Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

SoCal Restaurant Show

“Southern California’s luxury Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes has now transformed its breathtaking oceanfront setting into a holiday wonderland for the 2024 season, offering enchanting events and festive activities for guests of all ages. On November 30 the resort unveiled its Gingerbread Lounge against the backdrop of the Pacific, showcasing a 7-by-7-foot gingerbread masterpiece where visitors can savor seasonal treats and enjoy live music. The grand Tree Lighting Ceremony illuminated Southern California’s coastline with a majestic 30-foot tree complemented by caroling, dance performances and whimsical photo ops with Santa.” Our guide to Terranea Resort for the Holidays is Executive Chef Andrew Vaughan.

“Restaurateur, Chef, Sommelier & 2nd Generation Winemaker Christopher Bates of F.L.X. Hospitality in the Finger Lakes, New York has spent over 25 years excelling in all aspects of the hospitality industry. His years of experience have taken Bates around the world to perfect his craft and realize his passion for all things hospitality. His well-rounded perspective has been shaped by his extensive global travel as well as experiences at award-winning properties such as the Inn at Dos Brisas and Hotel Fauchère, both Relais & Châteaux. Christopher eventually returned home to the Finger Lakes region of New York accompanied by his wife Isabel Bogadtke with the hope to help the place where he grew up move forward and prosper. As owners of Element Winery and the F.L.X. Hospitality Group, which features a growing portfolio including F.L.X. Table (a restaurant concept focused on a communal tasting menu format), The Quincy Exchange restaurant and tasting room in historic Corning, F.L.X. Wienery (a relaxed dining experience specializing in artisanal, high-quality food served fast), and F.L.X. Culture House (a nano-brewery focusing on sours and barrel aged beers.) Chris and Isabel are integral contributors to a growing hospitality industry in the Finger Lakes and are committed to building the future of this wine region with the belief that one day, it will be recognized as one of the great wine regions of the world.” Chef Christopher Bates takes a break from his busy Finger Lakes kitchens to join us.

“Nestled in the heart of San Juan Capistrano within the historic Los Rios District, La Vaquera, an Acme Hospitality property, pays homage to the region's rich heritage, drawing inspiration from the original Californio ranchero lifestyle. Its meticulously curated menu reflects the essence of San Juan Capistrano, capturing its local terrain and the diverse tapestry of individuals who have called it home throughout the ages. At the culinary helm is Executive Chef Aaron Zimmer, whose innovative vision brings to life an approachable Californio ranchero menu. Infused with the flavors of the region, the menu showcases wood-fired delights and a steakhouse-inspired array of dishes, complemented by an array of comforting sides, offering guests a casual yet refined dining experience. To execute his ranchero menu, Chef Zimmer designed a custom, oak wood-fire grill. This impressive grill spans eleven feet in length, featuring nine feet of grill space and a three-foot open hearth, perfect for grilling vegetables, steaks and more.” Chef Aaron Zimmer takes a break from his busy Brunch service to join us.

“Melissa's Produce invites shoppers to join the Family Baking Challenge this Holiday Season. Melissa’s Produce is excited to announce its Family Baking Challenge, a fun engagement campaign inviting to connect with consumers through Melissa's signature specialty ingredients at retail produce departments across the USA. Set to run from now through December 28, 2024 this contest is geared towards inspiring creativity in the kitchen and offering over $2,500 in prizes for participants. Melissa's Family Baking Challenge encourages consumers to "show off their baking skills for a chance to win big for the family" by exploring new flavors and culinary possibilities. By scanning the QR code on in-store POS materials, shoppers can sign up directly on Melissa's website. Weekly recipe challenges will be sent to participants, who can then share their creations on Instagram, Facebook, or X, using the hashtag #FamilyBakingChallenge.” Melissa’s resident “Prince of Produce,” Robert Schueller, is our guest with all the contest details.

“The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach has transformed their all-day restaurant – Pete’s Sunset Grille – into an over-the-top holiday bar, dubbed Pete’s Christmas Vacation (Nov. 27 - Dec. 31). Inspired by the Christmas movie classic with the Griswold family, the pop-up includes an exclusive holiday menu with festive cocktails and Executive Chef Manfred Lassahn’s bites (think: cranberry baked brie, turkey sliders, jumbo prawns, colorful calamari and piled high s’mores), private igloo lounges, and every square inch of the restaurant covered with vibrant, tiki holiday decor (the hotel team worked all year long to source decor near and far to ensure the restaurant is completely decked out!).” Our guides to all the spirited Holiday Festivities at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach are General Manager Jon Benson and Executive Chef Manfred Lassahn.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. What to do with those Thanksgiving leftovers? How about Chef Andrew’s inspiration of a layered Dagwood Sandwich on fresh sourdough. If California restaurants aren’t already struggling enough payroll taxes mysteriously increased on an unexpected, one-time basis. Chef Andrew explains.

All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!