Show 570, March 23, 2024: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

“The story of Copia Vineyards begins with the passion of Anita and Varinder Sahi, their shared love of wine and the beauty of its source. The Sahis each had different paths to this world. He has an engineering and business background, and she is a restaurant and marketing veteran. He globetrotted for work and his love for wine grew. She worked side-by-side with some of the finest restaurateurs and Michelin-starred chefs, cultivating her zeal for fine food and wine. Their shared interests, entrepreneurship and life’s ever-winding path sparked a trip to Paso Robles Wine Country in 2015. Essentially, they never left. In 2017, the Sahis’ search to find a special site to produce world-class Rhône and Bordeaux varietals was successful. They became the proud stewards of 50 acres of paradise-on-earth in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles. It is now a veritable winemaker’s dream with nearly 40,000 vines planted in 24 distinct blocks. In 2022, their estate grew to include 26 acres of dramatic landscape in the Adelaida District. The vines on the Copia Estate are now producing some of the most opulent, concentrated fruit with densely rich varietal characteristics.” Anita and Varinder Sahi join us to gently pull the cork on all that is Copia Vineyards and Winery.

“In 2017, VOX Kitchen opened in the heart of Little Saigon, bringing the ‘Chifa’ culinary movement —a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisines—to Orange County. The award-winning restaurant entered into 2024 with an expanded kitchen and dining room, new menu offerings, and a second location set to open in late 2024 at South Coast Plaza. The expansion allows Founder and Executive Chef Viet Ngyuen to dig deeper into the culinary ethos of VOX Kitchen and explore Chifa cuisine through the lens of seafood, a staple in Peru. VOX Kitchen is one of nearly a dozen pan-Asian fusion restaurants under the KEI Concepts umbrella, a trailblazing culinary group helmed by Nguyen. As the group’s founder, CEO, and executive chef, Nguyen is passionate about connecting diverse communities through the universal language of food – an ethos evident across all his concepts. Nguyen sees each restaurant as a canvas for this mission, where the culinary creations are not just dishes but cultural ambassadors.” Founder and Executive Chef Viet Nguyen is our guest.

“Indulge in a decadent world of sweetness at the 11th Annual Big Island Chocolate Festival (BICF) in Hawaii presented by the Kona Cacao Association, taking place on April 26-27, 2024, at the beautiful beach-front Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on the Big Island of Hawaii. The BICF promises an unforgettable experience filled with chocolate cooking demonstrations, cacao growing presentations, and the most festive walk-around gala of all galas! This year the theme as ‘Mystical Chocolate Masquerade’ and guests are encouraged to dress up, wear masks and get creative to win tickets to the 2025 event. Picture a venue adorned with rich colors, luxurious velvet, and opulent gold accents, creating the perfect backdrop for an evening of sweet enchantment.” Farsheed Bonakdar, President of the organizing Kona Cacao Association joins us with a ripe cacao pod in hand along with a bar of pure Hawaiian chocolate.

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. Restaurants in California are still struggling to fully recover from the pandemic and now there are more storm clouds on the horizon. Insurance underwriters in California are frequently now not renewing restaurants’ policies. Chef Andrew provides the concerning overview.

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

Show 570, March 23, 2024: Copia Vineyards & Winery, Paso Robles, with Anita and Varinder Sahi Part One

Anita and Varinder Sahi of Copia Vineyards and Winery

“The abridged story of Copia Vineyards and Winery in Paso Robles: Passionate curiosity, tireless effort and a sense of gratitude.”

“The word Copia is a Latin root word that means abundance or plenty. It’s an apt name for a winery that is created by two people who have always chased the glass half full.”

“The story of Copia Vineyards begins with the passion of Anita and Varinder Sahi, their shared love of wine and the beauty of its source. The Sahis each had different paths to this world. He has an engineering and business background, and she is a restaurant and marketing veteran. He globetrotted for work and his love for wine grew. She worked side-by-side with some of the finest restaurateurs and Michelin-starred chefs, cultivating her zeal for fine food and wine. Their shared interests, entrepreneurship and life’s ever-winding path sparked a trip to Paso Robles Wine Country in 2015. Essentially, they never left.”

