Local food blogger Kevin Hall (AKA the Tucson Food Dude) was Matt Russell’s celebrity co-host for this special broadcast live from The Abbey. We learned what was making food news in the Old Pueblo, and the kinds of things that were capturing Kevin’s attention these days. Gary Karr also dropped in for a quick chat, a resident of Washington, D.C., who was in town searching for a great meal. Chef Ginny Wooters of The Abbey was the featured guest, and she outlined what it takes to develop a menu that ranks as one of Matt Russell’s favorites! All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:49 — 54.8MB)

The cooler fall temperatures inspired us to host some Coffee Talk, at this live broadcast from Caffe Luce in Main Gate Square. Our first guest was Chef Addam Buzzalini of Maynard’s Market & Kitchen, who had just been crowned Copper Chef of Tucson 2010. He discussed the menu that he put together which earned him favor with competition judges (our mouths are still watering). We also checked in with Tony Gonzalez of the Tucson Fire Department, who had all the details on the annual Firefighters Chili Cookoff (for which Matt Russell served as a celebrity judge). Our featured guest was coffee man Michael Foster of Caffe Luce, who demystified the small batch roasting process. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

The patio of Maynard’s Market & Kitchen was the setting for the annual World Margarita Championship, and we were there live.  We caught up with the defending 2009 champion, Brian Metzger of Jax Kitchen, who was enthusiastic about his chances to take home the trophy again. We also checked in with two of the event’s judges, Tony Abou-Ganim (the Modern Mixologist) and Barbara Fairchild (Editor in Chief of Bon Appetit Magazine), to find out what they were looking for in the perfect margarita. Several chefs from Tucson Original restaurants also stopped by to talk about their food pairings. Following the broadcast, Matt Russell served as MC for the event.

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

Whenever a new restaurant opens in Tucson, you can always count on us to provide all the delicious details. Janos Wilder’s return to downtown was a highly anticipated development, and we were there for opening week at his newest venture — Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails. Janos spoke with us about returning to his beloved downtown, and what his new concept means for culinary and cocktail enthusiasts. We also spoke with Chef Jim Murphy of Kingfisher and Bluefin about his first annual Oyster Festival. Downtown’s Kristian Unvericht rounded out the show by introducing us to delicious calamari, foie gras bon-bons, and some sensational cocktails. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:01 — 49.4MB)

Big martinis, big steaks, and big wines. We channeled our inner Don Drapers for this special show live from Bob’s Steak & Chop House! Our celebrity co-host was the Tailgate Titan himself, Kirk Jensen, who had all the deets on the upcoming charity chili cookoff. Then we got things shaking with Bob’s mixologist, Jay Zimmerman, who talked about the allure of the retro cocktail, and showed us his special technique for the perfect martini. The 2010 Iron Chef of Tucson, Miciah Beard, spoke with us poetically about prime beef, and why it’s so important for a memorable steak experience. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

We learned about the delicious world of Vietnamese cuisine on this special broadcast live from Saigon Pho. We started out with an exclusive interview with former Iron Chef of Tucson, Ramiro Scavo, who announced his plans to open his own restaurant in Main Gate Square. And then, we were off to Vietnam with Saigon Pho’s own Quan Chu. He spoke about the traditions and flavor profiles of his native cuisine, while bringing us some delicious food to sample…which we washed down with freshly squeezed sugar cane juice. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

Matt Russell’s celebrity co-host was Michael Luria, executive director of the Tucson Children’s Museum and food columnist for Inside Tucson Business. Matt and Michael chatted with Todd Landau with Territorial Newspapers about the new Tucson Weekly Happy Hour Application for Smartphones. The featured guest was Mary Weger of Venice Restaurant and Pizzeria, who talked about the importance of fresh ingredients for making standout pizzas. She also served up some of her famous lasagna penne pasta! All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

Matt Russell’s celebrity co-host for this special gluten-free broadcast was Jerry Heintze, founder and managing editor of www.TucsonNightOut.com. Jerry highlighted the local restaurants that offer gluten-free items on their menus, and shared the important work of the Southern Arizona Celiac Support Group. Matt and Jerry then welcomed Chef Michael C. Brown of Metropolitan Grill for a discussion about his new ‘America’s Kitchen’ concept. A gluten-free tasting followed, which allowed chef to show off his stuff. Delicious! All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:01 — 49.4MB)

The location of this special broadcast was the Javelina Cantina at the Doubletree Reid Park Hotel. We caught up Amy Breck, chair of the Tucson Ladies Council, for all the information on the 2010 Fashion Show (featuring the famous Martini Louge)! We also got the delicious deets on Arizona Restaurant Week, showcasing some of Tucson’s finest restaurants. Our featured guests were manager Joe Cocci and Chef Aris Cabrera, who profiled the great menus at the Doubletree’s restaurants. Special emphasis was put on their famous mesquite roasted baby back ribs, which were served to Matt alongside a 46-ounce margarita! All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:01 — 49.4MB)

Kicking off the 2010 football season in style, we chose the Trident Grill for the location of this week’s broadcast. Matt Russell’s celebrity co-host was the Tailgate Titan himself, Kirk Jensen, who spoke about the art and science of the perfect tailgate party. Matt and Kirk also checked in with fellow Redskins Super Fan Nelson Miller of the Trident Grill, who spoke proudly of what some have called the best burgers and wings in Tucson. Matt’s favorite? The Chesapeake Bay Burger (Old Bay seasoning, baby!). All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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