SoCalGas is hosting the 10th Annual SoCalGas Foodservice Equipment Expo (2 days) on Tuesday, April 25th and Wednesday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SoCalGas Energy Resource Center in Downey. “With no-cost registration, the 10th annual Foodservice Equipment Expo provides an opportunity to Reconnect, Rebuild, and Innovate at one of the industry’s largest West Coast showcases of natural gas and energy-efficient commercial foodservice equipment. Leading industry manufacturers will display and demonstrate their brands as attendees visit booths and live-action cooking stations, sample artisan foods cooked on a variety of natural gas equipment, network, and learn about available rebates.” SoCalGas Co.’s Gina Christian (Foodservice Technical Specialist) and Carmen Oliver (Customer Programs Advisor) are our guides. Also joining us is SoCalGas’ Joe Frausto, the On-Bill Financing Program Manager, to explain the SoCal Gas program offering interest free financing for the purchase and installation of equipment covered by SoCalGas’ energy efficiency programs.
“The inaugural, first of its kind Pizza City Fest Los Angeles will take place April 29-30, 2023 at L.A. LIVE – Downtown Los Angeles’ Sports and Entertainment District – offering fans the unique opportunity to sample pizzas from Southern California’s best pizza makers all in one location over two days. Steve Dolinsky – a 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter and “The Food Guy” at NBC 5 Chicago – has turned his love of pizza into an all-encompassing endeavor. Now he hopes to bring that same experience to Los Angeles (as he did last year in Chicago) and showcase the diversity – in both geography and styles – that the region exemplifies.” We are previewing Pizza City Fest Los Angeles in multiple segments leading up to the event. Today we’ll meet the team from El Segundo Brewing Co’s Slice and Pint in El Segundo one of Steve Dolinsky’s hand-picked pizzerias of distinction sampling their slices on Saturday, April 29th.
“The 15th Anniversary of Orange County Restaurant Week returns on Sunday, March 5 and runs through Saturday, March 11. This year’s event highlights more than 165 restaurants that have crafted thoughtful menus and cocktails designed to showcase Orange County’s diverse dining options.” Chef/Restauranteur Ross Pangilinan is participating in OC Restaurant Week with Terrace By Mix Mix and Populaire at South Coast Plaza, and Verdant at the Orange County Museum of Art. Chef Ross joins us with all his enticing OC Restaurant Week menu highlights.
“The delicious flavors and aromas of chocolate will “Indulge the Senses” at the Big Island Chocolate Festival (Hawaii) April 28-29 at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. The “Indulge the Senses with Chocolate” theme marks the festival’s 10th anniversary. In-person activities include culinary demonstrations for the home cook, cacao growing and processing seminars by industry experts, a new VIP-PLUS pre-gala Sunset & Pupu Pairing and a festive evening gala with culinary booths, chocolate fountain, entertainment, dancing, a silent auction and some surprises! Guests can enjoy unlimited wine, beer and a custom spritzer by Ola Brew, iced tea and coffee. A general admission gala ticket is $99 while a VIP-PLUS ticket is $189. Also available are specially priced event room packages at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort. The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort’s John Dominguez (Director of Sales and Marketing) joins us with the details of the special Hotel Packages.
Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the recently launched, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) and also the founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza) in the Mess Hall in Tustin provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. We’re picking up the conversation about some tipping oddities. Some full-service restaurants are now adding a “Mandatory Service Charge” to restaurant bills for parties of less than 6 guests. Is this a tip ? Does the server get all of this? What about a 4 to 5 per cent surcharge sometimes now added for “employee health care”? What’s right? 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 514, February 25, 2023: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.