With Matt Russell out of town this week, there was no better time for the reunion of local foodie radio icons Alan Zeman and Richard Tyler! For years, these two radio celebs rocked the local airwaves with the latest food news, and this week’s show brought out their best. Their guests included Pat Connors of Pastiche Modern Eatery, Melissa D’Auria of Tucson Botanical Gardens and Deborah Tenino of Contigo Cocina Latina. Thanks for the memories!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:01 — 14.0MB)

This week’s show came to you live from the epicenter of premium goodness, Alfonso Gourmet Olive Oil & Balsamics.

Tana Fryer, Matt Russell, Dr. Todd Case & Tom Alfonso

Our celebrity co-host was Dr. Todd Case, fellow foodie and cosmetic surgeon from Profiles Cosmetic Surgery, who shared some of what he’s been doing in the kitchen lately. We also heard from Grant Krueger and Steve Stratigouleas of Union Public House, who revealed their plans for a new restaurant to open in St. Philip’s Plaza later this year. Tucson’s Cheesemonger-in-Chief Tana Fryer of Blu sat down to discuss some of her artisan cheeses, and Alfonso’s own Tom Alfonso brought some EVOO and aged balsamics for a cheese-oil-balsamic tasting. This is deliciousness defined!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:51 — 14.0MB)

Starting a new year means looking ahead, and looking ahead sometimes means heading north, and, in Tucson, heading north can only mean one thing, North Italia, and we had some North stars in the studio with us for our first broadcast of 2014!

Matt Shaloo, Matt Russell, Chef Carlos Calderon & C.J. Hamm

We kicked things off with this week’s celebrity co-host, the food business writer for the Tucson Weekly, C.J. Hamm.  C.J. gave us an update on the kinds of things he’s been covering lately, and offered his official predictions for the Tucson food scene in 2014. We also checked in with Tucson blues man Marty Kool, who reported on the Sunday blues series he recently launched at Hacienda del Sol. North Italia’s own Matt Shaloo got things shaking in the studio with his interpretations of two classic cocktails, and Chef Carlos Calderon discussed how the North menu is like turning a modern lens on traditional Italian cooking. And if that wasn’t enough, the short rib hash and patata pizza we sampled put us right over the edge. Come delizioso!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:15 — 15.0MB)

For our last show of the year, we thought it would be fun to broadcast from the newly re-imagined and re-opened Agustin Kitchen, and what a delicious year-end show it was.

Garret Steffgen, Chef Ryan Clark, Jessica Nenadic & Matt Russell

Our celebrity co-host this week was Alliance Beverage’s Jessica Nenadic, who gave us her official report on what’s in and what’s out on the libation scene, while Agustin Kitchen’s bar manager Garret Steffgen walked us through his crafty cocktail program. Our featured guest was Chef Ryan Clark, who showcased his restaurant’s new approach and attitude, while serving up some delicious examples…like the house-made smear jars and diver scallops with pork belly. Happy New Year!

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

This show was all about the world of “craft” on the culinary and cocktail scene, and we decided that the perfect venue for our live broadcast would be Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink!

Tyler Fenton & girlfriend Emily, Jay Zimmerman, Adam Lehrman, Matt Russell, Jason Neri, Mike Katz & Amanda Neri

Our celebrity co-host was the Tucson Foodie himself, Adam Lehrman, who talked up some of his most recent culinary encounters, who was followed by Mike Katz of Entourage Transportation, who had great advice for getting home safely after all the holiday parties. Our featured guests were Reilly’s own Tyler Fenton and Jay Zimmerman, who talked about how the word “craft” applies to their artistry. From Reilly’s new beer garden, to a memorable cocktail, artisan pizza, even a serving board ladled with fresh polenta and bolognese, “craft” is alive and well at Reilly!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:03 — 14.0MB)

We came to you live from the KNST studio this week, with celebrity co-host Karyn Zoldan of Circle of Food Blog, who shared what she thought was making food news these days.

