Jul 19 – Steven Raichlen “Project Griddle”

Posted on July 14, 2025 by Guy

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 Fire, Project 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

Posted on July 10, 2025 by Guy

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

Posted on June 23, 2025 by Guy

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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Jun 21 – The Bourbon Bible

Posted on June 17, 2025 by Guy

My guest this week is Eric Zandona, the author of “The Bourbon Bible.”

In 2013 he founded www.ezgrinnking.com,  a spirits blog and consultancy run by  he and his wife Tia Zandona. As an independent agency, they post unbiased reviews, curate spirits events, and provide a variety of consulting services from product development to marketing strategy for spirit brands.

Bourbon is booming, and this guide will teach you all you need to know about America’s favorite spirit.

Eric Zandona – spirits specialist at the American Distilling Institute – explores 140 of the finest bourbons in the world, from the big-name classics to tiny craft distilleries, with flavor profiles and recommendations for the best way to drink each one.

Also featuring recipes for 20 classic bourbon cocktails, as well as chapters on the history of bourbon, how the drink is made and the key things you need to understand when buying a bottle, The Bourbon Bible is the ultimate guide to the ultimate drink.  Get a copy NOW!

Learn more about Eric and follow his blog at ezdrinking.com
Follow Eric on Facebook!

 

A native of the San Francisco Bay Area. Eric Zandona is Director of Spirits Information at the American Distilling Institute, a staff writer for Distiller magazine, and he also runs the website ezdrinking.com. In addition, Eric has authored, edited, and contributed to six books on distilled spirits, including The Bourbon Bible, and The Tequila Dictionary. Eric serves as a “Tequila Jockey” for Tequila Aficionado’s web-series Sipping off the Cuff, and regularly speaks about spirits before consumers, producers, and regulators, both in the US and Internationally. In 2017, Eric began an year long residency in Oaxaca drinking, and learning about Mexican gin, rum, whiskey, and agave spirits. Today, he and his family live in Vancouver, Washington.

Good Life Guy’s Wine Bourbon of the Week:
Wheel Horse 101 Kentucky Straight Bourbon 
This sour mash Bourbon Whiskey is made from 70% corn, 21% rye and 9% malted barley. It’s distilled in copper stills then matured in 53-gallon, charred American oak barrels for a minimum of four years. Like all of their small batch whiskeys, Wheel Horse Bourbon is bottled at 101 proof and is non-chill filtered. ABV50.5%

On the nose, the whiskey has aromas of butterscotch and toasted almond. Once sipped, the flavors of citrus and sweet toffee rise above notes of dark fruit. The finish is rich and lingers with hints of brandied cherry and bittersweet chocolate.   This is a great Bourbon for relatively low dollar coming in at around $34.

93 POINTS
-Wine Enthusiast
94 POINTS
-Whisky Advocate Magazine (Top 20 Whiskies of 2021)
GOLD
-SF Spirits Competition
9.0, RECOMMENDED
-American Whiskey Magazine

Check out the Bourbon paradise at Jacob Liquor Exchange on North Rock Road, grab a botltle of Wheel Horse 101 and lets taste it together during the show.  🙂

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Jun 14 – Hollerhorn Distilling

Posted on June 9, 2025 by Guy

My guest this week is Karl Neubauer, founder (along with wife Melisa) and distiller at Hollerhorn Distillery in Naples New York.  Karl and the distillery were featured on CBS Sunday Morning a few months ago.  While we were in Ithaca NY and the Finger Lakes recently we took the short drive to the distillery to sample these fine spirits and enjoy a gourmet lunch. Karl calls all his spirits “Tree Spirits” an homage to the local Maple Syrup used to produce them.

Using exceptional quality local Maple syrup Karl produces some of the best Bourbon and other spirits that I have ever tasted. They are working on being able to ship product and I will be working with my distributor friends to see if and when Hollerhorn seeks distribution, Kansas is on the top of the list! Follow Hollerhorn on Facebook.  Visit www.hollerhorn.com and learn more.

If ever in upstate New York, plan to visit.The restaurant is amazing! The menu is creative  and the food was expertly presented by the distilleries talented kitchen crew, with Executive Chef, Steve Frank at the helm. Chef Frank utilizes local ingredients to create a menu that will appeal to your adventurous tastes, while still giving a nod to the joys of comfort food.  Add this to some top-shelf crafted “Tree Spirits” and you have a most memorable afternoon.

John Says:
“Hollerhorn was built on a dream, sweat equity, sheer passion, and a belief that small-town life doesn’t have to feel small.   Do you enjoy high-quality spirits, tasty food, live music, and sharing that experience with the people you love? So do we! At Hollerhorn, our Spirit Room is more than just a tasting room, it is about creating an elevated experience.  A place to live better. A place to celebrate with old friends and maybe make a few new friends. A place for a special date night or a casual weeknight hang out. A place to bring out-of-town family and friends. A destination. It is not by chance that we chose Naples, New York as the location for our Distillery and Spirit Room. It is our great fortune to live in the Finger Lakes Region, and the Naples Valley is the crowning jewel. It is a quaint historic village surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, lush farmland, a thriving arts and music scene, and an incredibly supportive community. We are so proud to be a part of it!”

“We strive to create the highest quality spirits that reflect the beauty and integrity of this region.  Each spirit is hand-crafted and bottled with pride right here in Naples! Let’s see how big our little town can feel!”

Do you enjoy high-quality spirits, tasty food, live music and sharing that experience with the people you love? So do we! At Hollerhorn, our Spirit Room is more than just a tasting room, it is about creating an elevated experience. A place to live better. A place to celebrate with old friends and maybe make a few new friends. A place for a special date night or a casual weeknight hang out. A place to bring out-of-town family and friends. A destination.  Watch the CBS Sunday Morning segment on Hollerhorn

Hollerhorn Distilling – 8443 Spirit Run, Naples, NY, 14512,  (585) 531-244
…
Good Life Guy’s Wine spirits of the Week:
Some primo Bourbon and other spirits from Hollerhorn.  While all the “Tree Spirits” tasted were phenomenal, this was my favorite; Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is a big, oily, luscious bourbon with notes of brown sugar, caramel, burnt orange, and vanilla.  If you like Bourbon, no matter where it’s produced or what the mash bill was, this is a very special spirt.  I just wish it was available locally.  🙂
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