Tuesday, July 31, 2012

07/31 Larry Van Aalst, Concannon Vineyard, Napa Valley

LARRY VAN AALST HOSTS LIVE FROM NAPA

Jim & John Concannon - Concannon Vineyard


If they could speak, the rocks of Concannon Vineyard would tell a tale rich in history. When James Concannon planted his first vineyards and built the winery in 1883, he established Concannon as a founding family of California wine. Now, with four generations of family involvement, our landmark winery shows our enduring commitment to creating outstanding, award-winning wine.

Concannon Vineyard has a proud history of firsts. Always an industry leader, Concannon is the first successful winery to be founded by an Irish immigrant. When James Concannon planted white Bordeaux cuttings in the late 1800s, we became one of the first wineries to make Bordeaux-style wines in California. In 1950 we hired the first professional female winemaker, Katherine Vajda. In 1961 we introduced America’s First Petite Sirah, sparking a love affair with the variety. Our inaugural vintage was so well-received that we have produced it ever since, and it has become our highly regarded flagship wine. Shortly thereafter we pioneered the creation of the widely adopted Cabernet Sauvignon clones 7, 8 and 11, also known as the Concannon clones, now planted in many of Napa’s most prestigious vineyards.

Concannon Vineyard will continue in its role as a pioneer as we juxtapose modern technology with our treasured rocks and vines. To prepare for the next century, we have taken steps to restore and refresh, revitalize and re-root. We have restored our historic redwood tasting room, reusing materials and employing green design wherever possible. We have embraced sustainable vineyard practices and re-rooted historic clones in our estate vineyards. We utilize state-of-the-art technology in our winery to ensure quality. With a focus on renewable energy, we have installed solar panels on 80% of our winery’s roof. All of these efforts are designed with one goal in mind, to create extraordinary wines that would make James Concannon proud.

Monday, July 30, 2012

07/30 Gary Berbiglia, Gary Murphy, Barbara Satterfield

Gary Berbiglia - Arthur Bryant's BBQ Kansas City

This BBQ legend was founded in the early 1920's, by Charlie Bryant,
Arthur's older brother. When Charlie died, Arthur took over and moved the BBQ restaurant to 18th and Brooklyn, just four blocks away from Municipal stadium, the home of the Kansas City Blues, followed by the Kansas City Athletics. Municipal Stadium was also the first home of the Kansas City Chiefs. With the move near to the ball park, it became a nationally known eatery. Major league players ate there and fans would stop in before the games to eat on the premises or take out to the ball park. The fame of Arthur Bryant's grew. Then renowned author Calvin Trillin declared in Playboy magazine that "...the single best restaurant in the world is Arthur Bryant's Barbeque at 18th & Brooklyn in Kansas City."


Gary Murphy - VP of National Accounts AmaWaterways


AmaWaterways just celebrated its 10th Anniversary and is currently operating 15 luxury river cruise ships throughout Europe, in Russia, on the Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia and on the Chobe River in Africa in conjunction with land safari tours. AmaWaterways is running European Wine River Cruises for the third year and has six scheduled to go this November; each with at least one top-notch wine expert on board to give lectures, conduct tours of local European vineyards, supervise wine tastings and mingle with the passengers. See attached PDF and note that Gary Murphy will be on the Barry Wiss Wine River Cruise


Barbara Satterfield - Executive Director Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance

Wine and Fire returns to celebrate our very cool cool-climate appellation. Because we want to get to know each and every one of you individually, ticket sales are limited to 250 people, so save the date, mark your calendars and get your tickets now! Wine and Fire Weekend
August 17th - 19th

Friday, July 27, 2012

07/27 Peter Mondavi, Helen Reddy, Steve Evans

Peter Mondavi, Jr. - Co-proprietor "Charles Krug Winery"

It’s not often you hear a famous winery owner complain about bugs. But Peter Mondavi Jr., the co-proprietor of the Charles Krug Winery , Napa Valley's oldest winery, has to fight with Mother Nature every day, like all vineyard owners. But, in this case, Mondavi is not going out to the vineyard with a can of Raid. Because, while his goal is to protect his vines and grapes, he doesn’t want to hurt the environment. So, Mondavi, along with his brother Marc and their father, Peter Mondavi Sr., created a system of sustainable farming that satisfies everyone. They are doing things like “leafing,” which involves dropping the basal leaves on each vine to an insect called the “leafhopper” by more than half. They’ve installed 25 bluebird and eight bat boxes at the winery. These birds and bats happen to love the taste of the blue-green sharpshooter, an insect known to spread a vine-damaging disease. “We love the reaction of customers when they learn that bats and bluebirds play an important part in the making of their favorite Charles Krug wines,” says Mondavi.


Helen Reddy - Pop singer


Helen Reddy (born 25 October 1941) is an Australian-born singer and actress. She is often referred to as the "Queen of 70s Pop". In the 1970s, she enjoyed international success, especially in the United States, where she placed fifteen singles in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. Six of those 15 songs made the Top 10 and three of those songs reached No. 1, including her signature hit "I Am Woman." She also placed 25 singles on the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts. Fifteen of those singles made the Top 10 and 8 of those reached No. 1. She was the first artist to ever win the coveted American Music Award for "Favorite Pop/Rock Female" artist. She was also the first Australian to win a Grammy Award and to have three #1 hits in the same year. In television, Helen was the first Australian to host her own one-hour weekly primetime variety show on an American network, along with several specials that were seen in over forty countries. She retired from live performance in 2002 and now practices as a clinical hypnotherapist and motivational speaker. In 2011, Billboard named her the #28 AC artist (#9 among women) of all time.


