01/07 Tim Gunn, Richard Binder, Phillipe

Tim Gunn - Fashion Consultant

Tim Gunn is the Fashion Dean at Fifth & Pacific Companies, Inc. (formerly Liz Claiborne Inc.). In this role, he helps develop and foster an environment that supports creativity among designers and merchants, while connecting key talent inside the company with important and emerging trends in the marketplace. Gunn has lectured widely on fashion and lifestyle design and, especially, Parsons’ profound role in putting America on the global design map. His interviews have appeared in a wide range of publications, from Newsweek and The New York Times to Entertainment Weekly and Martha Stewart Living, as well as Women’s Wear Daily, Fortune and Fast Company. He has also covered the red carpet at the Academy Awards, Emmy Awards and Golden Globes for The Today Show and Entertainment Tonight, and he co-hosted the Official Oscar Red Carpet Pre-Show in 2009 and 2011 for ABC. He has written articles for Elle, Seventeen, People, US Weekly and Fortune and has a monthly feature in People Style Watch and Marie Claire. The now 59-year-old was named one of People magazine’s “sexiest men alive” in 2006. Gunn serves as co-host of the eight-time Emmy-nominated Project Runway, a reality-based fashion design incubator, the eighth season of which broke all previous seasons’ ratings records. Gunn’s first book, A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style, was the core of Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style, a two-season makeover show on Bravo. His second book, Gunn’s Golden Rules, was released on September 7 and rose to #5 on the New York Times bestseller list.  His most recent book, Tim Gunn’s Fashion Bible: The Fascinating History of Everything in Your Closet was released in September 2012 and started at #5 on the New York Times Advice and How To bestseller list.

Richard Binder – GM of Phillipe - Home of the Original French Dip

Phillipe the Original has been operating for more than 100 years. The restaurant moved to its current location on North Alameda Street in 1951. The French Dip sandwich was created at Philippe's back in 1918 by founder Philippe Mathieu. For beverages, Philippe's serves cans of soft drinks, freshly brewed iced tea, lemonade, coffee, select wines, and beer.  Historically, homemade wine had been available. The current owner, a wine aficionado, has added a small selection of California wines to the menu. Philippe's is famous for serving cups of regular coffee for 9 cents to this day, in honor of old-fashioned prices. The price was last raised from 5 cents in 1977.

01/03 MICHAEL MARSH, MILT LARSEN

MICHAEL MARSH - CEO OF WESTERN UNITED DAIRYMEN 

Western United Dairymen is a trade organization and Michael explains what just happened and how Washington provoked a controversy that never really existed. He explains how Milk prices work and how some want to manipulate them



 
MILT LARSEN - PRESIDENT/OWNER - "THE MAGIC CASTLE" 

As anticipation is mounting for the pending Magic Castle Movie, especially after with the announcement of Director McG (Terminator, Charlie's Angeles, ect) taking the helm of the film, Radar pictures is still keeping things under wraps.  However, we wanted to follow up on the idea of speaking to Milt Larsen, co-founder of The Magic Castle , as he prepares for the film, the release of a new book, entitled “My Magical Journey: The First 30,000 Days” (ISBN: HB: 978-1-939178-00-8 SB: 978-1¬939178-01-5), and the 50th anniversary of the the Hollywood landmark.  The construction of the original structure began in 1908 and In November of 2009 the historic structure once known as the Lane Mansion celebrated its centennial. On Jan 2nd, 1963 that same structure became, what is now known as, the world famous Magic Castle. In January, 2013, fans and fanatics of the mystical and mysterious world of illusion gathered to celebrate its 50th anniversary.  The Magic Castle has grown over the years from its original design to include 13 performance spaces including close-up magic, the Parlor of Prestidigitation and, of course, The Palace of Mystery. Practically every great magician of the modern era has appeared within walls, as well as a few noted amature illusionists including Cary Grant, Johnny Carson, Jason Alexander, Dom Deluise, Tony Curtis, Neil Patrick Harris, to name a few and boasts a membership that includes many of todays top stars such as Johnny Depp, Jane Fonda, Florence Henderson, Carol Channing, Romi Dames, Tippi Hedren, Stephen Hawking, and more.  The Magic Castle is not only the showplace for some of the greatest magicians from around the globe, it also houses one of the largest original collections of Houdini's great tools of the trade including his personal handcuffs, straight jacket, metamorphosis trunk and famous milk can escape in the Houdini Séance Room. Houdini himself used these props to mystify thousands. The castle also houses collections from W.C. Field, Johnny Carson, Walt Disney and many more.

