07/06 Angel Manuel Prieto Sotos, Larry Smyth, Steve Evans

Angel Manuel Prieto Sotos - "Castilla-La Mancha"

Director of the Wine Foundation of Castilla-La Mancha, Angel Manuel Prieto Sotos talks live about the event this Monday July 9 in San Diego. Wines from the region of Don Quixote, Castilla-La Mancha will be in San Diego. Come enjoy a taste of Spain!
Venue: Prado at Balboa Park
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA
Date: Monday, July 9th





Larry Smyth - Carriage Vineyards

Carriage Vineyards is an active working vineyard and ranch. Our sustainably farmed vineyard consists of 22,000 vines planted on 27 acres with varieties including Grenache, Syrah, Merlot, Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon. About eighty percent of our vineyard is on hillside and hilltops with a north-south and north-east to south-west slopes. Our vines are planted in a calcareous clay-lime silt stone, offering perfect conditions for these varietals. When visiting the vineyard you will notice the care that has gone into making its success with row spacing at 10-by-5 and 10-by-6 VSP. Our fruit is sold to wineries from California to Arizona.



STEVE EVANS - "THE MOVIE GUY"

Latest box office info and news from the world of movies and films…Steve talks about the good, the bad and the ugly. His extensive theatrical experience makes him the right guy to talk about movies and their effect on popular cultures.

07/05 Chef Lorena Garcia, Frank Pellegrino

Celebrity Chef Lorena Garcia

One of the country’s leading Latina chefs, Lorena Garcia was born and raised in Venezuela, and credits her many gatherings spent entertaining family and friends as her career inspiration. She worked as an apprentice chef in France, Italy, Japan, Korea,Thailand, and China; and worked alongside world-renowned chefs such as Pascal Audin. Her next step was to establish Food Café, and later Elements Tierra, two successful restaurants in Miami’s Design District that featured menus defined by an eclectic blend of Latin and Asian-inspired dishes, later sold in 2008. Her cookbook “Lorena Garcias’s New Latin Classics: Fresh Ideas for Favorite Dishes” was published in September 2011.

The first Lorena Garcia Cocina Restaurant located at the Miami International Airport opened February 2011, where Lorena teams up with HMS Host to provide travelers a healthier alternative to Latin cuisine. The second restaurant, Lorena Garcia Tapas, will open at the Harstfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on July 2012.

Lorena has taken on the challenge of combating childhood obesity. She developed "Big Chef, Little Chef" as a comprehensive program to help children and their families take control of their eating habits and ultimately, their lives. Lorena will be participating in Bravo’s “Top Chef Master’s” Season 4 This upcoming July 25th as an contestant. This show pits 12 world-renowned chefs against each other to see how well they fare in fierce culinary competition based at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Obtaining and eating fast food is easy. Restaurants abound and we often have our choice of any cuisine anywhere we go in the U.S. But gourmet fast food is hard to come by, and gourmet Mexican fast food often isn’t fast – we tend to sit down and eat in the restaurant - or isn’t gourmet. But now Taco Bell has solved that problem with its new lineup of Cantina Bell offerings!

Celebrity Latina chef Lorena Garcia has worked with the restaurant for close to two years to perfect the menu, which features eight new ingredients: whole black beans, cilantro rice, 100-percent all-white meat chicken in a citrus and herb marinade, guacamole with 100-percent Hass avocado, fire-roasted corn salsa, creamy cilantro dressing, romaine lettuce and pico de gallo.


Frank Pellegrino - Owner of RAO's

Rao's is renowned for its jukebox, its quirky decor, its unmatched hospitality and most of all, the spectacular Neapolitan cuisine. It's also notorious for being one of the most difficult restaurants in New York in which to get a reservation. Year-long waits for one of its ten tables are not uncommon. But what is it about this tiny, charming restaurant that makes it the most in-demand spot in the city night after night, year after year?

