KFSR launches food, wine program with Valley focus

California State University, Fresno’s campus radio station, 90.7 KFSR, is airing, “The Flavors of the Valley,” a new program that focuses on the San Joaquin Valley’s epicurean culture, The Flavors of the Valley.

The half-hour program airs at 10 a.m. Sundays and is available for download on demand at www.kfsr.org; atwww.tastefresno.com; and as a podcast at the iTunes store.

Fresno State Mass Communication and Journalism students will help produce the program, debuting March 7.

From interviews with local chefs and winemakers, to trips outside the studio in search of unique local food adventures, “The Flavors of the Valley” will showcase the diverse food culture and agricultural heritage of Central California, said Joe Moore, the KFSR station manager.

The program is hosted by James Collier, founder and editor of the local food Web site TasteFresno.com.

A rotating panel of Fresno State cohosts includes Klaus Tenbergen, director of the Culinology® program; Dr. Robert Wample, recently retired chair of the Department of Viticulture and Enology; and Dr. Tim Stearns, director of the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The inaugural program features a trip to the annual Gumbo Throwdown at the Vineyard Farmers Market in Fresno and an interview with chef and owner Vatche Moukhtarian of the Cracked Pepper Bistro. He’s known for his focus on local ingredients in his California cuisine.

Future programs include a quest for the Valley’s best taco, an interview with Fresno State alumnus Oscar Ramos of Kingsburg’s Ramos-Torres Winery and a feature on Fresno’s pho restaurants.

“The San Joaquin Valley is home to a thriving food culture, due in large part to our amazing agricultural heritage and our diverse population,” Moore said. “The Flavors of the Valley is a fun way to celebrate the epicurean riches we have in our own backyard.”

He promised, “We’ll bring listeners a fun and engaging look at everything from fine dining to exotic ethnic cuisine, and hopefully encourage Valley residents to try something new, and raise awareness of local food and wine.”

For more information contact: Moore at 559-278-2598 or visit www.kfsr.org.