“Nine generations after the Ontiveros Family’s arrival in California, on the same land that their family once called home, James Ontiveros is proud to grow and make wines with distinguished Winemaker Justin Willett that are as complex as the story of how they came to be. Ranchos de Ontiveros is a culmination of wines (Native9 and Rancho Vinedo) expressing the unique climate, soil, and capability of the Santa Maria Valley. It’s not always pretty, and it’s seldom romantic. But it is, first and foremost, real.” Wes Hagen, Estate Host and Brand Ambassador, joins us to uncork all that is Ranchos De Ontiveros Estate Vineyards.
“The Feast of Friends (Las Vegas) has announced the return of Vegas Unstripped, a unique food festival celebrating local Las Vegas chefs. This year, the event is planned to take place from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday October 14 at a location to be announced in the 18b Arts District. Thirty of the city’s most acclaimed and creative chefs will be brought together to present one-night-only original dishes, accompanied by cocktails from many of the city’s best bars, live local entertainers, art activations and more. Tickets for the event are now available via Vegas’ Unstripped’s website for $150 plus processing fees.” Attendees must be 21 and over. Participating chefs represent the cutting edge of independent talent in Las Vegas, and are challenged to create unique dishes for the night reflecting their culinary passions. All necessary expenses of the independent chef / restaurateur are covered by event revenue to the extent possible, with net proceeds going to underserved local charities. To date, Vegas Unstripped has donated nearly $20,000. Founder and Producer Eric Gladstone of The Feast of Friends joins us with all the tantalizing details.”
“What would have been the 7th annual Firkfest in Anaheim in 2020 is finally back in 2023 as Firkenstein Craft Beer Festival. Note that it’s no longer cask only. The only prerequisite is breweries are required to bring something special made just for the event. Firkenstein Craft Beer Festival is happening on Saturday, October 7th, 2023 from 4-8 p.m. in Downtown Anaheim surrounding the city’s decorated Halloween tree on West Center Street Promenade, including 30 plus of California’s best breweries, including Monkish, Green Cheek, Highland Park, Moonlight, Everywhere, and others.” Founder and Organizer Greg Nagel of OC Beer Blog is our guest to tap the keg of the upcoming Firkenstein Craft Beer Festival.
“IL Fiorello Olive Oil Company is a family-owned company dedicated to growing and milling the finest quality artisan olive oil. Owners Ann and Mark Sievers produce oil from their own certified organic groves. Their properties are located in Green Valley and Suisun Valley between Fairfield and Napa Valley, a still-rural area where creek-side soils allow good drainage for the trees. An interactive Olive Oil Tasting is offered daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations are required, 14 ppl maximum. $25 per person. Enjoy a comparative tasting of IL Fiorello’s Extra Virgin Olive Oils, Co-Milled Oils, and Balsamic Vinegar Reductions. Led by their experienced staff, you will learn how to appreciate olive oils and enjoy a chef-crafted food pairing to expand your palate. Reserve ahead for Charcuterie and Cheeseboards or Soup of the Month.” Founder and Culinary Educator Ann Sievers joins us.
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 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. Chef Andrew explained last week the travails of restaurateurs in Downtown San Francisco. We pick up the discussion this week with the question of if the restaurant business in California has really fully recovered from the Pandemic. What are the present concerns of chefs and restaurateurs? 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 543, September 16, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.