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Tom Alfonso of Alfonso Gourmet Olive Oil & Balsamics

We learned everything we needed to know about distinguishing gourmet olive oil and balsamic vinegar from that stuff you get at the store, during this live broadcast from Alfonso Gourmet Olive Oil & Balsamics. Our celebrity co-host was food writer/editor Edie Jarolim, who talked about some of the food-related stories she has been covering for Tucson Guide and Sunset Magazine. Matt and Edie also caught up with Coralie Satta of Ghini’s French Caffe about all the delicious summer specials available at Tucson Originals restaurants. Our featured guest was Tom Alfonso, who taught us the appropriate way to taste a gourmet olive oil (listen for the slurping sounds!). We also tasted a delightful peach balsamic-infused water, that was the perfect way to beat the Tucson heat. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

 

Aric Mussman from Vero Amore Authentic Neapolitan Pizza

Fans of authentic Neapolitan-style pizza were in heaven this week, when we stopped by Vero Amore for a special Father’s Day weekend show! Our celebrity co-host was Kelle Maslyn, corporate affairs manager for Comcast in Southern Arizona and dedicated foodie in her own right. Matt and Kelle discussed the perfect Father’s Day cigars with Tyler Klarr of Anthony’s Cigar Emporium, who showcased his sensational sticks for our listeners. Our special guest was Aric Mussman of Vero Amore, who defended his bold claim of being the only authentic destination for Neapolitan pizza in Southern Arizona. What makes the perfect pizza? Is it the crust? Cheese? Sauce? The cooking temperature (which must be 800-1000 degrees)? Listen to the show and decide for yourself! One thing we do know…the Bruschetta, Pizza Lussuria, Pizza Anima, and the Roasted Garlic and Tomato Pasta were delicious beyond words. All of that, plus the CataVinos wine of the week.

 

Ray Flores of Sir Veza’s Taco Garage

Since tacos and tequila are two of the things that helped to put Tucson on the culinary map, we decided to broadcast this week’s show from the local T & T epicenter…Sir Veza’s Taco Garage at the Tucson Mall! Matt was joined by celebrity co-host Jessica Nenadic of Alliance Beverage, who talked about what was trending on the Tucson summer cocktail scene. She also brought some premium tequilas with her for us to taste (we just love our job!), and were introduced to the deliciousness of the Tanteo Tequila with a jalapeno infusion! Our featured guest was Ray Flores of Sir Veza’s Taco Garage, who discussed how the Sir Veza’s concept has become so popular.  We also had the chance to sample some of the things that have contributed to his success (in addition to his stand-out tacos…24 varieties in all!) such as the Diablo Shrimp Fajitas, the Seared Ahi Salad with Mango and Sriracha, and something called the TPD (listen to the show, it will all make sense!). All of that, plus the CataVinos wine of the week.

 

Kevin Brady of PY Steakhouse

Things were really sizzling on this week’s show, live from PY Steakhouse at the spectacular Casino del Sol Resort & Spa. Matt was joined by celebrity co-host George Jenson, of Jenson Consulting, who discussed everything from website design and management to the art of cajun cuisine! Matt and George sat down with Casino del Sol mixologist Aaron DeFeo, who showcased what was trending on the cocktail scene. They also caught up with PY’s Maitre d’, Kevin Brady, who revealed a host of exciting things happening at the Steakhouse throughout the summer. They also had the opportunity to chat with Sous Chef Carlos Cuestas, who teased them with some items from his menu, notably the Seafood Tower and Charcuterie Board. All of that, plus the CataVinos wine of the week!

 

Chef Ryan Clark of Lodge on the Desert

Sitting in for Matt Russell this week was Chef Alan Zeman, the Fuego Daddy himself. The Z-man chatted with Chef Janos Wilder, who was busy on the last day of business for both Janos and J-Bar. It was a great walk down memory lane, recalling the most special moments of these two great culinary destinations. Thank goodness Janos still has Downtown Kitchen & Cocktails – which is going strong! The featured guest was Chef Ryan Clark of the Lodge on the Desert who is preparing to defend his Iron Chef belt. Chef got us current with all the action at the Lodge, which includes a Sous Vide Pig Face! Yum! All of that, plus the CataVinos wine of the week.

