“Planeta’s (Sicily, Italy) journey began at Sambuca di Sicilia, on the estate owned by the family since the 1600s. Here, three enthusiastic young Sicilians, Alessio, Francesca and Santi Planeta, under the guidance of Diego Planeta, began their winemaking venture in the mid-1980s. Subsequent years were spent matching the extraordinarily diverse Sicilian soils with both indigenous and international varieties. Planeta today encompasses six distinct wine estates in five regions across Sicily; Ulmo at Sambuca di Sicilia, Dispensa at Menfi, Dorilli at Vittoria, Buonivini at Noto, Sciara Nuova on Etna at Castiglione di Sicilia, and the newest addition, La Baronia at Capo Milazzo. Each vineyard site is carefully cultivated with grapes that best compliment the local terroir.”

Planeta Winemaker Patricia Toth (Sicily-based) is our guest.

At the Natural Products Expo West last month at the Anaheim Convention Center, Kvarøy Arctic from Norway introduced their Salmon Hot Dogs. “This flavorful hot dog is packed with the full recommended allowance of Omega 3’s in one serving. They are non-GMO, gluten-free, and can be stored in the freezer for up to a year. Simply thaw and they are ready to grill, broil, steam or pan fry.” The Kvarøy Arctic Salmon Hot Dogs (2 dogs in a 7 oz. package) are available in Original Recipe, Original & Cheese, Jalapeno & Cheese and Chile & Cheese styles. There is also a new line of Salmon Burgers, skin-backed in four flavors. Kvarøy Arctic’s Chief Marketing Officer, Jennifer Bushman, joins us with all the background on this family-owned, sustainable ocean fish farm.

“Chef Wes Avila with a fine-dining background founded Guerrilla Tacos (out of necessity for needed extra income) as a street cart in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles in August 2012. A year later he opened Guerrilla Tacos as a food truck and then as a brick -and -mortar restaurant in 2018, earning a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide to California in 2019.”  In 2020 Chef Wes stepped away from Guerrilla Tacos and later that year founded the Angry Egret Dinette in L.A.’s Chinatown at Mandarin Plaza. It’s a James Beard Award nominee this year for “Best New Restaurant.” This fast casual service restaurant for Breakfast and Lunch boasts a tranquil outdoor atrium patio and you order at the window. Dinner presented as a full-service establishment with an expanded menu is available exclusively on Friday and Saturday evenings. “The seasonal Alta California style menu includes favorites such as the wild Mexican shrimp tacos, chilaquiles, mariscos, ceviches, hearty tortas, burritos, and whatever else Chef Wes and his inspired team create.” Chef Wes Avila is our guest.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel of the Slapfish Restaurant Group provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where Chef Andrew responds to listeners thoughtful inquiries. There is a ban on the importation of Russian seafood into the U.S. Many Russian seafood entities use China to process their catch and that seafood then finds its way into the United States as a “product of China.” Ouch! Chef Andrew explains the unfortunate dilemma.

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

The post Show 471, April 23, 2022: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.