Tag Archives: gourmet

Show 665, February 7, 2026: Lip Smacking Foodie Tours, Las Vegas with Founder Donald Contursi

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Donald Contursi of Lipsmacking Foodie Tours

“Vegas-born, award-winning Lip Smacking Foodie Tours is always first on the scene to showcase the city’s newest and most important trends in its luxury culinary experiences. Its latest experience shines a light on the Top 5 craft cocktail bars in the Arts District, the colorful, industrious neighborhood now reinvigorating craft cocktail culture.”

“A 2-hour experience that begins at 8:30 p.m., it’s designed for those 21 years and older. Like all Lip Smacking experiences, this one also comes complete with VIP service, from start to finish. Guests will gain immediate entry into these five acclaimed establishments, where long lines are the norm. At each venue, they’ll be seated at the best tables in the house to enjoy its top craft cocktail. Elevated gourmet dishes also are included. With specialty cocktails often hovering in the $25 range in Vegas, this experience, which includes all taxes and venue gratuities, can’t be beat at $99 per person.”

“A professional guide leads the way to each establishment, all the while entertaining with facts and stories about points of interest. This experience is ideal for locals or visitors alike, who want to explore the city’s cutting-edge cocktail scene. It’s also available for private groups at their preferred start times.”

Founder Donald Contursi is our guest with swizzle stick in hand.

Show 630, June 7, 2025: Pasta Armando with Jeffrey Root, Head of Brand Development

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Jeffrey Root of Pasta Armando

“Pasta Armando is a high-quality Italian Pasta made from 100% Durum Wheat. The conventional pasta is 100% Italian durum wheat semolina and water, teflon died and slow-dried. Armando’s pasta is made using only two ingredients processed according to a traditional method. The special taste stands out from the crowd.”

“Armando fosters strong relations with its farmers as they are an indispensable part of the team. Pasta Armando helps support the environment, the local communities, and the farmers. Farmers are 
empowered with proper training, scholarships, and fair crop value set by a guaranteed price floor, despite market trends.”

We’ll meet the highly informative Jeffrey Root, Head of Brand Development for Pasta Armando USA /Canada, who is also an experienced restaurateur and knows how to successfully merchandise pasta on restaurant menus. The ideal portion size is five to seven ounces depending on what else is on the plate.

Locally for foodservice Pacifica Foods in Vernon carries the Armando product. Soon to be found in the area upscale gourmet supermarkets.

Show 155, January 16, 2016: Suzanne Baird, Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau

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Suzanne Baird of the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau and Andy HarrisWhat do fine wine, a perfect surf break, more than 250 days of sunshine and Perry Mason all have in common? You can find each of them in laid-back, yet quietly sophisticated seaside hamlet of Ventura, California. Nestled between the Ventura and Santa Clara rivers this formerly isolated enclave is a refreshing and dynamic coastal California vacation destination.

Ventura’s several miles of pristine, uncrowded beaches are some of the State’s finest, and surfing spots from Rincon Beach to Surfer’s Point are legendary among surfers. Off the coast lies the Channel Islands often seemingly close enough to touch. These rugged outposts provide breathtaking hiking opportunities above the waves and world class diving below.

Ventura’s dining scene thrives thanks to Artisan chefs setting up eateries that celebrate California’s abundance of fresh local seafood, produce and eclectic fare. With wine country in their backyard, acres and acres of fresh crops grown locally, and multi-cultural influences, it’s no wonder Ventura and its restaurants have been popping up in publications like Gourmet, Sunset and Westways.

In the walkable Downtown Ventura you’ll also find the original San Buenaventura Mission founded in 1782 by Father Junipero Serra.

Suzanne Baird with the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau is out guide.