12/1- Chef Michael Symon, Chef Tommy Cvitanovich

 

Chef Michael Symon-Food Network /The Cooking Channel Host

HO! HO! HO! And GOBBLE! GOBBLE! The “Holiday Table Trends 2010” survey results are in, and it is clear that America’s taste buds are craving something new. In fact, eight out of 10 people describe last year’s holiday meal as “predictable”! So, to spruce up and spice up this holiday season’s dinner table, the “Food Network’s” “Next Iron Chef” and “Food Feuds” and “The Cooking Channel’s” “Cook Like An Iron Chef” host and celebrity chef Michael Symon will reveal to your listeners how to reinvigorate family classics by incorporating seasonal flavor favorites in unexpected and unpredictable new ways. The author of the hugely popular cookbook “Michael Symon’s Live to Cook - Recipes and Techniques to Rock Your Kitchen” will serve up recipes that provide twists on traditional holiday meals and will share his tasty tips for breaking free of predictability while still evoking the nostalgia of Yuletide celebrations past.

The host of “Food Network’s” “Next Iron Chef” and “Food Feuds” and “The Cooking Channel’s” “Cook Like an Iron Chef”, celebrity chef Michael Symon has become a household name for his thoughtful Mid-Western cooking style and attention to detail. Named one of the “Top Ten Best New Chefs” by “Food & Wine” magazine, one of five Iron Chef’s on the “Food Network’s” “Iron Chef America” (where he is also known as past host of “Dinner: Impossible” Season 5), and the 2009 James Beard Award Winner for “Best Restaurant in the Great Lakes Region, Michael is a nationally-renowned chef and is adored in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, where he is the chef and owner of critically acclaimed restaurants Lola and Lolita. The author of the hugely popular cookbook “Michael Symon’s Live to Cook - Recipes and Techniques to Rock Your Kitchen”, Michael has hosted more than 100 episodes of “Food Network’s” “The Melting Pot” and has appeared on episodes of “Sara’s Secrets” with Sara Moulton and “Ready, Set, Cook” and “Food Nation” with Bobby Flay.

Chef Tommy Cvitanovich-Drago's Restaurant Owner

On December 1st, more than 150 chefs and restaurants in cities across the country will participate in the first "America’s Night out for Gulf Seafood" to promote the safety of Gulf seafood in light of the BP oil spill earlier in the year.  All of the participating restaurants will be serving a special dish that includes either fish, oysters, shrimp or crabs from the Gulf of Mexico, which supplies nearly half of all the country's seafood.

"AMERICA'S NIGHT OUT FOR GULF SEAFOOD" is intended to show that seafood from the Gulf of Mexico is safe to eat and is the most scrutinized and tested seafood in the entire world. 

The special "night out" is also meant to honor the thousands of Americans and their families in the Gulf seafood industry who are now back to work, fishing the Gulf waters for the most succulent catches. 

New Orleans’ economy, dependent on tourism and its culinary offerings, is having its best year since Hurricane Katrina and is one of the top destinations in the country despite the oil spill.  Drago's (DROUH-GOES) Restaurant Owner and Chef Tommy Cvitanovich (SIT-TAN-O-VICH), creator of the world-famous "charbroiled oyster”, will be cooking live on Wednesday Morning from New Orleans to talk about "DINE AMERICA- "---the first ever America's Night Out for Gulf Seafood." More than 30 cities are participating in this unique "Night Out" campaign including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Atlanta. For a complete list of the participating chefs and restaurants, go to http://www.neworleansinfo.com/

11/30 - Richard Hill, Jean Francois Houdre, Joanne Chang

Richard Hill - Manager - The Westin St. Francis Hotel - San Francisco
Jean Francois Houdre -  Executive Pastry Chef 

The iconic Westin St. Francis is the place to be for the holidays. From its superb location directly on Union Square, the heart of the city’s glamorous shopping mecca, and across the street from the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink, to the elegant holiday decorations, a magnificent 12-foot Sugar Castle, traditional holiday tea service, decadent meals and fun holiday packages, this is the perfect place to celebrate the season in style! This holiday season, The Westin St. Francis will be transformed into a festive oasis, embellished with spectacular holiday decorations created by Joe Vincent Designs. Upon entering the historic Main Lobby, a 15-foot, glimmering white and silver holiday tree decorated in energy saving LED lights will transcend into different colors. Families will delight in the whimsically adorned Tower Lobby, featuring a soaring 18-foot tall tree. A winter wonderland will be displayed over the front desk with clusters of beautiful metallic apple green and pale gold Christmas trees and an assortment of glittering green boxes surrounded by gold garland, patches of snow and clusters of dripping LED icicles adorning the length of the overhang. Sugar Castle Annual Debut -  Join us in the Landmark Lobby on Wednesday, November 24th, from 10 – 11 a.m. for the highly anticipated annual debut of one of the country’s largest sugar castles! Created by Executive Pastry Chef, Jean-Francois Houdré, this marvelous, 12-foot rotating masterpiece grows larger and more spectacular each year. Inspired by a French Chateau from Chef Houdre’s hometown of Bordeaux, the 100% edible castle weighs more than 1,200 pounds and features more than 20 grand circular towers, approximately 30 rooms, illuminated windows and is surrounded by silver sugar trees, stars and snowflakes made out of pastillage, chocolate balls in brilliant colors and elves constructed out of marzipan. Complimentary hot chocolate will be served. The Sugar Castle will be on display November 24 - January 3.

