Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

SoCal Restaurant Show

“ADYA Fine Indian Flavors is celebrating their 10th Anniversary at the Anaheim Packing House with a special dinner of creative dishes and definitive ADYA classics! This Anniversary Dinner on Thursday, May 30 features a fun mix of new surprises and favorites, all of which pay homage to Chefs Shachi Mehra’s and Sandeep Basur’s experiences over the past decade. Over that time, ADYA has worked hard to increase the popularity and awareness of Indian cuisine and culture through cooking classes, press coverage, television appearances, farmers markets, and food festivals, nonprofit gala events, and so much more!” The Anniversary Dinner from 6 to 8:00 p.m. is four courses with appropriate beverage pairings. Chef Shachi Mehra takes a break from the tandoor to join us.

“Calling all BBQ lovers! The 2nd Annual Long Beach BBQ Fest will take place on Saturday, May 25. May is National BBQ Month. Organized by Ian and Qiana Mafnas, proprietors of the wildly popular Axiom Kitchen Smoked Meats & BBQ, sponsored by non-profit NoahS's Arc Foundation and in collaboration with Long Beach Living, dozens of BBQ and other vendors will gather at Shoreline Aquatic Park on Saturday, May 25, from Noon to 9 p.m. to offer their smoked, sauced and rubbed specialties to BBQ lovers.” Organizer Qiana Mafnas joins us with tongs in hand.

“In Saved by A Blonde & A Chicken Pot Pie – A Restaurateur’s Memoir, restaurateur Bob Spivak (The Grill on the Alley in Beverly Hills, The Daily Grills and Public School Restaurant + Bar recounts growing up in the restaurant business, how athletics and ingenuity helped him succeed despite living with dyslexia, and the lunch meeting that changed the course of his life, personally and professionally. A lifelong veteran of the food and beverage industry, Bob’s passion for hospitality, love of people and keen business savvy have made him both a respected and beloved figure to multiple generations of restaurant workers and guests.” Bob Spivak (retired) joins us with a chicken pot pie at the ready.

“Nestled in the coastal hills of Oregon, Knoll Vineyards benefits from the maritime-influenced climate of the Umpqua River Valley. Thirty-six miles inland from the Pacific, the cool climate contributes to the ideal terroir for outstanding Pinot Noir and other varietals. Knoll Vineyards is the venture of a fifth-generation Oregon family with a long tradition in ranching and forestry. The 30-acre vineyard uses regenerative and organic practices to nurture a sustainable agriculture environment. Proprietors Leslie (Winemaker) and Steve Beckley began planting grapevines on their Elkton property in 2018. All the wines are made on-site from estate-grown grapes. Their 30-year-old barn houses the winery. Tomaselli’s Pastry Mill & Café has been an institution in Elkton, Oregon since 1981. Known for crafting great food and homemade bakery goods along with from-scratch pizza from their wood-burning oven.” In November of 2023 the Beckley’s assumed ownership of Tomaselli’s to preserve their proud tradition of serving the local community. Winemaker and Restaurateur Leslie Beckley is our guest to pull the cork on all that is Elkton’s Knoll Vineyards and Tomaselli’s Café.

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. We’re returning to the conversation about Virtual / Ghost Kitchens. What started as an incubator for entrepreneurial restaurateurs to test a food concept on a budget has morphed into something altogether different and, seemingly, on the decline. Major national restaurant chains are now creating virtual brands (that only exist online) to be prepared in their underutilized kitchens for pickup and delivery. Chef Andrew will talk about “Ballpark Bites” for delivery.

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