“In 2017, the Sahis’ search to find a special site to produce world-class Rhône and Bordeaux varietals was successful. They became the proud stewards of 50 acres of paradise-on-earth in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles. It is now a veritable winemaker’s dream with nearly 40,000 vines planted in 24 distinct blocks. In 2022, their estate grew to include 26 acres of dramatic landscape in the Adelaida District where the Tasting Room is now located. Both vineyard sites have breathtakingly beautiful slopes, calcareous soils and strong marine influence. Simply put, the Sahis believe that these vineyards are legendary. The vines on the Copia Estate are now producing some of the most opulent, concentrated fruit with densely rich varietal characteristics.”

“Guests are invited to experience Anita and Varinder Sahi’s tireless passion for premium winemaking, cutting edge viticulture and warm hospitality in equal measure. Copia’s Adelaida Vineyard Estate offers a lux oasis for guests to enjoy a signature wine flight of premium wines with a curated culinary pairing. The 60 to 90 minute in-depth experience takes place in their modern Tasting Room and cozy outdoor patio areas (weather permitting).” Appointments are recommended.

Anita and Varinder Sahi join us to gently pull the cork on all that is Copia Vineyards and Winery.

Show 570, March 23, 2024: Copia Vineyards & Winery, Paso Robles, with Anita and Varinder Sahi Part Two

Anita and Varinder Sahi of Copia Vineyards and Winery

“The story of Copia Vineyards begins with the passion of Anita and Varinder Sahi, their shared love of wine and the beauty of its source. The Sahis each had different paths to this world. He has an engineering and business background, and she is a restaurant and marketing veteran. He globetrotted for work and his love for wine grew. She worked side-by-side with some of the finest restaurateurs and Michelin-starred chefs, cultivating her zeal for fine food and wine. Their shared interests, entrepreneurship and life’s ever-winding path sparked a trip to Paso Robles Wine Country in 2015. Essentially, they never left.”

“In 2017, the Sahis’ search to find a special site to produce world-class Rhône and Bordeaux varietals was successful. They became the proud stewards of 50 acres of paradise-on-earth in the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles. It is now a veritable winemaker’s dream with nearly 40,000 vines planted in 24 distinct blocks. In 2022, their estate grew to include 26 acres of dramatic landscape in the Adelaida District where the Tasting Room is now located. Both vineyard sites have breathtakingly beautiful slopes, calcareous soils and strong marine influence. Simply put, the Sahis believe that these vineyards are legendary. The vines on the Copia Estate are now producing some of the most opulent, concentrated fruit with densely rich varietal characteristics.”

“Guests are invited to experience Anita and Varinder Sahi’s tireless passion for premium winemaking, cutting edge viticulture and warm hospitality in equal measure. Copia’s Adelaida Vineyard Estate offers a lux oasis for guests to enjoy a signature wine flight of premium wines with a curated culinary pairing. The 60 to 90 minute in-depth experience takes place in their modern Tasting Room and cozy outdoor patio areas (weather permitting).” Appointments are recommended.

Anita and Varinder Sahi continue with us artfully pulling the cork on all that is Copia Vineyards and Winery.

Show 570, March 23, 2024: VOX Kitchen, Fountain Valley, with Founder & Executive Chef Viet Nguyen Part One

Viet Nugyen of VOX Kitchen

“In 2017, VOX Kitchen opened in the heart of Little Saigon, bringing the ‘Chifa’ culinary movement —a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisines—to Orange County. The award-winning restaurant entered into 2024 with an expanded kitchen and dining room, new menu offerings, and a second location set to open in late 2024 at South Coast Plaza. The expansion allows Founder and Executive Chef Viet Ngyuen to dig deeper into the culinary ethos of VOX Kitchen and explore Chifa cuisine through the lens of seafood, a staple in Peru.”

“VOX Kitchen is one of nearly a dozen pan-Asian fusion restaurants under the KEI Concepts umbrella, a trailblazing culinary group helmed by Nguyen. As the group’s founder, CEO, and executive chef, Nguyen is passionate about connecting diverse communities through the universal language of food – an ethos evident across all his concepts. Nguyen sees each restaurant as a canvas for this mission, where the culinary creations are not just dishes but cultural ambassadors.”

