Aug 2 – Kansas Vodka & Wine

 

This show is all about two fine products produced right here in Kansas!

My first guest this week is Troy Brooks, the man behind the Greatness Vodka label made here in Atchison Kansas.

Troy has an interesting story behind his brand.  This hard working, industrious young man has faced many obstacles and learned from them all.  It seems he was destined for Greatness in more ways than one. Follow Troy on Facebook

After having a lengthy meeting and discussing the vision of what he wanted to do, the distiller asked, “What will you call your brand?”. Troy responded with, “Greatness Vodka”. It was from this point on, Troy began the journey of building a vodka brand that not only stood for the rich and high-quality vodka but he also wanted the brand to represent the celebration of greatness. Not only Greatness Vodka but the celebration of greatness within us all. All those years when Troy was at his lowest point, he understood that he had to believe in the greatness he had within himself to get him to where he wanted to be. Learn more and celebrate GREATNESS!    Follow Greatness on Facebook

In the second half I’ll be chatting with Kirk Johnston from Shiloh Vineyards in Wakeeney Kansas.  Shiloh Vineyard is a small family-owned winery founded in 2008.

After traveling to the Israeli settlement of Shiloh, on a journey for their soul and wine, owners Kirk and Treva had came back to the plains of western Kansas with a new purpose, to create great wine. It’s no coincidence that the Shiloh settlement is the exact same elevation above sea level as Shiloh Vineyard. That’s why you’ll find the Hebrew from of the word Shiloh on every bottle.

The venue itself has been in Kirk’s family since 1921. What began as a dream for a vineyard has transformed into a full experience for guests. Renovating the old chicken coop into a tasting room, adding on a 1,500 square foot patio. Converting the barn, which was a working stables and hay storage just 5 short years ago, into a beautiful setting for receptions and dinner parties. This is truly a family affair, while restoring a piece of our family history and sharing it with our visitors. In 2020 Shiloh Vineyard had the opportunity to add Chris and Kym Heitke to their team. The four of them work together to create one-of-a-kind experiences whether you’re just stopping for a tasting or attending an event.

They make a great selection of wines from dry to sweet…

“Visit us today in the small town of WaKeeney, Kansas, where drinking exquisite wines is a daily occurrence. Even stay overnight! Call us to book your stay!”

Closed Mondays, Tuesday – Saturday 12-6, Sunday 1-6

LOCATION:  16079 M Road, WaKeeney, Kansas, 67672

This is a great destination getaway from Wichita, plan a visit today: shilohvineyard.com
Follow Shiloh Vineyards on Facebook    Plan your visit!

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Jul 26 – LIVE from Sonoma and Buena Vista winery

This week I’m LIVE from Buena Vista winery with Brian Maloney, who serves as Direct of Winemaking for DeLoach Vineyards, JCB and Buena Vista Winery. Brian is a sixth generation California native California farmer and one of the first generation to shape the world in winemaking.

Brian’s great grandfather planted vineyards and founded a vineyard at the turn of the 20th century. He was born and raised in Sonoma County and his family has farmed for over 100 years. He attended UC Davis and right after worked for Greg La Follette at De Loach, and for Jean-Charles Boisset. He purchased the Buena Vista winery in Sonoma and they are bringing it back to life. Watch this video of JCB Live and learn more about Brian Maloney

Before there were vineyards in every valley north of San Francisco before Napa and Sonoma were household names before there was a California wine world at all, there was Buena Vista. Founded in 1857, Buena Vista is California’s first premium winery, and its history is as colorful as it is proud. Today, the legend is being re-born under the vision of Jean-Charles Boisset. Just outside the town of Sonoma, the original winery is now a California Historic Landmark, and home to our Winery, Tasting Room, and Visitor’s Center.  Learn more about Buena Vista

We will tell you all about Brian’s family history in winemaking, his journey in wine and long time relationship with Jean-Charles Boisset. We will also be tasting a few of Brian’s wines together.

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2021 Buena Vista Napa Valley Cabernet
Sourced from vineyards from Yountville to St. Helena, this is a blend of Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Misson grapes. The wine was aged for 28 months before being racked and aged an additional four months in French oak barrels, 40% new, for final aging. It was then bottled unfiltered.  The wine hails from vineyards throughout the Napa Valley, and is a rich and opulent Napa red wine with intensity, structure and power. It opens with rich aromas of black cherry and cardamom with a touch of black licorice. Spreading across the palate are flavors of red plum, black currant and cherry. The fine-grained tannins are silky and soft with a full-bodied mouthfeel and a long, lingering finish. ABV14.5%  Some great ratings: spw95  js94  we90

This wine is available at jacob Liquor Exchange on North Rock Road at a great price!

Order a case today, you can thank me later 🙂

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Jul 19 – Steven Raichlen “Project Griddle”

My guest this week is New York Times best selling author Steven Raichlen with his latest book; “Project Griddle.”

Project Griddle: The Versatile Art of Grilling on a Flattop

From America’s bestselling grilling authority, an essential guide to Griddles, including delicious recipes and the do’s and don’t’s of grilling.

