3/30 Jamie Campbell Bower, Kitchen Nightmares, Dandy Don's Ice Cream, Master Sommelier Damon Ornowski

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

Jamie Campbell Bower of "Twilight: New Moon," " Harry Potter" and "Sweeney Todd" Will Introduce Us To The Story of Camelot That Has Never Been Told Before!

Jamie Campbell Bower, one of Britain’s brightest young stars, has already appeared alongside an impressive list of prominent actors in a number of box office hits and critically acclaimed films. He first gained notice playing the role of Anthony in Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. His performances as Caius-Volturi in Twilight: New Moon and Gellert Grindelwald in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, have secured this talented British actor’s career on both the big and small screens.

Now Jamie is starring as young King Arthur in Camelot, an original 10-part series premiering on Starz Friday, April 1, at 10:00PM ET/PT. Starz’ newest original series takes a distinctly fresh approach to one of the most enduring tales of all time. Brimming with love, power and betrayal amidst breathtaking locales (shot on location in Ireland), this is a modern, relatable, re-telling of the classic story of Camelot, which has captivated the public’s imagination since the Middle Ages.

For more info, visit http://www.starz.com/originals/Camelot?src=starz_mktg&med=ppc&cmp=camelot&cid=316!

Sheila Conlin, the Casting Director for KITCHEN NIGHTMARES Gives Us the Behind the Scenes Scoop on Gordon Ramsey and How They Choose Their Restaurants!

About the show: World-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay is back for a third course of the ultimate restaurant revival show where he steps out of his own five-star establishments and travels the country visiting some of the most unsanitary and unsuccessful restaurants in America.

For many, Ramsay is their last chance to help turn around their businesses or else they'll be forced to close their doors forever. Chef Ramsay will observe the inner workings of the chosen establishment to try and get to the root of the problem causing the business to fail.

Each week, Chef Ramsay will observe the inner workings of the chosen establishment to try and get to the root of the problem causing the business to fail. Along the way, he'll reveal the sometimes harsh and stressful realities of running a restaurant and wastes no time getting down to business as he uses his expertise and professional experience to try and help turn an empty restaurant into the most popular, sought-after venue in town.

With Ramsay's reputation on the line, he will demand absolute excellence and perfection from the owners as he gives them advice on everything from new signature menu items and updating the decor to customer service and staff changes. With some training and reinforcement, Ramsay hopes to help breathe new life into these failing eateries or else many will have to make some tough decisions as they continue to stumble toward closure.

With some training and reinforcement, Ramsay hopes to help breathe new life into these failing eateries...

For more info on the show, go to http://www.fox.com/kitchennightmares/!

What's Cookin' Today Hour TWO:

Is Ice Cream Your Passion? Dandy Don Will Be Telling Us About His FABULOUS Ice Cream - Available EVERYWHERE!!!

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.

Damon Ornowski Tells Us What it Means to be a Master Sommelier and About His Company, Vin Divino!

Damon Ornowski is a Master Sommelier, one of only 105 in the United States. His hard earned title was awarded in 1996.

Vin Divino is an importer and national sales and marketing agent for a carefully and strategically selected portfolio of distinctive wines from around the world. All of their brands are real brands, tied to the land, cultivated and nurtured by people for whom making wine is a life choice.
Vin Divino currently represents wine brands from Italy, Austria and Chile.

For more info on this, go to http://www.vindivino.com!

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3/31Cairo Caravan, "The Killing," Miss America 2011, Vision Cellars

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

Blume Bauer, President of the Middle Eastern Culture & Dance Association, Tells Us About MECDA's Cairo Caravan 2011!

Thousands of belly dancers from across the globe will descend on Southern California June 3rd – 5th for MECDA’s Cairo Caravan, the annual celebration of all forms of belly dance hosted by the Middle Eastern Culture & Dance Association (MECDA).

Cairo Caravan is the largest gathering of belly dancers in the country, now in its 34th year. This year, the dancers shimmy aboard The Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA and their performances and celebrations are open to the public.

For more info, go to www.mecda.org/cairo

“Who Killed Rosie Larsen?” That's the Question Everyone Will Soon Be Asking! Veena Sud Will Tell Us Why!

Everyone has a past. Everyone has a secret. Everyone is a suspect in AMC’s newest original drama series, “The Killing,” which debuts with a two-hour premiere on Sunday, April 3 at 9pm ET/PT.

From writer, executive producer and show runner Veena Sud (“Cold Case”), the series tells the story of a murder and the subsequent police investigation.

A “triple threat” years before she conceived of “The Killing,” Veena Sud has been writing, producing, and directing film and television since the early 1990’s. Most recently, she was a writer and executive producer on the hit CBS police procedural “Cold Case.” Before that, she was a staff writer on ABC’s “Push, Nevada.” She directed MTV’s “Real World” as well as numerous documentaries and short films, many of which have been screened internationally. She worked as a print and broadcast journalist in New York City before moving into television writing and is an alumnus of New York University’s Graduate Film and Television program.

