The opening of a new restaurant in Tucson is always something to celebrate, and we chose the new Wilko in Main Gate Square as the broadcast location this week. Matt introduced Eric Holland, a local singer/songwriter who has built up quite the following. Matt also played back some interviews he had conducted the week before at Maynard’s Market & Kitchen’s annual Beer Olympics. The conversation turned to cupcakes with guest Peter Sutter of Red Velvet Cupcakery, and featured guest, Wilko’s own Peter Wilke, talked about his uber cool concept bringing craft beer, premium wine, and cured meats together for all of us to enjoy.

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

When a Peruvian restaurant opens in Tucson, fans of pollo ala brasa and pisco sours seem to come from everywhere. And that they did for this live broadcast from Inca’s Peruvian cuisine. Before Matt Russell tasted his first ever pisco sour, he caught up with Jerry Heintze, founder and publisher of www.TucsonNightOut.com. Matt and Jerry then introduced the lovely Fatima Campos of Inca’s, who discussed her unique approach to authentic Peruvian cuisine.  At last, then came the pisco sours, which paired beautifully with the pollo and Peruvian fries!

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

It’s always fun to be in the presence of royalty, and this show was a perfect example…as we got to meet Iron Chef Miciah Beard! But first, Matt Russell played back some interviews he had conducted the week prior at the McMahon’s cigar, corned beef, and Jameson whiskey tasting. He then caught up with David Slutes of the Hotel Congress who had all the details on the annual Dillinger Days event. Following was a special interview with Phoenix foodie and media personality Jan D’atri, who had just come out with her second cookbook. The featured guest was Iron Chef Miciah Beard of Bob’s Steak & Chop House, who introduced us to the beautiful world of prime beef!

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

Matt Russell’s celebrity co-host for this broadcast was local food blogger Kevin Hall, the Tucson Food Dude, who talked about what was making food news. Kevin and Matt chatted with Chef Yannick Himber of Sodexo, in a segment on dining trends in senior living communities. The featured guest was Ray Flores of Sir Veza’s Taco Garage, who talked about his tricked out concept that gives taco and car enthusiasts a new place to hang out. Great tacos, great bar, and great conversation; but remember: what happens in the garage…

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:04 — 49.5MB)

The patio at Sinbad’s in Main Gate Square was the perfect location for this show about Mediterranean cuisine. Matt Russell kicked off the show by introducing local artist Mary Lou Williams, whose work was being featured that evening all around Main Gate. Matt then chatted with Yvonne Foucher of Catavinos Wine Shop and Tasting Room about her ‘every bottle under $15’ business. The featured guest was Sam Musolmani of Sinbad’s, who talked about the health benefits of fine Mediterranean cuisine. Delicious!

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

On this special New Year’s Eve broadcast, we stepped into the blue at Azul Restaurant & Lounge (at the Westin La Paloma Resort). Matt Russell was joined by celebrity co-host John Farlow, who was in town visiting from the Phillipines. They spoke with the Westin’s Mark Lindsey about the new Mediterranean-inspired concept at Azul, and debunked some myths about sparkling wines with Jessica Nenadic of Alliance Beverage. The featured guest was Chef Amanda Lindquist of Azul, who walked us through the New Year’s Eve menu she had prepared…and she had us at White Truffle Risotto!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:09 — 50.5MB)

Matt Russell was joined by celebrity co-host Kirk Jensen, the Tailgate Titan himself, for an adventurous show about great BBQ and wine. But first, they caught up with Shawn Campbell of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, who had all the delicious information on the annual Movable Musical Feast. The conversation turned to wine, with a special appearance by Bill Williamson of Williamson Wines. Bill described his exquisite Heritage Shiraz, which Matt and Kirk enjoyed in the studio. The featured guest was Chef Tom Brunner of Brundog’s Zy-de-que, who showcased his cajun-BBQ concept with a wide range of beautifully smoked meats. The ribs he brought in went beautifully with the Williamson Shiraz.

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

Tucson’s newest restaurant served as the perfect venue for this show about gourmet burgers.  Matt Russell introduced Roy Schaefer, Monkey Burger’s operations director, who talked about the concept for this uber-cool gourmet burger restaurant. He then caught up with Tom Palomares, who discussed the smoking that he’s been doing out at the Hog Pit Smokehouse.  The featured guest was Chef Matt Stricker of Monkey Burger, who introduced his lineup of gourmet burgers to Tucson. Our favorite? The Madness!

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

The First Thursday Art Walk in Main Gate Square brought us to the Auld Dubliner for this special broadcast. Matt Russell invited local artist Layla Edwards to the table, whose work was exhibited across Main Gate Square, for a conversation about her inspirations. He then chatted with local food blogger Kevin Hall, AKA the Tucson Food Dude, about his new blog. Matt also caught up with Deborah Walden Ralls of the Green Valley Pecan Company, who had all the information on the Sahuarita Pecan Festival. The featured guest was Hillary Call of the Auld Dubliner, who walked us through her delightfully Irish menu. Our favorite? The Fish & Chips with a Black & Tan Batter. Wow.

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

Matt Russell was joined by celebrity co-host Matt McKinnon, of the Premier Restaurant Group, who showcased the three restaurants that he runs. They also caught up with Susie Fogelson, Vice President of the Food Network, who had just launched a new Nintendo Wii home cooking game, Cook or Be Cooked! The featured guest was Chef Emeliano Sotello of Sur Real, who introduced us to a whole new world of Latin American cuisine. The Tuna Tartar that he brought in for us to taste was amazing.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:48 — 49.3MB)