Chef Andrew Gruel with “Ask the Chef”

“Since 2004, Zin American Bistro in Palm Springs has been a popular spot for locals in the downtown area. Zin offers crafted cocktails, brunch, and dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients. They are proud to have received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence year-after-year for their extensive wine list which boasts over 545 selections. In addition to inside bar and table seating Zin offers an attractive heated and cooled covered patio for the best in outdoor dining.” Proprietress Mindy Reed joins us to uncork all that is Zin American Bistro.“Moraga Vineyards is one of the most unique wine estates in California. Located at a 550-900 foot elevation in the Santa Monica Mountains in the Los Angeles community of Bel Air, the winery and vineyard is the source of remarkably refined wines that perfectly reflect a union of distinctive terroir and the gentle guidance of focused winemaking. The historic property is now owned by Rupert Murdoch. In 1959, Tom and Ruth Jones purchased the original property. After living on the estate for 20 years, Tom, the longtime CEO of Northrop Corporation, decided to plant grapevines. It was the steeply sloped hillsides and the gravelly and calcareous soils on the property that inspired them to plant vineyards as it reminded them of Bordeaux where they often travelled. The 2005 vintage marked a significant milestone in Moraga’s history. A state-of-the art winery was completed on the property just in time for the 2005 harvest. This, coupled with the barrel-ageing cave completed in 2004, established Moraga as an Estate Wine and one of the first commercial wineries to be bonded in the city of Los Angeles since Prohibition ended in 1933. Acclaimed winemaker Paul Warson (our guest) joined Moraga Vineyards in May of 2021. It is his ongoing intention to fulfill the Murdoch's commitment to the estate and to continue to produce wine of the highest quality. In 2013, at the age of 93 and with 24 vintages under his belt, Jones sold Moraga Bel Air to Rupert Murdoch.” Moraga Bel Air is the official wine of the upcoming L.A. Chef Conference on Monday, October 6th at the Redbird and Vibiana Events Center in Downtown Los Angeles.

“Get ready to feast for a cause as the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) proudly presents the return of its beloved Tastemakers of Orange County on Wednesday, September 24, from 6 to 9:00 p.m. at the vibrant Julianne & George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. This high-energy culinary celebration spotlights the rich and diverse flavors of Asian and Pacific Islander cuisine, crafted by more than two dozen of Orange County’s top chefs. Guests will enjoy exclusive, all-you-can-enjoy creations in a lively outdoor setting, knowing every bite supports OCAPICA’s numerous programs and services in mental health and health, youth development, housing assistance, policy education, and combating anti-Asian racism.” Restaurant Coordinator and Baker Tarit Tanjasiri (Crema Café & Crema Artisan Bakers) joins us along with Board Member Sora Tanjasiri representing OCAPICA.Following Tarit and Sora Tanjasari is Chef Bill Bracken of Bracken’s Kitchen in Garden Grove. Chef Bill is also part of the culinary lineup for Tastemakers of Orange County. “Bracken’s Kitchen is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Orange County California. Founded in 2013 their mission is simple: Through food rescue, culinary training and their community feeding program Bracken’s Kitchen is committed to rescuing, re-purposing and restoring both food and lives.” Bracken’s Kitchen’s annual fundraiser, Hungry Games 8.0, is set for the evening of Thursday, September 11th.“LA Chef Conference 2025 at Redbird and the Vibiana Events Center in Downtown Los Angeles on Monday, October 6th is an event for the chef and restaurant industry community. The organizers, Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions Hospitality Recruitment, invite attendees to come hungry for information, inspiration, delicious food and drinks. It’s also a great opportunity to see industry friends and to meet new ones!” Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP) is the benefiting charity. Founder Brad Metzer joins us with all the specifics. Also joining us is Shane Call, District Director – Southwest for Open Table. He’s the Moderator of the “Shaping the Future : L.A.’s Rising Stars” panel with Lord Maynard Llera (Kuyla Lord), Kat Turner (Highly Lively), Melissa Lopez (Barra Santos), and Byron Lazaroff-Puck (President, WP Fine Dining, Global.) Our own Chef Andrew Gruel, the menu-maker behind the full-service Calico Fish House (located in the Sunset Beach area of Huntington Beach) provides another timely and informative “Ask the Chef” segment where he responds to listeners’ thoughtful inquiries. What happens to a successful, multi-unit restaurant concept founded by hands-on entrepreneurs when it’s sold for mad money to a private equity fund. Chef Andrew shares his informed thoughts.All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!

