May 28 – BEEF IT UP!

My guest this week is Jessica Formicola author of a nifty new book; BEEF IT UP – 50 Mouthwatering Recipes for Ground Beef, Steaks, Roasts, Ribs , and more!

Where’s the beef? It’s on the dinner table tonight! This focused collection of recipes offers 50 tasty ways to serve up protein-rich beef meals without a lot of fuss. Flavorful beef suppers (Cheeseburger Soup, Shepard’s Pie Mac & Cheese) are featured along with new classics (Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas, 20-Minute Mongolian-style Beef ), salads (Southwest Steak Salad w/ Chipotle Ranch and Steakhouse Salad w/ Blue Cheese), quick hits (Empanada Hand Pies and Beef Satay with Peanut Sauce), and the tried-and-true burgers, steaks, and chili. Juicy photos provide the inspiration and confidence cooks of all levels need to deliver on the promise of a great meal every time. Order a copy today!

Jessica Formicola is the creator of Savory Experiments, a trusted food and lifestyle blog. She appears regularly on national networks providing cooking demonstrations and entertaining ideas. She has contributed to Parade, The Daily Meal, Mashed, and Better Homes & Gardens, and has partnered with over 100 national food brands on product releases and cooking tutorials. Formicola lives near Baltimore, Maryland with her husband and children. Facebook & Twitter

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2020 Pieropan Soave Classico, Veneto, Italy 
The 2020 Pieropan Soave Classico is a brilliant straw yellow color with greenish hints. The delicate nose is reminiscent of almond blossoms and marzipan. Good depth of fruit on the palate, nicely balanced by a zingy acidity that enhances its long length. This wine makes an excellent partner for soups, starters, especially vegetable based such as asparagus, peas, courgette, egg-based dishes or seafood and fresh water fish dishes. It is an excellent aperitif, especially when served with simple canapés.  Learn more about this wine.

Good Life Guy says: this wine is excellent, light, crisp and aromatic!

WE94
Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of citrus, wet stone and a delicate whiff of hawthorn waft out of the glass. On the dry, delicious palate, bright acidity accompanies white peach, grapefruit and a saline note before finishing on a hint of white almond. It’s an incredible value at this price point. Editors’ Choice.
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May 21 – One Delightful Life

My guest this week if Vanessa Whiteside, one of the busiest and most fun bloggers ever!  We will be talking about her growing up in Wichita, moving away and more importantly coming back.  She is the power behind www.onedelightfullife.com a Lifestyle blog and more importantly the author of the just released “100 Things to Do In Wichita Before You Die.”

Vanessa says: “One Delightful Life started with taking a creative risk and resigning from my job to fulfill my true desire to write a blog featuring travel destinations and foodie finds. My travel posts focus on telling the hyper-local experience.”

The site is devoted to making the lives of others easier whether you’re booking your new vacation to sunny Puerto Vallarta on a strict budget or you’re on the hunt for a week’s worth of easy-to-get-on-the-table meals. She has also included posts on a multitude of topics to assist you in your learning.

The main topic today is of course the new book.  Vanessa and I both love Kansas and Wichita.  I’ll never forget hearing folks say they can’t wait to see Wichita in the rearview mirror or “There’s nothing to do here!”  I got here in 1990 and never felt that way and can’t find time to do everything that’s available to do here.  Having just returned from New York City, I can also add that Wichita is a real bargain for everything from housing to food, drink, entertainment and so much more.  With that in mind you need a copy of her new book!

Wichita aka “Doo-Dah,” “Magic City,” and the “Air Capital of the World,” is a mid-size city with attractions that easily rival the nation’s largest metropolises in entertainment value. Fun awaits – you just have to discover it! 100 Things to Do in Wichita Before You Die is a bucket-list book filled cover to cover with timeless destinations and lesser-known places. 

Good Life Guy & Vanessa

Vanessa Whiteside is a native Wichitan who never shies away from telling others about the city she holds dear. She has celebrated her love of Wichita as a contributing writer for the Wichita Eagle, 360 Wichita, and Visit Wichita. Vanessa’s blog, www.onedelightfullife.com, features travel narratives from the perspective of a former journalist now curious tourist. In her free time, you might find her shopping local, snapping pictures of street art, or winding her way through a museum. She also volunteers her time as a board member of Wichita Professional Communicators. Find her on Facebook, Twitter and other social sites.

Good Life Guy’s Wines of The Week:
Cantine di Ora Il Casato Pinot Grigio and Red Blend
Both of these wines are classic, varietally correct, highly rated and super tasty – the best part, they are in good supply and relatively inexpensive.  If you looking for a red and white to accompany your Italian dinner, here is your answer.  Both are available at Jacob Liquor Exchange on North Rock Road here in Wichita and available nationwide at fine wine stores.

