Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Route 66 Recipes & Roadside History with Amy Bizzarri

In celebration of Route 66’s upcoming centennial, get your kicks on America’s most legendary highway with travel writer and culinary historian Amy Bizzarri. In this flavorful Big Blend Radio episode, Amy shares stories and recipes from her latest book, "Route 66 Recipes: A Culinary Cruise Along the Mother Road," (out now through The History Press, an imprint of Arcadia Publishing), spotlighting the iconic diners, classic soda fountains, regional specialties, and unforgettable roadside stops that have fueled generations of road trippers. From Chicago’s famous Lou Mitchell’s to the Midpoint Café in Adrian, the Big Texan steak challenge in Amarillo, Native American food traditions, and nostalgic chili parlors, Amy blends culinary history with travel inspiration. She also discusses driving the entire Mother Road, must-try dishes like Navajo tacos and ugly crust pie, and how local culture shapes the Route 66 experience. Amy previously joined Big Blend Radio to talk about her book "Iconic Hollywood Dishes, Drinks and Desserts." Revisit that episode here: https://bigblendradio.podbean.com/e/iconic-hollywood/Whether you're planning a Route 66 road trip, honoring the highway’s 100-year milestone, or simply love Americana and food history, this episode serves up a delicious journey down the Mother Road. Follow Amy on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/amybizzarri/ 

Fresh Asian Flavors & Lunar New Year Traditions with Melissa’s Produce

Celebrate the vibrant traditions and delicious symbolism of the Lunar New Year on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Eat Drink & Be Merry" show with special guest Robert Schueller of Melissa’s Produce.
Discover the meaningful foods that bring luck, prosperity, and long life in the new year — from citrus fruits and mushrooms to Asian greens, noodles, and wontons. Robert shares easy ways to enjoy and cook with unique produce like butterscotch pears, kumquats, and gai lan, along with simple recipes that make festive entertaining fun and flavorful.
Whether you're planning a Lunar New Year feast or just want to explore fresh Asian ingredients year-round, this episode is packed with tasty inspiration and cultural insight.
🔶 Explore Melissa’s Lunar New Year Menu & Recipes:https://www.melissas.com/pages/lunar-new-year 
🔶 Robert’s Recommended Recipes:* Asian Pear Slaw: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/salad/asian-pear-slaw * Gyoza Pot Stickers: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/side-dish/gyoza-pot-stickers * Fried Won Tons: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/appetizer/fried-won-tons * Easy Egg Rolls: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/appetizer/egg-rolls * Kung Pao Noodles: https://www.melissas.com/blogs/side-dish/kung-pao-noodles 
🎁 Lunar New Year Gift Box: https://www.melissas.com/products/deluxe-lunar-new-year-gift-box?_pos=2&_sid=ab73b6945&_ss=r 

A Foodie’s Guide to Buena Park & Santa Ana, California

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel writer Jo Clark dives into the vibrant culinary scene of Southern California, spotlighting the diverse food destinations of Buena Park and Santa Ana. From Knott’s Berry Farm’s iconic boysenberry treats to the international flavors at The Source OC, this episode is packed with delicious discoveries.
Jo explores everything from Korean BBQ and Cuban pastries at Porto’s Bakery to local breweries, micheladas, and family-style dining experiences that bring people together. Along the way, they share personal stories, cultural insights, and recommendations that show how food connects communities, history, and travel experiences.
This episode is a must-listen for food lovers, culture seekers, and travelers eager to explore Southern California one bite at a time.
📖 Read Jo’s article: https://recipestravelculture.com/eating-stops-in-buena-park-and-santa-ana/ 
🎧 New episodes air every 2nd Sunday. Listen & subscribe:https://jogoeseverywhere.podbean.com/ 
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Vacation Station" and “Eat, Drink & Be Merry" podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Exploring Oregon Chardonnay: The Evolution of Willamette Valley Wines

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Food, Wine & Travel Adventures" Show, Linda Kissam "Food, Wine & Shopping Diva" has an in-depth conversation with David Adelsheim about the rise of Oregon Chardonnay and why the Willamette Valley has become one of the most exciting regions for this classic varietal.
They explore how Oregon Chardonnay has evolved over the years, the role of climate and terroir, and how earlier picking practices contribute to fresher, more elegant wines. The discussion also highlights the collaborative spirit among Oregon wineries, the importance of AVA designations, and how tasting experiences reveal a shared sense of place across the region.
The conversation touches on current consumer trends favoring lower-alcohol white wines, the growing national recognition of Oregon wines, and the upcoming Chardonnay celebration event (Feb 21, 2026) that brings producers together to showcase the quality and diversity of Willamette Valley Chardonnay.
Read Linda's Article: https://bigblendfooddrink.substack.com/p/exploring-oregon-chardonnay 
Visit:https://www.adelsheim.com/ https://oregonchardonnaycelebration.org/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Celebrating Chocolate, Nuts & Snacks at The Peanut Patch