01/02 ERINN HAYES, Jessica Koine, Larry Lispson

ERINN HAYES - Guys with Kids

Erinn Hayes stars as Sheila, Chris’ type A attorney ex-wife, in NBC’s new comedy “Guys with Kids. Hayes is perhaps best known for her role in the series Childrens Hospital where she starred opposite Rob Cordry, Megan Mullully, and Lake Bell. Recently, she played the lead role of Emma in the film It’s a Disaster written and directed by Todd Berger.   From her first series regular role on “On the Spot,” Hayes demonstrated her comedic chops opposite comedy legend Tim Conway.   She starred as “Pam Dawber aka Mindy” in the hugely successful television movie, “The Unauthorized Story of Mork and Mindy” for NBC. Hayes resides happily in Los Angeles with her high-school sweet heart husband Jack and their adorable daughters, Maggie and Lilah. Guys with Kids  Wednesdays on NBC (8:30-9 p.m. ET)  "Guys with Kids" is a new comedy from Emmy Award-winning executive producer Jimmy Fallon about three thirty-something dads who try to hold on to their youth as they face the responsibilities of having kids. Thankfully, Gary (Anthony Anderson, “Law & Order”), Chris (Jesse Bradford, “The West Wing”) and Nick (Zach Cregger, “Friends with Benefits”) have each other to help navigate the highs and lows of fatherhood -- while still trying desperately to remain dudes.


JESSICA KOINE  

Jessica Koine is the executive chef partner of soon-to-open Seasons 52 at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles. She has over five years of experience in kitchen management and event coordination. Koine joined Seasons 52 in 2010, and most recently worked as opening sous chef for Seasons 52 at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California. Prior to that position, she was the kitchen manager and event coordinator at King’s Fish House in Long Beach, California. Koine earned an Associate Degree of occupational studies from the California School of Culinary Arts of Pasadena and resides in downtown Los Angeles.


 
LARRY LIPSON  -  COSTA RICA


LARRY IS THE FORMER FOOD WRITER FOR THE DAILY NEWS AND REPORTS FROM HIS HOME IN COSTA RICA ON FOOD TRENDS AND GREAT WINE FINDS

01/01 HAPPY NEW YEARS!

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

12/31 MARIANNE LACROIX, BOB HURLEY

MARIANNE LACROIX - MAINE LOBSTER COUNCIL

Maine Lobster harvesters know that by protecting the Maine Lobster resource today, they are protecting their livelihood and this valued ecosystem for tomorrow. You can feel good about Maine Lobster, knowing that you are enjoying high quality seafood from a well-managed, sustainable, pristine marine resource. The Maine Lobster industry is the model of a well-managed fishery -- ensuring that both the lobster resource and the environment are protected for generations to come. Maine harvesters have been environmentally conscious and "eco-friendly" since long before it became fashionable. They harvest their lobsters the same careful way they have for over 125 years -- by hand, one trap at a time -- thus protecting the quality of their product and the marine environment. 





BOB HURLEY - HURLEY'S RESTAURANT

BOB IS THE OWNER AND HOST AT HURLEY'S AND OFTEN FEATURES WILD GAME. A local favorite located in the heart of Yountville, serving fresh seasonal wine country cuisine with a Mediterranean flare.

