With 15 concepts in more than 50 locations across the country, Fox Restaurant Concepts is known for innovations in food, drinks, service, ambiance, and architecture. And we came to you live this weekend from the restaurant that started it all as Fox’s first…Wildflower American Cuisine!

Chef Kevin Handt, Scott Safford, Ricky Anderson, Matt Russell & Tom Alfonso

Our celebrity co-host was Tom Alfonso, of Alfonso Gourmet Olive Oil & Balsamics, who shared some inspired recommendations for olive oil and balsamic pairings for Thanksgiving. Scott Safford of Tap and Bottle also stopped by to share some news about his upcoming Barrel-Aged Beer Party that celebrates the wisdom of wood! Wildflower general manager Ricky Anderson then showcased some of the bar’s boutique whiskies, and executive chef Kevin Handt talked fall flavors, while giving props to some mentors along his culinary journey.

Butternut squash agnolotti

He also treated us to a dish from his new fall menu, a butternut squash agnolotti with Brussels sprouts, shaved parmesan, bacon lardon, and smoked almonds. Vintage Handt!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:41 — 12.5MB)

Bienvenidos. Willkomen. Bem Vinda. καλωσόρισμα. Kuwakaribisha. No matter how you say it, it’s always special to be and to feel welcome, and this show came to you live from a place that’s built on the very spirit of welcome, the new Welcome Diner!

John Adkisson, Corey Greenhill, Connor Mansager, Matt Russell & Michael Babcock

Our celebrity co-host was John Adkisson of Iron John’s Brewing Company, who rolled out three new “pie-inspired” beers that are musts for your Thanksgiving table. We then turned to another famous John in these parts, John Aldecoa of Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ, who called out all of Tucson’s wing fans for his upcoming Chicken Wing Challenge! We then welcomed Connor Mansager, bar manager at Welcome Diner, who introduced us to his cocktail program. Every one of his cocktails tells a story, and we loved the story behind the “902 E. Spritz!” Our featured guest was Welcome Diner owner/chef Michael Babcock, who walked us through his mid century-inspired setting and food-forward culture.

Behold. The Big Jim.

It all made sense when the “Big Jim” arrived, which you’ll have to hear to believe! We can’t wait to hear the words, “welcome back!”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:40 — 12.7MB)

Whether it’s locally-brewed beers, locally-distilled spirits, or locally-roasted small batch coffee, the craft beverage scene is driving the libation lexicon these days. And we enjoyed it all at a block party this weekend built around our shared passion for the craft, live from the parking lot of Three Wells Distilling Company and Ten Fifty-Five Brewing Company!

Petey Peterson, Matt Montgomery, Matt Russell, Chris Squires, Ramon Olivas, Scot Litteer & Anna Perreira

Our celebrity co-host was craft beverage loyalist and filmmaker Scot Litteer who caught us up on his latest cinematographic and craft brew adventures. We also talked Pumpkin Palooza with Susan Fulton of Gourmet Girls Bakery & Bistro who is busy satisfying Tucson’s cravings for pumpkin pies, breads, and other goodies this holiday season. Three Wells Distiller Matt Montgomery walked us through his new cocktail menu, and Petey Peterson of Green Feet Brewing Company introduced us to some of his spectacular suds.

Matt Montgomery talks craft cocktails!

We also caught up with Anna Perreira of Yellow Brick Coffee for a conversation about single-origin coffee and artisan roasts, and enjoyed slurping some ramen from Fat Noodle!  What a dynamic show featuring our common passion for craft beverages.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:50 — 12.6MB)

A grape’s journey to the glass is an exciting story to tell, and there was certainly no shortage of stories on this broadcast from a place where local wine reigns, Maynard’s Market & Kitchen!

Edie Jarolim & Matt Russell

Local travel and food writer Edie Jarolim joined us this week as celebrity co-host, sharing some exciting news about her new book! We also continued in our series on fall-inspired brews by chatting with Dan Choiniere of Ballast Point Brewing Company about his seasonal star called Pumpkin Down. Maynard’s sommelier Steve Berger sat down with us well to talk about the Arizona wine scene and how it was being celebrated at Maynard’s later that night at the annual Grapes to Glass event! Maynard’s executive chef Michael Byrer then walked us through his perspectives on fall, fall flavors, and his new fall menu.

Bruschetta with 800-day aged prosciutto, figs, goat cheese & burnt honey

He even treated us to some of his favorite items including a delicious bruschetta with 800-day aged prosciutto, a melt-in-your-mouth braised lamb shank with red chimichurri and Brussels sprouts, and a stellar prime New York strip with caramelized onions and hotel butter. We’ll drink to that!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:54 — 12.6MB)

Live music has always been one of those things that makes for memorable culinary and cocktail moments, and we served up all three this weekend on this live broadcast from the Dusk Music Festival!

Steve Stratigouleas, Commomer’s Asian beef and kimchi burrito, Bird’s chicken waffle cone & BrushFire’s smoked brisket sandwich

Our celebrity co-host was Steve Stratigouleas, event co-founder and one of the guys behind Union Public House and Reforma, who told the Dusk story and got us current on his restaurants. We also continued with our series on fall-inspired brews with Ted Golden of Four Peaks Brewing Company, whose Pumpkin Porter is certainly trending these days. Evan Cione of Shamrock Foods also stopped by to talk about his company’s commitment to the local food scene. Other guests included Manish Shah of Maya Tea Company and Heirloom Farmers Market,  Nathan Ares of Commoner & Co. and Prep & Pastry, Brandon Katz of Goodness, Obon, and Bird Southern Table & Bar, and Ben Rine of BrushFire BBQ Co.!

