Jan 31 – Heartland Masala

Posted on January 26, 2026 by Guy

My guest this week is Auyon Mukharji. Auyon and his Mom Jyoti have s great new book; “Heartland Masala. – An Indian Cookbook from an American Kitchen.”

Heartland Masala pairs 99 recipes from Indian cooking instructor Jyoti Mukharji with cultural and historical essays by her son Auyon Mukharji. An effervescent celebration of Indian cuisine and the American immigrant experience, this beautiful cookbook is playful, informative, and utterly original.

Real Simple, Food Editor’s Top Cookbook Pick
Slate, Top 10 Best Recipes of the Year
The Boston Globe, Best Cookbooks for Holiday Giving
Kansas City Magazine, Top Gifts to Give and Receive

Filled with rich storytelling, stunning visuals, and a blend of modern and traditional dishes, this book is both a heartfelt portrait of one Midwestern family and a practical guide to cooking incredible Indian meals at home. Get a copy NOW!

Here’s what makes Heartland Masala special:
• Delicious, Accessible Recipes — 99 carefully tested dishes bring Indian flavors into your kitchen, with ingredients and methods tailored for American home cooks.
• Cultural Essays & Family Stories — Fresh, insightful, and often humorous essays explore the immigrant cooking philosophy, the Mukharjis’ mother-son dynamic, and the many quirks of Indian culinary history.
• Illustrations & Stunning Photography — A 32-page full-color photo insert plus original art make this a gorgeous centerpiece for your kitchen or coffee table.
• Step-by-Step Guidance — Jyoti and Auyon include illustrations that demystify complex techniques, along with spice shopping tips to build confidence and skill.

Publishing a cookbook is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for the hopelessly disorganized. Musician and first-time author Auyon Mukharji partnered with his mother, Jyoti Mukharji, to write Heartland Masala: An Indian Cookbook from an American Kitchen, and learned early in the process that a carefully articulated plan would be critical to the success of their book, which relied heavily on art to tell its story.

Mukharji was initially recruited by his mother, a long-time teacher of Indian cooking, to assist in recipe testing for a cookbook that her students encouraged her to write. As the book that would become Heartland Masala evolved, so did his role—expanding into co-author and creative director. He began diligently researching cookbook publishing, and set to work learning as much as he could about collaborating with a creative team.1

A feast for culturally curious readers and adventurous cooks alike, Heartland Masala is unlike any Indian cookbook you’ve seen before. Follow Auyon and Heartland Masala on Substack

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2023 Carl Graff Mosel Riesling Spatlese
I have fond memories of drinking Riesling with Indian food while living in the UK. The bright floral aromatics and subtle sweetness if a great match to the aromas and flavors of Indian cuisine. Carl Graff Mosel Riesling Spätlese is a classic German Riesling offering a rich aroma and harmonious balance. With moderate acidity and juicy fruit character, it delivers an elegant, smooth palate that highlights the Mosel’s signature freshness and finesse. ABV8.5%

Learn more about his crisp Riesling, perfect with Indian cuisine!
Order some at Jacob Liquor Exchange on N. Rock Road

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Jan 24 – Cafe Beaulolais

Posted on January 19, 2026 by Guy

My guest this week is Chef Julian Lopez with his latest “The New CAFE BEAUJOLAIS Cookbook.” A celebration of California coastal cuisine from Mendocino’s beloved Café Beaujolais—featuring 85+ fresh, seasonal recipes from chef Julian Lopez.

“Loaded with imaginative recipes for entertaining or for everyday use, The New Café Beaujolais Cookbook has the makings of a modern classic.” —Foreword Reviews, starred review

From buttermilk cinnamon coffee cake to pine-smoked salmon and lemon cheesecake, this modern cookbook highlights the vibrant flavors that define Café Beaujolais. Chef Julian Lopez brings a fresh perspective to the restaurant’s legacy with globally inspired, locally sourced dishes for every meal of the day. Includes updated classics from former chef Margaret Fox, plus stories from The Brickery, The Waiting Room, and the farmers who make it all possible.

From Café Beaujolais to Your Kitchen:

• CALIFORNIA CUISINE AT ITS BEST: Showcases the farm-to-table flavors and culinary heritage of Northern California wine country.
• SEASONAL RECIPES FOR EVERY OCCASION: 85+ approachable recipes—from brunch to dinner—inspired by Café Beaujolais, The Brickery, and The Waiting Room.
• VISUALLY STUNNING: More than 150 full-color photographs and illustrated maps capture the people, places, and plates that define Mendocino’s food culture.
• CULINARY LEGACY, REIMAGINED: A blend of old and new, with classic Café Beaujolais favorites revisited for today’s home cook.

