We definitely had some stars lined up for this week’s Power Happy Hour, live from the Power Talk 1210 studio!

Chef Ryan Clark, J.P. Vyborny, Matt Russell, Dawn Rush & Jody Rush

This week’s celebrity co-host was J.P. Vyborny, head brewer at Ten Fifty-Five Brewing Company, who talked about some of the suds he’s been brewing these days. He also shared the details on his upcoming birthday bash which will commemorate the 2nd anniversary of this great local brewery. We also sat down with Jody and Dawn Rush of Old Pueblo Pretzels, who discussed the Pennsylvania Dutch traditions behind their Philly-style soft pretzels. They also launched an exciting grassroots campaign, live on the show, that is designed to bring more pretzels to the people! Our featured guest was three-time Iron Chef of Tucson Ryan Clark, who talked about his new winter menu at Agustin Kitchen. He also brought in some of his house-made butter for us to try, which included a delightful infusion of lamb fat. Vintage Ryan Clark.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:49 — 27.4MB)

This weekend’s show came to you live from our new home, the Power Talk 1210 studio!

Matt Russell, Adam Lehrman, Andrew Carlin & Derrick Widmark

The historic broadcast was co-hosted by the Tucson Foodie himself, Adam Lehrman, who got us current on his local happenings, as well as on local destinations for pastrami sandwiches. We also checked-in with Fini’s Landing mixologist Andrew Carlin, who revealed his new winter cocktail menu. We sampled a smoked mezcal libation with passion fruit puree and ginger beer and we warmed right up! Our feature guest was Derrick Widmark, owner of Diablo Burger and the Good Oak Bar. We discussed the connection between community and ecology through gastronomy, land stewardship and what it takes to make a memorable burger. It all made sense once we tasted one of his amazing burgers, along with some killer fries with house-made dipping sauces…and the goat meatloaf from the Good Oak is a must!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:36 — 27.3MB)

Sitting in for Matt Russell this week was Frankie Santos of Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks, and his celebrity co-host Chef Albert Hall of Acacia Real Food & Cocktails!

Frankie “Santa” Santos & Chef Albert Hall

Frankie and Albert covered all of the food news of the day, focusing on some of the seasonal specials offered by local restaurants during the holidays, and the lovely Deb Santos called in from cold Minnesota to join in the delicious dialogue as well. The featured guest was Lonnie Lister, general manager of the Skyline Country Club, who shared some of the hot new things happening on property these days. What a spectacular club this is!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:33 — 13.9MB)

Welcome to Reforma, the newest restaurant to open its doors in Tucson, and we were given a behind-the-scenes look at all the buzz!

Chef Patrick Malarchik, Grant Krueger, Steve Stratigouleas, Matt Russell & Fred Ronstadt

Our celebrity co-host this week was tequila sophisticate and former member of the Tucson City Council, Fred Ronstadt, who shared some of his latest discoveries along the tequila trail. We also caught up with Tom Alfonso, of Alfonso’s Gourmet Olive Oil and Balsamics, who had some great gift ideas for the foodies on your Christmas shopping list. Reforma’s owner/operator Grant Krueger walked us through his agave list bursting at the seams with more than 240 selections, and his business partner, Steve Stratigouleas, introduced us to the stunning architectural magnificence that is Reforma. Chef Patrick Malarchik then showed us the art of Central Mexican cuisine, while demonstrating his prowess with a lovely ahi tuna tostada and a duck confit mole…which was undoubtedly some of the best mole we’ve ever had. Viva Reforma!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:02 — 13.7MB)

With Tucson’s New England-inspired tavern just days away from opening its doors, we gave our listeners a sneak peek during this behind-the-scenes broadcast from Jackson Tavern!

Jason Neri, Amanda Neri, John Farlow, Brian Metzger, Matt Russell & Annie Davis

Our celebrity co-host this week was fellow foodie and PR maven John Farlow, who caught us up on his current culinary and cocktail adventures. We also welcomed Jason and Amanda Neri of Entourage Transportation, who had some great ideas for getting home safely after holiday parties. Annie Davis of Metzger Family Restaurants tore it up tavern-style with some killer cocktails, and featured guest Brian Metzger walked us through the Jackson Tavern menu inspired by his childhood years in Rhode Island. We also tasted our very first clam cake. Wicked good!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:33 — 13.6MB)

So what’ll it be? Lust, heresy, fraud, limbo, greed, anger or atonement? Only one place in Tucson has all the answers…Dante’s Fire!