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May 14 – Vitamix Anniversary and Cookbook

My guest this week is Dr. Jodi Berg President and CEO of Vitamix

Jodi L. Berg, Ph.D., CEO
Dr. Berg is fourth-generation chief executive officer (CEO) of Vitamix, a 100-year-young, family-owned, mid-market manufacturer of high-performance blending equipment for the consumer and food service commercial markets.  She joined Vitamix in 1997 with the directive to lead the company’s overseas expansion. At the time, Vitamix had a presence in a few countries. Under her leadership, Vitamix products now are available in more than 130 countries around the world. She established Vitamix as the world leader in high-performance blending and led the company to organic growth of more than 400%. She was named executive vice president (in 2007), then president (2009) and CEO (2011).

We’ll talk about the company history, the products and the Vitamix 100th Anniversary Cookbook

It’s not always easy or convenient for busy people with hectic schedules to make healthy and delicious meals. Learn the secret to preparing dozens of delicious, whole food recipes in your Vitamix, like Chef Chris Cosentino’s zesty Fra Diavola Sauce and Kelly LeVeque’s refreshing Spa Smoothie.

Enrich your day with favorites like Ultra-Creamy Cashew Butter Coffee and a savory Carrot Ginger Soup. Create sweet touches like chocolate-hazelnut spread and Keegan Allen’s “Planet Earth’s Best Banana Nut Ice Cream.”

The favorite recipes, preparation techniques, and stories from Vitamix and Vitamix fans and celebrities in the Vitamix 100th Anniversary Cookbook will inspire you to make delicious and easily prepared whole foods part of your lifestyle.

If you thought all you can make in a Vitamix are soups, sauces, and smoothies, you can treat yourself with fan-favorite recipes for pancakes, scrumptious Flourless Blueberry Banana Muffins, and mouth-watering Applesauce Cookies.

Make the smoothest baby foods from apple, pumpkin, and pears. Reward your pets with healthier choices like Pumpkin Cat Food Toppers and Frosty Strawberry Dog Treats.

This 100th Anniversary Vitamix Cookbook is filled with yummy surprises for everybody in your family! Get a copy NOW!

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2017 Chateau Tour Du Mayne, Haut-Medoc Bordeaux
A deep, intense color. The nose bears the hallmarks of this terrior. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon give a beautifully balanced palate reflecting the traditional finesse of this property’s wine. A rich elegant finish. ABV13%
Region: Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France.  Varietal Composition: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot

This inexpensive Bordeaux is available at Jacob Liquor Exchange on North Rock Rd.

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May 7 – Sweetness of Doing Nothing

Today’s show is all about “The Sweetness of Doing Nothing” – by Sophie Minchilli
www.sophieminchilli.com

It’s time to embrace the Italian way of life…The Sweetness of Doing Nothing explores the southern Italian philosophy of Dolce Far Niente to help you find pleasure in the everyday.

How often do you focus on being in the moment, doing nothing? Whether it’s sitting outside at a cafe watching the world go by, whiling away the hours with your loved ones sipping a glass of wine or being immersed in nature at the beach taking in the sun, these seemingly ordinary moments are the ones that bring happiness in the long run and highlight the joy in living.

The Italians know the importance of enjoying good food and good company and the pleasures of being idle. The Sweetness of Doing Nothing will share this philosophy, with recipes, suggestions and advice to help you to let go of anxiety and savor life’s precious moments. Get your copy NOW!

About the Author Sophie Minchilli is a half American and half Italian living in Rome. Her passion is anything to do with Italy, especially food and good company. She started working alongside her Mother on the blog, Elizabeth Minchilli in Rome, as well as a food tour business, giving people a chance to explore the city through the eyes of a local. Sophie has always loved people and their stories. She has dedicated her Instagram page to showcasing the portraits and stories of local people and the way they live their lives. The Sweetness of Doing Nothing is her first book.  Follow Sophie on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook

Later in the show I’ll be talking to Chef Noah Hester who along with his father-in-law Terry Bradshaw, crafts these fine angus beef patties…perfect for May and Burger Month!

Just in time for National Burger Month in May, NFL legend and iconic entertainer, Terry Bradshaw, has announced that his Bradshaw Ranch Thick N Juicy™ burgers are now available in more than 5,000 retail store locations throughout the nation. The burgers debuted last year.

“These patties are the perfect addition to your cookout or barbeque,” Bradshaw said. “The angus beef patties are a mile thick and so juicy you’ll need extra napkins and a big appetite.”

Bradshaw Ranch Thick N Juicy burgers are made with award-winning angus beef, available in one-third and quarter-pound patties. They come in two flavors made for burger lovers: cheddar cheese and bacon; and cheddar cheese, garlic and butter.