Steve Evans - "The Movie Guy"

Box office action for this weekend with our man in the Hollywood. All the latest films and talk about what is worth seeing . Check him out every Friday

07/26 Carol Baker, Tabatha Coffey, Chef Robert Nyerick, John Jordan

Carol Baker - Chief, LA County Department of Beaches & Harbors

Known for on-the-water activities, affordable waterfront accommodations and chic dining, popular Westside neighborhood Marina del Rey is set to welcome “Beach Eats,” a weekly gathering of gourmet Southern California food trucks. Starting July 26, 2012, “Beach Eats” will be at Marina Beach, 4101 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292, every Thursday throughout the summer from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. The first Thursday “Beach Eats” event will feature an assortment of popular trucks, including Nom Nom, Border Grill, Baby’s Badass Burgers, Cousins Maine Lobster, India Jones and Sprinkles Cupcakes’ Sprinklesmobile. Trucks in attendance will vary week to week. “Marina del Rey’s Thursday food truck event is a wonderful way to celebrate summer, good food and friends at one of the most beautiful waterfront spots in Los Angeles,” said Beverly Moore, Executive Director of the Marina del Rey Convention and Visitors Bureau. “With food trucks varying each week, visitors can enjoy a new taste, a new dessert and a new truck every Thursday.” Marina Beach will offer tables in addition to a sandy shore perfect for a picnic spread. Paid parking is available at the beach lot for 25 cents for every 15 minutes. Food truck patrons may also take the WaterBus from six Marina locations directly to and from Marina Beach for $1 each way from 5 p.m. To midnight on July 26, August 9, and August 2. The free, land-based Beach Shuttle will also provide transportation on these nights and will operate from 5 p.m. To 10 p.m. After enjoying delectable dishes such as Yucatan pork tacos, Indian lamb frankies, Vietnamese bahn MI sandwiches and bacon cheeseburgers, Angelenos can take advantage of Marina del Rey’s immediate access to the waters of the Pacific Ocean as well as the popular Marina del Rey summer concert series at nearby Burton W. Chace Park. “Not only will locals have a wonderful dinner, they’ll also have the opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city,” Moore said. “With a variety of group trips, sailing lessons and yacht celebration options, people can start their weekend early and on-the-water in Marina del Rey.”


Tabatha Coffey - Bravo's “Tabatha Takes Over”

On her hit Bravo show “Tabatha Takes Over,” Tabatha Coffey uses her sound advice and savvy business expertise to help turn around struggling small businesses all over the country. Now she’s bringing her straight-talking, no-nonsense approach to help YOU trim expenses, highlight opportunities for success and show how business travel helps a small business grow


Exec Chef Robert Nyerick - MIRAMONTE RESORT

Executive Chef Robert Nyerick of the famous MIRAMONTE RESORT & SPA's "GROVE ARTISAN KITCHEN" located in Indian Wells ( PS area) CA. What is quite unique with his hotel restaurant is that chef Nyerick actually grows herbs on the grounds of this desert hideaway that are used in the hotel's kitchen to infuse in many dishes they serve. Herbs grown on the hotel's grounds include - - Chocolate Mint ( which they also use in their drink called Mojito) , Sage, Chives, Parsley and Basil. His specialty is sea food he tells me...and he uses citrus in many of the dishes too that he can tell the show about. Formerly Chef Nyerick served as Exec. Sous Chef at the 4 Seasons Beverly Wilshire Hotel (in Beverly Hills) as well as Sous Chef at the world class Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston in addition to working a top chef in many hotels in Switzerland too. He is smart, funny, articulate and creative in his food offerings. He knows foods and can talk intelligently and interestingly on a range of foods from new bistro American to all the others he says. He knows his wines too.



John Jordan - CEO - "Jordan Winery"


With a commitment to preserving the foundation on which his parents successfully built Jordan, John has utilized his business and economics background to bring a fresh perspective to the winery, elevating our environmental stewardship, precision-farming practices, hospitality experience and our commitment to wine quality. He has built upon Jordan’s iconic reputation by fostering a culture of excellence where knowledgeable, passionate people are encouraged to perfect their respective crafts every day.

John holds an undergraduate degree in economics from Occidental College in Los Angeles, a J.D. from Empire College School of Law and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. He remains active in the community as an Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve and a part-time professor at the Empire College School of Law. John is also a Partner in the law firm of Smith & Dollar. He lives on the Jordan Estate and enjoys flying and bass fishing in his spare time.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

07/25 LARRY LIPSON, CARL LEWIS, BARRIE LYNN, CHEESE IMPRESARIO, CHEF BRYON FREEZE

Larry Lipson - Costa Rica

Larry is the former food critic of the DailyNews and reports weekly on Wine and food discoveries from his retirement home in Costa Rica.



CARL LEWIS - 8 GOLD MEDALS OLYMPICS (TRACK)

Frederick Carlton "Carl" Lewis is an American former track athlete and singer, who won 10 Olympic medals including 9 gold, and 10 World Championships medals. His career spanned from 1979 when he first achieved a world ranking to 1996 when he last won an Olympic title and subsequently retired. Lewis became an actor and has appeared in a number of films.


BARRIE LYNN - CHEESE IMPRESARIO

Welcome to The Cheese Impresario! Here we are going to talk about all kinds of cheeses from all around the world. We will learn together and I will help you bring the world of cheese closer to your heart and learn the great enjoyment that it can bring to you, your family, and your guests. I am the cheese columnist for The Beverly Hills Times and write the monthly "Cheese Matters" column that covers all things cheesy. I will keep you posted on events that I will be covering and other cheese events in your local area. Stay tuned for the next up coming event!


