Matt Russell hosted this special broadcast live from the Fat Greek in Main Gate Square. He talked award-winning iced tea with Michael Lopez of Tia Lilly’s Tea Company, and got the latest on the relocation of Feast Restaurant from Chef Doug Levy. From that point on, it was all Greek to us! George Markou, the Fat Greek himself, spoke about the Greek culture, and how great food is such a central component of it. His menu items were inspired by his grandfather, the hand-written recipes for which are all archived in a binder that only George has access to. George is one of the best in the business, and we just love the Fat Greek! 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 in the studio by Jane McCollum of the Marshall Foundation, which operates our favorite dining and shopping destination: Main Gate Square. Jane talked about Bear Down Fridays, the weekly event that kicks off the celebration of each home game of the University of Arizona Wildcat Football team. Matt was later joined by Brian Metzger of Jax Kitchen, who stopped in to talk about his restaurant’s two-year anniversary. This is modern comfort food the way it was intended to be. Once Brian described the cast-iron ribeye steak for two, and the martini with bacon-stuffed olives, Matt was rendered speechless. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

Matt Russell was joined by celebrity co-host Alan Zeman, the Fuego Daddy himself, for a show dedicated to the artistry of BBQ. They were joined by Steven Escuaga of the Nugget Resort in Sparks, Nevada, who had all the drippingly delicious deets on the 22nd annual Labor Day Nugget Rib Cookoff. The featured guest was Bob Castle of Jack’s Original Barbeque, who brought in some ribs and chicken for Matt and Alan to share. Our friends over at Thunder Canyon Brewery also sent over some Honey Brown Ale (made with local mesquite honey) that complemented the BBQ oh so nicely. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

In our pilgrimage for the best pizza in Tucson, we invited Jon Harrington of Empire Pizza & Pub to stop by with this A-game. But first, we checked in with Kevin Fink of Tucson’s Market Restaurant Group, who had just returned from a 3-month tour of duty at the French Laundry (what some consider to be the finest restaurant in the country). Kevin discussed the required elements of a one-of-a-kind culinary experience, and what makes the French Laundry so unique. Jon Harrington’s pizzas were excellent (we loved the Spicy Italian), and Jon was proud to proclaim, “There’s a lot of love in our pies.” All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

Sultan Palace Restaurant in Main Gate Square provided the perfect backdrop for a conversation about Afghan cuisine. But first, the show began with some breaking news from Brian and Sandy Metzger (of Jax Kitchen fame) that they were going to open a second restaurant to be called The Abbey! Matt Russell also checked in with Chef Christian Hanley of Armitage Wine Lounge & Cafe, who was planning a great 3rd anniversary party. The conversation turned to Afghanistan, with Shafi Kushkaki introducing us to the delicious flavors of Afghan cuisine. You must listen to the segment where Shafi made Matt an honorary member of the Kushkaki family! All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

Frankie Santos stopped by the studio to demonstrate the right way to eat a South Philly Cheesesteak, and to talk about why his are the real deal. But first, we checked in with Victoria Bechtol of the Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance for a conversation about the development of a regional food brand. We also heard a report from Matt Russell during a recent trip to Buffalo, New York, where he made fast friends with Ed Conley of Duff’s Famous Wings (recently winning the Chicken Wing Food War on the Travel Channel). Back in the studio, Frankie unwrapped the cheesesteaks and gave us a history of these beauties from the City of Brotherly Love. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

The location of this special broadcast was Risky Business, and we learned how they have redefined the sports bar concept. But first, we heard from Wendy Huerta, manager of Swensen’s Ice Cream, which had just been named among the best places for ice cream in Southern Arizona. The ribs, burgers, wings, and specialty cocktails were all things about which Risky Business owner Jon Alubowitz spoke with pride during the feature interview. What he has created has set a new standard for the sports bar in Southern Arizona, and you’ll love listening to how he describes it. We’re pretty sure you’ll end up there for lunch or dinner today! All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

While Matt Russell was in Buffalo looking for the world’s best chicken wings, he asked friend and colleague Jon Rogers to host this week’s show on his behalf. Jon, who owns Wines Without the Mystery, brought a great group of guests to the table, including Chef Janos Wilder and Christina Freeman of Pillsbury Wines. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

Matt Russell took this week’s show down Interstate 19 a bit to Desert Diamond Casinos and Entertainment and the Agave Restaurant. He checked in with Chef Chad Luethje of Miraval Resort for some information on an upcoming culinary event, and discussed his upcoming trip to New York where he announced his pilgrimage for the best chicken wings in America. The featured guest was Chef Ramon Delgado of Agave Restaurant, who made friends with the entire On the Menu Live team with his culinary delights. We don’t remember ever seeing a bigger slab of prime rib! All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

While Matt Russell was out of town, he asked Alan Zeman, the Fuego Daddy himself, to host the show on his behalf, live from Johnny Rockets in Main Gate Square. The Z-man caught up with Richard Tyler of Harvest Restaurant, for a discussion about their organic and natural foods platform. The featured guest was Roy Debise of Johnny Rockets, who used the backdrop of Independence Day weekend to talk about the classic American burgers that have made his restaurant so popular. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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