Frenchie's Friends Podcast presented by Green Cheek Beer Company

Brian and I are back on location this time we have landed at Everywhere Brewery in Orange! On August 4th, 2023, Everywhere will celebrate their One Year Anniversary and the FF Podcast Presented by Green Cheek Beer wanted to celebrate them!Jeremy Grinkey and Keith Pumilia who are part of the ownership group join the cast to discuss the idea of going out on their own, love of food, love of beer, love of people and why they strive to make Everywhere everything to everyone!Stop by soon to Everywhere in Orange....a great place for great people, great beer and a pre/post drink for every Angels home game....it's just down the street from the Big A!

Your Native Son! The Frenchie's Friends Podcast presented by Green Cheek Beer is back!!  Brian and I make a stop to @nativesonoc in #santaana for some great beer and crab cakes! Owner @jonbonfon (Jon Sanchez) gives us a taste of what @nativesonoc and his two other locations have to offer! Enjoy the

THE RANCH Restaurant and Saloon in Anaheim, California is one of the premiere dining establishments in all of Southern California.  It's Prime Steaks rival the best anywhere while it's award winning wine program is second to none.  But now THE RANCH Restaurant and Saloon has added top shelf spirits to it's portfolio! Brian and I take a road trip to THE RANCH Restaurant and Saloon and sit with Jeremy, the Director of Fine Spirits and Eddie, the Whiskey Captain, as they give us a little bit of history of the restaurant and saloon, but also take us on a whiskey journey through the Founders Flight! Cheers and enjoy!

Cheeky #3 is finally here!  After long hours and A LOT of blood, sweat and tears, Brian Rausso and Evan Price have opened up their newest Green Cheek Beer location in Sunset Beach!  I paid a visit on Industry Night to celebrate the occasion and Brian and I had a chance to talk with Ebony, who is the new manager in Sunset Beach and Jeremy Grinkey, who just opened up Everywhere Brewing Company! Cheers!!

1886 - A true Hub for the City of Orange! Opened just before the pandemic hit, @1886brewingco has quickly established itself as a place for #cityoforange residents can drink great craft beer, enjoy a creative menu, and watch a game! But @1886brewingco is the last thing from a sports bar. A beautiful environment has been created that welcomes beer lovers, foodies and families! The name comes from the year the building was built and the history has been kept in tact with hardwood floors and brick walls! Owner Mike Hernandez and his brewer Shaun Morgan talk with Brian and I about how 1886 came to be and what's next!! #FrenchiesFriends #oldtownorange #orangecircle #craftbeer #craftbeerlover #ocbeer #socalbeer #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #supportlocalbusiness #supportlocalartists

When Brian and I paid a visit to Harley in Laguna Beach to talk with owner Chef Greg Daniel, it was very evident you were in for a unique experience.  The space is two stories, open concept, and has windows from floor to ceiling giving it a Northern Cal feel. But the fact he's located on Mermaid street brings you right back to Laguna!  Comfort food like Fried Chicken, Mac n Cheese and Biscuits and Gravy fill the menu along with fresh fish and choice meats.  The setting is to pay tribute to his Grandfather Harley, who he named the restaurant after, and create the comfort he felt walking into his Grandfather's home.  After an evening of dining, you are left wishing you knew Grandpa Harley personally!  Top shelf cocktails, craft beer and select wines are the perfect touch to a perfect evening.  Enjoy getting to know Chef Greg and make sure you put the Harley experience next on your list!

Welcome to a Frenchie's Friendsmas Feast featuring Docent Brewery on location at Heritage Barbecue! Yes Brian and I take a road trip to San Juan Capistrano to say hello to good friend Danny Castillo and are joined by the two Brian's from Docent (Brian Hendon and Bryan Giesen)! Docent is San Juan Capistrano's first brewery and public house and has taken on a  responsibility to give the community more than just a meeting place but a home away from home.  Find out how Docent lives by the 3 stars in their logo that represent 3 pillars - Craftsmanship, Community and Independence.  Join us for great food,  and brews as we sit on a picnic bench at Heritage Barbecue to have a few laughs with good friends.