Executive Chef Bryon Freeze - Mucho Ultima

In a fast-paced competition between four respected chefs, Bryon Freeze prevailed recently on the series premiere of Food Network’s “Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell” on June 28, earning the position as executive chef at Mucho Ultima in Manhattan Beach, CA., As hundreds of fans of the popular modern Mexican restaurant gathered to sample a few new menu items, sip tequilla and seasonal sangrias, and watch the show at Mucho Ultima, the suspense was intense. Who would win? As Bryon was named the winner, he surprised guests entering the dining room and the crowd went wild. “Michael Zislis, the owner and I were looking for an extremely talented chef to work with our culinary team as we heat things up at Mucho Ultima,” said Scott Linquist, Chef Partner at the restaurant. “Bryon shined in the competition and we were delighted that he won. He has already contributed immensely to our evolution and his talent is over the top!” Freeze previously served as chef de cuisine at the time-honored SideDoor/Five Crowns in Corona Del Mar., Calif. Under his leadership, SideDoor was named “Restaurant of the Year” in 2011 by Orange Coast Magazine.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

07/24 Chef Haile Thomas, Kiz Bop, Benjamin Clark

CHEF HAILE THOMAS

Haile is the founder of the HEAL Festival (Healthy Eating Active Lifestyle), the Healthy Girls Adventures Club, and is one of only 20 (nationally) Youth Advisory Board members for the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Haile is 11 years old. You can almost forget that when talking with this poised young woman. She is the author of a cookbook and is working in the fight against childhood obesity.



KIZ BOP’s latest release - KIDZ BOP 22


Meet the music group that's sold more than 12 million CD's and recently debuted #2 on the Billboard Top ten – second only to Adele''s album: The Kidz Bop kids the #1 music brand for kids ages 5-12 in the U.S. They're kicking off a nation-wide tour summer tour at the end of July, dropping a new CD mid-month, and launching a toy line the end of August. Please let me know if you'd like to talk with a couple of the Kidz Bop kids on Tuesday, July 24th. We can send you their new toys, new CD's, and offer a ticket giveaway for viewers in your audience. They are coming to your city or one close by!

1) KIZ BOP’s latest release, KIDZ BOP 22, came out last week!
2) KIDZ BOP Kids - national 22-city tour – opening for Ethan Bortnick
Tour kicks off on July 27 in Pittsburgh and runs through September 2 in Miami!
3) KIDZ BOP Pop Star toy line launches at Toys R Us this August!



BENJAMIN CLARK - NBC's "Love in the Wild"

BENJAMIN CLARK Age: 27 Hometown: Chesterfield, England; resides in Monroe, NC Born and raised in England, Benjamin Clark's sheer charm is sure to win the hearts of the ladies and keep the men on their toes. His strategy to charm potential mates begins with a first date that involves treating them to delicious food and cold beer. The former pro soccer player currently serves as a soccer coach at his alma mater, Wingate University, and as director of coaching at Mecklenburg Union Futbol Club. In addition, he enjoys playing cricket, going to the gym and hanging out with his mates. He says that people either love him or hate him. Regardless, finding true love is his goal in life as well as on the show. Love in the Wild Tuesdays on NBC (10-11 p.m. ET)

Monday, July 23, 2012

07/23 Paula Shoyer, Don Whittemore

Paula Shoyer - Pastry Chef "The Kosher Baker"

Paula Shoyer is the owner of Paula’s Parisian Pastries Cooking School in the Washington, D.C., area. She teaches classes in French pastry and Jewish baking locally and across the country. She trained in Paris, receiving her pastry diploma from the Ritz Escoffier École de Gastronomie Française, and served as editor of the popular Susie Fishbein cookbooks Kosher by Design Entertains and Kosher by Design Kids in the Kitchen. Paula is the author of The Kosher Baker: Over 160 Dairy-Free Recipes from Traditional to Trendy. Paula and her delicious recipes have been featured in numerous publications and websites including The Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Houston Chronicle, Dessert Professional, Today's Diet and Nutrition, Joy of Kosher magazine, and Epicurious.com. Paula is also a freelance writer with monthly columns in Whisk Magazine and kosherscoop.com. She is also a popular guest on radio shows such as Martha Stewart Living radio, Walking on Air with Betsy and Sal, What’s Cookin’ with Mike Horn and Paul Stern on CRN Digital Talk Radio and OnTheMenuRadio.com. She has cooked up delicious desserts on WUSA TV 9’s Noon News in Washington, DC, WGN's Lunchbreak, NBC Washington News 4 at 4 “Quick Bites” and San Diego Living. Originally from New York, this busy wife, mother, and part-time basketball coach lives in Chevy Chase, MD with her husband and four children and is currently working on a new cookbook.

To learn more about Paula Shoyer, visit her website, www.PaulasPastry.com and www.kosherbaker.blogspot.com.



Don Whittemore - "Dandy Don's Homemade Ice Cream"

In 1981 Don and his lovely wife Linda (pregnant with their second child) bought an ice cream shop in Tarzana, California called The Creamery. They thought it would be a gold mine. They were wrong. So they worked their keesters off, got into the wholesale business, and began a catering division. This is how the catering division of their company—now with over 1,000 customers—got its start. Don’s favorite part of doing business is dealing with people. He loves talking to his clients, making ice cream with them, and helping them promote their businesses. He loves selling his ice cream to new clients, finding out what they want, tempting them with great service. He just loves people. And he loves making people happy. Good thing he makes great ice cream.

Friday, July 20, 2012

07/20 Jennifer Saenz, George Jarkesy, Steve Livigni & Daniel K. Nelson, Steve Evans

Steve Livigni & Daniel K. Nelson - "Drink, Inc"

Drink Inc. follows the eccentric adventures of Steve Livigni and Daniel K. Nelson, two of LA’s top mixologists. As the owners of some of the city’s most renowned bars, Steve and Daniel are constantly creating show-stopping cocktails that impress L.A.’s demanding foodie community. Each week, join Steve and Daniel as they visit some of the most unique restaurants to gain inspiration to help them create never-before-tasted -cocktails.

