Monday, February 28, 2011

3/1 Philippe French Dip, the Pinot Shootout Wrap-Up, Corky's Ribs & BBQ for National Pig Day!


Richard Binder, General Manager of Phillipe - Home of the Original French Dip, Gives Us the Low-Down on This Los Angeles Landmark!

Phillipe the Original has been operating for more than 100 years. The restaurant moved to its current location on North Alameda Street in 1951.

The French Dip sandwich was created at Philippe's back in 1918 by founder Philippe Mathieu. For beverages, Philippe's serves cans of soft drinks, freshly brewed iced tea, lemonade, coffee, select wines, and beer.

Historically, homemade wine had been available. The current owner, a wine aficionado, has added a small selection of California wines to the menu. Philippe's is famous for serving cups of regular coffee for 9 cents to this day, in honor of old-fashioned prices. The price was last raised from 5 cents in 1977.

For more on Philippe's, go to http://philippes.com/

Master Sommelier and Creator & Host of Wine Oh TV, Monique Soltani, Gives Us the Wrap-Up on the Pinot Shootout!

Who were the wine stars in the Pinot Shootout? Monique will tell all! The Shootout is all apart of the Annual Pinot Noir Summit that happened last weekend in San Francisco. Pinot Noir lovers, wine industry attendees and media tasted the selected wines and pit their palates against the expert panel. Each guest rated their preferences. Scores were tallied and compared with the findings of our panel.

Monique Soltani is the Creator and Host of Wine Oh TV and holds a certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Monique is thrilled to share her passion for wine with the world. Monique hosts a weekly wine segment for AOL and covers Livermore, Sonoma, Healdsburg, and Santa Cruz. Monique also works as a food and wine reporter for the syndicated news magazine program California Life which airs throughout the state of California and works as a wine expert for Bestcovery.com.

Monique has over ten years experience working in the entertainment industry. Most recently Monique worked as a Host/Entertainment Reporter at KPIX-TV and KSEE 24 and Traffic Anchor at KPIX-TV. In addition to working as a broadcaster Monique studied acting at The Atlantic Theater Company in New York, comedy at The Groundlings and has worked on various films, television shows, commercials and voice overs.

Some of her hobbies include: wine tasting, working out, hiking, yoga and anything that involves sunshine and waves!

You can find out more about Monique by visiting her website www.moniquesoltani.com

You can find out more about the Pinot Noir Summit and Affairs of the Vine, the company that put it all together, at www.affairsofthevine.com

In Celebration of National Pig Day, We're Rustlin' Up Some Pork At Corky's Ribs & BBQ!

While Corky's has locations in other states, the finest BBQ in the world comes from Memphis, and the best BBQ in Memphis comes from Corky’s - where the recipe got it's start!

At Corky’s, serving the world’s finest hickory-smoked ribs and BBQ is more than a commitment, it’s an on-going legacy of greatness. Born of a unique combination of place, history and just plain knowing what great ribs and BBQ are supposed to taste like, Corky’s unrivaled ribs and authentic, hand-pulled BBQ are meaty, succulent, and falling-off-the-bone-tender. Corky’s BBQ is made with old fashioned southern tradition- slow cooked in BBQ pits with hickory chips and charcoal, hand pulled to select only the best, and basted in our special blend of Corky’s sauces.

Corky’s truly is an award winning combination! That matchless Memphis heritage of unique flavorings, exemplified to perfection by Corky’s very own world-famous BBQ sauce, comes alive with each and every mouth-watering bite. You’ll swear that Beale Street is just around the corner, and that Corky’s is right smack in the middle of down-town “Hog Heaven”!

For more info, go to http://www.corkysribsandbbq.com!


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2/28 Marketta Winery, Oscar Beauty Recap with Bruce Grayson, Pinot Noir Shootout Recap, Shai Cellars,

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

We Learn All About Marketta Winery From Winemaker Marketta Formeaux (pronounced "For-MOE")!

A native of Finland, Marketta Fourmeaux moved to France at a young age where she lived in Paris, earned a M.B.A. in Marketing and Business Administration, and continued her involvement in wine and enological science studies. She worked as an official judge for the prestigious Institut National des Appellations d’Origine (INAO), the highest authority in France for wine, and in the early 1980’s came to California to research winemaking and viticulture. Six months and 2,000 wine tastings later, she sent a report back stating: “Looks good. We stay.”

By 1988, Marketta and her former husband had moved their family to a 273-acre estate on Mount Veeder, Napa Valley to start a new life as winery owners. That winery endeavor was the successful Chateau Potelle. It was here that Marketta made her indelible mark as a viticulturist and winemaker, developing vineyards and growing grapes of great distinction from various regions in California, and producing wines internationally renowned for their balance, elegance and complexity.

Her respect for the individuality of each vine and her commitment to “hands-on” winemaking ultimately earned her the recognition of a top-ranking producer of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and elevated her beyond the label of one of the world’s first female wine producers to the ranks among the most respected winemakers in America. During this time, Marketta also created the wine style and winemaking techniques for her famed Mount Veeder Estate wines.

In 2007, Chateau Potelle was sold, and in 2008 Marketta founded Marketta Winery and Vineyards, a city cellar winery in historic downtown Napa—her third winery creation and her first as a sole proprietor. The ‘Hand Made' wines series, partly produced on site in small quantities of 100-400 cases each, are hand-crafted Vins du Terroir—wines that express the nature of the vineyard.

