Copper. It’s one of the five Cs of the Arizona economy. But how exactly has the story of copper influenced the local craft brew scene? We found out on this week’s live broadcast from the Copper Mine Brewing Company!

Scot Litteer, Brian Lee and his biz partner, Matt Russell, Jeff Kaber, Matt Pye & Jeremy Pye

Our celebrity co-host was craft brew sophisticate and storyteller Scot Litteer of Litteer Films, who shared some stories from his travels along the suds circuit. Chef Doug Levy of Feast then joined the conversation with some fascinating news from his new December menu. Jeff Kaber and Jeremy Pye of Copper Mine Brewing Company sat down with us as well to discuss their ode to ore, their award-winning brew, and some seasonal selections that we slurped up with enthusiasm.

A spectrum of Copper Mine’s seasonal suds: Dunkel, Pecan Porter, Cranberry Gose, and Imperial Nitro Stout. Tis the season!

We also heard from Brian Lee about his chef-driven menu aboard his food truck, Molecular Munchies. Copper has reached craft status at Copper Mine Brewing Company!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:47 — 37.6MB)

Take a look around and you’ll see how some local sports bars are upping their cuisine and cocktail game, and this weekend’s broadcast was a great example, live from the grand re-opening party at Mulligans!

Zach Clark, Matt Russell, the Michelob Ultra Bottle Model, C.J. Hamm, Flavor Dave & Sherwood Alger of Hensley Beverage Co.

Our celebrity co-host was Zach Clark, of the Zach Clark Show on ESPN-Tucson, who talked about some of his headlines from the sports and suds circuit. We also welcomed Morgan Sanchez of Jerry’s Cigars with all the information on her upcoming 10th anniversary cigar celebration. Mulligans’ own Flavor Dave got things shaking and stirring at this point with a conversation about his new craft beer and cocktail programs, while C.J. Hamm unveiled some of his creations from the Mulligans kitchen.

Meatloaf loco moco; check out that crust!

We particularly enjoyed the michelada with a cajun-rubbed, spear-stabbed chicken wing garnish, and the meatloaf loco moco with bacon gravy, dirty rice, and fried egg. A memorable culinary moment at a sports bar? Yes!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:47 — 37.6MB)

Another legendary culinary and cocktail adventure took center stage this weekend, on our live al fresco broadcast from the patio of Legends Bar & Grill at the Omni Tucson National Resort!

Danny Perez, Jeffrey White, Matt Russell, Chef Jonathan Stutzman & Jeremy Hilderbrand

Our celebrity co-host was sales consultant at Shamrock Foods and two-time Iron Chef of Tucson Danny Perez, who shared some Thanksgiving reflections and some thoughts on the local food and beverage scene. We also featured some breaking news from Jeremy Hilderbrand of Sentinel Peak Brewing Company, who announced for the first time his plans to open a second Tucson location! With Christmas approaching, we sat down with Omni Tucson’s general manager Jeffrey White who revealed his fun “Twelve Days of Cocktails” menu at Legends. We particularly enjoyed the “Three French Hens”, “Five Golden Rings”, and “Eight Maids-A-Milking!”

Nachos re-imagined at Legends, with a local goat cheese asadero sauce, chiles, and fried pork rinds!

We were then joined by Omni Tucson’s executive chef Jonathan Stutzman who walked us through some fun new menu items at Legends, a new Rioja, Spain menu that will be featured through the end of the year, and some updates from the Omni’s own Bob’s Steak & Chop House. This is all #AtTheOmni!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:00 — 39.1MB)

A new fall menu launched by a gifted culinary team has made some big news over the last few weeks, so we thought we’d head down to their place ourselves to check it out before winter arrives – the PY Steakhouse at the Casino Del Sol!

Michael Lopez, Matt Russell, Chef Ryan Clark & Chef Roderick LeDesma

Our celebrity co-host was fellow foodie, proud veteran, cigar comrade, and director of food and beverage at The Forum at Tucson, Michael Lopez! Mike got us current with the happenings in his kitchen while sharing some thoughts on the local F&B scene. We also caught up with Todd Martin of Tucson Tamale who spoke with spirit about the seasonal influences on his craft. Casino Del Sol mixologist Aaron DeFeo joined us as well to share some news from behind the bar, including his 777 Happy Hour!

Flavors of fall: new pork belly and beef tartare dishes at PY Steakhouse!

We rounded out the show with Chefs Ryan Clark and Roderick LeDesma about the new fall menu and their expressions of the season at the center of the plate. Their new cider-braised pork belly with apples and a Thai chile-infused honey, and an Arizona beef tartare with a whiskey barrel shoyu, onion, and squid ink puree sang to us in unimaginable ways!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:45 — 37.6MB)

This show aired live on Veterans Day and was dedicated to the men and women who have served this country and fought for the freedoms that we enjoy today…live from the veteran-owned 1912 Brewing Company!