Steve Livigni is a Los Angeles-based mixologist and bar consultant overseeing the city’s top cocktail destinations. Alongside collaborator Pablo Moix, the two have opened LA hotspots: Pour Vous, La Descarga, Harvard and Stone, Black Market Liquor Bar, Blue Cow Kitchen and Plan Check, all in the past 2 years. The two also recently re-tooled the cocktail program at two Michelin star rated Melisse in Santa Monica, one of the last great fine dining restaurants in Southern California. In May 2012, two of Livigni's bars were nominated for numerous Spirit Awards at this years Tales of the Cocktail Event including Best New Bar in America and best American Cocktail Bar. Livigni appears regularly in cocktail and nightlife related media in both local and national radio, tv, print and web coverage. Livigni along side long time friend and collaborator Daniel K. Nelson will be appearing as the host and associate producer of Drink Inc on Youtube's HUNGRY channel launching in July 2012. Part teacher part student, Livigni has trained dozens of the most talented bartenders in Los Angeles while always expanding his own understanding of the history and culture of distillation and drinking. Prior to opening La Descarga in February of 2010, Livigni was an operations manager for lauded nightlife impresario Cedd Moses at 213 Inc., a long time employee of the Four Seasons Hotel chain and a brand ambassador for spirits industry leaders Bacardi, Brown-Forman and Infinium Spirits.

Since moving to Los Angeles in 2005 Daniel K. Nelson has been at the forefront of the cocktail revolution. His cocktails complement the best Los Angeles cuisine. Working in two, two Michelin star restaurants (Spago, Providence) Nelson has created a repertoire of "cocktails containing ingredients even seasoned barmen use sparingly." (LATimes). He is as comfortable crafting a Blue Blazer (circa 1890) as he is creating original cocktails that reflect modern Los Angeles.


Jennifer Saenz - Director of Marketing "Lay’s"


In 2013, the Lay’s brand will celebrate 75 years as America’s most-loved potato chip. What better way to kick off this anniversary year than by letting fans decide the brand’s next great Lay’s flavor? The best part: the fan who submits the winning flavor idea will receive $1 million in grand prize money or one percent of his/her flavor’s net sales, whichever is higher. The Lay’s “Do Us A Flavor” contest kicks-off on July 20. Fans will have the opportunity to submit flavors through early October and three finalist flavors will be fully developed by Frito-Lay’s culinary experts and introduced in the marketplace in mid-February 2013. From there, it will be up to all of America to vote for the finalist flavor they love most, with the winning flavor announced in May 2013.

Jennifer Saenz, director of marketing for the Lay’s brand is ready to share all the details behind the Lay’s “Do Us A Flavor” contest


George Jarkesy

A money manager and successful professional investor, respected financial and corporate advisor. George has founded, invested in and helped to build companies engaged in a broad range of industry sectors, including financial consulting, media, real estate investing, real estate management, employee leasing, light steel manufacturing, livestock management, technology, natural resources, healthcare and biotechnology. George is currently focused on Managing his and his partners many investments and he is a frequent market commentator and guest on FOX Business News, FOX & Friends and CNBC. He is also the host of the nationally syndicated “George Jarkesy” radio show.


Steve Evans - "The Movie Guy"

Final Batman Movie Opens - Latest box office info and news from the world of movies and films…Steve talks about the good, the bad and the ugly. His extensive theatrical experience makes him the right guy to talk about movies and their effect on popular cultures.es him the right guy to talk about movies and their effect on popular cultures.

07/19 Anthony Amalfitano, Amalifitano's Bakery, Marie Gewirtz, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, ThinkThin®, Lizanne Falsetto

Anthony Amalfitano - Amalifitano's Bakery

The pastries and cakes at Amalfitano Bakery are rich, fresh and delicious, and that should be no surprise: Amalfitano is owned and operated by the same family that ran Ramona's Bakery for years. There's no cutting corners here, and no substitutes. The bakery is well on its way to becoming the favorite bakery in the area.



Marie Gewirtz - Marketing & PR, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards

Annual Catalan Festival July 21 - July 22, 2012
From 11:00am - 4:00pm - Join us for a day Spanish food, wine and entertainment with lively classical guitar, passionate flamenco dancing, a festive grape stomp and traditional folklore surprises. Stroll and enjoy savory tapas, paella demonstrations and wine seminars as you sip our acclaimed California sparkling and estate wines.

As the first sparkling wine house in California’s renowned Carneros region, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards was established in 1986. Gloria Ferrer embodies Spanish winegrowing history, time-honored tradition, and centuries-old winemaking practices in creating exceptional sparkling and estate varietal wines blended to pair perfectly with food. With most of our 335-acre estate dedicated to Pinot Noir, we are steadfast in our belief that this enigmatic variety brings a timeless grace to our sparkling and estate varietal wines. The Ferrer family’s culture of generosity is expressed in their commitment to high-quality, affordable wines for everyone to enjoy. Celebrate Spain in Sonoma overlooking our Carneros estate vineyards.


Lizanne Falsetto - ThinkThin® founder


Few young women are offered the choice between a career in basketball or fashion. ThinkThin® founder and CEO Lizanne Falsetto chose fashion and embarked on a successful business chapter that took her to live and work in Japan, Paris, Milan, New York, Australia and Madrid. From both sports and fashion, she gained a deep knowledge and understanding of nutrition and its role in health. From her Italian grandparents, however, she developed a great respect and love for real food – freshly picked from the garden and brought to the table for nourishing conversation and warm family laughter.