She constructs each wine with a minimum of technical intervention and racks by gravity, avoiding the use of filtration to ensure that the wines retain their natural intensity and integrity, resulting in wines of extraordinary balance and finesse. “Each barrel is its own world,” says Marketta. “There’s no special trick, or any one thing that makes good wine. It’s like making a painting – you know you want green, but which green? It’s the simple work and details, the sum of every choice you make—big or small—that ultimately affects the wine.”

In addition to new vineyard development and winemaking, Marketta oversees vineyard management of the grapes she procures from select vineyards.

Marketta is a member of the Napa Valley Vintners, and has served as a Board member of The Wine Institute and as the president of the Mount Veeder Appellation Council. She is also a frequent speaker on entrepreneurship and wine for business executives, and is involved in several non-profit organizations, including Building Better Ethics (founding member), Keiretsu Forum, and aiding children with cancer through St. Jude Hospital and L’Chaim Napa Valley. Of special note: October 2010 the French Consulate in San Francisco hosted a reception in Marketta’s honor to present her with the prestigious Medaille de Chevalier de L’Ordre du Merite Agricole (past recipients include Louis Pasteur), which she was awarded by the French President and Government for outstanding achievement in her profession.

For more info on this winery, check out their website at www.markettawinery.com.

Hollywood’s Winning Looks From 83rd Annual Academy Awards Head Make-up Artist to the Academy Awards and the Primetime Emmy Awards, Bruce Grayson, Recaps the Best (& the Worst!) of Beauty at the Oscars!

Since the day the 2011 Oscar nominations were announced, Hollywood’s hottest actors and actresses got busy preparing for one of the biggest nights of their lives. When their A-list glam squad was finally assembled, it took days - even weeks of careful planning to create a winning look.

Here to break it down and recap the best of beauty the next morning, is the Head Make-up Artist to the Academy Awards and the Primetime Emmy Awards, Bruce Grayson, who is in charge of the looks for celebrity clients like Rosario Dawson, Jenna Ushkowitz of ‘Glee,’ Jenna Elfman and Denzel Washington. He'll tell us who shined brightest on the red carpet and we'll learn directly from him the tricks of the trade and how you can get these looks at home.

Bruce will also talk about upcoming trends we can expect to see on and off the red carpet, like bold red and soft pink lips, lustrous hair, flawless skin and bright eyes with metallic shimmer shadows in gold, bronze and silver. Bruce will also offer advice for the guys on how to prep for a big night out (hubba, hubba!).

A Los Angeles native, it's no surprise that Emmy-nominated make-up artist Bruce Grayson was involved with the entertainment industry at a very early age. As a second-generation Hollywood make-up professional, Bruce was exposed to the craft at an early age while working alongside his father, a top make-up artist of his day. After high school, Bruce began working alongside NBC’s head makeup artist on “The Tonight Show”..

Bruce has an extensive media background and has shared his beauty expertise on shows such as E!, ET Insider, Entertainment Tonight, KXAS-TV (Dallas) and KUSA-TV (Denver). He has been quoted or mentioned in national magazines including Vogue, In Style, Self, Cosmopolitan Style, Entertainment Weekly and Us Weekly. Bruce is the make-up department head for the Primetime Emmy Awards and Academy Awards telecasts. He has also worked on and managed make-up teams for television series including The Larry Sanders Show, Less Than Perfect, Married to the Kellys, News Radio and Just Shoot Me. He is currently working on CBS's Rules of Engagement.

Bruce’s celebrity clients include Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Brooke Shields, Kate Walsh, Denzel Washington, Sarah Silverman, Hayden Panettiere, Sarah Rue, Richard Gere, Mel Gibson, Steve Martin, David Spade, Caroline Kennedy and Nancy Pelosi. He has also had the honor of working as the personal make-up artist for President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

What's Cookin' Today Hour TWO:

Winemaker Mat Gustafson Tell Us All the Latest News from the Beautiful Paul Mathew Vineyards!

Mat's passion for wine began while working at his uncle's store in his home state of Michigan. By the young age of 18, Mat earned his hotel/restaurant degree and began managing restaurants. He then moved to Colorado and received a degree in Political Science from University of Colorado, Boulder. He worked his way through college holding the position of Sommelier at the Flagstaff House Restaurant in Boulder. While the Flagstaff House continued to earn the Grand Award from the Wine Spectator since 1983 and having over 2000 wines on the list, Mat was able to taste some of the finest wines in the world! This is where he became hooked on Domain Leflaive White Burgundy, which would one day become his model for making Chardonnay.


When Mat graduated from UC, he came to Napa Valley and started working for Joseph Phelps Vineyards. He was a tour guide, worked in the cellar, and then the Napa Valley wine sales representative. As Phelps was in need of a Southern California sales person, Mat relocated to Los Angeles for a three-year contract. After serving his position, he returned to Northern California and went back into the restaurant business holding the position as Wine Buyer and Sommelier at John Ash & Co in Santa Rosa.

While tasting a 1975 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, he discovered great quality and age-ability from this incredible Sonoma County Appellation. Mat's passion turned to Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs. He then opened the Oakville Grocery in Healdsburg where he was the Wine Buyer and Assistant Manager. However, Mat decided his desire was to make wine. He was hired at Oakville Ranch Winery and worked for two years in the cellar. This is when Mat decided to take his passion for wine to the next level.

He began a vineyard development business in western Sonoma County and started making wine on his own. While developing vineyards during the heightened grape-planting boom in the late 1990's, Joe Dutton of Dutton Ranch recommended Mat for small production sites. Mat crushed his first vintage of chardonnay at Sebastopol-Dutton Estate Winery.