This is true a family success story!  Meet Dave and Bree, who during the pandemic, were experimenting with making different types of bread that ended up being quite delicious. One loaf was sold, the word was out, and FKN Bread became a local favorite. Their home business has now moved into a storefront in San Juan Capistrano and the word continues spread! Incredible sourdough has grown into pastries and much more!  Brian and I stopped by for a visit and even had a chance to make some bread with Dave!  We know you enjoy these two and much as we did and find out the true meaning of FKN!

On the latest edition of the Frenchie's Friends Podcast presented by Green Cheek Beer, Brian and I talk with Sean Haggerty, owner and founder of Protector Brewery in San Diego and an American Veteran.  A Navy Seal for over a decade, Sean tells us how the idea for San Diego's first organic brewery came out of the need for a cold beer while fighting in Iraq.  Get ready for stories about his combat missions that have given Sean perspective and why no hurdle is too high and no problem is unsolvable. 

Come drink with us under the trees in Mammoth!  Brian and I travel to Mammoth Lakes for the 25th Annual Bluesapalooza where great beer, food and music meet the Eastern Sierras!  What a great day meeting incredible brewers and sampling beer from all over California.  On this latest edition of the Podcast, Brian and I chat with Victor Lester, Head Brewer at Mammoth Brewing Company, Steven Hicks, Head Brewer at Station Craft Brewery in Dana Point, and Robert Jon from Robert Jon and the Wreck who played both Saturday and Sunday!Cheers to great beer, great music and great friends!

On our latest episode, Bar manager Isle Anderson and Chef Albert from Landers Liquor Bar in San Clemente join Brian and I to talk about this cool concept that has made it's way from Costa Mesa to the beach of SC!  Craft cocktails, local brews, gourmet food, a vintage inspired clothing store and ocean views all rolled into one....It truly doesn't get any better than this!  Oh and make sure you say high to Whiskey.....after you listen you'll know what I mean!

Wil Dee joins Brian and I on our latest podcast and you are sure to find out as we did that he has to be the most interesting man in Orange County!  He's the co-founder of Chapman Crafted and also owns Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar and Provisions Deli & Bottleshop all located in Old Towne Orange!  He discusses his incredibly interesting story of working at pretty much every bar and restaurant in Orange County and how that experience has helped him today.  He also reveals how he balances being a great husband and father with 3 businesses!  

Brian and I got Wrecked on the beach...and man was it fun!  We took the Podcast on the road to Sea Legs at the Beach located right on the sand at the Bolsa Chica Beach where Robert Jon and the Wreck were playing under the Southern California sun in front of a packed house!  Robert Jon Burrison and Henry James were kind enough to join us between sets to talk about finally playing in front of a live crowd and their European Tour this fall.  This is the second time Robert Jon has been on the show.  He was so good the first time, we had to go see him live and now we are true Wrecked fans!  Crack a beer, put on some sunscreen, dig your toes in the sand and enjoy Robert Jon and Wreck!Check out the videocast of the interviews on my youtube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSZlDcUn4Zq1useXRwX2ZaA

14 years ago Larry Houser joined forces with John Skehan and Holly Hana to bring a love of New Orleans cuisine to Fullerton.  Ever since Bourbon Street has been a staple for the Bourbon behind the bar, the authentic food on the table and the buzzing nightlife once the sun goes down!Larry joins Brian and I to talk about the success of Bourbon Street, the Bowery Pies (a family pizza place he opened 5 years ago next door), and his families fight against Autism.  Oh...and Evan Price, co-owner and brewer at Green Cheek, makes a guest appearance!

On the latest episode of the Podcast, Brian and I head to Surf City not in search of the best waves, but the best Spirits!  Surf City Still Works opened its doors in 2017 becoming Huntington Beach's first independent craft distillery.  In a "what now" moment several years ago, co-founders Elena and Josh Kornoff decided to follow a passion and forge a road in HB no one had done before and have never looked back!  Josh joins us to share his story that has taken him from the spirit of Hollywood to the Spirit of HB!  There are big plans in store for Surf City Still Works...tune into find out!