“Since 2004, Zin American Bistro in Palm Springs has been a popular spot for locals in the downtown area. Zin offers crafted cocktails, brunch, and dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients. They are proud to have received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence year-after-year for their extensive wine list which boasts over 545 selections. In addition to inside bar and table seating Zin offers an attractive heated and cooled covered patio for the best in outdoor dining.” Proprietress Mindy Reed joins us to uncork all that is Zin American Bistro.“Moraga Vineyards is one of the most unique wine estates in California. Located at a 550-900 foot elevation in the Santa Monica Mountains in the Los Angeles community of Bel Air, the winery and vineyard is the source of remarkably refined wines that perfectly reflect a union of distinctive terroir and the gentle guidance of focused winemaking. The historic property is now owned by Rupert Murdoch. In 1959, Tom and Ruth Jones purchased the original property. After living on the estate for 20 years, Tom, the longtime CEO of Northrop Corporation, decided to plant grapevines. It was the steeply sloped hillsides and the gravelly and calcareous soils on the property that inspired them to plant vineyards as it reminded them of Bordeaux where they often travelled. The 2005 vintage marked a significant milestone in Moraga’s history. A state-of-the art winery was completed on the property just in time for the 2005 harvest. This, coupled with the barrel-ageing cave completed in 2004, established Moraga as an Estate Wine and one of the first commercial wineries to be bonded in the city of Los Angeles since Prohibition ended in 1933. Acclaimed winemaker Paul Warson (our guest) joined Moraga Vineyards in May of 2021. It is his ongoing intention to fulfill the Murdoch's commitment to the estate and to continue to produce wine of the highest quality. In 2013, at the age of 93 and with 24 vintages under his belt, Jones sold Moraga Bel Air to Rupert Murdoch.” Moraga Bel Air is the official wine of the upcoming L.A. Chef Conference on Monday, October 6th at the Redbird and Vibiana Events Center in Downtown Los Angeles.“Get ready to feast for a cause as the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) proudly presents the return of its beloved Tastemakers of Orange County on Wednesday, September 24, from 6 to 9:00 p.m. at the vibrant Julianne & George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. This high-energy culinary celebration spotlights the rich and diverse flavors of Asian and Pacific Islander cuisine, crafted by more than two dozen of Orange County’s top chefs. Guests will enjoy exclusive, all-you-can-enjoy creations in a lively outdoor setting, knowing every bite supports OCAPICA’s numerous programs and services in mental health and health, youth development, housing assistance, policy education, and combating anti-Asian racism.” Restaurant Coordinator and Baker Tarit Tanjasiri (Crema Café & Crema Artisan Bakers) joins us along with Board Member Sora Tanjasiri representing OCAPICA.Following Tarit and Sora Tanjasari is Chef Bill Bracken of Bracken’s Kitchen in Garden Grove. Chef Bill is also part of the culinary lineup for Tastemakers of Orange County. “Bracken’s Kitchen is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Orange County California. Founded in 2013 their mission is simple: Through food rescue, culinary training and their community feeding program Bracken’s Kitchen is committed to rescuing, re-purposing and restoring both food and lives.” Bracken’s Kitchen’s annual fundraiser, Hungry Games 8.0, is set for the evening of Thursday, September 11th.“LA Chef Conference 2025 at Redbird and the Vibiana Events Center in Downtown Los Angeles on Monday, October 6th is an event for the chef and restaurant industry community. The organizers, Brad Metzger Restaurant...