Balancing a career and motherhood led to the thinkThin® formula: simple, nutritious and delicious portable food. ThinkThin® protein bars are a good source of protein, 0 grams sugar and gluten free that helps support an active lifestyle.

Besides being a businesswoman and mother of two, Lizanne is a passionate philanthropist dedicated to fighting and creating awareness for diseases like obesity and diabetes. She has also raised over $250,000 for research and education related to cancer and other epidemics. In 2010, Lizanne was awarded the prestigious Leadership Award from The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-LA) for outstanding leadership in 2009. She is also a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and a board member of the Arizona Cancer Center. ThinkThin® is a proud sponsor of the Dream Foundation whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their families who are battling terminal illness. The Dream Foundation has earned recognition and a 4-star rate by Charity Navigator and a Seal of Excellence from Independent Charities of America.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

07/18 Larry Lipson, Chef Shawn Armstrong, Don Fritzen

Larry Lipson - Costa Rica

Larry is the former food critic of the DailyNews and reports weekly on Wine and food discoveries from his retirement home in Costa Rica.


Chef Shawn Armstrong - Executive Chef of Montage Deer Valley

With a career spanning two decades and several continents, Shawn Armstrong brings a world of experience to his role as Executive Chef of Montage Deer Valley. Most recently Executive Chef of the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, Armstrong has become widely recognized for his award-winning cuisine developed over a ten year span in high-profile venues in Asia, where he ran the kitchens in Hong Kong's Oyster & Wine Bar, Singapore's Cliff Restaurant (Sentosa Resort and Spa) and the Maldives' Coral Reef Resort (Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces).


Don Fritzen - Founder "California Wine Festival"

Wine, food, music, sun and sea. Experience the quintessential California wine tasting and enjoy hundreds of California's finest vintage wines, delicious gourmet foods and lively music. Discover new wines at every Festival, find a new favorite and pair it with a dizzying variety of fresh gourmet appetizers like just-shucked oysters, sizzling bbqed meats, artisan breads, cheeses, olive oils and so much more. Enjoy an afternoon of unlimited fun, food and music – at the biggest wine festival under the sun!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

07/17 Carolyn Shaffer, Tara Gidus, Matt Nichols

Carolyn Shaffer - Fandango Olive Oil

Certified Organic Olive Oils from Paso Robles - Fandango Olive Oil is produced from olives that are grown on our small family farm located on the West side of Paso Robles, in the sunny hills of California’s Central Coast. We grow Arbequina, a Spanish varietal and Koroneiki, a Greek varietal. All oils we produce are certified organic by CCOF and certified “extra virgin” by the California Olive Oil Council. With an eye toward preserving good soil fertility for future generations and a sustainable food supply, we use earth friendly farming practices to manage our weeds and critters. We follow a deliberate organic approach and strictly avoid the use of harmful pesticides or petroleum-based synthetic fertilizers. We plant cover crops grown from organic seeds, both as erosion control and to naturally put nitrogen back into the soil. After harvest, our estate grown olives are milled within mere hours of picking to minimize the oxidation process. This assures that you will get the freshest oil possible at the peak of its flavor. Like the dance for which it is named, Fandango Olive Oil will entice your nose and excite your palate with its lively taste and bold finish




Tara Gidus - "Diet Diva" Jamba Juice

Tara Gidus, known as the Diet Diva, is a nationally recognized expert and media spokesperson on topics of nutrition, fitness, and health promotion. Tara is quoted in a variety of media including television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and websites. She currently appears biweekly as the “Diet Diva” on the national morning television show, The Daily Buzz. Tara is currently the team dietitian for the Orlando Magic NBA team. Tara served as a National Media Spokes person for the American Dietetic Association for five years.


Matt Nichols - Sides Hardware & Shoes Rest

Brothers Matt and Jeff Nichols named Sides Hardware and Shoes in tribute to Milburn Sides who opened his store in Los Olivos in 1901. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, enjoy The Brothers “bacon steak” – a thick cut of house-made apple wood smoked maple bacon, Huevos Rancheros and Cinnamon… and Golden Raisin Beignets for breakfast; the Hammered Pig Sandwich of Fried Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Mustard Seed Slaw, a classic Brothers Burger and fresh Albacore Fish Tacos for lunch; as well as Marinated Santa Barbara Olive Appetizer, Fried Chicken, Lamb Sirloin and Salmon prepared with seasonal ingredients. Featuring eight local wines, stored in kegs and served on tap as well as a full list of Central Coast wines. This modern wine bistro welcomes you with warm colors, natural woods, cast iron, leather, vintage style lighting and ceiling fans, paying homage to American craftsmanship from the early 1900’s.

Monday, July 16, 2012

07/16 Sarah Carey, Darlene Herrick, Josh & Mike Greenfield, Rick Maynard

Sarah Carey - PBS “Everyday Food”

She might be a 13-year veteran of the Martha Stewart test kitchens, but as a working mom with two hungry kids, Sarah Carey faces the same challenges as every busy home cook when it comes to making dinner for her family. Whether developing recipes for stories in the magazine, appearing on MSLO’s radio and TV programs, or being featured within wide-ranging media outlets, Sarah shares her innate cooking passion, deep-seeded food knowledge, expert techniques, and helpful tips with an audience of millions. Her experience includes co-authoring the best-selling book Martha Stewart’s Cooking School, contributing to numerous additional MSLO cookbooks, and co-hosting the PBS cooking series Everyday Food. Starting in June 2012, she launched Everyday Food with Sarah Carey - a daily digital video series providing simple instructional demonstrations of delicious weeknight dinners. Growing up on a commune in Woodstock, N.Y., Sarah was exposed to a variety of diverse foods and cuisine types at an early age. She went on to receive formal training at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., as well as a bachelor of fine arts in photography from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Before joining MSLO in 1999, Sarah worked as a recipe developer for cookbook writer Barbara Kafka and former New York Times food columnist Molly O'Neil.