“In January Nguyen unveiled an enhanced VOX Kitchen—a testament to his unwavering commitment to the brand’s innovative ethos. The enlarged dining room, boasting an additional 60 seats, elevates the restaurant’s capacity to 120, creating a more immersive dining experience. This expanded space serves as a canvas for Nguyen to not only diversify his menu offerings but also to introduce an open-concept kitchen.”

“Culinary creativity is a borderless concept,” comments Nguyen. “Culture and cuisine are powerful connectors, giving people a sense of pride and identity. With all our restaurants, our mission is to celebrate culture while bridging diverse communities through the universal language of food.”

“Nguyen opened his first restaurant, Súp Noodle Bar, in 2014 and since has grown the KEI Concepts roster to include, VOX Kitchen, Gem Dining, Nep Café, ROL Hand Roll Bar, Kin Izakaya, and INI Ristorante, all of which offer distinct interpretations of pan-Asian dining experiences pulling global influence from Italian, French, and Japanese cuisines.”

Founder and Executive Chef Viet Nguyen is our guest.

Show 570, March 23, 2024: VOX Kitchen, Fountain Valley, with Founder & Executive Chef Viet Nguyen Part Two

Viet Nugyen of VOX Kitchen

“In 2017, VOX Kitchen opened in the heart of Little Saigon, bringing the ‘Chifa’ culinary movement —a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisines—to Orange County. The award-winning restaurant entered into 2024 with an expanded kitchen and dining room, new menu offerings, and a second location set to open in late 2024 at South Coast Plaza. The expansion allows Founder and Executive Chef Viet Ngyuen to dig deeper into the culinary ethos of VOX Kitchen and explore Chifa cuisine through the lens of seafood, a staple in Peru.”

“VOX Kitchen is one of nearly a dozen pan-Asian fusion restaurants under the KEI Concepts umbrella, a trailblazing culinary group helmed by Nguyen. As the group’s founder, CEO, and executive chef, Nguyen is passionate about connecting diverse communities through the universal language of food – an ethos evident across all his concepts. Nguyen sees each restaurant as a canvas for this mission, where the culinary creations are not just dishes but cultural ambassadors.”

“In January Nguyen unveiled an enhanced VOX Kitchen—a testament to his unwavering commitment to the brand’s innovative ethos. The enlarged dining room, boasting an additional 60 seats, elevates the restaurant’s capacity to 120, creating a more immersive dining experience. This expanded space serves as a canvas for Nguyen to not only diversify his menu offerings but also to introduce an open-concept kitchen.”

“Nguyen opened his first restaurant, Súp Noodle Bar, in 2014 and since has grown the KEI Concepts roster to include, VOX Kitchen, Gem Dining, Nep Café, ROL Hand Roll Bar, Kin Izakaya, and INI Ristorante, all of which offer distinct interpretations of pan-Asian dining experiences pulling global influence from Italian, French, and Japanese cuisines.”

Founder and Executive Chef Viet Nguyen continues the conversation with us.

Show 570, March 23, 2024: Big Island Chocolate Festival, Hawaii with Farsheed Bonakdar Part One

Farsheed Bonakdar of Cocoa Outlet and Andy Harris

“Indulge in a world of tempting sweetness at the 11th Annual Big Island Chocolate Festival (BICF) in Hawaii presented by the Kona Cacao Association, taking place on April 26-27, 2024, at the beautiful beach-front Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on the Big Island of Hawaii.”

“The BICF promises unforgettable experience filled with chocolate cooking demonstrations, cacao growing presentations, and the most festive gala of all galas! This year the theme is ‘Mystical Chocolate Masquerade’ and guests are encouraged to dress up, wear masks and get creative to win tickets to 2025 event. Picture a venue adorned with rich colors, luxurious velvet, and opulent gold accents, creating the perfect backdrop for an evening of sweet enchantment.”

