Friday, December 30, 2011

1/2 Happy New Year!


Happy New Year!

Come join Michael Horn, Paul Stern, and Erik Hines as we ring in 2012, by showcasing some of our favorite guests from 2011!

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1/3 Durkin Park, Cruiseworks, and New York Wine & Grape

What's Cookin' Today


HAPPY NEW YEAR!

SEANA KELLY - GENERAL MANAGER OF DURKIN PARK IN BOSTON, MA.

Seana (Shawna) is the GM and her parents were owners of Durkin Park until a few years ago. She remained as GM - A legendary historic restaurant, Durgin-Park is a centuries-old restaurant at 340 Faneuil Hall Marketplace in downtown Boston. The Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau states that it has been a "landmark since 1827", and it continues to be a popular tourist destination within Quincy Market. The restaurant has entrances on both of its facades (Faneuil Hall and Clinton Street). In keeping with its long history, the concept of Durgin-Park maintains the tradition of communal seating at long tables. The menu is designed to offer traditional New England-style fare with a concentration on seafoods, chowders, broiled meats, and boiled dinners. The service is also a partial hold-over from the time of its founding as the waitstaff have been encouraged to adopt a "surly" attitude and "backtalk" the clientele. Another sign of it heritage, is that it has only changed head chefs a handful of times in its history. http://www.arkrestaurants.com/durgin_park.html

DON FENWICK FROM CRUISEWORKS STOPS BY TO PROMOTE CRN'S "MURDER MYSTERY" CRUISE

"More than a cruise...an experience!" Join us for a variety of unique annual cruises to exciting destinations. With it's private functions, each cruise is specifically designed for each theme. Since 1984, whether it's a murder mystery filled with mirth and mayhem, workshops taught by outstanding dollhouse miniature artisans, or America Philatelic guest speakers and stamp auctions. Cruiseworks, Inc. Provides a relaxing and entertaining experience at sea! www.cruise-works.com


JIM TREZISE, PRESIDENT of NEW YORK WINE & GRAPE FOUNDATION

NAPA IS NOT THE ONLY WINE REGION IN THE US - Welcome to New York! - with a history dating back to the 1860's, is one of America's oldest commercial wine regions New York - home to native, French-American, and vinifera varietals is perhaps the most diverse wine-growing region in the world New York - with a wine industry that is growing and expanding every day and everywhere- among sparkling lakes, along the sea shore, above a rushing river, and just down the road. Wine trails are groups of wineries that are related geographically and work cooperatively to encourage visitors to learn about the fine products they are bringing to the market. Many of the wine trails have special event programs that feature wine and food pairing events throughout the year.

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Thursday, December 29, 2011

12/30 Ryan Scott, Dave Williams, Larry Van Aalst, Steve Evans

WHAT'S COOKIN - FRIDAY DEC 30, 2011

Welcome to the final What's Cookin Today Show of 2011!



Ryan Scott "SEAMLESS"

Seamless, the nation's leading digital service for ordering delivery and takeout food from thousands of top restaurants in the US and UK, has found that Chinese food is the most popular cuisine ordered on December 25, comprising 16% of all orders placed ­ triple the average for the rest of the year. Seamless serves over 4,000 client companies in dozens of industries throughout 27 cities in the US and UK. Our clients range from Fortune 100 companies with thousands of employees to boutique firms with as few as 5 people. http://www.seamless.com

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 theme, 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.
http://www.rbjazzkitchen.com/


LARRY VAN AALST - SOMMELIER

Equus Restaurant has long maintained a simple culinary charter: provide a stellar dining experience in a contemporary and sophisticated setting. Chef Reilly’s talents match that directive. The restaurant’s seasonal menu will highlight the best of what’s grown and produced locally, and feature full-flavor comfort foods to satisfy the palate of even the most discriminating guest. In every significant restaurant a friendly and knowledgeable Sommelier awaits each guest’s arrival. Larry Van Aalst is the Sommelier you will surely meet while dining at Equus. Larry is a life-long Sonoma County resident with ties to the earth having grown up on a ranch. He was educated in both California and Europe making him a worldly traveler who still calls Sonoma County his home. Larry is a true star within the California wine scene and beyond, winning Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence seven times for his extraordinary wine lists. His wine list at Equus has won “Best of Show” in several Sonoma County Harvest Fair competitions and Larry is also known as Iron Sommelier in many posh resorts and hotels. He is also a professional wine judge, with the West Coast Wine Competition, Riverside International, El Dorado Wine Competition and the San Francisco Chronicle competition as some of his favorites. Guests of the Restaurant and Loungebar can also catch a live radio show that is broadcast from the restaurant on Wednesday evenings. To tune into one of Larry’s shows, “What’s Cookin’ on Wine – The Sonoma Report,” log on to CRN Digital talk radio, go to hosts, click on his name and you will find the listing of channels and times for his program. For over a decade Equus has been proud to have Larry standing by to choose the perfect wine for any occasion and all menu selections. http://www.fountaingroveinn.com/equus.html


STEVE EVANS - "THE MOVIE GUY"

Latest box office info and news from the world of movies and films.


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12/29 Well-Seasoned Kitchen: A Mother-Daughter Culinary Journey", "Il Tiramisu Ristorante & Bar", Holiday gifts

12/29 What's Cookin' Today

Author Lee Clayton Roper Writer Of "Well-Seasoned Kitchen: A Mother-Daughter Culinary Journey" Talks To Us About Her Book That Is More Than Just Recipes

The Clayton family, especially Sally, has long been known for effortless style and smart sensibility when it comes to home cooking and entertaining. So, when Sally began to suffer from the effects of early-stage memory loss, her daughter Lee Clayton Roper decided to engage her mother in the kitchen, evoking family memories and collecting cherished recipes. The time they spent together lead them to begin writing the cookbook that would become A Well-Seasoned Kitchen (MLC Publishing, 2009) Sadly, Sally passed away as the cookbook was entering its final phase and Lee completed it in her honor. More than just recipes, A Well Seasoned Kitchen is a memoir and an attempt to capture her mother’s recipes before they would be gone forever. Until now this cookbook, featuring 186 tested recipes, with menus and full-color photos by renowned food photographer Laure Smith, has been available only in Colorado, where Lee Roper resides, but due to the overwhelming success of the elegant recipes and heartwarming stories, A Well Seasoned Kitchen is going national.

The book that was so popular in Denver is now sold nationally and in select retailers in Kansas City, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Knoxville, Memphis, and Little Rock. A portion of all proceeds are donated to the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter The delicious, easy, and beautiful dishes like Rack of Lamb with Nut Crust, Green Beans with Lemon-Butter Sauce, Apple Cake (recipe below), and Blueberry Tart helped A Well Seasoned Kitchen win the 2010 Gold Medal for Cookbooks from the Living Now Book Awards. The book features menu suggestions that are perfect for holiday entertaining, from a traditional Thanksgiving meal featuring Oven Roasted Turkey and Apple-Sausage Stuffing to a Snowy Day Dinner featuring Veal Stroganoff and Bourbon Apple Pie. Lee Clayton Roper is currently producing a mother-daughter cooking show that will build on the acclaim of A Well Seasoned Kitchen and air on Rocky Mountain PBS in 2012. The show will feature Lee cooking alongside mother-daughter pairs and sharing cooking stories and kitchen traditions. At the end of each episode, the mother-daughter pair is encouraged to continue cooking together and documenting the process. At the end of the season, the six mother-daughter pairs will reconvene with their home videos and discuss their experiences spending time together in the kitchen.

Sally and Lee are everyday home gourmet cooks who've always been ahead of their time. Sally earned cooking credibility as one of the first to add a food processor and microwave to her gadget repertoire long before most had even heard of them. Originally from Kentucky, Sally was raised in a home with parents who frequently entertained and a mother who loved to cook. Interestingly, Sally didn't start cooking until after she was married. Despite that, she made an effortless leap from meat loaf to Boeuf Bourguignon and quickly earned a reputation as a talented cook and gracious hostess among friends and family. Sally’s culinary courage inspired Lee to hold her first dinner party at the tender age of 16.

