Jan 10 – Ellie Knebel, Rombauer Brand Mgr.

Posted on January 5, 2026 by Guy

My guest this week is Ellie Knebel, Associate Brand Manager for Rombauer Vineyards.

I first met Ellie at the the Santa Fe Wine & Chili Fest this past summer.  Having known her dad, Bob Knebel former Wichitan and Aviation Executive, it was a pleasure to meet not only Ellie but her Mom and sister Anna as well.

Ellie in her own words:
“I have just begun my new role as Associate Brand Manager at Rombauer Vineyards! 6 years after my summer internship for this very team, it is so exciting for my career path to come full circle to join such an incredible brand and team. I am so excited for all that I will learn from my team and mentors, but know my previous experience will also inform my work.”

“In 2022 I moved to the Napa Valley for a position as a Wine Ambassador on the Trade Hospitality Team at the premium wineries within the Gallo Winery portfolio, eventually including Rombauer Vineyards after its acquisition. I facilitate winery tours and tastings, education, and premier wine dinners for industry guests from all countries and categories of the Food & Beverage Industry. I previously worked at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits as a Sales Representative in Seattle, Washington informing my knowledge of the market. But my real passion lies in the stories. I aim for every customer or guest to leave with as deep of a connection to Rombauer as my own.”

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2023 Napa Valley Merlot
Since producing our first vintage of Merlot in 1983, we’ve been committed to making the best possible expression of the variety. Site selection and meticulous farming are key to exceptional Merlot, which is why our vineyards are on the Napa side of Carneros, where we consistently produce high-quality wines from this noble grape.

82% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot aged 6 Months in French Oak (35% new). Aromas of rich dark fruit and cassis meet hints of vanilla on the nose. The palate is dense and layered, with flavors of red plum, blackberry  and spice. The wine’s fine, soft tannins are subtly framed by a bright acidity in each harmonious sip.ABV14.8%  Learn more here!

  Order a bottle for pickup at Jacob Liquor Exchange on N. Rock Road

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Jan 3 – Italy in a Glass

Posted on December 30, 2025 by Guy

A returning guest from February of 2023 when we spoke about her book; “Italy on a Plate.” This Saturday it’s all about the latest book “Italy in a Glass – Adventures, Apertivi, Antipasti.” 

Travel to Italy with VIETRI Founder Susan Gravely as she explores the Italian ritual of aperitivo, a treasured part of the day when Italians gather to have a drink, a little bite, and time with friends and family.

Italy in a Glass delves into how Susan and her dear Italian friends set the scene for big, festive celebrations, and how they also make everyday moments feel important and special. Filled with hosting tips and mouthwatering recipes for antipasti, cocktails, and mocktails, this story-driven cookbook will inspire you to create an atmosphere primed for joyful entertaining, experience adventures in your own kitchen, and savor all that there is to celebrate in this world.

Join Susan Gravely as she explores the Italian ritual of aperitivo, where cocktails, mocktails, and small bites set the stage for festive gatherings. Inspired by her own experiences in Italy, Gravely shares the art of entertaining Italian-style, blending personal stories with time-tested recipes and tips from her Italian friends. Italy in a Glass features classic Italian drinks, like the Bellini and Aperol Spritz, alongside inventive specialty cocktails and a selection of approachable and delectable sweet and savory regional appetizers. With stunning photography that brings Italy’s vibrant spirit to life, Gravely invites readers to savor the joy of Italian hospitality and create their own memorable moments with loved ones. Get your copy NOW!

SUSAN GRAVELY is the author of five children’s books and two acclaimed entertaining cookbooks which have both been praised as heartfelt tributes to the joys of gathering around the table. Gravely, along with her mother and sister, founded VIETRI, a lifestyle brand offering handcrafted Italian tabletop and home and garden accessories in 1983. Gravely served as the CEO and Creative Director for VIETRI for over 40 years. Since retiring in 2024, she has devoted her time to writing, traveling, and spending time with loved ones. She lives in Chapel Hill, NC with her husband, Bill, and dog, Franco. Follow Susan on Facebook

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
Of course it will be something tasty from Italy…check back soon.

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Dec 27 – QT Chef Ryan Boone

Posted on December 23, 2025 by Guy

My guest this week Ryan  Boone, Corporate Chef at QuikTrip.  Ryan grew up in Wichita, Kansas and attended Kansas State University.. He is a prominent figure in the company’s efforts to innovate its beverage and food offerings, including the development of its new coffee program and fall-flavored items. QT is so much more than Roller Grill hot dogs, even though they are some of my favorites.

