Monday, December 14, 2015

12/14 CLAUDIA LOMBANA, TODD SIMON, OMAHA STEAKS

EMMY & PEABODY - AWARD WINNING JOURNALIST CLAUDIA LOMBANA EXPLAINS HOW WAITING UNTIL THE LAST-MINUTE CAN SAVE MONEY FOR SAVVY SHOPPERS

WHERE TO FIND LAST- MINUTE HOLIDAY DEALS FROM ONE OF THE NATION’S TOP SHOPPING JOURNALIST

How many of us have found ourselves in a drug store or gas stations desperate to find a last-minute gift.  Now, what consumers may not realize is that sometimes waiting until the last minute can actually save you plenty of money.  On December 14, Emmy and Peabody-Award winning journalist Claudia Lombana is available to share some of her super last-minute shopping secrets, just in time for National Free Shipping Day (December 18), when more than 1,000 merchants offer free shipping and guaranteed delivery by Christmas Eve.

ABOUT CLAUDIA LOMBANA:
Lombana regularly shares her insight and expertise with national television audiences. She is widely recognized as one of the nation’s top shopping specialists, providing advice and data for media and major businesses.  Her tips and advice regularly appear in national publications, including The New York Times, USA Today and many others. The two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and Peabody Award winner provides advice on topics ranging from shopping trends to fraud protection. As a journalist, she has traveled the world covering news stories for CNN, CBS, FOX, Tech TV and E! News.

WWW.TIPSONTV.COM 


TODD SIMON – FIFTH-GENERATION FAMILY OWNER AND SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF OMAHA STEAKS - GIFT PACKAGES OF STEAKS, WINE AND ASSORTED GOURMET FOODS

POLL SHOWS FOOD GIFTS TOP DESIRED HOLIDAY GIFTS

Sweets and Steaks Rank Among Top Choices
Food gifts top the wish list for many consumers this holiday season according to a recent study of holiday food gift trends conducted by Omaha Steaks. The survey indicated nearly 86 percent of gift recipients would enjoy receiving a food gift with chocolate (31.42 percent), smoked meats and/or cheese basket (28.41 percent), wine (25.22 percent) and steak (24.16 percent) in the list of top choices. Omaha Steaks, a fifth generation family-owned company based in Omaha, Nebraska, is at the forefront of this food gifting trend and has been offering gift packages of steaks, wine and assorted gourmet foods for nearly 100 years.

ABOUT OMAHA STEAKS:
Founded in 1917, Omaha Steaks is a fifth-generation, family-owned company known nationwide for the finest in USDA-approved, grain fed beef and gourmet foods. Today, Omaha Steaks is recognized as the nation’s largest direct response marketer of beef and gourmet foods available through multiple marketing channels including by phone at 1-800-228-9055, online at www.OmahaSteaks.com or at retail stores nationwide.

WWW.OMAHASTEAKS.COM

Friday, December 11, 2015

12/11 JAMES CARLING, VENTURA LIMONCELLO, DAVID HULL THE HULABALLOER, ‘THE LEGENDS OF DOO WOP’, STEVE EVANS

JAMES CARLING – PRESIDENT, VENTURA LIMONCELLO

Conceived in Italy, Born in California!

Ventura Limoncello celebrates the rich tradition of Italy while embracing the adventurous style of California. Like all things Italian, Ventura Limoncello radiates passion and pleasure. We are pleased to now offer 3 award winning, artisan, handcrafted liqueurs: Ventura Limoncello Originale, Ventura Limoncello Crema and Ventura Orangecello Blood Orange. We also distribute Ventura Limoncello Vinaigrette.

Our tantalizing, all-natural limoncello infusions bring together our generation-honed recipe with locally grown fruit. We use only carefully selected lemon varietals, grown in the protected valleys and rolling hills of Ventura County, California. The fruit is allowed to ripen fully in steady sunshine, tempered by fresh breezes from the Pacific.

Impress your friends by pouring our ice-cold limoncello into chilled glasses for a perfect after meal cordial. Watch conversations come alive as your guests sip this smile-inducing libation. Or take this old-world beverage to new-world heights by indulging in our limoncello recipes for dazzling desserts and cocktails.

Please visit the retail locations that carry our liqueurs to pick up a bottle. You can find them on our Where to Purchase page. Or enjoy one of our restaurant partners who proudly serve our liqueurs in signature cocktails and desserts. Some even use our liqueurs as their “secret ingredient” in their dishes…

Our premium citrus liqueurs embrace today’s West Coast lifestyle, while paying grateful homage to our Italian legacy. Ventura Limoncello offers a pleasant way to unwind after a long day and a delicious meal. It embodies La Dolce Vita, “California Style”.

MORE ABOUT:
The Ventura Limoncello Company was founded in 2007 by James Carling and Manuela Zaretti-Carling. Our mission is to be the premier producer of limoncello liqueurs in the United States. We use the recipe handed down to Manuela from her Nonna in Italy. Ventura County, California, is home to some of the most amazing lemons in the world and their peels make a world class Limoncello. According to the US Department of Agriculture, approximately 80% of all lemons grown in the US come from Ventura County. Due to the year round lemon growing season, we produce Ventura Limoncello in small batches all year.