12/28 Susan Cannon, LARRY VAN AALST

SUSAN CANNON -  Susan G. Cannon Estate Wines  

SUSAN REPRESENTS  - Kapcsandy Family Vineyards | La Sirena Winery |  Miro Cellars |  Grand Cru Imports | Grof Degenfeld Tokaji | Oakville Cross Wines | Six Sigma Winery|   Et Cetera Wine Company |  Domaine Georg Rafael | Laird Family Estate |  Consulting for Meyer Family Cellars

LARRY VAN AALST - SONOMA

LARRY IS A FORMER SOMMELIER AND CURREN CRN HOST BASED IN SONOMA, THE HEART OF WINE COUNTRY AND IS A FREQUENT GUEST ON "WHAT'S COOKIN".




 

12/27 MELISSA COSTELLO, CHEF PAUL PRUDHOMME, JAMES BELL

MELISSA COSTELLO - "THE KARMA CHOW ULTIMATE COOKBOOK"

Melissa Costello - Culinary Nutritionist - Karma Chow Founder and Celebrity Chef, makes it easier than ever to look great and eat healthier in the New Year with her new book, The Karma Chow Ultimate Cookbook. With the holidays approaching, Melissa’s book makes a great gift for family and friends who want to look their best in 2013. With the foreword written by celebrity fitness guru Tony Horton, who not only endorses her recipes but loves them, he credits Melissa’s food with giving him the fuel he needs to sleep well, heal his body and generally perform better

CHEF PAUL PRUDHOMME - K-PAULS LOUISIANA KITCHEN 

Chef Paul Prudhomme has propelled the distinctive cuisine of his native Louisiana into the international spotlight and continues to push the limits by creating exciting and new American and international dishes. Chef Paul learned the importance of using the freshest ingredients while cooking at his mother’s side and continues to use only earth’s finest harvests. As the youngest of 13 children, Chef Paul was always adventurous. His strong curiosity of life and cultural customs motivated him to leave Louisiana in his early 20’s and travel across the United States to experience every culinary environment possible. From an Indian reservation all the way to the finest, five-star restaurant, Chef Paul learned to love, appreciate and blend the flavors of his younger years with those of many other cultures.

James Bell - VP Consumer Affairs   General Motors

Car crashes rank among the leading causes of death in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, an average of 90 lives are needlessly cut short on a typical day as the result of crashes on our roads.  In early January, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety will release its fifth annual Traffic Safety Culture Index, a survey of 4000 U.S. residents age 16 years or older that assesses the degree to which traffic safety is valued and pursued. This year’s study found that nearly one in ten drivers reported falling asleep or nodding off while driving during the past year.  During this interview, James Bell will provide a candid tour of American driving tendencies as revealed in the AAA Foundation’s Traffic Safety Culture Index 2012. He will also discuss new automotive technology designed to help improve driver alertness on the road.

12/26 Gary Winkler, Peter Kastelan, Il Tiramisu

GARY WINKLER - Director of Special Events of the Times Square Alliance

Today, New Year's Eve in Times Square is a bona fide international phenomenon. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people still gather around the Tower, now known as One Times Square, and wait for hours in the cold of a New York winter for the famous Ball-lowering ceremony. Thanks to satellite technology, a worldwide audience estimated at over one billion people watches the ceremony each year. The lowering of the Ball has become the world's symbolic welcome to the New Year.


Peter Kastelan  - Il Tiramisu Ristorante

Your hosts, Ivo & Peter Kastelan, ensure that your dining experience is first-class, with trueEuropean family hospitality. 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, and have been featured in Los Angeles Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, The Daily News, Talk, and numerous other publications.

