Abre la Boca? Si. Open wide! Because on this weekend’s show, there were lots of bites for your boca, live from BOCA Tacos & Tequila!

Susan Fulton, Chef Maria Mazon, Matt Russell & The Classy Alcoholic

Our celebrity co-host was popular booze blogger The Classy Alcoholic, who, as tradition dictates, didn’t reveal his name or anything else that would identify him other than his trademark suit, tie, and pocket square. After he discussed his process for cocktail content curation, we welcomed Susan Fulton of the Tucson Originals who shared news about the upcoming World Margarita Championship. BOCA owner/chef Maria Mazon then joined the party by showing off her new digs on 4th Avenue, a new patio, a new cocktail menu, a new line-up of weekend specials, and a hot new salsa with habanero and scorpion peppers!

The Carajillo, one of the refreshing cocktails on BOCA’s new cocktail list, with nitro cold brew from Yellow Brick Coffee and Liquor 43!

She also libated us with some seriously tasty drinks and new dishes on the menu. So many tacos, so many tequilas, so much fun!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:53 — 35.6MB)

In Germany, the Oktoberfest celebrations actually start in mid-September, so what better time than now to usher in this delicious season where sausages and suds reign supreme…live from Bar Passe!

Travis Peters, Gary Hickey, Mat Cable, Matt Russell, Ben Forbes, Sherwood Alger, Kade Mislinski & Devon Sanner

Our celebrity co-host was one of our brethren in the beer-sphere, Sherwood Alger of Hensley Beverage Company. Sherwood hoisted a stein of Spaten Oktoberfest with us while sharing some fun facts about Old World brews. We also welcomed Devon Sanner of the Carriage House and Gary Hickey of Charro Steak, two of the chefs behind the Gastronomic Union of Tucson, who discussed the group’s plans for a Downtown Whole Hog Block Party. And many of the other chefs involved with the event turned out for this broadcast!

Bar Passe’s local pork bratwurst made with spent grain from Dragoon Brewing Company!

Bar Passe proprietor Kade Mislinski sat down with us as well to talk about his Old World suds and how beautifully they pair with his sausages. We were treated to his Oktoberfest special that featured a local pork bratwurst, German potato salad, and a draft Oktoberfest beer. Prost!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:27 — 49.9MB)

The sky’s the limit when food takes flight and spirits soar, and we spread our wings on this week’s show setting our sights on the southern table-inspired BIRD Modern Provisions & Bar!

Maudi Gourdin-Schultz and her warriors, Matt Russell, Chef Daniel Thomas, Brandon Katz, Chris Squires & Stephen Ott

Our celebrity co-host was co-founder and general manager of Ten Fifty-Five Brewing Company, Chris Squires. He gave us a tease on his new, soon-to-be-announced location in downtown Tucson, while talking about some local craft brews that have been grabbing his attention. We also checked in with Maudi Gourdin-Schultz of Wild Garlic Grill, who shared some news on her restaurant’s upcoming relocation to the Foothills. BIRD bar manager Stephen Ott sat down with us as well to talk about his southern and whiskey-forward cocktail menu, showcasing the Tucson Julep as one of the stars of the show.

Fried chicken and waffles. Enough said.

Then BIRD founder Brandon Katz and Executive Chef Daniel Thomas arrived to present the concept and cuisine of this southern-style eatery. We rolled up our sleeves for some seriously good chicken and waffles, collard greens, fried green tomatoes, and creamy grits. Fly over to BIRD!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:39 — 37.5MB)

We went back downtown this weekend to scope out some hot culinary and cocktail news, and our sights were set on the anchor of downtown Tucson’s historic east end, Maynard’s Market & Kitchen!

Ralph Avella, Matt Russell, Chef Brian Smith, Michael Luria & Todd Hanley

Our celebrity co-host was fellow foodie and executive director of the Children’s Museum Tucson, Michael Luria. Michael had some delicious things to share about his recent visit to Europe, as well as some news on his upcoming dinner to benefit the Bald Beauties Project. We were also joined by Danielle Filo-Jones of the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance, who prepared our palates for the upcoming Salsa, Tequila, and Taco Challenge. And then the drinks arrived, as did Maynard’s manager Ralph Avella, who unveiled his new line-up of Sunday brunch libations. These are some fresh twists on classic cocktails. Maynard’s Chef Brian Smith also joined the party with thoughts on his first year at Maynard’s, his recent visit to Parma, some upcoming wine dinners, and teases on a few of his dishes. Try the stuffed trout!

Rainbow trout stuffed with fennel, leeks, and white onion, with an heirloom tomato risotto and a marcona almond and green olive salsa

Maynard’s proprietor Todd Hanley wrapped up the show with news on Grapes to Glass, an October celebration of local wine and art. Meet you at Maynard’s!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:27 — 37.4MB)

It’s been part of our heritage for nearly 90 years here in Southern Arizona, and this show came to you live from these heritage headquarters as we celebrated the story of this desert oasis…the Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort!

Chef Bruce Yim, John Kulikowski, Matt Russell & Jessica Nenadic

Our celebrity co-host was Jessica Nenadic, director of events and development at the Tucson Museum of Art, who shared the latest news from the museum and how art connects with life, food, and beverages. We also checked in with Regan Jasper, vice president of beverage at Fox Restaurant Concepts, who talked about his love of Rose wines and a special Rose Wine Dinner happening at Wildflower.

Barrel-aged Manhattan anyone?

All this talk about spirituous beverages got us pretty thirsty, and the Hacienda’s director of wine and spirits, John Kulikowksi, poured us some barrel-aged Manhattans as we discussed the heritage side of the beverage story. Chef Bruce Yim swung by as well to tell us everything we needed to know about the Heritage Foods Festival at the Hacienda on September 3, a must-not-miss event for foodies across the west!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:46 — 37.6MB)

Summer in Tucson means a few of our favorite things…BBQ ribs, craft beer, and hand-crafted ice cream, and our annual summer salute to these beauties came to you live this weekend from BrushFire BBQ Co.!

