The Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “Stillness reveals the secrets of eternity.” We tested that assumption on this week’s broadcast, live from a place where the art of still reigns supreme, Stillhouse Grill and Bar!

Nate Bernal, Keely Mac Morran, Zach Clark, Matt Russell, Carrie Bernal & Chris Lawrence

Our celebrity co-host was Zach Clark, of the Zach Clark Show on ESPN Tucson, who talked football, football fare, and his personal picks for tailgating eating and drinking. Aalt Broewer of the Hotel Congress joined us as well with everything you needed to know about the upcoming Born and Brewed: Tucson’s Beer Cup. We then turned to Stillhouse’s resident mixology and moonshine maven, general manager Keely Mac Morran, who got us current with her libation program that’s anchored by – you guessed it – moonshine. Stillhouse proprietor Carrie Bernal shared her inspiring story behind the founding of this eastside eatery, and kitchen manager Chris Lawrence gave us a taste of his magnificence which included an off-the-hook Chicken Philly, some succulent pulled pork sliders, the official Stillhouse Smash Burger, and a bowl of chili that’s perfect for football season! It’s hard to sit still at the Stillhouse. Cheers!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:48 — 12.5MB)

While Matt was on culinary and cocktail assignment in Reno this weekend, guest host Erika Mitnik-White of Local First Arizona presided over a delicious hour!

Erika Mitnik-White and friends

The broadcast focused on two upcoming local events, the Arizona Living Economy Forum and the Arizona Farmer/Chef Connection. Erika’s guests included several folks who were participating in the events, including Todd Hanley of Hotel Congress/Maynard’s Market & Kitchen, Moniqua Lane of the Downtown Clifton Hotel, Kate Keelen and Nick Breckenfeld of Spunlight Cotton Candy, Devin Gillihan of Popped Artisan Popcorn, and Chris Squires of Ten Fifty-Five Brewing Company. Local. First. Arizona!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:42 — 12.5MB)

Brotherhood took center stage on this show where we’ll rallied around the brotherhood of beer, wine, and the kind of cuisine that makes each one sing, live from a place built by two brothers…Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar!

Eric Erman, Mark Erman, Michael Luria, Matt Russell & Chef Ken Harvey

Our celebrity co-host was fellow foodie and executive director of the Children’s Museum Tucson Michael Luria, who shared details on an upcoming fundraising dinner in memory of his daughter Kelsey. Chef Ken Harvey of Loews Ventana Canyon Resort stopped by as well to talk about plans for his upcoming Casks and Cooks dinner. Our featured guests were the brothers themselves, Mark and Eric Erman of Ermanos, who told some delicious stories about their hot 4th Avenue eatery, an amazing craft brew line-up, their attitude on building a great wine program, and the kind of cuisine that is perfect for pairing. And then the Zip Burger arrived. With the Zip Sauce. Listen for our reaction. Enough said. See you at Ermanos!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:30 — 12.7MB)

Salsa and tequila. As we’ve often said, two basic food groups in our personal pyramid. So you’ll imagine our excitement when we did this broadcast from Blanco Tacos + Tequila, just steps away from the 6th annual Southern Arizona Salsa and Tequila Challenge!

Bryan Lapham, Matt Russell & Chef Ryan Jones

Our celebrity co-host was Cait Huble of the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, the organization that hosts this and other culinary events throughout the year. She brought us up to speed on SAACA and the fall and winter events that are right around the corner. We also caught up with some of the challenge’s competitors, including Iron Chef Danny Perez of the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Chef Ken Foy of Dante’s Fire, to see what they had planned for the event. Our featured guests were Blanco general manager Bryan Lapham and executive chef Ryan Jones, who talked about their Hora Feliz, some fun ideas for football season tailgating, a killer cocktail of the month called the Coconut Horchata, and a sizzling cast iron skillet bubbling with three cheeses and chorizo! Queso Fundido anyone?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:53 — 12.6MB)

It was that time again, the one show of the year that’s dedicated to the righteousness of ribs and the beers that wash them all down, and this show came to you live from an event that served up both in spades, at the Sentinel Peak Brewing Company!

Jake Walker, Jeremy Hilderbrand, Matt Russell & Alan Zeman

Our celebrity co-host was the Fuego Daddy himself, Alan Zeman, who talked about how he’s preparing for his judicial assignment at the Nugget Rib Cook-Off in Sparks, Nevada this Labor Day weekend. We also checked in with Randy Kennedy of the Nugget Casino and Resort in Sparks, the property that hosts this world-class rib event every year. He shared all of the event details, and said he’s absolutely ready to host 500,000 of his closest friends! Jeremy Hilderbrand of Sentinel Peak sat down with us as well, giving us a rundown on his seasonal brews and some of the secrets behind his success at his midtown brewery. We also invited Jake Walker into the delicious dialogue, whose Rusty Truck BBQ Company had been busy smoking ribs at Sentinel Peak all day for the masses who turned out for this BBQ and brew event. And a big announcement was made, live, on the show! But you have to listen to see what was revealed!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:51 — 12.6MB)

It’s been said that the true soul of South America can be found in its food, so we decided to do a little soul-searching on this live broadcast from Contigo Latin Kitchen!