Based on the hugely successful Danish television series “Forbrydelsen,” “The Killing” is beautifully set in Seattle, giving the show a “Nordic noir” mood and tone. The 13- episode series is a gripping and compelling entrée into the murder mystery genre, with rich characters and addictive, suspenseful plot twists that go beyond the formulaic one-hour procedural dramas and will have viewers obsessing over “Who killed Rosie Larsen?” “The Killing” weaves together three distinct stories around a single murder, including the detectives assigned to the case and their suspects, the victim’s grieving family, and the local politicians connected to the case. As “The Killing” unfolds, it becomes clear that there are no accidents; everyone has a secret, and while the characters think they have moved on, their past still lingers.

For more info, go to http://www.amctv.com/originals/the-killing/!

Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan Shares Her Winning Beauty Tips!

When Teresa Scanlan from Nebraska was crowned as Miss America in January she was just 17 years old, making her the youngest Miss America in 78 years. But despite her youth, Miss America is a role model to women of all ages. As the new Miss America, Teresa will travel approximately 20,000 miles a month, changing her location every 24 to 48 hours. Miss America is completely dedicated to her charitable and community endeavors. She tours the nation, reaching out and getting involved in local communities from coast to coast.

MORE ABOUT TERESA SCANLAN: Teresa Scanlan was crowned Miss America 2011 on January 15, 2011 at the 90th Anniversary of the Miss America Pageant. Since her crowning she has been traveling the country appearing on numerous national and local television programs, making corporate appearances, and talking about MAO’s national platform, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and her personal platform of Eating Disorders: A Generation at Risk.

As Miss America 2011, Teresa has the special honor of serving as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals throughout her year of service. As the Goodwill Ambassador, Teresa will help to raise funds and awareness for the over 170 CMN hospitals across the country. As the youngest Miss America in 78 years, Teresa is showing the country she is a leader and a role model for youth today. Teresa’s passion for her platform, to combat eating disorders, stems from a friend who struggled with bulimia. She did research about eating disorders for her friend and discovered how rampant it was across the nation.

Teresa hopes to educate children and adults alike as to the signs and risks of eating disorders, as well as how and where to get help for themselves or a loved one. During 2011 pageant week, Teresa’s piano performance of “White Water Chopped Sticks” won her the Talent Award on the third preliminary night. She also plays guitar and sings. When her year is over, Teresa plans to attend Patrick Henry College to study Government. Her dream is to become an attorney and eventually a judge or President of the United States of America.

What's Cookin' Today Hour TWO:

We're Visiting with Celebrity Favorite Il Tiramisu with Restaurateur, Peter Kastelan!

Ivo & Peter 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 on the Westside.

They have been featured in Los Angeles Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, The Daily News, Talk, and numerous other publications.

For more info on this restaurant, go to http://www.il-tiramisu.com/!

Vintner Mac McDonald Tells Us All About His Winery, Vision Cellars!

At age 12 Mac had his first taste of wine and vowed then and there that he wanted to make wine. After moving to California Mac would visit as many winery as he could in Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino.

One Day he met Mr. Charlie Wagner, owner of Caymus Vineyard, and folks that was when he started his education in the wine business. The Wagner Family shared every aspect of winemaking with Mac and encouraged him to get into the business.

VISION CELLARS is a Passionate Boutique Award Winning Winery specializing in Pinot Noir without compromise.

Established in 1995, the first release was the 1997 vintage. Their goal is to capture the essence of the Pinot Noir Grape. They are very proud of their accomplishments thus far and strive to continue their education and deliver consistency towards that goal. They're excited about their new venture which is the harvesting of "Ms. Lil's" Vineyard"

For more info on Vision Cellars, go to http://www.visioncellars.com/!

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3/29 Beauty Detox, Justin Pope Biggest Loser, Pizzeria Ortica, Anne Amie Vineyards, Rabbi Irwin Kula - Miral

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

Here's a Chance to Learn the Beauty Secrets of Your Favorite A-List Stars Including Jennifer Anniston, Drew Barrymore, Vince Vaughn and Josh Duhamel! Kimberly Snyder, Author of the Beauty Detox, is Sharing the Tricks of the Trade!

Every day we are bombarded with promises of how to look more beautiful by using the latest skin solution, eye cream, hair product or diet craze. So why do millions of women still struggle with acne, splotchy skin, brittle hair and stubborn belly fat? The truth is that beauty doesn't come from a bottle: it radiates from within. Snyder has helped dozens of A-list celebrities get red-carpet ready and now women worldwide can get the star treatment, too.

The Beauty Detox Solution, hailed "a must-read" by Dr. Oz, the book explains how a few simple diet changes-eating high-mineral fruits and vegetables and drinking enzyme-rich smoothies-can target trouble spots, rejuvenate skin and consuming an abundance of the right foods can help to permanently drop excess weight, regain a youthful glow, increase energy, and become your most beautiful and radiant self. Unlike diet and lifestyle books of the past, Kimberly discourages calorie-counting and food restrictions in favor of discovering the powerful connection between food, health and beauty.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: A magna cum laude graduate of Georgetown University, Kimberly Snyder has traveled the globe-to over 50 countries on six continents-to study health and beauty practices around the world. The go-to nutritionist for many of the entertainment industry's top celebrities, she has worked with clients on some of Hollywood's biggest film sets. She has been a guest and nutritional expert on many national television programs, including Good Morning, America, E!, Extra and Good Day, LA. She has also been featured in or served as a contributor to publications such as InStyle, Lucky, Elle, Nylon, Fitness, Women's Health, Hers, Real Simple, Us Weekly, OK!, In Touch, and Life & Style. Snyder splits her time between New York and Los Angeles.

