Broadcasting from the Jolt studio, Matt Russell played back some interviews he had conducted at the 10th annual Zin, Barbeque,and Blues event the weekend before at the Hacienda del Sol. Michael Galkin of Action Wine & Spirits, Chef Ramiro Scavo of the Grill, and blues-man Stefan George each provided their unique perspective on one of our favorite events of the year. We also heard from Cindy Neighbors and Jim Murphy about THE EVENT, a food and wine extravaganza to support the Boys and Girls Clubs. The featured guest was Lisa Hannley of Armitage Wine Lounge & Cafe, who caught us up on the Armitage action.  All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

The patio of Ventana Mexican Kitchen served as the perfect location for our live broadcast this week. Celebrity co-host Jerry Heintze, founder and publisher of www.TucsonNightOut.com, introduced our listeners to some cool new features of his website, and we heard from Shawn Campbell of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra about her annual event that packages together great music and delicious food. The featured guest was Monty Blankier of Ventana Mexican Kitchen, who talked about his concept behind the Foothills’ newest restaurant. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

Former Tucson City Councilman Fred Ronstadt sat in for the vacationing Matt Russell for this live broadcast from Silver Mine Subs in Main Gate Square. Fred caught up with Meredith Hayes, of the Tucson Museum of Art, about the upcoming CRUSH wine and food event. The featured guest was Drew Knight of Silver Mine Subs, who talked about his creative sandwiches that were becoming quite the hit in the university area. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:57 — 49.4MB)

Matt Russell was joined this week by celebrity co-host Jim Seder, founder and managing editor of www.WineInquirer.com. Matt and Jim were honored to welcome Todd Bostock (Dos Cabezas Winery) and Dick Erath (Erath Winery) who discussed an exciting partnership between the two companies that had lovers of Arizona wine rejoicing. The featured guest was Pat Connors of Pastiche Modern Eatery, who had exciting things to share about some upcoming food and cocktail events at Pastiche. He also brought fried avocados for us to taste, which paired beautifully with Todd and Dick’s wine. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

The beautiful Hacienda del Sol was the backdrop for this delicious broadcast. Matt Russell caught up with the Hacienda’s Rick Fink and Tom Firth, who had all the details on the ribbon cutting for their new, grand entry and driveway. Matt Firth joined the conversation to showcase the Hacienda’s new mixology classes, and reported on the upcoming Zin, Barbeque, and Blues event. The featured guest was Chef Ramiro Scavo of the Grill, who talked about his commitment to local ingredients and the ‘farm to fork’ movement. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

Downtown’s newest restaurant, A Steak in the Neighborhood, hosted this special broadcast. Matt Russell started out by speaking with Jamie Culletin of Grimaldi’s Pizza, to get the secret behind what some consider to be the best cheesecake in town. Also highlighted was Matt’s personal play-by-play reporting of the Cereal Eating Contest at the Cereal Boxx. The featured guest was Luke Cusack of A Steak in the Neighborhood, who talked about his family food traditions and how they inspired the concept for this fantastic new restaurant. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

The Gentle Ben’s patio in Main Gate Square was the perfect place to be for this live broadcast. Celebrity co-host Fred Ronstadt brought some cigars and tequila to share with Matt, which paired beautifully with some of the great Gentle Ben’s food we devoured. Fred and Matt caught up with Bruce Gerowitz, who was celebrating the 20th anniversary of his hot dog cart business…and his world famous Bruce Dog. The featured guest was Gentle Ben’s own Dennis Arnold, who discussed the fine art of craft beer. 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 this week was Jim Seder, founder & publisher of www.WineInquirer.com, who discussed the growing popularity of Arizona wines. Matt and Jim welcomed Lars Fasel to the table, who had just been named Wine Director at Maynard’s Market & Kitchen. The featured guest was Chef Travis Peters of the Cup Cafe, who rocked the studio with his rock shrimp ceviche, carrot salad, and some of the best apple pie we think we’ve ever had. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

In preparation for the Rodeo to come to town, we grabbed our boots and hats and followed the aroma of mesquite all the way over to Hifalutin Western Grill. Chef Jim Murphy of Kingfisher/Bluefin joined us to announce the 2010 Tucson Originals Dining Rewards Program, and to give us a Tucson Originals update. The featured guest was John Murphy of Hifalutin, who took us back in time for an ‘Old West’ chow fest. We particularly enjoyed the succulent baby backs ribs and fried green beans. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we decided to showcase the romance of Le Rendez-Vous restaurant. But first, celebrity co-host Jon Rogers of Wines Without the Mystery joined us to announce some special wine classes he had planned. Jon and Matt also caught up with Chef Tom Brunner of Brundog’s Zy-de-que, who had all the deets on the best Mardis Gras party in town. The featured guest was Gordon Berger of Le Rendez-Vous, who made our hearts sing with authentic French cuisine. All of that, plus the Catavinos Wine of the Week.

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