Fall is certainly a big event season here in Tucson, and this week’s show originated from a place that’s planning some of the most delicious events your palates can imagine – the Hacienda Del Sol!

Chef David Solorzano, Matt Russell, John Kulikowski & Laura Reese

Our celebrity co-host was publicist extraordinaire Laura Reese of Storyteller Public Relations, who shared information about some upcoming community events that are anchored by great food and beverage. We were also joined by Tristan White of Dragoon Brewing Company, who poured some of the brew that he’ll be serving at the upcoming 4thtoberfest, a malty doppelbock with beautiful notes of toffee. The Hacienda’s director of wine and spirits, John Kulikowski, talked Tuscany-inspired cuisine and wine in preparation for his Travel the World Wine Dinner, while spooking us a bit with a scary menu that will be showcased at his upcoming Halloween Party. David Solorzano, the Hacienda’s chef de cuisine, took us on a virtual tour of Argentina as he revealed his plans for this year’s Argentina Heart & Soul event, and teased us on what he’s thinking for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s!

Seared foie gras

Our tasting included a gorgeous foie gras, a rich and creamy bone marrow, and soft shell crab with a sunny side egg. See you at the Hacienda!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:27 — 12.5MB)

This month marked the 25th anniversary of Arizona’s oldest craft brewery, and this week’s broadcast came to you live from the place that still makes the longest continuously brewed beer in Arizona history, Barrio Brewing Company!

Dennis Arnold, Matt Russell & Dan Gibson

This Silver Anniversary show was co-hosted by Dan Gibson of Visit Tucson, who reviewed some of the many reasons that people are visiting Tucson these days, including our craft brew scene. We then sat down with John Rallis of the upcoming Dusk Music Festival, who shared the story behind the festival, reviewed the line-up of acts, and talked about some of his restaurant partners who will feed the thousands in attendance.

All the essentials…headphones, microphone, Barrio Man-Can growler & a red solo cup

Dennis Arnold, the dean of Arizona brewers, showed up at that point with a pint of pumpkin porter, and told some great stories from his 25-year brewing journey at Barrio Brewing Company and Gentle Ben’s. Happy 25th anniversary. Here’s to 25 more!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:52 — 12.6MB)

We have some big plans for this fall season, so what better setting for this broadcast than a restaurant known for the very concept of big itself, Bob’s Steak & Chop House at the Omni Tucson National Resort!

Mike Lopez, Matt Russell, Chef Jonathan Stutzman, Bridget Mosher & Jeff White

Our celebrity co-host was fellow steak, spirits, and cigar comrade Mike Lopez, food and beverage director of The Forum at Tucson. Mike talked about the Forum’s culinary program, some of his own culinary and cocktail discoveries around town, and his pick for a great cigar to enjoy following the live broadcast. We also heard from Jonathan Landeen of Jonathan’s Cork, who revealed all the news on his upcoming Charity Chili Cook-Off that he’s planning for October 8. Bob’s general manager Bridget Mosher sat down with us as well to discuss how her guests have been libating these days, and Executive Chef Jonathan Stutzman shared his culinary wisdom from the Bob’s kitchen. He also walked us through the menu for a Founders Brewing Company beer dinner he has planned for October 10. All of that, and a tasting of his 16-ounce prime filet, a gorgeous cherry duck breast dish, and a creamy goat cheese brulee. Yep. That’s Bob’s for ya!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:50 — 12.6MB)

When restaurateur Kade Mislinski says that each of his concepts is a unique expression of his childhood, you may wonder what moment from his younger years inspired his downtown eatery that showcases the wisdom of whiskey and donuts! We found out during this live broadcast from Batch Cafe & Bar!

Melinda Dickinson, Matt Russell, Ronnie Spece & Kade Mislinski

Our celebrity co-host was one of our spiritual advisors, Melinda Dickinson of Hensley Beverage Company. She got us current on some of her latest whiskey picks, including a small-batch bourbon that was aged on cocoa husks! We also heard from Susan Fulton of the Tucson Originals who shared all the details on the upcoming World Margarita Championship. Batch partner Ronnie Spece sat down with us as well to share some stories behind his whiskey menu that boasts more than 140 selections. We then turned to Kade Mislinski himself who walked us through the latest whiskey, donut, and grilled cheese action at Batch, as well as at his other concepts Saguaro Corners, Monkey Burger, and Cafe Passe. Lots of deliciousness happening in Kade’s corners of the world.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:54 — 12.6MB)

Dedicated to all of our fellow bacon enthusiasts who pledge allegiance to pork, this show came to you live from the 4th annual Arizona Bacon Fest! Joining us as celebrity co-host was Ron Beaton of Tucson Grill Cleaning, who gave us some strategies for maintaining the health and wellness of your grill. We were also joined by Dale Riggins of Hamilton Distillers, who got us current with her Whiskey Del Bac portfolio of single malts.

Dale Riggins

She also shared some information about an upcoming event where her newest product, the cask-strength El Jefe, is going to be released! Chef Travis Peters of the Parish stopped by as well to talk about one of his bacon-inspired dishes for the day’s event, as did Chef Gary Hickey of Charro Steak. We were also privileged to welcome Brad Gietter, VP of Stillhouse Spirits Company, for a conversation about one of the hottest things happening on the cocktail scene today…moonshine!

Brad Gietter, Gary Hickey, Matt Russell & Ron Beaton

Pork and whiskey on a gorgeous Southern Arizona afternoon. OINK!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:52 — 12.6MB)