In 2001, Mat sold his share of his vineyard management company and began working at Sebastopol-Dutton Estate Winery. He started making wine under Merry Edwards, as she was the consulting enologist for the winery. In 2002, he was promoted to head winemaker as Merry handed the art of the winery's winemaking to Mat. His knowledge and understanding of the best vineyards sites at Dutton Ranch is unsurpassed. Mat states, "grape sources are never an issue."Mat is dedicated to low-input winemaking techniques. Whenever possible, indigenous yeast is used for fermentation as well as indigenous ML bacteria. He uses as little SO2 as possible and bottles the wine without filtration. "Slower indigenous fermentations make for more a complex wine and a more refined and seamless wine as well," says Mat. "Lower levels of SO2 in the barrel allow for 'elevage', the elevation of the wine quality in the barrel that higher levels of SO2 stifle." Mat is committed to Burgundian and Rhone varietals and winemaking. His plan is to make some of the best wines in Sonoma County.


Paul Mathew Vineyards is committed to low input winemaking using indigenous yeast and Malolactic bacteria. This winemaking style produces wine lush on the palate with seamless flavors. This process is much slower and more time consuming than traditional commercial winemaking. Low input winemaking showcases the fruit and the site..

For more info on Paul Mathew Vineyards, check out the website at http://www.paulmathewvineyards.com/

Shawn Shai (pronouned "Shy") Halahmy Tells Us About His Venture Into Winemaking & His Winery, Shai Cellars!

Shai is Shawn's Israeli name. It means gift in Hebrew. To Shawn, wine is an amazing gift. Meant to be enjoyed with a meal, with family and friends. The magic of wine in a bottle. The same wine, over time will change, it is living, breathing, and evolving everyday inside a bottle.

Shawn was born in Israel and moved to CA when he was about 11. He has been a Realtor in the LA area for the past 20 years, and still is. He fell in love with wine many years ago in the mid 90's. After visits to all the major wine regions of northern CA, and the Central Coast he quickly fell in love with the vibe. His thirst for knowledge about the wine making process was insatiable. He found himself asking lots of questions and seeking out new information.

As the years went by and his private wine collection at home grew, he found that that was not enough. With Santa Ynez being a 2 hour drive from his home, he found myself there regularly. Beckmen Vineyards is where he gravitated towards on my Santa Ynez getaways. Not only are the wines at Beckmen consistently remarkable, but he was always welcomed there. He offered to lend a hand during harvest, they said yes, and well, that was the start of a new phase in Shawn's life. He know he wanted to make wine one day.

In 2008 Shawn approached Mikael Sigouin, winemaker at Beckmen and his own label Kaena, and asked Mikael if he would help guide him through the process. With his guidance, Shawn was fortunate to get his hands on some great fruit. And everyone knows without great fruit, you can't make great wine. So with just under 3 tons of Syrah, under 2 tons of Cab, the purchase of a few new French and a few neutral French barrels, he was off and running. Shai Cellars was formed. Shawn's goal is to produce small quantity hand crafted wines with great attention to quality and detail.

For more info on Shawn's wines, check out the website at http://shaicellars.com/


Friday, February 25, 2011

2/25 Travel Girl Magazine, Cookies by Joey, Silverado Resort, Jason Connery, PG Tips Tea!

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

Travel Expert Stephanie Oswald Tells Us All About Travel Girl Magazine!

On the air, in print, or online, Stephanie Oswald knows how to tell a travel story. As the editor-in-chief of Travelgirl magazine and the host of Comcast’s highest-rated On Demand travel series “Getwaway Atlanta,” she’s one of the country’s premier travel experts. This well-rounded journalist was also the first hurricane web correspondent for The Weather Channel and spent more than a decade as a globetrotting producer and correspondent for CNN, with an emphasis on covering culture, cuisine and adventure travel.

As the host of All-Girl Getaways, on the Fine Living Network, Oswald provided expert tips while narrating the adventures of different groups of women traveling on unique escapes across the country. Her expertise was also featured online at www.fineliving.com/allgirlgetaways. The show has a natural connection with Travelgirl magazine, the publication she co-founded in 2002. It was the first national travel magazine to launch after the events of 9/11 and was chosen by industry leader Mr. Magazine as one of the “most notable” launches of 2003. With a dash of celebrity and a large dose of lifestyle, Travelgirl magazine focuses on everyday trends and fabulous journeys for women.

As editor-in-chief, Oswald leads production, develops themes and provides editorial vision for Travelgirl, which is published 6 times a year. The print version of Travelgirl can be found in bookstores and airports nationwide. The magazine serves an additional online audience at www.travelgirlinc.com. The Travelgirl name expanded in December of 2009 when Oswald went on-air at QVC to launch a luggage line. These days, you can pick up your set at T.J. Maxx, with a new line coming soon to Macy’s.

Oswald has become a pro at wearing many hats: She is often hired as a media consultant and travel spokesperson for various broadcast projects. She appears in CNN’s “On the Go” series and has been interviewed by FOX, CBS, ABC and Turner Private Networks, discussing everything from travel bargains to hang-gliding. On the personal front, she’s the proud mom of two tiny travelers: Taryn (age 4) and Trey (age 2). Oswald is a native New Yorker who nurtured her passion for travel and adventure as CNN’s travel correspondent and the host of “CNN Travel Now.” Her CNN reporting took her everywhere from the Grand Canyon to the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. In addition, in 1996, she received an Emmy for her producing work during CNN’s coverage of the Centennial Olympic Park bombing. In 2003, she was hired by The Weather Channel to launch a groundbreaking series called The Weather Channel Road Crew, showcasing the “fun” side of weather.