Celebrate Chocolate Lovers Month with Donna George, store owner of The Peanut Patch in Yuma, Arizona! In this deliciously fun episode, we dive into Valentine’s Day treats, the surprising health benefits of nuts and peanuts, smart storage tips (yes, freezing works!), and what makes The Peanut Patch such a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.
Donna shares insights into The Peanut Patch’s nearly 200 flavors of fresh, homemade fudge, chocolate-dipped specialties, peanuts, nuts, candies, pickles, preserves, and other crave-worthy snacks. We also talk about seasonal tours of the chocolate-making process, Yuma’s rich agricultural roots, desert beauty, and upcoming events like Mardi Gras celebrations and the Silver Spur Rodeo.
Plus, we introduce the new “Recipes from The Peanut Patch” digital podcast magazine, packed with chocolate and peanut-inspired recipes to keep the celebration going at home.
Whether you’re a chocolate superfan, a road tripper, or just love discovering iconic local food spots, this episode is a must-listen. 
🛒 Shop year-round: https://thepeanutpatch.com/ 🍽️ Recipes From The Peanut Patch Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/Recipes-from-The-Peanut-Patch/  🎧 Listen & follow the podcast (new episodes every 1st Friday): https://peanut-patch.podbean.com/ 📲 Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” and “Big Daily Blend” Podcast Channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Pairing Wine with Asian Cuisine: Umami, Spice & Global Flavors

From Lunar New Year celebrations to Valentine’s Day dinners, this flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wine Time with Peggy” Podcast explores the exciting harmony between Asian cuisine and wine. Peggy Fiandaca, co-owner of LDV Winery in Arizona, shares practical tips for pairing wine with Asian dishes by understanding umami, balancing acidity and spice, and matching wine texture with food.
The conversation dives into the diversity of Asian and Indian cuisines, intentional cooking, and how sauces, spices, and fresh ingredients influence wine choices. From pho and Thai flavors to mushrooms, dipping sauces, and a refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad, this episode encourages listeners to experiment, have fun, and savor the journey of global flavors paired with wine.
Recipe and pairing tips: https://bigblendfooddrink.substack.com/p/asian-flavors-and-wine 
Check out WINE & BITES, Big Blend's "Wine Time With Peggy" Podcast & Recipe Magazine featuring Peggy's recipes, articles, wine pairing tips, recipes, and past podcast episodes: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/fmlb/ 
Follow Wine Time with Peggy: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/ 
Learn more about LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio Network channels including Eat, Drink & Be Merry and Big Daily Blend. Discover more shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The Continuous Vegetable Garden with Charlie Nardozzi

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Podcast, we welcome gardening expert Charlie Nardozzi, author of the new book “The Continuous Vegetable Garden” publishing February 3, 2026  (Quarto). With National Seed Swap Day (January 31) around the corner, this timely conversation highlights how seed saving, self-sowing vegetables, and perennial edibles are key to creating a low-effort, high-yield garden that sustains itself season after season.
Charlie shares practical, repeatable techniques that reduce the need for constant replanting and indoor seed starting, while extending harvests well beyond summer — even into winter. We talk about soil health, lasagna gardening, growing mushrooms at home, and why letting nature do its thing creates a resilient garden ecosystem.
From balcony containers to backyard beds, this episode shows how thoughtful planning, seed sharing, and working with nature can lead to abundant harvests, better flavor, and a deeper connection to the food you grow.
Learn more about Charlie Nardozzi: https://www.gardeningwithcharlie.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

World Ag Expo: The Global Heart of Agriculture & Agribusiness in Tulare, California

The World Ag Expo® is the largest annual agricultural show of its kind, and this episode of Big Blend Radio takes listeners inside its global reach and local impact. 
Featured guests Donnette Silva Carter, CEO of the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, and Megan Lausten, Marketing Director of the International Agri-Center®, share insights into why Tulare County stands at the heart of agriculture—feeding communities across the nation and around the world.
Held February 10–12, 2026, at the International Agri-Center® in Tulare, California, World Ag Expo® provides a powerful platform for networking, education, and business development in one of the most productive agricultural regions in the United States. The event hosts more than 1,200 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge equipment, emerging technologies, and innovative solutions across 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, drawing an estimated 100,000 attendees from over 70 countries each year.
In this conversation, Megan and Donnette explore how innovation and technology are transforming modern agriculture, the importance of public engagement in understanding food systems, and the significant economic impact the expo delivers to the local community. The discussion also highlights the role of volunteers, educational seminars, international connections, and local food vendors—including popular features like the wine and cheese pavilion—that make World Ag Expo a truly immersive agricultural experience.
Whether you’re involved in farming, agribusiness, economic development, agritourism, or simply curious about where our food comes from, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the world’s most influential agricultural events.
Featured Guests:– Donnette Silva Carter, CEO, Tulare Chamber of Commerce: http://www.tularechamber.org/ – Megan Lausten, Marketing Director, International Agri-Center®: https://www.internationalagricenter.com/ 
Plan Your Visit:- World Ag Expo: https://www.worldagexpo.com/ - Sequoia Tourism Council: http://discoverthesequoias.com/