Gabe Ceniceros, David Clark, Matt Russell & Allan Conger

Our celebrity co-host was David Clark, lead barman at Hotel Congress, who shared some of the things that excite him most when he’s shaking and stirring on downtown Tucson’s historic east end. We also heard from Todd Bostock of Dos Cabezas WineWorks who just brought a canned sparkling wine to the market. A big can. Like liter-sized! Listen as he describes the inspiration behind these bubbles. We were then joined by founder and brewer at 1912 Brewing Company Allan Conger, a U.S. Marine veteran, who talked about his story of service, how it inspired his brewing journey, a little about a collaborative beer that he just tapped, and his current line-up of suds.

Behold. The Brig Bound. A collaborative brew crafted by local veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard!

We also checked in with Gabe Ceniceros of the Blacktop Grill who was on-site to serve some craft beer cuisine.

God bless our vets!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:42 — 37.6MB)

It was time to saddle up and ride this weekend, and the destination for this show was sure to please the palates of cowboys and cowgirls alike – Tanque Verde Ranch!

Chef Justin Macy, Matt Russell, Elyse Filkin & Matt Montgomery

Our celebrity co-host was master distiller and real live cowboy Matt Montgomery of Three Wells Distilling Company. He got us updated on his latest adventures, including a new gin and news of a downtown tasting room which he’ll open early next year. We also heard from Brad Lawrence of Tucson Food Tours about a new route to launch his 6th season.

The New York strip is one of the seemingly countless items at the all-you-can-eat Cowboy Cookout! Every Wednesday and Saturday night!

Elyse Filkin of the Tanque Verde Ranch introduced us to some cocktails that promise to quench a cowboy’s thirst after a long day on the trail, while Executive Chef Justin Macy walked us through his story about ranch-inspired cuisine which includes a twice-weekly all-you-can-eat Cowboy Cookout! Happy trails.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:38 — 37.5MB)

While Matt was on culinary and cocktail assignment across the pond this weekend, guest host Chris Cohen of Young’s Market Company, “Chris-Co” himself, presided over this hour dedicated to the flavors of fall.

Nate Anderson, David Zugarman, Chris Cohen, Rob Gillies & Chef Brandon Dillon

Our celebrity co-host was one of Chris’ partners in crime at Young’s Market Company, illusionist and master mixologist Nate Anderson! Chris and Nate also welcomed some local celebs to their fall food and beverage round table, including David Zugarman of Tucson Hop Shop, Rob Gillies of Tough Luck Club, and Chef Brandon Dillon of Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink. Fall is finally here!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:21 — 38.0MB)

Welkom! We transported our taste buds to the Netherlands on this weekend’s show, live from The Dutch Eatery & Refuge in Main Gate Square!

Chef Marcus and Nicole van Winden, Matt Russell & Mike Mallozzi

Our celebrity co-host was Mike Mallozzi of Borderlands Brewing Company who got us up to speed on his creative canning program with some fun stories behind his latest beers’ names. We also heard from Jim “Murph” Murphy of Kingfisher who revealed his plans for this year’s Kingfisher OysterFest. The Dutch co-owner Nicole van Winden, the brain trust behind the bar’s beverage program, then shared the story behind her cocktail program and treated us to a few selections. Blackberry whiskey lemonade? Yes please!

Dutch Bitterballen. Addictive. You’ve been warned.

We were then joined by The Dutch co-owner and executive chef Marcus van Winden, who shared some memorable moments from his journey, a little about his unique menu, and some of his items: braised duck tacos and the classic Dutch treat known as Bitterballen. Ja!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:43 — 37.6MB)

They call it a refuge for rule breakers, and we channeled our inner drop outs on this week’s show from Tucson’s newest culinary and cocktail hot spot, Culinary Dropout at Grant Road Lumber Yard!

Ryan Justesen, Chef Erik Syrhe, Adam Lippe, Matt Russell, Greg Shepard & Eric Sipe

Our celebrity co-host was liquor distributor Greg Shepard of Breakthru Beverage, who shared some of what’s been keeping him busy on the local libation scene. Eric Sipe of Dillinger Brewing Company also stopped by to tell a fun story about how one of his brews was selected to join the horizon of handles at Culinary Dropout. Barman Ryan Justesen then wowed us with some creative cocktails that he says represent the restaurant’s rule breaking attitude, like the Prince of Tucson G&T! That rule breaking is also evident at the center of the plate, and Culinary Dropout brand chef Erik Syrhe walked us through his story, his menu, and some of his favorite dishes, including the Korean ribeye cap!

A cornucopia of cocktail color!

We wrapped things up with special events manager Adam Lippe who spoke about Culinary Dropout’s super cool event space called the Coop.

Rule breakers rejoice!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:43 — 37.6MB)

While Matt was on assignment in St. Louis this weekend, covering the culinary and cocktail scene in the Gateway to the West, one of Tucson’s most beloved radio personalities took over the mic…Zach Clark of the Zach Clark Show on ESPN!

Zach Clark and Danny Gallego

Zach reported on the latest food and beverage news, including some updates on the Arizona Bacon Fest. He also caught up with Jeremy Pye and Jeff Kaber from Copper Mine Brewing Company, who recently took home the coveted Judges Choice for best flagship beer at the Born and Brewed Beer Battle. He then sat down with Danny Gallego of Trident Grill for a lively conversation about the intersection of sports, suds, and sports bar cuisine. Call it a touchdown for your taste buds!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:44 — 37.6MB)