Background and Role
  • Wichita Roots: Boone is a former Wichitan who started his career with QuikTrip while considering college or culinary school, eventually moving into the research and development department.
  • Career Path: He received his culinary education on the job at QuikTrip, a path that led him from working in various stores to his current corporate chef role.
  • Innovation Leader: Boone was tasked by QuikTrip leadership in 2019 with “reinventing” their coffee program to be a leader in the industry, which involved a deep dive into coffee production and trends. He has also been involved in what the company calls a “bevolution” of their tea, fountain, and frozen drink stations. 
Notable Projects
  • Elevated Coffee Line: He led the development of QuikTrip’s new coffee offering, which was tested in Wichita before a national rollout.
  • Seasonal Items: Boone has appeared in local media to showcase new seasonal items, such as pumpkin-flavored snacks and beverages. 
  • Expansion of QT Kitchens Menu: Boone is generally involved in the development of items for the entire made-to-order menu, which includes various items such as:
    • Pizzas (personal and by the slice)
    • Pretzels
    • Toasted croissants and grilled cheese sandwiches
    • Various wraps and sub sandwiches 

Ryan Boone

His work focuses on bringing a chef’s passion for storytelling through food to the convenience store setting. You can find more information about his professional profile on LinkedIn.

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QuikTrip has set the bar high for quality training of employees, cleanlyness, convience and the growing selection of grab and go food items and a drink selection second to none.  I hated to see our closest QT close due to future Kellogg construction, but looking forward to the all new unit opening soon in East Andover.
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From the Corporate Web Site:
“At QuikTrip, our signature customer service starts with our employees. QuikTrippers are dedicated to providing top notch customer service with a smile, and always being the best they can be. QuikTrip is a convenience store and gas retailer, featuring QT Kitchens® inside each store. Our menu includes fresh Pizza by the Slice and X-Large and Personal Pizza, Soft Pretzels, sub sandwiches and wraps, grilled cheese and toasted croissants, breakfast pizza, and other delicious breakfast items. We also offer soft-serve vanilla cones and QuikShakes. QuikTrip’s famous fountain is always guaranteed to quench your thirst, with more than 30 flavors of soda and tea, not to mention our frozen drinks like Freezoni® and Smoothies! And don’t forget our wide selection of Grab & Go items, including all beef hot dogs and taquitos, breakfast sandwiches, subs, salads, wraps, and donuts. We also carry a huge variety of chips, candy and other snacks. The coolers keep our bottled drinks – water, juice, soda, energy drinks, beer, and more – at a delightfully refreshing temp. Other amenities include an inside ATM, bathrooms cleaned every half hour, bagged ice, lottery and scratcher tickets, and tobacco. Whatever you need, there is sure to be a QuikTrip just around the corner, open 24 hours. We’ll see you soon!”…
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Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2021 MCK Syrah from Yakima Valley Washington
The 2021 MCK (Motor City Kitty) Syrah from Yakima Valley, Washington, is a highly-rated red by K Vintners (Charles Smith), sourced from the Boushey Vineyard, offering rich dark fruit, peppery notes, and spice, with reviews praising its structure, balance, and Northern Rhône-like character, making it a standout Washington Syrah. ABV14.5%

99 points – James Suckling

“The aromas leap out of the glass. Wet earth, tapenade, green peppercorns, volcanic ash and tea leaves. Hints of orange peel. It’s electric on the palate, so savory, so earthy and so minerally, with stemmy and tea-like tannins. The freshness and energy are astounding, and the finish just keeps going. Delicious syrah.”  *Ranked #7, Top 100 Wines of 2024*

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Dec 20 – Jen Wall & Barefoot Wines

Posted on December 16, 2025 by Guy

My guess this week is one of my favorite winemakers, Jennifer Wall, winemaker at Barefoot Wines.

Jennifer Wall is the Head Winemaker for Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, a role she has held since 1995. As of late 2025, she is celebrating her 30th anniversary with the brand. Under her leadership, Barefoot has grown from producing just four wines to a diverse portfolio of more than 30 labels, becoming the world’s most-awarded wine brand with over 10,000 medals!