In 2004, alongside meteorologist Jim Cantore, she filed blog and audio reports during hurricanes Ivan and Jeanne as the very first web correspondent for weather.com. In 2008 she was chosen to host the highly popular lifestyle program “All-Girl Getaways” for FLN; it generated more press than any other show in the network’s history. In her personal travels she has hiked the Inca Trail, spent time diving at the Great Barrier Reef, journeyed through India and reached the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Her favorite international destination is Mont-St.-Michel in Normandy, France, and her favorite domestic destination is Crested Butte, Colorado. She graduated cum laude from Boston University’s College of Communication with a degree in journalism and a concentration in French history. Her time is currently split between two home bases: New Orleans and Atlanta.

Joanne Sherman, Owner of Cookies by Joey Tells Us How Her Gourmet Cookies Were Included in This Year's Grammy Gift Bags!

Taste buds at the biggest movie event of the year will receive their “award” after sampling Cookies by Joey’s pure decadence. These gourmet treats were chosen to be included in the Oscars Gift Bags that are provided by Lash Fary, founder of Distinctive Assets, an LA-based entertainment marketing company who has been producing the impressive Nominee gift bags for nine years.


Being a part of the Academy Award celebration is just one of the recent accolades Cookies by Joey has received. This rapidly growing, nation-wide company also was invited to participate in the October 2010 Holiday Lookbook, a special event showcasing the newest “in” products of the season that is held in New York for media and press personnel only. Afterward, Examiner.com New York, Lyra Mag, Sisterly Savings and other media outlets gave glowing reviews about the product’s great taste, all natural ingredients and beautiful packaging.

Churning out warm cookies goes hand in hand with the company’s warm heart, as Cookies by Joey is involved with various charitable organizations including Children’s Oncology Services, Inc.(COSI), Clearbrook, Integrative Touch for Kids, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and more. Cookies by Joey proudly donates a portion of its profits to Food for Orphans.

Cookies by Joey was founded in 2008 by Chicago native Joanne Sherman, affectionately known as “Joey.” An 18-year-old single mom in 1988, Joey always baked from scratch for her son which led to the creation of her first signature cookie flavor, “Classic Chocolate Chip.” Family and friends fortunate enough to enjoy Joey’s cookies encouraged her to share the amazing delicacies with the world. Ever since, Joey has been astounding people with her ability to re-invent “the cookie.” Today the world is a happier place now that everyone can enjoy the delicious craze of Cookies by Joey.

For more info on these cookies, check out the website at http://www.cookiesbyjoey.com/!

What's Cookin' Today Hour TWO:

We're Off To Napa Valley Where John Evans Takes Us On A Tour of Beautiful Silverado Resort!
John will tell us what's new at the resort, his role as general manager, news about their restaurants & upcoming events!
Silverado Resort and Spa is your gateway to the enchanting allures of Napa Valley. Tucked into the rolling hills of California's world-famous Wine Country, the resort combines state-of-the-art business facilities with endless recreational possibilities.
Whether you prefer to unwind with a round of golf on one of the two award-winning, PGA championship courses, or with a soothing fireside massage in their full service spa, you'll discover renewal and rejuvenation around every corner. Take a dip in one of 10 swimming pools, play a game of tennis on one of 13 courts, or explore our many hiking and biking trails. Of course, the close proximity to more than 200 wineries means you're never too far away from a spectacular Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.
Their prime location also means you'll dine on fresh, local, and seasonal produce, seafood, meats, and cheeses at one of three outstanding restaurants. Celebrate a successful day of business over martinis on the Patio Terrace, or reconnect with that special someone over a romantic, candlelit meal at The Royal Oak.
Silverado Resort and Spa features more than 15,000 square-feet of meeting space within our multi-million dollar Silverado Mansion Conference Center. An elegant ballroom, 13 handsomely appointed meeting rooms, and multiple outdoor venues all come equipped with the latest technology and audio-visual equipment to bring your event to life. Socialize with hors d'oeuvres under a canopy of Redwood trees, or inspire colleagues with a cutting-edge presentation in a comfortable meeting room bathed in natural light.
Enjoy learning about the Silverado Story and understand why it is legendary in Napa.
For more info on the Silverado Resort, check out the website at http://www.silveradoresort.com/!

Jason Connery Tells Us About His Latest Project, ScyFy's Area 51!
Directed by Jason Connery (Sean Connery’s son), Area 51 premieres Saturday, February 26, at 9PM (ET/PT). In the movie, the Air Force decides to allow a few reporters into the most secretive base on the planet, Area 51, but the visit turns into violent mayhem when one of the captive aliens leads an escape. Area 51 stars Bruce Boxleitner (Tron: Legacy, Babylon 5), John Shea (Lois & Clark: The Adventures of Superman, Mutant X) and Jason London (Dazed and Confused, MonsterWolf). A production of After Dark Films.

Jason Connery performed many roles in theatre and subsequently had minor parts in "b-list" movies. His first film debut was in The Lords of Discipline (1983). He appeared in the Doctor Who serial Vengeance on Varos in 1985; he also portrayed Robin Hood (a role his father had taken on in the film Robin and Marian) in the final season of the television series Robin of Sherwood in 1986.


Connery became well known in England for this role.Connery also portrayed James Bond creator Ian Fleming in the 1990 television drama Spymaker: The Secret Life of Ian Fleming. (Fleming created the James Bond character, which was the role that made his father Sean Connery a star.)