Today, Lee regularly finds opportunities to host family and friends for casual dinner parties with beautiful tablescapes, creative menus and scrumptious meals taking center stage. With any cooking-related questions, friends and family often turn to Lee for her unending kitchen inspiration and encouragement.


PETER KASTALAN Owner of "Il Tiramisu Ristorante & Bar" Gives Us The Scoop On Their Additions To The Menu For NEW YEARS EVE


New Year’s Eve Menu 3 Courses $45 Saturday, December 31, 2011 5:00 PM to Midnight
Primi Piatti ~ First Course ~ Choose One
~ Gamberi con Linguini di Limone e Basilico ~
Grilled shrimp, lemon basil linguini, white wine, artichokes, carrots, onions
~ Insalata Victoria ~
Organic baby greens, beets, butternut squash, pine nuts, sherry vinaigrette
~ Zuppa di Funghi ~
Mushroom soup, shiitake, porcini, and cremini mushrooms,
Vegetable and herb broth, fresh arugula garnish
~ Involtini di Melanzane ~
Eggplant rolls filled with fontina & mozzarella cheese, light marinara sauce

Piatti Principale ~ Main Course ~ Choose One
~ Barramundi con Balsamico ~
Australian sea bass, grilled, lemon, rosemary, sage, aged balsamic reduction
~ Salmone Fantasia ~
Atlantic salmon, orange ginger cognac sauce, fresh mango and orange
~ Filetto di Manzo ~
8 ounce filet mignon, marinated in pinot noir with herbs, sliced, served medium rare
~ Osso Buco di Vitello ~
Veal osso buco, braised in Chianti and vegetables
~ Pappardelle Aragosta ~
Homemade wide ribbon pasta, Marsala wine and light cream sauce, lobster
~ Cappallaci ~
Pasta crepes filled with ricotta cheese and spinach, pink sauce

Dolce ~ Dessert ~ Choose One
~ Tiramisu Katerina ~
White and dark chocolate cup, filled with tiramisu cake, strawberries
~ Creme Brulee ~
Vanilla custard, raspberries, caramelized sugar
~ Torta di Cioccolata ~
Chocolate mousse, chocolate cake, chocolate sauce


Candace Cameron From ABC's "MAKE IT OR BREAK IT" Talks About Great Holiday Deals To Make Up For Your Bad Christmas Presents

Candace is best known for her role as DJ Tanner on the hit show “Full House.” After 8 successful seasons on the show, Cameron took a break from Hollywood to start a family. She currently lives in LA with her husband, Russian NHL Hockey Player, Valerie Bure and her three children. In January 2011, she released her first book “Reshaping It All,” a New York Times best seller. She currently stars on the ABC Family series “Make it or Break It.” Fans of “Full House,” all remember what a Tanner Family Christmas was like. Remember when Uncle Jesse surprises Aunt Becky with fake snow? Or when Steve dresses up as Santa to return home from college and surprise DJ? Chances are your Christmas didn’t turn out like a TV sitcom. And it’s more than likely you ended up with a gift you DIDN’T like. With the holidays behind us, now is the time to spoil yourself. Who better than to talk about making the most of holiday misgivings than DJ Tanner herself!


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Tuesday, December 27, 2011

12/27 Lisa Vanderpump, Whole Foods, "Getting Ready For 2012

12/27 What's Cookin' Today

Lisa Vanderpump From "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" Talks About your Renowned Restaurant Villa Blanca

Lisa Vanderpump has become the breakout star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Her unique mix of sparkling glamour and down-to-earth style has appealed to thousands of fans. On the show, viewers can see her hosting dinner parties and running her popular Beverly Hills restaurant Villa Blanca with what can best be termed “easy elegance.” Now Lisa shares her tips and tricks for creating the perfect gathering: whether you’re hosting a cozy winter dinner for six, throwing a poolside BBQ, or just hanging out with your closest friends, Lisa has just the menu and entertaining hints that will make it both simple AND divine.

Jerry Garbus, GM and Beverage Director of Manhattan Beach Post Is

When you dine at MB Post, you’ll find a carefully edited selection of seasonal dishes. Categorized by Breads; Charcuterie, Cheese and Larders; Vegetable dishes; Seafood dishes; and Meat dishes, all, even the veggies and house–made breads, are meant to stand on their own as a dish, not sides, for the table. The goal is to encourage our guests to sample their way through the menu and enjoy an array of new ingredients, flavors, and textures. General Manager Jerry Garbus and partner Mike Simms of Simms Restaurants (Simmzy’s, Tin Roof Bistro, and Lazy Dog CafĂ©) will feature a selection of five beers on draught and twelve bottled beers chosen to represent stand–outs within various regions and styles. Ten hand–crafted signature cocktails will consist of classics and true originals all made with seasonal, fresh–squeezed juices and house–made syrups, salts, and preserved fruits, as well as 30 wines by the glass and 100 wines on the bottle list.

The look and feel of MB Post was crafted to reflect the beach community’s relaxed and vibrant ocean–front culture and pay homage to the space’s 1960’s postal office origins. The exposed rafters, cement floors, sun–bleached reclaimed wood, communal tables, and a color scheme borrowing from the local lifeguard stands, anchor whimsical embellishments like volleyball posts repurposed as shelving, and a vintage post office desk. Maybe you’ll see me riding my bike to work to prepare food that I love for my community. I want our guests to feel at home as they pass plates around the table and share stories with their friends. There is a lot of myself in MB Post and I hope to make a human connection between what is on the plate and in the glass, and the long-standing relationship with friends, farms, artisanal purveyors and our neighbors. I’ll be seeing you at Manhattan Beach Post!

Celebrity Chef Chad Sarno Is Speaking With Us On Behalf Of Whole Foods About The Benefits of Healthy Eating

On Average, Americans Consume Twice the Number of Calories They Need
Only 2% of Americans are getting the Daily Required Nutrition Needed Over 60% of the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) comes from processed foods and another 25% comes from animal foods. The bottom line is we need more fruits and veggies in our diet. Enter Chad Sarno to the rescue. Handsome Chef Chad Sarno is famous around the world for creating healthy recipes that taste great, and now the world-famous food expert has a new goal -- teaching people that eating healthy doesn’t have to cost a bundle and can be sustainable. On December 27th, the Whole Foods Market Chef will help your viewers and listeners jumpstart their New Year with simple, affordable, tasty Bowls of Goodness. Listeners will also learn the importance of choosing nutrient-rich foods that will satisfy even the pickiest palates. More importantly, they will learn about the foods you can eat in abundance and still lose weight.

Chad travelled the world, seeking the counsel of those whose work reminded people of both the implicit benefits of hand-crafting foods and the virtues of “walking the earth lightly”. Whether in the American desert or the Philippine jungle, he studied traditional ingredients and customs, and began bringing them together in newly healthful and delicious ways. Chef Sarno owns restaurants around the world, and has worked for a long list of A-list celebrities, like Ben Stiller, Woody Harelson, Charlize Theron, Alicia Silverstone, Jane Fonda and Helen Hunt.