For more information, please visit Kimberly at her blog: www.kimberlysnyder.net.

We're Talking with Justin Pope, the Latest Eliminated Contestant on NBC's The Biggest Loser!

Hailing from Logan, this Gym owner, city worker and bounty hunter wanted to lose weight. Being around as long as he can be for his family was Justin Pope’s primary motivation for trying out for “The Biggest Loser.” Justin was born and raised in Cokeville, Wyoming, the middle child among 10 siblings, and attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho.

He knew he wanted to change his life when he was watching the show last year and cried because he weighed more than the contestants did. It was an “aha moment” for Justin, who says he “never cries,” but he didn’t realize, until that point, that that’s what he looked like too. Justin, who weighs 365 lbs., has always been heavy, and he and several family members have diabetes. Now married and the father of a 10-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter, the 39-year-old looks forward to shopping in regular stores, riding horses again, playing sports and being able to do more with his kids once he loses the weight.

For more info on the show, go to http://www.nbc.com/the-biggest-loser/season_5/!

Justin Miller, Chef de Cuisine at Pizzeria Ortica, Tells Us About Orange County’s Premier Authentic Neighborhood Italian Eatery

Pizza Ortica embodies a passion for Neapolitan-style pizza and the rich, rustic flavors found in southern Italy—succulent antipasti, vibrant salads, hand-made pastas and wood-fired pizza. Traditional cooking techniques are paired with fresh, locally sourced ingredients plus select wines and artful cocktails. Experience la dolce vita at Pizzeria Ortica in South Coast Plaza.

About Justin: Born and raised in Orange County, Justin Miller’s Southern California roots have instilled in him a sense of community and a relaxed approach to cooking. From classic French to an American steakhouse to large-scale catering, Miller’s experience and cuisine style have run the gamut. However, with an upbringing and philosophy that leans towards home-style, rustic food for the family, Miller has finally found his stride in simple Italian cookery.

For more info on this restaurant, go to www.pizzeriaortica.com!

What's Cookin' Today Hour TWO:

We're Taking a Trip to Carlton, Oregon to Visit with Winemaker Thomas Houseman at Anne Amie Vineyards!

When Dr. Robert Pamplin, one of Oregon’s most forward-thinking philanthropists and businessmen, purchased the historic Chateau Benoit Winery in 1999, his vision was to create wines of the highest quality to reflect his passion for excellence. To this end Dr. Pamplin has charged winemaker Thomas Houseman and winegrower Jason Tosch with the task of crafting extraordinary pinot noir. Thomas, Jason, and the rest of the crew are absolutely passionate about producing wines of the finest quality and have dedicated their lives to this quest.

Pinot reigns supreme at Anne Amie Vineyards with Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc forming the heart of the production. Complementing the pinot family is Old-Vine Estate Riesling and Müller Thurgau, planted in 1979. As with all great wines, it starts in the vineyards. They are fortunate to have some of Oregon’s best sites, all of which are Salmon Safe and LIVE certified. Their estate vineyards receive only the minimal required treatments and yields are dramatically reduced in order to give fruit with great depth and complexity.

Their estate vineyards are located in the rolling hills of the Yamhill-Carlton District and on the steep hillsides of the Chehalem Mountains, both nestled in Oregon’s verdant Willamette Valley. Their LIVE certified winery is located on their Yamhill-Carlton property, a few miles from both Lafayette and Carlton, Oregon.

For more info on this winery, go to http://www.anneamie.com/!

Rabbi Irwin Kula Discusses the Controversial New Film, MIRAL!

The Premise of the film: A chronicle of Hind Husseini's effort to establish an orphanage in Jerusalem after the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, the Deir Yassin Massacre, and the establishment of the state of Israel.

The Plot: Jerusalem, 1948. On her way to work, Hind Husseini (Hiam Abbass) comes across 55 orphaned children in the street. She takes them home to give them food and shelter. Within six months, 55 had grown to almost 2,000, and the Dar Al-Tifel Institute was born. In 1978, at the age of 7, Miral (Freida Pinto) was sent to the Institute by her father following her mother's death. Brought up safely inside the Institute's walls, she is naïve to the troubles that surround her. Then, in 1988, at the age of 17, she is assigned to teach at a refugee camp where she is awakened to the reality of the Palestinian refugees. When she falls for Hani, a militant, she finds herself torn between the First Intifada of her people and Mama Hind's belief that education is the road to peace.