Joanne Chang - Flour Bakery & Cafe (and Cookbook)  
An honors graduate of Harvard College with a degree in Applied Mathematics and Economics, Joanne left a career as a management consultant to enter the world of professional cooking. She started as garde-manger cook at Boston's renowned Biba restaurant, then worked as a pastry cook at Bentonwood Bakery in Newton, and in 1995 was hired as Pastry Chef at Rialto restaurant in Cambridge. Joanne moved to New York City in 1997 to work in the cake department of the critically acclaimed Payard Patisserie and Bistro. Returning to Boston a year later with dreams of opening up her own pastry shop, she brought her French and American training to Mistral where she was the Pastry Chef until summer of 2000. In 2000, she opened Flour, a bakery and café, in Boston's South End. Flour features breakfast pastries, breads, cakes, cookies, and tarts as well as sandwiches, soups, and salads. In 2007 she opened a second branch of Flour in the Fort Point Channel area and in 2010 a third branch in Cambridge near MIT and Central Square.  Flour has been featured in Gourmet, Food&Wine, Bon Appetit, the New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, Lucky Magazine, Inc. Magazine, and Boston Magazine and has received numerous Best of Boston awards. Flour was also featured on Throwdown with Bobby Flay on the Food Network in which Joanne's sticky buns won over Chef Flay's. Joanne's energetic commitment to excellence extends beyond the kitchen. She writes pastry articles and reviews cookbooks for Fine Cooking magazine. She teaches classes and advises pastry cooks both within the bakery and at area cooking schools. She opened a Chinese restaurant called Myers + Chang with her husband Christopher Myers in the South End neighborhood in the fall of 2007. An avid runner, she has competed in every Boston Marathon from 1991 - 2006.

11/29-Jamie Geller, Charice

Jamie Geller-Quick & Kosher

Geller, who is the official spokesperson for Kosher.com and who was hailed "A Kosher Rachael Ray" by The Miami Herald, features a recipe for Samosa Latkes in her new book, a flavorful ethnic spin on traditional potato latkes blending curry and peas, potatoes, onions, eggs and matzoh meal. According to Geller, there is an unprecedented number of Kosher ethnic restaurants and food companies that are now selling Kosher ethnic spices such as curry and cardamom.  "All the mainstream companies like Nestle are seeing the value of putting kosher certified on their products so now we have an opportunity to try all these different cuisines. We can cook outside the box of traditional Kosher cuisine. Kosher consumers’s palettes can taste food from the far east and now want to recreate them in our own home," says Geller.  And that's what Geller does in her new cookbook, which features an Indian spin on a Chanukah menu that blends Indian spices such as Cardamom, curry  and tumeric in the following suggested menu:
Bombay Salmon with Jasmine Rice
Samosa Latkes
Mango Cardamom Shortcakes with Ginger Whipped  Cream for dessert.

Charice-Performer, NBC's "Christmas In Rockefeller Center"

Born and raised in the Philippines, Charice found her singing voice at a young age. By age 7, she was supporting her family through her earnings from singing competitions. In 2007, a web-savvy fan began posting a series of Charice's performances on YouTube, including appearances on the Filipino talent show "Little Big Star" and the popular South Korean talent show "Star King" She instantly became an internet sensation, earning herself appearances on" The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and "Oprah" She has since released her self-tilted debut album, which recently reached #1 in Japan. MARIAH CAREY, SHERYL CROW, JOSH GROBAN, JESSICA SIMPSON, SUSAN BOYLE, ANNIE LENNOX, KATHERINE JENKINS, CHARICE, KYLIE MINOGUE AND JACKIE EVANCHO (NBC'S  " AMERICA'S GOT TALENT ") WILL JOIN THE CELEBRATION TO LIGHT UP THE WORLD' S MOST FAMOUS CHRISTMAS TREE FOR NBC'S 13TH ANNUAL  " CHRISTMAS IN ROCKEFELLER CENTER " SPECIAL ON NOVEMBER 30 (8-9 P.M. ET/PT)

11/26-Steve Evans, Vito,

Vito - Vito's Pizza - Los Angeles

Tried Vito's for the first time recently. We arrived late afternoon and the place was hopping. Only about half the tables were full, but apparently they either do lots of deliveries, or pick up phone orders, or both. The phone was ringing off the hook. From what I could tell there were 3-4 people working. Vito himself manned the pizza oven, another guy in the kitchen appeared to be taking care of the non-pizza orders, and the front counter guy took orders and answered the phones. I ordered the cheese and sausage pizza with extra sausage, my friend got the sausage and peppers sub. After placing our order I noticed that the few open tables needed bussing. I asked the counter guy if the busser could come out. He kinda shrugged and laughed a little and said something like 'yeah - busser, I'm the busser, I'll get to it as soon as I can.' I asked if it'd be OK for me to bus the table. Sure. As I cleaned off the table Vito made joking comments about my chutzpah. We laughed. Then he asked what I'd ordered, and commented that he'd make sure my pizza was great. True to his word the pizza was PERFECT  A crisp crust with just the right combination of cheweyness and crispness. Just the right amount of perfectly seasoned sauce, and flavorful~savory Italian sausage. And the whole glorious thing was perfectly cook. My friend downed his sausage and pepper sub, and then lit into the pizza. Upon finishing my friend said 'I can't believe how much I ate, but I couldn't stop myself, it was all so good' All in all, it's a cute little place with a fun crew and great food. I've lived in Los Angeles for eons, and pretty much I'd resigned myself to the fact that good pizza just doesn't exist here - no longer. We have Vito's!


