“Tiki bar fans, rejoice — and grab a place at Strong Water Anaheim. It’s a creatively reimagined classic of the genre, with its curio-shop-in-a-shipwreck atmosphere, its supercharged bar-food menu, its encyclopedic list of classic and creative tropical libations (zero proof options included), and its treasure chest of rare artisanal rums worth drinking straight.” Strong Water’s latest national recognition is a current nomination as a semi-finalist for the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine & Other Beverage Program. Strong Water previously was the only Orange County nominee in any category for a James Beard Award in 2024. Strong Water’s “Spirit Lifter,” Robert Adamson is our guide to their Dry January creations. They also have a pair of low-alcohol creations.
“Los Angeles County’s upscale Desi eatery, SHOR Bazaar, is kicking off the New Year with a brand-new mocktail menu to celebrate Dry January. Known for its innovative 100% non-alcoholic bar program, SHOR Bazaar located in Hawaiian Gardens continues to redefine the dining experience for those exploring the sober-curious movement, and the Dry January menu is no exception. Each mocktail on the Dry January menu is priced at $12 and will be available for a limited time through January 31, 2025.” “Dry January has become a wonderful yearly social tradition that allows us to share our passion for non-alcoholic culture with an even wider audience,” says Head Mixologist Ahmad Hosseini. “To inspire guests to explore the art of non-alcoholic mixology, we created four new drinks that are interesting and spark excitement for the possibilities of a sober lifestyle, whether it’s just for one month, or continued throughout everyday life.” Head Mixologist Ahmad Hosseini joins us with a freshly prepared Kale Smash cocktail at the ready.
“The Lido Theater, Newport Beach’s iconic and recently restored movie landmark, has launched its Café Pop-Up Experience, open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. This exciting new offering, curated by Chef Shelly Register under the direction Hollywood Director and Newport Beach native Joseph ‘McG’ Nichol of River Jetty Restaurant Group, features a variety of freshly prepared menu items alongside an assortment of fresh-baked goods daily.” “Because of the history of the theater, it was really important that we create something that is lasting, that builds community, and says ‘We’re here for you, and we’re here to stay’—and let’s have fun with it!” commented Shelly Register, Culinary Director of River Jetty Restaurant Group’s A Market.” Chef Shelly is our guest ushering us through the special Café Pop-Up Experience at The Lido.
“Restaurants Care at the California Restaurant Foundation has opened a $200,000 disaster fund to kick-start direct assistance to food and beverage workers who have lost their homes, jobs, and stability in the L.A. Fires. Grants of up to $1,500 are available to help with critical needs like housing, food, and clothing as workers begin to recover from this crisis. Grants are awarded based on need and available funds.” Alycia Harshfield, President, California Restaurant Foundation | Restaurants Care, joins us with all the specifics.
It’s the new year and we’re always trying to creatively add more appealing fruits and vegetables to our daily meals. What are some great specialty produce items to consider for 2025 ? We’re joined by our resident produce authority, Robert Schueller of Melissa’s (also known as the “Prince of Produce”,) for a “fresh of the season” overview.
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. Chef Andrew remains tirelessly on the front line of providing disaster relief in his own small way for all the unfortunate victims of the Pacific Palisades and Pasadena / Altadena fires as part of a larger effort by restaurant & hospitality folks. He updates us on what is being done and what listeners can do to help. It’s an ongoing effort for the very long term. Andrew has also teamed up with Brave Books, his publisher for Andrew Gruel’s Family Cookbook. Through February 1st (at the minimum) they will donate a meal to a wildfire victim for each book sold.
All of this and heaping helpings of extra deliciousness on this week’s not-to-miss show!
