This week, Matt had the unique opportunity to chat with some of Tucson’s women chefs who were all getting ready for the first annual Sizzling Women event! But first, he checked in with Brian Metzger, who had some breaking news to share about his two restaurants: Jax Kitchen and The Abbey. Matt then caught up with Marilyn Noble, author of the hot new cookbook, “Southwest Comfort Food.” Finally, we were joined by three Sizzling Women, Kim Kaman-Lamm, Jennifer Morales, and Victoria Christie. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:04 — 30.9MB)

Our live broadcast from Main Gate Square this week was on the beautiful patio of Sinbad’s Mediterranean Cuisine. Celebrity co-host Michael Luria joined the conversation with some fun foodie news, as well as information on a delicious and upcoming event at the Children’s Museum Tucson. Matt and Michael also had the opportunity to sample some of the best Mediterranean cuisine available, as only Sinbad’s can provide! You’ll enjoy their reactions to each and every bite, and we know you’ll be headed to Sinbad’s for lunch or dinner before the show is even over! All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:01 — 30.9MB)

Matt Russell returns to the mic following a couple of weeks on the road, and he put together an all-star cast for this delicious show! He caught up with Chef Beau MacMillan from Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, who had just been named a contestant for the Food Network’s ‘Iron Chef: Super Chefs.’ Shawn Campbell of the Tucson Symphony also stopped by to talk about  the Movable Musical Feast. Our featured guest was Chef Ramiro Scavo of Pasco Kitchen & Lounge, who rolled out his new menu for us. Lamb Bolognese? Yes, please! All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

Sitting in for Matt Russell this week was guest host Alan Zeman, the Fuego Daddy himself! Alan was joined by Chef Albert Hall for for an action-packed show dedicated exclusively to some upcoming culinary events including:Tucson Meet Yourself Iron Chef, Ladies Night at the Lodge, and the Tucson Culinary Festival. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

Mark Irvin sits in for Matt Russell this week, for an entire show dedicated to the fun, food, and festivities at THE PARTY. Live from Main Gate Square, Mark speaks with a cast of local celebrities about this annual event that raises money for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tucson. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:25 — 21.8MB)

As sushi enthusiasts, we decided to dive head first into some of the best around, at our live broadcast from Bushi! Celebrity co-host Kirk Jensen stopped by to remind us how he lives up to his nickname, the Tailgate Titan. He came prepared with a list of things that every tailgater should know. Kirk and Matt were then joined by Peggy Fiandaca of Lawrence Dunham Vineyards in Pearce, AZ.  Peggy, who is also the president of the Arizona Wine Growers Association, sparkled when talking about Arizona wine, and discussed what we can all expect from the results of this year’s harvest. She even brought us a bottle of her famous R.E.D. to taste, which didn’t last long. The featured guest was Rebecca Parisi of Bushi, who talked about the art, culture, and traditions of authentic Japanese cuisine. This is truly some of the best sushi we have had, and it’s all a product of the 7 virtues of the Bushi Warrior. Simply divine. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:58 — 49.4MB)

Celebrity co-host Mark Irvin joined us again in the studio, entertaining our audience with all the adventures he has had lately. He also gave out the important information about THE PARTY, the huge bash in October to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tucson. Mark and Matt also chatted with Jordan Schacht of the Cereal Boxx, who had just wrapped up his annual cereal eating contest. What’s new at the Cereal Boxx these days? How about paninis and waffle sandwiches.Yum! The featured guest was Natalie Fernandez, who stopped by to talk about the annual Spanish and Flamenco Festival at Casa Vicente. This is among our favorite events of the year, and there’s no better place for it than Casa Vicente, the destination for authentic Spanish cuisine! All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

Comin’ to ya, on a dusty road; good lovin, I’ve got a truck load; and when you get it, you got somethin’; so don’t worry, cause I’m comin’. This was a show dedicated to Soul Men everywhere, as we featured the authentic soul cuisine of the Onyx Room! But first, we checked in with Ray Flores of Sir Veza’s Taco Garage, who had all the information on the upcoming Copa de Hot Dog, Sonoran Dog Eating Contest. Ray suggested that the winner would likely down up to 20 Sonoran Dogs in 10 minutes. Burp! Things got real soulful after that, when the conversation turned to catfish, collard greens, fried chicken, and PIG’s FEET! Leondria and John Bryant from the Onyx Room made everyone at the studio smile with their goodies, and Chef John talked about what it takes to produce real soul food. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

This week’s show was all about celebrities, and in our food-n-fun world, there are many! Celebrity co-host Corey Dane, Tucson Community Manager for Yelp.com, joined us with all the information about Yelp, the vibrant community he has built, and the Tucson appetizer battle that was well underway. Corey and Matt also had the opportunity to visit with celebrity chef Jeff Mauro, host of the Food Network’s Sandwich King.  Their featured guest was Chef Ryan Clark of Lodge on the Desert, who was recently crowned Iron Chef of Tucson! Ryan brought in some goodies for us to sample, which showed us exactly how he won the heated competition. All of that, plus the Catavinos wine of the week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:59 — 21.6MB)

We just love the first Thursday of every month, because we get to broadcast live from the First Thursday Art Walk in Main Gate Square. Our broadcast location this week was Pei Wei Asian Diner, and we had a blast touring five Asian cultures from a culinary perspective. We also welcomed Rock Saul and Chef Josh Willet from the Flying V Bar and Grill at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort to the conversation, and talked about how they have reinvented happy hour. We were particularly intrigued with their more than 70 tequilas in stock! Our featured guest was Ryan LaVacque from Pei Wei, who introduced us to some delicious pan Asian cuisine. All of that, plus the Catavinos wine of the week.

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