LARRY VAN AALST - SOMMELIER
LARRY HOSTS A WEEKLY PROGRAM ON CRN AND ALSO IS AN EXPERT ON WINE WHO IS SOUGHT AFTER FOR EVENTS, TASTES AND MAJOR SOMMELIER EVENTS IN THE SAM FRANCISCO AREA. HE COMMENTS ON THE INDUSTRY AND HIS THOUGHTS ABOUT WINE.
ROSS MATHEWS - NBC TONIGHT SHOWRoss Mathews is taking over the world – the television world. You can see him on-air bringing in the laughs as a “Chelsea Lately” regular and “The Tonight Show” correspondent, and he has a new talk show in development for later this Fall.
Like many Americans who juggle busy schedules and long days, Ross doesn’t have time to be left high and dry by things that cause discomfort or slow him down. And, he’s not alone. A nationwide poll showed that contact lens wearers are tired of being left high and dry in front of the computer, at the movies and even behind the wheel of a car.
Since 2001, Ross Mathews has traveled the world and established himself as one of the most in demand television correspondents and hosts in the pop-culture arena today. Endearing and witty, undeniably funny and one of the hardest working people in show business, Mathews has won the hearts of millions of Americans since his television debut -- as a correspondent for “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” In May 2013, Mathews released his first book, Man Up: Tales of My Self Delusional Self-Confidence [Grand Central Publishing]. With an introduction written by Gwyneth Paltrow, and afterword from Chelsea Handler, Man Up takes readers inside Mathews’ personal journey as a super fan, revealing the most embarrassing and hilarious moments of his small town life and big city adventures, and how he managed to turn an obsession with pop culture into one on one interactions with celebrities like Paltrow, Tiffani-Amber Theissen, Madonna, and Michelle Kwan [to name a few] without ever having a single restraining order issued against him. In fall 2013, Ross will debut his own talk show entitled “Hello Ross,” a celebration of all things pop culture, and will include celebrity guests, audience interaction, and field pieces. In addition, Mathews can be seen as a regular panelist and occasional guest host on E!’s late-night talk show “Chelsea Lately,” and is a fixture on E! News and E! Network’s live red carpet awards show coverage. While working on his many projects - Mathews will also continue his duties as one of “The Tonight Show’s” regular correspondents.
For more information please visit www.biotruechallenge.com/.
07/09 LARRY VAN AALST, ROSS MATHEWS
07/08 GRANT BOWLER, ROBERTA WILSON
GRANT BOWLER - DEFIANCE
Set in the near future, Syfy's hit series Defiance introduced an exotically transformed planet Earth, permanently altered following the sudden arrival of seven unique alien races. In the town of Defiance (a.k.a. the ruins of St. Louis, MO), a newly formed civilization of humans and aliens had no choice but to co-exist peacefully. The tense, action-packed season finale of Defiance – which has been renewed for a second season – airs July 8 on Syfy.
Grant Bowler, who stars as Nolan on Defiance, was last seen on the small screen as Richard Burton in Lifetime's popular movie Liz & Dick. He also starred as ‘Cooter’ in the hit vampire series True Blood on HBO, and is well known for his recurring character roles on Ugly Betty and Lost.
Here's a confirmation for your interview with Grant Bowler of the Syfy show "Defiance" on MON, 7/8, at 8:10am PT.
ROBERTA WILSON - "COOKIES FOR A KOZ"
While Roberta and her brother, Jazz musician Dave Koz knew all about great cookies, the real cookie magician in Roberta’s family was her mom, Audrey. She was a pharmacist by trade (when women were not working much out of the home, let alone in pharmacies), and a true “angel on earth” at heart whose cookies were legendary.
When Audrey died suddenly in 2005, leaving “a void in the universe,” Roberta found herself not only at a crossroads in search of a new career challenge, but also in a position to honor the legacy of her beloved mother…
“I started my business, Cookies For A Koz (the “cause” being the Starlight Foundation–Audrey’s favorite charity), initially as an online gift business. About two years ago I decided to branch out into the wholesale business. This was a HUGE learning curve for me as it was a whole different animal than my small online business that I was doing all the baking for. I had to learn about manufacturing and packaging, and develop a version of my recipe that could have a six-month shelf life for retail. My first deal came about 1 1/2 years ago with Home Goods who agreed to carry four flavors of my cookies. I felt from the minute I received that news until the time the cookies finally got on the shelves in their 400+ stores that I took a crash course in business school…there was that much learning involved!
The biggest lesson was that you don’t have the same fears when starting a new career at 50+ as you do as when you’re much younger and starting out. I was fortunate to have a ‘what have I got to lose’ attitude which made me feel more fearless. I asked lots and lots of questions, and people were very generous with sharing their knowledge.
