SoCal Restaurant Show

“Like so many other adventures, New Zealand Wine Navigator began with friends, family, and a few excellent bottles of wine. Graham Painter, Founder and CEO, was visiting family in the States and was sent out to select a nice wine for dinner. Wanting to show off some of the outstanding wines New Zealand has to offer, he went from one wine store to the next searching for something special; beyond the big-name Sauvignon Blancs. A deep, rich Pinot Noir or Syrah perhaps. How about a superb Riesling...? Surely, with the breadth of fine wines being produced in New Zealand, there was something special to be found. That fruitless search inspired a mission.”

“Today, New Zealand Wine Navigator is America’s #1 New Zealand wine specialist, satisfying wine lovers across the United States with special, hard-to-find New Zealand wines from small, family estate producers. They ship the wine to a temperature-controlled warehouse in California ready for quick and cost-effective delivery to your home or office.”

“Graham set out to source the finest small-producer wines New Zealand has to offer. Small production, premium, family estate wines were the benchmarks. NZ Wine Navigator works in partnership with New Zealand wineries to help them get their wines out to the world because small, local production is the backbone of New Zealand’s economy.”

“To achieve the perfect selection of wines in their portfolio, NZ Wine Navigator enlisted the help of Cameron Douglas, their Master Sommelier. His carefully curated selection of premium labels from New Zealand is ready for you to drink now or cellar. If you are after exceptional wines from small out-of-the-way winemakers from a small, out-of-the-way country, you’re in the right place! Welcome.”

David Harlow, West Regional Manager for NZ Wine Navigator, joins us to uncork all that is NZ Wine Navigator.

“Like so many other adventures, New Zealand Wine Navigator began with friends, family, and a few excellent bottles of wine. Graham Painter, Founder and CEO, was visiting family in the States and was sent out to select a nice wine for dinner. Wanting to show off some of the outstanding wines New Zealand has to offer, he went from one wine store to the next searching for something special; beyond the big-name Sauvignon Blancs. A deep, rich Pinot Noir or Syrah perhaps. How about a superb Riesling...? Surely, with the breadth of fine wines being produced in New Zealand, there was something special to be found. That fruitless search inspired a mission.”

“Today, New Zealand Wine Navigator is America’s #1 New Zealand wine specialist, satisfying wine lovers across the United States with special, hard-to-find New Zealand wines from small, family estate producers. They ship the wine to a temperature-controlled warehouse in California ready for quick and cost-effective delivery to your home or office.”

“Graham set out to source the finest small-producer wines New Zealand has to offer. Small production, premium, family estate wines were the benchmarks. NZ Wine Navigator works in partnership with New Zealand wineries to help them get their wines out to the world because small, local production is the backbone of New Zealand’s economy.”

“To achieve the perfect selection of wines in their portfolio, NZ Wine Navigator enlisted the help of Cameron Douglas, their Master Sommelier. His carefully curated selection of premium labels from New Zealand is ready for you to drink now or cellar. If you are after exceptional wines from small out-of-the-way winemakers from a small, out-of-the-way country, you’re in the right place! Welcome.”

David Harlow, West Regional Manager for NZ Wine Navigator, continues with us uncorking all that is NZ Wine Navigator.

“Long celebrated as a superfood source of powerful nutrients, fresh mushrooms are a healthy addition to your plate. Mushrooms provide many of the same nutritional benefits as vegetables, as well as attributes commonly found in meat, beans and grains. Mushrooms can help fulfill some of the leading recommendations for a healthy diet from the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.”

“The most popular mushroom variety grown in the U.S. is white button, followed by crimini (brown or baby bellas), portabellas, enoki, oyster, maitake and shiitake.”

“Today, mushrooms are commercially produced in virtually every state. The Mushroom Council® plays an important role in the national promotion of those fresh mushrooms.”

“Cristie Mather of The Mushroom Council® is our well-informed guide to the goodness of mushrooms.”