Old World Inn - Bed & Breakfast - Napa, CA

Lots of folks come to the Napa Valley each year. Each has their own reasons for the journey-- tasting wine, enjoying the local restaurants, exploring the Napa Valley wineries . . . Still others come to celebrate a special event-- a birthday, or anniversary. Or even a honeymoon! And instead of staying at a cookie-cutter Napa hotel, they choose instead to stay at a Bed and Breakfast Inn.  We visit the local Napa Valley and Sonoma wineries ourselves -- so we can pass on what it's like to taste wine there. And we enjoy going to the local Napa restaurants, gourmet grocery stores, and—our favorite places to have a picnic in the Napa Valley. We can also tell you about our favorite places to shop. Or taste cheese. Or . . . where the local chocolate shops are.  Located in several of Napa's Historic Landmark houses, the Old World Inn comprises 6 main buildings: The original inn was built in 1906 by E. J. Doughty, a master craftsman responsible for some of the town's most beautiful homes and churches. It stayed in the Doughty family for years, before being converted into the "Napa Valley Bed and Breakfast" in 1979. It was officially licensed as a B&B in February of 1981-- the first year such licenses became available. It has central air conditioning for those hot Napa summer days, as well as fireplaces in each room for those romantic winter nights!  The Old World Inn's Main House (1556 Polk St) was built in 1874 and a large additiion was added in the late 1880s. The Queen Anne addition was the creation of one of Napa's premier architects: Luther Turton. Rumor has it that the building was remodeled (in the early 1900s) by the same E.W.Doughty that built the original inn a block away-- but we are still checking the accuracy of this claim.




Steve Evans - The Movie Guy

Tips on the best & worst this weekend at the Box Office. Steve reviews and comments on all the latest from Hollywood and gets the story behind the film.A veteran of the industry, "The Movie Guy" says exactly how he feels about the movies that you will be watching this weekend. Mike Horn comments on the lineup of big screen offerings but does not always agree with what Steve has to say. This is the movie review program to listen to every week and get the "real deal".  

11/25- Dave Williams, Jimmy Johnson, Adele Guttman,

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dave Williams - GM Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen

Jazz on over to the Jazz Kitchen, a savvy representation of New Orleans’ dual legacies – food and music- served up in a whimsical setting depicting the charm, ambience and hospitality of historic and contemporary New Orleans. Located in Downtown Disney® District, our two-story replica of traditional French Quarter architecture includes a ground floor, interior, open-air courtyard flanked by a quick service dining facility (Jazz Kitchen Express) and a New Orleans-style jazz club (Flambeaux’s). Upstairs, you’ll find traditional New Orleans dining rooms and an outdoor ‘Jazz balcony’ with seating that overlooks the revelry of the Downtown Disney® District. For over fifty years, Ralph Brennan and his family have proudly served the finest Louisiana ingredients and our Chef, Darrin Finkel, has peppered those celebrated flavors throughout our menus. The Jazz Kitchen boasts festive, ‘Big Easy themed’ private party facilities and comprehensive event planning services. From our mouthwatering Louisiana cuisine to the live jazz played at Flambeaux’s every night, every detail of the Jazz Kitchen delivers on the promise of New Orleans.


Adele Guttman-VP Sales and Marketing HK Hotels

HKHotels - Hospitality is a family owned and operated collection of small luxury hotels in New York City that takes a unique approach to the art of hospitality . Each of our small European-style New York hotels has its own distinctive personality and charm. What they share is a commitment to providing timeless beauty, exceptional value, and an outstanding travel experience for every guest visiting NYC.  At HK Hotels in New York, we do not only care about making hotel reservations. HKHoteliers care about people, and we care about building lifelong relationships with our guests. To achieve that, our philosophy is to hire the kindest, happiest people we can find, people who are naturally inclined to love to help people. Then, we develop their natural talents and train them to become professional hoteliers so that they are more than simply their title, whether it be Bellman, Guest Service Agent or Housekeeper; they are all professional luxury hoteliers dedicated to providing personalized luxurious service to each traveler who crosses their path. While our luxury New York hotels are designed to ensure your comfort, it is our people who create the magic that has earned our New York hotels such extravagant accolades from our loyal guests.


Legendary Football Coach/former CBS Survivor Jimmy Johnson

The Thanksgiving Holiday weekend is right around the corner, and so is turkey, family celebrations and lastly – one of the most storied traditions – NFL Thanksgiving Day football games. This year, Crown Royal is starting a new tradition of its own - The Crown Royal Jimmy Bowl. is available on Tuesday, November 23rd, to discuss the first-ever Jimmy Bowl, which will ultimately pair two adults and their teams of four in a flag football game at Cowboys Stadium the Friday after the Super Bowl. Now through November 30th, adult fans can enter at CrownRoyal.com/football by uploading a 45-seconds or less video that shows what they’ve learned from one of Johnson’s inspirational training videos, or by writing a 100 words or less heartfelt essay as to why Johnson should pick them as one of the winners.

Jimmy Mack & Eric Joseph - Football Handicapping

Jimmy Mack & Eric Joseph join the What's Cookin' show to talk football and discuss their picks and upcoming games. Straight talk about the games today and who to watch and why.

