Show Introduction with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

SoCal Restaurant Show

The picturesque Finger Lakes area in New York is now recognized as an important wine region in the United States. “In Europe, winemakers have spent centuries identifying the characteristics of world- class wine, learning what grapes grow best in what soils, under what conditions and honing their skills needed to produce the finest vintages. While winemaking in the Finger Lakes is still in its infancy, at just over 160 years-old, in recent years the region has garnered deserved acclaim as one of the “greatest Riesling regions” of the world and “America’s premier cool-climate wine region.” “Much of the success of winemaking in Finger Lakes has been shaped by a handful of European Winemakers who have blended the best of old-world traditions, training, and experience with new-world innovation, a willingness to experiment and to share ideas and the flexibility to adjust to any given situation.” Wine journalist David Nershi, CSW (well-traveled in the region) is our guest to uncork all that is the Finger Lakes.

“Award-winning Tito’s Tacos and Tito’s Handmade Vodka are again joining forces for the 7th annual Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana. The highly anticipated and beloved annual local event will take place at Tito’s Tacos in Culver City on Friday, October 4 – on National Taco Day and National Vodka Day – from 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM to raise funds for the Culver City Arts Foundation. Partygoers can enjoy Tito’s Tacos’ delicious award-winning tacos, burritos and flan, Tito’s Handmade Vodka’s specialty cocktails, and five hours of non-stop musical entertainment by new and returning world-class mariachi artists like Mariachi Juevenil Herencia Michoacana, heavy metal rockers Metalachi, the Grammy nominated all-female Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles and more. Additionally, guests will be treated to a colorful compilation of traditional Mexican folklórico dances throughout the event by Folk Revolución. The jam-packed day of lively activities will be orchestrated by Master of Ceremonies comedian Eric Schwartz, also known as “Smooth-E.”” Tito’s Tacos 2nd generation Co-Proprietor, Lynne Davidson, joins us with all the spirited details.

Pink’s Hot Dogs is a genuine Hollywood institution founded in 1939. Their 85 Anniversary will be celebrated this year in November.“This landmark hot dog stand (still in it’s original configuration) serves over 1,200 hot dogs and 200 hamburgers a day. Pink’s was started in 1939 by 2nd generation proprietor Richard Pink’s parents, Paul and Betty Pink, with a pushcart they purchased for $50, with money they borrowed from Betty’s mother. The land on which the pushcart stood was leased by Paul and Betty for $15 per month. Hot dogs at that time were 10 cents and Cokes were a nickel. Pink’s offered curb service, and was lucky to sell 100 hot dogs a day.” Business is more robust these days typically with a fast-moving line. Pink’s Hot Dogs will again be one of the noteworthy participating restaurants in the “L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade” benefit on Saturday, October 5th on the UCLA Campus. Pink’s 2nd generation Top Dog, Richard Pink, is our guest with all the snappy details.

Manhattan Beach-based Chef David LeFevre of Fishing with Dynamite, MB Post, The Arthur J and soon-to-be AttaGirl, “a native of Madison, Wisconsin, developed his passion for cooking as a child by helping his Mother in the kitchen. He says, “I loved the food my mother made and realized that if I knew how to cook, I wouldn’t have to wait for someone else to cook for me.”” Chef David is one of the celebrity Host Chefs for the upcoming Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival in Manhattan Village set for the evenings of Friday, October 11th and Saturday , October 12th. We reel in Chef LeFevre from his busy kitchens to join us.

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. Both November 5th Presidential candidates have proposed eliminating the Federal income tax on servers’ Tips/Gratuities. One Candidate has further suggested doing this in combination with a raise in the National Minimum Wage. What is the potential downside to this? Chef Andrew offers his informed perspective.

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