SoCal Restaurant Show

From a chef and restaurateur’s perspective what is Chef Andrew optimistic about and, conversely, what’s of particular concern as we enter 2025? Meanwhile egg prices are still on the rise and there are reported spot shortages at retail.

Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook (newly published) is also available with signed copies at his Calico Fish House on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach.

Taco Mesita in Tustin is the effort of third generation chef & restauranter Ivan Calderon (Taco Rosa & Taco Mesa) and his son Nico. “A chef-driven fast-food shop with a wood-fired grill serving gourmet Mexican cuisine with house made everything including freshly pressed blue corn tortillas. This gourmet taco shop with a drive-thru and patio seating offers breakfast, rotisserie chicken, and other Mexican dishes in a casual setting.”

Stepping away from the wood-fired grill to join us is 4th generation restaurateur Nico Calderon.

One of the early pioneers in the Temecula Valley in growing premium wine grapes, producing award-winning wines and later offering deluxe accommodations for guests is Jim Carter of Carter Hospitality. His properties in Temecula include South Coast Winery Resort and Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort. Today Jim Carter’s son, Jeff, continues the family legacy. “South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort are truly the diamonds of the Temecula Valley producing a broad portfolio of award-winning wines and providing five-star hospitality.” Jeff Carter joins us to uncork all that is Carter Hospitality.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative pre-Holiday “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. We’re bringing him on a little early…Chef Andrew is back to his regular time of 11:45 a.m. on December 28th. What’s going on with the rising prices of both eggs and beef? Is price relief in sight after the Holidays ? Chef Andrew shares his thoughts.

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

Taco Mesita in Tustin is the effort of third generation chef & restauranter Ivan Calderon (Taco Rosa & Taco Mesa) and his son Nico. “A chef-driven fast-food shop with a wood-fired grill serving gourmet Mexican cuisine with house made everything including freshly pressed blue corn tortillas. This gourmet taco shop with a drive-thru and patio seating offers breakfast, rotisserie chicken, and other Mexican dishes in a casual setting.”

“Featured items include Churro Brioche French Toast; Woodfire Roasted Chicken Taco with roasted chicken on a homemade blue corn tortilla topped with charred corn relish, cabbage, tomatillo, red onion, avocado crema and queso fresco; Breakfast Burrito and Woodfired Elote with corn dipped in a butter brine, topped with thyme, mayo parmesan and house made chili powder.”

Taco Mesita opens at 7:00 a.m. daily and serves seven days a week.

Stepping away from the wood-fired grill to join us is 4th generation restaurateur Nico Calderon.

Taco Mesita in Tustin is the effort of third generation chef & restauranter Ivan Calderon (Taco Rosa & Taco Mesa) and his son Nico. “A chef-driven fast-food shop with a wood-fired grill serving gourmet Mexican cuisine with house made everything including freshly pressed blue corn tortillas. This gourmet taco shop with a drive-thru and patio seating offers breakfast, rotisserie chicken, and other Mexican dishes in a casual setting.”

“Featured items include Churro Brioche French Toast; Woodfire Roasted Chicken Taco with roasted chicken on a homemade blue corn tortilla topped with charred corn relish, cabbage, tomatillo, red onion, avocado crema and queso fresco; Breakfast Burrito and Woodfired Elote with corn dipped in a butter brine, topped with thyme, mayo parmesan and house made chili powder.”

Taco Mesita opens at 7:00 a.m. daily and serves seven days.

Special items for Taco Tuesday. Secret Menu, too…

Stepping away briefly from the wood-fired grill to rejoin us is 4th generation restaurateur Nico Calderon.

One of the early pioneers in the Temecula Valley in growing premium wine grapes, producing award-winning wines and later offering deluxe accommodations for guests is Jim Carter of Carter Hospitality. His properties in Temecula include South Coast Winery Resort and Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort. Today Jim Carter’s son, Jeff, continues the family legacy. “South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort are truly the diamonds of the Temecula Valley producing a broad portfolio of award-winning wines and providing five-star hospitality.” Jeff Carter joins us to uncork all that is Carter Hospitality.

“Situated on 63 lush acres of rolling vineyards in Southern California wine country, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa offers an idyllic setting for a weekend getaway, destination wedding or corporate retreat. With breathtaking vineyard views, flexible indoor and outdoor event space, the finest in farm-to-table California cuisine, award winning wines and a full-service spa, the resort was founded by Jim Carter, who purchased his first vineyards in the Temecula Valley more than 20 years ago. Eventually, Carter was inspired to build the area’s very first full-service winery resort, South Coast, which has since emerged as one of the region’s most acclaimed and popular wineries.”