Rabbi Irwin Kula Talks About His New Book "Getting Ready for 2012"

Irwin Kula, the host of Simple Wisdom, is not your typical rabbi. Known as both a provocative religious leader and a respected spiritual iconoclast, Irwin Kula has inspired thousands nationwide using Jewish wisdom in ways that speak to modern life. A renowned thinker, teacher, and rabbi, he is the author of Yearnings: Embracing the Sacred Messiness of Life (Hyperion, Sept. 2006) winner of a "Books for a Better Life" award, and selected by Spirituality & Health magazine as one the "10 Best Spiritual Books of 2006" and was featured in a national public TV pledge special, "The Hidden Wisdom of Our Yearnings." A leader of religious pluralism, Kula says that the "freedom and openness of America invites us to bring our traditions to the marketplace of ideas. The challenge is to translate these wisdoms into accessible American idioms that inspire and improve our personal and public lives." A regular on NBC-TV’s The Today Show, and co-host of the popular weekly radio show, Hirschfield and Kula: Intelligent Talk Radio

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Friday, December 23, 2011

12/23 "Julia M Usher's Ultimate Cookies, Hunt Cellars, Steve Evans

12/23 What's Cookin' Today

Julia M. Usher, Author of"Julia M Usher's Ultimate Cookies" And Winner of Three Cordon d' Or Awards, Is Here To Tell Us About Her New Book


A new book from the author of the best-selling Cookie Swap: Creative Treats to Share Throughout the Year. Delve into the world of cookie magic, where you can make everything from edible jewelry to cookie bacon and eggs! Organized by theme, each chapter overflows with luscious photographs and dozens of recipes and cookie crafting ideas. With carefully illustrated details, award-winning author Julia M. Usher expertly guides you in the making of perfect cookie masterpieces.




Dave Hunt, The Owner And Winemaker Of Hunt Cellars Is Talking WithUs About His New Pinot Noir and Holiday Wines


It started over 20 years ago as a fantasy, living on a lush beautiful vineyard, producing your own style of favorite premium varietal wines that are well received and appreciated by those who have discovered the wines and shared them amongst friends. Hunt Cellars has recently started a blog to help share our experiences and to communicate with our customers. Now drive along the scenic Highway 46 West, about three miles west of the 101 Fwy at Oakdale Road, you will find this dream has become reality for David Hunt, Wine maker and owner of Hunt Cellars, a winery committed to producing "Memorable Wines". We believe that great wines leave indelible impressions when poured with wonderful meals and great friends and scintillating conversations. Hunt Cellars was founded on the philosophy of producing wines that you will look forward to simply sipping by a cozy fireplace or pairing with your favorite meals to enhance that special event or moment in time.

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.


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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

12/22 TLC's Cake Boss Winner, Holiday Chocolates

12/22 What's Cookin' Today

Talking With Us Is Chef Dana Herbert The 2011 Winner of TLC’s Cake Boss

Buddy Valastro announced that 34 year-old Delaware resident Dana Hebert won CAKE BOSS: NEXT GREAT BAKER in the season finale of the TLC series, which aired Monday, January 24, 2011. Dana beat out 9 other aspiring bakers who competed throughout 8 weeks of grueling challenges that tested their baking know-how, decorating skills, and client & business skills. As the “Next Great Baker,” Dana wins $50,000 cash, a brand-new car, and an apprenticeship with Buddy. “Dana proved he had the skills it takes to be a great baker – creativity, drive, and perseverance. Through the challenges, he showed he can overcome obstacles, create amazing cakes, and impress clients. He’s going to be a great addition to the Carlo’s Bakery family,” said Buddy.


Ann Czaja, Lindt Master Chocolatier Is Sharing With Us Her Special Holiday Treats

The holidays are known for evoking visions of sugarplums, so it’s no surprise a recent survey found a majority of Americans enjoy food, aromas and flavors most at this time of year. Nearly half of those surveyed said peppermint, cinnamon and nuts topped their wish lists. So how can you use nostalgic treats such as gingerbread cookies, chestnuts and candy canes, to elevate your annual traditions? Lindt Master Chocolatier, Ann Czaja (pronounced Chai-ya), is an expert in the art of chocolate making and can help your viewers make this season a little bit sweeter. Master Chocolatier Ann Czaja (pronounced Chai-ya) is a Swiss-trained chocolatier and an expert in all things chocolate. Bringing the passion for gourmet chocolate to life, the Lindt Master Chocolatier utilizes years of experience and extensive training to perfect iconic chocolate selections and educate consumers on all things chocolate. Czaja has embarked on a U.S. Tour, hosted in-store events, and shared the Five Senses Tasting Process with consumers. She has hosted chocolate pairing events and discussions on the history of chocolate.


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12/21 Larry Lipson, Soy Food Council, Gary Poppins Popcorn

12/21 What's Cookin' Today

Traveling Time! The Great Larry Lipson Tells Us About His Latest Finds


Reporting from Costa Rica, CRN's international wine correspondent Larry Lipson will tell us about his latest Wine finds, including wines UNDER $10!Larry always has something cooking up at the Lipson Institute of Advanced Wine Studies!

Larry forages all of Costa Rica for the absolute best wines. No region is spared from his intense search. No mountain or range or valley is safe from his reach. He leaves no grape unturned, this man of passion. Wine is his life. His love for wine is only paralleled with his love for his lovely partner in wine, Lillian Lipson.Be fully prepared for this master of vino as he shares his food and wine pairing techniques and experiences with you on this great day in America - and the world.


Linda Funk, The Executive Director Of The Soy Food Council Is Sharing With Us Deliciously Healthy Ideas For The Holidays


To help you celebrate healthy and happy holidays, The Soyfoods Council offers ideas for holiday entertaining, cookie recipes and dessert inspirations. Protein-rich soyfoods such as silken tofu, soymilk, soy flour and edamame add flavor and texture to recipes. In addition to offering protein, soyfoods also may help protect against heart disease. They are low in saturated fat, high in polyunsaturated fat and provide essential omega-3 fatty acids. Soyfoods have a direct cholesterol-lowering effect, and contain isoflavones that may directly improve the health of the arteries. The best news of all for holiday cooks, though, is that soyfoods offer a versatile, convenient way to create recipes for successful entertaining.


The New Owner Of "Gary Poppins", Brian Lipner, Is Talking With Us About Great Tasting Popcorn

"I love popcorn! I always have, ever since I was a kid and my parents would take me to the movies every week. Sometimes I didn't even care what the movie was, as long as I got my
popcorn. I loved the crunch, and the melted butter mixing with the saltiness. So, that's where it began. But, of course, there's more. You see, my dad owned a bakery. So, I was always watching the bakers mixing the ingredients and experimenting with new recipes. I learned about quality and perfection - only the finest ingredients, no exceptions, perfectly blended and prepared. I guess it was only natural that I'd want to cook - to be a chef and create my own special recipes. So, it was off to culinary school to really learn about food. "

Then, I joined the CIA - that's the Culinary Institute of America - where I learned about pushing the limits and being the very best. I wanted to do something different, something unique. I'd stay up late every night developing concepts, with my ever present bowl of popcorn, fiddling with the kinds of corn, and adding cheese or caramel, or nuts or chocolate or... The perfect combination of what I'd learned and what I loved.

The best tasting popcorn that you could imagine. And flavors you hadn't thought of... Like cinnamon, or chocolate with peanut butter, or white cheddar jalapeno. Gourmet popcorn with a taste you just can't get anywhere else. And GARY POPPINS was born. I'm popping my gourmet popcorn right here in my hometown. And, you can count on the fact that I'm using only the finest, freshest, premium ingredients.

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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

12/20 Marino Ristorante, Louisiana Chef John Besh

12/20 What's Cookin' Today

Co-owner Sal Marino from The Historic Marino Ristorante In Los Angeles Talks To Us About The Recently Revamped Menu

Sal Marino from Marino Ristorante and Il Grano has been around Los Angeles forever, as part of one of the oldest Italian restaurant families in Los Angeles. Sal, his brother Mario, and his brother-in-law Stefano have recently revamped both the look and menu at Marino Ristorante, which was opened by his father nearly 30 years ago, and for a long time was a revered old-Hollywood hangout. The remodel and new menu has breathed new life into the restaurant. Marino Ristorante is deeply rooted in the idea of doing all things the right way. And well it should: original owner, chef and proprietor Ciro (Mario to American friends) Marino has been dedicated to the restaurant business for over 50 years. Today it is family owned and given its unique welcoming flavor by distinguished and friendly son, Mario Jr. And the charming lady who appears to be many places at once in the dining room is mom, Maria. And then there is the food.