I now know it is possible to reinvent yourself in midlife if you find something you are passionate about. If you have the will and determination, you will figure out how to do it. The thing to remember is not to get overwhelmed with the entirety of the project, but to take small steps every day toward your end goal–mini successes give you the fuel and inspiration to continue to move forward.”
The creation and growth of this business also created a positive learning experience for Roberta’s daughters, ages 20 and 18. They know that she left a rewarding career because at a certain point it didn’t allow her to maintain the priorities that she had set for herself. They are very proud of their mom’s encore career. (They also love the charity component and that Cookies For A Koz honors Audrey, whom they adored.) Roberta says, “They have learned along with me what it takes to grow a small business from the ground up once you roll up your sleeves and get to work.”
Things are finally coming together for Roberta’s business: “We are going into the Gelson’s grocery store chain in Southern California this week and I hope over the next year to be in TJ Maxx and Marshall’s stores. I like to joke now that I’ve never worked so hard to make so little money–but I truly love it and hope that one day all the hard work will pay off, and that the Starlight Foundation will continue to benefit from even more profits. I feel passionate about what I am doing. I know my mom is smiling ear to ear and sitting on my shoulder helping me to take the next steps in my business.”
07/05 LARRY VAN AALST, CHEF BELTRAN, STEVE EVANS
LARRY VAN AALST - SOMMELIER
LARRY HOSTS A WEEKLY PROGRAM ON CRN AND ALSO IS AN EXPERT ON WINE WHO IS SOUGHT AFTER FOR EVENTS, TASTES AND MAJOR SOMMELIER EVENTS IN THE SAM FRANCISCO AREA. HE COMMENTS ON THE INDUSTRY AND HIS THOUGHTS ABOUT WINE.
CHEF BELTRAN - PASADENA
Passion, commitment to excellence, integrity, humor and a sense of adventure - these words begin to sum up Chef Claud Beltran.
An exotic mix of Mexican and Lebanese heritage, Chef Beltran was exposed to various ethnic foods at an early age. After being mentored by Master Chef Thomas Keller, Chef Beltran set out to make his own name.
For over a quarter century Claud Beltran has established himself as one of Los Angeles preeminent chefs. With his accomplished staff he creates culinary delights and fantastic designs that please all the senses. His experience with multiple venues makes your event experience seamless and his exquisite palate for food and wine makes your meal one to top all others.
GREAT MOVIES OPENING THIS WEEKEND AND BOX OFFICE PREDICTIONS AND HOPES. FIND OUT WHAT MOVIES ARE WORTH YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. GET SET FOR THE WEEKEND.
07/04 Rick Maynard, Martita Jara, Myron Mixon, Jeremy Wilkinson, Steve Raichlen
RICK MAYNARD - DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS - KFC
Rick talks about "Boneless chicken" and lighter healthier choices at KFC. Ditch the traditional “burgers and dogs” this July 4th, and add some spice and FLAVOR to your barbeque menu! Rick Bayless, award-winning chef and Macy’s Culinary Council member is available to give your viewers some tips and recipes to make their 4th of July celebration the most delicious on the block and help ensure that their guests are as dazzled by the menu as they are with the fireworks display. He’ll also provide a sneak peek at the 2013 Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks®.
MARTITA JARA - TV Chef Spices Up Your Summer BBQ With a Latin Flair!
Summertime means grilling and backyard parties. But, if youre burgered-out and need something creative to wow your palate and your pals, TV Chef Martita Jara has just what you need. This culinary artist brings her self-proclaimed California cuisine with Mexican flavor to your picnic table. Shes sharing tips on everything from prepping your grill to her favorite recipes and what she packs in her cooler. See how pro plans a party no one will soon forget! Martita Jara began working in her familys restaurant business at a young age, and her moms authentic Mexican home cooking inspired Martitas culinary passion. Her parents moved to the U.S. two years before she was born, and Martita credits them with her work ethic and perseverance. A vivacious newlywed who loves to entertain, Martita cooks with loads of Latin flavor and lots of love.
Martita Jara is a self-taught professional chef who last season showed off her skills on the Next Food Network Star. Now, Martita is sharing her signature flavors to spice up your backyard barbecue. Have you ever wondered what some of those unusual peppers are in the produce section? Martita knows and she will share which ones can add a real kick to your summer feast.
