SoCal Restaurant Show

“Our guest, Katie Chin, is a celebrity chef, award-winning cookbook author, spokesperson, food blogger and the Culinary Ambassador to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.”

We’re talking about National Cookie Day and Katie shares a recipe (Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies) which is one of Challenge Butter’s Signature Holiday Cookies. It’s cookies for a cause benefiting National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. https://socalrestaurantshow.com/blog/cranberry-pistachio-shortbread-cookies/

Katie’s acclaimed one-woman show, “Holy Shiitake! A Wok Star is Born,” returns to the Whitefire Theater in Sherman Oaks on February 21st.

Our guest, Tony Dang, is the Corporate Executive Chef for the 27 Gelson’s stores in Southern California. Every location has a Gelson’s Kitchen where shoppers can get everything from fresh coleslaw to full meals mostly all prepared in the onsite kitchen. On offer are full Hanukkah and Christmas meals or all the components available separately. There are also a variety of enticing chef-created meals to-go. Most stores even have an onsite sushi chef.

Chef Tony also conducts interactive cooking classes and demonstrations as well as cooks for in-store, wine-paired dinners.

The newest Gelson’s will be opening in January in Toluca Lake. It’s a pocket market with a walk-up window for coffee and breakfast, seating for lunch and an indoor and outdoor fine wine and bar.

“On a warm summer morning in July 1951, two boyishly enthusiastic young men wrote the stirring first paragraph of an ongoing and endlessly appetizing story, as they cut the ribbon on the very first Gelson’s supermarket. The Burbank store may have been distant in miles but not in spirit from founders’ Eugene and Bernie Gelson’s parents’ Iowa grocery store, where the boys learned the importance of exemplary customer service — which to them meant giving every last person who walked in the door the very best in quality, selection, and value.”

Our continuing guest, Tony Dang, is the Corporate Executive Chef for the 27 Gelson’s stores in Southern California. Every location has a Gelson’s Kitchen where shoppers can get everything from fresh coleslaw to full meals typically prepared in the onsite kitchen. On offer are full Hanukkah and Christmas meals or all the components available separately. There are also a variety of chef-created meals to-go. Most stores even have an onsite sushi chef.

Chef Tony also conducts interactive cooking classes and demonstrations as well as cooks for in-store wine-paired dinners.

The newest Gelson’s will be opening in January in Toluca Lake. It’s a pocket market with a walk-up window for coffee and breakfast, seating for lunch and an indoor and outdoor fine wine.

“Carter Creek Winery, located in the heart of Texas Hill Country and owned by the Carter family, earned six prestigious awards at the 2025 Vine2Wine International Wine Competition sponsored by the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR), held October 18-20, 2025.”

Their founding winemaker, Jon McPherson, is a distinguished second -generation winemaker (the son of pioneering Texas winemaker Clinton “Doc” McPherson and the brother of McPherson Cellars’ Kim McPherson) and the McPherson Family still plays a leading role in contemporary Texas winemaking. “Doc McPherson” firmly established that Sangiovese and Tempranillo wine grapes could grow well in the Texas High Plains.

“The competition, judged by a panel of wine professionals and sommeliers, attracts wineries interested in the important Fort Worth market. It celebrates the diversity of grape varieties and terroirs across the globe, with a “Texas twist” that emphasizes the state’s distinct winemaking regions.”

“Carter Creek Winery received a coveted Platinum Award for its Carter Creek Chenin Blanc, Texas High Plains 2023. Gold Medals were awarded to Carter Creek Sangiovese, Texas High Plains 2023, and Carter Creek Primitivo, Texas High Plains 2023. Silver Medals were earned by Carter Creek Sparkling Tempranillo Rosé, Texas High Plains NV, and Carter Creek Estate Red, Texas Hill Country 2023. The Carter Creek Tempranillo, Texas High Plains 2023 received a Bronze Medal.”

“Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa is a luxury retreat in the heart of Texas Hill Country in Johnson City, Texas. Set amidst rolling hills and vineyards, it features 78 luxury villas, two tasting rooms, an outdoor pavilion hosting live music, Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, a spa, a heated seasonal outdoor pool and 16,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. It is an award-winning winery offering some of the region’s top varietals, and it’s the only winery in the region with an onsite microbrewery serving craft beer. More information is available at www.cartercreek.com, Facebook and Instagram.”

Jon McPherson is our guest to pull the cork on all this is Johnson City’s Carter Creek Winery.

Carter Creek Winery, located in the heart of Texas Hill Country and owned by the Carter family, earned six prestigious awards at the 2025 Vine2Wine International Wine Competition sponsored by the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR), held October 18-20, 2025.