You know when you meet someone for the first time and instantly you feel happy?  That is how I describe our next guest on the Podcast.  Yolanda Quam is co-owner of The Fuel Shack in San Clemente.  After spending 25 years in the medical profession, she wanted to see what else was out there for her and let her love for food and laughter lead the way to her dream. Brian and I smile from the beginning to the end of this interview as Yolanda shares her story with us the only way she knows how!  Oh and she uses here megaphones so get ready!

Alcohol infused cupcakes...need I say more!  Get to Hapa Cakes! What an incredible combination created by 2 incredible ladies 8 years ago.  Hanayo Martin and Akemi Simpson came up with the concept while students at Cal State Fullerton and now they have 2 locations, one in downtown Fullerton and another in Brea!  Trust me, these treats are the perfect way to end your day (or start your weekend!) and now is the perfect time to stop by Hapa Cakes with St. Patrick's Day arriving!  How about an Irish Car Bomb cupcake with filled with whiskey and Bailey's Irish Cream or Chocolate Whiskey Cake Stuffed Green Velvet Cookies!  Crack open a Green Cheek beer as Brian and I chat with these two ladies and play the cupcake drinking game!

The first line on the website for Robert Jon and the Wreck that describes the band reads, "Robert Jon & The Wreck are a double shot of southern rock with a blues chaser."  I couldn't have said it better myself...so I didn't!  Robert Jon joins the Podcast to talk about the group that was put together back in 2011 and has been soaring ever since.  They have been called one of the best live bands to emerge from Southern California in years and after you hear a couple of tunes off their new album...you will know why!  Pull up a chair, crack open a triple hazy from Green Cheek (because we sure did!),  and get ready for some soulful southern rock from Socal!

Baseball is back and so are the Halos and David Fletcher!  Since making his big league debut in 2018, the kid from Cypress High and Loyola Marymount has become one of the most versatile players in the game and a fan favorite! The Angels do it all guy joins the latest Podcast to talk vegan chicken nuggets, a new Tesla, competition with his younger brother and of course some hardball!

There's never a bad time for an incredible burger...right?  If you're looking for the ultimate burger fix, go no further then Hammer Burger!  Kevin Hammons who's the head brewer at Gunwhale in Orange and Costa Mesa, is taking his backyard smash burger creation to the people.  Kevin along with partner Curtis Scheetz join the latest podcast to introduce us all to Hammer Burger!  We talk about the future of the dream that is starting to get traction in Orange County and the ingredients that set this burger apart from the rest and will make your mouth water!

Jose Mota is a man of many talents - He has amazing knowledge and insights to the game of baseball, he's an incredible broadcaster, father and now grandfather....and the list goes on!  But did you know that Jose is a foodie?  Yes he has great talents in the kitchen and has his taste buds on the pulse of the best food and coffee when he hits the road!  Jose joins Brian and I on this Podcast to share a few recipes and stories of how food has brought him joy over the years!  Please enjoy Mota's Menu!

Hampus Lindholm of the Anaheim Ducks helps us kick off the new year and our 2nd season of the Frenchie's Friends Podcast presented by Green Cheek Beer Company.  But as hockey finally gets underway, we wanted to chat with the Swede about his skill in the kitchen, not on the ice.  Hampus talks his love of food, favorite recipes, travel and what he would cook to impress!  Oh, he also tells us why to never put a bumper sticker on a Ferrari!

So excited to have, Chef Jo Jo Doyle, the Executive Chef and Director of Operations at Honda Center, as our next guest on the #FrenchiesFriends Podcast presented by Green Cheek Beer Company.  He as traveled an incredible culinary journey that has taken him through South Florida, the US Open, and Churchill Downs and has ultimately brought him to Orange County!  He joins us to talk great beer, food and of course the Christmas Spirit!!