Everyday Food magazine is the indispensable handbook for home cooks, providing practical food solutions for every day of the year. Leading the team is seasoned Editor-in-Chief Sarah Carey who is regularly called upon by national and local media to share the magazine’s creative content and relatable advice. Since the magazine’s launch in October 2003, the Everyday Food brand has grown to include best-selling books, a popular PBS television series, a robust and interactive website and blog, regular segments on The Martha Stewart Show and Martha Stewart Living Radio on Sirius XM110, the popular Martha’s Everyday Food App for iPhone and iPod touch.


Darlene Herrick - Gaspar's Grotto

Over 25 years in the hospitality industry . She has held titles of Chef de Partie, Executive Sous Chef, and Executive Chef, at Chavez at The Royal and The Tea Room in Hyde Park Village. She worked for Helen Chavez (former City counsel woman in Tampa)8 years; Passports - Tampa's first Tapas Restaurant; Executive Chef at Ybor City s Cafe Creole. Darlene just won first place May 26.2012 for Best Non Tradional Cuban Sandwich in Tampa. Darlene was born and raised in Tampa and started cooking at the age of 6 at her grandmothers restaurant in Ybor City called "The Paramount".


Josh and Mike Greenfield - The Brothers Green (HUNGRY)

YouTube's brand new food channel HUNGRY, created by multimedia studio Electus. The channel, helmed by Food Network and Cooking Channel veteran Bruce Seidel, aims to form a more direct community with viewers than television can, and have more flexibility with format and content. Seidel believes that the programs on HUNGRY have strong enough production value to rival food programs on mainstream television -- though the programs are much shorter for the online audience. Expect a lot in the one to three minute range.

In the heart of hipster Brooklyn are Josh and Mike Greenfield, two charming brothers, musicians and underground caterers who face a culinary challenge in every episode. See the brothers explore food and battle their sibling rivalry while cooking for local cult bands, foodie celebrities and parties of all shapes and sizes, all from their loft home kitchen. New episodes every Monday.


Rick Maynard - KFC

In what the brand is calling its biggest product launch since Kentucky Grilled Chicken®, KFC today introduced Original Recipe® Bites. The new menu item is bite-sized chicken at its very best and as only the world's most popular chicken restaurant chain can offer.

Original Recipe Bites are available in both six- and 10-piece portions, and can be ordered either a la carte or in a Combo. Combos include a side item and a medium drink. For a limited time, the six-piece combo is only $3.99, at participating restaurants nationwide.

Friday, July 13, 2012

07/13 Trey Fletcher, Don Fritzen, Chef Alain Bosse, Steve Evans

Trey Fletcher - Bien Nacido / Solomon Hills

The vineyard traces its roots back to the year 1837 when a Spanish land grant of some two square leagues was made to Tomas Olivera by Juan Bautista Alvarado, then Gobernador of Alta California. This grant covered nearly 9,000 acres ranging upward to the San Rafael Mountains from the Santa Maria Mesa, which bordered the Sisquoc and Cuyama Rivers. The ranch was generously watered by Tepusquet Creek, so called by the Chumash Indians to whom it meant "fishing for trout." Thomas Olivera sold Rancho Tepusquet in 1855 to his son-in-law Don Juan Pacifico Ontiveros and daughter Martina. Don Juan Pacifico Ontiveros started construction on an adobe in 1857 and moved to the ranch the following year. He and his wife raised horses, cattle, sheep, several grain crops, and grapes for the production of wine


Don Fritzen - California Wine Festival


Wine, food, music, sun and sea. Experience the quintessential California wine tasting and enjoy hundreds of California's finest vintage wines, delicious gourmet foods and lively music. Discover new wines at every Festival, find a new favorite and pair it with a dizzying variety of fresh gourmet appetizers like just-shucked oysters, sizzling bbqed meats, artisan breads, cheeses, olive oils and so much more. Enjoy an afternoon of unlimited fun, food and music – at the biggest wine festival under the sun!


Chef Alain Bosse - "Kilted Chef"


On July 1, 2012, London celebrated Canada Day in Trafalgar Square with lobster and scallop demonstrations by Nova Scotia chefs Michael Howell and Alain Bosse. Londoners also had the opportunity to sample the province’s seafood and wines during the Nova Scotia Seafood Supper at Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant on July 2, 2012. “Our events in London last week were a great success,” says Bob Book, acting executive director of Nova Scotia Tourism. "This was a wonderful opportunity to work with the Jamie Oliver organization and enhance awareness of Nova Scotia as a world-class culinary destination among media, the travel industry and consumers. It will open the door to greater opportunities and development in the UK market.” As one of Nova Scotia’s most popular and fastest growing tourism experiences, cuisine is a cornerstone of the provincial marketing strategy. Nova Scotia is associated with seafood, but is becoming increasingly renowned for its award-winning wineries and a growing agri-tourism industry. “Jamie Oliver was very interested in learning more about Nova Scotia,” says Janice Ruddock, executive director of Taste of Nova Scotia. “He heard all about us from photographer David Loftus and the editorial staff that were here last month working on an article for the August edition of Jamie magazine. Our authentic culinary experiences, the passion of our people, and our abundant seacoast and land definitely made an impression on them.” The Province of Nova Scotia and Taste of Nova Scotia have been working in partnership for the last two years to make further inroads into the European market, promoting Nova Scotia as a culinary tourism destination, as well as the export of our Nova Scotia food and wine products. “The evening (at Fifteen) certainly sold me personally on a culinary tour of Nova Scotia and I will promote this to the tour operators we are working with,” says Sarah Macintyre, business development manager for Europe at Brewster Travel Canada. “I really enjoyed the chef displays and learning more about lobster…the food in the restaurant prepared by the Nova Scotia chefs and the Fifteen staff was wonderful and the wine a real surprise. I had no idea Nova Scotia did such a good job with winemaking.”