Andi Berlin, Matt Russell, Nick Kreutz & Eric Farmilant

Our celebrity co-host was Andi Berlin, digital food reporter for the Arizona Daily Star, who got us current on two of her newest projects – “This is Tucson” and “Twenty-Four Hours of Breakfast Burritos!” We then welcomed Rachel D’Acquisto of Playground who revealed some cool news about an upcoming cocktail competition of epic magnitude. Contigo bartender extraordinaire Eric Farmilant joined us as well to demonstrate how they libate in Latin America, and Contigo partner and culinary director Nick Kreutz walked us through his menu and how he showcases the kind of cuisine that is built on heirloom recipes that are true to their source. And in true South American style, we toasted with a cocktail called a Batida, a traditional Brazilian milkshakey libation made with cachaca. Go to Contigo, and fall in love with the culture, cocktails, and cuisine of South America!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:50 — 13.2MB)

Fans of British pub fare flocked to this week’s show, which came to you live from a place where people gather under a common allegiance to the crown, so to speak…Canyon’s Crown!

John Hand, Zach Clark, Matt Russell, Rich McKnight & Chef Will Adams

Our celebrity co-host was Zach Clark, of the Zach Clark Show on ESPN Tucson, who talked about his personal picks for food, booze, and sports! We then heard from Kevin Bedient of the Horseshoe Grill who revealed all the details on an upcoming beer pairing dinner he was preparing to host. The libating lingered when Canyon’s Crown bartender John Hand joined us, with news on happy hour, signature cocktails, and Guinness Blends! Our featured guests were Canyon’s Crown co-owner Rich McKnight and Chef William Adams for a lively conversation on pub fare, football fare, and their recent renovation. And if that wasn’t enough, we enjoyed some killer fish & chips, as well as bangers & mash, as an homage to the other side of the pond with truly fabulous fare!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:21 — 12.4MB)

While Matt was on assignment in Coronado this week, a special guest host took over the mic for a show dedicated to our community’s true originals…Pat Connors of Pastiche!

Pat Connors, Susan Fulton & Jonathan Landeen

Pat assembled a roundtable of some of the coolest characters on the local culinary and cocktail scene. Representing the Tucson Originals was Jonathan Landeen of Jonathan’s Cork and Susan Fulton of Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bistro and Bakery. They reviewed some hot news from Tucson Originals restaurants, including a calendar of foodie events that will keep you busy all season long. Please be a part of something delicious, and support the Tucson Originals and their member restaurants!

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

Some call it tough luck but we say lucky us, because this weekend’s destination serves up craft pizza, craft beer, and, yes, their version of “tough luck” in the basement at Reilly Craft Pizza’s own Tough Luck Club!

Tyler Fenton, Matt Russell, Brandon Dillon, Scot Litteer, Stephen Ott & Jon Holcomb (and a photo bomb by one of our groupies Roger Hathorn!)

Our celebrity co-host was filmmaker and suds sophisticate Scot Litteer of Litteer Films, who talked about some of his recent finds on the craft brew landscape. We also heard from Tom Alfonso of Alfonso Gourmet Olive Oil & Balsamics, who shared some news about a cooking class he was getting ready to host. Things started shaking and stirring at this point, literally, when Tough Luck Club barmen Stephen Ott and Jon Holcomb introduced us to what’s making news behind the bar. Our featured guests were chefs Brandon Dillon and Tyler Fenton, who revealed what was cooking upstairs at Reilly Craft Pizza. They told stories about their new breed of hospitality, and their culinary model which focuses on a mix of tradition and evolution. Exhibit A was the stuffed pork neck braciole with a prosciutto-tomato broth. Yep. That’s how they roll!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:57 — 12.6MB)

It was all about “more fun under the sun” this weekend, and that can only mean one thing when you’re talking great cuisine and libations against the backdrop of one of the hottest entertainment venues around, the PY Steakhouse at Casino Del Sol Resort!

Eric Harding, Matt Russell & Chef Ryan Clark

We kicked off the show with Kris Siuda of Main Gate Square, who talked about his own version of fun and sun by sharing details on an upcoming beach luau party. We then talked summer cocktails and spectacular spirits with Aaron DeFeo and Eric Harding, two men behind the Casino Del Sol’s libation laboratory. Three-time Iron Chef Ryan Clark sat down with us as well, in his first live interview since assuming the top chef spot at PY Steakhouse. Ryan talked about some of the changes that he’s made to the menu, some of the dishes that he’s retained, and his continued commitment to local farms and purveyors. He served up an amazing sous-vide Kansas City Strip for us to try, alongside a beef tartare with a sous-vide egg. Beef is in abundance at PY Steakhouse. Get over there. Soon.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:51 — 12.6MB)