What’s Up with “Beyond the Gates” and “Eyes on Books” in January?

Written by John G. Peters, Jr.
Avoid the winter blahs by sampling the “Collage Culinary Experience” affiliated with Bloomingdales at South Coast Plaza. The elevated-concept “dining collective” is featured in January on the Video Club-produced TV series “Beyond the Gates.” Chantel Corzine, General Manager, tells co-host Jonathan Williams (below) that these mostly mom-and-pop restaurants offer breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The show airs Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 9 a.m on Village Television.

Next in the episode, Williams travels to Benjie’s New York Deli restaurant in Santa Ana, founded by the Weinstein family over 50 years ago. Lloyd Weinstein defines a “deli” as having roots in culture, while Williams expresses how much he enjoyed the food.

Finally (top of page), co-host Susan Wheeler interviews Donald Sun, Center Director of the Irvine franchise “Code Ninja,”where children ages 5-14 build digital games while learning computer coding. “Code Ninja,” she discovers, is the world’s largest after-school STEM program.

In January, the Video Club’s “Eyes on Books” TV show features San Diego-based crime writer Matt Coyle, who tells co-hosts Teri and John Kelsall (below)about his latest crime mystery, “Odyssey’s End.” In the novel, private investigator Rick Cahill is on an avenging journey to redeem himself following h is wife’s murder. Get ready for a multi-directional adventure. “Eyes on Books” airs Mondays and Thursdays at 9:30 am.

Working with the club’s Video One Productions team, Susan Savlov produces both shows. Videography is by Jack Crawbuck.