We just love reporting on the dynamic culinary and cocktail scene in the great State of Arizona, but sometimes we just need to take the show on the road.

Michael Giannini, Matt Russell & Julian Griffiths

So where was our destination for this weekend’s broadcast? The Mirage Hotel & Casino in VEGAS, BABY! Our celebrity co-host for the hour was Michael Giannini of Foundry Cigars, who was in town for Cigar Aficionado Magazine’s annual Big Smoke event. Michael told some fascinating stories about Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison, and how they each inspired Foundry’s new “War of Currents” line of sticks. We also caught up with Julian Griffiths, Vice President of Food and Beverage at the Mirage, who walked our palates through some of the delicious cocktails that are attracting buzz at the Mirage. Our featured guest was Anthony Zappola, Executive Chef at the Mirage’s Heritage Steak.   The Las Vegas Weekly says, “Don’t know Chef Anthony Zappola? Don’t worry, you will.” This foodie rock star shared some stories along his culinary journey, and discussed how open-flame preparation means everything when it comes to satisfying carnivorous cravings. Food, fun and frolic at the Mirage…does it get any better?!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:31 — 14.7MB)

We celebrated more than 100 years of beer in Arizona throughout this sudsy broadcast, live from Barrio Brewing Co.

Kimberly Clements, Matt Russell, Dennis Arnold and Ed Sipos

Our celebrity co-host for the hour was Barrio’s own Dennis Arnold, who gave us an update on his recent and effervescent adventures, which included a new line-up of beer gelato! Matt and Dennis also sat down with Kimberly Clements of Golden Eagle Distributors, a member of one of Arizona’s pioneering beer families, who shared her insights on the past, present and future of Arizona beer. Our featured guest was Ed Sipos, author of the hot new book, “Brewing Arizona: A Century of Beer in the Grand Canyon State.” Ed discussed the fascinating history of Arizona beer, dating back to the 1800s, which is all captured in this gorgeous book that is a must for all beer and history buffs. Get it today at www.BrewingArizona.com!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:30 — 14.4MB)

Well tie me kangaroo down, sport, and keep me cockatoo cool! This week’s show got you as close as you can get to the Land of Plenty without leaving Tucson.

Ralph Avella, Glenn Murphy, Sally Shamrell, Matt Russell and John Farlow

Our official broadcast destination was Aussie Cantina, and we had one ripper of a good time! This week’s celebrity co-host John Farlow shared some of what he likes best about Australia, which focused on the region’s food, drinks, people and community. We then took a short departure from Australia and headed to Argentina, when Matthew Landon of the Hacienda del Sol joined us to talk about his upcoming Argentina Heart & Soul food and wine event. Aussie Cantina’s own Ralph Avella sat down with us as well for a lively discussion about his bar program, which included lots of stubbies, grog, amber fluid and turps! Our featured guests were Glenn Murphy and Sally Shamrell of Aussie Cantina, who took us on a virtual tour of Australia. This was more fun than fun! We also got a chance to sink our teeth into some regional delicacies, from Kangaroo Chips, to Lamb Chops, to Aussie Meat Pie. Good on ya, mates.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:45 — 13.9MB)

Mark Irvin took over the mic this week for an entire hour dedicated to THE PARTY…a food, fun and frolic event to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tucson.

Mark Irvin

Mark’s all-star cast included Amber Haddad of Fox Restaurant Concepts; Britt Ronstandt with the band 80’s and Gentlemen; Kelly Greene, Co-chair of THE PARTY, and Laura Feemster, President, Boys and Girls Clubs of Tucson.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:44 — 13.4MB)

We just love going out to eat, but this week’s show was all about staying close to home for the perfect backyard BBQ and block party!