We have also released our Ventura Orangecello liqueur using blood oranges, also grown in Ventura County. Unlike lemons, blood oranges are seasonal in Ventura. Our Orangecello Blood Orange will only be produced seasonally.

We work direct with local Ventura County growers who pick tree-ripened citrus to our specifications.

Ventura Limoncello Originale was released in February, 2008 and was initally well received. Our Limoncello was awarded Gold Medal at the 2011 and 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Platinum Medal at the 2009 LA SIP Awards. Ventura Limoncello Originale has been America’s highest rated Limoncello 4-years in a row. Ventura Limoncello Crema was relased in October, 2008. It was awarded Gold Medal at the 2010 LA SIP Awards.

Ventura Orangecello Blood Orange was released in May, 2011. It was recognized as Double Gold Medal, “Best in Class” at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Ventura Limoncello’s liqueurs are all natural and handcrafted. We hand peel all the fruit. This ensures only the top layer of peel containing the oils are used. No pith. Our natural processes produce aromatic and full flavor liqueurs. The true sign of an all natural Limoncello is “Il Collarino” (the little collar). This is formed by the citrus oils that gather at the top of the bottle. In our Limoncello Crema, milk fat may gather at the top. A quick shake before serving mixes everything back together in the bottle.

WWW.VENTURALIMONCELLO.COM


DAVID HULL, THE HULLABALLOER – WILL BE MC’ING ‘THE LEGENDS OF DOO WOP’ THIS SATURDAY 12/12/15 AT 7PM

This Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at the Highlander Auditorium on the campus of Upland High School Dave will be MCing a show with the Marcels, the Skyliners and the Drifters.
Ticket Information 1-888-718-4253

ABOUT DAVE:
Dave Hull, aka "The Hullabalooer", is a Los Angeles radio personality voted one of the top ten LA radio personalities of all time. Born Jan. 20, 1934, he admits to being 77 with his personal addition herewith dated Mar. 3, 2011.

Hull began his radio career in Armed Forces Radio in Casablanca, Morocco and in commercial radio in 1955 at KGFL in Roswell, New Mexico. He reached Los Angeles' KRLA in 1963 as weekend relief and full time there on Jun. 6, 1964.

By the end of 1964, Hull's increasing popularity prompted one young female fan, Suzie Cappetta, to write and record a song entitled "Dave Hull The Hullabalooer", which quickly reached the local top 40 charts by early 1965. Hull became close with The Beatles during their 1965 and 1966 American tours. During that time, Hull taped approximately fourteen interviews with the band. He, along with Bob Eubanks, planned The Beatles' 1966 concert at the Chavez Ravine-Dodger Stadium. His work with the band earned him the honorary title of "fifth Beatle." Hull worked closely with The Beach Boys, The Dave Clark Five and The Rolling Stones during that period. In December 1965, Hull opened his "Hullabaloo" teen club on Sunset in Hollywood.

He got his nickname while working at WONE in Dayton, Ohio. Los Angeles radio historian Don Barrett quotes Hull as saying: "A woman wrote me from a hotel outside Dayton to say she couldn't stand all that hullabaloo. Well, Webster's defined it as a 'tumultuous outroar,' so I used it." Dave appeared (using the name David Hull) as a talent contest manager in an October, 1966 episode of "The Monkees".

Dave Hull was the first guest host on the nationally syndicated American Top 40 program, week ending November 6, 1971. ] He was heard in Los Angeles at the time on KGBS.

Hull hosted the nationally syndicated TV show "Matchmaker" in the late 1980s, reportedly seen in over 100 markets, a video version of his late 1970s "Lovelines" program heard on KMPC.

Today, Hull lives in Palm Springs, California and is now retired. He held the 6-midnight slot on one of the country's few remaining beautiful music stations, KWXY, from 1994 until his announced retirement in 2010. He also remains active as a voiceover for national radio and television commercials. Hull's book, Hullabaloo!: the (Mis)Adventures of L.A. Radio Legend Dave Hull was released in January 2013.

www.davehullthehullabalooer.com


STEVE EVANS – THE MOVIE GUY

GREAT MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEKEND AND BOX OFFICE PREDICTIONS AND HOPES. FIND OUT WHAT MOVIES ARE WORTH YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. GET SET FOR THE WEEKEND.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

12/10 TECH EXPERT ANDREA SMITH, ANDREA WOROCH, STANDOUTS OF THE YEAR 2015, IAN BLACKBURN, WINELA.COM

AWARD-WINNING TECH EXPERT ANDREA SMITH - LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GADGET GUIDE

Technology gifts are trending big this year and top those "must have" lists.  We have Tech Expert Andrea Smith here to shine a spotlight on 5 of the best tech gifts of the season.

Technology gifts are trending big this year and top the "gotta have" gift list.  There are a number of new technology releases that are featured on the holiday gadget guide that will be sure to get your audience excited about the holidays and give them the last-minute guidance they need to choose the perfect gift. Nationally recognized tech expert Andrea Smith puts her spotlight on 5 of the best technology gifts of the season.