Funk music can be described as a groovy, earthy vibe which is only part of the way to describe Jara Harris, the founder of Slapbak and our next guest on the #FrenchiesFriends Podcast presented by Green Cheek Beer Co.  One of five siblings, Harris moved from Compton to Mission Viejo when he was six months old and was playing drums in the family band by the age of 4 and has spent the rest of his life performing.  Harris has been true to his passion to bring Funk to the OC and along with his groovy, earthy vibe, he is about authenticity, kindness and family....all the things we could use a little more of right now.  Enjoy this conversation and 2 of the tracks off his new album!

The #FrenchiesFriends Podcast presented by Green Cheek Beer Company hits the road for the very first time bringing you a video cast from Heritage Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano!  Kent and Brian are joined by Heritage co-owner Daniel Castillo and Green Cheek co-owner and master brewer Evan Price.  The first time Daniel was a guest, his restaurant was still on paper, but not anymore!  The four talk beer, wine, and incredible barbeque provided by Heritage and find out how Daniel and his wife Brenda have built a thriving business during this difficult time.....all with the backdrop of their new facility and two signature smokers on site.  Enjoy this early Thanksgiving feast!

We continue our journey into the Southern California music scene as Brian and I talk with the Band 200 West on the latest episode of the #FrenchiesFriends Podcast presented by Green Cheek Beer Company.  Three of the four band members join us to discuss the beginning, van stories, and what's next!  Oh we drink a few Green Cheek beers together too!

When your Mom is from Kentucky and Dad is from Hawaii.....that's how you get Pineapple Moonshine or Danny Maika.  I had the pleasure of meeting Danny nearly a decade ago in Huntington Beach during one of his performances and he is still going strong, following his passion of music and unique musical talents.  Danny along with his Cello player Chris McCarthy join Brian and I to discuss the new landscape of music, their new endeavors, and they play 2 songs live on the podcast!

Let's talk Hockey!  My Ducks broadcast partner, the one and only Guy Hebert and very first Mighty Duck, joins Brian and I to update us on what he's been up to this summer, give us his thoughts on the Ducks draft and possible moves the team might make in free agency.  Oh....we also drink some beer and talk food as well!!

Food, drink, and music all have something in common.....they are all forms of art and have true artists behind each of them.  On this edition of the #FrenchiesFriends Podcast presented by Green Cheek Beer, Kent and Brian dive into the art of music in Orange County.  Nick Lombardo and Josh Arreguin join the program from Love and Laughter Studios in Anaheim to talk about their latest collaboration and the musical talent that is right here in Orange County.  Oh...and the boys let us sample a couple of their unreleased tunes!

So what's really going on with the Playground in Santa Ana?  There has been a lot of news swirling around the modern gastropub that will turn 10 next fall and offers one of the most unique, ever changing menus around.  Brian and I talk with Jarred Dooley, the General Manager and Director of Libations (best title ever!), to set the record straight.  Oh...and it's all about the bagels!

"All gave some...some gave all".  On the latest episode of the #FrenchiesFriends Podcast presented by Green Cheek Beer Co., Kent and Brian talk with John Sheehan who is retired FDNY and was there on 9/11 19 years ago.  John tells us the story through his eyes and what he continues to do to never forget.

If you want to travel through some of the longest, darkest caves in the US then satisfy your appetite with a Bacon Cheeseburger Salad or burger covered with pimento cheese (a family recipe!), then this is the podcast for you.  Meet Travis Young the GM of the Cumberland Caverns and co-owner of the Debot Bottom Country Store in Tennessee.  He gives Brian and I a history lesson in the caverns that were discovered in the 1800's and shares menu items that make his road side country store so unique!

With a name like Love and Laughter Studios, you immediately want to learn more.  Joey Arreguin has owned L&L Studios in Anaheim for over 2 decades.  He's an artist, entertainer, teacher and mentor.  The levels of the studio are numerous from giving artists a platform to record and create, providing a support system and even creating a nonprofit organization to help teach and learn.  To get to know L&L Studios is to find Love and Laughter.

