Oct 9 – “What We Eat’ & Trinchero Napa Sav Blanc

Posted on October 4, 2010 by Guy

My first guests are Peter Menzel adn Faith D’Aluisio, co-authors of “What I Eat – Around the World in 80 Diets” – A stunning photographic collection featuring portraits of 80 people from 30 countries and the food they eat in one day.

what I eatIn this fascinating study of people and their diets, 80 profiles are organized by the total number of calories each person puts away in a day. Featuring a Japanese sumo wrestler, a Massai herdswoman, world-renowned Spanish chef Ferran Adria, an American competitive eater, and more, these compulsively readable personal stories also include demographic particulars, including age, activity level, height, and weight. Essays from Harvard primatologist Richard Wrangham, journalist Michael Pollan, and others discuss the implications of our modern diets for our health and for the planet. This compelling blend of photography and investigative reportage expands our understanding of the complex relationships among individuals, culture, and food.

“What I Eat…does not judge. It simply presents. …Images of healthy people and catastrophically unhealthy people — you can’t get them out of your head. Somehow, without instructing you to think harder about the choices you make when you eat, this book makes you do exactly that. The reason: You wonder what your own portrait would look like.”
—Esquire, Sept 2010

Get a copy NOW!

With the Midwest Beerfest right around the corner, we will be chatting with the folks from New Belgium and Goose Island Breweries about the Beer Dinners they each will be hosting on Friday October 22.   Learn more at www.midwestbeerfest.com

The Good Life Wine of the Week:
2008 Trinchero Napa “Mary’s Vineyard” Sauvignon Blanc

Trinchero Napa Valley Mary's Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc LO Res Front Label Shot[1]“North of the town of Calistoga, Mary’s vineyard is a warm place to grow aromatic whites, and I have been pleased at the balance of ripe fruit and acidity in the grapes. Some of the wine is fermented in smaller 75 gallon stainless steel barrels, allowing sur lee aging, creating a richer, creamier mid-palate without any malolactic fermentation. It is unmistakably Sauvignon Blanc, yet boasts warm Napa Valley melon and tropical favors along with the more typical Sauvignon Blanc zesty flavors and refreshing acidity.” —Mario Monticelli Trinchero Napa Winemaker  www.trincheronapavalley.com

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Oct 2 – Great American Craft Beer, Apothic Red Wine

Posted on September 27, 2010 by Guy

great american craft beerWelcome to October – The Midwest Beerfest is right around the corner, October 21-23 so talking about Beer seems like the right thing to do…

My first guest is Andy Crouch with his new book “Great American Craft Beer.”
Great American Craft Beer takes readers on a passionate and informative journey through the most palate pleasing ales and lagers produced in America today. Built on the inalienable truth that there is a beer out there for everyone, the book directs readers to focus on the flavors they already enjoy tasting, such as sweet fruits, roasted coffee, or bitter hops. More than 80 styles and 340 beer profiles are accompanied by full-color photographs and illustrations of the beers and beer labels. This unconventional approach allows drinkers of all experience levels to step right up to the bar and order their next pint with confidence.

In the second half I’ll be talking to Dana Wilson about the First Annual Wichita Wine Opener

Wine_Opener_logo_blackThe Wine Opener is a national wine tasting series to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  Held in more than 30 cities, from San Diego to Miami, The Wine Opener will reach an audience of thousands nationwide.  Locally, the Wichita Wine Opener will be held from 7-9pm Tuesday, October 19 at Botanica, the Wichita Gardens.  VIP’s will be entitled to early entry at 6:00pm with an exclusive VIP wine tasting.

From wine novices to advanced wine enthusiasts, The Wine Opener is a casual and fun evening for all experience levels!  Sip Great Wines poured by international and domestic wineries.  Savor Great Cuisine presented at festive tasting stations, where the area’s hottest chefs prepare their specialties just for you.  Along with delicious food and wine pairings, guests will be treated to lively auctions and entertainment.    Learn More!

Goodlife Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2008 Apothic Red, Winemakers Blend

Watch this Wine of The Week Video

apothic redA captivating blend of three distinct grapes, with the dark fruit flavors of Syrah, brambly spice of Zinfandel, and a smooth elegance of Merlot.  Apothic Red reveals intense fruit aromas and flavors of rhubarb and black cherry that are complemented by hints of mocha, chocolate, brown spice and vanilla. The plush, velvety mouthfeel and smooth finish round out this intriguing, full-bodied red blend.

Pick up a bottle at Jacob Liquor Exchange…
…join me as I taste this new wine for the first time!

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Sept 25 – Chili Cook-off, Tresure Hunter Cabernet

Posted on September 20, 2010 by Guy

chili cookoff 2010Hard to believe it’s here already, but I love this event and have been a part of it for many years.  This year I have been selected as “The Chili Potentate” and in addition to having the Good Life booth and making some great chili, I’ll be doing a live broadcast from this fun family event. 

I’ll be telling you about all the fun things going on downtown and talking to some of the more than 50 teams competing in the various catagories in the International Chili Society sanctioned event.   Learn more: www.wagonmasterschili.com

The Wichita Wagonmasters Downtown Chili Cookoff is held on East Douglas (600- Block) between the railroad tracks and St Frnacis.  The cooking starts early but the public tasting starts at Noon.  Tasting Kits are only $5.00

Guy & son Chris cooking chili

Guy & son Chris took 3rd place in "Peoples Choice" last year

Come on down, be a part of the fun, try some great chile and don’t forget…Good Life Guy wants your bean!  Vote for Guy’s Chili as the “Peoples Choice!”  This year my son Chris is doing most of the cooking as I’ll be busy with my Potentate duties and judging.