For decades Rao's existed as a neighborhood restaurant. Its local customers would fill the tables with such regularity that eventually they were given standing reservations - bookings that persevere to this day. The Rao's phenomenon exploded in 1977, when New York Times food critic Mimi Sheraton gave Rao's a gushing, half-page, three-star review, splashing the city's best-kept secret in front of millions of readers.

Since Rao's NYC location only has ten tables, and only one seating per evening, the resulting demand would have been overwhelming even if the tables weren't already spoken for. That the tables were "owned" like a condominium translated to almost no empty seats in the house, night after night

07/04 Thomas Heilig, Stacy Keibler, Mario Batali, Jeff Schechtman

THOMAS HEILIG - ANGELO HOTEL PILSEN IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Situated in the heart of Plzen, Angelo Hotel Pilsen is close to Pilsner Urquell Brewery, Brewery Museum, and West Bohemian Museum. Also nearby are St. Bartholomew's Cathedral and Great Synagogue. Angelo Hotel Pilsen has a health club, a steam room, and a sauna. Public areas are equipped with wireless and wired high-speed Internet access (surcharges apply). This 4-star hotel features business amenities including a business center, small meeting rooms, and limo/town car service. Dining options at this business-friendly hotel include a restaurant and a bar/lounge. A complimentary breakfast is available. The staff can arrange concierge services, wedding services, and event catering. Additional amenities include a fitness facility, multilingual staff, and laundry facilities. Guest parking is available for a surcharge. The property has designated areas for smoking.


STACY KEIBLER

Stacy, a Baltimore, Maryland native who began her career as a model at the young age of six, has graced the silver screen in such feature films as “The Firm” with Tom Cruise, Gene Hackman, and Holly Hunter; “The Pelican Brief” with Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, and Sam Shephard; “True Lies” with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis; “The Comebacks” opposite David Koechner and Matthew Lawrence; and “Dysfunctional Friends” opposite Stacey Dash, Tatyana Ali, and Terrell Owens; and more. Stacy first became a household name when she dazzled millions of viewers every week as a celebrity contestant on “Dancing with the Stars” on which she was among the final three contestants Having guest-starred on such television series as “How I Met Your Mother”, “Psych”, “The George Lopez Show”, “What About Brian”, “October Road”, “Samurai Girl”, “Blue Mountain State”, “In the Motherhood”, “Mayne Street”, and “Chuck”, Stacy has also starred on television movies. A former Baltimore Ravens cheerleader, Stacy was the “Nitro Girl” for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) which was later acquired by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) who brought Stacy, as the only female, to the new company where she immediately became a regular on the longest-running live program in television history. A model of peak physical fitness, Stacey has graced the covers of numerous magazines including “Shape”, “TV Guide”, “Maxim”, “FHM Australia”, “Muscle & Fitness”, “Vegas,” “6 Degrees”, and “Beverly Hills 213”. In addition, Stacy has been featured in “Esquire”, “Cosmopolitan”, “Elle Girl”, “LA Times”, “Maxim” (UK), “Parade”, and “Fitness” and regularly appears in “People”, “Entertainment Weekly”, “People”, “Us Weekly”, “The Look”, “OK”, and “Life & Style”. The issue of “Stuff” featuring Stacy on the cover was one of the magazines highest selling issues of all time. Stacy is an active volunteer and supporter of After-School All-Stars, a program that provides after-school programs such as academic support, enrichment opportunities, and health and fitness activities for children in need.


CELEBRITY CHEF MARIO BATALI

Summer entertaining is heating up! And with the Fourth of July quickly approaching, who better than world-famous chef Mario Batali~author of nine cookbooks, legendary chef from the uber-popular “Food Network” series “Iron Chef”, former host of the “Food Network” series “Ciao America” and “Molto Mario”, star of the daytime talk show “The Chew”, and owner of 20 restaurants~to reveal to your listeners his tasty tips for entertaining this season! Live from the beautiful Chateau Chantal in Traverse City, Michigan



JEFF SCHECHTMAN - KVON 1140 AM IN NAPA , CA

Jeff Schechtman , program director of KVON in Napa, CA joins Mike & Paul in studio to talk about wine country and his popular daily show.