Steve Evans - "The Movie Guy"

Latest box office info and news from the world of movies and films…Steve talks about the good, the bad and the ugly. His extensive theatrical experience makes him the right guy to talk about movies and their effect on popular cultures.es him the right guy to talk about movies and their effect on popular cultures.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

07/12 Darcy Kochis, Sandy Pollock, Jamie Gluck

Darcy Kochis - Oregon Berry Festival

It may have been a showery spring but Oregonians can rejoice because summer and the long awaited Oregon berry season is now here! Summer, sunshine, berries and the Oregon Berry Festival will put a smile on your face and a berry in your mouth, this month. The Ecotrust event spaces in Portland, (NW 10th & Johnson) will host the 2nd annual Oregon Berry Festival, July 20th & 21st, 2012. Visitors will have a chance to taste and buy some of the season’s best berries and also sample and purchase amazing products made with Oregon’s berry bounty. Admission is free for all events at the Ecotrust. Hours will be from noon to six on Friday, July 20th and 11AM to 4:30PM on Saturday, July 21st This will be a fun family event with children’s activities, live entertainment on the “Blues Berry” stage and a raffle to win a Trek Atwood bike loaded with berry goodies and coupons for berry treats. Be sure to come to the festival to sample this year’s crop of Oregon berries and berry products. There will be ice creams, pies, cobblers, jams, strawberry shortcake plus the unexpected taste treat like Marionberry BBQ sauce, red raspberry spirits, cranberry chocolates, natural blueberry soda and much more.


Sandy Pollock - Crystal Cooke

“HUNGRY” - YOU TUBE - Sandy, a graduate of the prestigious French Culinary Institute in New York City, derived the idea for the Casserole Queens during a holiday visit with her family. After making the Pollocks' signature dishes with her mom and siblings, she realized that everyone in the family (all the way down to the tiniest Pollock) was indubitably satisfied. Sandy has happy memories of her family gathering at the dinner table to eat a casserole, and she hopes that Casserole Queens will help build memories for other families, too. Drawing from a diverse culinary background, including stints at Austin restaurants Jeffrey's and Cipollina, Sandy has a knack for enhancing the taste of an old favorite—as well as serving up some uniquely different dishes of her own. Crystal, a former citizen of Corporate America, brings over 11 years of marketing experience to the Casserole Queens team and an entrepreneurial drive to help execute on their vision. In addition to her strong marketing background, Crystal comes from generations of fine cooking. Raised a true Southern Belle, this Casserole Queen knows her way around the kitchen and into every food lover's heart. It is her goal to help deliver a little nostalgia with every casserole we sell.


Jamie Gluck - Bell Street Farm Eatery

Introducing BELL STREET FARM a newly opened eatery and market on the Central Coast of California. The eatery offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where visitors can sample regional wines, enjoy farm fresh cuisine or create a picnic basket on the way to visit local sites. Under the creative direction of Owner Jamie Gluck, Bell Street Farm was designed to fit into the quaint charm of Los Alamos yet introduce a sophistication in food and goods which many wine region residents and visitors generally seek. Gluck scoured the area to create a distinct menu and curate retail items that reflect the culture and cuisine found along the California coast. “After spending many years in the area, I saw a need for a restaurant that utilized the flavors and fresh ingredients found in the region,” said Jamie Gluck, Owner of Bell Street Farm. “When the space on Bell Street became available, I was excited to expand the enjoyment of ‘farm-to-table’ to a new level and create a comfortable yet sophisticated establishment for residents and visitors to enjoy a delicious meal to eat in or take out.” BELL STREET FARM a newly opened eatery-and-market on the Central Coast of California. The eatery offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where visitors can sample regional wines, enjoy farm fresh cuisine or create a picnic basket on the way to visit local sites. Under the creative direction of Owner Jamie Gluck, Bell Street Farm was designed to fit into the quaint charm of Los Alamos yet introduce a sophistication in food and goods which many wine region residents and visitors generally seek. Gluck scoured the area to create a distinct menu and curate retail items that reflect the culture and cuisine found along the California coast. “After spending many years in the area, I saw a need for a restaurant that utilized the flavors and fresh ingredients found in the region,” said Jamie Gluck, Owner of Bell Street Farm. “When the space on Bell Street became available, I was excited to expand the enjoyment of ‘farm-to-table’ to a new level and create a comfortable yet sophisticated establishment for residents and visitors to enjoy a delicious meal to eat in or take out.”

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

07/11 Larry Lipson, Dan T. Cathy

Larry Lipson - Costa Rica Correspondent

For fifty years Larry Lipson was the food critic for the Los Angeles Daily News and not reports from Costa Rica weekly with his thoughts and favorite picks for Food & Wine.