“Situated on 109 pristine acres, Carter Estate Winery and Resort is an ideal wine country retreat in the beautiful Temecula Valley. One of the state’s preeminent méthode champenoise sparkling wine producers, Carter Estate vineyards produces award-winning wines against the bucolic backdrop of Southern California wine country, with rolling hills, verdant vineyards and mountain vistas. The resort features 60 beautifully designed private bungalows and suites, a luxurious swimming pool with cabanas, a poolside restaurant, a working winery, a private tasting room and in-room spa services.”

One of the early pioneers in the Temecula Valley in growing premium wine grapes, producing award-winning wines and offering deluxe accommodations for guests is Jim Carter of Carter Hospitality. His properties in Temecula include South Coast Winery Resort and Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort. Today Jim Carter’s son, Jeff, continues the family legacy. South Coast Winery Resort & Spa and Carter Estate Winery and Resort are truly the diamonds of the Temecula Valley producing a broad portfolio of award-winning wines and providing five-star hospitality.

In the popular Texas Hill Country area of Texas, Carter Hospitality also operates Carter Creek Winery Resort in Johnson City. The property includes the Old 290 Brewery and Restaurant, a working craft brewery.

Jeff Carter continues with us uncorking all that is Carter Hospitality.

If you’ve been to Solvang, USA (the Danish Capital of America) you’ve no doubt tasted the sweet version of the delightful Aebleskivers. Author Pim Pauline Overgaard’s first cookbook, Aebleskiver – A New Take on Traditional Danish Pancakes “reimagines the traditional Danish pancake with new flavors (both sweet and savory) and creative spins, making it a must-have for any kitchen. These versatile treats are ideal for any meal, especially a brunch gathering with family and friends. Discover the world of Aebleskiver, the beloved, sphere-shaped Danish pancakes traditionally savored during the holidays and for special celebrations. In this contemporary twist, more than 70 recipes transform these sweet delights to everyday fare. Perfect for any meal, Aebleskiver can be enjoyed in both the classic sweet variations and in innovative savory forms.” Pim Pauline Overgaard is our guide to all things Aebleskiver and joins us with Aebleskiver pan at the ready.

“The Helms Bakery, a modern interpretation of the original (closed in 1969) including a multi-space layout with a (coming soon) full-service restaurant, Dinette, for breakfast and lunch (to open at a later date), a dedicated bakery with takeaway counter for prepared foods, as well as a retail section of specialty products, is now open in the soft open phase.” Hours are limited from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday.

This 14,000 square foot upscale food emporium is the 12-year dream of Chef Sang Yoon (Father’s Office) and is easily the most ambitious food venture to launch in Southern California in 2024. In addition to the lavish Bakery Counter (cookies, cales, pies, pastries) there is a Coffee & Beverage Counter where the coffee beans are roasted and ground right there. You can even get the famous Dole Whip (of Disneyland fame) here. At the Deli Counter at Lunch there are a wide variety of sandwiches available on Helms fresh-baked breads. In the a.m. adjacent to the Deli Counter is a grab-and-go case with hot breakfast sandwiches. Everything is replenished and rotated during the day as appropriate. Our guides to all things Helms Bakery are Restaurateur Sang Yoon and Executive Chef Nanor Harboyan.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Listeners have been asking for it and, now, it’s finally here. It’s Chef Andrew Gruel’s first cookbook – Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook. Let’s bring the Family together cooking in the kitchen. Chef Andrew has all the particulars.

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

“From Jessica B. Harris, the award-winning author of High on the Hog—inspiration for the “energetic, emotional, and deeply nuanced” (The New York Times) Netflix series of the same name—comes a new and updated edition of A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook, another important exploration of African American culture, food, and family, featuring recipes and stories to help this generation create unique holiday traditions. Now with a new introduction by award-winning writer and iconic culinary historian Jessica B. Harris, a foreword by chef and television personality Carla Hall, revised recipes and stories, and a fresh new package, A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook offers proverbs, ceremonies, family projects, inspirational biographies, blessings, and of course, wonderful recipes. Structured around the seven days of Kwanzaa and the virtues each day represents, Harris shares a themed feast for each night, designed to reflect the principle of the day.” Jessica B. Harris is our guest providing the background of Kwanzaa.

Baker Dean Kim’s OC Baking Co’s eagerly anticipated edible Christmas Market returns on Monday, December 23rd from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the production bakery in Orange. In addition to Dean’s incredible breads a collection of local artisan food producers will also be in attendance. Look for Leslie Nguyen’s Miss Mini Donuts and yummy holiday pastries from Crema Artisan Bakers. Also, Lisa Gilmore’s Soup’d Up’s Baked Potato Soup with Chili (award-winning.) Master Baker Dean Kim of OC Baking Co., Lisa Gilmore of Soup’ed Up and Leslie Nguyen of Miss Mini Donut join us to preview a taste of what’s on the Holiday Market’s tantalizing menu.

