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Chef Andrew Gruel

06.25.20

Meet Andrew Gruel, the founder and CEO of Huntington Beach-based Slapfish Restaurant Group. Known as a modern seafood shack serving fresh, sustainable seafood in a casual setting, Slapfish has six locations in Orange County (Huntington Beach, Irvine, Tustin, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, and Brea), as well as Raw Bar by Slapfish in Huntington Beach, and Two Birds Chicken and vegetarian concept Butterleaf in Irvine. He's appeared on multiple television series, including as a judge on Food Network’s “Chopped Junior” and “Food Truck Face Off.” I wanted to check in on him to see how he's managing the pandemic and find out what's new with this local celebrity chef.

1.  The restaurant industry was heavily impacted by Covid-19; how did Slapfish adapt during the shutdown?
We immediately pivoted and focused on our take-out packaging and products. We put a ton of R&D into making our food more delivery worthy. We have set up protocols and procedures to make sure our employees are distancing as much as possible within the kitchen.

2. Now that OC restaurants are reopening, what does dining look like moving forward?
I have a feeling the storm isn’t even close to over. Restaurants should still focus on delivery and take-out. Hopefully, alcohol to-go remains the norm.

3. Slapfish is one of Orange County’s most popular casual seafood eateries. How does your concept differ from similar restaurants?
We offer the quality of fine dining in a quick-service setting. We are always trying to walk the line between high-quality but approachable.

4. It’s hard to believe Slapfish was a food truck in 2011 and just a year later you opened a brick and mortar Slapfish in Huntington Beach, which is now just one of the multiple locations. At that time, you’ve also become a family man and father of three young children. Do you have any tips for husbands and dads on how to balance it all?
Once you become a family man, business should always take a back seat. If your family life is strong it will shine through in your business.

5.  What are you most proud of with Slapfish?
I am most proud of the team members who have come through Slapfish - those that are still team members and those that have moved on. The people within are what have made this brand.

6.  If you had to begin a different career, what would you do?
I would join the military in culinary arts. We traveled with the US Army last summer teaching young cooks how to be stronger in the kitchen. Our soldiers need to eat better.

7. What’s your most prized possession?
Any old photos I have of my parents.

8. What can’t you live without?
Coffee. I drink 6 to 10 cups per day, which can take the form of McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, La Colombe, and any cold brew. What I don’t drink is Starbucks.

9. What’s next on your “to-do” list?
Learn a martial art with my kids.

10. Cause that you’re most interested/involved in?
Illumination Foundation and Bracken’s Kitchen - in general, helping these great causes feed those who are hungry or have food insecurity.

11. Your dream day in Orange County?
Fishing in the morning, an afternoon Angel’s game, and Kappo Honda for dinner.

12. Favorite place for breakfast?
McDonald's - this is what happens with three kids.

13. What was the best day of your life?
The day I got married (in Las Vegas!)

14. Last concert that you went to?
Air Supply, which was my first concert.

15. Favorite vacation spot?
Royal Hawaiian in Honolulu.

16. If you had to live somewhere else, where would you like to move?
Costa Rica.

17. Other than Slapfish, of course, what are your favorite restaurants in Orange County?
King’s Fish House, Gulfstream, Taqueria Mexico, and Paderia Bakehouse.

18. Biggest accomplishment?
Being a father.

19. What’s your biggest fear?
Not being able to protect my kids.

20. A secret most people don’t know about you?
I use ladies' deodorant. Works better and it reminds me of my wife.

Candace Rock Photography

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Catalina Island Museum Presents Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray

06.25.20

The Catalina Island Museum presents Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray that's on view through September 27. The intimate exhibition displays the personal life of Mexico’s most prolific female artist, Frida Kahlo, captured through the lens of longtime friend, lover and confidant Nickolas Muray. The work includes approximately 50 photographic portraits and prints from 1937-1946, including six images that have never before been exhibited in the United States, and a number of intimate letters of correspondence between Kahlo and Muray.

In May 1931, Hungarian photographer Nickolas Muray (1892-1965) traveled to Mexico on vacation where he met one of Mexico’s most famous artists, Frida Kahlo. The two became engaged in a romance that continued on and off for the next ten years and a deep friendship that lasted until her death in 1954. Throughout these years, Muray captured numerous images of his beloved Frida that bring to light her deep interest in Mexican heritage, her life experiences and the significant people with whom she shared close friendships.

Having experimented with color in his early work, Muray found his most colorful model in Kahlo and while his archives contain over 25,000 images, Kahlo famously became his most photographed subject. His portraits of the artist are integral to the world’s understanding of who Frida Kahlo was as an individual behind her artwork. He went on to become a successful New York fashion and commercial photographer known for his portraits of celebrities, politicians, socialites and artists including Kahlo.

Muray was known for pushing the limits of several unique printing processes used during the period and many are on display in the creation of the portraits in Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray. The carbro process, patented in 1905, and the carbon process, patented in 1855, were techniques best known for their production of incredible image permanence and rich, glossy dark tones that can be found throughout the exhibition. Snapshots of Kahlo’s private life can also be seen through the silver gelatin process, the dominant black-and-white photographic process of the twentieth century. Digital pigment prints are also included in this exhibition that enhances both print quality and archival characteristics.

A special member event and reception is planned for a later date. The museum also plans to screen Frida (2002) in its outdoor amphitheater before the exhibition closes in September.

Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray will be on display in the Catalina Island Museum’s John and Hasmik Mgrdichian Gallery from June 20 - September 27, 2020. Visitors are strongly encouraged to pre-purchase admission. Tickets are now available for advance purchase at catalinamuseum.org/visit and are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors (60+), students (with valid ID), and members of the military (active and veterans). Children 15 years and younger receive free admission with adult admission. Members of the museum receive free admission.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and on Mondays and Tuesdays by appointment only. To make an appointment for Monday or Tuesday, please contact the museum at 310-510-4650 or email info@catalinamuseum.org. In accordance with local guidelines, all staff and visitors will be required to wear face coverings. Additional details to help plan a visit may be found at catalinamuseum.org/visit.

217 Metropole Avenue in Avalon.

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