“From the BBQ Hall of Famer and New York Times bestselling author of Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling comes The Meathead Method, a masterclass in the science and art of outdoor cooking. Meathead offers readers an informative, comprehensive, and fun guide to BBQ, grilling, and griddling, all backed by the latest culinary science. With more than 110 creative and non-traditional recipes, The Meathead Method provides both indoor and outdoor cooks with tools to elevate their skills. From mastering fire, smoke, and heat to discovering the intricacies of flavors, this book is more than just a cookbook—it’s a reference manual which guides us on a journey into the heart of what makes great food.” Meathead is our encore guest with insightful tips for outdoor cooking for the 4th of July Weekend.

BBQ Hall of famer Meathead, of The Meathead Method : A BBQ Hall of Famer’s Secrets and Science on BBQ, Grilling, and Outdoor Cooking with 114 Recipes, also joins in early for this segment and then continues in the 2nd segment.

“Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa (owned by Carter Hospitality Group) is a luxury retreat located 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 under the direction of Winemaker (and Texas-born) Jon McPherson 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.” General Manager Derek Stutz is our hospitable guide to all that is Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa.

“There’s just something about new school supplies that helps kids get excited about learning, and Huntington Meats is again doing their part to make sure all children experience that excitement as the new school year kicks off in August. Huntington Meats' sister shop Farmers Market Poultry will also be participating in the drive. For the second year in a row, the two shops offering quality meat and poultry products are coming together to participate in their Back-to-School School Supply Drive to take place the entire month of July. The goal is to collect enough supplies for 350 kids for distribution to the Union Rescue Mission in Downtown LA. Customers that visit either of the shops and donate new, unused school supplies valued at $10 or more will receive a complimentary pound of ground beef or homemade sausages from Huntington Meats, or a pound of ground chicken or ground turkey from Farmers Market Poultry.” Jim Cascone, the maestro of sausage, beef, pork and chicken, joins us with all the details about how our listeners can help.

“Tiki bar fans, rejoice — and grab a place 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 treasure chest of rare artisanal rums worth drinking straight.” Strong Water’s latest national recognition is a 2nd nomination for the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine & Other Beverage Program. Strong Water is only one of two Orange County nominees in any category for a James Beard Award in 2025. 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. Newly added is Weekend Brunch. Co-Proprietor and Robert Adamson (Prime Minister) join us just back from Chicago and The James Beard Awards.

“From the BBQ Hall of Famer and New York Times bestselling author of Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling comes The Meathead Method, a masterclass in the science and art of outdoor cooking. Meathead offers readers an informative, comprehensive, and fun guide to BBQ, grilling, and griddling, all backed by the latest culinary science. With more than 110 creative and non-traditional recipes, The Meathead Method provides both indoor and outdoor cooks with tools to elevate their skills. From mastering fire, smoke, and heat to discovering the intricacies of flavors, this book is more than just a cookbook—it’s a reference manual which guides us on a journey into the heart of what makes great food.” Meathead is our encore guest with insightful tips for outdoor cooking for the 4th of July Weekend.

BBQ Hall of famer Meathead, of The Meathead Method : A BBQ Hall of Famer’s Secrets and Science on BBQ, Grilling, and Outdoor Cooking with 114 Recipes, also joins in early for this segment and then continues in the 2nd segment.

“Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa (owned by Carter Hospitality Group) is a luxury retreat located 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 under the direction of Winemaker (and Texas-born) Jon McPherson 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.” General Manager Derek Stutz is our hospitable guide to all that is Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa.

“There’s just something about new school supplies that helps kids get excited about learning, and Huntington Meats is again doing their part to make sure all children experience that excitement as the new school year kicks off in August. Huntington Meats' sister shop Farmers Market Poultry will also be participating in the drive. For the second year in a row, the two shops offering quality meat and poultry products are coming together to participate in their Back-to-School School Supply Drive to take place the entire month of July. The goal is to collect enough supplies for 350 kids for distribution to the Union Rescue Mission in Downtown LA. Customers that visit either of the shops and donate new, unused school supplies valued at $10 or more will receive a complimentary pound of ground beef or homemade sausages from Huntington Meats, or a pound of ground chicken or ground turkey from Farmers Market Poultry.” Jim Cascone, the maestro of sausage, beef, pork and chicken, joins us with all the details about how our listeners can help.