The Controversy: The opening of Julian Schnabel’s new film, Miral, has stirred a lot of controversy about its portrayal of Israel. Some Jewish groups have labeled it “one-sided.” Rabbi Irwin Kula, who was a panelist at the film’s premiere at the United Nations, has been quoted as saying, “After 63 years of conventional diplomatic efforts, we’re pretty far away right now. The conflict has literally crowded out the possibility of empathy on all sides…As everyone knows you can’t have understanding without empathy. And this film is fundamentally a meditation on empathy.”

About Rabbi Irwin Kula: Listed in Newsweek as one of America’s “Top Ten” rabbis, Kula is the author of Yearnings: Embracing the Sacred Messiness of Life and a co-editor of The Book of Jewish Sacred Practices: CLAL’s Guide to Everyday & Holiday Rituals and Blessings. Kula is also the co-host of the weekly radio show, Hirschfield and Kula (KXL, Portland, OR). He is a blogger for the The Huffington Post and the WashingtonPost/Newsweek.com’s “On Faith” column, and has appeared on NBC’s The Today Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, as well as on The O'Reilly Factor and Frontline. In 2003, Kula hosted a 13-part public TV series, Simple Wisdom with Irwin Kula, and had a public TV special called The Hidden Wisdom of Our Yearnings. He was also featured in the 2004 film, Time for a New God.

For more info on this film, go to http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1366409/!

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3/28 Losing Control Finding Serenity, Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars, Colman's Mustard

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

Daniel Miller Tells Us About LOSING CONTROL, FINDING SERENITY!

Are you stressed out and overwhelmed? Do you desire more balance and serenity in your life? What would your life be like if you simply let go of control? Trying to control people and events harms you and everyone around you. It blinds you to options that could greatly improve your life emotionally, spiritually, creatively and financially. Instead, you worry incessantly and become imprisoned by fear, anger and anxiety.

In LOSING CONTROL, FINDING SERENITY, Daniel Miller offers real-life case histories along with tools and strategies for losing control in important areas such as parenting, friendship, work, love, sports, and creative endeavors. When you let go of control, your blinders come off and you can engage in life's currents in an intuitive manner. The rewards are unexpected and often exciting. Conflicts diminish. Family bonds strengthen. Intimate relations become more intimate. Creative horizons expand. Performance is enhanced. Work becomes more rewarding and profitable.

Al Young Tells Us About The Rise, Removal and Return of Four Roses!

The legend of the whiskey maker who proposed to a Southern belle…One of the first neon advertising signs in New York's Times Square…The removal of one of the most popular spirits from the United States and its subsequent return…These are some of the stories brought to light in a new book, Four Roses: The Return of a Whiskey Legend, written by Al Young, Brand Ambassador and historian for the Four Roses Distillery. This book details the history and the people behind the long-time international bourbon brand that vanished from U.S. shelves for 40 years until its more recent resurgence. The coffee-table style book was released in early December and coincides with the 100th anniversary of Four Roses main distillery building in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

Young began writing the book two years ago. He poured through extensive company archives and memorabilia collections, as well as researched and interviewed outside sources, including relatives of Four Roses founder, Paul Jones Jr. The book begins with the story of how the Jones family created the Four Roses name and the legend behind the establishment of the brand. From there, it leads into National Prohibition and how the brand came to be the country's top-selling bourbon of the time, and the acquisition of the distillery's 10 unique bourbon recipes.

In the 1930s, '40s and '50s, Four Roses was the best selling Bourbon brand in America. But in the '50s, then-owner Seagram's chose to pull Four Roses from the U.S. market to focus on international markets only. In 2002, under new ownership Kirin Brewery Co., Ltd., and at the urgings of Master Distiller Jim Rutledge, Four Roses returned to the U.S., with distribution limited solely to Kentucky. In 2007, the brand began market introductions in states such as New York, New Jersey, Tennessee, Florida and California. Four Roses is currently sold in package stores, bars and restaurants in 39 states with further expansion planned throughout 2011.

What's Cookin' Today Hour TWO:

Karl Roche Tells Us About the Best of Britain: Colman's Mustard & the Royal Wedding!

Established in 1814, Colman’s of Norwich has been recognized widely as the English mustard in the U.K. Using a unique and zesty blend of brown mustard seeds (Brassica Juncea) and white mustard seeds (Sinapis Alba), Jeremiah Colman created a mustard with a flavorful heat sensation that has become an essential condiment and paramount ingredient in Britain’s favorite recipes, even to the highest royal order.

In 1866 Queen Victoria bestowed the ultimate seal of approval - the Royal Warrant – galvanizing Colman’s as the crown jewel of mustards, securing its place in the most discerning kitchens around the world. Sold as prepared mustard and mustard powder, Colman’s provides a pure, fiery and complex condiment for all your recipes and dishes.

For more info, go to www.colmansus.com!

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3/25 Chef Robert Hesse, Rusack Vineyards, Hidden Lakes Winery, Hugo's, Steve the Movie Guy

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

Chef Robert Hesse Takes Us Down To the Very Depths of Hell's Kitchen!