ABOUT ANDREA:
Andrea Smith is an award-winning news and technology journalist. She is currently producer of Living in Digital Times, a collection of video broadcasts bringing exhibitor and conference news from International CES to a consumer audience.

Andrea was most recently Lifestyle Channel Editor at Mashable. Prior to that, she spent more than a decade as Technology Producer at ABC News as an on-air, on-radio reporter and expert covering all things digital.

Andrea appears frequently as a guest expert in technology segments on ABC’s World News Now, WABC-TV and CNBC as well as radio stations across the U.S.

KILLERAPPS.TV


CONSUMER EXPERT ANDREA WOROCH TALKS ABOUT THE MOST BENEFICIAL, EFFECTIVE AND EFFORTLESS STANDOUTS OF THE YEAR 2015

In 2015, we said a goodbye to Leonard Nimoy, B.B. King and Gwen Stefani’s marriage (say it ain’t so!). We met Caitlyn Jenner, watched the fall of Bill Cosby, the rise of Amy Schumer, and watched Robert Durst blink his way through “The Jinx”. We were horrified by the terrorist attacks in Paris, rejoiced when same-sex marriage became legal nationwide and marveled at the discovery of water on Mars.

In addition, a few products were able to deliver a bit of relief on the home front and help us maintain our health and peace of mind in our lives, through both the good and the stressful times. Consumer Expert Andrea Woroch is here to lay out the most beneficial, effective and effortless standouts of the year 2015!

ABOUT ANDREA:
Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert who regularly contributes to leading national and regional news stories. She has appeared on NBC's Today Show, Dr. OZ, Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, CNN, ABC News with Diane Sawyer, and been quoted in New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Money Magazine, Kiplinger Personal Finance, Better Homes & Garden and many others. Andrea also enjoys writing articles for various personal finance and lifestyle websites and blogs.


IAN BLACKBURN SOMMELEIR, WINE EDUCATOR AND FOUNDER OF WINELA.COM - UPCOMING EVENTS 

EXPLORING CHAMPAGNE THIS SUNDAY
DECEMBER 13TH SIT DOWN AT 3:30PM 

Take your palate for a journey around the world in this "Exploring Wines" event. Taste a variety of wines and champagnes from all over the world paired with different artisanal cheeses... each flight is served blind so that we may assess the wines as a group and rate them. See what you like and prefer - of course you will love all the wines - but a few may show you which style you learn towards.... Pinot or Chard? Clean and fresh or Bold and Rich... blended or vintage... which vintage... we love to explore the questions of fine wine... and share our findings.

Class is accompanied by a delicious small cheese plate.

ABOUT WINELA
wineLA is about enhancing the wine culture of Los Angeles. To do so, wine must be in rhythm with fashion, music, food and other beverages.  It must take advantage of the geography, the architecture and the centers of interest. Los Angeles is a giant playground with an amazing array of venues, spaces, wine bars, restaurants, beaches, roof tops, gardens, and magical views. We want to be a part of the LA lifestyle, the wine lifestyle, and celebrate the people, the place and the passion.

wineLA will promote significant events, occasional classes, and tastings of merit. This is phase two of what we started 20 years ago at LearnAboutWine.com - America’s first wine education website and first in wine event creation. LearnAboutWine will now evolve onto a digital platform; the transformation will take some time; so we will slowly rebrand our event efforts onto wineLA, reduce the number of activities we focus on, and elevate our efforts to focus on the next big thing… Doing what is best for the wine industry and the communities we serve.  Edicts:  innovate, evolve and excite.

We thank you for joining our newsletter, we will be sending fewer emails and packing them with amazing content. We want to be your wine content provider and would love to hear about your favorite places, your music, your locations - we want to be under the influence of what ignites your passion for Los Angeles.

WWW.WINELA.COM

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

12/09 LARRY LIPSON, AFFORDABLE WINE, TANIYA NAYAK, DIY TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

LARRY LIPSON – AFFORDABLE WINE REPORT      

For fifty years Larry Lipson was the food critic for the Los Angeles Daily News and now reports from Florida weekly with his thoughts and favorite picks for Food & Wine.  His lovely Wife Lillian is also on hand at the Lipson Institute for advanced wine studies.


HGTV & FOOD NETWORK STAR TANIYA NAYAK - EASY DIY TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON, THE KITCHEN IS THE HEART OF THE HOME AND THE PLACE PEOPLE CONGREGATE.  THAT’S WHY NOW IS THE TIME TO CONSIDER UPDATING YOUR HOME – SPECIFICALLY YOUR KITCHEN -- ACCORDING TO CELEBRITY DESIGNER TANYA NAYAK. YOU WILL RECOGNIZE TANIYA AS GO-TO EXPERT FOR DECORATING PROGRAMS ON H-G-T-V AND RESTAURANT IMPOSSIBLE ON THE FOOD NETWORK, AND SHE IS CURRENTLY HOSTING THE NEW SERIES “THE GREAT CHRISTMAS LIGHT FIGHT”.