In 1997, he shot a fantasy movie (originally intended as a pilot episode for a longer series); playing the title role of Merlin in Merlin: The Quest Begins, directed by David Winning and filmed on location in Peebles, Scotland; he appeared in Faithful Dealing (2001) in London, an English Restoration Whodunit, produced byDominic Madden. In 2003, he toured with a stage production of The Blue Room.

In 2004, he starred as a main character in the children's show Shoebox Zoo and returned in the second series in September 2005.He made many Continental European films in the lead with the lead role in the film Night Skies (2006), and a lead role in the film Lightspeed(2006). He played a vampire hunter in Brotherhood of Blood (2007). In 2008, he made his directorial debut with the movie Pandemic and in 2009 directed The Devil's Tomb. He will direct the "After Dark Originals" film 51.

Enjoy Some English PG Tips Tea While Watching (We Hope!) The King's Speech Oscar Acceptance Speech! Adam Ferguson Tells Us All About PG Tips Tea!

Established in 1930, and recognized as England’s tea of choice, PG tips tea is made from high quality, top tier tea leaves, allowed to dry and ferment, resulting in the dark brown color and signature earthy taste at the heart of the PG tips tea experience.

Sold in distinctive signature pyramid bags that give the tea leaves room to breathe, much like loose tea in a kettle, PG tips’ tea bag design produces exceptionally flavorful and refreshing tea. PG tips tea is made from a natural blend of single estate teas from around the world.

Employing thousands of disadvantaged workers from areas like East Africa, PG tips has always concerned themselves with the treatment, conditions, and livelihood of those who make PG tips possible.

For More information on PG Tips Tea, check out their website at http://www.pgtips.co.uk/!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

2/24 Chef Tyler Florence, Napa's Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & BBQ, Scot De Lorme from PRE, Buco di Beppo Visits CRN!

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

Chef Tyler Florence Offers Tips on How to Spice Up Me
altime in a Flash!

Who has time to go though chef school? And even more time to actually master the art of gourmet cooking? But what if there were ways to prepare all-natural, gourmet meals that even the busiest at-home cooks can make? Chef and TV host Tyler Florence is teaming up with Alexia Foods to provide us with delicious, easy-to-prepare dinner ideas by adding unique touches to everyday dishes. He’ll also share how we can have the chance to “Reinvent a Classic” through an online vote.

ABOUT TYLER FLORENCE: Tyler Florence is a chef and TV host who is regarded as one of America's most important culinary voices. He has starred in television programs including “How to Boil Water,” “Food 911,” “Tyler's Ultimate” and has hosted numerous other Food Network shows and specials. He is also a regular guest on CNN, NBC’s “TODAY Show,” “Good Morning America,” “The View,” “The Tonight Show” and “Oprah.”

We're Taking a Trip To Beautiful Napa Where William Wright, General Manager & Executive Chef of the Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin' BBQ Tells Us About their Wines!

The Bounty Hunter offers 40 wines by the glass, 400 by the bottle, they are a retail wine shop, wine tasting bar, BBQ restaurant and a retail wine catalog that ships wines to all 50 states, all under one roof! Some of their cool featured items on the wine menu are the "Brown Bag Special" and the "Big Daddy Cabernet" on the food side their "Beer Can Chicken" and "Pulled Pork" are number one! They received "Best Wine Bar in the Bay Area" from SFGATE.com and the SF Chronicle the last two years running which they are very proud of!

William Wright grew up in a big Italian family in Tiburon, California, "The Mantegani's" so he was always in the kitchen at every family event learning! He credits his grandparents with all his culinary passion and sense of hospitality.

After College he started working for Citibank & Salomon Smith Barney as a Personal Investment Banker and after 3 years of putting on a suit and tie and sitting in front of a computer he figured it was time to call it quits! He enrolled in the California Culinary Academy shortly after and Graduated in 2003 with honors, while attending CCA he did externships with both the French Laundry and Julia's Kitchen in the now defunct Copia. Upon graduation he took a position with the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn as Sous Chef for their fine dining restaurant Santé, and after 2 years he got the opportunity to travel to Hawaii to help Fairmont open several different restaurant outlets at their new Orchid property on the big island.

He returned to the states and was offered a position at the beautiful Wente Vineyards Restaurant as Executive Sous Chef, who could ask for a more beautiful place to work? He put in almost three years at Wente before the daily commute and the restructuring of the management team lead him to pursue another position with...drum roll please...Bounty Hunter Rare Wine and Provisions, and there he is, today! William started out as the sous chef for Bounty Hunter's new wine bar and bistro at the time, then was promoted to Executive chef about a year later. They must have the smallest kitchen in the Napa Valley, if not it's definitely in the top five, so they had to use a grill and two Kamado smokers that they had out back in order to cook food, which is why they chose BBQ as their cuisine of choice. William always loved to grill, but while at Bounty Hunter he has been able to perfect his craft.

William's favorite BBQ item on the menu still has to be the Pulled Pork which he claims to have eaten his weight worth, but it's all good! People from all over the country come in to the Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin' BBQ and ask him what type of BBQ we do, is it North Carolina, Texas, Memphis style...the list goes on, William always tell them it's California Wine Country BBQ, these people take BBQ seriously almost like a religion so you can imagine their surprise when they find out a kid from California can cook up some mean BBQ!

