Dave Preston and Dr. Kosta Arger
photo - KNPB
Whether he's teaming up with local cardiologist Dr. Kosta Arger for a new TV series on KNPB, or venturing to local restaurant kitchens for a preview of the daily menu, Dave Preston is making the most of what he calls the good life. This modern day guru enjoys good food, good wine, and good company…and he does his best to encourage others to do so too.
A broadcaster by trade, this is a simple task for Dave, as his career in food and wine began in California sampling some of the greatest dining spots on the west coast. Coupled with a long career entertaining, there is little wonder how he came to host two cooking shows.
Dr. Kosta Arger prepares Mediterranean Macaroni & Cheese dish as Dave Preston samples a Arger-Martucci red wine at a cooking presentation at Whole Foods in Reno. Photo - Connie McMullen
For local NBC affiliate, KRNV Channel 4, viewers can catch Dave at noon and during the evening news where he visits local eating establishments to engage in wonderful meal presentations with the chef at hand. Viewers can make reservations to have the same menu featured on the show. Programs have included visits to the Melting Pot, Fiona's at the Carson Valley Inn, BJ's Nevada Barbecue, Mario's Portofino Ristorante Italian, and the Stone House Café. Dining With Dave has drawn locals everywhere the program has been filmed, a good indication of its flair for fun and tempting indulgence. Bon Appetit!
Dave also teams up with Dr. Kosta Arger to create tasty temptations, and cooking tips on the menu, paired with specially selected wines.
Healthy Cooking with Dr. Kosta and Dave is broadcast on KNPB, Channel 5, helping viewers prepare meals that are both heart-healthy and delicious. Kosta provides an explanation of each dish and its preparation, step-by-step, adding little tricks he's learned along with background on the nutrition value of the ingredients and seasonings. His favorite, olive oil, is an ingredient he learned to enjoy as a young boy cooking Greek dishes he is so noted for.
Dr. Kosta and Dave have been cooking together for a few years, a friendship that is shared by their love of cooking. As Kosta cooks, Dave presents wines to complement each meal. Every episode of the show concludes with the two friends enjoying the meal together.
Viewers can catch Kosta and Dave and come away with exciting recipes featured per show. For more information, visit: www.knpb.org/ programming/ local/healthy-cooking.
Mediterranean Macaroni & Cheese
Dr. Kosta Arger prepares a special twist on the ordinary comfort food Macaroni and Cheese. The addition of chicken breast and fresh vegetables make this dish healthy and filling.
Ingredients:
3 skinless & boneless chicken breasts
2 finely chopped red bell peppers
1 large onion-chopped finely and caramelized
4 cloves minced garlic
1⁄4 cup olive oil
1 package elbow macaroni
2 cups grated sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp Hungarian paprika
1⁄4 cup minced fresh basil
Procedure:
- BBQ or sauté chicken breasts, cut into small cubes or shred. Set aside
- Sauté and caramelize with paprika chopped onion. Set aside
- Sauté red bell pepper with garlic in 2 Tbs. olive oil until soft. Set aside
- Boil macaroni in water, drain
- Combine chicken breast, onion, red bell pepper and basil; mix with macaroni while still hot. Add cheddar cheese and mix thoroughly. Sprinkle with remaining basil and serve hot!