ABOUT TANIYA:
Known for her sunny smile and sharp eye, Taniya Nayak’s approachable take on interior design has won over everyone from rock stars to first time homebuyers. Taniya’s knack for bringing rich textures and unexpected finishes together with practical, real-life functionality has made her a go-to expert for decorating programs on major networks including HGTV and Food Network. She is currently a part of major franchises on both networks, hosting the HGTV series House Hunters on Vacation and as a featured designer on Food Network's Restaurant: Impossible. Taniya is also the host of the new HGTV specials Billon Dollar Block, which premiered in October 2012. Earlier in 2012, Taniya launched her first collection of home products, Taniya Nayak Lighting, available exclusively via Wayfair.com.

Born in India and raised in Boston, Taniya’s design style is strongly influenced by her creative family, especially her father, a talented architect. Shortly after attending Boston Architectural College for a masters in Interior Design, Taniya’s design style and upbeat personality landed her first television gig on ABC Family’s Knock First. Taniya was one of four designers and co-hosts of the hit show, geared toward hip, ambitious teens. She then made the move to HGTV as a designer on the edgy series FreeStyle, encouraging homeowners to get imaginative with items they already owned.

Her signature approach of embracing affordable design fixes made Taniya the perfect fit for her next show, one of HGTV's top rated hits, Designed To Sell. Taniya is currently host of a spin-off of House Hunters, HGTV's most successful series on-air, called House Hunters on Vacation. Placing the continued success of the House Hunters brand in Taniya’s hands, House Hunters on Vacation illuminates Taniya’s travel and design expertise as she helps individuals, couples and families find the perfect place to stay from luxury condos to beautiful villas while on an all expense paid vacation.

Taniya is a regular on HGTV mainstays like, Showdown, Bang for Your Buck, White House Specials, and throughout HGTV.com. Taniya can also be seen on Robert Irvine’s Food Network series, Restaurant: Impossible, where she utilizes her design prowess and professional experience to rescue and transform suffering restaurants. Married to a successful restaurateur in Boston, Taniya’s personal life as both an interior designer and a restaurant industry insider is the perfect parallel to her multifaceted design role in the television realm. With knockout shows on both the Food Network and HGTV, Taniya has quickly become a respected and prominent figure in television’s interior design world.

Taniya’s helpful decorating tips have been featured in People, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, The Boston Globe, Family Circle, The Washington Post , Ladies Home Journal, and many more. Taniya has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, NBC's Today, CBS' The Early Show & The Talk, The View, Rachael Ray and The Nate Berkus Show.

In 2005, Taniya started her own design firm, Taniya Nayak Design LLC. Having designed for a wide range of ages and spaces and budgets, she focuses on creating affordable yet inspirational spaces that capture her clients’ individual personalities while maintaining comfort and function. To this day, Taniya is at the forefront her design firm and has developed an impressive range of clientele, from television celebrities to famous musicians. Taniya’s designs can be seen in several Boston hotspots including Petit Robert Central, 88 Wharf, Lola's Cantina, Whiskey Republic, Julep Bar, and Abby Lane and Blue Inc with celebrity chef Jason Santos from FOX's Hell's Kitchen.

In 2004, Taniya was ranked in the top 10 of INDIA New England’s Business Women of the Year, and in April 2011, Taniya was honored with an Excellence in Design award from ASID New England.

WWW.MOEN.COM
WWW.BUILD.COM

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

12/08 PHILLIP RHODES, THE SOUTHERNER’S COOKBOOK RECIPES, CHEF TIFFANI FAISON, SWEET CHEEKS Q, TIGER MAMA

PHILLIP RHODES - THE SOUTHERNER’S COOKBOOK RECIPES, WISDOM, AND STORIES 

Come On In, Take A Seat & Have A Taste Of THE SOUTHERNER’S COOKBOOK: Recipes, Wisdom, And Stories From the Editors of Garden & Gun

From the magazine that brought you the New York Times bestselling Southerner’s Handbook and Good Dog comes an heirloom-quality guide to the traditions and innovations that define today’s Southern food culture, with more than 125 recipes and 4-color photography throughout.

The South has long been known as a fine place to dine—from hole-in-the-wall fried chicken joints in Mississippi to roadside barbeque stands in North Carolina to white-tablecloth Creole restaurants in New Orleans. No one ends a trip down South on an empty stomach. Now the editors of the magazine that is defining a new generation of Southern food culture offers its first cookbook. It provides a total immersion into the places, people, and ingredients that have shaped the South’s culinary traditions.

As you would expect from G&G, each recipe tells a story. For some, like those culled from the magazine, the story is associated with the chef. Other recipes include stories that offer context for uniquely regional dishes, like sonker, Piedmont North Carolina’s take on cobbler, or West Indies Salad, which hails not from the Caribbean, but from Mobile, Alabama. For familiar, tried-and-true classics, G&G will offer its own creative twists and updates—think pimento cheese three ways; rabbit-instead-of- chicken and dumplings; or classic Southern sandwiches like Hot Browns or Mufulettas done up as party canapes.

ABOUT PHILLIP:
Phillip Rhodes is the executive managing editor of Garden & Gun, where he oversees editorial operations. He is part of the team that led the title to its National Magazine Award for General Excellence in 2015, and produced and co-authored The Southerner’s Cookbook, a New York Times best seller. Previously he was executive managing editor at Cooking Light, where he introduced such programs as the Sunday Strategist digital meal plans and the Cooking Light Garden. Prior to that, he was nutrition editor for Men’s Health, contributed to the best-selling Abs Diet books, and worked on the launch team for Women’s Health. He was born in North Carolina, raised in Tennessee, and received a B.A. in communication arts from Allegheny College.