Dan T. Cathy - President of Chick-fil-A


Dan T. Cathy President /COO Chick-fil-A As president of one of the nation's largest family owned businesses, Chick-fil-A's Dan T. Cathy represents the next generation of leadership for the Atlanta-based quick-service chicken restaurant chain founded by his father, S. Truett Cathy. Eager to incorporate his own skills and talents into the business, Dan has taken an unconventional, yet personally and professionally rewarding approach to Chick-fil-A leadership. Since 2001, Dan has served as the president and chief operating officer of the 1,608-plus unit chain (as of March 2012), but he also has personally challenged himself with upholding Chick-fil-A’s efforts to provide genuine, heartfelt hospitality, and ensuring that customers chain wide have an exceptional dining experience when visiting a Chick-fil-A restaurant. In his quest to provide customers with “second-mile” service (exceeding even the highest expectations of a typical fast-food restaurant), Dan has defined a special role for himself – humbly saying, "I work in customer service." Rather than leading from his corporate office in Atlanta, Dan chooses to spend the majority of his time traveling to the chain’s growing family of restaurants and interacting with Chick-fil-A’s committed team of restaurant Operators and team members. His actions stem from a belief that working in the field provides a clearer understanding of the ever-evolving wants and needs of Chick-fil-A customers, and leading from the front line also enables him to personally convey his servant spirit to the chain’s 61,000-plus employees. The majority of his travels include participating in grand opening ceremonies for new Chick-fil-A restaurants. In yet another example of how he keeps in tune with customers and employees, Dan attended numerous restaurant openings last year, spending the night in restaurant parking lots along with hundreds of customers who were vying for a chance to win free Chick-fil-A food for a year as part of a special customer-focused promotion the chain conducts in conjunction with new restaurant openings. Reflecting on these experiences, Dan notes, "I’m having the most fun I have ever had at Chick-fil-A."

Several major marketplace awards recently have affirmed the commitment and performance of Chick-fil-A Operators and team members. In early 2008, BusinessWeekand J.D. Power and Associates named Chick-fil-A among the top 25 “Customer Service Champs.” Chick-fil-A ranked 22nd overall, and was one of only two restaurant concepts listed. Also in 2009, Chick-fil-A received Restaurant & Institutions magazine’s "Choice in Chains" award for the 15th time in 16 years, as well as topping QSR magazine’s 2009 Best Drive Thru in America survey for the sixth time in the 12-year history of the study. During 2007, Chick-fil-A was recognized as first in overall service in a survey jointly conducted by Zagat and NBC’s "Today Show." In 2004, Chick-fil-A was honored with Fast Company magazine’s inaugural "Customer First" award; and was the highest rated quick-service chain in the South in J.D. Power and Associate’s Customer Satisfaction survey. Dan's nearly lifelong career at Chick-fil-A began at age 9 as he sang songs for customers and did radio commercials for the chain's original "Dwarf House" restaurant in Hapeville, Ga. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Georgia Southern University, Dan returned to Chick-fil-A where he served as director of operations – opening more than 50 new Chick-fil-A restaurants throughout the country. As Chick-fil-A continued to grow, so did Dan's responsibilities with the company. He has served as senior director of operations, vice president of operations and executive vice president prior to being named president and chief operating officer.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

7/10 Byrne Offutt, JESSE WILSON, Aaron Greenwald

Byrne Offutt - Mountain Valley Waters

Every drop of Mountain Valley water comes from a single, natural spring source that originates deep within the earth's surface. The spring is located within 2,000 acres of protected land approximately 12 miles from Hot Springs National Park Arkansas. We bottle Mountain Valley at the spring site. The first known owner of the property containing the Mountain Valley spring was Benjamin Lockett. Mr. Lockett and his son Enoch sold some of the water locally around Hot Springs until it became known as “Lockett's Spring Water.” Dr. Peter Greene, an Arkansas pharmacist, began to market the water and then changed its name to “Mountain Valley” (after the name of the nearby small community) in 1871. Dr. Greene purchased the land in 1872, began to improve the spring site, and gave Mountain Valley its start.


JESSE WILSON - NBC's "Love in the Wild"

JESSE WILSON resides in Manhattan Beach, CA Jesse Wilson grew up in Oakdale, California, which happens to be affectionately known as "Cowboy Capital of the World," where there were only three stop signs, one general store and 100 people. This small-town boy went on to play semi-professional football and was voted the team captain. Wilson is confident when it comes to sports and athleticism, but he is looking for the perfect girl. He wants to get married eventually and have kids - he even has the names picked out for his children.


Aaron Greenwald - BOLD Organics (21)

Just one year ago, Aaron was a sophomore at Washington University in St. Louis when a business professor challenged him to formulate a business plan for a class project. Having experienced the benefits of gluten- and dairy-free eating as a competitive tennis player and frustrated with the poor taste of suitable foods available in supermarkets, he set out to develop a pizza that was both delicious and healthy. Working with local St. Louis renowned chef, Eric Brenner, he succeeded...BOLD Organics is currently distributed throughout 200 stores around the country, including independent shops and chains, such as Whole Foods (which in some stores is selling two to four times the market average) and has already been approved into 1,000+ more stores.

Monday, July 9, 2012

07/09 Archie McLaren, Marty Brown

Archie McLaren - Chairman Central Coast Wine Classic Avila Beach & Big Sur, California

Archie McLaren is no stranger to the world of fine cuisine and rare wine. He is the founding Bailli of the Central Coast Chapter of the Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, a member of the Vintners’ Club of San Francisco, the Wine & Food Society of San Francisco, the San Francisco Chapter of the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin and the Marin County Chapter of the International Wine & Food Society. He is the former Cellar master of the Avila Bay Wine Society and the former President of the Central Coast Wine Society. Archie has served as Chairman/Executive Director of both the San Luis Obispo Vintners & Growers Association and the Paso Robles Westside Grand Crew.


Marty Brown - “Mr Pink’s Ginseng Drink”

Mr. Pink Collections, LLC has developed and is the purveyor of ultra-premium, health and wellness-based beverages for active and sophisticated adults. Based in Los Angeles, California, Mr. Pink portfolio consists of Ginseng Vitamin drinks, Premium Vitamin Iced Teas and Premium Sparkling Vitamin Iced Teas that reflect the surging need for products which are all natural, offer potent health benefits and taste deliciously refreshing. Mr. Pink’s custom blended beverages contain special ingredients originating from the purest natural sources because Mr. Pink invests in the best available herbs and extracts to ensure perfection in every can and bottle.