For more info about The Bounty Hunter, go to their website at www.bountyhunterwinebar.com!
What's Cookin' Today Hour TWO:

A Healthy Life Begins with Probiotics and Scot De Lorme, Founder of PRE, Tells Us How to Make Pre- & Probiotics A Part Of Our Healthy Daily Routine with PRE's Delicious and Healthy Probiotic Enhancement Products!

Scot will outline t
he benefits of pre- and probiotics as part of a healthy daily routine and will answer questions, like:
  • What are pre- and probiotics?
  • How are they different from one another?
  • How do pre- and probiotics promote a healthy digestive system?
  • How is digestive health linked to overall wellness?
  • What are the benefits of including probiotics in your daily routine?
  • How do Inulin and Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) work to promote healthy bacteria in the digestive tract?
  • What is the difference between Inulin and other forms of fiber on the market?
  • Where can I find PRE?
  • What do you do to live a PREactive lifestyle?
PRE Synbiotic Drink Mixes, through their proprietary blend of prebotics and probiotics from world-renowned Jarrow Formulas, promote, restore and enhance optimal digestive balance by introducing new beneficial bacteria into the digestive tract which in turn supports immune functions.

Each .25 oz. packet of PRE Synbiotic Drink Mix has 20 calories per serving and is designed to be added to water or a favorite cold beverage for ultimate convenience. Increasingly scientists are learning that a healthy GI tract is crucial to overall well being. From breaking down food to provide nutrients for the body, to preventing harmful substances from becoming absorbed, the GI tract can be responsible for respiratory infections, high blood pressure as well as the bout of occasional constipation or diarrhea. Bacteria, both good and bad, are already present in the digestive tract and as the good bacteria increase so does the resistance to harmful bacteria causing a boost in the immune systems. It is estimated that approximately 70% of the immune system is located in the digestive tract, where PRE Beverages work to create balance and a healthy digestive environment.

PRE Beverage Company Located in Tustin, California, PRE Beverage Company (www.preusa.com) produces a delicious line of probiotic enhancement products made with Jarrow Formulas’ prebiotic health blend, including two ready-to-drink lines, the USDA Certified Organic PRE Probiotic Enhancer (Passion Orange Guava, Pomegranate Blueberry, and Acai Acerola), 10 Calorie PRE Probiotic Enhancer made with Stevia (Pomegranate White Tea, Pomegranate Blueberry, Peach Mango, and Pomegranate Yumberry).

In addition to the mouthwatering ready to drink line, PRE produces a convenient Synbiotic Drink Mix PRE To Go to provide health benefits, great taste, and a boost for the body’s internal defenses (Acai Acerola, Pomegranate Blueberry, Pomegranate Yumberry, and Passion Orange Guava). PRE’s products are available in Albertsons, Whole Foods, Henry’s Marketplace, Bristol Farms, Mother’s Market, and Ralphs, throughout Southern California.

The PRE Beverage Company is committed to community involvement, social and environmental betterment. PRE has a dynamic School Booster Program to support athletics, health, and wellness in partnership with their retailers and is also a proud member of 1% for the Planet. 1% for the Planet is a global movement of like-minded companies that donate 1% of their sales to environmental organizations around the world.

During the lead-up to last weekend’s 68th Annual Golden Globe Award Show, Hollywood celebrities discovered a natural way to Promote.Restore.Enhance. their bodies and overall health with PRE Synbiotic Drink Mixes!

PRE Beverages was on-hand to share samples of the first Prebiotic Beverage offering consumers a healthy beverage alternative to support digestive and immune system health in the convenience of PRE Enhanced Powdered Synbiotic Drink Mix.

Go to www.preusa.com for more information on PRE products!

Jason Farned, Paisano Partner & Juan Borjas, Chef of Universal City's Buca di Beppo Stop By the CRN Studios To Give Us a TASTE of Buco di Beppo Cuisine! Yum!

Items We're Tasting: Bruschetta, Apple Gorgonzola Salad, Spaghetti with Meatballs, Lasagna Chicken Carbonara, Chicken Parmigiana, Prosciutto Stuffed chicken, Tiramisu, Cheese cake!

Are you hungry, yet??

Buca di Beppo® is an authentic Italian restaurant that offers flavorful Italian dining. Dine with family and friends while enjoying the Italian traditions of food, friendship and hospitality. In the spirit of Italian culture, their dishes are served family style and are meant to be shared.

The first Buca di Beppo opened its doors in 1993 in the basement of a Minneapolis apartment building. They've since grown to 87 locations nationwide. Dishes enjoyed for generations in villages throughout Italy inspire their menu, giving Buca its authentic Italian fare. They continue to innovate and create recipes beyond their traditional style by adding new menu items inspired by Northern and Southern Italian cuisine.

In September 2008 Buca, Inc. was acquired by Planet Hollywood International Inc. For more information about Planet Hollywood please visit www.PlanetHollywoodIntl.com.


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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

2/23 Larry Lipson, Amy Bruni, Oscar SWAG

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

Larry Lipson Gives Us The Puerto Rico Report

Larry will tell us what's the latest in food & wine in Puerto Rico!

What's everyone drinking, Larry?

What are some wines to watch for - new stuff?

What are we missing? Tell us all the good stuff about Puerto Rico! The weather, the beautiful people!

What's Cookin' Today Hour TWO

Ghost-Hunter Amy Bruni Tells Us About The Spooky Hauntings of Her SyFi Show!