07/03 Tom Meyer, Old Ebbitt Grill, Bruce Seidel, HUNGRY Channel

TOM MEYER - PRESIDENT OF CLYDE'S & OWNER OF OLD EBBITT GRILL

The Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington's oldest, most historic saloon, was founded in 1856. According to legend, innkeeper William E. Ebbitt bought a boarding house at that time, but no one today can pinpoint its exact location. It was most likely on the edge of present-day Chinatown, somewhere near the Verizon Center. As a boarding house, the Ebbitt guest list read like a Who's Who of American History. President McKinley is said to have lived there during his tenure in Congress. Presidents Grant, Andrew Johnson, Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt and Harding supposedly refreshed themselves at its stand-around bar. Each table in the Ebbitt was graced by a blue history card that read: "Many other famous statesmen, naval and military heroes, too numerous to mention here, have been guests of the house." Evolving to a higher form, Old Ebbitt became Washington's first known saloon. And as the years passed, it moved to a number of new locations. By the early 20th century, it had found its way to what is now the National Press Building at 14th and F Streets, N.W. Two saloons co-existed in the Press Building at the time, a Dutch room and an Old English room. During the 1920s, when the Ebbitt moved to a converted haberdashery at 1427 F Street, N.W., the legacies of these Dutch and English bars were combined into a single Old Ebbitt Grill. The F Street location was just two doors away from the Rhodes Tavern, which occupied the northeast corner of F and 15th Streets. Having a considerable history of its own, its bar was reportedly the site where British generals toasted one another as they watched The White House burn during the War of 1812.


Bruce Seidel - CEO of Electus’ HUNGRY Channel

He is responsible for running the channel, leading all creative, programming, scheduling, production, marketing and interfacing with advertising clients. Bruce Seidel will be talking about HUNGRY, which is multimedia studio Electus' new food-centric YouTube channel. With original cooking shows, new culinary talent and unique food videos, HUNGRY represents the next phase of food programming.


CRN listeners can check it out at: www.YouTube.com/Hungry. They can subscribe to the channel for free and receive updates whenever new episodes & videos are posted. Prior to joining Electus, Bruce was Senior Vice President of Programming for Cooking Channel. Before joining the Cooking Channel, Seidel served as Senior Vice President of program planning and special productions at Food Network through early 2010. While at Food Network, Seidel developed and oversaw some of Food Network's top-rated programs, including "Iron Chef America," "The Next Food Network Star," "The Next Iron Chef," "Worst Cooks in America" and the record-setting "Iron Chef America: Super Chef Battle." Seidel also hosted the network’s blog, The FN Dish, reporting on new shows, sharing food news, attending food-related events and much more.

07/02 Chris Slaughter, Sean Chaudhry, Jefferey Harrelson

Chris Slaughter - Executive Director Santa Maria Valley Wine Country Association

Mike was at attendance at this weekend's event. CHARDONNAY SYMPOSIUM Educational Experience


Sean Chaudhry - GM at The Cellar Door Wine Shop and Bistro in Downer's Grove , IL.

