Show 561, January 20, 2024: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

SoCal Restaurant Show

“Long Beach residents and visitors alike are in for a treat as over two dozen Black-owned local restaurants and food businesses will offer special menu items and special pricing when the 3rd annual Long Beach Black Restaurant Week returns January 21-28, 2024. Organized by Axiom Kitchen and fiscally sponsored by 501(c)3 non-profit NoahS’s Arc, owner Qiana Mafnas felt that in addition to encouraging local “foodies” to enjoy what the expanding Long Beach Black culinary community has to offer, events like these support the local economy and put “butts in seats” of our valued restaurants and food retailers and home-based businesses.” Executive Chef Qiana Mafnas of Axiom Kitchen joins us with all the scrumptious details of the upcoming Long Beach Black Restaurant Week.

For the 3rd consecutive year Georgia’s Restaurant at Long Beach Exchange (where Southern hospitality meets culinary creativity) will again be part of Long Beach Black Restaurant Week. Think Gretchen’s Jambalaya and Grilled Creole Shrimp for openers. Proprietor Nika Shoemaker-Machado previews what will be on her comfort food menu.

“Casaléna (Woodland Hills) is the premier new restaurant and events space in the West Valley. The menu boasts coastal Mediterranean flavors and emphasizes the use of seasonal, top-quality ingredients. At Casaléna, guests can be transported to their favorite European destinations, whether they choose to enjoy an intimate dinner in the outdoor sunken patio, or unwind with a late-night cocktail.” Casalena is attentively overseen by siblings Chloe, Brandon and Tyler Makhani. “Coastal Mediterranean is the menu direction at Casalena and suggests coastal cuisines ranging from Spain, Italy, France and Greece and those dishes immediately represented the brand and overall vision that the Makhani’s wanted to bring to life in the space. The ambiance exudes resort and carefree lifestyle and their intent is to transport guests to an atmosphere that provides an escape from ordinary life or the mundane day to day.” For starters think Squash Blossoms and Sweet Corn Agnolotti. Joining us to provide the intriguing story of the ambitious Casalena are Chloe, Brandon and Tyler Makhani.

“Lil’ Luna’s So Easy & So Yummy – The Ultimate Resource for Feeding Your Friends and Family by Kristyn Merkley invites the reader to cook with joy and feed the ones you love with 200 plus recipes for all occasions from the creator of the wildly popular Lil’ Luna cooking blog. Need a hand in the kitchen? Lil’ Luna has you covered. From hearty breakfasts to festive apps to mouthwatering main courses, Lil’ Luna’s So Easy & So Yummy helps you navigate everything from meal prep and party planning to last-minute dinner solutions for your family. With more than 200 go-to, no-fail recipes—many ready in thirty minutes or less!—this innovative and approachable cookbook will revolutionize your mealtime routine.” Author Kristyn Merkley is our guest with a whisk at the ready.

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. California meets Maine with a special Lobster Roll garnished with Avocado slices. Chef Andrew weighs in. Chef Andrew will also explore what’s of primary concern to area restaurateurs in 2024.

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

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