Described by many ‘quintessential NY Italian in Los Angeles’ Ciro and Mario knew they were in Southern California and were the first of the handful of chefs who are out daily in the early morning markets personally selecting the ingredients for the menu. Everyone from Frank Sinatra to members of the The Beatles, Jackson 5, Nat King Cole, Phil Specter and more hung out at Martoni's bar each night full three rows deep. Musicians wanting to be discovered and agents wanting to get in the door took jobs as buss boys and waiters. Major record contracts were signed and napkins were used for scribbling major movie plots. Sonny Bono hastily penned the song "Look at Me" after being refused service for his wild attire on evening- a song forever made famous by its flip side "I've Got You Babe". His old time customers Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis jr., Gary Grant, Jerry Lewis, Ann Miller, Hank Mancini and many more returned populating his tables. They were joined by a younger and more diverse but loyal and regular clientele which included screen actors Sharon Stone, Andy Garcia, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, music composers Bill Conti and Alan Silvestri, performers like LL Cool J, Snoop Dog and Placido Domingo, heads of studios, agents, lawyers and LA's top politicians.

Owner of Nine Restaurants and Dedicated Louisiana Chef John Besh Shares With Us His His New Book: "My Family Table: A Passionate Plea for Home Cooking"

John Besh is a chef and a native son dedicated to the culinary riches of southern Louisiana. His nine acclaimed restaurants (August, Besh Steak, LĂĽke, La Provence, American Sector, Domenica, LĂĽke San Antonio, The Soda Shop, and Borgne) celebrate the bounty and traditions of the region. In his entrepreneurial pursuits and public activities, John further preserves and promotes ingredients, techniques, and heritage, one mouthwatering dish at a time. That devotion to the importance of local ingredients and local cuisine extended to the publication of his first cookbook, My New Orleans, in 2009 and a PBS show, “Chef John Besh’s New Orleans,” based on the recipes from the book, in 2011. From the outset of his career, John’s talent and drive have earned kudos: Food & Wine named him one of the “Top 10 Best New Chefs in America,” and his flagship restaurant, August, was featured in Gourmet magazine’s “Guide to America’s Best Restaurants” and “America’s Top 50 Restaurants.” A James Beard winner, the owner of 9 restaurants, chef/host of PBS cooking show and cookbook author. Known for his dedication to local ingredients and local cuisine, his first book, "My New Orleans", and his new book, "My Family Table: A Passionate Plea for Home Cooking" is out just in time for the holidays.

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Monday, December 19, 2011

12/19 Carriage Vineyards Bed & Breakfast, Roy's Restaurant

12/19 What's Cookin' Today

Owner Of Carriage Vineyards In Templeton California, Larry Smyth Is Talking To Us About How A Stay At Carriage Vineyards Is Bound To Make Your Holidays Even More Special

Carriage Vineyards is an active working vineyard and ranch. Our sustainable farmed vineyard consists of 20,000 vines planted on 28 acres with varieties including Grenache, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. About eighty percent of our vineyard is on hillside and hilltops with a north-south and north-east to south-west slopes. Our vines are planted in a rich calcareous clay-lime silt stone, offering perfect conditions for these varietals. When visiting the vineyard you will notice the care that has gone into making its success with row spacing at 10-by-5 and 10-by-6 VSP. Our fruit is sold to wineries from California to Arizona. Guarded by the rolling hills of the Paso Robles California wine country, the Carriage Vineyards Bed and Breakfast offers guests quiet luxury and the extraordinary hospitality of the innkeeper Leigh Anne Farley. Whether you are seeking a romantic getaway or a secluded retreat from the daily rush, our special Paso Robles bed and breakfast will exceed your expectations.


Master Chef Roy Yamaguchi Shares With Us His Knowledge on Hawaiian Cuisine With Us And Talks To Us About His Holiday Menus

Based on childhood memories of the feelings and flavors of Hawaii, Roy invented what he refers to as "Hawaiian Fusion® Cuisine" — a tempting combination of exotic flavors and spices mixed with the freshest of local ingredients, always with an emphasis on seafood. Born in Tokyo, Yamaguchi vividly recalls visits with his grandparents to Maui, where he had his first tastes of fish, crab, octopus and lobster bought fresh at ocean side piers. Thusly inspired, he graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in New York at the age of 19, where, after several years of intense training, he became a Master Chef. Thoroughly imbued with this discipline, Roy found the confidence to tackle his first experience as executive chef at Le Serene in Los Angeles in 1979. This was followed by a few memorable months at the eternally posh Michael's in Santa Monica, working for California Cuisine originator Michael McCarty. In 1984, he opened his own restaurant in Los Angeles called 385 North. However, the desire to further expand his culinary horizons while getting closer to his roots led Yamaguchi to move to Hawaii in 1988 and open Roy's.

Soon after the original Roy’s opened in Honolulu, Food & Wine Magazine dubbed it the "crown jewel of Honolulu's East-West eateries," and it was named one of CondĂ© Nast Traveler's "Top 50." Gourmet acknowledged Yamaguchi as "the father of modern East-West cooking" while the New York Times described him as "the Wolfgang Puck of the Pacific." Yamaguchi is now regarded as a pioneer who mastered a distinctive style, which brought his cooking to the forefront of contemporary gastronomy. As testimony to his success, there are now 31 Roy's, including 23 in the Continental U.S., 6 in Hawaii, 1 in Japan and 1 in Guam. Honored early in his career with the prestigious James Beard "Best Pacific Northwest Chef" Award, Yamaguchi has hosted six seasons of the PBS-TV show, Hawaii Cooks with Roy Yamaguchi seen on more than 300 stations in all 50 states, as well as in over 60 countries. Equally notable, he was a featured chef on the acclaimed TV Food Network program, My Country, My Kitchen which takes viewers back to his roots in Japan. Yamaguchi has also published three cookbooks; Roy’s Fish and Seafood, Roy’s Feasts from Hawaii and Hawaii Cooks: Flavors from Roy’s Pacific Rim Kitchen.

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Friday, December 16, 2011

12/16 Sparkling Wines, HK Hotels, Steve Evans

12/16 What's Cookin' Today

Renowned Chef And Cook Book Author Rick Rodgers, Talks Festive, Go-To Sparkling White and Sparkling Rose Wines.

Rick Rodgers is one of the most versatile professionals in the food business. Through his work as a cooking teacher, food writer, cookbook author, freelance cookbook editor, and radio and television guest chef, his infectious love of good food reaches countless cooks every day. He is the author of over thirty-five cookbooks on a wide range of subjects including the best-sellers Thanksgiving 101 and Fondue, and IACP Cookbook Award nominees, Kaffeehaus and The Carefree Cook. Arbiter of taste Williams-Sonoma has chosen Rick to write many titles in their various cookbook lines.

Rick's recipes have also appeared in Food and Wine, Men's Health, Cooking Light, and Fine Cooking, and he is a frequent contributor to Bon AppĂ©tit and blogger at www.epicurious.com. In the publishing world, Rick is known for his behind-the-scenes work on an additional thirty books with other cooks, providing everything from recipe testing to writing to editing. His clients are a diverse group: Alfred Portale (The Gotham Bar and Grill Cookbook), Dan Leader (Bread Alone), fashion guru Lilly Pulitzer (Lilly's Essential Holidays), the late chef Leslie Revsin, PBS’s Jeffrey Nathan (Adventures in Jewish Cooking), Patti LaBelle (LaBelle Cuisine), Oprah Winfrey’s former chef Art Smith (Back to the Table and Kitchen Life), and Real NJ Housewife Teresa Guidice (Skinny Italian.) The last three authors reached the New York Times Best Seller list, and a number of Rick's projects have gone on to win James Beard and IACP Cookbook Awards, making him many an editor’s private “cookbook Entenmann's Baked Goods, Kingsford Charcoal, Hershey's Cocoa, and Jell-O.