“The Festival encores their beloved gala setup with even more tantalizing food booths outside and inside this stunning venue. The 2024 Gala evening event, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, promises unlimited tastings at 15 to 18 chef created food stations featuring delectable sweet and savory offerings, along with unlimited beer and wine pours from the Festival’s generous sponsors. Awards are given to the participating chefs as judged in various categories so this is a friendly, but highly competitive, competition!”

“Enjoy the rhythmic beats of a lively DJ or live music, explore a fabulous silent auction, and immerse yourself in all-around extravagant chocolate-themed fun. Don’t miss the chance to make your life even decadently sweeter by joining The 11th Big Island Chocolate Festival at the most savored Hawaii-based event of the year!”

“The mission at the Kona Cacao Association, Inc. (the Presenters of The Big Island Chocolate Festival) is to cultivate the Big Island’s cacao industry, making the festival an educational beacon for cacao farmers, the hospitality sector, and chocolate enthusiasts alike.”

Farsheed Bonakdar, President of the organizing Kona Cacao Association joins us with a ripe cacao pod in hand.

Show 570, March 23, 2024: Big Island Chocolate Festival, Hawaii with Farsheed Bonakdar Part Two

Farsheed Bonakdar of the Kona Cacao Association

“Indulge in a world of tempting sweetness at the 11th Annual Big Island Chocolate Festival (BICF) in Hawaii presented by the Kona Cacao Association, taking place on April 26-27, 2024, at the beautiful beach-front Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on the Big Island of Hawaii.”

“The BICF promises unforgettable experience filled with chocolate cooking demonstrations, cacao growing presentations, and the most festive gala of all galas! This year the theme is ‘Mystical Chocolate Masquerade’ and guests are encouraged to dress up, wear masks and get creative to win tickets to 2025 event. Picture a venue adorned with rich colors, luxurious velvet, and opulent gold accents, creating the perfect backdrop for an evening of sweet enchantment.”

“The Festival encores their beloved gala setup with even more tantalizing food booths outside and inside this stunning venue. The 2024 Gala evening event, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, promises unlimited tastings at 15 to 18 chef created food stations featuring delectable sweet and savory offerings, along with unlimited beer and wine pours from the Festival’s generous sponsors. Awards are given to the participating chefs as judged in various categories so this is a friendly, but highly competitive, competition!”

“Enjoy the rhythmic beats of a lively DJ or live music, explore a fabulous silent auction, and immerse yourself in all-around extravagant chocolate-themed fun. Don’t miss the chance to make your life even decadently sweeter by joining The 11th Big Island Chocolate Festival at the most savored Hawaii-based event of the year!”

“The mission at the Kona Cacao Association, Inc. (the Presenters of The Big Island Chocolate Festival) is to cultivate the Big Island’s cacao industry, making the festival an educational beacon for cacao farmers, the hospitality sector, and chocolate enthusiasts alike.”

Farsheed Bonakdar, President of the organizing Kona Cacao Association continues with a ripe cacao pod in hand.

Show 570, March 23, 2024: Chef Andrew Gruel, Co-Host and Proprietor of Calico Fish House, with “Ask the Chef”

Chef Andrew Gruel of Big Parm and the Calico Fish House

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.

Restaurants in California are still struggling to fully recover from the pandemic and now there are more storm clouds on the horizon. Insurance underwriters in California are frequently not renewing restaurants’ policies. If a carrier will even provide coverage it’s now typically for a diluted policy at a much higher cost. Chef Andrew provides the concerning overview.

Look for Chef Andrew’s new cooking video with Cathy Thomas on Orange Coast Magazine. He prepares One-Pan Seared Salmon with Sweet Potatoes (from Melissa’s), mushrooms, and garbanzo beans.

Check out Chef Andrew’s handy and practical cooking tips on Substack at “American Gravy.” There is an accessible free level as well as a premium option with a modest cost.

