Hidden among the rolling foothills of California’s Gold Country, Gus’s Steakhouse in Sonora has been quietly perfecting the art of tri-tip while the rest of the state wasn’t looking.

From quirky time-saving techniques to deliciously frugal hacks, plenty of old-school cooking tips and tricks were nothing short of culinary genius.

Hand pies are just filled pastries you can hold in your hand,” says chef Lou Robbie. “They are flaky and just delicious. I’m a huge fan of salty-and-sweet savoury food. Salty goat’s cheese and sweet ...