Johnny Ciao: An American Classic

Join us as Johnny takes us on an epicurean journey, accompanied by some of his most famous recipes that add just the right touch of The Old Guard Bourbon…

Johnny CiaoA true American icon, Johnny Ciao has spent decades as an entrepreneur in the entertainment business. In the ’70s, Johnny began his career as DJ on a rhythm and blues station and in Florida’s top discos. He moved to Atlanta in the late ’70s and brought many Legendary jazz musicians to the Famous Fox Theater and to the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary where he received an accolade from former Mayor Maynard Jackson as Honorary Convict of the Year for his charitable work. He began a communications/management firm representing sports, music, and political clients, including Henry (Hank) Aaron and Isaac Hayes among many others. After bringing Hank Aaron out to Los Angeles to appear on Happy Days, Johnny got his taste for the Hollywood lifestyle. In the 80’s he produced music videos and later became one of the largest distributors of music videos in the nation. His music video chart was published weekly in Rolling Stone, TV Guide and USA Today. He also produced a book and video called ‘Cooking With Country Stars’ featuring recipes, photos, and bios from 36 top country music stars. His second book titled ‘Koncert Kitchen’ featured recipes he prepared for many of his celebrity clients which take Under 5-10 minutes, costing 5-10 dollars and containing 5-10 ingredients.

After moving to San Francisco, Ciao, who had always cooked for his clients and friends, took his culinary talent to new levels. He developed a relationship with legendary concert promoter Bill Graham who introduced Johnny to the Grateful Dead, Carlos Santana, Huey Lewis, Buddy Miles, Chris Isaak, and many other music greats. He created backstage food and went on to cook for many of these artists one on one in their homes, at recording studios, on the road and various locations. He then lived with the King of Pop Michael Jackson at Neverland helping him back to health and creating foods that would keep his energy level up for peak performance.

Johnny went on to appear on major television and radio programs throughout the World, as he continues to do today. For the past 30 years, he has presented his Music and Food Events for major charitable organizations.

His 3rd book called ‘Eating Life’ is set to be released in 2027. It’s a story about his years in the business with extraordinary details of his life as an entrepreneur – simmered with ongoing parties, creative endeavors, relationships, and staying alive in today’s World of Madness!

Three Minute Scallops Recipe

  • Melt 3 TB butter
  • Add garlic powder and dried parsley
  • Toss in sea scallops for 1 minute then flip
  • Add a splash of The Old Guard Bourbon
  • Plate, serve, and enjoy!

CITRUS CHICKEN SCALLOPINI

A delicious version of Johnny Ciao’s Oatmeal Chicken Breasts, simmered in a Juniper Berry/Old Guard Bourbon Sauce. The Sauce can also be used on a variety of other dishes.

Ingredients

  • Olive Oil
  • 3 eggs (beaten)
  • 8 thinly sliced Chicken Breasts
  • 1 cup Quaker Oatmeal
  • 1 cup Plain Bread Crumbs
  • 1 cup White Flour
  • Citrus Peel from Lemon, Lime and Orange (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon of Dried Mint Leaves
  • 2 teaspoons of Johnny’s Symphonic BBQ Blues

Sauce

  • 2 cups Orange Juice
  • 1 cup Cranberry Juice
  • ½ cup of Old Guard Bourbon
  • 1 tablespoon Juniper berries (crushed) (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons of butter

Instructions

  1. Place Chicken Breasts in bowl of beaten eggs
  2. Mix Oatmeal, Bread Crumbs, Flour,Citrus Peel, Mint and BBQ Blues together and place on wax paper
  3. Take chicken from egg mixture and coat in oatmeal mixture on both sides
  4. Fry in Olive Oil on medium to high hear for 30 seconds on each side. Remove and place on paper towel.
  5. Before you start the chicken— take all sauce ingredients and boil until reduced approx: in half .
  6. When finished, place chicken into Bourbon mixture in a large frying pan and simmer for about 2 minutes on each side or until cooked thoroughly.
  7. You won’t even need a knife to cut it! Tender and Tasty!

Health Benefits

Oatmeal is ……..

  • Rich in Antioxidants
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Reduces cholesterol
  • Shields your skin
  • Lowers risk of colon cancer
  • Stabilizes blood sugar
  • Athletic performance
  • Enhances immune response to disease.

Juniper Berries are…….

  • High in nutrients and powerful plant compounds
  • Provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
  • May have anti diabetic properties
  • Could promote heart health
  • Antibacterial and antifungal activity

Old Guard Bourbon is….. Good for the Soul!

Ciao's citrus Chicken