Jack Hamilton, Jessica Nenadic & Dan Dickman

Our celebrity co-host for this delicious hour was Jessica Nenadic of Alliance Beverage, who suggested ‘beverages in bulk’ for the perfect block party. She even assembled a white sangria live on the air as the perfect example! We then sat down with Jack Hamilton of Landscapes by Turf-Tek, who shared some cool ideas for transforming your backyard into the ideal destination for entertaining. Our featured guest was Dan Dickman of Dickman’s Meat & Deli, our protein purveyor of choice at On the Menu Live! Dan offered up some sensational recommendations for keeping guests fed at your next backyard BBQ, showcasing his world-famous Ugly Steaks!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:39 — 14.8MB)

Sitting in for Matt Russell this week was Chef Alan Zeman, the Fuego Daddy himself.

Chef Alan Zeman, Fatima Campos & Chef Albert Hall

The Z-man was joined by Chef Albert Hall of Acacia Real Food and Cocktails, who talked about his new fall menu, and Chef Ryan Clark of Lodge on the Desert, with some information on his new cookbook! Our featured guest was Fatima Campos of Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine, who had lots of delicious things to share about her restaurant, her food, and her new happy hour! Pisco sours anyone?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:36 — 15.0MB)

We had another when-the-moon-hits-your-eye moment this weekend, in celebration of some delicious pizza pies on our live broadcast from Vero Amore!

Aric Mussman & Bella Joffroy

Our celebrity co-host was Bella Joffroy, Tucson Community Manager for Yelp, who talked about some of her culinary and cocktail adventures on a recent trip to Italy! We also checked in with Ryan Clark of Lodge on the Desert, who dished out the latest on the World Margarita Championship. Our featured guest was our favorite Amore Amico, Aric Mussman of Vero Amore. In addition to taking us on a walk through his menu, he also shared the latest on the new Vero Amore, which will open in late October. Be sure to listen for the part about the new speakeasy! We can’t wait.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:59 — 14.0MB)

There’s always something fun and delicious going on at Jonathan’s Cork, and this week was no exception for our live broadcast.

Tom Alfonso & Chef Jonathan Landeen

Celebrity co-host Tom Alfonso, of Alfonso Gourmet Olive Oil and Balsamics, joined us in his first radio appearance since becoming certified as an official olive oil taster, one of only 11 in North America! Matt and Tom then welcomed Ben King from Total Wine, who took us on a bourbon journey as part of National Bourbon Heritage Month, and the Cork’s bar manager, Jeff Hughes, got us current with everything making news behind Jonathan’s bar. Our featured guests were Chef Jonathan Landeen and his mustache. Jonathan treated us to some fun cheffin’ stories, and presented us with some seriously good eats…tuna tartare, house-made anaheim chili sausages, and blackened venison! Hashtag SCRUMPTIOUS!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:43 — 14.2MB)

Lauren Enwright, Myles Stone & Billi Levine

After two weeks away, Matt Russell returned to the microphone this week for a delicious broadcast…live from the W XYZ Lounge at the Aloft Hotel! Celebrity co-host Myles Stone of Borderlands Brewing Company got things started by discussing some of the season’s suds, and Ben Hoffman of Fini’s Landing treated us to his peach salsa which had just taken the top prize at the Southern Arizona Salsa & Tequila Challenge. Our featured guest was Billi Levine, food and beverage manager at the Aloft Hotel, who unveiled some of her tasty signature cocktails (some of which are available by the pitcher!), courtesy of mixologist Lauren Enwright.   She also hosted us for some of the W XYZ’s fare, including chicken street tacos, fancy sliders and delicious flatbread. The W XYZ Lounge has all the buzz, color, vibe and energy that you’d expect from a W-inspired concept, and you should expect to see Matt there at the bar on a regular basis!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:19 — 13.8MB)

Sitting in for Matt Russell this week was the Tucson Foodie himself, Adam Lehrman! Adam was joined by Jared McKinley of Edible Baja Arizona, who discussed this awesome new magazine; Stephen Paul of Tucson’s own Hamilton Distillers, who brought in some soon-to-be-released single malt whiskey called Whiskey Del Bac; Noel Pattterson of Dos Manos Apiaries, who just came off the farm having picked prickly pear cactus fruit all day; and Kevin Fink of Zona 78, who talked passionately and purposefully about charcuterie. Cured meats and smoked whiskey…does it get any better?!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:56 — 14.3MB)