TIFFANI FAISON – TOP CHEF COMPETITOR AND OWNER OF SWEET CHEEKS Q IS SET TO OPEN HER NEW SOUTHERN ASIA RESTAURANT TIGER MAMA THIS THURSDAY

This Thursday, Tiffani is opening her new Southeast Asian restaurant Tiger Mama, deemed one of the most anticipated restaurant openings of the year by Zagat. Tiger Mama will be sexy, bold, dynamic, and crave-able as it merges Tiffani’s culinary skill and creativity with the flavors of Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand, areas she has traveled to extensively during the past couple of years.  Tiger Mama will be located a mere block away from Sweet Cheeks, which has been awarded “Best Barbecue” by Boston Magazine four years in a row.

ABOUT TIFFANI:
Chef Tiffani Faison of Sweet Cheeks and Tiger Mama in Boston has made a name for herself nationwide for her dynamic personality, fierce work ethic and distinct ability to create restaurants that are warm, creative, and instantly loveable.  

Tiffani began her career working under such renowned chefs as Daniel Boulud, Alain Ducasse, Todd English and Tony Maws. In 2006, early into her career, she was cast on the very first season of Bravo’s Top Chef, and placed as runner-up. From there, she worked in prestigious kitchens in Nantucket, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and San Francisco before returning to Boston in 2010 to become Executive Chef of Southern Italian restaurant, Rocca Kitchen & Bar. After transforming Rocca into a critically acclaimed dining destination with a three star review from The Boston Globe, Tiffani set her sights on creating her own restaurant.

She opened Sweet Cheeks Q in 2011 during the rebirth of Boston’s Fenway neighborhood. Drawing inspiration from her love of Southern barbecue and extensive travels in Texas, Sweet Cheeks became an instant hit for its laidback Southern charm and addictive offerings: Berkshire Pulled Pork, Great Northern Brisket, Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Biscuits with Honey Butter. Shortly after opening, Sweet Cheeks garnered a three-star review from The Boston Globe and it has since been awarded with such accolades as “Boston’s Best Barbecue” by Boston magazine in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. Its Biscuits were deemed “Best Biscuits in the World” by Forbes.

Most importantly though, Tiffani has created a restaurant that is both a neighborhood gem and a dining destination. Sweet Cheeks uniquely attracts the young professionals moving into the neighborhood’s new developments at lighting speed, the Red Sox fans who come to Fenway religiously, and guests from near and far who are simply seeking the city’s best ‘cue.

This Winter 2015, Tiffani expands on her culinary skills, creativity and business savvy with a new restaurant: Tiger Mama, found on the same block as Sweet Cheeks in Fenway. The seeds of Tiger Mama formed during Tiffani’s travels to Southeast Asia. “When done well, this is the most dynamic food in the world,” she says with her trademark intensity and passion.

When the doors open, Tiger Mama will offer a menu that journeys through Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia, offering Tiffani’s unique stamps on timeless dishes like Papaya Salad, Crispy Duck, King Chili Crab, Banh Xeo and Nasi Campur. The goal is not to aim for authenticity, but to playfully interpret traditional recipes while maintaining their intricate, crave-able flavors.

Opening the restaurant in Fenway, a neighborhood that is so rich in history yet so ripe with growth and an area that Tiffani has contributed to so greatly since opening Sweet Cheeks, gives Tiger Mama all the more meaning to Tiffani. From a chef who pours her heart and soul into each project, Tiger Mama promises to set a new benchmark, both for Tiffani’s career and Boston’s dining culture.

Outside of the kitchen, in addition to placing runner-up in Top Chef Season One, Tiffani competed on Top Chef All-Stars Season Eight in 2010. She has made frequent appearances on NBC’s TODAY, PBS’s Simply Ming and was Host of “Tiffani’s Taste” and “Food Truck Friday” on NECN. She has been a contributing chef to numerous cookbooks and has been widely featured in such national outlets as SELF, Entertainment Weekly, People Magazine and Food & Wine.

Tiffani lives in Jamaica Plain with her wife and business partner Kelly Walsh and furry kids. She is a tireless advocate of LGBT human rights.

SWEETCHEEKSQ.COM

Monday, December 7, 2015

12/07 MORGEN MCLAUGHLIN, HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN SANTA BARBARA

MORGEN MCLAUGHLIN - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SANTA BARBARA VINTNERS – HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS 

The Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Association is a non-profit organization (501c6) founded in 1983 to support and promote Santa Barbara County as a premium wine producing and wine grape growing region. The Vintners’ Association produces festivals, seminars, and wine tastings as well as providing information to consumers and the wine and travel media.

Through the Santa Barbara Vintners’ Foundation, the Association contributes to the community through local charitable, art and educational and scholarship organizations with proceeds from its various events, such as Santa Barbara Wine Auction, held every other year and benefitting Direct Relief International, and silent auctions at all the Association’s festivals.