11/24-Dave Williams, Adele Guttman, Gillian Maffeo & John Eualitto

Dave Williams - GM Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen

Jazz on over to the Jazz Kitchen, a savvy representation of New Orleans’ dual legacies – food and music- served up in a whimsical setting depicting the charm, ambience and hospitality of historic and contemporary New Orleans.  Located in Downtown Disney® District, our two-story replica of traditional French Quarter architecture includes a ground floor, interior, open-air courtyard flanked by a quick service dining facility (Jazz Kitchen Express) and a New Orleans-style jazz club (Flambeaux’s). Upstairs, you’ll find traditional New Orleans dining rooms and an outdoor ‘Jazz balcony’ with seating that overlooks the revelry of the Downtown Disney® District. For over fifty years, Ralph Brennan and his family have proudly served the finest Louisiana ingredients and our Chef, Darrin Finkel, has peppered those celebrated flavors throughout our menus. The Jazz Kitchen boasts festive, ‘Big Easy themed’ private party facilities and comprehensive event planning services. From our mouthwatering Louisiana cuisine to the live jazz played at Flambeaux’s every night, every detail of the Jazz Kitchen delivers on the promise of New Orleans.

Adele Guttman-VP Sales and Marketing HK Hotels

HKHotels -  Hospitality is a family owned and operated collection of small luxury hotels in New York City that takes a unique approach to the art of hospitality . Each of our small European-style New York hotels has its own distinctive personality and charm. What they share is a commitment to providing timeless beauty, exceptional value, and an outstanding travel experience for every guest visiting NYC.

At HK Hotels in New York, we do not only care about making hotel reservations. HKHoteliers care about people, and we care about building lifelong relationships with our guests.  To achieve that, our philosophy is to hire the kindest, happiest people we can find, people who are naturally inclined to love to help people. Then, we develop their natural talents and train them to become professional hoteliers so that they are more than simply their title, whether it be Bellman, Guest Service Agent or Housekeeper; they are all professional luxury hoteliers dedicated to providing personalized luxurious service to each traveler who crosses their path. While our luxury New York  hotels are designed to ensure your comfort, it is our people who create the magic that has earned our New York hotels such extravagant accolades from our loyal guests.

Gillian Maffeo & John Eualitto - Jake's Wayback Burgers

Wayback Burgers began in 1991 as Jake's Hamburgers with a single restaurant in Newark, DE which still occupies its original location on Route 273. Home to the University of Delaware, Newark is also known for its automotive plants (little known fact: reggae icon Bob Marley worked in one) and Main St. shopping district. A simple, unassuming "burger joint," Jake's soon became several stores and home to one of the region's favorite burgers.
Jake’s Hamburgers had always served big, juicy hand-made burgers and real milkshakes, crafted to order by a friendly staff. Delivering the freshest, most delicious food possible was Jake’s only philosophy. Fast forward 20 years: many fast-food chains are selling some version of a “premium” burger. Most of these are just larger versions of their frozen “hockey-puck” burgers, mass-produced and shucked at customers from under heat lamps. Celebrity chefs got in on the act too, selling overpriced burgers for $20 at their upper-crust burger boutiques. SO, in August 2010, Jake’s Hamburgers changed their name to Jake’s Wayback Burgers. They still serve the best burgers under the bun.

11/23 - Paul Deen, Adele Gutman, Jimmy Johnson,

Paula Deen - Celebrity Chef, Author and TV personality

LIVE FROM WILLIAMSBURG,VA - Paula will invite viewers to slow down, take a step back and think about family traditions that they can “bring to the table.” It doesn’t mean spending more money, but rather using the precious items they already own like a great-aunt’s wedding tablecloth or candlesticks to share old memories and create new ones. She is the quintessential American success story, a best-selling author and a television show host, a tastemaker to the stars and to the everyday housewife and family. She is Paula Deen, a down-home, strong willed mom who overcame personal tragedy, long odds, financial and physical challenges to carve one of the most effective and wide ranging entertainment brands that exists today. A brand that is idyllic, inspiring, fun and very much American.  Today Deen has two shows running concurrently on the Food Network, including the latest, "Paula’s Best Dishes", which launched in 2008.

 Legendary Football Coach/former CBS Survivor  Jimmy Johnson

The Thanksgiving Holiday weekend is right around the corner, and so is turkey, family celebrations and lastly – one of the most storied traditions – NFL Thanksgiving Day football games. This year, Crown Royal is starting a new tradition of its own - The Crown Royal Jimmy Bowl. is available on Tuesday, November 23rd, to discuss the first-ever Jimmy Bowl, which will ultimately pair two adults and their teams of four in a flag football game at Cowboys Stadium the Friday after the Super Bowl.  Now through November 30th, adult fans can enter at CrownRoyal.com/football by uploading a 45-seconds or less video that shows what they’ve learned from one of Johnson’s inspirational training videos, or by writing a 100 words or less heartfelt essay as to why Johnson should pick them as one of the winners.

Adele Gutman - VP Sales & Marketing - HKHotels - New York Report

The innovative and much acclaimed HKHotels collection includes the glamorous Hotel Giraffe on 26th and Park Avenue South; the book-lovers paradise, the Library Hotel on 41st and Madison Avenue; the country French Style Hotel Elysee on East 54th and Madison Avenue; and the Moroccan motif Casablanca Hotel on 43rd just off Broadway.  All 4 hotels currently rank in the top six most popular hotels by the members of TripAdvisor.com and were voted in the top 5 boutique hotels in NYC in Best of Citysearch 2007 by the members of Citysearch. Currently, designs for new HKHotels are in the works in other key locations in Toronto and Budapest.