Chef Robert Hesse, Executive Chef and Partner of Georgica, Catamarans Restaurants and Corporate Executive Chef and Partner of Pssghetti's Restaurant in Clearwater, FL, has appeared on the hit television show "Hell's Kitchen" on Season 5 and 6, finishing in the top 5.

Chef Robert Hesse knows a little about working with fire-and under it. No one who hasn't stepped into Chef Gordon Ramsey's "Hell's Kitchen" can accurately say what it's like to work under such a pressure cooker, no pun intended. Chef Robert Hesse not only knows the feeling, he survived it, thrived on it, and continues to help maintain three successful restaurants. Chef Hesse is now available to speak about: his experiences on "Hell's Kitchen"; the rewards one gets for hard work and vision; and his philosophy on business success.

Finishing in the Top 5 on "Hell's Kitchen" requires self-confidence, mental toughness and perseverance. Chef Robert Hesse was a success on Ramsey's show because he uses those tenets on a daily basis, running and co-running three successful eateries.

To learn more about Chef Robert Hesse's restaurants, visit them online at: http://pssghettis.com, http://georgicarestaurant.com, http://catamaransrestaurant.com

John Falcone Shows Us Around The Lovely Rusack Vineyards!

John, the winemaker at Rusack Vineyards, born into an Italian winemaking family, started his wine odyssey at age 19, working for his uncle at The Monterey Vineyard. Prior to joining Rusack, John worked for many years in the Napa Valley, including a position as winemaker at Atlas Peak Vineyards and Codorniu Napa, now known as Artesa Winery.

Falcone’s decision to join Rusack Vineyards was prompted in large part by his desire to "get back to hand-crafting wines" and the belief that Santa Barbara County is now one of the best places for a small-production winery to live up to its potential for producing great wines.

For more info on the winery, go to www.rusackvineyards.com!

What's Cookin' Today Hour TWO:

Winemaker Nick Deiters Shows Us Around Hidden Lake Winery in Aviston, IL!

Hidden Lake opened in spring of 2004 and is nestled in the woods of Silent forest in Aviston, IL. Many unique features include a lake with walk-around path and beautiful onlooking patio. They also have a sculpture garden with numerous sculptures and nice landscape. They have 92 acres with wedding venues spread across and 2 acres of vineyard. They have 10 on-site cabins available for rent and 2 of wich are honeymoon suites. They have 6 event venues with anywhere from 50 to 500 capacity with wedding receptions being our specialty. They produce between 5,000 and 7,000 gallons of wine each year and have 21 varieties to choose from varying from white, red, blush, sweet, semi-sweet, and dry.

Nick is 22 years old and has been making wine as a hobby since he was 19 and have been making wine commercially for Hidden Lake Winery since he became of legal age to do do! Nick is aspiring towards degrees in each Viticulture (grape growing) and Enology (winemaking) through an online instituion known as VESTA. He is the nephew of the owners of Hidden Lake Winery (Dale and Angela Holbrook) and is starting 6 acres of his own vineyard (known as Zuckerbach Vineyards) in mid-April. Nick loves everything about wine and he's hoping to do everything he can to spread knowlege of wines and vines. Nick hopes to contribute to the developing wine industry in his state and above all to spread good cheer to as many as he can.

For more info on this winery, go to http://www.hiddenlakewinery.com/

Owner Tom Kaplan Takes Us to Hugo's, A Southern California Culinary Landmark!

A restaurant that lasts 30 years is as rare as a long lasting Hollywood marriage. But, Hugo’s Restaurants, the home of the Power Breakfast and a mainstay on the Southern California food scene, is not only celebrating 30 years in business at its original West Hollywood location, and 10 years in Sherman Oaks…but is prepping the grand opening of its third spot in Agoura Hills later this year.

The restaurant group, owned and managed by partners Tom and Emily Kaplan, Richard and Leslie Brenner and Bill Kohne, will memorialize its 30/10/0 landmark with both a historical return to its menus of 1980 and a slate of specials devoted to its evolution into a “stealthy healthy” whole food concept of gluten-free, vegan recipes.

Hugo’s defies description; it is not an ethnic restaurant or even one with one major specialty, although its Pasta Mama is almost a world famous dish. In keeping with a “whole food” philosophy, the menu is designed without the use of any white flour or table salt, the tables feature organic ketchup and mustard and there are scads of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes as well as classic burgers and pasta carbonara. A single glance at the Hugo’s menu will not suffice; a vegan, a vegetarian, a meat-lover will all be pleased by the selection; with an eye for simplicity and a heart for freshness, the Hugo’s menu has been able to capture the breadth of world cuisine and bring it to its tables.

For more info on Hugo's, go to http://hugosrestaurant.com/!

Movie Guy Steve Evans Gives us the Movie Hits and Misses!

Steve Evans, the Movie Guy, is going to tell us what we need to run out and see and what we can avoid in the movie theaters, this week!

So, grab your popcorn, folks! Get your movie news and reviews right here on the What's Cookin' Today show! Steve “The Movie Guy” will take a look at what’s hot at the box office and the new films being released this weekend:

This weekend it’s the battle of the hollywood hunks! Bradley Cooper and Matthew McConaughey go head to head with competing dramatic thrillers while a prankster alien joins the party as three new releases hit theaters Friday.