“Since 2004, Zin American Bistro in Palm Springs, a consistently top-rated establishment, has been a popular spot for locals in the downtown area. Zin offers crafted cocktails, brunch, and dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients.” They are proud to have received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence year-after-year for their extensive wine list which boasts over 545 selections. In addition to inside bar and table seating Zin offers an attractive heated and cooled (depending on the season) covered patio for the best in outdoor dining.At Brunch (Weekends) Mindy suggests the Huevos Rancheros with fried corn tortillas, refried black beans, salsa ranchers, 2 sunny side up eggs, queso fresco, white cheddar, fresh cilantro and pico de gallo. Their Chicken & Waffles is another favorite as they are known for their Country Fried Chicken.Proprietress Mindy Reed joins us to uncork all that is Zin American Bistro.

“Moraga Vineyards is one of the most unique wine estates in California. Located at a 550-900 foot elevation in the Santa Monica Mountains in the Los Angeles community of Bel Air, the winery and vineyard is the source of remarkably refined wines that perfectly reflect a union of distinctive terroir and the gentle guidance of focused winemaking. The historic property is now owned by Rupert Murdoch.”“In 1959, Tom and Ruth Jones purchased the property with a long and colorful history. After living on the estate for 20 years, Tom, the longtime CEO of Northrop Corporation, decided to plant grapevines. It was the steeply sloped hillsides and the gravelly and calcareous soils on the property that inspired them to plant vineyards as it reminded them of Bordeaux where they often travelled.”“Because they found their non-commercial vintages so enjoyable, the Joneses decided to officially launch Moraga Bel Air as a commercial entity.  The first vintage, 1989, was produced by Bruno D’Alfonso at Sanford Winery in Santa Barbara County.”“The 2005 vintage marked a significant milestone in Moraga’s history. A state-of-the art winery was completed on the property just in time for the 2005 harvest. This, coupled with the barrel-ageing cave completed in 2004, established Moraga as an Estate Wine and one of the first commercial wineries to be bonded in the city of Los Angeles since Prohibition ended in 1933.”“Acclaimed winemaker Paul Warson (our guest) joined Moraga Vineyards in May of 2021. It is his ongoing intention to fulfill the Murdoch's commitment to the estate and to continue to produce wine of the highest quality.”“In 2013, at the age of 93 and with 24 vintages under his belt, Jones sold Moraga Bel Air to Rupert Murdoch. Mr. Murdoch is committed to carrying on the Jones’ legacy of producing top quality wine from one of California’s most unique estate wineries.”Moraga Bel Air is the official wine of the upcoming L.A. Chef Conference on Monday, October 6th at the Redbird and Vibiana Events Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Winemaker Paul Warson is our guest uncorking all that is Moraga Bel Air.

“Moraga Vineyards is one of the most unique wine estates in California. Located at a 550-900 foot elevation in the Santa Monica Mountains in the Los Angeles community of Bel Air, the winery and vineyard is the source of remarkably refined wines that perfectly reflect a union of distinctive terroir and the gentle guidance of focused winemaking. The historic property is now owned by Rupert Murdoch.”“In 1959, Tom and Ruth Jones purchased the property with a long and colorful history as an urban ranch. After living on the estate for 20 years, Tom, the longtime CEO of Northrop Corporation, decided to plant grapevines. It was the steeply sloped hillsides and the gravelly and calcareous soils on the property that inspired them to plant vineyards as it reminded them of Bordeaux where they often travelled.”“Because they found their non-commercial vintages so enjoyable, the Joneses decided to officially launch Moraga Bel Air as a commercial entity.  The first vintage, 1989, was produced by Bruno D’Alfonso at Sanford Winery in Santa Barbara County.” “The 2005 vintage marked a significant milestone in Moraga’s history. A state-of-the art winery was completed on the property just in time for the 2005 harvest. This, coupled with the barrel-ageing cave completed in 2004, established Moraga as an Estate Wine and one of the first commercial wineries to be bonded in the city of Los Angeles since Prohibition ended in 1933.”“Acclaimed winemaker Paul Warson (our continuing guest) arrived at Moraga Vineyards in May of 2021. It is his ongoing intention to fulfill the Murdoch's commitment to the estate and to continue to produce wine of the highest quality.” “In 2013, at the age of 93 and with 24 vintages under his belt, Jones sold Moraga Bel Air to Rupert Murdoch. Mr. Murdoch is committed to carrying on the Jones’ legacy of producing top quality wine from one of California’s most unique estate wineries.”Moraga Bel Air is the official wine of the upcoming L.A. Chef Conference on Monday, October 6th at the Redbird and Vibiana Events Center in Downtown Los Angeles.Winemaker Paul Warson continues as our guest pulling the cork on all that is Moraga Bel Air.