He has been guest chef on the national television shows Today, CBS Morning Show, Good Morning America, Cooking Live with Sara Moulton, Food Network Challenge, and many others, including media appearances in every major local market. Former chef/owner of the Manhattan catering firm Cuisine Américaine, he has the distinction of being an American chef cooking for the French government, and created parties for such celebrities as Catherine Deneuve and Gerard Depardieu. Cuisine Américaine now acts as a food consultant firm, providing recipe development and public relations support to Absolut Vodka, El Paso Chili Company, the National Pork Board, Driscoll's Berries, and others. He lives in the New York City area.

Adele Gutman VP Of Sales And Marketing At HK Hotels Of New York City Is Sharing With Us This Year's Holiday Report

HKHotels 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.

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

SteveEvans, 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.


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Thursday, December 15, 2011

12/15 "1,000 Places to See Before You Die", Chef Les Kincaid

12/15 What's Cookin' Today

Patricia Schultz Is Talking With Us About Her NewTraveling Book "1,000 Places to See Before You Die"

The world’s best selling travel book is back in a more informative, more experiential, more budget-friendly full-color edition. A #1 New York Times bestseller, 1,000 Places reinvented the idea of travel book as both wish list and practical guide. As Newsweek wrote, it “tells you what’s beautiful, what’s fun, and what’s just unforgettable— everywhere on earth.” And now the best is better. There are 600 full-color photographs. Over 200 entirely new entries, including visits to 28 countries like Lebanon, Croatia, Estonia, and Nicaragua, that were not in the original edition. There is an emphasis on experiences: an entry covers not just Positano or Ravello, but the full 30-mile stretch along the Amalfi Coast.

CRN Host And Las Vegas Chef Les Kincaid Shares With Us Some Tips On How To Master Chefs In Our Own Kitchens

I love anything to do with food, wine or golf. Most people "eat to live" and most others "live to eat." I prefer the "live to eat". Cooking is said to be therapeutic. In today's hectic world, unless we engross ourselves into something relaxing, we'll go crazy, by the end of the day. So just get into the kitchen & try to be creative using your imagination. It need not be a gourmet meal or anything grand just something simple & satisfying. I've included many personal user-friendly recipes and some common sense advice throughout these many pages. If you are going to visit Las Vegas and would like to know about some of my personal favorite restaurants or hotel choices to visit, to play any golf course in the Las Vegas area.

Cooking Les' Way
Many people who cook as a hobby or because they just like it can prepare almost any recipe under the sun. Yet not many have had much formal training, if any at all This section is designed to take you easily and quickly to the next level. Whether it is julienne leeks or wrapping sandwiches, most everyone has something to learn. Some are novices, while others are on their way to the Culinary School; hopefully, everyone will use these pages to complement your skill level and discover new exciting recipes as well. Check it out.
Remember Wines is Food.


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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

12/14 Larry Lipson, Schramgsberg Vineyards, Candy Warehouse

12/14 What's Cookin' Today

Traveling Time! The Great Larry Lipson Tells Us About His Latest Finds


Reporting from Costa Rica, CRN's international wine correspondent Larry Lipson will tell us about his latest Wine finds, including wines UNDER $10!Larry always has something cooking up at the Lipson Institute of Advanced Wine Studies!

Larry forages all of Costa Rica for the absolute best wines. No region is spared from his intense search. No mountain or range or valley is safe from his reach. He leaves no grape unturned, this man of passion. Wine is his life. His love for wine is only paralleled with his love for his lovely partner in wine, Lillian Lipson.Be fully prepared for this master of vino as he shares his food and wine pairing techniques and experiences with you on this great day in America - and the world.

Hugh Davies, CEO of Schramsberg Vineyards Is Sharing With Us Their Collection Of Sparkling Wines for Holidays

Schramsberg Vineyards is now in the hands of Jack and Jamie Davies' youngest son, Hugh. Born in 1965, the year his parents Jack and Jamie Davies revived the historic Schramsberg Vineyards property in Napa Valley, Hugh was named President and CEO of the 40-year old sparkling wine house in 2005. Prior to this, he held the dual responsibilities of Winemaker and General Manager. He holds a master's degree in enology from the University of California, Davis, and has his undergraduate degree from Bowdoin College in Maine.

At Schramsberg, Hugh has led the ongoing effort to fine-tune winemaking and grape growing techniques, building upon the winery’s venerable track record of producing award-winning sparkling wines. Schramsberg’s current stable of vineyards includes more than 90 specially selected sites in the Carneros district of Napa Valley, the Anderson Valley, and along the Sonoma and Marin coasts. The winery's commitment to small lot base wine production has yielded extraordinary blending opportunity for the 8-10 sparkling blends produced each year. Over 200 lots are evaluated after harvest, representing many variables: vineyard terroir, grape clone, barrel fermentation, stainless tank fermentation, malolactic fermentation, etc


Talking With Us About Their Christmas Ribbon Candy And Hanakuh Candy Is Peilin Pratt, Vice President Of "CANDY WAREHOUSE"

At CandyWarehouse.com , we pride ourselves on our vast selection and excellent customer service. Since 1998, we've strictly upheld a tradition of candy excellence! Did you have a favorite candy when you were a kid? Do you have kids of your own who like unusual or hard-to-find confections? Chances are, you can find everything you need right here. From nostalgic to new, minty to sour, tiny to giant-sized, liquid to chunky, lavender to silver, hard to chewy, gourmet to gummy boogers, we've got it all! Fresh Candy Shipped Fast!


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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

12/13 Vito's Pizza "Pizza At Christmas", "Please The Palate"

12/13 What's Cookin' Today

"VITO" Owner Of Vito's Pizza Is Telling Us About "Pizza At Christmas" And The Deals On Delicious Pizza Pies This Holiday Season

Amazing food! Great Service! Delicious Pizza! That's all you need and you'll get that and more when you dine at Vito's Pizza. The pizzas are created everyday by hand, leaving you wanting to come back again and again. The fun and intimate atmosphere makes it great for EVERY occasion and if you're not in the mood for pizza the Menu has plenty of other options too! From Pasta to fresh sandwiches! Vito's Pizza is where you get the best pizza in LA.

Owner of "Please The Palate" Allison Levine Is Talking To Us About Upcoming Wine Events

Please the Palate is a boutique firm specializing in marketing and event planning for the wine and spirits industry. From new product launches to regional promotions, Please the Palate creates and tailors packages to meet each client’s needs and oversees both the big picture and the organizational details. Owner Allison Levine has designed and produced trade tasting in major markets around the United States for both domestic and international wineries and wine associations. Partnering with top industry professionals,Please the Palate is dedicated to providing seamless customer service.

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Monday, December 12, 2011

12/12 Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch, "Mexican Made Easy", Tommy Hawkins

12/12What's Cookin' Today

Rick Fink, President Of Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch In Tucson Arizona, Is Talking To Us About The Great Deals We Can Find This Holiday Season

“Providing happy and memorable experiences for our guests at Hacienda del Sol is of the utmost importance. But just as important is our dedication to community. We’re thankful Tucsonans have been so good to us which is why we give back as often as we can. Our efforts include participating in dozens of local fundraisers and charities. We’re glad to have contributed to the following organizations and we thank everyone for their continued support.” The Grill, Hacienda Del Sol’s celebrated dining venue and recent winner of the AAA Four Diamond Restaurant Award, has also captured Wine Spectator’s “Best of” Award of Excellence for over a decade and was recently bestowed the Award of Ultimate Distinction from Wine Enthusiast-the only restaurant in Arizona to receive this award. It features an extensive and eclectic wine list of over 2,000 labels and 25,000 bottles.

It’s just another reason why The Grill at Hacienda del Sol is the go-to restaurant for fine dining in Tucson. A garden dining experience in the heart of the Foothills, Terraza Garden Patio & Lounge joins The Grill at the historic Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort. Surrounded by Joesler-designed architecture and blossoming gardens, guests can nosh on appetizers in an alfresco setting–arguably the best patio dining in Tucson. LUNCH and DINNER – Terraza’s menu features appetizers, salads and specialties influenced by the flavors of the Southwest. Many of the ingredients are locally and regionally grown, including herbs and vegetables that are grown at Hacienda del Sol. Whether you crave a light snack or a satisfying dinner, Terraza redefines what it means to eat fresh. Joesler RoomWhere you can relax and enjoy cocktails, wine and live Jazz piano nightly. Our 2,000 label, 25,000 bottle wine cellar boasts wines from around the world with a focus on California, France and Italy. Hacienda del Sol also holds a special place in its heart for Argentinean wines.