Jared Wren, Matt Russell, Bill Harman & Alan Zeman

Joining us as celebrity co-host, as he does for each one of our annual rib-casts, was the Z-man himself, Alan Zeman, who walked us through his action-packed summer. We also caught up with Randy Kennedy of the Nugget Casino Resort in Nevada, who shared the latest news on his upcoming Nugget Rib Cook-Off! Then we shifted to a delicious dialogue on suds and smoke, with BrushFire’s own Jared Wren and Bill Harman.

Saucy, sexy & succulent…ribs!

Craft beer and ‘cue go great together, and we got some credentialed perspectives on pairings while we took down some of BrushFire’s righteous ribs and a spectrum of sauces. All of that and some news from the pit and their hand-crafted ice creamery made this one BBQ boom of a show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 54:39 — 37.5MB)

It all started decades ago when Joe Elefante left his home on Long Island and headed west to Tucson, looking for a way to bring authentic Italian cuisine to the Old Pueblo. Today, the restaurant that Joe bought is now in its third generation of Elefante family ownership, and we celebrated that beautiful family story from the very place they call home – Mama Louisa’s!

Chef Michael Elefante, Malto Joe, Matt Russell & David Torkko

Our celebrity co-host was David Torkko of Vino 750 and Orangewood Wines who discussed his spectacular portfolio and shared his thoughts on the season’s top varietals. We then transported our palates to Malta, when Malta Joe himself of Malta Joe’s Baked Goods introduced us to his savory pastries known as Pastizzi.

A selection from the Third Generation menu: brined pork chop with creamy polenta and raspberry gastrique

Mama Louisa’s own Chef Michael Elefante sat down with us as well to talk about his family’s story, his take on heritage and third generation cuisine, a series of upcominng beer pairing events, and a new cocktail menu which we worked our way through…including the Frankie Four Fingers which has already attracted a huge following. Mangia!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 56:11 — 38.6MB)

To members of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations and Air Combat Commands, the iconic “green feet” emblem is more than a mark. It’s a pledge of service, “that others may live”, in the execution of pararescue maneuvers. This weekend’s show was a celebration of that service, live from Green Feet Brewing!

Kyle Blessinger, Matt Russell & Petey Petersen

Our celebrity co-host was Air Force veteran and craft beer sophisticate Kyle Blessinger, general manager of Three Canyon Beer & Wine Garden, who got us current on his brews’ news. We also reported on the soon-to-be-open BIRD Modern Provisions & Bar, the latest concept from Fukushu Restaurant Concepts. Our featured guest was Petey Petersen, co-founder and brewer at Green Feet Brewing, who shared an inspiring story about his green feet journey and how his suds were literally inspired by service.

A flight of barrel-aged brews

He also took us on a flight of some of his barrel-aged brews: a bourbon barrel-aged brown, a rum barrel-aged red, and an agave barrel-aged blonde. We salute Petey for his service and urge you to check out Green Feet Brewing!

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

Is it true that the jungle is where the food is fresh and healthy and the people are fun and creative? We set out on an epicurean expedition this weekend to find out for ourselves, in this live broadcast from Pita Jungle!

Luis Campos, Bettina Loison, Scott White, Vanessa Cady, Matt Russell & Jim Marten

Our celebrity co-host was whiskey enthusiast and communications specialist at Tucson Medical Center Jim Marten, who shared some of his whiskey wisdom and a few of his personal picks that won’t break the bank. We then caught up with Luis Campos of Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine who dished out the details on his upcoming Peruvian Independence Day party. Pita Jungle’s assistant manager Scott White then stirred things up by telling a happy hour story and showcasing some of his specialty cocktails that are perfect for hydrating in the jungle. The Zen Botany and Berry Sparkarita were crowd favorites! Vanessa Cady, general manager of the Pita Jungle on Oracle and Ina, joined the party as well for a lesson on the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet.

Hummus trio with grilled chicken…feeling healthy, feeling good!

She also walked us through some of her menu’s showstoppers, including the hummus trio with grilled chicken and the salmon burger. Looks like we found a delicious destination for the art of healthy eating!

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

It was the original tenant that occupied the space on the corner of Congress and 5th St. until the 1950s. It was also Tucson’s first soda fountain, general store, and pharmacy. Today, it’s a modern expression of a shake-and-stir society that laid the foundation for the cocktail scene generations ago, and the site of this weekend’s broadcast – Martin Drug Co.!

Mark Whittaker, Matt Russell, Chef Ben Caballero, Sandy Ford & Leah Schwersinski

Our celebrity co-host was Mark Whittaker, food and beverage writer for the Tucson Weekly and the guy behind the Tucson Home Skillet blog. Mark shared some of the developments making food news these days, and got us current on his “culinary headbanging” tour. We were also joined by Jane McCollum of the Marshall Foundation who revealed all the details on the upcoming Main Gate Square Culinary Challenge.

Matt’s first ever Singapore Sling. Cheers!

Martin Drug Company’s director of operations Sandy Ford then walked us through her cocktail culture at this uber-hip lounge with the furry walls, as well as updating us on some major renovation projects at her two other concepts, HUB and Playground. We also heard from HUB executive chef Ben Caballero who teased us with a few potential new dishes for his next menu. How about red beans and rice with cajun shrimp, andouille sausage, and braised pork shank? Or maybe the house-made chorizo and shrimp-stuffed relleno, or crab-stuffed chicken breast with rice pilaf? We vote for all of them!

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