ORIGINAL CAFE BEAUJOLAIS BLACK BEAN CHILI RECIPE  a favorite of Julia Child

Whether you’re a home cook, cookbook collector, or longtime fan of the café, The New Café Beaujolais Cookbookis a delicious tribute to one of California’s most cherished culinary destinations. Get a copy NOW!

Julian Lopez is the chef and owner of Cafe Beaujolais restaurant located in the town of Mendocino, California. After graduating from Gonzaga University with a operations management degree in business he spent time in Southern France, Northern Italy and Southern California developing his skills in the kitchen. With the dream of opening a restaurant he and his father Peter Lopez moved to Mendocino and took over the famed Cafe Beaujolais. The business, which has been in business since 1968, focuses on bringing quality food and experiences to locals and tourists alike.

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2023 Barra Reserve Pinot Noir, Mendocino.
Vibrant ruby in color. On the nose, an enchanting bouquet of ripe raspberries, tart cherries, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, it offers a smooth and luscious mouthfeel, with flavors of dark berries and a subtle earthiness. The wine’s balanced acidity and soft tannins contribute to a refined, lingering finish. ABV14.5%

Wine Enthusiast – 93 points
These vines have been planted organically since 1955. There is an intensity running through the nose of the wine. The aromas are lush yet flinty, with ripe berries, red plums, and supple oak carried throughout the palate. The fruit on the palate is youthful Bing cherry, Black plums, orange zest, and creamy, with grippy, lip-smacking tannins on the finish. Add a slight chill and enjoy on a warm day with loved ones.

Order some NOW from Jacob Liquor on North Rock Road

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Jan 17 – Donna Kelly & Empanadas

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Guy

My guest this week is Donna Kelly with her new book “EMPANADAS”

I grew up in Miami and enjoyed all manner of Cuban Empanadas, both sweet and savory.  It wasn’t until I lived in Spain for four years that I discovered what these little pillows of goodness had to offer.  Follow that with a more recent trip to Chile and I was hooked.  These little fried or baked delicasies can be stuffed with dang near anything.  Empanaditas (little empanadas) for appetizers, large for dinner or to accompany most any related dish.  They are just FUN and easy.

Donna Kelly’s newest cookbook is packed with over 70 recipes for doughs, flavorful fillings, and sauces to make tasty fried or baked empanadas.

Donna Kelly turns her culinary attention to those fabulous little turnovers known as empanadas in her newest cookbook. Empanadas has 3 dough variations plus a shortcut option using tortillas for either frying or baking the handheld pies. Kelly also includes over 60 recipes for both savory and sweet fillings and 7 bonus sauce and drizzle offerings.

You will find fillings such as Venezuelan Mojo Chicken, Mexican Street Corn, Louisiana Jambalaya, Asparagus and Goat Cheese, French Chicken Cordon Bleu, and Korean Beef Bulgogi. There are also holiday-themed fillings like Lucky New Year’s Hoppin’ John and Easter Ham and Scalloped Potatoes. And for your sweet tooth, you will have to try a Peach Melba or Chocolate Raspberry treat.  You need a copy of this book!  Get a copy today

 

Donna Kelly, a food fanatic and recipe developer, is the author of over 25 cookbooks including Quesadillas, French Toast, Burritos, 101 Things to Do With a Tortilla, and 101 Things to Do With an Air Fryer. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.  She and her daughter also do a blog called April Strings…

Donna Kelly & Anne Tegtmeier are a birth mother and daughter who reunited when Anne was 28 and bonded over their love for food and cooking. They blog at Apron Strings, and have authored one cookbook together. When Anne and Donna met, it was love at second sight! They have spent hundreds of hours in the kitchen sharing recipes and family stories and catching up in the nearly three decades they were separated. They love to tweak traditional dishes and give them a healthy, unprocessed spin.  You can find them on Facebook.

Good Life Guys Wine of the Week:
2020 Laberinto Trumao Norte, Maule Valley-D.O. Colbun Chile
he red blend 2020 Trumao Norte was produced with 64% Cabernet Franc, 26% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from north-facing vines on volcanic trumao ash soils. It fermented with 20% full clusters and indigenous yeasts in concrete and matured in 400-liter French oak barrels for 14 months. It’s ripe without excess, with 14.5% alcohol and good balance.  Perfumed, sappy and elegant, with notes of patisserie, bramble and red berries and a bright mineral core, this has just the right amount of wood for balance. Tim Aken 95 points

Get some at Jacob Liquor Exchange on North Rock Road

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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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