The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol has received the “Gold Award” for “Best Sunday Brunch” several years running by the readers of Tucson Lifestyle Magazine. The “Buffet Style” brunch offers a wide variety of tasty foods including salads, appetizers, entrees, omelette/waffle station, carving station, pastries, build your own bloody Mary bar, complimentary champagne and much more! Call 520-529-3500 for reservations. Brunch is served from 9:30am – 2pm every Sunday.

Food Network Host Of "Mexican Made Easy" Marcela Valladolid Is Here To Talk With Us About Her New Book Cook Book: "Mexican Made Easy"

Raised around expert and traditional cooks in Tijuana, Mexico, Marcela was raised to be passionate about food, jumping straight into a culinary life with her first job working at her aunt’s cooking school in Baja, Mexico before attending the Los Angeles Culinary Institute and then the Ritz Escoffier Cooking School in Paris to become a classical French pastry chef. Marcela returned home to run a catering company and teach children about the culinary arts in Tijuana, later becoming a food editor at “Bon AppĂ©tit” magazine, quickly realizing that the idea of authentic Mexican cooking was not as accessible as it should be and that the perception of it was often incorrect. So~Marcela decided to show the world that, in fact, there is NO yellow cheese in real Mexican cooking, and it can be done with major flavors and little fuss.

Marcela began hosting her own cooking show called “Relatos con Sabor” on “Discovery en Español” and was selected as one of the contenders on “The Apprentice: Martha Stewart”. Marcela was then given the chance to showcase her family recipes when she released her first cookbook entitled “FRESH MEXICO: 100 Simple Recipes for True Mexican Flavor” in which Marcela advocates for great Mexican food that delivers in freshness and flavor without forcing home cooks to track down hard-to-find ingredients or spend hours at the stove. Soon after her book release, she landed a dream job as host of her own “Food Network” show “Mexican Made Easy” which debuted in 2010, is gearing up for its fifth season, and films in San Diego where Marcela currently resides with her son. Marcela released her second cookbook called “Mexican Made Easy” on September 27th of this year (2011) as a companion to her “Food Network” and an entryway into authentic Mexican cuisine. N October of 2011, the First Family asked her to participate in their Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at the White House, marking Marcela’s second invitation there.

Talking With Us About His New Book "The Hawk: Life’s Reflections: Poetry for the People” Is Former L.A. Laker and Former VP Of The L.A. Dodgers, Tommy Hawkins

“Life’s Reflections: Poetry for the People" designed as a coffee table size 8x10 book for continuous display, can best be described as an eclectic collection of vernacular poetic narratives, full of insights and surprises. Each narrative is accompanied by a captivating painting or photograph that illustrates his words … from famed artists Leroy Neiman and Ernie Barnes among others. Tommy promises you won’t be bored. In fact, you’ll enjoy his unique indulgence into rhyme, meter, metaphor, symbolism and free verse. It is his hope that “Life’s Reflections: Poetry for the People” will be a dynamic, entertaining and uplifting experience in your life. The wide spectrum of areas covered, include love, women, sports, psychiatry, travel, music, family, relationships, the 1960s and much more. As you may know, Chicago-native Hawkins has enjoyed an incredible career as a college basketball All-American at Notre Dame, 10 years in the NBA (Cincinnati Royals and Los Angeles Lakers -- he played with Wilt, Jerry, Elgin and many others), an Emmy Award-nominated radio and television broadcaster, event host and motivational speaker and a public relations executive with the Los Angeles Dodgers for 18 years.


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Friday, December 9, 2011

12/09 "Wine of The Month Club", All American Window & Door, Steve Evans

12/09 What's Cookin' Today

Paul Kalemkiarian, President Of The "Wine of the Month Club®" Talks With Us About The Best Deals and Of Course The Best Wines of the Month

The Original Wine of the Month Club®, founded in 1972 to take the guesswork out of fancy labels and expensive price tags in choosing a great wine, has become America's trusted source of unique and compelling wines. When all the California greats (Chateau Montelena, Dry Creek Vineyards, Jordan, etc.) were coming of age, Paul Kalemkiarian set out to taste all that could be to find the best values for his customers at Palos Verdes Wines and Spirits (a premier wine shop in Southern California in the 1970's). As he chose the best two values he found each month, customers of the shop requested that he have them delivered. His son, me, began delivering the selections to the local few that were interested. As the popularity grew, we began shipping the wine directly through UPS, and the idea of wine in the mail was born. There is only one Original Wine of the Month Club and only one federally registered and trademarked Wine of the Month Club®.

President Of All American Window & Door, Terry Lodwick Shares With Us The Importance and Benefits Of Having The Best Windows and Door For Your Home

When choosing the right home improvement specialist, you can be confident in All American Window & Door Co., Inc. We offer you quality, reliability and true blue integrity. We have been in business since 1985, are locally owned, and are very well established. We have grown through the years because of professional management, teamwork and dedication to our customers. We understand that replacing windows is a practical home improvement that provides you with beauty, reduced maintenance, increased home value, energy savings, satisfaction and peace-of-mind. We are confident that we can help you select the right products for your needs. Our factory-trained, certified installation technicians provide you with high quality installation standards. You can depend on us for a quality installation because your satisfaction is our best source of referral. We also have an excellent reputation in the community, in the industry, and we can offer you references. We are fully licensed, bonded and insured, and we are very proud of our award winning status. We consider our business relationship with each customer to be a matter of trust. Our goal has always been to strive for excellence and be worthy of your continued confidence. Our staff is very knowledgeable and helpful, and will give you personalized attention. We know your home is your single biggest investment. We want to partner with you to accomplish your goals and make your dreams come true. We offer a wide variety of styles, shapes, sizes and colors of replacement windows for your every need. With the selections available today, it's easy to reflect your own personal taste and create your own personal statement.

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.

Don't forget to "Like" CRN's Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/crntalkAnd "Like" Our What's Cookin' Today Page, too! http://www.facebook.com/whatscookintoday

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

12/08 "Naked Wine", Chuck Hughes, Yahoo! Web Life Editor Heather Cabot

12/08 What's Cookin' Today

Winemaker Alice Feiringis Is Talking With Us About Her New Book "Naked Wine" Which Details Her Experience That Changed The Way She Thought About Winemaking

Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite wine-obsessed friend or family member? Naked Wine a memoir by award-winning journalist Alice Feiringis a gift that’s guaranteed to please as Feiring details her experiences making some of the purest wine on Earth. Feiring chronicles her travels during the fall of 2008 when she stripped off her prior notions about what makes great wine and tried her hand at making wine with nothing but crushed bunches of fruit. Feiring writes entertainingly with caustic witdiscussing her skin-on-skin contact with the wine she helped make. Feiring calls herself an “enfant terrible” of the wine industry but she is a star in the journalism world. Her blog alicefeiring.com was named one of the seven best by Food & Wine. She is also the wine/travel columnist for Time and currently writes for the New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle the Los Angeles Times Magazine among many others.