The Cellar Door was founded by Sean Chaudhry in 2005. As a result of Sean’s immersion in the wine community, he recognized a need for a local, no frills bistro and wine shop. The Cellar Door was created to offer enthusiasts a place to relax and enjoy great food and wine, and at prices to be savored as well.. They are a frequent user of Groupon and Sean is here to explain how it works. Under the well-trained eye of owner Sean Chaudhry, The Cellar Door wine shop and bistro emphasizes the essence of ancient drink itself, curating a no-frills atmosphere that prioritizes quality of flavor above all. In allusion to the eatery's moniker—named for the simple phrase that author J.R.R. Tolkien famously called the most beautiful in the English language—straightforward combinations of globetrotting wines and grilled sandwiches, artisan cheeses, and charcuterie small plates blend together atop mesmerized palates. More than 30 by-the-glass vintages hail from Spain, California, and Italy, and the staff encourages diners to select full bottles from the onsite retail shop, paying only retail price and a small corkage fee to eliminate unnecessary restaurant markup and taxes on drawn-out toasts. While their taste buds soak up new flavors, diners can challenge their brains to Wednesday trivia or tune their ears to live music on Fridays.


JEFFEREY HARRELSON - OPERATING PARTNER AT FLEMINGS PRIME STEAK HOUSE IN WOODLAND HILLS, CA

When the sun sets over the San Fernando Valley, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar comes to life with a celebration of exceptional food and wine. Join us for dinner or for a drink after work. Our menu features the finest aged prime beef and market-fresh seafood. Are you a wine enthusiast? You will be delighted to discover the Fleming's 100, our award-winning list of 100 wines by the glass, with exclusive selections put together by our Wine Manager. We have received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 4 straight years. We are located just north of the 101 Freeway near the Warner Center Business Complex. Convenient to the West Valley, Calabasas, Thousand Oaks and Malibu.

06/29 WILLIAM CLOSE, PHIL SOINSKI, CHRIS SLAUGHTER, STEVE EVANS

WILLIAM CLOSE - America's Got Talent

William Close Audition City: Los Angeles Hometown: Los Angeles Million Dollar Prize: I would use it to create a new show, a music museum and a school. William Close, 42, is a musician and inventor that has created over 50 musical instruments, including the Earth Harp. William first set up the Earth Harp, the world's largest harp, across a valley that extended 1000 feet. A performer of 20 years. America's Got Talent Mondays (8-9 p.m.) & Tuesdays (9-10 p.m. ET) on NBC





PHIL SOINSKI - International Printing Museum

Phil is a friend of the show and is on to promote a special event this weekend.






Chris Slaughter - Santa Maria Valley Wine Country Association

Mike will be in attendance at this weekend's event. CHARDONNAY SYMPOSIUM Educational Experience Saturday, June 30 10-4 pm




STEVE EVANS - THE MOVIE GUY

Latest box office info and news from the world of movies and films…Steve talks about the good, the bad and the ugly. His extensive theatrical experience makes him the right guy to talk about movies and their effect on popular cultures.

06/28 THOMAS HEILIG, STACEY KEIBLER, CHEF MARIO BATALIA, JEFF SCHECKMANN

THOMAS HEILIG - ANGELO HOTEL PILSEN IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Situated in the heart of Plzen, Angelo Hotel Pilsen is close to Pilsner Urquell Brewery, Brewery Museum, and West Bohemian Museum. Also nearby are St. Bartholomew's Cathedral and Great Synagogue. Angelo Hotel Pilsen has a health club, a steam room, and a sauna. Public areas are equipped with wireless and wired high-speed Internet access (surcharges apply). This 4-star hotel features business amenities including a business center, small meeting rooms, and limo/town car service. Dining options at this business-friendly hotel include a restaurant and a bar/lounge. A complimentary breakfast is available. The staff can arrange concierge services, wedding services, and event catering. Additional amenities include a fitness facility, multilingual staff, and laundry facilities. Guest parking is available for a surcharge. The property has designated areas for smoking.