The burger blends have been crafted by Bradshaw and his son-in-law, acclaimed chef, Noah Hester, who can be seen on the family’s hit E! show, “The Bradshaw Bunch.” The Bradshaw family gathers regularly for backyard barbecues and Bradshaw Ranch Thick N Juicy™ were inspired by the families love of great burgers.

Good Life Guy’s Wine of The Week:
2020 Stoller Family Estate Pinot Noir
Sourced from a collection of premier sites in the Willamette Valley, this wine is designed to embody the spirit of the region. Showcasing a myriad of Pinot Noir clones and Willamette Valley AVAs, this wine spent almost a year of élevage. The result is an approachable wine that can be enjoyed during its youth. The nose is bright, showing notes of Bing cherry that is highlighted with hints of minerality, savory herbs, and baking spice. The palate is structured by fine-grain tannins that carry a beautiful vibrancy through the finish. ABV13.5%

Learn more about Stoller Family Estate

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Apr 30 – This Week’s Show

My 1st guest this week is Laura Morris from Kayco Foods to talk about two unique and flavor-filled products.

Dorot Gardens Fresh Proportioned herbs and garlic.

Dorot Gardens brings to you this signature line of pre-portioned fresh garlic and herbs. “First, we start by growing our own garlic, basil, cilantro, parsley, chili and ginger. At peak freshness, we pull our products from the fields, process and flash freeze into our convenient trays within 90 minutes of harvest.” With a two year shelf life you can have fresh Garlic, Onions and Herbs year round with the simple “pop” of the tray. When we say “fresher than fresh” we mean it!

Then it’s all about Mighty Sesame Company Tahini.

Mighty Sesame Tahini is committed to provide high quality, sustainable products. For over 30 years Mighty Sesame has strived to bring our consumers the best tahini based products. Mighty Sesame constantly aims to innovate our process to benefit your superfoods sesame experience.

Mighty Sesame sources its raw materials, sesame seeds, from the most reputable growing region in the world Ethiopia. We trade sustainably with produce to ensure fair wages for the farmers.  Mighty Sesame use a patented process for refining and manufacturing sesame into a delicious, shelf stable, ready-to-use range of condiments and spreads.

Later in the program Rod Santos, Director of Marketing at William Harrison Vineyards & Winery joins us.

The Wichita Chapter of AIWF is hosting a fantastic wine dinner featuring the premium wines of Napa’s William Harrison.

Thursday May 12th, 6:30 p.m. at Chester’s Chop House
Reservation required by noon, May 8. No cancellations, substitutions accepted. Call 682-5502 for information only. Seating is limited!

Join us for a tasting of the amazing and highly rated wines of William Harrison Vineyards & Winery with guest host Rod Santos, Director of Sales and Hospitality. These outstanding wines will be paired with food specially prepared by Chester’s Executive Chef Juan Carlos Lopez.

Wm. Harrison Vineyards & Winery is a “small, family owned estate in the Napa Valley.” The estate vineyard is nestled against the eastern foothills of the Vaca Mountain range in the northeast corner of the Rutherford AVA. This seven-acre vineyard grows all five of the Bordeaux red varieties including the Cabernet Franc served tonight.  See the menu and wines and sign up at www.aiwfwichita.org

Good Life Guy’s Wines of the Week:
2019 William Harrison Chardonnay, Sangiacomo Vineyards, Los Carneros
Beginning with this vintage, we added the Sangiacomo family’s Southern Sonoma vineyard, which is planted with the coveted “Hyde Clone” of Chardonnay. Along with the Robert Young selection from Catarina Ranch, and the workhorse Clone 4 from their El Novillero vineyard, we are able to source a trifecta of beautiful fruit. Barrel fermented and aged in 30% new oak, this wine boasts classic aromas of lemon zest and pineapple up front, with a subtle nuance of creme brulee underneath. 50% malolactic fermentation gives this Chardonnay a slightly rounder texture, offsetting its naturally bright acidity. 350 cases produced!

2016 William Harrison Cabernet Franc, Rutherford Estate
Most vintages, our Cabernet Franc is 100% varietal. Grown on the westernmost block of the property, where a high percentage of decomposed volcanic ash gives the original Bear Creek loam a very light appearance, the fruit gives off aromas of black currant and Bing cherry, accompanied by Rutherford “dust”. Mineral and spice qualities that distinguish Cabernet Franc from the other Bordeaux varieties are also present, such as sage, graphite and wet stone. A mild hint of anise is layered in the background, lending a  nice complexity. The mouthfeel is full and structured, securing a long life for this wine. 300 cases produced!

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