11/22 - Eva Bertran, Kelsey Nixon,

Eva Bertran - Executive VP - Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards

As the first sparkling wine house in California’s Sonoma Carneros region, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards was established in 1986. Gloria Ferrer embodies Spanish winegrowing history, time-honored tradition, and centuries-old sustainable 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. Like Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, Executive Vice President Eva Bertran is a dynamic blend of Spanish style, California charisma and Sonoma Carneros sparkling wine expertise. Part of the original team who helped to launch Gloria Ferrer, Bertran left her native Spain--where her own family was in the wine business--and settled in Sonoma 20 years ago. Since 1986, she has passionately promoted Gloria Ferrer wines, expertly leading diverse aspects of the business as enthusiastically as if it were her own family winery.  "There's a real Spanish sense of family here," explains Bertran of Gloria Ferrer's close-knit, collaborative team. "We pride ourselves on taking care of our employees." It's a tradition that began more than a century ago at Freixenet, which proudly employs people who are the third and even fourth generation of the same family to work for the sparkling wine house.

Kelsey Nixon - Cooking Channel's "Kelsey's Essentials"

Just days before Thanksgiving, Cooking Channel’s Kelsey Nixon is talking turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings! As host of the new series Kelsey’s Essentials, airing Saturdays on Cooking Channel at 2:30pm ET/11:30am PT, she inspires a new generation of food lovers with her own fresh take on cooking essentials. Kelsey was also a fan favorite contestant on season four of The Next Food Network Star.  In Kelsey’s Essentials, Kelsey gives her savvy tips on must-have pantry items, the latest gadgets and essential kitchen techniques – from roasting to baking. Her passion is creating recipes that target the beginning cook – breaking down the basics, teaching proper technique and making everyone feel comfortable in the kitchen.  Kelsey Nixon got her start in the food media industry when she created Kelsey’s Kitchen, a college cooking show at Brigham Young University, emphasizing fast, fun and affordable meals. After graduating with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, she attended Le Cordon Bleu – Hollywood, where she earned her professional culinary arts degree. In 2008, she was a contestant on The Next Food Network Star, where she was voted ‘fan favorite,’ and went on to star in the Food2 web series Kelsey and Spike Cook, with Spike Mendelsohn.
       

11/19-Carol Kozlowski-Every, Jason Ritter, Carmen Policy, Steve Evans

Carol Kozlowski-Every-Kozlowski Farms

Our family has always believed: If you have a passion for something; go for it. That’s what Carmen and Tony Kozlowski did when they bought their first Sonoma County apple farm in 1949, and again two years later, when they bought the adjacent property that would become Kozlowski Farms.  They decided to plant their picturesque Russian River Valley farm to juicy Gravenstein, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious and Red Rome apples. Knowing it would take seven years for the young trees to bear fruit, Carmen and Tony had the revolutionary idea of planting raspberries between the trees. They were also successful in cultivating blackberries, blueberries and cherries. With so many beautiful berries for inspiration, Carmen was soon pursuing another of her passions: Baking and canning. At first, she made her jams and pastries just for family and Kozlowski farmhands. Then she started selling them at the entrance to the farm, and word of Carmen’s irresistible wine country cooking spread.  One of Carmen’s most popular creations was her no-sugar-added raspberry spread—a genuine novelty in the early 1970s, and like everything else that she made, all natural. Her secret was sweetening the spread with a combination of apple juice and dried apples that came from the family’s orchard. Quality ingredients and traditional farm fresh cooking defined Carmen’s specialties, which is why today, her recipes are still the backbone of the family business.  

Carmen Policy  - Former Football Exec/Policy Vineyards

Carmen Policy (born January 26, 1943 in Youngstown, Ohio) is an attorney and American football executive who is best known for his front office work for the San Francisco 49ers during the 1980s and 1990s. Policy, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1983 as vice president and counsel. In 1991, he became president and chief executive officer of the San Francisco 49ers and played a key role in the 49ers Super Bowl victories in 1985, 1989, 1990 and 1995. In 1994, he was named the National Football League Executive of the Year by The Sporting News and Pro Football Weekly, as voted on by NFL owners and executives. The Sporting News and GQ also named him one of the Most Influential People in Professional Sports.  He would later become involved with the current incarnation of the Cleveland Browns. While serving as President & CEO of the Browns, Policy served as a member of the NFL Business Ventures Committee as well as the Super Bowl Advisory Committee and the Los Angeles Market Advisory Group. He also served as a member of the NFL Finance Committee.  Policy stepped down as president and chief executive officer of the Cleveland Browns on May 1, 2004.  Policy's interest in Napa Valley paralleled his involvement with the 49ers in the 1980s, as he and wife Gail vacationed in Wine Country and Policy Vineyards soon followed. "Maybe it's my Italian heritage, but there's nothing better than staying in tune with the seasons and watching the grapevines change throughout the year," he says. "I want to understand how all the winemaking pieces fit together," Producing wine might have been a nice sideline to Policy's career. But he doesn't see winegrowing as a vanity project. He is a hands-on vintner. But Policy quickly kicked off Casa Piena. He didn't toss a football reference on the label, like the Catch from former 49er receiver Dwight Clark. The label honors Policy's five children: two daughters and three sons - a pair and three of a kind, or card player's full house, "casa piena" in Italian.