STACY KEIBLER

Stacy, a Baltimore, Maryland native who began her career as a model at the young age of six, has graced the silver screen in such feature films as “The Firm” with Tom Cruise, Gene Hackman, and Holly Hunter; “The Pelican Brief” with Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, and Sam Shephard; “True Lies” with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis; “The Comebacks” opposite David Koechner and Matthew Lawrence; and “Dysfunctional Friends” opposite Stacey Dash, Tatyana Ali, and Terrell Owens; and more. Stacy first became a household name when she dazzled millions of viewers every week as a celebrity contestant on “Dancing with the Stars” on which she was among the final three contestants Having guest-starred on such television series as “How I Met Your Mother”, “Psych”, “The George Lopez Show”, “What About Brian”, “October Road”, “Samurai Girl”, “Blue Mountain State”, “In the Motherhood”, “Mayne Street”, and “Chuck”, Stacy has also starred on television movies. A former Baltimore Ravens cheerleader, Stacy was the “Nitro Girl” for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) which was later acquired by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) who brought Stacy, as the only female, to the new company where she immediately became a regular on the longest-running live program in television history. A model of peak physical fitness, Stacey has graced the covers of numerous magazines including “Shape”, “TV Guide”, “Maxim”, “FHM Australia”, “Muscle & Fitness”, “Vegas,” “6 Degrees”, and “Beverly Hills 213”. In addition, Stacy has been featured in “Esquire”, “Cosmopolitan”, “Elle Girl”, “LA Times”, “Maxim” (UK), “Parade”, and “Fitness” and regularly appears in “People”, “Entertainment Weekly”, “People”, “Us Weekly”, “The Look”, “OK”, and “Life & Style”. The issue of “Stuff” featuring Stacy on the cover was one of the magazines highest selling issues of all time. Stacy is an active volunteer and supporter of After-School All-Stars, a program that provides after-school programs such as academic support, enrichment opportunities, and health and fitness activities for children in need.


CELEBRITY CHEF MARIO BATALI

Summer entertaining is heating up! And with the Fourth of July quickly approaching, who better than world-famous chef Mario Batali~author of nine cookbooks, legendary chef from the uber-popular “Food Network” series “Iron Chef”, former host of the “Food Network” series “Ciao America” and “Molto Mario”, star of the daytime talk show “The Chew”, and owner of 20 restaurants~to reveal to your listeners his tasty tips for entertaining this season! Live from the beautiful Chateau Chantal in Traverse City, Michigan




JEFF SCHECHTMAN - KVON 1140 AM IN NAPA , CA

Jeff Schechtman , program director of KVON in Napa, CA joins Mike & Paul in studio to talk about wine country and his popular daily show.

06/27 CHEF PAUL PRUDHOMME, ESPERANZA RESORT, MARC RODRIGUEZ, RICK JONES

CHEF PAUL PRUDHOMME - K-PAULS LOUISIANA KITCHEN

Chef Paul Prudhomme has propelled the distinctive cuisine of his native Louisiana into the international spotlight and continues to push the limits by creating exciting and new American and international dishes. Chef Paul learned the importance of using the freshest ingredients while cooking at his mother’s side and continues to use only earth’s finest harvests. As the youngest of 13 children, Chef Paul was always adventurous. His strong curiosity of life and cultural customs motivated him to leave Louisiana in his early 20’s and travel across the United States to experience every culinary environment possible. From an Indian reservation all the way to the finest, five-star restaurant, Chef Paul learned to love, appreciate and blend the flavors of his younger years with those of many other cultures.



MARC RODRIGUEZ - ESPERANZA RESORT IN CABOS SAN LUCAS

At the end of a continent lies a tranquil Cabo resort retreat. Where the body is healed, the soul is revived, the senses are awakened and the spirit soars to new heights. A place where sun, sea, sky and earth join as one to form a tropical oasis like no other. A place called Esperanza.



