“One of the most visually stunning demonstrations of talent and creativity within the architectural and engineering communities returns for year nine in Long Beach on October 18, 2023. The annual CANstruction Long Beach event provides a much-needed source of non-perishable food to help feed the unhoused in the Long Beach community. The 9th annual CANstruction Long Beach competition benefiting Long Beach Rescue Mission / Lydia House and hosted by the Landmark Square building lobby will take place October 18-29, 2023. CANstruction participants will have twelve hours to design and build unique structures made entirely out of canned goods. The structures may be built up to 10’ x 10’ x 10’ and will be comprised of 3,000 to 4,000 cans each. This year’s theme is “Halloween CAN-dy”, and participating teams may depict Halloween themed candy in any way they want.” CANstruction Long Beach Producer Terri Henry joins us to artfully stack-up all the details.

“Ukrainian-born Chef Anna Voloshyna (a previous guest) is the author of BUDMO!: Recipes from a Ukrainian Kitchen. Celebrate the rich culture of Ukrainian cuisine with these traditional Eastern European recipes infused with a fresh, contemporary approach for today’s home kitchen, from one of today’s most exciting young chefs of Ukrainian cuisine. With its emphasis on fresh ingredients, time-honored heritage, and warm hospitality, Eastern European cuisine is having a culinary moment, in addition to Ukraine being of great current interest.” Chef Anna Voloshyna just returned from a trip to Ukraine and will share her first-person observations of the current, ever-changing scene there.

“Suisun Valley Wine Co-op in Fairfield (established in 2007) represents three local, family-owned micro wineries with distinct wine styles and approaches to winemaking tasting their wines in a single, unique, visitor-friendly tasting room. The three member wineries (Sunset Cellars, Blacksmith Cellars and King Andrew Vineyards) share a common goal of crafting high quality, distinctive wines from grapes grown locally in Suisun Valley and nearby regions. As long-time friends, the winemakers collaborate, exchange ideas, and lend hands in the vineyards and the cellars. With deep mutual respect, they are proud to represent one another’s wine at the Co-op. Most of the tasting room staff at the Wine Co-op are actual wine producers and grape growers. They all take turns pouring the wines. While visiting them, you will learn firsthand their vision and philosophies behind the wines.” Fah Sathirapongsasuti, the principal of the Suisun Valley Wine Co-op and Winemaker and Co-owner of Sunset Cellars joins us to uncork all that is the Suisun Valley Wine Co-op.

“Pacifica’s Rosalind Bakery’s delectable sourdough bread, pizzas, and pastries are made with a dash of love, a sprinkle of nostalgia, and a lot of dedication by proprietor and baker Matt Kosoy. They do more than just bake bread; they bring people together, creating moments of joy and connection. Named after the Matt’s maternal grandmother, Rosalind Bakery began in 2017 by building a community around food. They take pride in every step of the baking process, from selecting the finest ingredients to handcrafting each loaf, pizza, and pastry. The result? Unparalleled flavors that ignite your senses.” Matt has just closed an unusual, oversubscribed, $124,000 bond offering and expanded to a new location in Downtown San Francisco at 4 Embarcadero Center as part of the “Vacant to Vibrant Program.” We’ll meet the Bay Area’s rising “Sourdough King,” Matt Kosoy.

“The Airliner is a historic, 100-year old, Lincoln Heights (Los Angeles) neighborhood bar that exudes warmth, character and hospitality. Whether you’re into beer and shots, sultry natural wines, or classic to modern cocktails, there’s something for almost everyone – with an intriguing Pan-Asian Izakaya comfort food menu created by fine-dining Chef Vinh Nguyen (ex-Grumpy Pig in Shanghai) and nostalgic soundtracks.” Menu highlights include Chong Qing Chicken Wings with whole crisp fried wings, chili oil and crispy bits, and Beef Rendang on a Roll with Indonesian stewed beef, cabbage and pickled red onions. Chef Vinh Nguyen joins us with a plate of Hunan BBQ Pork Ribs.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) and also the founder and pizzaiola of the fast-casual Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) located in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Can cash still be readily accepted in restaurants and other small businesses? The Los Angeles City Council is discussing a new ordinance that will compel all businesses to still accept cash. How does this impact restaurants? We’ll “Ask the Chef”?

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

The post Show 547, October 14, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.