight day event devoted to celebrating the diverse pizza restaurants in Southern California, from Los Angeles to Orange County to San Diego and everywhere in between. The event also seeks to highlight all styles of this beloved snack, including but not limited to, New York, Chicago, Detroit, Neopolitan, and Roma styles, with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan offerings as well. “SoCal Pizza Week is more than an eight-day event featuring dozens of pizzerias and restaurants,” stated Leysla Rubino, organizer of the event and executive director of SoCal Food & Beverage. "It's an opportunity to showcase the many pizza styles that Southern California has to offer." Leysla Rubino joins us with all the details.

Stadium Pepz Pizza & Eatery in Anaheim is one of the participating restaurants in the inaugural SoCal Pizza Week. We’ll meet proprietor Chris Sarkissian. “Since opening in 2001, Stadium Pepz Pizza has perfected the art of hand-crafted recipes that bring authentic delicious flavors to every dish. At Stadium Pepz Pizza in Anaheim, a local, family-owned business, they continue this legacy by offering an upbeat, curated dining experience for every guest. From the pizza to salads, pasta, sandwiches, possibly the best wings in Anaheim and more, their menu offers something for everyone.”

Nardo (Huntington Beach and Culver City) is one of the participating restaurants in the inaugural SoCal Pizza Week. We’ll meet co-proprietor and executive chef Alessandro Ciaccia. “Nardò tells the story of family, culinary tradition, and the sea. Founded by award-winning restaurateur Gianni Chiloiro, Nardò combines authentic Italian cuisine with innovative dishes and a modern atmosphere. Located just minutes from the beach, Nardò’s oceanside location (Huntington Beach) features a stunning interior with a full-service bar, imported wood-fired oven, and an in-house pasta station. Take a culinary trip to the beautiful region of Puglia. Enjoy traditional dishes and recipes from the Southern Italian region in the heart of Southern California. Featuring wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and freshly made pasta, Nardò brings together the best of what Southern Italy offers with an innovative twist.” Both the Huntington Beach (Pacific City) and Culver City locations are part of SoCal Pizza Week.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. This week Chef Andrew’s continues his discussion of “Kitchen Hacks” that actually work from someone who cooks for a living. Picking up the conversation with the proper way of slicing citrus before juicing to maximize the resulting juice volume. (Postponed from last week.)

If you’re looking to go all out for Valentine’s Day Weekend you might want to consider the ocean front Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes. Executive Chef Andrew Vaughan joins us with what’s on his romantic menu. “Located on Southern California’s Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea Resort is a luxurious 102-acre oceanfront destination. Opened in 2009, the resort offers unparalleled views and world-class accommodations ranging from hotel suites to bungalows, ocean-view casitas and private villas. On property are five scenic restaurants showcasing the resort’s farm-to-Terranea philosophy utilizing Terranea's herb and vegetable gardens, lemon groves and more. The resort also offers unique activities such as falconry, archery, kayaking, paddleboarding, guided coastal hikes, and exploration of nearby ocean coves and beaches.”

Chef and Restaurateur Ross Pangilinan features two special Dinner menus for Valentine’s Day Weekend at his pair of South Coast Plaza properties. On Friday and Saturday nights Chef Ross’ Terrace by Mix Mix showcases a luxe four course menu for $125 per guest. Pangilinan is partners with Chef Nicholas Weber in Populaire Modern Bistro. Chef Nick is also offering his Valentine’s weekend Dinner menu ($125 per guest) on both Friday and Saturday nights. His tasting menu is five elevated courses with unexpected flourishes and an optional wine pairing. Ross Pangilinan previews both very special menus.

“Vegas-born, award-winning Lip Smacking Foodie Tours is always first on the scene to showcase the city’s newest and most important trends in its luxury culinary experiences. Its latest experience shines a light on the Top 5 craft cocktail bars in the Arts District, the colorful, industrious neighborhood now reinvigorating craft cocktail culture. A 2-hour experience that begins at 8:30 p.m., it’s designed for those 21 years and older. Like all Lip Smacking experiences, this one also comes complete with VIP service, from start to finish. Guests will gain immediate entry into these five acclaimed establishments, where long lines are the norm. At each venue, they’ll be seated at the best tables in the house to enjoy its top craft cocktail. Elevated gourmet dishes also are included. With specialty cocktails often hovering in the $25 range in Vegas, this experience, which includes all taxes and venue gratuities, can’t be beat at $99 per person.” Founder Donald Contursi of Lip Smacking Foodie Tours is our official tour guide with swizzle stick in hand.

“Pizza lovers unite! The inaugural, region-wide SoCal Pizza Week starts this Sunday and runs through Sunday, February 15. SoCal Pizza Week will be a medium to bring everyone to the table, from all walks of life, to showcase Southern California's diverse pizza scene. Organized and supported by Southern California Food & Beverage, a California registered 501(c)3 non-profit, SoCal Pizza Week is an eight day event devoted to celebrating the diverse pizza restaurants in Southern California, from Los Angeles to Orange County to San Diego and everywhere in between. The event also seeks to highlight all styles of this beloved snack, including but not limited to, New York, Chicago, Detroit, Neopolitan, and Roma styles, with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan offerings as well. “SoCal Pizza Week is more than an eight-day event featuring dozens of pizzerias and restaurants,” stated Leysla Rubino, organizer of the event and executive director of SoCal Food & Beverage. "It's an opportunity to showcase the many pizza styles that Southern California has to offer." Leysla Rubino joins us with all the details.

Stadium Pepz Pizza & Eatery in Anaheim is one of the participating restaurants in the inaugural SoCal Pizza Week. We’ll meet proprietor Chris Sarkissian. “Since opening in 2001, Stadium Pepz Pizza has perfected the art of hand-crafted recipes that bring authentic delicious flavors to every dish. At Stadium Pepz Pizza in Anaheim, a local, family-owned business, they continue this legacy by offering an upbeat, curated dining experience for every guest. From the pizza to salads, pasta, sandwiches, possibly the best wings in Anaheim and more, their menu offers something for everyone.”

Nardo (Huntington Beach and Culver City) is one of the participating restaurants in the inaugural SoCal Pizza Week. We’ll meet co-proprietor and executive chef Alessandro Ciaccia. “Nardò tells the story of family, culinary tradition, and the sea. Founded by award-winning restaurateur Gianni Chiloiro, Nardò combines authentic Italian cuisine with innovative dishes and a modern atmosphere. Located just minutes from the beach, Nardò’s oceanside location (Huntington Beach) features a stunning interior with a full-service bar, imported wood-fired oven, and an in-house pasta station. Take a culinary trip to the beautiful region of Puglia. Enjoy traditional dishes and recipes from the Southern Italian region in the heart of Southern California. Featuring wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and freshly made pasta, Nardò brings together the best of what Southern Italy offers with an innovative twist.” Both the Huntington Beach (Pacific City) and Culver City locations are part of SoCal Pizza Week.

For our concluding segment at 11:45 a.m. our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. This week Chef Andrew’s continues his discussion of “Kitchen Hacks” that actually work from someone who cooks for a living. Picking up the conversation with the proper way of slicing citrus before juicing to maximize the resulting juice volume. (Postponed from last week.)

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