12/25 William McDonald, Frank Pellegrino

William McDonald - Editor "OBITS" New York Times

Did you know Steve Jobs (page 69) had a long-lost sister? Or that Loretta Young and Clark Gable had a love child (Judy Lewis, page 125). Or that Stalin’s daughter, Lana Peters (page 119) - the “little Princess of the Kremlin”—ended up in a cabin in northern Wisconsin? It’s little-known facts like these that make "The Obits 2012 "- the best of the New York Time's obituaries from the past year - such a compelling read!!  This year’s collection features the obituaries of 144 wild characters, renegades, and innovators: from Ralph J. Lomma (page 33), who helped make miniature golf one of America’s most famous pastimes, to Arch West (page 44), the inventor of Doritos, to William Hamilton (page 233), the theologian who asked, “Is God dead?”  Where else will you find the story of Robert de la Rochfoucauld (page 293), a reckless French spy who once posed as a nun, between those of the Beastie Boy Adam Yauch (page 290) and the beloved children’s book author and illustrator Maurice Sendak (page 295)?  And, of course, Nancy Wake, the socialite of the book’s title, who parachuted into France during World War II to hide weapons and ammunition in preparation for D-Day—and, by her own account, strangled a German sentry with her bare hands.   William McDonald is editor of THE OBITS: THE NEW YORK TIMES ANNUAL 2012 and has been obituaries editor at the TIMES since 2006. He started at the newspaper in 1988 and has held a number of editing positions there on its Metro, National, and Culture desks. He was part of the team that won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for national reporting for the series “How Race Is Lived in America” and has edited several other major TIMES projects. Bill began his newspaper career as a reporter and editor in Connecticut at the GREENWICH TIME and was an editor at Newsday on Long Island before moving to the TIMES.


Frank Pellegrino – Roa’s Restaurant

Born in East Harlem, Pellegrino has often acted in law and gangster-themed film and television productions. He was a member of an early 1960s singing group called the Holidaes. There is a rare recording of a song called "Never" that appears on FOUND IN THE BASEMENT VOL. 1. Notable roles of his include Johnny Dio in GoodFellas, assorted appearances on Law & Order, and FBI Chief Frank Cubitoso on The Sopranos. Pellegrino is a co-owner of the restaurant Rao's in New York City. Books written by Pellegrino include Rao's Cookbook, Rao's Recipes from the Neighborhood and Rao's on the Grill. He also produced the CD An Evening at Rao's, featuring music from Rao's jukebox.

12/24 Don Whittemore, Dandy Don's Homemade Ice Cream, Jim Fiolek, Santa Barbara County Vintners Association

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

Don Whittemore is a funny man with a huge personality who loves to make people happy. Good thing he makes ice cream, huh?  Once Upon A Time (circa 1962 – 67), Don was a stand-up comedian. He worked under the name Don Harris in Atlanta, Miami Beach & Newport, KY. (Check out his snazzy tux in this ancient head shot.) If you have some free time one day, ask him to tell you some jokes. The next part of this biography starts just after that but still long long ago, in the Time Before CDs. Don was in the record business. He convinced DJs to play records by Frank Sinatra, Elvis, The Beatles, David Bowie, and Cat Stevens (to name a few). Some of those records went gold.  In the late ’70s, Don decided to leave the record business for good. Too much temptation for a family man, he thought. And too few creative DJs. In 1981 Don and his lovely wife Linda (pregnant with their second child) bought an ice cream shop in Tarzana, California called The Creamery. They thought it would be a gold mine. They were wrong. So they worked their keesters off, got into the wholesale business, and began a catering division. These are photos of Don (photo on the left, 3rd from the left) and Linda (photo on the right) at one of their first hot fudge sundae bar catering gigs at the Directors’ Guild of America. This is how the catering division of their company—now with over 1,000 customers—got its start.


Jim Fiolek - "Santa Barbara County Vintners Association"

The Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1983 to support and promote Santa Barbara County as a premium wine producing and wine grape growing region. The Association includes winery members whose annual production is at least 75% Santa Barbara County labeled, as well as grower/vineyard members and business associations.The Vintners’ Association produces festivals, seminars and tastings and provides information to consumers and the wine and travel media.