If you’ve been to Solvang, USA (the Danish Capital of America) you’ve no doubt tasted the sweet version of the delightful Aebleskivers. Author Pim Pauline Overgaard’s first cookbook, Aebleskiver – A New Take on Traditional Danish Pancakes “reimagines the traditional Danish pancake with new flavors (both sweet and savory) and creative spins, making it a must-have for any kitchen. These versatile treats are ideal for any meal, especially a brunch gathering with family and friends. Discover the world of Aebleskiver, the beloved, sphere-shaped Danish pancakes traditionally savored during the holidays and for special celebrations. In this contemporary twist, more than 70 recipes transform these sweet delights to everyday fare. Perfect for any meal, Aebleskiver can be enjoyed in both the classic sweet variations and in innovative savory forms.” Pim Pauline Overgaard is our guide to all things Aebleskiver and joins us with Aebleskiver pan at the ready.

“From Jessica B. Harris, the award-winning author of High on the Hog—inspiration for the “energetic, emotional, and deeply nuanced” (The New York Times) Netflix series of the same name—comes a new and updated edition of A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook, another important exploration of African American culture, food, and family, featuring recipes and stories to help this generation create unique holiday traditions. Now with a new introduction by award-winning writer and iconic culinary historian Jessica B. Harris, a foreword by chef and television personality Carla Hall, revised recipes and stories, and a fresh new package, A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook offers proverbs, ceremonies, family projects, inspirational biographies, blessings, and of course, wonderful recipes. Structured around the seven days of Kwanzaa and the virtues each day represents, Harris shares a themed feast for each night, designed to reflect the principle of the day.” Jessica B. Harris is our guest providing the background of Kwanzaa.

Baker Dean Kim’s OC Baking Co’s eagerly anticipated edible Christmas Market returns on Monday, December 23rd from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the production bakery in Orange. In addition to Dean’s incredible breads a collection of local artisan food producers will also be in attendance. Look for Leslie Nguyen’s Miss Mini Donuts and yummy holiday pastries from Crema Artisan Bakers. Also, Lisa Gilmore’s Soup’d Up’s Baked Potato Soup with Chili (award-winning.) Master Baker Dean Kim of OC Baking Co., Lisa Gilmore of Soup’ed Up and Leslie Nguyen of Miss Mini Donut join us to preview a taste of what’s on the Holiday Market’s tantalizing menu.

If you’ve been to Solvang, USA (the Danish Capital of America) you’ve no doubt tasted the sweet version of the delightful Aebleskivers. Author Pim Pauline Overgaard’s first cookbook, Aebleskiver – A New Take on Traditional Danish Pancakes “reimagines the traditional Danish pancake with new flavors (both sweet and savory) and creative spins, making it a must-have for any kitchen. These versatile treats are ideal for any meal, especially a brunch gathering with family and friends. Discover the world of Aebleskiver, the beloved, sphere-shaped Danish pancakes traditionally savored during the holidays and for special celebrations. In this contemporary twist, more than 70 recipes transform these sweet delights to everyday fare. Perfect for any meal, Aebleskiver can be enjoyed in both the classic sweet variations and in innovative savory forms.” Pim Pauline Overgaard is our guide to all things Aebleskiver and joins us with Aebleskiver pan at the ready.

“The Helms Bakery, a modern interpretation of the original (closed in 1969) including a multi-space layout with a (coming soon) full-service restaurant, Dinette, for breakfast and lunch (to open at a later date), a dedicated bakery with takeaway counter for prepared foods, as well as a retail section of specialty products, is now open in the soft open phase.” Hours are limited from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday.

This 14,000 square foot upscale food emporium is the 12-year dream of Chef Sang Yoon (Father’s Office) and is easily the most ambitious food venture to launch in Southern California in 2024. In addition to the lavish Bakery Counter (cookies, cales, pies, pastries) there is a Coffee & Beverage Counter where the coffee beans are roasted and ground right there. You can even get the famous Dole Whip (of Disneyland fame) here. At the Deli Counter at Lunch there are a wide variety of sandwiches available on Helms fresh-baked breads. In the a.m. adjacent to the Deli Counter is a grab-and-go case with hot breakfast sandwiches. Everything is replenished and rotated during the day as appropriate. Our guides to all things Helms Bakery are Restaurateur Sang Yoon and Executive Chef Nanor Harboyan.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Listeners have been asking for it and, now, it’s finally here. It’s Chef Andrew Gruel’s first cookbook – Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook. Let’s bring the Family together cooking in the kitchen. Chef Andrew has all the particulars.

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