 

Yoram Levy and Chef Eddie Sanchez from Jasper Neighborhood Restaurant & Bar

Broadcasting from the longest happy hour in Southern Arizona (Tuesdays – Saturdays, from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm) this show came to you live fom the patio of Jasper Neighborhood Restaurant & Bar.  Owner Yoram Levy caught us up on some recent changes at Jasper, and the-always-cheerful Kate shared details on the restaurant’s entertainment programs and special events. We also checked in with Brian Metzger (the driving force behind Jax Kitchen and The Abbey), who revealed his findings from the National Restaurant Association’s convention in Chicago. Our special guests were Jasper mixologist Eric Evans and Executive Chef Eddie Sanchez. Prickly pear margaritas were the popular cocktail during the show, and Chef Sanchez wowed us with one of the most unique (and delicious) ways to serve lox! We also enjoyed the bountiful Wine Lover’s Burger, a new twist on caprese salad, and some of the best fish tacos around. All of that, and the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

 

Glen Stosius & Chef Chris Singleton from Agustin Brasserie

What an exciting show, our very first show on our bigger, better, and much more delicious radio station, KNST!  We just love our new Saturday afternoon slot, broadcasting live from the heart of happy hour. Returning as celebrity co-host was Alan Zeman, the Fuego Daddy himself, who got us current on all of his recent food and beverage adventures. Matt and Alan checked in with Allie Baron, mixologist from La Cocina, who had recently won the 4th annual Agave Fest tequila competition. What did she do with the secret ingredient? Listen and learn! We then caught up with Glen Stosius and Chef Chris Singleton of the new Agustin Brasserie, who spoke passionately about their interpretations on classic French cuisine. Agustin, among the hottest new restaurants to hit the scence in the past few years, is killing it with their food and bar program. We loved the beef tournadoes, duck fat mashed potato, pork pate, bacon-wrapped scallops, and a shrimp salad made from GIGANTIC shrimp!

 

Travis Reese & Nicole Flowers of 47 Scott

We were joined this week by celebrity co-host and local food blogger Karyn Zoldan, who filled us in on what she thought was making food news recently. We also had the chance to sit down with Ciaran Weise, the master mixologist at 47 Scott’s speakeasy-style lounge, Scott & Co. Ciaran educated us on the art of the perfect cocktail, which recently attracted the attention of the New York Times! Our featured guests were Travis Reese and Nicole Flowers of 47 Scott, who spoke with great passion about this incredible neighborhood bistro. With just one bite of their interpretation of the grilled cheese, as well as their unique version of pork fried rice, we fell in love all over again with one of Tucson’s very best. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

 

Chef Jonathan Stutzman of Bob’s Steak & Chop House

Celebrity co-host John Farlow joined us on this week’s show, and shared all of the things that were keeping his tummy happy these days. We knew the list had to include the Copper Cup at Union Public House! John and Matt sat down with Dan Dickhart of the Omni Tucson National Resort, who showcased all of the action he had planned for the resort’s 50th anniversary throughout 2012. Our special guest was Chef Jonathan Stutzman of the Omni’s own Bob’s Steak and Chop House, who discussed the beauty and majesty of prime beef. We had the opportunity to sample some of chef’s treasures, including one of the most glorious ribeyes we’ve ever experienced. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week!

 

Chef Jonathan Landeen of Jonathan’s Cork

Matt was joined this week by celebrity co-host Corey Dane from Yelp.com, who shared all of his latest food and beverage adventures. He also discussed some local Yelpers’ thoughts about the most romantic restaurants in town as the countdown to Valentine’s Day begins. Our featured guest was Chef Jonathan Landeen of Jonathan’s Cork, who reminded us (like we needed any reminder) why we all LOVE the Cork! The conversation went from blue cheese-stuffed filet, to crab legs, to BBQ duck, to ostrich, to sea bass, to…of course…house-made almond roca! All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week!