“Get ready to feast for a cause as the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) proudly presents the return of its beloved Tastemakers of Orange County on Wednesday, September 24, from 6 to 9:00 p.m. at the vibrant Julianne & George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. This high-energy culinary celebration spotlights the rich and diverse flavors of Asian and Pacific Islander cuisine, crafted by more than two dozen of Orange County’s top chefs.” “Guests will enjoy exclusive, all-you-can-enjoy creations in a lively outdoor setting, knowing every bite supports OCAPICA’s numerous programs and services in mental health and health, youth development, housing assistance, policy education, and combating anti-Asian racism.”“Tickets are available to the public for $250 for VIP, which allows early entry at 6 p.m. (one hour earlier than General Admission); and $195 for General Admission from 7 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event will be held in the Julianne & George Argyros Plaza at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts (600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa).Restaurant Coordinator and Baker Tarit Tanjasiri (Crema Café & Crema Artisan Bakers) joins us along With Board Member (and Co-Founder) Sora Tanjasiri representing OCAPICA.

“Get ready to feast for a cause as the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) proudly presents the return of its beloved Tastemakers of Orange County on Wednesday, September 24, from 6 to 9:00 p.m. at the vibrant Julianne & George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. This high-energy culinary celebration spotlights the rich and diverse flavors of Asian and Pacific Islander cuisine, crafted by more than two dozen of Orange County’s top chefs.” Chef Bill Bracken of Bracken’s Kitchen in Garden Grove is also one of the Tastemaker of Orange County’s celebrity chef participants on September 24th. We’ll meet him.“Bracken’s Kitchen is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Orange County California. Founded in 2013 their mission is simple: Through food rescue, culinary training and their community feeding program Bracken’s Kitchen is committed to rescuing, re-purposing and restoring both food and lives. The heart of who Bracken’s Kitchen is can be found in a statement first uttered in 1957 by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr; “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?””“Hungry Games 8.0 (Bracken’s Kitchen’s annual fundraiser) is back for yet another fantastic evening of food and fun for GOOD. It’s hosted at their home kitchen facility in Garden Grove on Thursday, September 11th, 2025 with doors opening at 5:30 pm. Competing popular local chefs will vie for the title of “Hungry Games Champion” while 500 guests act as judges. It’s a casual and fun evening with amazing food and great music intended to help us fund our trio of services: community feeding, food rescue, and culinary training.”

“LA Chef Conference 2025 at Redbird and the Vibiana Events Center in Downtown Los Angeles on Monday, October 6th is an event for the chef and restaurant industry community. The organizers, Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions Hospitality Recruitment, invite attendees to come hungry for information, inspiration, delicious food and drinks. It’s also a great opportunity to see industry friends and to meet new ones!”“Included in the ticket price is first come first served access to all the panel discussions and programming, all food and drinks, including coffee, bagels, and snacks, during registration hour from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., the LA Chef Con Lunch from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. the Cocktail Party from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and the Official Afterparty at Grand Central Market from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. hosted by Chef’s Warehouse.”Founder Brad Metzger joins us with all the specifics.Also joining us is Shane Call, District Director – Southwest for Open Table. He’s the Moderator of the “Shaping the Future : L.A.’s Rising Stars” panel with Lord Maynard Llera (Kuyla Lord), Kat Turner (Highly Lively), Melissa Lopez (Barra Santos), and Byron Lazaroff-Puck (President, WP Fine Dining, Global.)

What happens to a successful, fast-growing, multi-unit restaurant concept founded by hands-on entrepreneurs when it’s sold for mad money to a private equity fund. Chef Andrew shares his informed thoughts.