• Sucker Punch - A fantastical tale of a young girl, locked away inside a mental institution, who creates an imaginary world to plan her escape.
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules - Greg Heffley is back with problems new and old, but none more prominent than the punishments of his older brother Rodrick.
• Peep World - Four siblings come to terms with the publication of a novel that exposes the family's most intimate secrets.
• White Irish Drinkers - Two teenage brothers, struggling to get by in 1975 working-class Brooklyn, get caught up in a life of petty crime.
  

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3/24 Jennifer Gilbert, Sandra Lee, OnStar, SMOKE, Pomar Junction Wines

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

Jennifer Gilbert, Party Planner on Real Housewives of New York, Gives Us Tips To Throw the Ultimate Birthday or Spring Party!

As a Mother of Three and Renowned Event Planner, Jennifer Knows How to Throw the Ultimate Birthday Party. This Spring, She is Teaming up with ARM & HAMMER® Power Gel, to Provide One Grand Prize Winner A Dream Birthday Party for Their Child, Without Any of the Stress!

Jennifer Gilbert is Best Known for Her Recurring Role as a Party Planner on Bravo’s Real Housewives of New York. She Runs an Award-Winning Event Planning Company and will Release her First Book this year, entitled “I Never Promised You a Goody Bag.”

For more info on, go to powergelparty.com, http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-new-york-city & http://www.savethedate.com/!

Sandra Lee Shares 4 Simple Rules to Cook with Care

Food Network Chef Sandra Lee has teamed up with the Pyrex brand to share the 4 Simple Rules to cook with care when using glass bakeware.

Sandra Lee has a passion for simple solutions that create dramatic results in all areas of home life. She is editor-in-chief of Sandra Lee SemiHomemade magazine, the host of two highly rated television shows on Food Network (the multi-Emmy-nominated Semi-Homemade Cooking With Sandra Lee and Sandra’s Money Saving Meals) and the host of Sandra Lee Celebrates, a series of primetime specials on HGTV.

Sandra Lee is also a New York Times bestselling author of twenty books including the 2009 fall releases: Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Money-Saving Slow Cooking, Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Weeknight Wonders and Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Cocktail Time. An internationally-acclaimed home and food expert, Sandra has revolutionized the way people think about traditional, time-consuming, “fromscratch” methods. With her trademark 70/30 Semi-Homemade philosophy, which combines 70% ready-made products with 30% fresh touches, Sandra creates delicious meals and aspirational home environments that are affordable and attainable.

Visit pyrexware.com/4simplerules to see cooking demonstrations and to download cooking tips and recipes from Sandra Lee.

Terry Inch, from OnStar Director of Subscriber Services, Helps Us to Remember to Push the Blue On-Star Button for Help in Emergency Situations!

April showers may bring May flowers, but according to the Red Cross spring also creates some of the most dangerous weather conditions of the year. Tornados, lightning and thunderstorms, combined with melting snow, can make driving hazardous in many parts of the country. During severe flooding and other natural disasters, OnStar has a team of specially trained Crisis Assist advisors available at the push of a button. Advisors can communicate with local authorities and help subscribers find evacuation routes, shelter, food and gas. They can also guide emergency personal to find those in need of immediate assistance. In fact, the service reports that during these types of events calls for help double and even triple.

To remind the millions of subscribers who haven’t used the service in a while to ‘push the blue button’, OnStar is running a push-to-win-a-new-car sweepstakes. Anyone with an OnStar-equipped vehicle, regardless of whether they are a current subscriber or not, can enter to win by pressing the blue button in their vehicle now through May 31.

To learn more about OnStar and the Push On sweepstakes, visit www.onstar.com

What's Cookin' Today Hour TWO:

Morgan Robinson Gives Us His Exclusive Wine Pairing Tips and Tells Us About He Started His Napa Valley Catering Business, Smoke!

How do you go about developing a menu around one fabulous wine? What is the best single piece of advice for successful wine pairing at a dinner party? Can you ever serve white wine with a steak? Or red wine with a fish? Napa's premier caterer, Morgan Robinson, helps us debunk the hard & fast rules of wine pairing!

Morgan is the proprietor of SMOKE: Open Fire Cooking, located in Napa, California. A classically-trained chef with more than 20 years’ experience at some of the finest wineries in Napa Valley, he founded SMOKE to create his own catering enterprise specializing in his favorite style of preparing foods. Inspired by the Mediterranean roots of rotisserie, grilling and other open hearth techniques, SMOKE favors local artisan food producers and seasonal ingredients.

Born in Mexico but raised primarily in the Santa Barbara, California region, Morgan loved food and cooking from an early age – his first job in a restaurant was at age 13. His enthusiasm for the Santa Maria-style tri-tip barbecue feast unleashed his passion for all forms of open fire cooking, and eventually inspired him to commission a five-by-ten-foot outdoor grill (parilla) with trailer hitch. The big grill now allows him to transport his cooking method of choice, along with the SMOKE team, to specific locations for events catering, from large winery release parties to more intimate family celebrations.