Amy Bruni is a good example of what happens when a hobby turns into a passion, which in turn becomes a way of life. Like many in the paranormal field, Amy grew up in a very haunted house. Yet, unlike most in that situation, Amy's family embraced it. Her father was an amateur paranormal investigator and routinely, he and Amy would investigate haunted sites. Understandably, at a young age, she was reading and absorbing everything
paranormal related she could –- and as she grew to adulthood, that didn't change.

Amy initially began investigating with a local paranormal team in Sacramento, California. As soon as she stepped foot in the field professionally, her pursuits took off. Her lifetime of supernatural knowledge drew the attention of Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson of The Atlantic Paranormal Society and the Syfy show, "Ghost Hunters." She now produces their syndicated weekly radio broadcast, "Beyond Reality Radio" and is a member of the TAPS team. In her quest to spread knowledge of the paranormal nationwide, Amy started organizing paranormal conferences, and again with Hawes and Wilson, started the company, Beyond Reality Events.
More recently, Bruni has been using her connections in the field to conduct important research on the nature of group dynamics in the paranormal, and she's begun lecturing on ghosts and the supernatural. Her goal is to work across the paranormal community with the hope that serious field research can occur and can be shared within the community.

What's SWAG? SWAG is the "Stuff We All Get" and We're Talking With Lash Fary, the Guy Who Started it All - The Sultan of Swag!

The Sultan of Swag, Lash Fary will be going over what's in the "Everyone Wins at the Oscars" gift bag that goes to all the non-winning nominee's in the major categories. Last year's bag was worth well over 80K. You read that right. EIGHTY K, BAYBEE.

When the final winner has made their speech…when Anne and James have said their goodnights….when the parties have finally come to an end….that’s when the real fun begins. It’s time to tally up the swag! The winners may walk away with an Oscar but nominees will receive the next best thing: the Everyone Wins at the Oscars Gift Bag! Lash Fary, the founder of Distinctive Assets, has worked with a veritable “who’s who” of Hollywood and his company has set new standards for "giving and receiving."

Known as a go-to Hollywood insider, Lash will give us a sneak peek of the nominee gift bag his company is putting together for the biggest night in Hollywood!
Lash Fary: Founder and CEO of Distinctive Assets, a company that is credited for beginning the marketing craze of over-the-top celebrity swag. His resume of events includes the GRAMMY Awards, the Tony Awards, the People's Choice Awards, the Academy of Country Music Awards, the NAACP Image Awards, the MTV Movie Awards and the Kids' Choice Awards. He is a frequent “expert guest” on fashion and gifting for Extra, E! and CNN and is quoted regularly in publications such as USA Today, Variety, Los Angeles Times and Entertainment Weekly.


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2/22 Tim DeKay, Oscars Fashion, Hannah Nicole Vineyards, Napa Valley Grille, Oregon Wine Report

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

Tim DeKay Tells Us About His Role on USA's White Collar!

Tim DeKay stars as Peter Burke in USA Network’s original series WHITE COLLAR with all-new episodes from season two to premiere on Tuesday, January 18 at its new time, 10/9.

DeKay has vast experience on stage, television and in feature films. He starred on HBO as a series regular in both the award winning series “Carnivále” and “Tell Me You Love Me” for multiple seasons.

DeKay’s recent feature work includes “Get Smart,” “The Chumscrubber,” HBO’s “Walkout,” “Peaceful Warrior” and “Control,” in which he starred opposite Ray Liotta and Willem Dafoe. He was also seen in the independent feature “Welcome to the Neighborhood” and the critically-acclaimed “Big Eden.” DeKay’s other feature work includes “Swordfish” and “If These Walls Could Talk,” among others.

DeKay is well known for his extensive theater resume. He was seen on Broadway in “The Show-Off,” off-Broadway in “Billy Budd” at Circle in the Square, and in the National Tour of “The Lion in Winter.” His regional theatre work includes “Burning Blue” at The Court Theatre in L.A. (receiving an LA Weekly nomination for Best Actor), “Someone to Watch Over Me” and “Star Fever” at the Deven Center (where he is a company member), “The Merchant of Venice” at Hartford stage, and he has performed at the Cleveland Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse, Penguin Repertory, Indiana Repertory, Levin Theatre and Pasadena Shakespeare, among many others.
DeKay’s other television credits include recurring roles on “Brothers & Sisters,” “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” “My Name Is Earl,” “Everwood,” “Party of Five” and “Seinfeld” as the classic Bizarro Jerry. His numerous guest-star appearances include roles on “CSI,” “Without A Trace” and “Friends.”

DeKay can also be occasionally heard on NPR performing in both classical and new plays for L.A. TheatreWorks and he is a lifetime member of The Actors Studio. His education includes a B.S. from Le Moyne College and an MFA in Acting from Rutgers University where he met his wife, actress Elisa Taylor. They currently reside in Los Angeles with their two children.
Cristian Mejia Branding and Merchandise Development of LA's Mademoiselle Boutique Talks About Fashion at the Oscars!

Mademoiselle is a style conscious and trend-savvy boutique. A haven for shoppers looking for a source of the sexiest, trendiest and hottest fashions at the greatest value.

About Cristian:
Then and Now: He was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. He currently live within walking distance of his store in Old Town San Fernando with his Australian Shepherd, Violet.

Profession: Branding and Merchandise Development for Mademoiselle Boutique

Bona Fides: Studied Architecture @ John F. Kennedy Architecture Magnet in high school; dropped out of UCLA to pursue his love for fashion; slaved as a styling assistant, personal shopper, personal stylist and image consultant for 7 years; opened his dream boutique, Mademoiselle, in September of 2010. There's nothing like paying your dues!