Their founding winemaker, Jon McPherson, is a distinguished second -generation winemaker (the son of pioneering Texas winemaker Clinton “Doc” McPherson and the brother of McPherson Cellars’ Kim McPherson) and the McPherson Family still plays a leading role in contemporary Texas winemaking. “Doc McPherson” firmly established that Sangiovese and Tempranillo wine grapes could grow well in the Texas High Plains.

“The competition, judged by a panel of wine professionals and sommeliers, attracts wineries interested in the important Fort Worth market. It celebrates the diversity of grape varieties and terroirs across the globe, with a “Texas twist” that emphasizes the state’s distinct winemaking regions.”

“Carter Creek Winery received a coveted Platinum Award for its Carter Creek Chenin Blanc, Texas High Plains 2023. Gold Medals were awarded to Carter Creek Sangiovese, Texas High Plains 2023, and Carter Creek Primitivo, Texas High Plains 2023. Silver Medals were earned by Carter Creek Sparkling Tempranillo Rosé, Texas High Plains NV, and Carter Creek Estate Red, Texas Hill Country 2023. The Carter Creek Tempranillo, Texas High Plains 2023 received a Bronze Medal.”

Jon McPherson continues gently pulling the cork on all this is Johnson City’s Carter Creek Winery.

“Spotlighting San Martin’s (Santa Clara County, CA) Terra Amico Farms, a thriving organic and regenerative heirloom tomato farm nestled in the countryside between Morgan Hill and Gilroy. The farm is dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices that not only produce the highest quality and best tasting tomatoes but also rejuvenate the land and support biodiversity.  At Terra Amico Farms, they believe in the power of community and the joy of connecting people with the source of their food. Terra Amico Farms’ commitment to organic farming ensures that their tomatoes are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, preserving the health of the soil and the surrounding ecosystem. They embrace regenerative techniques such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and composting to enhance soil fertility and capture carbon, making this farm a model of environmental stewardship.” Farmer Joe Raineri takes a break from weeding to join us.

“Michael Brughelli founded his eponymous wine brand in 2018. His wines represent the culmination of a full and purposeful career in the wine industry, and a meaningful life as a father, husband, brother and son. Precise and intentional, these wines pay tribute to Michael’s Swiss-Italian roots, while building upon an American family legacy.

He’s been drawn to the natural world and farming since boyhood. An avid outdoorsman, Michael enjoys time spent in the vineyard and is inspired by its natural environs.” The premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes used in his acclaimed wines are coming from Santa Maria Valley vineyard sites that Brughelli dictated and / or managed the farming on for over a decade with the goal of applying top tier farming to top tier and potentially incredible sites. Winemaker Michael Brughelli joins us to gently pull the cork on all that is Brughelli wine.

“Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach has enthusiastically welcomed back the encore of Pete’s Christmas Vacation for its second year, returning by popular demand. Running currently through January 3, the festive pop-up transforms Pete’s Sunset Grille into a coastal winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, cozy outdoor igloos, and a cheerful seasonal menu.” Executive Chef Manfred Lassahn and General Manager Jon Benson join us to unwrap all that is the encore of Pete’s Christmas Vacation.

“The name Wolfgang Puck is synonymous with the best of restaurant hospitality and the ultimate in all aspects of the culinary arts.” Our guest, Byron Lazaroff-Puck, is the President of Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining. “The award-winning restaurants in the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group include Chinois (Santa Monica); Carama by Wolfgang Puck (Las Vegas); CUT (Bahrain Bay, Beverly Hills, DC, Las Vegas, London, and Singapore); Spago (Beverly Hills, Istanbul, Las Vegas, Maui, Bodrum and Singapore); re Asian Cuisine (Bahrain Bay); Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (Las Vegas and Orlando); and Merois (Los Angeles).

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. We return to the irritating subject of the ever- increasing swipe fees that restaurateurs are charged on credit card sales. A new settlement involving Visa and MasterCard has perhaps marginally reduced these fees. Chef Andrew questions if this is a really meaningful happening.

Welcome to our post-Thanksgiving, “No Leftovers,” broadcast.


“Spotlighting San Martin’s (Santa Clara County, CA) Terra Amico Farms, a thriving organic and regenerative heirloom tomato farm nestled in the countryside between Morgan Hill and Gilroy. The farm is dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices that not only produce the highest quality and best tasting tomatoes but also rejuvenate the land and support biodiversity.  At Terra Amico Farms, they believe in the power of community and the joy of connecting people with the source of their food. Terra Amico Farms’ commitment to organic farming ensures that their tomatoes are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, preserving the health of the soil and the surrounding ecosystem. They embrace regenerative techniques such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and composting to enhance soil fertility and capture carbon, making this farm a model of environmental stewardship.” Farmer Joe Raineri takes a break from weeding to join us.

“Michael Brughelli founded his eponymous wine brand in 2018. His wines represent the culmination of a full and purposeful career in the wine industry, and a meaningful life as a father, husband, brother and son. Precise and intentional, these wines pay tribute to Michael’s Swiss-Italian roots, while building upon an American family legacy.