 Jason Ritter-NBC's The Event

Jason Ritter stars as Sean Walker, an unlikely hero who gets entangled in an immense government conspiracy when his would-be fiancée Leila (Sarah Roemer) mysteriously disappears during their Caribbean cruise in NBC's new high-octane conspiracy thriller The Event. Ritter will next be seen in the independent film "The Dry Land," opposite America Ferrera, Ryan O'Nan and Melissa Leo. The film premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, and recently won the prize for international premiere at the 2010 Edinburgh Film Festival. Ritter has just completed production on "The Perfect Family," opposite Emily Deschanel and Kathleen Turner. He also recently finished filming the independent features "A Bag of Hammers," opposite Rebecca Hall, and "Morning" opposite Laura Linney and Jeanne Tripplehorn.  Ritter was last seen starring onscreen in "Peter and Vandy," opposite Jess Weixler. The film premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize. Ritter also starred in and co-produced "Good Dick," written and directed by Marianna Palka, which was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance in 2008. Among Ritter's other film credits are "The Education of Charlie Banks," "Our Very Own," "Happy Endings," "Mumford," and "Raise Your Voice."  Ritter recently guest-starred in a multi-episode arc on NBC's critically acclaimed "Parenthood." His other television credits include series regular roles on "The Class" and "Joan of Arcadia."  Ritter is a graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where he studied at the Atlantic Theatre Company. He also studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.

Steve Evans - The Movie Guy

Tips on the best & worst this weekend at the Box Office. Steve reviews and comments on all the latest from Hollywood and gets the story behind the film.A veteran of the industry, "The Movie Guy" says exactly how he feels about the movies that you will be watching this weekend. Mike Horn comments on the lineup of big screen offerings but does not always agree with what Steve has to say. This is the movie review program to listen to every week and get the "real deal".  

11/18-Joel Fisher, Andre, Amy Chasey

Happy Beaujolais Nouveau day!




Joel Fisher - "The Wine Guru"

Joel M. Fisher, PhD is the wine columnist for the Culinary Connection of the Chefs de Cuisine Association of California. He was a Contributing Editor of Patterson's Beverage Journal. From 1999 to 2006 he was a wine instructor for the Culinary Arts Department of the Art Institute of California-Los Angeles and is a founding partner of the educational Wine Vine and Dine, which conducts programs throughout Southern California. Sommelier for the Escoffier Association of Southern California, Joel is also a member of Patterson Magazine's tasting panel. Dr. Fisher is a member of the Society of Wine Educators, The Circle of Wine Writers (UK) and was awarded a Wine Enthusiast Media Scholarship for 2005 at the Culinary Institute of America.



Andre-"Dining with Andre"

Dining With André is a full service caterer.  We offer a wide variety of American, French and  international menus with experienced servers, bar staff and support.  We also have access to quality photographers, floral designers, D.J. and musicians.  Dining With André can also provide you with complete wedding and event coordination as well!  Co-owners Cristina and André met at the South Pasadena Culinary School in 1995, where André was a founding teacher and Cristina headed up the Marketing and Admissions efforts at the school.  André departed in early 1996 and taught at a competitive culinary school in the Valley.  In late 1997, Cristina and André were reacquainted.  Cristina, realizing the potential power of their combined skills, suggested they start a catering company.  They formed Dining with André in early 1998 and continue to see a fast growing, exciting approach to the restaurant and catering business.  Their unique approach is to customize each project to be special for the host and hostess and to meet their needs in every respect.

Amy Chasey-VP Advertising/Marketing for Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino

The Golden Nugget Las Vegas is a luxury casino-hotel located in Las Vegas, Nevada on the Fremont Street Experience. The property is owned and operated by Landry's Restaurants. It is the largest casino in the downtown area, with a total of 2,345 deluxe guest rooms and suites.It has also maintained AAA's Four Diamond rating consecutively for 32 years from 1977 through 2009 It is one of only two resorts inside the city limits of Las Vegas to earn this distinction.

11/17-Tony Marino, Chef Virginia Willis, Peter Kastelan

Tony Marino-Wine & Spirits Mgr West Coast Total Beverage Solution

Great brewers, distillers, and vintners know that hand-selected ingredients are the key to producing a truly distinct beverage. This same approach has helped to establish the exceptional portfolio of brands represented by Total Beverage Solution. The company, based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, is responsible for bringing some of the world’s most unique wine, beer, and spirits to the U.S. market. Unlike the majority of importers and beverage alcohol suppliers, Total Beverage Solution operates in all three categories of alcohol distribution: wine, beer, and spirits. In working with the full range of products, the company provides distributors with a greater selection of products and leverages the brand equity of the greater portfolio to introduce smaller brands to the U.S. market. In fact, the company specializes in building awareness of brands that have established market presence, but are under the radar of many large multi-nationals.  Founded in 2002, the company’s first sizeable supply contract was Greene King brewers, the producers of Old Speckled Hen and Abbot Ale. Today the portfolio includes such brands as Germany’s Weihenstephan Beer - the world’s oldest brewery; Birra Moretti, The Beer in Italy; Tohu Wines from the Marlborough region of New Zealand – the only Maori-owned wine company; and Edradour Distillery - Scotland’s smallest distillery. According to CEO Dave Pardus, these brands not only represent quality, but each has its own story to tell. This sincere appreciation for brand heritage and character is perhaps the greatest asset to the company and its brands.  Total Beverage Solution operates with a simple philosophy - to successfully manage each brand according to its individual qualities and objectives. Their success is proven and comes from a passionate team equipped with the experience and talent required to launch products, grow distribution, and build consumer recognition. Since acquiring the Weihenstephan brand in 2006 and Edradour in 2003, the company has doubled sales for both brands.

