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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Apr 23 – Don’t Worry Be Ha-Pea :-)

My guest this week is Marie Saba to talk about her very useful web presence loaded with recipes and tips as well as her new book:
101 Fun Food Puns to Sample and Savor With the Whole Family

National Pun Day(yes, that’s a thing) is May 15, and what better way to mark the occasion than by digging into the pun-filled pages of Don’t Worry Be Ha-PEA: 101 Deliciously Clever Food Puns from cookbook author and social media sensation Marie Saba?

Saba brings food to life in this compilation of quirky, creative and inspirational food puns that will test your knowledge of pop culture (think Celine Dijon and Robert Brownie, Jr.), tourist attractions (St. Peter’s Basilica), cartoon characters (Elmer Fudge) and much more. Saba’s tasty visual puzzles are as intriguing as they are appetizing, beautifully photographed and family-friendly. www.mariesaba.com

Don’t Worry, Be Ha-PEA is a perfect gift or coffee-table book for anyone who appreciates good food and clever wordplay. Entertaining and light-hearted, Saba’s quirky puns aim to inspire creative thinking, connection and laughter that will leave readers craving more.  “Saba creates and photographs food that is both whimsical and downright playful.” — Bon Appétit

About the Author
Marie Saba is a former lawyer, cookbook author and freelance content creator. Her playful creations have been featured in numerous media, including Bon Appetit and Food & Wine, as well as on The Rachel Ray Show and Martha Stewart Show. Marie lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, John, and their two children, Jack and Elaine.  Marie was recently named by Country Living Magazine as one of the top 100 creative people in the country. Follow Marie on Facebook and Instagram

Later in the program I’ll tell you all about the upcoming American Institute of Wine & Food (AIWF) 30th Anniversary Celebration “Decant Wichita” June 5th, 2022.  This wine extravaganza will be at Prairie Hill Vineyards, the perfect venue for this milestone.  The event will feature top shelf wines, spirits and beer from our distributor partners who helped make AIWF the success that continues today.

There will be lots of tasty lite bites, non-alcohol beverages, a raffle for a local charity and live music from Jazz guitarist Denny Jiosa and friends.  AIWF started the Midwest Winefest, we are no longer involved with that event.  This event will be even better and take place in the beautiful surroundings of Prairie Hill Vineyards.

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2019 Banshee Pinot Noir, Sonoma County California
An exciting, yet friendly wine, 100% Pinot Noir bursting at the seams with aromas of macerated tart cherries, pomegranate, and notes of earth and pine. The flavors combine both sweet and tart with a fruit-driven front palate and very subtle oak influence. The finish is bright, slightly herbal, and delicate making this an excellent food wine, as well as a charming drinking experience by itself. ABV14.2%  Learn more here!
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 98/100

A splendid example of Pinot Noir, yet under $20 at Jacob Liquor Exchange
Download the Banshee Pinot Noir tech sheet here

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Apr 16 – Norton Brewing & Alzavino Wine Tavern

Up first is Dan Norton of Norton’s Brewing. Dan and the gang at Norton’s Brewing is celebrating 4 years since he opened one of Wichita’s most popular craft breweries.  Dan, former head brewmaster at River City Brewing struck out on his own 4 years ago and has enjoyed great success.  The hallmark is still producing an ever expanding array of creative brews.  This celebration includes not only the new menu but several new beer and beverage options as well as live music.  Now that’s GREAT food, beer and FUN. www.nortonsbrewing.com The BIG event is all day SATURDAY AT 11:00 AM – 11:59 PM, 125 N. St. Francis
More info on Facebook  @nortonsbrewingcompany

Later in the show I’ll be talking to Danielle Harmon, co-founder with husband Ken, of Alzavino Wine Tavern in Delano.  We just had a great AIWF event this past Sunday and brought 45 wine enthusiasts to sample some fine wines from the serve-yourself wine taps where you can plug in your pre-charged wine card and select 1, 3 or 6 ounce pours of the wines being offered. They have a creative shareable plates, warm flatbread pizzas and interesting desert boards to accompany wines by the glass or bottle from their extensive wine list.  www.alzavinowinetavern.com

Danielle says:
“OUR VISION FOR ALZAVINO is for this to be that immersive experience. A cozy home away from home. Warm and inviting. We want to create something special for both the “newbies” and the nearly Somm level. Never tried wine? We’ll have sixteen different wines ready for you to discover your preference. Already know what you like? We’ll have something that caters to your tastes as well.

But no matter who you are, we hope that this is the place where the ambiance, the experience, the hospitality, and that single glass of wine will be the perfect combination that results in “amazing.”

ENJOYING A GLASS OF WINE is about much more than just the taste. It’s the sights, sounds, smells—the entire experience—that plays into that single glass of wine.”

Alzavinno Wine Tavern – 1001 W. Douglas Ave in Wichita’s Delano District

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
Grace Hill Wineries just released ICON red wine
On April 9th, Grace Hill released their newest wine Kansas Icon. It’s called Icon because it’s made from Chambourcin, the state grape of Kansas, the picture on the label is of the iconic grain elevator in Burns, Kansas, and was painted by Phil Epp, an icon of painting Kansas landscapes. 100% Chambourcin, aged in second use barrels for a hint of oak to accompany bright cherry flavors from the state of Kansas!  Alcohol 13.00%
Only available at the winery!

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