Show 571, March 30, 2024: Show Preview with Executive Producer & Co-Host Andy Harris

SoCal Restaurant Show

The 2nd year anniversary of notable Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini’s ambitious Neon Feast dining app happened last month. Lots of new features have now been added to the updated App. “Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android (as well as neonfeast.com), Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.” To celebrate there is an exciting photo sweepstakes contest on right now with the lucky grand prize winner being hosted to an evening for two at Joel Robuchon at the MGM Grand. Monthly there is a $300 Lip Smacking Foodie Tours gift certificate awarded. Al Mancini is our always in-the-know guest with highlights of what’s new on the Vegas dining scene. Al also has just launched with Gemini Stevens (his co-host on the Food & Loathing podcast) the NeonNews Website with current news (and breaking headline news) on the vibrant Vegas dining scene and lots more reported from his most reliable local sources.

“Three Sticks Wines is a boutique, family-owned winery recognized for its unique super premium collection of Sonoma vineyards, award-winning pinot noir, and chardonnay. Proprietor William “Bill” S. Price III (nicknamed Billy Three Sticks) set about building a collection of six Grand Cru level Estate vineyards in Sonoma County starting with Durell in 1997. By way of acquiring or newly planting, he has built a reputation for owning and farming some of the finest pinot and chardonnay acreages in California. Since 2002 Three Sticks Co-founder and General Manager Prema Kerollis set about designing and building the experiences, culture, and voice of Three Sticks while Bill focused on the vineyards with Rob Harris, head of all vineyard activities and winegrowing for the Price Family Vineyards and Estates portfolio. After years spent focusing on vineyards and hospitality, Three Sticks was ripe for some serious winemaking talent. Director of Winemaking Ryan Prichard joined Three Sticks in 2015 to craft wines from Bill’s sought-after Heritage vineyards, notably Durell, Gap’s Crown, and Walala, only to discover the majesty of his small, organically farmed, hand-planted properties, known internally as Monopoles: One Sky, Alana, and William James.” Winemaker Ryan Prichard is our guest to pull the cork on all that is Three Sticks Wine.

Three generations of the Gonzalez Family have been in the grocery business in Southern California with the very popular Northgate Gonzalez Markets. Now they are pioneering a new, first of its kind in the United States shopping experience, with the arrival of the long-in-the-works Mercado Gonzalez in Costa Mesa. It’s a 70,000 square foot culinary wonder of truly mouth-watering authentic foods representing many regions of Mexico with some 20 Puestos (Food Stands) “teeming with vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and an array of flavorful delights. Explore a variety of flavors at Mercado González’s Puestos / Food Stands, where each stand offers a unique culinary adventure. Mercado has something to please every palate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.” Representing the 3rd generation of proud Gonzalez Family ownership is Joshua Gonzalez who is also the project Manager for Mercado Gonzalez. Joshua is our informed guide to all the enticing wonders of Mercado Gonzalez.

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. French Fries…! There is nothing better than fresh-cut perfectly crisp fries. Chef Andrew shares his proven technique. (Rescheduled from last week.)

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

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