It's a family affair when it comes to the Hollingshead's Delicatessen in Orange.  Kenny Hollingshead is part of three generations that have helped run the deli since 1963.  It started with his dad Ken Sr. and now includes his grandson Michael.  When you enter Hollingshead's Deli in Orange it's easy to see the family passions....incredible handmade sandwiches, local craft brew and.......the Green Bay Packers but Michael is a Cowboy's fan go figure!

Listening.  Something that seems so simple but yet is very difficult and now more than ever it is imperative.  Benjamin Mathes is an actor in Los Angels, is an acting teacher, and is a listener.  In fact, he has created a website called UrbanConfessional.org that not only tells why and even how to listen, but has created a movement of listening all across the globe.  You want to get started?  It's as simple as creating a sign, standing on a corner and just.....listening.

Making beer from aromatic leaves is just one of the unique skills that Highland Park Brewery co-owner Bob Kunz brings to the table.  Bob joins the latest Podcast to discuss his journey into the LA beer industry, his Chinatown location, surviving during the current landscape and his longtime friendship with Evan Price (co-owner of Green Cheek who also joins the show!)

Armen Karamardian joins the Podcast to discuss how his mom, Chef Zov Karamardian, turned a catering business from their Irvine home into several treasured Orange County Bistros!  Zov's now includes 4 locations with a 5th on the way and has captured the taste buds of the community!

Former Anaheim Duck Kent Huskins joins the program to talk about his post hockey venture, the Huskins Coffee Company, and what he's learned as a small business owner since he and his wife Bri opened the store almost 2 years ago.

Drift Distillery owners Ryan and Lesli Winter join the program to tell us about their local, top quality small batch spirits that are all hand made in San Clemente.  Learn how this dynamic duo uses wheat from a family farm in Kansas, has brought their love of bbq to the distillery, and is helping the local community by making hand sanitizers.

Former Anaheim Duck and current Nashville Predator Korbinian Holzer joins the program from just outside of Munich Germany to talk about growing up right next to the biggest party in the world, Oktoberfest!  He shares his favorite beers, experiences and what it was like to wear lederhosen!  Evan Price, co-owner and head brewer of Green Cheek, also joins to talk with Holzy about German Pilsner.

John Miller and Dave Rhode, owners of JD Flannel Donuts in San Juan Capistrano, join the latest episode to talk about how childhood memories and a need for a change inspired their new business venture.  The best coffee and donuts in town and the environment is as comfortable as your favorite flannel!

Sonja and Mike Kelsen join this weeks program to tell us how their business, Colony Wine Merchant in Anaheim, was created and continues to thrive during this difficult time.  With Mike's music background and Sonja's wine expertise, it's a perfect combination that is easy both on the palate and the ears!

Get ready for some of the best smoked brisket, ribs and chicken Socal has to offer as Kent and Brian talk with Daniel Castillo, co-owner of Heritage Barbecue.  Daniel discusses the new restaurant that will be opening in San Juan Capistrano, his influences that have inspired his diverse menu and the weekend popups Heritage has been holding around Orange County to provide food to their service industry friends who have been economically impacted by this pandemic.

Kent and Brian talk with Ryan Friesen, Owl Spiritual Leader and Head Distiller for Blinking Owl Distillery in Orange County.  Ryan discusses his journey to Orange County, his many influences, the incredible spirits he has been producing and their latest creation, Dirty Bird Hand Sanitizer, which has been flying off the shelves during this difficult time.  

Kent and Brian head south to Barnoa Wine Company and talk to owner Mike Trebing about how his business is getting creative during this difficult time and how a "hobby" became a full-time retirement job.  Also, Mike dives into the array of wine, beer and incredible food that his establishment has to offer.

The premiere episode of Frenchie's Friends Podcast presented by Green Cheek Beer Co., introduces Brian Rauso, co-owner of Green Cheek, who will serve as co-host during many episodes.  Brian talks about how he got involved in the industry, the variety of beer Green Cheek has to offer, and what the craft beer industry is doing to stay connected with its consumers during this difficult time.