Matt Russell spent some time away from the mic this week, as guest host Jim Seder, of the Wine Inquirer, filled in. Jim’s celebrity co-host was Gil Fraijo of Total Wine & More, who discussed the exciting grand opening of Tucson’s newest Total Wine store. Jim and Gil then welcomed Cheese Queen Gina Frieze to the conversation, who shared all the latest goings-on at our favorite dairy destination: Venissimo Cheese in San Diego. Our featured guests were Sparky and Sarah Marquis from Mollydooker Wines in Australia. Their 2011 vintage sounded quite good, and we learned a lot about some new irrigation techniques that they say make all the difference. Cheers!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:17 — 14.7MB)

There’s something about an authentic Wild West saloon that puts a smile on your face, and there were plenty of smiles at this show coming to you live from Chad’s Steakhouse & Saloon! This week’s celebrity co-host was Kirk Jensen, President & CEO of Bridgetown Coffee in Portland, who talked about the necessary elements of the perfect cuppa joe. Matt and Kirk caught up with Tim Burrows, manager of the new Total Wine store that had recently opened in Tucson, who outlined all the exciting things happening at this playground for wine, spirit, and beer enthusiasts. Our featured guest was Chad’s manager Brandon Manherz who took us on a tour of this Wild West steakhouse and saloon. When it came to the tasting, the food told the story best, with Chad’s garden salad, signature ribeye, baby back ribs, and tumbleweeed onion…making the cowboy inside all of us smile.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:45 — 14.8MB)

If ever there was a show for true ‘cue enthusiasts, this was it…coming to you live from the Catalina BBQ Co. at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa. Our celebrity co-host was Alan Zeman, the Fuego Daddy himself, who kicked things off talking about his latest culinary travels. Matt and Alan then welcomed Chef Maria Mazon from Boca, who had information on an exciting tequila and taco tasting that she is planning for August 24. Beth Cooney joined the conversation as well, all the way from John Ascuaga’s Nugget Resort Casino in Nevada, updating us on this year’s Nugget Rib Cook-off. Our featured guests were Chef Danny Perez and manager Julie Polk from the Catalina BBQ Co., who contributed to the life-changing nature of this special broadcast. Fellow foodies, we know good BBQ, and this is BBQ as it was intended to be. We tasted some killer smoked wings, onion rings the size of large donuts, a mac-n-cheese that has come to redefine that staple comfort food, and, of course, ribs…which were among the best we’ve had.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:00 — 14.6MB)

An entire show built around tequila and the beauty of the agave, this broadcast came to you live from the Tequila Factory at the Casino del Sol. Celebrity co-host Fred Ronstadt, tequila enthusiast and fellow foodie, got things started by discussing his latest culinary and cocktail adventures. Matt and Fred then welcomed Casino del Sol master mixologist Aaron DeFeo to the table, who conducted an informative (and quite tasty) Tequila 101 session! Our featured guests were Chef Carlos Aponte from the Tequila Factory, and manager Tony Davis, who shared the story that fans of Autentica Comida Mexicana just love to hear. Family recipes have inspired the creative menu here, and we just loved what we feasted on: carnitas tacos, Chicken Arizona, mole-braised buffalo short rib, chile-rubbed baby back ribs with prickly pear BBQ sauce, biztec al adobo, and casero cheese-stuffed jumbo shrimp, wrapped in bacon, and drizzled with ranchero sauce.  Te Quiero, Tequila Factory!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:07 — 14.3MB)

We’re baaaaaack! We had so much fun on our last show from the Hacienda, we just had to return for another delicious hour. Our celebrity co-host of the week was fellow foodie Gary Karr, who was visiting the Old Pueblo all the way from our nation’s capital. Gary showcased some of the things that he found most fascinating on his culinary and cocktail cruising around the country, including some words of wisdom from this fellow bourbon enthusiast. Hacienda manager Matthew Landon brought big smiles to the conversation, which always seems to happen when he delivers cocktails! We tasted some of the house classics including the Sonoran Ice Water, House Margarita, Chelsea Sidecar, and Fire Roasted Bloody Mary. Sommelier Dylan Higgins stopped by as well, with information on some exciting events. Our featured guests were Chefs Greg Carra and Marcos Castro who rolled out some of the new items from the Grill’s menu. Rendering us nearly speechless were the Pecan Grilled Pork on White Cheddar Grits and the Pan Seared Rocky Mountain Trout with a Smoked Trout Nicoise. And for dessert? Too many to mention, but the Prickly Pear Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust earned high acclaim. All of that, plus the CataVinos Wine of the Week!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:33 — 14.5MB)

