Jun 1 – Tuscan Women Cook

My guest this week is Coleen Kirnan owner and host of Tuscan Women Cook.

Imagine having a best friend in Tuscany who knows all the best places to cook, dine, and shop. She is on a first name basis with the best gelato makers and has exclusive access to the most spectacular vineyards where they’ll set up personal wine tastings just for you. This friend is also a master travel planner, who takes every travel detail off your plate and creates an insider’s Italian itinerary filled with friendly, knowledgeable tour guides, translators, drivers, and private cooking classes only a local resident could access.

When you book a week with Tuscan Women Cook, Coleen, along with her team, becomes that extraordinary new friend, with contagious joy that will deeply enhance your Italian experience.

Chances are you have come to a place in your life where it is finally time to take care of YOU. Coleen intimately understands this life chapter and relishes the opportunity to create your new, personalized Italian experience. Once you arrive in Montefollonico, Coleen’s extensive connections with local families and businesses, culled from years of forging personal relationships with multiple generations, will immediately get you acclimated. Her regional knowledge and sincere love of all things Italian makes her the ideal companion who will confidently lead you from your empty nest, your harried work schedule or your auto-pilot daily routine and create your next authentic, life-changing experience.

Coleen’s is a story of an extraordinary mid-life dream come true. Follow on Facebook

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
Montepeloso A Quo Toscana Rosso 2020
The wine exhibits a dark bright color. The nose is dominated by dark red fruits, herbal notes, intermixed with spicy aromas and mineral notes. On the palate there is a nice tension. The texture is mineral combined again with hints of black fruits and aromatic woods.  Fermented in large steel tanks, aged for 12 months in barrels (15% new) and 12 months in bottle before release. Organic, 30% montepulciano, 30% cabernet sauvignon, 20% sangiovese, 10% marselan, and 10% alicante bouschet – ABV14.5%

Critical Acclaim JS93 James Suckling
Lovely, fruity red with cherries, berries and some stone and sandalwood. It’s full and soft-textured with round tannins. Drink or hold.  Get some at @jacobliquorexchange

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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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