Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

SoCal Restaurant Show

“Affectionately known as the “Godfather” of the Paso Robles wine region, Gary Eberle’s contributions to the California and U.S. wine trade are significant. Eberle was the first to place the Paso Robles AVA designation on the Eberle Winery Cabernet Sauvignon label and he subsequently co-founded the distinctive Paso Robles terroir as an American Viticulture Area (AVA) in 1983. With a staunch commitment to the possibility of age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, Eberle was also the first to plant Syrah on the Central Coast and make a 100 percent Syrah varietal wine in the United States. As chief promoter for his brand, Eberle has worked relentlessly for almost 50 years building awareness of the Paso Robles and California wines through his passionate promotion to consumers, media and trade across the country. These milestones have proven to be significant as Paso Robles has become a respected force in the wine industry.” Gary Eberle joins us to uncork all that is Eberle Winery.

“Hot Tongue Pizza in Silver Lake (the creation of pizza whisperer Alex Koons) is a contemporary pizza shop (with a Vegan flair) that takes from the energy and vibrance of the best food city in the world, Los Angeles. The open floor plan of the restaurant allows for a peek inside the magic that goes on day in and day out. The pizza is not only meant to entice your tastebuds, but also to evoke the nostalgia of that slice you remember growing up.” They also have fun with their off the wall (but somewhat informative) Social Media posts. “Hot Tongue’s welcoming counter service and low- key casual ambience makes for an inviting dining experience. Come in a stranger and leave a friend. The alchemy comes in the form of classic pizza combinations, on top of the best organic grains, carefully sourced ingredients with an Angeleno attitude.”

In mid-2022 Citrus City Grille transitioned to new ownership of the longtime Orange based restaurant. “Since first opening in 1996, Citrus City Grille quickly became an iconic part of the Old Towne Orange aesthetic, serving up crave-worthy contemporary American cuisine with a touch of Mediterranean. New owner and restaurant industry veteran Charlie Cosmas alongside his family have been longtime patrons of Citrus City Grille, and as of July 2022 took over day to day operations. Former owner Steve Tsirtsis and Charlie Cosmas happen to share a Greek heritage, which has been a hugely influential part of the Citrus City Grille menu and ethos. As always, Citrus City Grille showcases the freshest seafood, steaks, pastas, and more. Other recent additions to their menu include the Citrus City Caprese, the elevated CCB Burger on a brioche bun, Chicken Caesar Wrap, Tomahawk Chicken, and Citrus City Meatloaf. Since opening in 1996, CCG has become an iconic part of the central Orange aesthetic, serving up incredible, fresh Californian cuisine with a Mediterranean flair.” Chef Charlie Cosmas takes a break from his busy kitchen 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) 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. Tipping is back in the news. Love it or hate it tipping seems to endure in the United States. Does it really motivate the serving staff? Chef Andrew has his informed perspective.

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