While Matt Russell was on the road this week, guest host John Fina staged an absolutely delicious show live from the KNST studio. John’s special guests were Eric Farmilant, mixologist from Tavolino, whose “Red Level Sage” campari cocktail just earned top honors at a recent USBG competition; and Amanuel and Noah Gebremariam of Zemams, who introduced us to the artistry, culture and traditions of Ethiopian cuisine.

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

Our annual BBQ broadcast came to you live this week from Mr. K’s BBQ, and what a smokin’ show it was! Celebrity co-host Alan “Fuego Daddy” Zeman helped kick-off the fun with a rundown on how he’s been keeping his palate busy these days, and Beth Cooney from the Nugget Resort & Casino in Nevada joined us with all the information on the 25th annual Nugget Rib Cook-off this Labor Day weekend. We were privileged to welcome Mr. K himself to the table as well, who gave us some historical perspectives on his craft, and Mr. K’s own Rhonda Kendrick had some suggestions for the ideal beverages to wash down the ‘cue. Our featured guest was Chef Steve Sargent, who gave us a little schoolin’ on the necessary elements of perfect BBQ. This was true barbeque bliss.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:08 — 14.3MB)

When a new restaurant opens in Tucson, that makes news, and this week’s broadcast came to you live from the newest Tucson eatery, La Mia Toscana…and all we can say is “delizioso!” This week’s celebrity co-host, Adam “Tucson Foodie” Lehrman, got things started by sharing some news about his series of Tucson Foodie culinary events. We then sat down with Brian Metzger of Metzger Family Restaurants who introduced us to Gio Taco, his newest concept scheduled to open downtown in November. Alan Rodriguez of Classico Fine Wines walked us through Italian Wines 101, while Josie Ragghinti of La Mia Toscana took us on a virtual tour of Tuscany through her beautiful menu. Chef Giancarlo made lots of new friends at the show when he brought out the salmon risotto, bruschetta, and rigatoni with clams in a saffron butter sauce. Si, per favore!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:29 — 14.2MB)

What makes for an action-packed hour of radio? Wine, tequila and foie gras on a stick, of course, and this show had it all and then some!

Celebrity co-host Jim Seder of Wine Inquirer told some great stories about his recent visit to the Tequila-producing regions of Mexico, and brought in some lovely samples, including the El Jimador silver and the exquisite Extra Anejo from Herradura. We then caught up with Andrew Lazorchak of Soiree Home, which recently launched a new wine and spirit accessory called the Tempour…part chiller, part aerator, part filter, and part pourer. We tried it out on a nice Sauvignon Blanc, and found it to be the perfect tool to maximize our wine experience. Our featured guest was Chef Ken Foy of Dante’s Fire, whose dishes give new meaning to limbo, greed, anger and treachery! We especially loved the “foie pops,” hearth-baked bread and tuna tartare…deliciously Dante’s!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:56 — 12.6MB)

In our inaugural broadcast from Trail Dust Town, we thought the perfect venue would be Dakota Bar & Grill! Matt’s celebrity co-host this week was Tucson Weekly editor Dan Gibson, who discussed some of the things he takes into consideration when covering the local culinary and cocktail beat. We also heard from Chef Aaron May, the man behind May’s Counter and the Lodge Sasquatch Kitchen, about some new things cooking at both restaurants (plus a tease on a third and possibly fourth addition to the Tucson restaurant landscape!). Dakota Bar and Grill’s general manager Isaac Ench got us current on the restaurant’s bar scene, and Chef August Ench walked us through his exciting menu. We’re still thinking about the grilled hangar steak, salmon cakes, seared sea scallops, coconut shrimp and bruschetta…a foodie fantasia!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:30 — 14.2MB)

What’s the best way to take an exceptional culinary and cocktail experience to the next level? With a premium cigar, of course, and this week’s broadcast came to you live from the lounge of our cigar retailer of choice, Jerry’s Cigars! Our celebrity co-host this week was Fred Ronstadt, fellow foodie, cigar enthusiast, tequila sophisticate, and former Tucson City Councilman. Fred got things started by discussing what cigars he’s been enjoying lately, along with offering some great recommendations on tequila. We also checked in with Chris Kelly and Kyle Hoover of the Ezra Zion Cigar Company, which recently launched the TANTRUM, a show-stopping stick that has earned a serious amount of props in the industry. Matt and Fred each fired up a TANTRUM and it quickly became clear what all the screaming was about. Michael Reyes from Sir Veza’s Taco Garage stopped by with some delicious tacos to share, while giving us his update from the Garage. Our featured guest was Jerry Yang of Jerry’s Cigars, who walked us through the Jerry’s story. With more than 70,000 cigars on hand, Jerry’s is the ultimate destination for Tucson’s cigar enthusiast!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:37 — 14.5MB)

This special edition of On the Menu Live focused on all that’s making news in the gluten-free community. Celebrity co-host Jerry Heintze of Tucson Night Out spoke about his latest culinary adventures, including his personal history with gluten intolerance. We then caught up with Patricia Hirsch of the Southern Arizona Celiac Support Group, who got us current with everything going on in this dynamic organization, including some local restaurant recommendations for people adopting a gluten-free diet. Our featured guest was Erin Araujo, general manager of the Campbell Plaza location of Sauce Pizza & Wine. Sauce recently launched a new line of gluten-free pizzas, and Erin treated us to some delicious examples of how yummy gluten-free can really be. We even got to try some gluten-free beer! We love Sauce. We love Erin.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:19 — 14.4MB)

Sitting in for Matt Russell this week was Frankie Santos of Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks and Rita Connelly of the Tucson Weekly and Facebook’s Well-Fed Foodie! Frankie and Rita covered the local food scene with great insight and humor, making this a super-fun show! They discussed local food and cocktail specials, what restaurants really mean when they say they “treat you like family,” and what to do if you have a bad experience at a restaurant. We had a great time listening to the Frankie & Rita Show!

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The weekend before Independence Day brought out the patriot in us all at this exciting broadcast from Monkey Burger! Celebrity co-host Melissa D’Auria from Maya Tea Company acknowledged the central role that tea played in our nation’s founding, and got us current with what’s trending in tea today. Then we heard from Matthew Landon of the Hacienda del Sol, who discussed the resort’s plans for a Red, White and Brew extravaganza. Our featured guest was Monkey Burger’s general manager Chas Karakey, who entertained us with stories about happy hour, food trucks, craft beer and, of course, the classic American meal…burgers! We celebrated the occasion with a round of “Great American” burgers and sides of fried pickles. God Bless America!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:21 — 14.1MB)

This year’s Fathers Day weekend broadcast was filled with everything you’d expect for the occasion, including great cocktails, great cigars, and great food! Our celebrity co-host was fellow foodie and NFL superstar John Fina, who shared everything he’s been up to lately on the culinary and cocktail scene. We also welcomed Sherry Nikatsu to the show, head bartender at Old Pueblo Grille. Sherry got the libations started right away, which included a round of refreshing mojitos. We then caught up with Jerry Yang of Jerry’s Cigars, who offered his credentialed recommendations on the perfect sticks for dad this year. Our featured guest was Old Pueblo Grille’s executive chef, Bryan Vernon, who rolled out his new summer menu.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:28 — 14.4MB)