Myron Mixon - World Champion Barbecuer
Learn the Tricks and Secrets to Grilling a Scrumptious Meal from World Champion Barbecuer Myron Mixon. He is Widely Recognized as the Most Successful and Charismatic Man in Barbecue. You'll See Why When You Catch the New Season of His Mouth Watering Hit Show… "BBQ Pitmasters" And Learn How to Grill Like a Master with Nearly 150 Recipes from His Latest Cookbook "Everyday Barbecue!" From the Best Meat to buy to the Type of Grill that Works Best… Mixon will Share Cooking Tips that Will Make YOU the Grilling Master of YOUR Family. The hit series is back with the deeply competitive spirit of the American BBQ subculture all summer long! Destination America has doubled the number of competitors to shine the spotlight on the best BBQ festivals across the country -- from Austin, TX to New York City. Returning judges include the “winningest” man in BBQ, Myron Mixon, alongside Tuffy Stone, and each week will feature a new twist with a surprise guest judge. At the end of the season, only one will be crowned the ultimate BBQ Pitmaster.
JEREMY WILKINSON - SpecialWinesDirect.com
Jeremy joins Mike and Paul in studio to talk about special wine imports and his vast knowledge of Australian and Foreign wines and their uses.
Limited availability wines, specially selected from around the world-direct to your door. Shop by Wine Origin, Wine Type, or Price Point to find a great range of prices and unique wines that are not available elsewhere. Mix and Match to create your own case for 10% off your order! Access to your own Personal Sommelier to help you find the perfect wine.
Steve Raichlen - Culinary Writer, TV Host, and Novelist
Since 1998, Raichlen's books have focused on the culture and practice of global grilling. His 28 books include The Barbecue Bible (1998, revised in 2008), How to Grill (2001), BBQ USA, Miami Spice, and Healthy Latin Cooking. His books have been translated into 15 languages. Raichlen also wrote Planet Barbecue!, the story of his travels to more than 50 countries in search of the best barbecue, published by Workman Publishing in 2010.
Raichlen currently hosts Primal Grill (American Public Television, 3 seasons, 2008–present). According to the show's Web site, the new series focuses on the "how-tos" of live fire cooking, employing different grills for each technique, including South American methods on large wood-fired Grillworks models. Raichlen, who holds a degree in French literature from Reed College, also hosts a French-language TV show called Le Maitre du Grill on Zeste in Quebec. Raichlen created the TV show Barbecue University (aka BBQ U, American Public Television, 4 Seasons, 2003–2006).
Raichlen is the founder of Barbecue University, which offers three-day intensive courses on live fire cooking at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs.
Steven Raichlen has won five James Beard awards for his cookbooks. High-Flavor, Low-Fat Cooking won the 1993 award for Best Light and Healthy Cookbook, and his follow-up, High-Flavor, Low-Fat Vegetarian Cooking, won the 1996 award for Best Vegetarian Cookbook.[5] In 1999, Healthy Latin Cooking won the award for Healthy Focus. He also earned the 2001 James Beard Foundation/KitchenAid Book Award for his Healthy Jewish Cooking
More recently his 780-page book, BBQ USA, won the 2004 award for Tools and Techniques. In 2003, Bon Appetit named Raichlen “Cooking Teacher of the Year," the same year that The Barbecue Bible, based on his four years of research while traveling 150,000 miles through 25 countries on five continents, won an IACP Julia Child Award.
Originally from Baltimore, Raichlen has been known to further careers of such barbecue pitmasters thanks to his writing. One being Wayne Mark Schafer, of Baltimore's Pit Beef fame Big Fat Daddy's who was featured in Raichlen's NY Times Article and 425 Fiery Recipes Book.
He battled and defeated Iron Chef Rokusaburo Michiba in a "Battle of the Barbecue Gods" on Japanese television. Raichlen has written for The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler, Food and Wine, "Bon Appetit" andHemispheres magazines.He has appeared on numerous television programs and networks including Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, Discovery Channel, Oprah, Regis & Kelly, The View and CNN.
07/03 LARRY LIPSON, JEREMY WILKINSON, Special Wines Direct
LARRY LIPSON - COSTA RICA CORRESPONDENT
LARRY WAS A FOOD CRITIC FOR THE LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS AND NOW FILES A WEEKLY REPORT DIRECT FROM COSTA RICA AND THE LIPSON INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED WINE STUDIES.
JEREMY WILKINSON - SpecialWinesDirect.com
Limited availability wines, specially selected from around the world-direct to your door. Shop by Wine Origin, Wine Type, or Price Point to find a great range of prices and unique wines that are not available elsewhere. Mix and Match to create your own case for 10% off your order! Access to your own Personal Sommelier to help you find the perfect wine.
