Matt Russell was joined by celebrity co-host Karyn Zoldan, a local food blogger, who discussed what’s making food news in the Old Pueblo. They welcomed Rita Connelly to the table, who reviews restaurants for the Tucson Weekly, and learned about the art of the restaurant review. Chef Darrly Wong of the Lotus Garden was the featured guest, and walked our listeners through the artistry of Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:03 — 49.5MB)

Matt Russell was joined by celebrity co-host John Farlow. They hosted this special live broadcast from Sauce, as part of On the Menu Live’s pilgrimage for the best pizza in Tucson. The featured guest was Christopher Christiano, corporate executive chef for Fox Restaurant Concepts. Chef Cristiano discussed what he thinks is required for a memorable pizza experience, and introduced some new menu items such as the roasted portobello and artichoke bruschetta. Joining the fun was Aaron DeFeo, bar manager at Maynard’s Market & Kitchen and Hotel Congress, and Yvonne Foucher of Catavinos Wine Shop & Tasting Room.

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

Matt Russell was joined by celebrity co-host Jim Seder, founder and publisher of www.WineInquirer.com. Jim discussed some exciting new features on his informative website, and shared a little about what was going on in the world of wine. Matt and Jim also caught up with Jeff Fuld of Elle Wine Bistro, to hear about his new location on Campbell Avenue. The featured guest was Sam Alboy of Mama’s Hawaiian Barbeque, who brought the flavors of the islands to our studio. Our favorite? The Big Kahuna Plate! All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

Matt Russell hosted this special live broadcast from Chipotle Mexican Grill in Main Gate Square. He caught up with Kari Darimont, owner of the Oracle Inn Steakhouse, which had just been named one of the best places in Southern Arizona for freshly baked pie. His special guests were Jennifer Granillo and Jason Stoermer of Chipotle, who talked passionately about their signature menu item, the ‘foil wrapped cylinder of deliciousness.’ That pretty much defines the burritos that have made Chipotle famous. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

To prepare for New Year’s Eve, Matt Russell broadcast this special show live from Acacia Restaurant. He was joined by celebrity co-host Jessica Nenadic of Alliance Beverage, who introduced some delicious sparkling wines to the evening. Their featured guest was Chef Albert Hall of Acacia, who discussed the menu he was putting together for New Year’s Eve. Matt and Jessica were treated to an incredible culinary experience, as only Chef Hall can produce.  All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

Matt Russell was joined by celebrity co-host Fred Ronstadt for this special broadcast live from the Dry River Co.  Matt and Fred caught up with Kade Mislinski of the soon-to-be-open HUB, which will bring ‘quality meats, organic ice cream, and 24 beers on tap’ to downtown Tucson in February. The featured guest was Brendan O’Brien of the Dry River Co., who served up some of the best pizza in town. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:01 — 49.5MB)

Matt Russell was joined by celebrity co-host Adam Borowitz, food writer for the Tucson Weekly, at this special live broadcast from La Cocina de Gabby. Matt and Adam spoke with Shawn Campbell of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra about the upcoming ‘Moveable Musical Feast’ at the Arizona Inn, and the importance of pairing great music with great food. Their featured guest was Chef Tom Brunner of La Cocina de Gabby, who introduced our listeners to his new concept taking traditional Mexico City-inspired cuisine and giving it a unique twist. This was definitely a treat for our discriminating palettes.  All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

Matt Russell hosted this special live broadcast from Beyond Bread. He discussed the art of craft beer with Abe Figueroa, head brewer at Barrio Brewing Company & Gentle Ben’s. The standout item? The Mocha Java Stout, perfect for the colder fall temperatures. Matt’s featured guests were Randie and Shelby Collier of Beyond Bread, who have redefined the sandwich and salad in Tucson. These are serious sandwiches, and we had a blast eating our way through many of them!  All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:01 — 49.5MB)

A re-run from an earlier broadcast.

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

Our pilgrimage for the best pizza in Tucson took us to Eclectic Pizza this week for this special broadcast. Matt Russell was joined by celebrity co-host Jerry Heintze, founder and managing editor of www.TucsonNightOut.com. Stopping by to chat with Matt and Jerry about her favorite pizza was Little Miss Emily, the cutest fan of our radio show yet, who just might be ready for her own radio show!  Matt and Jerry also spoke with Rhonda Kendrick of the New Belgium Brewing Company about her unique lineup of craft beers. And then, there was pizza! Renee Kreager of Eclectic Pizza won us over big, with a lineup of pies we just can’t explain with words. You’ll have to listen to the ooohs and ahhhs. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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