Chef Virginia Willis - Celebrity Chef- Thanksgiving


Live from Pilgrim Park where the Mayflower Replica is docked.   Virginia got her start as the chef producer for Martha Stewart, but has written some top selling cookbooks.  Pretty cool that we’ll be in Plymouth the week before Thanksgiving!   She has some holiday appetizers and drink recipes that will go well with a side dish of history.   

Virginia Willis is the author of the acclaimed cookbook, Bon Appétit, Y’all! Recipes and Stories from Three Generations of Southern Cooking (Ten Speed Press, 2008).  Previously she honed her attention to detail as the Kitchen Director for Martha Stewart Living Television where she supervised the food segments for the Emmy-award winning television show. With MSLTV, Virginia was also responsible for preparing private meals and events for Martha and her guests -- including among others, President Clinton, Aretha Franklin, and Julia Child. As Executive Producer for Epicurious on The Discovery Channel, she traveled the world taping fantastic stories about food - from harvesting capers in the shadow of a smoldering volcano to making authentic mustard in Dijon. Virginia's wide and varied food career started in Atlanta as an apprentice to Nathalie Dupree. She worked with Dupree on four PBS series and cookbooks, including the James Beard award-winning Comfortable Entertaining. She also spent several years as an editorial assistant with culinary authority Anne Willan on various projects including Cook It Right, an exhaustive tome that documents the various states of "doneness" (and over- and under-"doneness") of everything from whipped cream to braised pheasant.

 

Peter Kastelan - IL Tiramisu

Your hosts, Ivo & Peter Kastelan, ensure that your dining experience is first-class, with true European family hospitality.  They bring over 30 years of Italian restaurant experience to Il Tiramisù, having owned and operated numerous successful restaurants here in the San Fernando Valley and have been featured in Los Angeles Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, The Daily News, Talk, and numerous other publications.

11/16 - Bill Kurtis, Michael Chiarello,

Bill Kurtis - Tallgrass Beef Company

Founded in 2005 by broadcast journalist Bill Kurtis, Tallgrass Beef Company is the industry leader in the production of grass-fed, grass-finished beef in the United States. After purchasing his 10,000 acre ranch near the town of Sedan, Kansas, Kurtis was compelled to find a sustainable method of raising cattle that was not only good for the environment, but also the animals themselves and the American food consumer. This was the genesis of Tallgrass Beef Company.  Today Tallgrass Beef Company is comprised of a network of family farmers and ranchers across the United States that produce grass-fed, grass-finished cattle according to a strict set of protocols. These stringent standards ensure that food consumers are buying the safest, healthiest, most nutritious beef possible. Tallgrass Beef is a favorite among consumers seeking a healthy, humane source of beef.  In addition to being available for purchase by consumers online, Tallgrass Beef became the first grass-fed, grass-finished product served in many of Chicago's finest restaurants, with a roster of clients featuring James Beard Award Winning chefs Rick Bayless (owner of Chicago's Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, and XOCO restaurants), Charlie Trotter, George Bumbaris and Sarah Stegner. Harry Carays, Praire Grass Café, Frontera Grill, and Topolobombo serve Tallgrass. The brand has expanded to the west coast where Tallgrass Beef is available in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. Tallgrass Beef products are also available in select grocery stores, including Sunset Foods and Fox and Obel in Chicago; Fairway Markets in New York; and Sendik's Markets in Milwaukee. Much like the cattlemen of the old west, Bill Kurtis started Tallgrass Beef with a vision of a healthy, sustainable, delicious beef source for the American consumer. With a steady annual growth rate and a loyal customer following, Tallgrass Beef Company provides customers with a sustainable alternative to traditionally raised and processed beef.

Celebrity Chef Michael Chiarello "Michael Chiarello’s Bottega"

The holidays are just a few days away, and so is the perennial Thanksgiving question for every home chef: how to cook the perfect turkey!  This year, get advice from an expert: one week before Thanksgiving, Chef Michael Chiarello is offering viewers his secrets to making the perfect turkey for your holiday meal. He’ll offer advice on choosing the right sized bird for any gathering, when to begin your prep work, why you should or should not stuff the turkey and how to keep the meat moist AND the skin crispy while it cooks.  Live from his kitchen in the Napa Valley. He will offer tips for turning out an unforgettable turkey, and will expand on the following recommendations:



• Why you should coat the skin in olive oil instead of butter.


• What herbs and other flavorings should be placed inside the cavity of the bird.


• How to make the perfect gravy, beginning with broth in the bottom of the roasting pan.

Michael Chiarello is the tastemaker behind Bottega Napa Valley Restaurant, NapaStyle and Chiarello Family Vineyards as well as the Emmy-award winning TV chef and cookbook author. He appears on the Cooking Channel and on Top Chef Masters, only on Bravo! His new cookbook, Michael Chiarello’s Bottega is now in bookstores.
For more information visit MichaelChiarello.com.

11/15- Bill Smitrovich, Dandy Don,

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

A music biz whiz who promoted (and garnered gold records for) artists such as The Beatles, Elvis, David Bowie, Cat Stevens and John Denver, Don Whittemore established Dandy Don’s HomeMade Ice Cream in 1981. Specializing in sundae bar catering and serving fine restaurants and markets in Southern California, Dandy Don’s HomeMade Ice Cream has been winning gold medals at the Los Angeles County Fair since 1996. We serve ice cream and sorbet to over 150 restaurants, hotels, and country clubs in the Los Angeles area. Great chefs and pastry chefs trust us to make their desserts something special. Click here to see the list of our clients. A few of them are Café Bizou, Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel, The Farm of Beverly Hills, Max, Restaurant Christine, Fred 62 and Crustacean.