This year, Morgan has expanded SMOKE’s catering menus to include a range of food options far beyond traditional barbecue, including: elegant appetizers such as Tempura Portabella Sliders or Sicilian Prawns with Pomegranate Molasses Glaze; hearty mains like Dixon Rack of Lamb or Mont La Salle Whole Suckling Pig; innovative salads such Grilled Soft Shell Crab or Shaved Summer Squashes; and desserts both refreshing and decadent, like Spiced Mexican Chocolate “Pot de Crème” or Trifle with Seasonal Fruit, Soft Cream and Candied Nuts. He is also staging several SMOKE annual dining events, such as the Argentina-inspired Asada, to be held in a St. Helena estate vineyard and slated for early June.

For more info, go to www.smokeopenfire.com!

We're Taking A Tour of the Beautiful Pomar Junction Winery in Templeton, CA with Owner Dana Merrill!

Dana Merrill’s family dates back 7 generations on California’s Central Coast to the Spanish rancho days. After growing up and farming in the Santa Ynez Valley, he obtained a degree in Ag Business Management from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He later entered the vineyard management business, starting Mesa Vineyard Management, Inc. in 1989. The firm provides management services to growers and wineries.

In 2008, Dana and wife Marsha, son Matthew and wife Nicole created the Pomar Junction brand featuring estate wines from their 120 acre Templeton vineyard and other vineyards they manage. A tasting room was opened as well in November of 2008. The brand is managed by Matthew and Nicole oversees the wine club. Son Keith handles the website and label design. The brand features the SIP Sustainable Certification commencing with some of its 2008 wines.

Dana has been active in industry groups including serving as Chairman of the California Assn. of Winegrape Growers , as a charter member of the Central Coast Vineyard Team and as a board member of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. He was voted San Luis Obispo’s Agriculturist of the Year and Grape Grower of the Year in 2005 and his firm was awarded the IPM Innovator of the Year award by the California Dept of Pesticide Regulation in 2002 for its efforts to promote sustainable farming systems at Pomar Junction and elsewhere.

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

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3/23 MEDCA's Cairo Caravan, NASCAR's Jeff Burton, Real Happiness, LALA Land, Unhitched, Krupp Winery

What's Cookin' Today Hour ONE:

Rest In Peace, Liz Taylor, Who Passed Away This Morning From Congestive Heart Failure

Click Here To Read KTLA News Report and a Statement From Liz Taylor's Son

Blume Bauer, President of the Middle Eastern Culture & Dance Association, Tells Us About MECDA's Cairo Caravan 2011!

Thousands of belly dancers from across the globe will descend on Southern California June 3rd – 5th for MECDA’s Cairo Caravan, the annual celebration of all forms of belly dance hosted by the Middle Eastern Culture & Dance Association (MECDA).

Cairo Caravan is the largest gathering of belly dancers in the country, now in its 34th year. This year, the dancers shimmy aboard The Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA and their performances and celebrations are open to the public.

For more info, go to www.mecda.org/cairo

NASCAR Sprint Cup Driver Jeff Burton Talks About the 2011 Season!

Before taking the green flag in Fontana, NASCAR star Jeff Burton and several other drivers will get their engines started in a completely different way. They’ll take to the two-mile track on foot – along with thousands of fans – as part of the Coca-Cola Family Track Walk program. The unique event gives fans a chance to get moving alongside members of the Coca-Cola Racing Family and encourages them to get active by combining their passion for their favorite sport with fun, family-friendly activities.

Nascar Sprint Cup Driver Jeff Burton drives the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series #31 Caterpillar Chevrolet and is a founding member of the Coca-Cola Racing Family.

Sharon Salzberg Shares Some Meditation Tips and Talks About Her New Book, REAL HAPPINESS!

Meditation has now been adopted by science and researchers at major universities that have produced studies which are showing that this practice can sharpen focus, lower blood pressure, help relieve chronic pain, reduce stress, protect the brain against aging and improve our capacity to learn new things. With REAL HAPPINESS, Salzberg delivers a completely accessible guide to beginners who want to understand meditation, and through it, make better decisions, break bad habits, bounce back from disappointments, connect with family, and generally become more at ease with their own bodies. REAL HAPPINESS demonstrates that if you can breathe, you can meditate.

About Sharon Salzberg: For thirty-six years, she has taught meditation to thousands of people at the Insight Meditation Society retreat center in Barre, Massachusetts, which she co-founded in the mid-seventies and at schools, corporations, government agencies, and community centers all over the world.

Brett Chapin and Netahly Leddel Talk About their New Show. LA LA Land with Brett and Rachel, on CRN Digital Talk!

Brett Chapin grew up in Laguna Beach Ca. His interest in the arts was sparked at a young age after seeing the film version of West Side Story. He began his training at the age of 9 at Sparks Theatre and continued as a teenager at the Laguna Playhouse, graduating with honors and receiving a full scholarship to their highly respected conservatory and repertory programs. He went on to work in several productions there including his first Equity show. He then relocated to Santa Barbara where he had a chance to continue his training, performing in both regional musical theatre and film.