Jen focuses on creating wines that are “varietally correct, fruit-forward, and food-friendly”. That philosphy is what draws so many younger wine enthusiasts to the brand and to enjoy wine. She has been instrumental in the brand’s massive expansion since it was acquired by E. & J. Gallo Winery in 2005. In late 2024, Barefoot was named the 2025 American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast.

Within the “Barefooter” community, she is affectionately known by her Barefoot name, “Pinky Toe”. For me she will always be known as one of the hardest working winemakers that produces easy to enjoy, affordable wines of quality.  Maybe the best moniker would be “The Barefoot Queen!”

  • Education: A native Californian, she originally intended to become a physician and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
  • Career Start: She pivoted to winemaking after a summer harvest job, joining Barefoot Cellars shortly after college.
  • Community Involvement: She is a resident of Sonoma County and actively volunteers with the Girl Scouts of America and supports Catwalk for a Cure, a breast cancer charity.

There are lots of recipes featured on the website: Barefoot wine.  She also shares many cocktail recipes as well as food pairings on her Instagram: @barefootjen

Good Life Guy’s WINES of the Week:

Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvee
Barefoot Pinot Grigio (our #1)
Barefoot Chardonnay
Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon
Barefoot Moscato (white)

Visit jacob Liquor to provision for your holiday party…
…Why don’t you buy “All of the Above!”  Your guest will thank you 🙂

Many Barefoot wines are ON SALE

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Dec 13 – Rooted in Fire

Posted on December 8, 2025 by Guy

My guest this week is Pyet De Spain with her new book “Rooted in Fire – A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking.”

Next Level Chef winner Pyet De Spain celebrates her Mexican and Native American heritage in this collection of mouthwatering recipes, a vibrant fusion that ties us to the land and to one another.

Star chef Pyet DeSpain rose to prominence as the first winner of Gordon Ramsey’s Fox television show Next Level Chef. Now, in her debut cookbook, she shares the joy of cooking fueled by her burning passion for Native American and Mexican American cuisine. Rooted in Fire: A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking is a tribute to her dual heritage—a gorgeously crafted celebration of the diversity of food and the stories, traditions, culture, and profound philosophies of Indigenous people that season each meal.  Follow Chef Pyet: @chefpyet

Pyet shows you how to incorporate a delicious range of key ingredients—from venison, dandelion greens, to sunchokes, bison, and native berries—into more than sixty fusion dishes. Family and friends will be excited to gather around the table to enjoy sweet and savory food such as:

Three Sisters Salad

Three Sisters Salad try this recipe!

  • Bison and Sweet Corn Soup
  • Fry Bread
  • Mexican Chocolate & Mezcal Cake
  • Corn Silk and Honey Tea
  • Wojapi BBQ Sauce

In addition to her inventive and palate pleasing recipes, Pyet invites home cooks to honor the seasons on our beautiful Earth and connect with essential foodways. “This is more than just a cookbook,” Pyet writes. “It’s giving a voice to Indigenous people, while also highlighting the fusion of my two cultures with fire and purpose.”  Get a copy NOW!

“Pyet’s talent is evident in every recipe in this book.The way she weaves her heritage into her dishes is extraordinary… Trust me, you’re in for an absolute treat.” – GORDON RAMSAY

Pyet (an abbreviation of her inherited Native American name Pyetwetmokwe) is a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribe, an award winning and global private chef, and the first winner of Gordon Ramsay’s groundbreaking cooking competition series, Next Level Chef. In 2021, Entrepreneur Magazine named her one of the Top 25 best private chefs in Los Angeles. Her life’s work is dedicated to Indigenous Fusion Cuisine, where she combines the food of her heritage, both Native American and Mexican. Pyet’s passion is to uplift Indigenous culture and traditions via storytelling, traveling, and cooking. Originally from the Osage Indian Reservation and Kansas City, Kansas, she now resides in Los Angeles.  Learn more at Pyet’s Plate

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2021 E. Traber Riesling from Alsace, France
This is a dry, mineral-driven white wine from Cave de Ribeauvillé, known for its green apple, citrus (lime, grapefruit), stone fruit (peach, apricot), and petrol notes, with firm acidity, a long finish, and good value for an everyday Alsace Riesling, offering freshness and aging potential.

This fine wine from Alsace is availble at Jacob Liquor Exchange
Order some now!     On SALE now for $22, regular price $27

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