ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Chef Andrew Gruel of the Calico Fish House, Show Co-Host, joins us to look back on the ten years he has been associated with the show.
Acclaimed New York Restaurateur and humanitarian, Danny Meyer, after 20 years, has a newly published inspirational book entitled What Could Possibly Go Right? Essential lessons in leadership, culture and practical optimism. We’ll meet him. “In What Could Possibly Go Right?, restaurateur, entrepreneur, and New York Times bestselling author Danny Meyerdraws on more than four decades of entrepreneurship—sharing the successes, setbacks, failures, and reinventions that came with them. At its heart is a question that has shaped the second half of his career: How can growth strengthen your culture, rather than diminish it?”
“Halloween is back in Surf City, USA at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa as Pete’s Spookeasy has returned to Pete’s Sunset Grille thru November 2. Pete’s Spookeasy brings a Halloween takeover to the coastal dining venue with festive décor, creatively themed cocktails, a playful Halloween menu, and select themed movie nights, inviting resort guests and Orange County locals to kick off the spooky season with a touch of seaside mischief.” Executive Chef Manfred Lassahn (the architect of Pete’s Spookeasy, is our guide.
“America’s Best Wine Festival, the Garagiste (Garage-east) Wine Festival, returns to its birthplace in Paso Robles on November 6th and 7th with new venues, new digs, new winemakers, and a tasting seminar that explores the rise of Italian grape varieties in California. More than 50 winemakers—including OG’s (Original Garagistes) and the next generation of garagiste producers—will pour 200+ premium wines from across Paso Robles 11 AVAs, and the Central Coast. In the heart of downtown Paso Robles, The Ava Hotel, the Official Hotel of Garagiste, offers a modern retreat in California wine country. Enjoy three unique dining experiences: EMRE, a Mediterranean restaurant; Esperanza on the Rooftop, a Baja-inspired bar and eatery; and Pine Street Bistro with a La Colombe espresso bar.” General Manager Matt Kleefisch is our guest.
Thereafter we speak with Doug Minnick, the Co-founder of Garagiste Wine Festival – Paso Robles.
“Mírate Los Feliz offers a beautiful assortment of cocktails, a robust selection of distillates, wine and beer––all sourced from Mexico––while remaining true to the culinary ethos and sourcing practices that are central to its mission. Guests will explore an ingredient-driven menu (created by Executive Chef Alan Sanz) inspired by Mexico’s bold flavors in a lively setting artfully combining the kitchen’s whimsical takes on nuanced techniques. The menu is intended to be shared with dishes that present familiar flavors in a new, unexpected way that emphasizes the layered culinary history of Mexico, seamlessly intertwined with California cuisine.” Executive Chef Alan Sanz takes a break from his busy kitchen to join us.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) now joins us with his timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Today Chef Andrew talks about the protein craze. It’s being added to seemingly everything. Shortages of whey (a great source of protein) are a new concern. It’s impacting the cheese business.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!