“Tiki bar fans, rejoice — and grab a place 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 treasure chest of rare artisanal rums worth drinking straight.” Strong Water’s latest national recognition is a 2nd nomination for the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine & Other Beverage Program. Strong Water is only one of two Orange County nominees in any category for a James Beard Award in 2025. 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. Newly added is Weekend Brunch. Co-Proprietor and Robert Adamson (Prime Minister) join us just back from Chicago and The James Beard Awards.

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

“From the BBQ Hall of Famer and New York Times bestselling author of Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling comes The Meathead Method, a masterclass in the science and art of outdoor cooking. Meathead offers readers an informative, comprehensive, and fun guide to BBQ, grilling, and griddling, all backed by the latest culinary science. With more than 110 creative and non-traditional recipes, The Meathead Method provides both indoor and outdoor cooks with tools to elevate their skills. From mastering fire, smoke, and heat to discovering the intricacies of flavors, this book is more than just a cookbook—it’s a reference manual which guides us on a journey into the heart of what makes great food.”

Meathead is our encore guest with insightful tips for outdoor cooking for the 4th of July Weekend. What’s the Maillard reaction anyway?

“Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa (owned by Carter Hospitality Group) 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 under the direction of pioneering 2nd generation Texas Winemaker Jon McPherson 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.”

“The resort’s winery and tasting room offer a selection of superb Carter Creek wines, while the Old 290 Brewery serves both wine and beer to complement a robust, steakhouse-style menu with a Texas accent.”

“Named after the original highway connecting Fredericksburg and Johnson City, Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant combines Hill Country craft beer with hearty, Texas-inspired cuisine in a rustic, yet refined setting. Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the gastropub style eatery emphasizes fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, accompanied by craft beer from the Brewery and award-winning wines from Carter Creek Winery. In true Lone Star State style, this brewery and restaurant features a stage for hosting local musicians.”

General Manager Derek Stutz is our hospitable guide to all that is Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa.

“Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa (owned by Carter Hospitality Group) 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 under the direction of acclaimed Winemaker Jon McPherson (a native Texan) 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.”

“The resort’s winery and tasting room offer a selection of superb Carter Creek wines, while the Old 290 Brewery serves both wine and beer to complement a robust, steakhouse-style menu.”

“Named after the original highway connecting Fredericksburg and Johnson City, Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant combines Hill Country craft beer with hearty, Texas-inspired cuisine in a rustic, yet refined setting. Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the gastropub style eatery emphasizes fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, accompanied by craft beer from the Brewery and award-winning wines from Carter Creek Winery. In true Lone Star State style, this brewery and restaurant features a stage for hosting local musicians.”

We’ll also hear about The Travel Detective’s, Peter Greenberg, PBS special, Hidden Gems of the Texas Hill Country featuring Carter Creek Winery Resort.

General Manager Derek Stutz continues as our hospitable guide to all that is Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa.

“There’s just something about new school supplies that helps kids get excited about learning, and Huntington Meats is again doing their part to make sure all children experience that excitement as the new school year kicks off in August. Huntington Meats' sister shop Farmers Market Poultry will also be participating in the drive.”

“For the second year in a row, the two shops offering quality meat and poultry products are coming together to participate in their Back-to-School School Supply Drive to take place the entire month of July. The goal is to collect enough supplies for 350 kids for distribution to the Union Rescue Mission in Downtown LA.”

“Customers that visit either of the shops and donate new, unused school supplies valued at $10 or more will receive a complimentary pound of ground beef or homemade sausages from Huntington Meats, or a pound of ground chicken or ground turkey from Farmers Market Poultry.”

“Having worked with Union Rescue Mission previously with other projects, we feel this was another way for Huntington Meats and Farmers Market Poultry to give back to the kids, this time providing them with some of the tools they need to excel in school this year,” said Jim Cascone, proprietor of both Huntington Meats and Farmers Market Poultry. “We forget that some kids may never have started school with brand new school supplies, which was something many of us took for granted growing up.”

“The shops are located at The Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles 90036. Huntington Meats is located at Stall 350 and Farmers Market Poultry is located at Stall 216.”

Jim Cascone, a distinguished butcher and expert in sausage making, joins us to provide information on how our listeners can contribute.