Prized for their accessibility and versatility—and because they’re so much fun to use—griddles (also known as planchas and flat-tops) are soaring in popularity. Project Griddle features the trademark Raichlen approach, with plenty of practical cooking techniques and nearly 80 hunger-inducing recipes. It traces the history and geography of griddling, from the teppan of Japan to the plancha of Spain to champa grilling in South America. A gear chapter showcases the various types of stand-up and portable flattops and planchas, plus the requisite accessories, how to season and maintain a griddle, how to oil and cook on it, with chefs’ shortcuts, and some pitfalls to watch out for.  Get a copy NOW!

And then there are the recipes—each one as outrageously delicious and foolproof as the last, for classics like the crispiest smash burgers and tapas bar shrimp to an entire suite of heretofore un-grillable foods—egg-and-bacon breakfast feasts, potato latkes, crepes, French toast, and smoky fried rice. It’s Project Smoke for griddles—and don’t think of buying one without its guidance.

Hailed as America’s “Master Griller” (Esquire) and “the Julia Child of BBQ” (Los Angeles Times), Steven Raichlen has written 30+ books, which have won 5 James Beard Awards, 3 IACP Awards, and have been translated into 17 languages. Raichlen hosts four popular television series: Planet Barbecue, Project FireProject Smoke, and Primal Grill. He is an inductee into the Barbecue Hall of Fame and Taste Awards Hall of Fame.

Links

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2021 Drew Valenti Ranch Syrah, Mendocino ridge, California
High on a Mendocino mountain, Jason and Molly Drew receive attention for Pinot Noir, but their sleek, fresh Syrahs are astonishing. Here, aromas of pine, mint leaf, black and green peppercorns and a firm mineral side underscores gorgeous fruit. Firm tannins linger on the finish with flavors of boysenberry, red currants, forest floor complimented by great cool climate black fruit.  ABV13% (remarkably low!)

Wine & Spirits 98 points

www.drewwines.com

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Jul 12 – Chef Jason Fabres & Rent the Chef

Well DANG!  Last minute guest cancellation and no backup! 🙁

Tune in for a “Greatest Hits” recorded show from the past…

It’s still Food, Wine and Fun for your ears.

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Two weeks of great programs June 27 – Jul 5th

June 28 – it’s all about yummy air fryer recipes with Cathy Yoder and her new book.

Cathy Yoder’s Air Fryer Recipes is the best quick and easy air fryer recipe book and one of the best cookbooks for anyone looking to turn their air fryer into their new favorite kitchen tool. Whether you’re just starting out or already a pro, this airfryer cookbook is also a cookbook for beginners—perfect for making meals that are both flavorful and fast.

Inside this airfryer recipes cookbook, you’ll discover over 150 mouthwatering recipes that cover everything from easy cook book classics to creative twists, including:

  • Air Fryer Balsamic Chicken and Veggies
  • Easy Whole Chicken (no rotisserie needed)
  • Delicious Chicken Parmesan
  • Incredibly Easy Honey Mustard Salmon
  • Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
  • Juicy Chicken Thighs
  • Hibachi Style Chicken with Yum Yum Sauce

Check out some of Cathy’s instructional videos and order a copy today: www.yummyairfryerrecipes.com

Cathy Yoder, widely known as “The REAL Air Fryer Queen,” is a busy mom of eight who turned her reluctance to cook into a thriving culinary business. Seeking quick and affordable meal solutions for her family, she discovered the air fryer and its ability to create simple, delicious, and nutritious meals in minutes. Her “aha moment” led her to share recipes and tips online, inspiring others to gain confidence in the kitchen.

In 2020, Cathy launched a YouTube channel, now boasting over 725,000 subscribers, where she showcases her expertise in air frying and involves her family in creating and testing recipes. She has tried nearly every air fryer on the market and cooked hundreds of recipes, solidifying her reputation in the air fryer community.

Cathy is the founder of Empowered Cooks, Pine & Pepper, and Fabulessly Frugal, empowering busy families with practical cooking tips, recipes, and accessories.

Wine of the Week: 2021 Quatro Theory Napa Cabernet

July 5 – It’s a great chat with Chef Tyler Rogers from the new Stonebreaker Hotel and restaurant in Fayetteville Arkansas.

Arkansas native Chef Tyler Rogers brings his culinary expertise to The Stonebreaker, blending refined techniques with a passion for the region’s ingredients. His innovative menus reflect the hotel’s spirit of simplicity and craftsmanship, offering guests a dining experience deeply rooted in community and flavor.

Raised in Magnolia, Chef Rogers brings a distinguished culinary background to Stonebreaker. His passion for food began right here in our state and flourished under some of the world’s most acclaimed chefs.

After gaining early experience in Little Rock restaurants, Chef Rogers honed his skills under culinary giants like:

  • Thomas Keller: The French Laundry (Yountville, CA) – Three Michelin Stars
  • Grant Achatz: Alinea (Chicago, IL) – Three Michelin Stars
  • Iliana Regan: Elizabeth (Chicago, IL) – One Michelin Star

Most recently, Chef Rogers served as Executive Chef at Hail Fellow Well Met! in Johnson, Arkansas.

“Tyler’s impressive resume and deep appreciation for Arkansas’ agricultural bounty perfectly align with our vision for Stonebreaker’s restaurant,” said Gary Sims, CEO of Hay Creek Hotels. This vision emphasizes celebrating Arkansas flavors through a seasonally-focused menu.  Take the time to check out not only the restaurant, but also this high-class hotel in NW Arkansas.

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