There were definitely some Cougars in the house on this live poolside broadcast from Matt’s 30th high school reunion, at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, celebrating the mighty Cougars of Sahuaro High School!

John Farlow, Chef Ken Harvey & Matt Russell

John Farlow, Chef Ken Harvey & Matt Russell

Our celebrity co-host was fellow Sahuaro class of 85-er John Farlow who shared some of his latest culinary and cocktail adventures. We also sat down with Chuck Stopani, another local celeb from this outstanding class, who got us current with all the action at the 1912 Brewing Company that his cousin owns. We then welcomed Sheila Bourque of Loews Ventana Canyon who shared with us some exciting news about the current property-wide renovation, while assistant F&B director John Hackett rolled out a commemorative cocktail for us to try, the Cougar-Rita! Our featured guest was Executive Chef Ken Harvey who shared his thoughts on the role of integrity in the culinary arts, a little about his own journey, and an introduction to the new seasonal menu at the resort’s Flying V Bar and Grill. Our tasting included a duck fat confit rabbit leg chile relleno, a cous cous salad with quail, a veal porterhouse with port mushroom sauce, and a mascarpone cheesecake with a roasted strawberry compote!  Aren’t reunions delicious? Go Cougars!