Chef Ken Foy, C.J. Hamm, Jon Tuck, Matt Russell & Sara Hartless

Joining us live from the inferno was our celebrity co-host of the week, Tucson Weekly food writer C.J. Hamm, who talked about his latest culinary and cocktail findings. We also sat down with Sam Alboy, owner of Mama’s Hawaiian BBQ and president of the Tucson Originals, who had some delicious ideas for holiday gift-giving. Dante’s Fire cocktail guru Jon Tuck then got things shaking with imagination as he took us on a tour of some spectacular libations…one of which was made with cucumber foam! Our featured guest was Dante’s Fire executive chef Ken Foy, who introduced us to his canvas of creativity. You’ll love hearing about what he does with foie gras, how he takes the jalapeno popper to new heights, and the one ingredient in his refrigerator at home that he simply can’t live without! Do Dante’s Fire, if you can stand the heat!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:27 — 13.9MB)

Craft beer fans flocked to this week’s broadcast, which came to you live from the newest brewery and tap room to hit the Southern Arizona suds scene, Pueblo Vida Brewing Company!

Jason Miko, Matt Russell, Kyle Jefferson, Linette Antillon, Sarah Ritchie & Scot Litteer

We had two celebrity co-hosts this week – Jason Miko of Russell Public Communications and Scot Litteer of Litteer Films – who each revealed their top craft beer moments of the week. We also caught up with the one, the only, Sarah Ritchie, known across the galaxy as Craft Beer Betty, who got us current with the local chapter of Girls Pint Out. Our featured guest was Pueblo Vida owner/brewer Kyle Jefferson, who shared his personal story that is now manifest in four beautiful brews. We sampled a full flight and had much to share about our observations! Lastly, our thanks go out to Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks for sending over a platter of cheesesteaks and cheesesteak egg rolls  to enjoy with our beers!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:09 — 13.8MB)

Scotch and steak enthusiasts worldwide tuned in for this broadcast, as we explored the spectacular Scotch and steak scene at the PY Steakhouse!

Scotch Flights at PY Steakhouse

Our celebrity co-host this week was Thom Wadlund, Scotch sophisticate and agent extraordinaire with American Family Insurance, who shared his personal single malt journey. We also caught up with Casino del Sol Resort mixologist Aaron DeFeo, who took us on a tasting tour of Scotland’s single malt regions. We also sat down with PY Steakhouse front man Kevin Brady, and Chef Erik Savin, who walked us through the kind of a menu that Scotch fans celebrate, and, no surprise, premium steaks were the centerpiece! Scotch and steaks…two of the basic food groups!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:55 — 14.3MB)

How do you start the official countdown to the Viva la Local Food Festival? Get some of Tucson’s local food and beverage celebrities in the studio for an hour-long dialogue about local!

Brian Morris, Tristan White, Sally Kane, Matt Russell, Noel Patterson & Manish Shah

It’s that simple, and what a fun show this was. We kicked things off with this week’s celebrity co-host, Viva la Local co-founder Manish Shah, who shared everything you need to know about this food, beverage, shopping and entertainment extravaganza. We then brought Sally Kane from the Coronet into the fun, who shared what she’s planning to serve at the event. Hint: this woman knows her butter beans! Brian Morris from Prep and Pastry hopped in as well by unveiling his tasty contribution to the event, which made meringue mavens go wild! Noel Patterson from Quench Fine Wines cracked open some spectacular wine for us to enjoy, and Tristan White from Dragoon Brewing Company served up some suds that had us all thinking about banana bread.  See you at Viva la Local!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:45 — 14.2MB)

A new vodka and caviar bar was recently unveiled at Kalina Russian Cuisine and Tea House, the perfect destination for our broadcast this week!

Adam Lehrman, Natasha Kalina, her sister Jordan & Matt Russell

Our celebrity co-host was the Tucson Foodie himself, Adam Lehrman, who got things started by sharing some of his latest culinary and cocktail pursuits. We then caught up with John Kulakowski of the Hacienda del Sol, who had all the information on his upcoming Argentina Heart and Soul event. Our featured guest was Natasha Kalina herself, the woman behind the romance of Russian dining in Tucson. We learned so much about the role that vodka and caviar play in an authentic Russian meal, and were taught how to say “cheers” in Russian as we tasted our way through some lovely examples of each. And when the beef stroganoff was presented, we were nearly rendered speechless. Do yourself a favor, go to Kalina. You’ll thank us.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:20 — 14.1MB)