Chuck Hughes, Host Of "Chuck's Day Off" On The "COOKING CHANNEL" Is Sharing With Us What He Has Planned For His First Holiday Special: "Chuckmas"

Chuck Hughes, the multi-talented star of Chuck's Day Off and the owner and chef of Montreal hot-spot Garde Manger, has unbridled passion for entertaining that translates into both unforgettable food and captivating television. Chuck was on the fast track to a promising career in advertising, but somewhere along the way, he fell in love with the restaurant business. He enrolled in culinary school and started working at the hottest kitchens around town and hasn't looked back since. In 2006, he partnered with his two best friends to open their own place, Garde Manger. The den-like restaurant where Chuck continues to put his magical spin on comfort foods is as unique as its chef. With vintage crab-shack decor set in a 125 stone house, diners can enjoy Jerk Crab while rocking out to Sam Roberts, and follow it up with a perfectly braised short rib with a side of vintage Beastie Boys. He loves simple cuisine and believes that food is meant to be fun and taste good with no need to be fancy. For his favorite eats, look no further than the tattoos on his arms: lobsters, oysters, bacon and arugula. It was Chuck’s mom who suggested he turn his affair with food into a full-time relationship. He enrolled in culinary school, started working in Montreal’s hottest kitchens and hasn’t looked back since.

In 2006, Chuck and his two best friends opened their own place, Garde Manger. Set in the heart of Old Montreal, this den-like restaurant is where Chuck puts his magical spin on comfort food as unique as its chef. The restaurant quickly developed an almost fanatical clientele of locals and tourists alike. The New York Times was “impressed that a place as rollicking as Garde Manger chooses to pay such close attention to what’s coming out of the kitchen” and the Today show raved about Chuck’s seafood platter. In 2010, Chuck invited the world into his Garde Manger kitchen with his television show, Chuck’s Day Off, which followed him cooking for friends, family or suppliers on the day his restaurant was closed. Sandwiched in between the mouthwatering recipes were rock ‘n’ roll reality segments that gave the viewer insight behind the scenes of one of the city’s hottest restaurants. The show started airing on the Cooking Channel in May 2010 to great response.

The show is now in its third season and airs in more than 20 countries. It has garnered three Canadian Gemini nominations, and Chuck has received the Best Host Award from the original Factual Entertainment Awards in Santa Monica, Calif., which honors top international entertainment programming from around the world. For Chuck, the most defining moment of his career took place this year when he walked into New York City’s Kitchen Stadium and became the youngest Canadian chef to win on Food Network’s popular Iron Chef America. He also became the only Canadian chef to beat the legendary Bobby Flay. The secret ingredient? Canadian lobster. Rounding out a terrific year, Chuck can also be seen on the upcoming season of Food Network’s The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs, where he will join an all-star group of chefs including Anne Burrell, Michael Chiarello, Elizabeth Falkner, Alex Guarnaschelli, Robert Irvine, Beau MacMillan, Spike Mendelsohn, Marcus Samuelsson and Geoffrey Zakarian as they compete for the ultimate title of Next Iron Chef. And on Cooking Channel, Chuck is taking a break from the daily grind of running his two restaurants as he trades in his black T-shirt and apron for a pair of shades and sunscreen as he travels to Mexico in Chuck’s Week Off: Mexico. Join Chuck as he makes his way across the country in search of culinary adventures and authentic Mexican food.

Also this holiday season on the Cooking Channel, Chuck will be serving up his first Christmas special, entitled Chuckmas. Teaming up with his partners again, Chuck opened a second restaurant, Le Bremner, in Montreal this August. Chuck lives in Montreal and likes escape to nearby Magog with his dog, Fakey, whenever he can.


Yahoo! Web Life Editor Heather Cabot Joins Us To Talk About The Top Recipes of 2011

Year in Review 2011 highlights the top stories, searches, and trends based on what millions of people worldwide searched for, read, and shared. It is a distinct way to portray a society in motion through online behavior. This Year, There’s Some Stiff Competition for Top Search! Charlie Sheen Got Fired, Kim Kardashian Got Married and the World Lost Tech Icon Steve Jobs. Plus, Osama Bin Laden Was Killed, Casey Anthony was Found Not Guilty and the Wall Street Protesters Got Angry . And what were the top recipes? Heather Cabot serves as Yahoo! Web Life Editor. She combines her reporting background with an every woman approach to spot web trends and advocate for consumers. She's a former network news anchor and lifestyle blogger who provides practical tips and perspective on how technology is reshaping our day to day lives.


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12/07 Larry Lipson, Santa Maria Valley Wine Country, Chef Piero Biondi

12/07 What's Cookin' Today

Traveling Time! The Great Larry Lipson Tells Us About His Latest Finds


Reporting from Costa Rica, CRN's international wine correspondent Larry Lipson will tell us about his latest Wine finds, including wines UNDER $10!Larry always has something cooking up at the Lipson Institute of Advanced Wine Studies!

Larry forages all of Costa Rica for the absolute best wines. No region is spared from his intense search. No mountain or range or valley is safe from his reach. He leaves no grape unturned, this man of passion. Wine is his life. His love for wine is only paralleled with his love for his lovely partner in wine, Lillian Lipson.Be fully prepared for this master of vino as he shares his food and wine pairing techniques and experiences with you on this great day in America - and the world.


Chris Slaughter Recently Appointed Executive Director of Santa Maria Valley Wine Country Association, Talks To Us About The Holidays In Wine Country And Upcoming Events

Newly appointed Executive Director for the Santa Maria Valley Wine Country Association, Chris Slaughter, brings 25 years of marketing, public relations, event planning and entertainment production to her position. For the last three years, Slaughter has been working in sales and marketing for CafeFX, an internationally renowned feature film visual effects studio. Since moving to Santa Maria 15 years ago, she has been involved in numerous non-profits, including the Orcutt Children’s Arts Foundation, where she is a founding board member and five-year president.

Previous to Santa Maria, Slaughter was Marketing Director of Steven Spielberg’s Century City and Las Vegas DIVE! restaurants and worked in marketing and advertising in Los Angeles and Chicago. A graduate of UCLA, Slaughter first worked for Entertainment Tonight and was Associate Producer of Personalities, a nationally syndicated daily news magazine. "For the past 15 years I have developed a passion for the world class wines of the Santa Maria Valley and have had the pleasure of knowing the friendliest, and finest, winemakers in the industry, right here in our backyard. Now the opportunity to promote the Santa Maria Valley wine community is a dream job come true," says Slaughter.

Santa Maria Valley Wine Country Association Board President and General Manager of Riverbench Vineyard and Winery, Laura Mohseni says of Slaughter’s appointment,"We are so proud to have Chris Slaughter leading the Association in 2011. Chris’ professional experience and background are stellar; her interest in the position is proof that SMVWINES is well on its way to achieving more and more recognition for our area." Slaughter and her husband have two teenage daughters and reside in Santa Maria, California.


Chef Piero Biondi The Original Host Of "What's Cookin", Returns to Talk To Us About The Best Ideas For Holiday Meals

Piero Biondi is eminently qualified to discuss all aspects of the culinary art, as one of the hosts on CRN's popular daily food and beverage program, "What's Cookin". He arrived in the US from his native Italy at age 15, speaking no English but possessing a practical knowledge of the kitchen and food. He started his apprenticeship at Gusti's, a fashionable restaurant in Washington, D.C. He eventually worked his way up to head chef. While in Washington he prepared special dinners for then Vice President Richard Nixon, and for members of the Supreme Court. He eventually moved to California and opened Piero's Restaurant and Trattoria, a favorite dining spot near the NBC studios in Burbank.

Piero Biondi has more than 30 years experience as a chef and has hosted his own successful radio talk show for many years. He also was the owner and head chef of his own restaurant. "Piero's" in Burbank, California for more than 3 decades. He has been called, "the Julia Child of talk radio" and his expertise and communication with the CRN listeners is key as the host of "What's Cookin' ".


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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

12/06 Cassa Dumetz Winery, Holiday Baking

12/06 What's Cookin' Today

Winmaker For Cassa Dumetz Winery, Sonja Magdevski is opening up a new tasting room in Los Alamos And She's Giving Us All Of The Details

Malibu Grange is a nourishing community highlighting the people, places and things that feed and inspire us. A “grange” is an association of farmers who share ideas, swap knowledge and, of course, gossip about the local happenings in their communities. Malibu Grange is designed around these principles. If it wasn’t for my family’s annual trips back to their Macedonian homeland, a small country brimming with orchards, vineyards, fields of vegetables and livestock, I would have believed that food was something perfectly packaged by elves arranged on supermarket shelves. Farmer’s Markets were not common in the suburbs of Detroit, when I grew up there, even though the Great Lakes State ranks as the third largest agricultural producer in the country.

