We got our ‘cue on this week, as we commenced our countdown to Father’s Day! Our show started with breaking news, reporting that Eclectic Pizza in Tucson had changed their name to Renee’s Organic Oven. Renee Kreager was on hand to give us all the exciting details.  We then spent a few minutes with George Markou of the Fat Greek, who spoke about all the local and fresh ingredients he was bringing to his authentically Greek  menu courtesy of the Markou Ranch. Our featured guest was Mark Smith, Pit Master at the Hog Pit Smokehouse. Mark teased us a little with his secrets to the best barbeque, which requires pecan wood, low-and-slow smoking, and a little love and attitude! We sampled some ribs and chicken, and a new one for us…the smoked ribeye!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:45 — 21.5MB)

For our annual anniversary show, we returned to the scene of our very first broadcast, McMahon’s Prime Steakhouse (please bear with us, though, as some technical difficulties on-location resulted in a few audio challenges). Our celebrity co-host was Jon Rogers of Wines Without the Mystery, who updated our listeners on his upcoming classes (which are always quite fun and informative). We also caught up with long-time Tucson radio personality Chita Stevenson, who had the deets on all the fun and action around Sundays on the Strip. Our featured guest was Chef Steve Arndt of McMahon’s, who spoke poetically about the beauty of prime beef. All of that, plus the Catavinos wine of the week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:58 — 21.6MB)

We were back in Main Gate Square again for this sweet First Thursday broadcast, live from Campus Candy! Host Matt Russell, who had recently celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary at Acacia Real Food & Cocktails, asked Chef Albert Hall to discuss the romantic meal that he had assembled for the celebrating couple. They’ll never have filet mignon without Chef d’Paris compound butter again! The featured guest was Gabe Ibarra of Campus Candy, who gave our listeners a virtual tour of Tucson’s version of Candy Land. With more than 500 varieties of candy, nuts, frozen yogurt, and cheesecake, this place has something for everyone. Gabe, Tucson’s official Candy Man, certainly mixes it with love and makes the world taste good!  Our particular favorite? The buttered popcorn flavored jelly beans. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

Jerry Heintze sat in for Matt Russell this week, for our monthly Tucson Originals Spotlight show. He was joined by co-host Paul Rivers of the Bamboo Club. Their special guest was Chef Jonathan Landeen of Jonathan’s Cork, who discussed the upcoming series of ‘Patio Pig Parties’ he will host every Thursday throughout the month of June. Patios, pigs, and parties….three of our favorite things! All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:54 — 22.0MB)

On what was considered the most beautiful day of the year so far, we decided to broadcast al fresco on the lovely patio of Jasper Neighborhood Restaurant & Bar. We caught up with owner Yoram Levy, who has transformed the old Cafe Jasper space on Skyline & Campbell to a delightful neighborhood setting featuring delicious food and creative cocktails. Yes, it’s a place where everyone knows your name! We then chatted with Tom Firth of Harvest Restaurant, who just returned from Pasta Cooking School in Bologna, Italy. What does it take to make the perfect pasta? Listen to find out! Our featured guest was Jasper Chef Violeta Rodriquez, who hosted a tasting of some of her Latin American-inspired tapas. Delish! All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:00 — 21.6MB)

The patio at Catavinos Wine Shop & Tasting Room was the perfect venue to host our annual birthday bash for owner Yvonne Foucher! We started out talking with Brian Metzger of Jax Kitchen and The Abbey about a special way he is thanking the community for its Culinary Awards votes (both restaurants cleaned up at the awards this year). Yvonne then picked her top wines of the year, and we tasted and talked about them all. Chef Christopher Duncan of Create Cafe was also among our guests, and he brought some of the more popular items from his catering menu to share with the masses. Listen as he discusses the love that goes into these delicious treats!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:06 — 21.7MB)

We were pleased to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Main Gate Square this week, and the good people at O’Hungry’s provided a great venue for this exciting show.  Matt’s celebrity co-host was Kirk Jensen, the Tailgate Titan himself, who discussed the upcoming Centurions party to benefit St. Mary’s Hospital. Matt and Kirk caught up with Rene Acosta of Entourage Transportation Group, who has what we think is the coolest concept around. Had one too many beverages while enjoying an evening out? Call Entourage, and they’ll send a fully insured driver to you on an electric scooter, fold up the scooter, put it in your trunk, and drive you — and your car — home! Incredible. The featured guest was Al Chu of O’Hungry’s, who wowed us with his full and half yards of beer, $5 dinner menu (including country fried steak), and some pretty tasty wings.  All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

Matt Russell was joined in the studio this week by celebrity co-host Edie Jarolim, contributing dining editor for Tucson Guide and Tucson editor for Zagat Dining Guide. Edie highlighted some of the local restaurants where she’s been spending her time, and discussed some of the writing she’s done for local and national publications. Matt and Edie also conducted a live tasting of some gluten-free beers, while chatting with the founders of New Planet Beer in Colorado. Don’t think for a moment that you have to sacrifice taste to live a gluten-free lifestyle…this brew is tasty! The featured guest was Chef Doug Levy of Feast, who had all the delicious details on his upcoming wine dinner. He also brought in some goodies for us to sample. Matt’s favorite? The Agnolotto:  large raviolo filled with house-made mascarpone and asparagus, served over sautéed red cabbage with crumbled bacon and brown chicken jus! All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:05 — 21.7MB)

This special-edition broadcast is the second of a two-part series called, On the Menu Live Goes Downtown! Jessica Nenadic from Alliance Beverage joins host Matt Russell on a walking tour of downtown Tucson, where they discover the best places to eat and drink. They also reveal some secrets about the area, and provide tips and tools for making the most out of your downtown experience. Enjoy!

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

This special-edition broadcast is part one of a two-part series called, On the Menu Live Goes Downtown! Jessica Nenadic from Alliance Beverage joins host Matt Russell on a walking tour of downtown Tucson, where they discover the best places to eat and drink. They also reveal some secrets about the area, and provide tips and tools for making the most out of your downtown experience. Enjoy!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:59 — 49.4MB)