Show Introduction and Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

SoCal Restaurant Show

“October is Freaky Fruit® month, highlighting the most exotic and intriguing of Mother Nature’s sweet bounty. Melissa’s “Prince of Produce,” Robert Schueller, is our always well-informed guide. A bit creepy to look at, but surprisingly delectable to eat, Freaky Fruit® is a must for the entire month leading up to a frightening finale on Halloween. Eaten out-of-hand, or added to desserts, baked goods, and other recipes, pomegranates, passion fruit, cherimoya, blood oranges, Buddha’s hand, dragon fruit, finger limes, cactus pears, kiwano melon, and rambutan have the wow-factor to make any dish truly spooktacular.”

“Chile Verde Mexican Food is celebrating their 25th Anniversary in November. It’s a local, proudly family-owned gem founded in 1999 by the Bahena family, and has been engaging the Los Angeles community with authentic Mexican cuisine for over two decades.

Jose & Israel Bahena’s journey from ambitious immigrants to successful restaurateurs is the heartwarming tale of dreams realized through passion and hard work. From their famous wet burritos, lovingly smothered in savory sauces, to sizzling Fajitas, each dish at Chile Verde is crafted with the freshest ingredients and love. The newest location is on East 7rh Street in Long Beach. Today, Chile Verde boasts 9 thriving locations, each one a testament to the loyalty of their wonderful customers and the vibrant communities they serve.” Israel Bahena Jr., the Co-Founder’s son joins us with the story.

The Wine Exchange (Santa Ana) has always been known for their forward-thinking innovations in wine retailing. Last Weekend they celebrated their long-in-the-works Wine Bar with a festive Grand Opening. Chef John English pizzas and a selection of cheese from the renown Cheese Store of Beverly Hills were on the menu to compliment the wine tasting. The Wine Tasting Experience at Wine Exchange features 24 wines available by the glass (or just to sample), all day, every day, as poured by their new, state-of-the-art Enomatic tasting appliances. “The Wine Exchange is personally curating the rotating selections. They are hands on and really care so only the best pours will be “on tap” from areas all over the globe. Think reds, whites and always a little something sweet.” The WineEx’s always well-spoken Kyle Meyer (President) joins us to uncork all the current doings at Wine Exchange and discuss the current climate for wine retailing.

“Lively Run Dairy in Interlaken, Cayuga Lake, Finger Lakes, NY, is one of the longest operating commercial goat dairies in the country, beginning production in New York in 1982 and pioneering goat cheese in the American marketplace. Lively Run is a family-owned and operated creamery located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. Steve and Susanne Messmer, and their two sons, Pete and Dave Messmer, own Lively Run Dairy. Pete took over as head cheese maker from Susanne in 2013. Since then Pete has developed and expanded Lively Run’s product line to include hard aged goat milk and cow milk cheeses.” Artisan Cheesemaker Pete Messmer is our guest.

Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. Thanksgiving is fast approaching and it’s high anxiety time in the home kitchen. Chef Andrew is a fountain of genuinely useful Thanksgiving cooking tips which he generously shares. Also, Chef eagerly explains why the Spork (combo of a fork & spoon) may be the most underutilized, and unappreciated, tool in the home kitchen.

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