ABOUT MORGEN MCLAUGHLIN: 
Morgen has been deeply involved in the wine and tourism industries since childhood through her family's various projects on the East Coast and Colorado.  Wanting to follow her own path outside of wine, Morgen graduated from Boston College with degrees in English and Secondary Education.  As she prepared to enroll in Graduate School, she was pulled back into the family wine business as the General Manager and eventual Co-owner of McLaughlin Vineyards.  After twelve years at the winery and diversifying the business into special events, direct to consumer initiatives and ag-tourism projects, she left to become the President and CEO of Finger Lakes Wine Country Tourism Marketing Association in Corning, New York.  Morgen led the organization and region through six and a half years of tremendous growth and national and international visibility.  Morgen lives in Santa Barbara County with her husband (a fellow wine professional) and three sons. She currently serves on the Visit Santa Barbara Board of Directors, Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation Board of Directors, Santa Barbara County Agriculture Advisory Committee, and the Santa Barbara County Right to Farm Committee.

WWW.SBCOUNTYWINES.COM 

Friday, December 4, 2015

12/04 CHEF MARK KALENDERIAN, THE BICYCLE CLUB HOTEL AND CASINO, SUSAN ZIRINSKY, 48 HOURS, STEVE EVANS

CHEF MARK KALENDERIAN – THE BICYCLE CLUB HOTEL AND CASINO 

THE FUTURE OF LUXURY RESORT GAMING IN LOS ANGELES ARRIVES WITH THE BICYCLE HOTEL & CASINO, DECMBER 1, 2015

Seven-Story Boutique Property to Open with 99 Guestrooms & Suites, an Elevated Pool Deck with Private Cabanas, VIP Gaming, and Innovative Dining with ‘The Bike Brewery’

Southern California's finest, The Bicycle Hotel & Casino is an oasis of state-of-the-art amenities and timeless luxury. A place where even a casual player can feel like a tuxedo-clad high roller.

From the pampering elegance of the guest rooms, to the glitz and glamour of the LA nightlife, to the high-stakes gaming and edge-of-your-seat action, every detail is designed to help you escape the ordinary. So try the chef's recommendation, and unwind with a glass of fine wine at a world-class spa. Or try your hand at an exciting new poker game. Whatever you choose to do, extraordinary awaits you at The Bike.

DINING OPTIONS:
BIKE BREWERY - Dive into the pub fare and variety of beers on tap at Bike Brewery, our lively sports bar and grill featuring a wide variety of delicious draft and craft beer selections. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

PHOENIX CAFÉ - Explore the innovative options at Phoenix Fusion Café, our quick-serve Asian bistro, serving up noodles, soups, rice, entrées, desserts, and assorted exotic teas.

PLAZA BAR - This is more than a bar. This is an experience. The moment you enter The Bicycle Hotel & Casino's Plaza Bar, you're transported to an intimate setting where you can sip signature cocktails while you drink in a sophisticated ambience. Add in swanky leather seats and skilled bartenders, and the Plaza Bar will have you toasting to an unforgettable night.

LEGENDS CAFÉ & DELI - If you're looking for foodie-inspired cuisine in a relaxing and casual setting, you've come to right place. Whether you're in the mood for gourmet salads, made-to-order sandwiches, Asian, or authentic Mexican street tacos, The Bicycle Hotel & Casino's Legends Cafe & Deli will please even the most discerning palate. And for those with a discerning sweet tooth, try one of our decadent desserts, including handmade pastries from our on-site pastry chef.

COFFEE BAKERY HOUSE - Try the delicious treats from our Coffee House, which offers fresh-brewed Starbucks® coffee and a variety of freshly prepared sandwiches, salads and scrumptious desserts baked daily by our team of skilled pastry chefs for your delight.

24-HOUR SNACK BAR - Drop by the quick-service Snack Bar anytime. Open 24 hours, you can get a fresh-made warm bite on the go, plus choose from a delectable selection of fresh-made sandwiches, salads, soft drinks, juices, and draft beer.

ENTERTAINMENT:
Of course the hottest place to be in LA has the biggest parties around. The Bicycle Hotel & Casino is host to a variety of exciting and entertaining events to dazzle you and your friends all year round. Whether it’s a Guys Night Out with KROQ's The Kevin & Bean Show, a live music concert or a viewing of a championship boxing match, The Bike is the perfect place for a fun and thrilling evening out.

WWW.THEBIKE.COM


SUSAN ZIRINSKY – EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, 48 HOURS 

ALL NEW | SATURDAY, DEC. 5 | 10 P.M. ET/PT

Sneak peek: Dear Savanna

She eluded the FBI for two decades, but she couldn't outrun her past. In a first-ever interview, a mom speaks out to "48 Hours" about taking her child abroad. Correspondent Maureen Maher has the story Saturday, Dec. 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

WWW.CBSNEWS.COM/48-HOURS


STEVE EVANS – THE MOVIE GUY

GREAT MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEKEND AND BOX OFFICE PREDICTIONS AND HOPES. FIND OUT WHAT MOVIES ARE WORTH YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. GET SET FOR THE WEEKEND.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

12/03 TOP TECH MOM JEANA TAHNK, SARAH JANSSEN, THE WORLD ALMANAC

TOP TECH MOM, JEANA TAHNK - HOLIDAY TECH GIFT GUIDE

Consumers are hitting the malls and going online in search of the coolest gifts this holiday season…but with so many options, it can be tough to find the perfect gift for your loved ones.  Tech expert Jeana Tahnk can help by putting a spotlight on some of the hottest tech that will ensure your gift is the star of the holiday!