He’s been drawn to the natural world and farming since boyhood. An avid outdoorsman, Michael enjoys time spent in the vineyard and is inspired by its natural environs.” The premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes used in his acclaimed wines are coming from Santa Maria Valley vineyard sites that Brughelli dictated and / or managed the farming on for over a decade with the goal of applying top tier farming to top tier and potentially incredible sites. Winemaker Michael Brughelli joins us to gently pull the cork on all that is Brughelli wine.

“Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach has enthusiastically welcomed back the encore of Pete’s Christmas Vacation for its second year, returning by popular demand. Running currently through January 3, the festive pop-up transforms Pete’s Sunset Grille into a coastal winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, cozy outdoor igloos, and a cheerful seasonal menu.” Executive Chef Manfred Lassahn and General Manager Jon Benson join us to unwrap all that is the encore of Pete’s Christmas Vacation.

“The name Wolfgang Puck is synonymous with the best of restaurant hospitality and the ultimate in all aspects of the culinary arts.” Our guest, Byron Lazaroff-Puck, is the President of Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining. “The award-winning restaurants in the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group include Chinois (Santa Monica); Carama by Wolfgang Puck (Las Vegas); CUT (Bahrain Bay, Beverly Hills, DC, Las Vegas, London, and Singapore); Spago (Beverly Hills, Istanbul, Las Vegas, Maui, Bodrum and Singapore); re Asian Cuisine (Bahrain Bay); Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (Las Vegas and Orlando); and Merois (Los Angeles).

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. We return to the irritating subject of the ever- increasing swipe fees that restaurateurs are charged on credit card sales. A new settlement involving Visa and MasterCard has perhaps marginally reduced these fees. Chef Andrew questions if this is a really meaningful happening.

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

“Welcome to San Martin’s (Santa Clara County, CA) Terra Amico Farms, a thriving organic and regenerative heirloom tomato farm nestled in the countryside between Morgan Hill and Gilroy. The farm is dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices that not only produce the highest quality and best tasting tomatoes but also rejuvenate the land and support biodiversity.  At Terra Amico Farms, they believe in the power of community and the joy of connecting people with the source of their food.”

“Terra Amico Farms commitment to organic farming ensures that their tomatoes are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, preserving the health of the soil and the surrounding ecosystem. They embrace regenerative techniques such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and composting to enhance soil fertility and capture carbon, making this farm a model of environmental stewardship.”

“Terra Amico Farms is more than just a place to grow tomatoes; it’s a destination for unforgettable experiences. They host Farm-To-Table dinners where guests can savor gourmet meals crafted from estate produce and other local farm fresh, seasonal produce, prepared by talented local chefs. These dinners offer a unique opportunity to taste the flavors from local farms while enjoying the picturesque landscape. Guests are treated to a farm tour, learn about their sustainable farming practices and enjoy wine, craft beer and ciders from local producers.”

“In addition to their dinners, Terra Amico Farms organize a variety of farm-related events throughout the year. From guided tours and u-picks to community harvest days, there is always something happening at Terra Amico Farms.  These events foster a deeper connection between people and the food they eat, promoting a greater appreciation for sustainable agriculture.”  

Farmer Joe Raineri takes a break from weeding to join us.

“Welcome to San Martin’s (Santa Clara County, CA) Terra Amico Farms, a thriving organic and regenerative heirloom tomato farm nestled in the countryside between Morgan Hill and Gilroy. The farm is dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices that not only produce the highest quality and best tasting tomatoes but also rejuvenate the land and support biodiversity.  At Terra Amico Farms, they believe in the power of community and the joy of connecting people with the source of their food.”

“Terra Amico Farms commitment to organic farming ensures that their tomatoes are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, preserving the health of the soil and the surrounding ecosystem. They embrace regenerative techniques such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and composting to enhance soil fertility and capture carbon, making this farm a model of environmental stewardship.”

“Terra Amico Farms is more than just a place to grow tomatoes; it’s a destination for unforgettable experiences. They host Farm-To-Table dinners where guests can savor gourmet meals crafted from estate produce and other local farm fresh, seasonal produce, prepared by talented local chefs. These dinners offer a unique opportunity to taste the flavors from local farms while enjoying the picturesque landscape. Guests are treated to a farm tour, learn about their sustainable farming practices and enjoy wine, craft beer and ciders from local producers.” 

Joe is also the volunteer guiding force behind the non-profit, embryonic Fattoria Public Market and Food Hall. For California in Morgan Hill the concept is inspired by the European Public Markets supporting small family farmers and artisan food product producers showcasing a diversity of culinary delights.

Farmer Joe Raineri takes a break from now feeding the goats to stay with us.