Monday, June 18, 2012

06/18 ROGER BERKOWITZ, WILLIAM MOSS, LARRY MANETTI

ROGER BERKOWITZ - CEO "LEGAL SEAFOOD"  
 
Legal Sea Foods was born in 1950 when George Berkowitz opened a fish market in the Inman Square neighborhood of Cambridge, Massachusetts.  He opened it adjacent to his father Harry’s grocery store Legal Cash Market where customers were given “Legal Stamps” (forerunners of S&H green stamps) with their purchases.  It’s here that the “Legal” name became synonymous with quality and freshness. 

In 1968, the Berkowitz family opened its first seafood restaurant, right next to the fish market.  The fish was simply prepared, either broiled or fried, and served on paper plates at communal picnic tables.  Despite the low-key trappings, the food was second to none and word quickly spread.  This early success led to further expansion and now, six decades later with restaurants along the Eastern Seaboard, the family philosophy endures: Legal Sea Foods is a fish company in the restaurant business. 

George's son, Roger, has been at the helm since 1992 and has expanded the business into new markets while maintaining the company's focus on its proud tradition and core values.  So when we say, "If it isn't fresh, it isn't Legal!," we renew a commitment that has sustained us for over a half-century.  It’s not a fish tale, but a tale of fish 60 years in the making…of a family-owned seafood market that spawned a restaurant company.  See the Timewave for an interactive look back.  Or view our restaurants’ placemat that details our history.


WILLIAM MOSS - HGTV  "GROWING TOMATOES"

William Moss inspires people to “Get Out & Grow!”  As a trusted authority in greening, gardening and urban agriculture, he connects with audiences and explains how to make healthier choices that improve their lives, their communities, and their environment. Coined the Garden Boss for his in-depth knowledge and sound advice, William uses his landscaping know-how and charming personality to engage, educate, and entertain audiences with relevant, informative content. His ability to bring complicated subject matter to life leaves audiences enthusiastic and charged to get out and grow.  A teacher at heart, William passionately spreads his love of the natural world.
 That love fostered during childhood in the foothills of South Carolina manifest itself years later in Chicago.  After graduating from Northwestern University, William went on to teach sixth grade. He later completed the Chicagoland Master Gardeners program and joined the Chicago Department of the Environment to work on habitat restoration and greening efforts throughout the city.  This led to a career as a horticultural educator for the Chicago Botanic Garden working with youth programs, adult continuing education courses, and school gardens.  William’s venture into television began with the Discovery Channel’s ‘Rally Round the House’ where he taught America about gardening, landscape construction, and the plant-O-the-show. On TLC’s ‘Town Haul’ William enjoyed designing artistic yet functional landscapes to get people outside and active. As host of HGTV’s “DIG IN”, he helped homeowners tackle landscape projects resulting in dramatic transformations.
 As a greening expert William has regularly appeared on national news programs such as The Early Show, Good Morning America, CNN, WGN and may also be seen as a QVC gardening guest. Whether in person, print, television, or on-line multi-media, William spreads the good news about gardening and greening.  William is author of Any Size, Anywhere Edible Gardening: The No Yard, No Time, No Problem Way to Grow Your Own Food and contributes content for various online, print, and social media.  He serves on the advisory board for The Talking Farm, an urban agriculture venture, as spokesperson for the National Gardening Association, and as an instructor for the Chicago Botanic Garden. When he’s not producing video for television or other online multimedia content, he provides landscape consultation and gives presentations at trade shows, symposia, and continuing education forums.


LARRY MANETTI -  RECIPES  

Larry Manetti started acting in his hometown of Chicago.  After studying acting with the Ted List Theater Players, Larry drove to Los Angeles in 1972.  Larry landed an agent and was sent to Universal Studios to audition for an opening as a contract player.  Luck was on his side.  Jack Webb was casting a new series for NBC called The Chase.  Larry played a young detective. 
After attending acting school at Sal Dano's at night and doing bit parts by day, he scored.  Baa Baa Black Sheep was being produced and cast at Universal, and the now famous writer Stephen J. Cannell was the executive producer and the role was a natural for Larry.  He was cast as a cocky, hot shot pilot named Bobby Boyle.  The show was a big hit for NBC but was cancelled within two years.
Because the network was so impressed with Larry's on-screen presence, they cast him in a new series called The Duke.  Bad luck!  The Duke was cancelled in one year.  Larry was back to playing whatever Universal told him to.

Hoping to catch lighting in a jar, along came Magnum, P.I. And the role of Rick. This was his elevator...the show became a mega-hit for 8 years.  Since Magnum, P.I., Larry has done co-starring roles in 25 feature films and guest starred on many hot TV shows. 

**Larry Manetti's Tuscan Chicken:

Tools: Roasting Pan w\ Cover
(1) Large Fryer Chicken (Cleaned)
Stuff the following into the cavity of the chicken:
-1 tbsp Pepper
-1 tbsp Salt
-1 tbsp Dry Rosemary OR 2-3 Sprigs of fresh Rosemary
-1 tbsp Dried Sage
-1 whole celery stalk (halved if can't fit in cavity)
Salt and Pepper outside of chicken to taste
Place chicken BREAST DOWN in the roasting pan
Chop 3-4 Idaho Potatoes into large chunks, place in pan
Add Water\Chicken broth (enough to roast for 2 hours without completely burning off, replenish during cook cycle if necessary)
Cook at 350 deg, covered. for 2 hours
10 minutes prior to finish, pour 1/4 bottle of Pinot Grigio over chicken (use the cheap stuff). Finish cook.
Serve with your favorite sides and a glass of Chardonnay!

** Larry Manetti's Italian Sausage and Peppers:

Buy: Italian Hot Sausage from your favorite Italian Deli, grill or Broil for prep.
Saute 1/4 to 1/2 Clove of garlic  (sliced or chopped) in a large pot with 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
Add previously cooked sausage, cubed.
Lightly steam 2-3 Sweet Bell Peppers (Red, Green, Yellow), add to pot.
Add Hunt's tomato sauce (Big Red Can) to COVER ingredients.
Simmer for 1 hour, until smells of garlic and peppers fill the house.
Serve with French Rolls, with your favorite Summertime Libation!