Show 569, March 16, 2024: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

The Regarding Her tribute events celebrating Women’s History Month continue.The Regarding Her tribute events celebrating Women’s History Month continue. “Join them for an unforgettable culinary journey celebrating the rich heritage and inspiring leadership of Latina women, sponsored by Vallarta! ‘Flavorful Femme Fiesta: A Taco Tribute to Latina Legends’ is a unique event series that pays homage to historical Latina leaders through the art of tacos. Across five women-owned locations throughout greater L.A., each venue will feature a signature taco inspired by the favorite Latina leader of the chefs. From savory to spicy, each taco tells a story of resilience, empowerment, and cultural pride” Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza (a ames Beard Foundation America’s Classic) in Koreatown joins us to provide the tantalizing details of her taco event on Saturday, March 23rd.

The Glunz Family story started in 1871 when Louis Glunz, age 17, left his native Germany in pursuit of the American dream. Louis arrived in Ellis Island that year with friends Oscar Meyer and Theo Koshswersmill (Dr. Scholl’s.) The three moved from city to city in search of work until they arrived in the boomtown of Chicago in 1872. The American Dream was realized in 1888, with a business loan from Charles Wacker, when Louis Glunz was able to set up a shop as a wine, beer and spirit merchant on Wells and Division Street. In 1893 Louis became the local bottler for fresh Schlitz Beer (not pasteurized.) Moving forward a few generations, the third and fourth generations of the Glunz family opened their winery specializing in small batch fortified wines.” More recently the fifth generation relocated the winery to 40 prime acres of a vineyard estate in the rolling hills of Paso Robles under the name of Glunz Family Winery & Cellars. Their traditional varietals are made with estate fruit and grapes sourced from other premium vineyards in California. Joining us and representing the 5th generation of proud Glunz Family ownership are brothers Stephan and Matthew Glunz.

“Come celebrate and be part of the seventh annual Masters of Taste, L.A.’s premier outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival which will be taking place on Sunday, April 7th, 2024, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the Iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl. 100 per cent of the proceeds directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a non-profit organization providing over 50 years of homeless services and housing for thousands of neighbors. Masters of Taste is introducing Executive Chef Bret Thompson and Lucy Thompson-Ramirez (Pez Cantina and Pez Costal Kitchen) as the Hosts of Masters of Taste 2024 which also marks the 7th Anniversary of this celebrated event. Masters of Taste 2024 Culinary Master and Host Executive Chef Bret Thompson and Pez Boss Lady Lucy Thompson-Ramirez are a dynamic husband and wife team who have made a significant impact in the hospitality industry.” Masters of Taste 2024 Hosts Executive Chef Bret Thompson and Lucy Thompson-Ramirez join us with forks in hand.

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. Looking for some fresh ideas for the festive Easter Holiday Table? Chef Andrew is at the ready. Sure there will be a baked ham and leg of lamb on your table but Chef Andrew suggests getting creative with the sides to add some pizazz.

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

Show 569, March 16, 2024: Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza with a Preview of Regarding Her’s Flavorful Femme Fiesta: A Taco Tribute to Latina Legends Part One

Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza

The Regarding Her tribute events celebrating Women’s History Month continue. “Join them for an unforgettable culinary journey celebrating the rich heritage and inspiring leadership of Latina women, sponsored by Vallarta! ‘Flavorful Femme Fiesta: A Taco Tribute to Latina Legends’ is a unique event series that pays homage to historical Latina leaders through the art of tacos.”

“Across five women-owned locations throughout greater LA, each venue will feature a signature taco inspired by the favorite Latina leader of the chefs. From savory to spicy, each taco tells a story of resilience, empowerment, and cultural pride. As guests indulge in delicious flavors, Regarding Her honors the contributions and legacies of these remarkable women who have shaped history. Participating restaurants include Guerrilla Tacos, Guelaguetza, Moo’s Craft BBQ, Nativo, and Pink & Boujee. Join them in savoring the taste of tradition and celebrating the spirit of Latina leadership!”

Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza is also doing a March collaboration with Briana Valdez of HomeState. Guelaguetza is selling HomeState’s signature flour tortillas while HomeState is serving Bricia’s and Briana’s Flour Mole Enchiladas on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at the HomeState locations in Hollywood and Sherman Oaks.

Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza (a James Beard Foundation America’s Classic) in Koreatown joins us to provide the tantalizing details of her taco event on Saturday, March 23rd.