Melissa D’Auria, Jason Machamer, Matt Russell, C.J. Hamm & Chef Jamie Eldredge

Our celebrity co-host was C.J. Hamm, food writer with Tucson Foodie, who talked about his latest adventures on the culinary and cocktail circuit. We also checked in with Melissa D’Auria of the Tucson Botanical Gardens, who told us everything we needed to know about the upcoming Savor Food & Wine Festival. She also brought along Chef Jamie Eldredge of Noble Hops, who shared some of his plans and strategies for the delicious event. Our featured guest was Jason Machamer of Trident Grill, who spoke with great confidence and passion about football fare in the countdown to Super Bowl XLIX! Brat burgers, steamed shrimp and habanero-jerk wings were the order of the day, and they surely belong on your Super Bowl table!

Chef Ryan Clark, J.P. Vyborny, Matt Russell, Dawn Rush & Jody Rush

This week’s celebrity co-host was J.P. Vyborny, head brewer at Ten Fifty-Five Brewing Company, who talked about some of the suds he’s been brewing these days. He also shared the details on his upcoming birthday bash which will commemorate the 2nd anniversary of this great local brewery. We also sat down with Jody and Dawn Rush of Old Pueblo Pretzels, who discussed the Pennsylvania Dutch traditions behind their Philly-style soft pretzels. They also launched an exciting grassroots campaign, live on the show, that is designed to bring more pretzels to the people! Our featured guest was three-time Iron Chef of Tucson Ryan Clark, who talked about his new winter menu at Agustin Kitchen. He also brought in some of his house-made butter for us to try, which included a delightful infusion of lamb fat. Vintage Ryan Clark.

Matt Russell, Adam Lehrman, Andrew Carlin & Derrick Widmark

The historic broadcast was co-hosted by the Tucson Foodie himself, Adam Lehrman, who got us current on his local happenings, as well as on local destinations for pastrami sandwiches. We also checked-in with Fini’s Landing mixologist Andrew Carlin, who revealed his new winter cocktail menu. We sampled a smoked mezcal libation with passion fruit puree and ginger beer and we warmed right up! Our feature guest was Derrick Widmark, owner of Diablo Burger and the Good Oak Bar. We discussed the connection between community and ecology through gastronomy, land stewardship and what it takes to make a memorable burger. It all made sense once we tasted one of his amazing burgers, along with some killer fries with house-made dipping sauces…and the goat meatloaf from the Good Oak is a must!

Frankie “Santa” Santos & Chef Albert Hall

Frankie and Albert covered all of the food news of the day, focusing on some of the seasonal specials offered by local restaurants during the holidays, and the lovely Deb Santos called in from cold Minnesota to join in the delicious dialogue as well. The featured guest was Lonnie Lister, general manager of the Skyline Country Club, who shared some of the hot new things happening on property these days. What a spectacular club this is!

Chef Patrick Malarchik, Grant Krueger, Steve Stratigouleas, Matt Russell & Fred Ronstadt

Our celebrity co-host this week was tequila sophisticate and former member of the Tucson City Council, Fred Ronstadt, who shared some of his latest discoveries along the tequila trail. We also caught up with Tom Alfonso, of Alfonso’s Gourmet Olive Oil and Balsamics, who had some great gift ideas for the foodies on your Christmas shopping list. Reforma’s owner/operator Grant Krueger walked us through his agave list bursting at the seams with more than 240 selections, and his business partner, Steve Stratigouleas, introduced us to the stunning architectural magnificence that is Reforma. Chef Patrick Malarchik then showed us the art of Central Mexican cuisine, while demonstrating his prowess with a lovely ahi tuna tostada and a duck confit mole…which was undoubtedly some of the best mole we’ve ever had. Viva Reforma!

Jason Neri, Amanda Neri, John Farlow, Brian Metzger, Matt Russell & Annie Davis

Our celebrity co-host this week was fellow foodie and PR maven John Farlow, who caught us up on his current culinary and cocktail adventures. We also welcomed Jason and Amanda Neri of Entourage Transportation, who had some great ideas for getting home safely after holiday parties. Annie Davis of Metzger Family Restaurants tore it up tavern-style with some killer cocktails, and featured guest Brian Metzger walked us through the Jackson Tavern menu inspired by his childhood years in Rhode Island. We also tasted our very first clam cake. Wicked good!

Chef Ken Foy, C.J. Hamm, Jon Tuck, Matt Russell & Sara Hartless

Joining us live from the inferno was our celebrity co-host of the week, Tucson Weekly food writer C.J. Hamm, who talked about his latest culinary and cocktail findings. We also sat down with Sam Alboy, owner of Mama’s Hawaiian BBQ and president of the Tucson Originals, who had some delicious ideas for holiday gift-giving. Dante’s Fire cocktail guru Jon Tuck then got things shaking with imagination as he took us on a tour of some spectacular libations…one of which was made with cucumber foam! Our featured guest was Dante’s Fire executive chef Ken Foy, who introduced us to his canvas of creativity. You’ll love hearing about what he does with foie gras, how he takes the jalapeno popper to new heights, and the one ingredient in his refrigerator at home that he simply can’t live without! Do Dante’s Fire, if you can stand the heat!

Jason Miko, Matt Russell, Kyle Jefferson, Linette Antillon, Sarah Ritchie & Scot Litteer

We had two celebrity co-hosts this week – Jason Miko of Russell Public Communications and Scot Litteer of Litteer Films – who each revealed their top craft beer moments of the week. We also caught up with the one, the only, Sarah Ritchie, known across the galaxy as Craft Beer Betty, who got us current with the local chapter of Girls Pint Out. Our featured guest was Pueblo Vida owner/brewer Kyle Jefferson, who shared his personal story that is now manifest in four beautiful brews. We sampled a full flight and had much to share about our observations! Lastly, our thanks go out to Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks for sending over a platter of cheesesteaks and cheesesteak egg rolls  to enjoy with our beers!

Scotch Flights at PY Steakhouse

Our celebrity co-host this week was Thom Wadlund, Scotch sophisticate and agent extraordinaire with American Family Insurance, who shared his personal single malt journey. We also caught up with Casino del Sol Resort mixologist Aaron DeFeo, who took us on a tasting tour of Scotland’s single malt regions. We also sat down with PY Steakhouse front man Kevin Brady, and Chef Erik Savin, who walked us through the kind of a menu that Scotch fans celebrate, and, no surprise, premium steaks were the centerpiece! Scotch and steaks…two of the basic food groups!