Red_hook_logoGood Life Guy’s BEER of the Week:
Somthing BIG, BOLD and hoppy to go with spicy chili.
Red Hook Long Hammer IPA from Washington State

 

treasure hunterGood Life Guy Wine of the Week:
Something rich and juicy from Napa Valley California
Treasure Hunter Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon.  BIG berry fruit, Boysenberry, Dark Cherries, mint, baking chocolate wraped in smokey spice, tobacco, coffee and a rich long finish.

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Sept 18 – Capitol Hill Cooks & Jordan Winery

Posted on September 16, 2010 by Guy

First up is Linda Bauer, author of “Capitol Hill Cooks – Recipes from the White House, Congress and all the past Presidents”
capitol hill cooksWith love of great cuisine and the bounty of our nation evident throughout this book, Capitol Hill Cooks contains recipes from members of Congress, as well as every president from George Washington (Cranberry Pudding) to Abraham Lincoln (Mary Todd Lincoln’s Vanilla Almond Cake) to Barack Obama (The Obama Family’s Linguini). Taste Vice President Biden’s Kahlua Chocolate Fudge Cake, Senator Charles Grassley’s Bacon and Bean Chowder, or Senator Scott Brown’s Italian Soup, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann’s Minnesota Rhubarb Dessert or Congressman Ron Paul’s Texas Sweeties…and hundreds more. Many contributors to this book even include notes about their ethnic backgrounds, favorite indigenous foods, and fond memories of meals shared with others.

Then it’s out to California and The Alexander Valley for a chat with John Jordan CEO of Jordan Winery.

Founded in 1972, Jordan Vineyard & Winery has been dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and hospitality since its founding by Tom and Sally Jordan.  Under the guidance of their son, John, Jordan continues to elevate its pursuit of excellence in every aspect of the business, striving to place in balance the complexities of winegrowing, the artistry of the cellar and the joys of the table.

Always one of my favorites since first doing a live broadcast from Jordan in 1989 with winemaker Rob Davis.  Rob has been making wine at Jordan since the first vintage and has the rare distinction of  overseeing 35 harvests at the same winery.  This French Chateau seems like it was airlifted in and set down on some of the finest grape growing acerage in California.   I look forward to talking to John and catching up and sharing with you all the changes and progress at Jordan Vineyard and Winery.

Good Life Guy’s Wines of the Week:
Jordan-Chardonnay-07-front-label-low  Jordan-Cabernet-06-front-label-thumb

2007 Jordan Russian river Chardonnay
2006 Jordan Alexander Valley Cabernet

Video Wine of The Week

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Sept 11 – Mindi Abair & Over The Edge Pinot Noir

Posted on September 6, 2010 by Guy

mindi abairA little different Good Life this week as I’ll be talking to one of my favorite Smooth Jazz sax players, Mindi Abair.  Mindi has an interesting background in music and is one of the hardest working musicians around.  If you caught her and the band this spring at Bradley Fair outdoor concert series you know what I mean. 

Saxophonist/Singer/Songwriter Mindi Abair has not only set sonic trends, but has broken all the boundaries as she continues to define the less traditional future of jazz. Her own brand of pop meets jazz adds a refreshingly unique voice to an exciting new generation of crossover artists who are, like her, powerful instrumentalists as well as thought-provoking singer/songwriters. This Florida raised, Los Angeles-based performer’s unique hybrid sound ….a mix of cool vulnerability and utter conviction …have brought her to the top of her game. She tours with her own band to sold out audiences worldwide, hosts a popular nationally syndicated radio show “Chill With Mindi Abair”, and the list of artists she has toured or recorded with are a testament to her talent. They include the Backstreet Boys, Duran Duran, Mandy Moore, Josh Groban, Adam Sandler, Keb’ Mo’, Lalah Hathaway, Lee Ritenour, Teena Marie, John Tesh, Bobby Lyle, Jonathan Butler, Peter White and Rick Braun.   Learn more about at www.mindiabairlcom

We’ll be playing a few of my favorites from several of Mindi’s albums!

In the second half I’ll be telling you all about several fun events happening Saturday and in the near future:
* Green Acres Market “17th Annual Tasting Fair” – Today 11-3:00 p.m.
*”Isle of Iguana – Zoobilee 2010″ – Tonight 6-midnight
*”Old Cowtown Wine Mosey” Sunday Sept 12 5-8:00 p.m.
* Watermark books hosting of author Jeannette Walls reading & signing at the Orpheum, Sept. 15, 7:00 p.m.

Then it’s Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2009 Over The Edge Pinot Noir – Martinborough New Zealand
over the edge pinot noir 09100% Martinborough Pinot Noir, grown on the alluvial gravel terraces for which the district has become famous.

The season was exceptionally warm allowing high quality, fully ripe fruit to be harvested early with brilliant ripe cherry/plum flavours. A full-bodied style with great backbone and a long lingering finish. An immediately accessible wine, which will improve over the next 2 years. Enjoy with full flavoured fish dishes, lamb or vegetarian dishes.

Video Wine of the Week

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