A Few Favorite Things: Vintage T-shirts and his collection of fedoras

Off Duty: Hiking, travel, eating and shopping! He's a proper consumer!

Upcoming: Planning a fashion show sponsored by Mademoiselle to benefit the Wildlife Waystation, with real life wild animals present!

What's Cookin' Hour TWO:


We're Visiting Contra Costa County Where Neil Cohn Gives Us A Tour of Hannah Nicole Vineyards!

Neil and Glenda Cohn started with 10 acres of land and countless hours spent working in the garage on weekends. From there, our passion quickly grew into a mission of creating boutique, handcrafted wines for more than just family and friends.

Purchasing 80 acres of prime land on Balfour Road in Brentwood, they watched the dream of Hannah Nicole Vineyards unfold. At first, they planted Bordeaux varietals. Then they added Rhone varietals. From these varietals, we now produce more than 15 wines. Their flagship Viognier and Meritage demonstrate the sophistication and distinction that are uniquely characteristic of wines from Contra Costa County.

As their vineyards continue to expand, their wine will soon enjoy the mark of being 100 percent estate grown. Their vineyards currently include 41 acres of red Bordeaux varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec), six acres of white Bordeaux varietals (Sauvignon Blanc), 15 acres of red Rhone varietals (Syrah, Petite Sirah, Mouvedre and Grenache), six acres of white Rhone varietals (Viognier) and five acres of Italian varietals (Zinfandel). Their red vintages are pruned and thinned to produce between three and five tons of fruit per acre, enhancing the flavor and intensity of their wines. Their white varietals, which are produced from their Estate grown Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier, are pruned to produce four to six tons of fruit per acre. They also utilize multiple clones of certain varietals to provide more depth of flavor and characteristics that are unique to each.

Since farming is all about timing, they make every effort to stay one step ahead of Mother Nature. Using technological innovations such as water sensors helps them monitor the moisture content of the soil – a requirement that is necessary when practicing Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI). A key process that allows the grapes to be kept in a constant state of moderate water stress, RDI enhances their varietal flavors.

For more info on this winery, visit their website at http://www.hnvwines.com

Chef Joseph Gillard Gives Us A Tour of the Napa Valley Grille in Westwood Village!

Wine country meets Hollywood at Napa Valley Grille in Westwood Village. Local, seasonal ingredients and a vast array of wines are served in a rustic, yet refined setting suitable for a pre-
theater dinner for two, or a business lunch with top celebrity clients.

The wine country warmth in the main dining room is illuminated by the earth-toned hues, wooden harvest table, farm-fresh floral displays, wine artifact pieces, rustic lighting fixtures and an exhibition kitchen.

Before the Food Network and celebrity chefs, Joseph Gillard found inspiration from the earlier days of cooking television. At the age of five, he was mesmerized by Julia Child, declaring to his mother that he would one day become a chef. The budding culinary enthusiast was only ten when he read his first cookbook, Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking, from cover to cover.

Gillard was raised in Freemont, Mich. on a 40-acre homestead where his mother, a single parent, raised goats, chickens, rabbits, pigs, pheasants and cows. The family’s large vegetable garden and market stand where they sold their goods provided sustenance and income for the family, making a lasting impression on Gillard as to the integrity and beauty of local and seasonal food products.

His transition into a serious culinary career came in 1987 when he joined the kitchen staff of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Mich. His next job was Executive Sous Chef at Egypt Valley Country Club, also in Grand Rapids, coordinating daily dining services for up to 1000 guests. Intrigued by the city’s culinary culture, Gillard moved to Los Angeles in 1993 and secured a job at Joachim Splichal’s Pinot Bistro in Studio City.

Over the next eight years, Gillard served as an integral part of the Patina Group kitchen. During his tenure with the Patina Group, Gillard played a significant role among the participating chefs for several Emmy and Grammy dinner galas.

In 2001, Gillard moved to Boca Raton to open his own catering company, but California beckoned, and thus he returned to Los Angeles in 2002 to become Executive Chef at Mirabelle on the Sunset Strip.

Gillard joined Napa Valley Grille in 2007 as Executive Chef. With his upbringing on the farm and strong relationships with California farmers, his culinary signature is a perfect fit for the wine country cuisine of Napa Valley Grille. Gillard, a Sherman Oaks resident, regularly contributes his time to several Los Angeles fundraisers, including Meals on Wheels, the Los Angeles Opera Wine Auction and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

Andrew Apodaca Gives Us the Oregon Wine Report and Tells Us About the Pyranees Winery Gold Medal Chardonnay!

Apodaca family’s commitment to the superb quality of their wines is evident in its excellent quality and distinction. Pyrenees Vineyard and Winery pulls many of its influences from the Basque country of northern Spain where the Apodaca’s Heritage was originated. Pyrenees Vineyard and Cellars brings to you their many varietals of wines from the finest Oregon grapes influenced by the textures of the rich soil, the abundant vegetation and mild climate of the Umpqua Valley.

Pyrenees Vineyard and Cellars sets along the South Umpqua River surrounded by 30 acres of lush grapes and rolling hillside. You will find sitting out on the vineyard’s deck overlooking the river extraordinary, while you take pleasure in one of our indescribable wines. Come walk through our long rows of beautifully intertwined grape vines and smell the aromas in the earth and wind that you find as welcoming on your palate as you take each sip of our Vino.At Pyrenees Vineyard and Cellars we have a wonderful group of people who will welcome you as old friends and take you through our majestic wine selection. A place where relationships are created that last life times and memories will be made that last through-out countless generations!


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