Harman Audio is known for creating top-of-the-line audio equipment! From wireless bluetooth speakers, revolutionary wireless headphones with new active noise cancellation and more Harman has a variety of gadgets that look good and sound AMAZING. Parents and kids both love these products and Jeana is excited to share some of the latest trends for viewers.

AT&T Cricket Wireless:  A perfect option for cell phone users who don’t want to be weighed down with contracts. Cricket's cell phones and plans are prepaid, so there's no contract for annual phone service because payments are month to month. The biggest benefit is flexibility. With Cricket's prepaid cell phone plans, you can update your service with ease and choose the device you want.
3D Robotics: Drones are coming….to your holiday celebrations! 3D Robotics offers the highest-tech drones with features like pushbutton flight and computer-assisted Smart Shots, all controlled from an app.

eyeSight singlecue: With singlecue, you can control your TV, media and smart home devices using touch-free gestures. Just lift your finger and get control of the devices you already have in your homes, connecting them into one magical experience.

Plus Jeana will share her tips for being tech savvy, and her favorite advice for parents out there and how to make Holiday Season Shopping fun from her own personal arsenal of tricks!

TOPTECHMOM.COM


SARAH JANSSEN, THE SENIOR EDITOR OF THE WORLD ALMANAC

The World Almanac® and Book of Facts 2016

~ The Newest Edition of the Best-Selling Reference Book Features Most Memorable Super Bowls, 2016 Election Guide, and More ~

What were the most memorable milestones of 2015? Which moments caused the biggest uproar for fans at the Women’s World Cup? How did U.S. immigration policy evolve to where it stands today? While 2015 may be coming to a close, the events will endure in The World Almanac® and Book of Facts 2016, available in print on December 1 and as an eBook for all platforms on December 9. This latest edition of America’s best-selling reference book contains thousands of facts that are unavailable publicly elsewhere, and will quickly become your go-to source for the upcoming year.

New features include “U.S. Immigration: A Statistical Feature,” covering the historical background, statistics, and legal issues surrounding immigration; “World Almanac® Editors’ Picks: Most Memorable Super Bowls,” in which the editors revisit the most unforgettable “big games;” as well as brand-new employment statistics and a 2016 election guide. Making their return are the popular sections “Year in Sports,” “Top 10 News Topics,” “The World at a Glance,” and “Time Capsule.”

ABOUT THE WORLD ALMANAC 
The World Almanac®'s history as a publisher of award-winning reference titles dates back more than 140 years. The imprint includes the iconic title The World Almanac® and Book of Facts, the best-selling American reference book of all time.

The World Almanac® brand is part of Infobase Holdings (www.infobaseholdings.com), an educational media company that owns such well-known brands as Facts On File, Films Media Group, Chelsea House, Bloom's, and Ferguson’s. Infobase is a portfolio company investment of Veronis Suhler Stevenson (www.vss.com), a private equity firm that invests in the media, information, and education industries.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

12/02 MARTIN RIESE, WATER PAIRINGS, TAYLOR HICKS, AMERICAN IDOL

AMERICA’S ONLY WATER SOMMELIER, MARTIN RIESE TALKS WATER PAIRINGS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY PARTIES

Flat? Sparkling? Mineral? Tap? Forget wine. It’s all about the water.

Everyone knows they should pair wine with food when entertaining for the holidays. But choosing the right water is just as important to consider in the context of how it pairs with food and cocktails. As Americans get more sophisticated about eating and dining, it makes sense that they would care more about their water too. Enter Martin Riese, a true expert on water and America’s only water sommelier.

Most people do not realize that water has a huge impact on everything presented on a plate or in a glass. For example, water can lower acidity and tannins in wine or balance out some of our other favorite holiday drinks like champagne, helping it gain in flavor. The right water pairing can also enhance flavors of salty / umami and balance the flavor of spice, bitter and sour in food. For example, with a smoked holiday ham complementary water can enhance the umami taste of the ham and balance the smoky flavors. It can also enhance the sweet notes of sugar cookies and lower the spice level of gingerbread to make the cookie more rounder and more balanced in flavors.

So this year, when hosting your holiday party, think differently about your water choices and make the holiday dishes – and drinks – you choose really sing!

ABOUT 
The only certified Water Sommelier in the United States, Martin Riese began his renowned career in his native Germany. Today, he is a Water Tasting Educator, acclaimed author, Water Sommelier at Patina Restaurant Group in Los Angeles, and the world’s foremost expert on water. Riese has appeared on numerous national media outlets including Good Morning America, CNN, The New York Times, Bon Appétite, Los Angeles Times, NPR, Buzzfeed and Conan O’Brien.