Bill Smitrovich-NBC's The Event

Bill Smitrovich stars as Vice President Raymond Jarvis, the steely but tactful right hand to President Elias Martinez (Blair Underwood), in NBC's new high-octane thriller The Event.  Born in Connecticut, Smitrovich began his professional acting career with Arthur Miller in the world premiere of Miller's "The American Clock" at the Spoleto Festival. After obtaining a Master of Fine Arts degree from Smith College in 1976, the former University of Massachusetts acting teacher earned his first big break in a "baptism of fire" appearance as understudy for the lead role (and all male roles) in the world premiere of "The American Clock" at Spoleto. Subsequently, Smitrovich and the production went on to Broadway, where it ran a record 13 performances.

Stage parts followed off-Broadway and in the Hong Kong (International Arts Festival) Actors Theatre of Louisville's production of "Of Mice and Men." Other stage credits include "Food from Trash," "Requiem for a Heavyweight," "Far East," and "Frankie & Johnny at the Claire de Lune." Smitrovich was a founding member of the No Theatre Company of Northampton, Massachusetts, now in association with the Wooster Group, whose members included Willem Dafoe and the late Spalding Gray. Most recently Smitrovich was in Caryl Churchill's "A Number" at the ACT in San Francisco, where it won Best Play of 2007.

Smitrovich gained recognition for his portrayal of Drew Thacher, a family man and father of a Down syndrome son in the critically acclaimed and award-winning dramatic series "Life Goes On." In addition, Smitrovich was a proud member of the all-star cast of the live television version of George Clooney's production of "Fail Safe."

Smitrovich has appeared in over 30 feature films, including "Independence Day," "Ghosts of Mississippi," "Iron Man," "Nick of Time" with Johnny Depp, "Air Force One," "Thirteen Days," "Seven Pounds," and most recently his second film with Johnny Depp, an homage to Hunter S. Thompson's novel, "The Rum Diary," due for a September 2010 release.

Smitrovich's many supporting and starring television roles include cigar-chomping Inspector Cramer in "Nero Wolfe Mysteries," D.A. Kenneth Walsh in "The Practice," Agent Olcyk in "Without a Trace," Lt. Bob Bletcher in "Millennium," "Fat Actress" as Cry-Baby McGuire, and with Annette Bening in HBO's "Mrs. Harris."

Smitrovich remains an active SAG Hollywood Board Member, a National Chair of the Senior Performers Committee, and is presently on the SAG Foundation Golf Committee for the SAG Foundation Inaugural Golf Classic to be held at Lakeside Golf Course in Toluca Lake, California on August 16, 2010. The event will benefit catastrophic health care for needy members of the Screen Actors Guild. He is extremely proud of his relationship with the U.S. military, especially Air Space Command, and all the courageous men and women who protect and serve the U.S.

Smitrovich is currently working on depicting Teddy Roosevelt in a one-man show for "Meeting of the Minds." Smitrovich now resides in Woodland Hills, California, with his wife Shaw Purnell. They have two children, son A.J. and daughter Maya.

Better Business Bureau: The Best Ratings Money Can Buy - ABC News

Better Business Bureau: The Best Ratings Money Can Buy - ABC News: "The Better Business Bureau, one of the country's best known consumer watchdog groups, is being accused by business owners of running a 'pay for play' scheme in which A plus ratings are awarded to those who pay membership fees, and F ratings used to punish those who don't."

11/12-Chef Fabio Viviani, Larry Lipson, Steve Evans

Chef Fabio Viviani-Top Chef on Bravo TV

Fabio is the Owner and Executive Chef of Café Firenze Italian Restaurant and Martini Bar, one of the most recognized restaurants in Ventura County. Born and raised in Florence, Italy, he has traveled across Europe and is trained in classic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. He incorporates Italian, French and Spanish influences in his dishes and believes that cooking is a craft. He is currently working on opening the Firenze4Kids Foundation, which will emphasize the promotion of health and wellness for kids through good nutrition and will also launch kidshealthcafe.com, the largest informative resource library available online, designed to enhance a healthy and safe lifestyle for children. Additionally, Fabio also works as William Shatner's private chef.



Larry Lipson - Live from Costa Rica 

Former LA Daily News Food Columnist (50 Years) Larry Lipson is live and direct from his research Institute in Costa Rica. He will talk about wine food and the good life and will have comments From Frommer's Travel Guide: " Wine: Although some European immigrants have been experimenting with wine grape cultivation in Costa Rica, no one has succeeded. The government did sponsor an experimental effort several years ago, but eventually most of the vines were ripped out. If you see Costa Rican wine for sale, it is almost surely from imported Chilean grape juice that is then processed in Costa Rica--the quality is terrible and it is--at least so far--not worth buying except as a total novelty."

Steve Evans - The Movie Guy

Tips on the best & worst this weekend at the Box Office. Steve reviews and comments on all the latest from Hollywood and gets the story behind the film.A veteran of the industry, "The Movie Guy" says exactly how he feels about the movies that you will be watching this weekend. Mike Horn comments on the lineup of big screen offerings but does not always agree with what Steve has to say. This is the movie review program to listen to every week and get the "real deal".