After a review of the week’s foodie news, Matt caught up with Chef Addam Buzzalini of Maynard’s Market & Kitchen, who had all the delicious details on his upcoming Farmers’ Dinner. The featured guest was Rick Connors of the Hungry Fox, who spoke proudly of his iconic destination for the best home-cooking in Tucson. Double-yoke eggs, biscuits with sausage gravy, patty melts, Sonoran cheesestakes, breads baked fresh daily, oh yes! All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:01 — 21.6MB)

On this delicious show live from Jax Kitchen, we were joined by celebrity co-host Taylor Nissan, Jax general manager. He talked about some of the recent developments at Jax Kitchen including a fresh new look, a new feel, and a new lunch menu! We also spoke with Ray Coursen of Elyse Wines in Napa Valley, who talked about his winery that will be showcased at an upcoming Jax Wine Dinner. Our featured guest was Chef Ginny Wooters, who teased our listeners with some of the treasures she was developing for the Jax Wine Dinner menu.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:02 — 49.5MB)

Celebrity co-host Corey Dane from Yelp.com joined us for another delicious radio show, this time live from the new Gusto Osteria! Corey got us up to speed on all the latest local food Yelpings, highlighting local Yelpers’ top ten “Best Thing You Ate in 2011.”  Our featured guest was Gus Gerson of Gusto Osteria, who talked about his authentic destination for Italian cuisine. Fans of the Scordato interpretation of regional cuisine will love Gusto, especially the gems that we tasted…including the Gusto Puffs and Chicken Giovanni. All of that, plus the Catavinos wine of the week!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:00 — 49.4MB)

Matt kicked-off the first show of the New Year with celebrity co-host Layrd Mahler of the Sonoran Brewing Company. Layrd spoke about some of the exciting suds that he’s brewing up at Sonoran, and gave us the opportunity to taste some of his finest. Among them were Arizona Centennial Copper Ale, While Chocolate Ale,Victorian IPA and the Inebriator Imperial Stout (which, by the way, is perhaps the best stout we’ve ever tasted).  The featured guest was Tom Firth of the Grill at Hacienda del Sol, who spoke about his new breakfast menu. All of that, plus the Catavinos wine of the week!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:02 — 49.5MB)

Sitting in for a vacationing Matt Russell was Jim Seder of WineInquirer.com. Jim began his New Year’s Eve celebration a few days early, by focusing on two of the basic food groups, chocolate and cheese! His first guest was Alison Meyers of Lake Champlain Chocolates in Vermont, who spoke about the beauty of truffles and gourmet chocolate bars. He then caught up with Gina Freize from Venissimo Cheese in San Diego, whose passion for gourmet cheese is unsurpassed. All of that, plus the Catavinos wine of the week!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:11 — 21.7MB)

Cooler temps and the holiday season inspired this delicious show, which aired live from Tucson’s first gastropub…Noble Hops! Celebrity co-host Jessica Nenadic of Alliance Beverage stopped by to share some of her recent food and cocktail journeys. She also made some delicious Champagne cocktails for us to enjoy (listen for the soft ‘pop’ of the Champagne cork as she began to assemble these beauties). Our featured guest was Aric Mussman from Noble Hops, who talked about the recent launch of their winter menu (how about braised beef cheeks, escargot with gorgonzola, and a bacon jam cheeseburger!). Aric also spoke passionately about his more than 150 beers available…wish we had time to taste them all, but it’s only a one-hour show! All of that, plus the Catavinos wine of the week!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:04 — 21.7MB)

Lots of holiday parties planned for this week, and we want to make sure that everyone gets home safely and soundly.  Rene Acosta from Entourage Transportation Group joined us to discuss his unique business that is quite the buzz around town. There’s a reason that Entourage is the official transportation services provider for On the Menu Live! We also caught up with Frankie Santos from Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks, who shared some exciting holiday news from the Tucson Originals. Our featured guest was Chef Christian Hanley of Armitage Wine Lounge and Cafe, who revealed the menu for his upcoming wine dinner on January 17. All of that, plus the Catavinos wine of the week!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:01 — 21.6MB)

This week’s show got us front and center with restaurant royalty, when we were honored to have Chef Christina Machamer as a guest. Christina was the season 4 winner of the hit FOX-TV reality show Hell’s Kitchen, and she shared with us exactly what is required to withstand the abuse of host Gordon Ramsay! She now runs the food program at B Cellars in Napa, and has attracted an international fan base. Our featured guests were Kade Mislinski and Andrew Record of HUB, who shared some memories of the last 10 months since they opened downtown. They also revealed their plans for their next restaurant/lounge, which will open in two weeks. It’s called…Playground!  All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:03 — 21.6MB)

Another First Thursday Marketplace brought us down to Main Gate Square for this show, for our live broadcast from Fuku Sushi. We caught up with Chef Travis Peters, who had all the delicious details on the grand opening of his new southern fusion gastropub, The Parish. Then we checked in with Chef Ramiro Scavo to hear all about Dinner with Santa at Pasco Kitchen & Lounge. Our featured guest was John Chamberlain of Fuku Sushi, who shared with us the secrets of his success. Surely those innovative rolls were among them! All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:02 — 21.6MB)

Matt Russell returned to the studio this week to report on the latest food news in Southern Arizona. His first guest was Tom Alfonso, who just opened Alfonso’s Gourmet Olive Oil & Balsamics. Tom educated us on the art and science of the perfect olive oil and balsamic vinegar, which he has imported to Tucson from all over the world. He also hosts oil and vinegar tastings, which have become quite popular at his new store. Our featured guest was Chef Maria Mazon of Boca, who spoke lovingly about her tacos and what makes them so unique. She must be doing something right, coming off of her victory recently in the Tucson Meet Yourself Iron Chef competition. We just love Maria’s tacos and tequilas! All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:02 — 30.9MB)