THE SEASON 5 WINNER OF AMERICAN IDOL, TAYLOR HICKS TALKS NEW MUSIC, HIS RESTAURANT, FINAL SEASON OF IDOL AND HOLIDAY PLANS

Hicks has become a partner in Saw’s Juke Joint – located in the Birmingham area. One of the most popular restaurants in the region for barbecue, Saw’s story centers around North Carolina native Mike Wilson, aka “Saw.” Earning a degree in Restaurant and Hospitality management from the University of Alabama in 1996, Wilson continued his culinary pursuits at Johnson and Wales University in Vail, Colorado. He began his career at the prestigious Dean & Deluca restaurant in Charlotte, and then moved on to Birmingham, where word of his unique flavor of barbecue began to spread. Wilson opened the original Saw’s BBQ in 2009, and has proven to be so popular that he – and his partners have opened two additional locations in Birmingham - Saw’s Kitchen, and Saw’s Juke Joint, which includes Hicks as a partner.

A look at the menu offers customers several options to whet their appetite, including their Carolina brand of Pulled Pork Smoked Chicken. Another popular item on the menu is the “Carolina Dog,” a hot dog doused with chili and slaw. A mouth-watering array of side items are also available, such as their delicious brand of Vinegar-based Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, and Deviled Eggs. Also a popular item on the menu is their signature BBQ sauce, which is available by the bottle.

WWW.SAWSBBQ.COM

ABOUT
Taylor Hicks is one of the most beloved and popular AMERICAN IDOL winners of all time.
From the start, Hicks’ material on the mega-hit show set him apart, with a unique take on Southern soul, R & B, country and blues. Sixty-four million votes were cast and nearly 37 million American viewers and more than 200 million viewers worldwide tuned in to crown Hicks the Season 5 winner of AMERICAN IDOL, making it one of the most-watched TV events of the last decade.

Hicks’ star continued to rise after he stepped off the IDOL stage. Less than three weeks after his IDOL victory, his debut single, “Do I Make You Proud,” entered at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, Pop 100, and Single Sales Charts. Coinciding with the single’s release, a cover story named him People magazine’s “Hottest Bachelor of the Year.” His self-titled album (Arista), debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and was quickly certified RIAA Platinum. In 2007, Hicks penned a brisk-selling autobiography “Heart Full of Soul” (Random House). Hicks is the first male IDOL winner to be featured on a Grammy Award-winning album, Jimmy Fallon’s “Blow Your Pants Off,” which took home the 2013 Grammy for Best Comedy Album.

On Broadway, Hicks starred in the hit musical, GREASE as Teen Angel, and when asked to join the national tour, happily agreed. The 18-month tour connected him with fans across North America.
In June 2012, Taylor Hicks began his residency at Bally's Las Vegas. As a testament to his musical talent and showmanship, Hicks continueD to bring the roadhouse to the Las Vegas Strip with a year-long extension through 2013 at a larger venue, Paris Las Vegas, making him the first Idol winner in history to secure a long term residency in Las Vegas. Hicks has since rapidly evolved into one of the most popular acts in the city. He haD an exclusive commitment to Caesars Entertainment, bringing his soulful ballads to other Caesars properties across the country.

Hicks hasn’t slowed down musically, with upcoming concert dates on the calendar, and is working on a new album slated for release in 2016.

WWW.TAYLORHICKS.COM 

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

12/01 ELLIE KAY, HEROES AT HOME, HOWARD PRICE

ELLIE KAY, BEST SELLING AUTHOR OF HEROES AT HOME & RECIPIENT OF THE ARMY'S HIGHEST CIVILIAN MEDAL TALKS ABOUT A SPECIAL CAMPAIGN TO HELP OUR HEROES

AMERICA’S #1 EXPERT ON MILITARY FAMILIES EXPLAINS WHY THE NEED IS GREATER THAN EVER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Ellie Kay is the author of 14 books, but it’s her role as a military wife and mother to three military children that she cherishes most.   In fact, since she wrote her popular book entitled, HEROES AT HOME: Help & Hope for America’s Military Families, Ellie has been widely recognized as a top expert on the challenges facing military families. It’s the many problems facing these families that has also inspired this best-selling author to team up with Walmart to launch a special holiday campaign called SING TO SALUTE MILITARY FAMILIES, an initiative to support the Fisher House Foundation that for more than 25 years has provided free night stays for military families whose loved ones are in a nearby hospital.

Starting Dec. 1, Ellie and Walmart are calling on the public to sing a part of their favorite holiday song and post it on Twitter, Instagram or YouTube with the hashtag #sing2salute. Each post will generate $100 for the Fisher House Foundation with the goal of reaching up to $1 million to pay for a full year of night stays for military families staying at local houses.  Ellie will be LIVE from a Fisher House in Washington, DC.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT THE NEEDS OF MILITARY FAMILIES:

  • FAMILY SUPPORT – Ellie can discuss current challenges facing military families during the holidays and how everyone can help make a difference this year.
  • PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – Learn how simple online actions taken online can help the Fisher House Foundation provide free lodging for military families
  • COMMITMENT TO VETS – Learn about Walmart’s ongoing commitment to support veterans and their families, including the recent Greenlight A Vet initiative.


HOWARD PRICE JOINS THE SHOW TO TALK ABOUT WINE PAIRING CHRISTMAS PARTIES!