So what is real food anyway? We broke it all down for our listeners on this show which came to you live from the lounge at Acacia Real Food & Cocktails. Celebrity co-host Jim Seder of the Wine Inquirer reported on his very real and recent adventures in the wine countries of France. Matt and Jim then invited Tim Bentley to the conversation, who shared some opportunities for some real fitness and fun at the weekly “Meet Me At La Encantada.” Our featured guest was Acacia’s Chef Albert Hall, who spoke passionately about his interpretations on real food. He shared some of that reality with us including the Dungeness Crab Louie Salad, Gazpacho, Cioppino, and the world-famous Acacia Sonoran Pups! All of that, plus the CataVinos Wine of the Week!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:00 — 14.0MB)

“A bottle of red, a bottle of white, it all depends on your appetite. I’ll meet you anytime you want, at our Italian Restaurant.” Thanks to Billy Joel for inspiring this week’s show, which came to you live from the Chef’s Table at Tavolino Ristorante Italiano. Celebrity co-host Michael Luria, fellow foodie and executive director of Children’s Museum Tucson, got things started with a rundown of his latest culinary and cocktailing journeys. Matt and Michael also caught up with Chef Marc Murphy, one of the judges on the hot Food Network show Chopped, who discussed the new series, Chopped: Grill Masters! Our featured guests were Davide Garbin and Larissa Capizzano from Tavolino, who spoke passionately about the Tavolino story, the Northern Italian-inspired menu, and the range of special events coming up at the restaurant. Then, the food arrived! We particularly enjoyed the Burrato Pizza, the Porcetta di Maiale, and the Pappardelle al Pesto e Fagiolini!  All of that, plus the CataVinos Wine of the Week!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:25 — 13.9MB)

We returned to one of our favorite culinary destinations this week, Bob’s Steak & Chop House, for a show dedicated to great steaks and cocktails! Celebrity co-host John Farlow got things started by walking us through all of his eating and drinking adventures of late as we sipped on some of bartender Cori’s delicious dirty martinis. Matt and John reported on all the summer action at the Omni Tucson National Resort (where Bob’s is located) which included a great special on the perfect stay-cation. Our featured guest was Bob’s Executive Chef Jonathan Stutzman who talked about some of his early inspirations as a chef, and discussed what be believes makes the perfect steak. We also had the chance to sample some of Bob’s goodies, including the Rosemary-roasted prime rib! All of that, plus the CataVinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:02 — 14.0MB)

Having just been ranked the #1 hotel in Tucson by Trip Advisor, the Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort was the perfect backdrop for this delicious broadcast. Celebrity co-host Jerry Heintze of TucsonNightOut.com got all of our listeners current with what’s happening in Tucson when the sun goes down. Matt and Jerry sat down with Matt Landon of the Hacienda to sample some of the new specialty cocktails that had just been shaken up. We particularly enjoyed the one called the Leisure Suit! We then got sommelier Dylan Higgins into the mix who discussed the Hacienda’s wine program, and owner Tom Firth gave us a sense of the rich history of the property.  Chef Greg Carra brought over some tasty items from the new menu – and we danced our way through the mesquite flour calamari and the chilled gazpacho. All of that, plus the CataVinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:50 — 14.3MB)

Fins up! This beachfront broadcast (well, the closest we could get to the beach without leaving Tucson) was live from Fini’s Landing. Our celebrity co-host, fimmaker and island cuisine enthusiast Scot Litteer, described his recent visit to Hawaii and what he found worthy of eating and drinking. Our featured guest was Fini’s Chef Tiki Tim, who discussed his unique interpretations on classic beach fare. We particularly enjoyed the prickly pear calamari with a habanero gastrique and cilantro cream, the life-changing fries, and the Chubasco Burger…with pecan-smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, fried jalapenos, and Chubasco mayo. To wash it down, we enjoyed some frosty Beached Ales and Spicy Senoritas! All of that, plus the CataVinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:11 — 13.5MB)