Neither farming nor gardening was taught in schools. All we learned in Home Economics was how to sew buttons and make cinnamon rolls, which is more than most kids get today. I am embarrassed to say that the first time I truly thought about modern farming and food production was in graduate school when I wrote for an agricultural magazine more than a decade ago. I was shocked to learn about the disconnect between grower and consumer, particularly my own ignorance for a supposedly “educated” person. I was even more surprised to learn about the intensive research that went into food production. Whole Foods had not yet become a household name and more scientists were beginning to seriously study organic farming practices, particularly in the area of sustainability as the conventional production model that benefited many farmers for decades with its addiction to artificial chemicals had crashed. Scientists were now studying the practices farmers intuitively understood long before mono-cropping and massive feedlots to learn why they worked and how to make them more efficient to meet the demands of modern agriculture.

It was during this time that I developed a dedication to understanding the origins of our food, which evolved into a deep appreciation for the people who produce, create and share the bounty we have the great fortune to enjoy today. Fifteen years later, Malibu Grange is an expression of this dedication on all levels, large and small. In our global world, Malibu is the home base through which we connect and make it local, hopefully encouraging readers to grow some…carrots, chickens, relationships, knowledge and understanding. Sonja Magdevski

Expert Bakers Linda Stahl From Hershey's Kitchen And Kristen Olson Of Betty Crocker Kitchens Are Talking To Us About Great Baking Ideas For The Holidays

A place to go for bakers to get personalized tips and advice, and to learn about making your next holiday party a sweet success. Inside Cookie HQ as Linda and Kristen share their expert baking advice!

They talk about Holiday Classic and easy recipes that are sure to sweeten any occasion; How to avoid the #1 mistake of holiday baking; Where to go for online help, the latest recipe ideas and a guide to create your own unforgettable cookie exchange.


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Monday, December 5, 2011

12/05 KFC Scholarship, Marc Silverstein, "Big Book Of Home Cooking"

11/05 What's Cookin' Today

Rick Maynard Communication Director of KFC, Is Back To Tell Us About KFC Giving College Hopefuls A Chance To Get A $20,000 Scholarship

Students: put the smart phones and digital cameras you use every day to good use. The brand behind last year’s wildly popular Twitter scholarship has announced it’s reinvigorating the application process for its KFC Colonel’s Scholars® scholarship program by increasing the value of a single picture to $20,000 – and a college education. Starting today and through December 8, high school seniors can try to win a $20,000 Colonel’s Scholars scholarship by tweeting a single image and including the hashtag #KFCScholar. KFC is asking college hopefuls to tweet a photo that illustrates why they exemplify Colonel Sanders’ commitment to education and enriching their communities, and why they are deserving of a college scholarship.

The scholarship winner, announced on December 15, will receive up to $5,000 per year for the next four years to pursue a bachelor’s degree at an accredited public university within his or her home state. “As an extension of Colonel Sanders’ vision, the Kentucky Fried Chicken Foundation awards more than 75 scholarships to college hopefuls each year,” said John Cywinski, President of KFC. “Last year, KFC broke new ground with the first-ever Twitter scholarship, and now, we’re challenging students to snap a photo that literally shows us why they deserve a college education. We’re excited to see their creativity.”

Last year, California high school senior Amanda Russell won KFC’s inaugural Twitter scholarship with this tweet: “#KFCScholar Hey Colonel! Your scholarship's the secret ingredient missing from my recipe for success! Got the grades, drive, just need cash!” Russell, who’s now a freshman at UCLA, offered some advice to students hoping to follow her lead this year. “A single tweet changed my life when I won last year’s KFC scholarship,” she said. “My advice? Be creative, true to yourself and put your best foot forward.” From December 1 – December 8, follow KFC on Twitter (@KFC_Colonel) and submit your application in the form of a tweeted photo, including #KFCScholar in the tweet. Applicants do not have to include @KFC_Colonel in the message that accompanies the image, but are required to include #KFCScholar, which can be included as part of the message; e.g., “A picture’s worth 1,000 words! I’m applying to win a $20K KFC Colonel’s Scholars scholarship with a single photo #KFCScholar.” Applications will be judged solely on the photos.

Tweets will be reviewed after December 8 to determine that applicants comply with proper eligibility requirements*, and the winner will be announced on or about December 15. KFC Colonel’s Scholars, now in its sixth year, is an annual program of the Kentucky Fried Chicken Foundation, an independent charity supported by KFC, its employees and franchisees, and KFC patrons. The KFC Colonel’s Scholars’ mission is to empower students to improve their lives with scholarship resources. The program has awarded more than $5 million in scholarships since its inception.

Food Network Celebrity Marc Silverstein Is Telling Us Everyone We Should Know To Check Everything Off Of Our Holiday Entertaining Checklist

Marc Silverstein is the nationally known host of The Best Of on Food Network and Go Ahead, Make My Dinner on The Discovery Channel. An Emmy and Telly Award Winner (for Cable Excellence), Marc is also the author of Food Network Best Of The Best Of, from Penguin Putnam, a popular-selling cookbook and restaurant guide. He is also a contributor to both Philadelphia and DC Style Magazines, where his At The Table column profiles local celebrities at their favorite restaurants. His articles have featured such luminaries as George Stephanopoulos of ABC News, Chris Matthews of MSNBC, James Brown of CBS Sports and Baseball Hall of Fame announcer Harry Kalas. Marc also hosts and produces a regular restaurant feature on WBAL radio in Baltimore. In addition, Marc has served as a spokesperson for Safeway's Rancher's Reserve Steaks, Cuisinart, Sara Lee and other national products. He's a sought after public speaker and event emcee. Marc has hosted events featuring Food Network's Rachael Ray and Paula Dean, FOX Sports' Howie Long and Ted Allen from Bravo's Queer Eye.

Before his stints on national television, Marc was a hard-hitting television news reporter in local markets such as Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, DC. Marc's dynamic personality often attracts as much attention as his broadcasting skills. The Washington Post says Silverstein "serves up one-liners like a Catskills comedian." The Baltimore Sun describes him as "irreverent and good natured." The Columbus Dispatch newspaper called his style "the freshest and liveliest on any local newscast...a dazzling display of chutzpah and helpfulness." The Other Paper, a local Ohio weekly, described him as one of the "cool cats (who) make Columbus better" and went on to label him "local TV's last ornery man."


We're Talking With A Member Of The Gooseberry Patch Family Who Is Sharing Their "BIG BOOK OF HOME COOKING" AndThe Great Recipes Written Inside

Back in 1984, we were next-door neighbors raising our families in the little town of Delaware, Ohio. Two moms with small children, we were looking for a way to do what we loved and stay home with the kids too. We had always shared a love of home cooking and making memories with family & friends and so, after many a conversation over the backyard fence, Gooseberry Patch was born. We put together our first catalog at our kitchen tables, enlisting the help of our loved ones wherever we could. From that very first mailing, we found an immediate connection with many of our customers and it wasn't long before we began receiving letters, photos and recipes from these new friends.

In 1992, we put together our very first cookbook, compiled from hundreds of these recipes and, the rest, as they say, is history. Hard to believe it's been over 25 years since those kitchen-table days! From that original little Gooseberry Patch family, we've grown to include an amazing group of creative folks who love cooking, decorating and creating as much as we do. Today, we're best known for our home style, family-friendly cookbooks, now recognized as national bestsellers. One thing's for sure, we couldn't have done it without our friends all across the country. Each year, we're honored to turn thousands of your recipes into our collectible cookbooks. Our hope is that each book captures the stories and heart of all of you who have shared with us. Whether you've been with us since the beginning or are just discovering us, welcome to the Gooseberry Patch family!

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