07/02 Andre Boada, Patty Sriskiew, Steve Raichlen
Andre Boada - Vice President Brand Management & StrategyAndre's European parents first introduced him to fine cuisine and wine as a young child. His French mother and Spanish father taught him the importance of gathering and conversing around the dinner table. It is there where he learned that food and wine are a bridge to connecting people. He was naturally drawn into a career in the industry, inspired to develop artisan brands and strategic vision. He brings twenty years of experience to Captûre to oversee marketing, public relations, and brand development. He enjoys traveling, hiking and experiencing the outdoors, and playing tennis. Andre lives in the historic McDonald district in Santa Rosa.
Patty Sriskiew - Restaurant Manager of Natalee Thai
Steve Raichlen - Culinary Writer, TV Host, and Novelist
Since 1998, Raichlen's books have focused on the culture and practice of global grilling. His 28 books include The Barbecue Bible (1998, revised in 2008), How to Grill (2001), BBQ USA, Miami Spice, and Healthy Latin Cooking. His books have been translated into 15 languages. Raichlen also wrote Planet Barbecue!, the story of his travels to more than 50 countries in search of the best barbecue, published by Workman Publishing in 2010.
Raichlen currently hosts Primal Grill (American Public Television, 3 seasons, 2008–present). According to the show's Web site, the new series focuses on the "how-tos" of live fire cooking, employing different grills for each technique, including South American methods on large wood-fired Grillworks models. Raichlen, who holds a degree in French literature from Reed College, also hosts a French-language TV show called Le Maitre du Grill on Zeste in Quebec. Raichlen created the TV show Barbecue University (aka BBQ U, American Public Television, 4 Seasons, 2003–2006).
Raichlen is the founder of Barbecue University, which offers three-day intensive courses on live fire cooking at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs.
Steven Raichlen has won five James Beard awards for his cookbooks. High-Flavor, Low-Fat Cooking won the 1993 award for Best Light and Healthy Cookbook, and his follow-up, High-Flavor, Low-Fat Vegetarian Cooking, won the 1996 award for Best Vegetarian Cookbook.[5] In 1999, Healthy Latin Cooking won the award for Healthy Focus. He also earned the 2001 James Beard Foundation/KitchenAid Book Award for his Healthy Jewish Cooking
More recently his 780-page book, BBQ USA, won the 2004 award for Tools and Techniques. In 2003, Bon Appetit named Raichlen “Cooking Teacher of the Year," the same year that The Barbecue Bible, based on his four years of research while traveling 150,000 miles through 25 countries on five continents, won an IACP Julia Child Award.
Originally from Baltimore, Raichlen has been known to further careers of such barbecue pitmasters thanks to his writing. One being Wayne Mark Schafer, of Baltimore's Pit Beef fame Big Fat Daddy's who was featured in Raichlen's NY Times Article and 425 Fiery Recipes Book.
He battled and defeated Iron Chef Rokusaburo Michiba in a "Battle of the Barbecue Gods" on Japanese television. Raichlen has written for The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler, Food and Wine, "Bon Appetit" andHemispheres magazines.He has appeared on numerous television programs and networks including Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, Discovery Channel, Oprah, Regis & Kelly, The View and CNN.
07/01 Larry Smyth, Carriage Vineyards, Ignacio Monero
Larry Smyth - Carriage VineyardsCarriage Vineyards is tucked away in the country, outside the small historic town of Templeton , near Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County on California 's Central Coast . We are half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco .
From the North: Take hwy 101 south into the town of Templeton (just south of Paso Robles). Exit Vineyard Drive and turn right onto Vineyard. Follow Vineyard and turn right onto Templeton Road. Take Templeton Road until you come to South El Pomar. Make a left onto South El Pomar. You will find us on the right hand side nestled back on the hillside.
From the South: Take hwy 101 north into the town of Templeton (approximately 25 miles north of San Luis Obispo ). Exit Hwy 41 (Morro Road) in Atascadero and head East. Turn Left onto Templeton Road. Take Templeton Road to South El Pomar. Make a right onto South El Pomar. You will find us on the Right hand side nestled back on the hillside.
Ignacio Monero – Los Aljibes WineryLos Aljibes Winery is part of Los Aljibes estate, located in Chinchilla de Montearagon, province of Albacete, Spain, in the Vino de la Tierra de Castilla wine producing region. The winery building is surrounded by 178 hectares of vineyards, cultivated at almost one thousand meters above sea level.
Los Aljibes is focused on creating functional, modern wines of high expression and was designed for this purpose in an architectural complex of refined culture.
The effort and enthusiasm of our human team, added to the exceptional quality of the terroir and vines, and the meticulous vinification process, assures the production of very distinct, high quality wines.
www.FincaLosAljibes.com