After a short trip back to Orange County for an extended production, he relocated to Los Angeles in 2001. He has continued to work consistently, racking up 8 major Theatrical productions over the last 3 years. He recently performed as Paul in the West Coast premiere of The Good Negro at the Stella Adler Theatre and as C.C. Showers in The Diviners. He is the current Director of Marketing at Theatre Palisades and the co-host of a new show on the Cable Radio Network, LA LA Land with Brett and Netahly.

A Los Angeles native, Netahly (Neta-lee) Leddel spent her earliest years trying to follow in her mother's footsteps as a ballerina. By age 6, she'd realized she had more sucess as a joker than a dancer, so she shifted her energy over to acting. Her father, no stranger to being the neighborhood clown, remembers walking her to school in only his boxer's and Jesus sandals. She must have gotten her charm and finesse from him. Her fondest childhood memories are of creating detailed characters, which she'd dress up as and talk to in the mirror of her room. As if that isn't creepy enough, she took them outside and pretended to play with make believe company. By 1990 , Netahly was SAG eligible and busy working on film. She went on to get her B.F.A at a very small prestigious school in Seattle, Cornish College of the Arts. Today she is a working actress and jazz vocalist.

For more info on Brett and Rachel, go to www.theatrepalisdaes.com www.facebook.com/theatrepalisades www.twitter.com/theatrepalisade www.brettchapin.com www.facebook.com/brettchapin www.twitter.com/brettchapin

http://www.netahlyleddel.com

What's Cookin' Today Hour TWO:

Judith Stacey Tells Us About Her New Book, UNHITCHED!

Is our widely embraced vision of a “normal family” truly superior to all others? Does anyone, let alone politicians, have the right to define what's normal when it comes to intimacy and family life? Is it fair to discriminate against families who don't conform to the sanctioned marriage model or, even worse, to stigmatize their children? Does the revered institution of marriage truly deserve to be defended and preserved?

In her new book, UNHITCHED: Love, Marriage, and Family Values from West Hollywood to Western China (NYU Press; May 2011), noted family expert and New York University professor Judith Stacey shatters the one-size-fits-all ideal of family embedded in popular culture and at the heart of ongoing political debates.

“This book,” as Stacey states upfront, “challenges popular convictions about family, gender, and sexuality held on the left, right, and center, by feminists and fundamentalists, and especially by marriage movement advocates and opponents, gay and straight.” Urging readers to leave their cultural baggage behind, she offers an engaging and provocative exploration of some unusual, flourishing species of family life. Based on ten years of original research and field work spanning a terrain from Los Angeles to South Africa to the remote Lugu Lake region of Southwestern China, Stacey introduces families who not only defy the sanctioned image of a proper, happy family, but also dispel any cause to despair over its decline.

We're Taking A Tour of Krupp Brothers Winery with Dr. Jan Krupp!

The hunt to find unrivaled vineyard land led Dr. Jan Krupp high into Napa Valley’s eastern hills to a harsh mountain site, strewn with rocks and choked with chaparral, straddling Pritchard Hill and the Atlas Peak appellation. A physician with a green thumb and a passion for great wine, Krupp purchased a 41-acre property here in 1991 and began clearing the land for his new vineyard.

Four years later he enlisted the help of his brother Bart Krupp, a sharp businessman with an equal devotion to fine wine, to purchase and clear an additional 750 acres. A half-million tons of rock and debris later, the Krupps had carved three of Napa Valley’s most esteemed vineyards out of what had once been considered virtual wilderness: the original Krupp Vineyard, Krupp Brothers Vineyard, and the renowned Stagecoach Vineyard. Surrounded by established neighbors Bryant Family, Dalla Valle, and Chappellet, the Krupps’ low-yielding vines today produce fruit sought after by some of the valley’s most iconic wineries. Only a small percentage of select fruit from the three vineyards goes into Krupp Brothers handcrafted wines under their Veraison, Black Bart, and Krupp labels.

Dr. Jan Krupp is the founder of the Krupp Brothers Winery and the creator of Stagecoach Vineyard. He has been able to fuse a life long passion for great food and wine with a love for growing edible crops such as tomatoes, berries, rare apples, and citrus that surpass those that can be bought in a market.

While still in college and medical school he fell in love with Chateaux Margaux and Ridge Montebello. For 15 years he scouted vineyards to purchase grapes that he crafted into best of show winning home wines. Using the knowledge gained from these years he explored and researched Napa looking for terroir that would create the next Grand Cru.

After removing over a billion pounds of rocks and finding water where others failed, he was able to create a diverse and wonderful vineyard specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals. This breath-taking mountain vineyard forms the basis of many great wines including those of Hobbs, Pahlmeyer, Caymus, Chappellet, Pott, and Miner.

Dr. Krupp has been able to select several exceptional blocks to lead his wine-making team in the creation of distinctive, delicious, structured age-worthy wines fulfilling his original goal of creating some of the world’s best wines from a vineyard that he has created and continues to farm.

For more info on Krupp Brothers Winer, go to www.kruppbrothers.com

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