RICK JONES - JONES FAMILY VINEYARDS

In 1992 Sally and Rick Jones found a gorgeous view that came with a few acres of vineyards. A retirement home; a family place was what they had in mind. After selling grapes to Stag’s Leap Winery for a few years Rick tasted the unblended wine made from the vineyard’s fruit and decided it was too good to let it be blended away in someone else’s wine. Jones Family Vineyards was born from this in 1996. Jones Family Vineyards unique flavor characteristics grow from our special terroir – a combination of soils and micro-climate. Our three estate vineyards are located in the northern Napa Valley at the base of Howell Mountain about 5 miles north St. Helena. The soils are rocky which allows for excellent drainage, but each vine must burrow deep into the soil to find nutrients and water. Water is also a precious commodity in our land; we irrigate just enough to compensate for the drying effect of the sun. Our vineyard elevations vary from 600 feet at the base of the estate to about 900 feet at our highest point. Throughout each vineyard the slopes undulate from relatively flat, to almost 35% in slope. Each vine has adapted to its unique location, and the variation in elevation and slope allows for a layering of flavors in the fruit we harvest.

06/26 BILL KURTIS, Stuart Spoto, ROBERT BLAKESLEE

BILL KURTIS - TALL GRASS BEEF

The grass-fed beef revolution is here, and Tallgrass Beef Company is leading the way. If you’re new here, we invite to explore our site to learn the benefits of grass-fed beef, and why we believe our grass-fed beef is healthier, tastier, more environmentally responsible, and more humanely raised than any grass-fed beef available anywhere. And if you’re one of our many loyal customers, welcome back. As a Tallgrass revolutionary, you already know that when it comes to grass-fed beef, Tallgrass Beef sets the standard.


Stuart Spoto - Winemaker

The Spoto family has been hand-crafting wines for over 30 years. Stuart Spoto learned the art of winemaking from his father Henry Spoto Jr. who was featured in Wine Spectator for his award-winning wines in June of 2003. This family collaboration has greatly influenced Stuart to create his small boutique winery and perfect his Oakville Bordeaux blends. Stuart’s formal education is in Chemical and Civil Engineering from the University of California at Davis. He has also acquired an extensive knowledge in the art of winemaking by working closely with the Department of Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis. Stuart’s daughter, Arianna, recently graduated with a degree in Wine and Viticulture from California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo and is currently distributing Spoto Wines around the Central Coast. Spoto Wines is truly a small family business dedicated to producing the finest Oakville Cabernet and Bordeaux blends.



ROBERT BLAKESLEE - COOK BOOK AUTHOR

The books are YOUR TIME TO COOK (winner of the 2011 IBPA Ben Franklin Award for Best Cookbook) and the just-released YOUR TIME TO BAKE. In addition to the fun and beautifully-designed books, Robert also works hard at his fun YouTube channel of cooking clips (with a first part that's always a skit, and a second that features cooking).

06/25 CHEF MAUREEN PETROSKY, JONATHAN MONFORT, HELENE LEADS

Maureen Petrosky - Food Network’s Iron Chef - All American Eats for the 4Th of July

Maureen Petrosky is a professional chef, author and Lifestyle expert. Maureen has made regular television appearances as a food and wine expert conducting segments relating to hot topics in the culinary industry. Maureen has appeared numerous times on NBC’s The TODAY Show, CNN, CNN Headline News, FOX News Channel, the Food Network, and the broadcast network affiliates across the country, representing her own projects as well as appearing as an on-air spokesperson for Better Homes and Gardens, and as a Contributing Editor for Bon Appétit magazine. Most recently Maureen has appeared as a judge for Food Network’s Iron Chef America. In addition, Maureen appears on many webisodes for different television networks and magazines and has hosted DVD series for both PBS and Cuisinart. Maureen is also featured on numerous radio prorams and is the featured Wine Expert for “A Chef’s Table” on National Public Radio. Maureen authored her first solo lifestyle book, The Wine Club, A Month-by-Month Guide to Learning About Wine with Friends. The book includes her best recipes as well as wine and entertainment tips. She has contributed as a freelance writer covering food, wine, travel, and the restaurant scene for CNN Interactive, Bon Appétit, Better Homes and Gardens, Wiesner Publications, vinesugar.com, vino.com, Newcomer Magazine, and The Wine Report. Currently, she has a regular wine column in NJ Life Magazine and most recently has been writing for Scripps Networks Inc.’s FoodNetwork.com and FineLiving.com.