Brian Metzger, Karyn Zoldan & Matt Russell

We were also joined by Renee Kreager of Renee’s Organic Oven, who had all the details on a big customer appreciation party she had planned for later in the weekend. Jerry Yang from Jerry’s Cigars joined the conversation as well, announcing a big event he was planning for cigar enthusiasts on December 20. Our featured guest was Brian Metzger of Metzger Family Restaurants, who told us all what “no rules” means in Taco Talk, in the countdown to the opening of Gio Taco on December 21. Believe us, this concept is totally unexpected, and we can’t wait for opening day!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:35 — 14.8MB)

Captain Jack Sparrow might have asked with great alarm, “Why’s the rum gone?,” but we surely didn’t run out of rum during this live broadcast from Saint House Rum Bar!

John Farlow, Karl Goranowski, Nicole Flowers, Travis Reese & Matt Russell

Our celebrity co-host this week was fellow foodie and rum sophisticate John Farlow, who spoke poetically about why rum is the one spirit that’s most often in his glass. We also heard from Saint House mixologist Karl Goranowski, who educated us a bit on tiki culture, and served up some amazing cocktails for us to try (Vicious Virgin #3, anyone?). Our featured guest was Saint House’s co-owner Travis Reese, who talked about his own passion for rum, and the Caribbean-inspired menu that was thoughtfully designed to pair with cocktails made from many of his 43 rums in stock! We just loved the ropa vieja and ceviche trio, and agree with the Tucson Weekly that “with outstanding food, cocktails and service, Saint House is a stellar addition to the city’s dining scene.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:13 — 14.4MB)

This was one dog house we didn’t mind being in – this week’s show originated from the Dog House Saloon at the Tanque Verde Ranch!

Michael Luria, Matt Russell, Kristen Tremmel & Chef Sergio Rocha

Our celebrity co-host for the week was Michael Luria, fellow foodie and executive director of the Children’s Museum Tucson, who got us current with his latest culinary and cocktailing travels. We also caught up with Les Baxter, the new owner of the Hog Pit Smokehouse, and we learned what he has planned for this great east-side BBQ joint. Kristen Tremmel from the Tanque Verde Ranch gave a report from the bar, which included talk of a fresh prickly pear margarita, and special guest Chef Sergio Rocha gave us a glimpse of his culinary philosophy, which boils down to “food should be fun!” We had tons of delicious fun out on the Ranch, and we hope you can get out there soon!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:54 — 14.0MB)

As we approached the holiday season, we thought we’d take time out to sample some fall-inspired brews, with this week’s celebrity co-host Scot Litteer!

Chef Brandon Cathey, Matt Russell, Scot Litteer (and his now-famous son Lukie)

Scot lead us through a tasty sampling of some of his faves, and gave us a report on what kept him busy during his recent 8-day trip to Napa Valley. We also checked in with Sarah Heimerman of Knork Flatware, who introduced us to her new “Top Chef” line of Knorks…as seen on the Bravo network. This is super cool stuff, and a must for your holiday (and ANY day) table. We hit a timing snag which prevented us from getting special guest Chef Brandon Cathey on, but we’ll have him on again real soon!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:20 — 15.0MB)

We returned this week to one of our very favorite destinations for Manhattans, martinis and prime Cote du Boeuf…Bob’s Steak & Chop House at the Omni Tucson National Resort.

Adam Lehrman, Andrea Bravo, Chef Jonathan Stutzman & Matt Russell

Our celebrity co-host this week was Adam Lehrman, AKA the Tucson Foodie, who shared all the developments on the local food and beverage scene that he thinks are making news. We also checked in with Bob’s general manager, the lovely Andrea Bravo, who walked us through her craft cocktail program and lovingly libated us with both a classic Manhattan and a Southern Hospitality! Our featured guest was Omni Tucson’s Executive Chef Jonathan Stutzman. In addition to talking poetically about prime beef, Chef unveiled some of his house-made jams and jellies which we had the chance to sample. Bacon marmalade, yes please! That was a lovely prelude to our tasting, which included tenderloin with blue cheese and local mesquite honey, blue cheese chips, some gorgeous calamari, and the aforementioned and magnificent Cote du Boeuf. And “magnificent” is the one word that always sums up our experience at Bob’s!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:25 — 14.4MB)