“Authentic Hatch peppers (now in the short 6-week availability season) are a Southwestern favorite, named after the original growing area in Hatch, New Mexico. Melissa’s Hatch peppers are grown in the Mesilla Valley, just north of Las Cruces, New Mexico. They are well known, especially in the states of New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. Researchers say the intense sunlight and cool nights in the valley result in a uniquely flavored chile. An older cousin of the fresh green Anaheim, Hatch peppers have a meaty flesh and can be very mild or have a medium to very hot bite. Hatch peppers are becoming increasingly popular every year, with local supermarkets hosting “Hatch Roasts,” where you can buy your fresh Hatch peppers and have them roasted right in front of you! Once you have your roasted peppers, add them to your favorite recipe or freeze them so you have them anytime you need until next year’s harvest.” Melissa’s resident Product Guru, Robert Schueller (also known as the Prince of Produce), is our guest with all things Hatch Peppers.

“Bill Scanlin’s Deer Hill Vineyards is a small, family-owned vineyard using sustainable processes and 20 plus years of experience to produce truly unique craft wines that are award-winning. The Deer Hill vineyard and tasting room is located in the East Bay area of Northern California, in the beautiful suburb of Lafayette, CA. The elegant tasting room itself is quite impressive. The Deer Hill Vineyards estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon is their specialty but they also produce several other varietals, from Sangiovese, to Chardonnay, or Pinot, Deer Hill offers different wines for any mood or occasion. Deer Hill Vineyards wines have even won awards in the San Francisco Chronicle wine competition in 2020 and 2021.” Owner / Winemaker Bill Scanlin joins with us to uncork all that is Deer Hill Vineyards with a glass of award-winning 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Lamorinda from Deer Hill Vineyards in hand.

Saffy’s on Fountain in East Hollywood is the new creation of Chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis, the founders of Bestia and Bavel in The Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles. Ori and Genevieve join us with all the details on Saffy’s on Fountain and the adjacent Saffy’s Coffee & Tea Shop. “Named after Saffron, Ori and Genevieve’s daughter, Saffy’s embodies her whimsical spirit. Next door at the just launched Saffy’s Coffee & Tea Shop you’ll find coffee, tea, house-baked breads, and pastries. Dinner service centers around small plates, various house-made breads, seasonal vegetables, and meats that hit the table straight off of the fire.”  

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel the Founder of Big Parm (New Jersey-style pizza), Two Birds and the soon to launch, full-service Calico Fish House (in Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. Clams in the West truly don’t get the respect they deserve. They can be prepared in a number of tasty ways and certainly merit equal status as oysters. Clams on pizza is a special treat. Chef Andrew shares his tips including the availability of pre-cooked, flash-frozen clams that are typically stocked in the frozen seafood section of your favorite market and priced at a great value.…

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

The post Show 484, July 23, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.