HELENE LEADS - FOX'S MASTERCHEF

She was eliminated this past Tuesday GORDON RAMSAY, JOE BASTIANICH AND GRAHAM ELLIOT ANNOUNCE THE “MASTERCHEF” TOP 18 FINALISTS Stockbroker, Homemaker, Contractor, Health Coachand Series’ First Blind Contestant AmongThe Top 18 Competition ContinuesTomorrow, June 26 ,on FOX After a nationwide search drew nearly 30,000 hopefuls, the Top Amateur Cooks were flown to Los Angeles for a chance to become America’s next MASTERCHEF. Following a grueling round of auditions and culinary boot camp, the MASTERCHEF judges have chosen this season’s Top18 finalists: Stacey Amagrande, MontiCarlo, Michael Chen, TaliClavijo, Samantha de Silva, Felix Fang, Christine Ha, Mike Hill, Helene Leeds, Scott Little, Dave Mack, Josh Marks, David Martinez, Frank Mirando, Tanya Noble, Becky Reams, Anna Rossi and Ryan Umane. Only one finalist will be crowned the MASTERCHEF winner and walk away with a cookbook deal and the$250,000 grand prize.


Jonathan Monfort - President and Founder of "Nostalgia Kitchen"

Izetta was a pioneer for women in business back in the 1930's. It was 1938 and the country was recovering from the Great Depression and Europe was on the doorstep of WWII. Izetta was a homemaker who dreamt of owning her own business. An opportunity came up to purchase Betty's Place, a roadhouse restaurant just outside Russell Kansas and Izetta knew she had found her calling. With money her mother lent her, Izetta became the owner. On top of that, the restaurant's BBQ recipe, which was already famous and was the best kept secret in town, was an additional cost of $150 (that's $2300 in today's dollars). Grandma knew she had to have it, so as collateral, Izetta put up her prized China set. Grandma Izetta kept the restaurant's name and the cook (if it ain't broke, don't fix it) and soon jumped into serving hungry folks down home cookin'. The restaurant was on the Victory Highway (Highway 40) just west of Russell, the main road for anyone traveling to, from, or through town. People came hungry and left with full bellies. They arrived tired and departed renewed. It was not only a place to eat, but also a place to catch up on local news, meet travelers from far and wide and get to know your neighbors. Russell, Kansas, with fewer than 5000 inhabitants and home to future Senator Bob Dole, was serving up some amazing BBQ. Needless to say it was a great investment and Grandma got her fine China back. The restaurant thrived until the 1950s, when Interstate 70 was built and took nearly all road traffic away from Highway 40. Unfortunately, the new Interstate was not kind to Grandma Izetta and the restaurant closed down. But the recipe remained Izetta's prized possession, so much so, she left it as a special line item in her will, bequeathed to her only child Hathalie. In 1968, Izetta passed away and Hathalie was let in on the biggest secret of her childhood - the recipe to the famous BBQ sauce and other recipes that were used at the restaurant. Hathalie remembers helping the cook pluck fresh chickens out back at the restaurant and meeting a lot of weary travelers. As a homemaker and then later a teacher, Hathalie would make big batches of the BBQ sauce and give it out to her family and friends. She also served it to her four boys growing boys. She never divulged the recipe, not even to her husband or her children. Years later, as Hathalie (my mother) got older, I asked her for the recipe. She looked at me skeptically, and said she would give it to me, as long as I did something with it. I promised her I would and She quietly handed me the original recipe papers-written in Grandma Izetta's hand over 70 years ago. The paper was delicate, yellowed and stained from years of stove-side vigilance. And that folks, is how Grandma Izetta's BBQ sauce was born. I still can't believe she handed me those recipes!