#621-Culinary Kansas

If you think Kansas is just a flat piece of real estate to be hurried through on a trip out west, think again.   Kansas is a land bursting with great products, unique personalities, and terrific cuisine.   First stop is on this program is a Bison farm, where I’ll fire up the grill and cook up some ribs.   I’ll then head to a terrific winery (yes, a really good Kansas winery!).   I’ll showcase a great little café and fudge shop where the meringue pie is five inches high and the fudge melts in your mouth.   In the college town of Manhattan, there’s the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi, and in another great college town, Lawrence, there’s a bakery where Kansas wheat is turned into magical taste treats and a brewpub crafts some of the finest brews around.   It’s Kansas as you’ve never imagined!

Additional information can be found at the following websites:
www.travelks.com, www.bisonfarm.com, www.kansaswine.com
www.emmachasecafe.com, www.hayshouse.com, www.wheatfieldsbakery.com, www.freestatebrewing.com

#622-Loving Lamb

The product is American lamb, and the setting couldn’t be more beautiful-a mountain pasture high up in the Rockies.   We’ll watch as a shepherd tends her flock, and learn why American Lamb is one of the most natural products around.   In Denver, chef Jennifer Jasinski will whip up some of her favorite creations featuring American Lamb, and in Vail, I’ll grill up my personal favorite American lamb taste treat.
Later, hitch a ride on the Blue Tooth Tour, a special train trip promoting Petite Syrah, one of the most unique grapes on the planet.   The setting is St. Louis where I’ll also pop by two great local restaurants- Monarch and Harvest.

Additional information can be found at the following sites:
www.americanlambboard.org, www.riojadenver.com, www.vailcascade.com, www.kimptonhotels.com,
www.panzano-denver.com, www.concannonvineyard.com, www.foppiano.com, www.boglewinery.com, www.mettlerwine.com, www.monarchrestaurant.com, www.harveststlouis.com

#623-Goin’ to Kansas City

Sure, it’s where I live so I’m a little biased, but you won’t believe what a great restaurant town Kansas City is.   Then again, maybe you will after this show.   Visit eight of the best Kansas City has to offer, from the Italian creations of Lidia’s, to the classic steaks of The Hereford House, to the elegance, style, and pedigree of The American.   There’s also wonderful cuisine at Pierpont’s, located in historic Union Station, an Argentine steakhouse on a hill overlooking the Missouri River, authentic Kansas City barbecue at Fiorella’s Jack Stack, and much, much more.   Come to visit, and I promise you will not leave hungry!

Additional information can be found at the following websites:
www.visitkc.com, www.lidiasitaly.com, www.jackstackbbq.com, www.citytavern.net, www.piroposkc.com, www.herefordhouse.comwww.kcrestaurantguide.com, www.raphaelkc.com, www.americanrestaurantkc.com

#624-Inside The Chef’s Garden

This is truly an insider’s show.   First, let me take you inside the food and beverage operations of the Ameristar Kansas City-a casino with some serious culinary chops!   Serving over a million meals a year, the Ameristar Kansas City is a well-oiled Epicurean machine with some outstanding restaurant options.   I’ll show you how it all comes together, from the bake shop, to the buffet, to some of the best restaurants in Kansas City.   Later, I’ll tag along with a group of Ameristar chefs and food and beverage directors on the trail of quality at the fantastic Chef’s Garden.   Supplying some of the best chefs, restaurants, and hotels and casinos in the world, the Chef’s Garden is one impressive operation!

Additional information can be found at the following websites:
www.ameristarcasinos.com, www.chef-garden.com

#625-Beaujolais Beauty

Come inside this wonderful region in the south of Burgundy, and learn of the people, history, wines, and cuisine of Beaujolais.   I’m visiting during the harvest, always an exciting time.   The vineyards are buzzing with activity.   There’s that wonderful scent of fresh grape juice and fermenting grapes in the air.   And, throughout Beaujolais, there’s the pride and passion for repeating what is a centuries-old tradition of making great wine!

#626-Riding the Rhone

Vastly different from north to south, there are some constants about the Rhone Valley-namely excellent wine, cuisine to go with it, and a long and proud history.   This show takes you from the south and the famous city of Avignon to the North and its syrah-based stellar wine bottlings.   The Rhone Valley north and south-tasty in both directions.