Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Summer Shrimp Sizzle: Two Easy Recipes

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Wine Time with Peggy,” we’re celebrating the end of summer with two of Peggy's most popular and delicious shrimp recipes! These dishes are not only quick and easy to make, but they also pair beautifully with a wide variety of wines.
Featured in this Episode:- Jicama Shrimp Tacos: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/kkbh/#p=17 - Southwestern Pesto Shrimp: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/southwestern-pesto-shrimp/ 
About the Host:Peggy Fiandaca is the co-owner of Arizona’s LDV Winery. Learn more about her and the winery's fantastic wines. 🍇 LDV Winery: https://ldvwinery.com 
Listen & Subscribe:🎧 Follow “Wine Time with Peggy” on Podbean: https://wine-time-peggy.podbean.com/ 
🎙️ Big Blend Radio’s Eat, Drink & Be Merry channel: This episode also airs on Big Blend Radio's dedicated food and wine channel. Discover more at https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Sipping Adventures Through Asheville, North Carolina

From craft cocktails and local wines to creative distilling and resilient food culture, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Adventures in Asheville” Podcast uncorks the rich and evolving culinary and beverage scene of Asheville, North Carolina.
Co-hosted by Steve & Karen Wilson—aka “Mr & Mrs Wild” and innkeepers of the charming Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in the Montford Historic District—this lively conversation features:🍷 Ryan Watts, Co-owner of Asheville Wine Tours – www.ashevillewinetours.com 🥃 Joe Ragazzo, Interim CEO of Two Trees Distilling – www.twotreesdistilling.com 
Together, the panel explores:- Asheville’s thriving status as Beer City USA- The post-Hurricane Helene recovery and resilience of local wineries and distilleries- Unique regional innovations like bourbon aged in hurricane-damaged oak- The growth of North Carolina’s wine industry and its $6 billion economic impact- The rise of custom wine tours, seasonal spirits, and elevated tasting experiences- Community support, culinary creativity, and spontaneous tourism trends
From engraved bottles and scenic rooftop cocktails to certified wine guides and virtual tastings, this flavorful episode is packed with insights into Asheville’s delicious future.
🛏️ Learn more about Steve & Karen Wilson and their beautifully restored B&B: www.lion-rose.com 
🗓️ "Adventures in Asheville" airs every 1st Tuesday of the month.🎧 Listen and follow the show on PodBean: https://adventures-asheville.podbean.com/ 🍷 This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, and Eat, Drink & Be Merry Podcast Channels.🌐 Explore more Big Blend Radio podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Oyster Delights: Recipes, Traditions & Sustainable Flavor

Celebrate the World of Oysters with this flavorful episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” Show. From indulgent recipes and regional oyster experiences to sustainability, oyster farming, and tradition, this lively conversation explores oysters from sea to table.
Featured guests and their resources include:🍽️ Jeffrey Spear – Food writer and author of My Life in Gluttony. He shares his indulgent Oyster Pot Pie recipe.* Website: https://spearwrites.com/ * Recipe: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/jeffs-oyster-pot-pie/ 
🌊 Kathleen Walls – Food, wine, and travel writer, author, and publisher of American Roads. She shares her oyster travel and dining stories:* Port St. Joe Restaurants: https://www.foodieflashpacker.com/port-st-joe-restaurants/ * OBX Oyster Adventures: https://americanroads.net/blog_obx.htm * Oyster Experiences in Onslow County: https://americanroads.net/fantastic_experiences_onslow_county_5-13-2023.html * Elite Street - Fall 2015: https://www.americanroads.net/elite_street_fall2015.htm 
📷 Sharon K. Kurtz – Award-winning food, wine, and travel writer and photographer. She shares her favorite oyster article:* Favorite Oysters from Coast to Coast: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/favorite-oysters-from-coast-to-coast/ * Website: https://sharonkkurtz.com/ 
👨‍🍳 Chef Ivan Flowers – Five-star chef and culinary instructor who shares two delicious oyster recipes:* Grilled Oysters Rockefeller: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/grilled-oysters-rockefeller/ * Fried Oysters (Digital Flipbook): https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/knqg/#p=29 
🎄 Jo Clark – Food, wine, and travel writer at Have Glass Will Travel. She shares insights into oyster traditions and a comforting stew recipe:* Website: https://haveglasswilltravel.com/ * Oyster Stew Recipe & Christmas Traditions: http://www.recipestravelculture.com/Oyster-Stew-christmas-food-traditions/ 
This episode dives into:- Oyster varieties and regional flavors- Cooking techniques from grilling to baking and stew- Food traditions and personal memories- Beverage pairings including wine, beer, and even tequila- Sustainability and the environmental benefits of oyster farming- Tips on storing, shucking, and serving oysters safely- Why oysters are both a culinary treat and a cultural treasure
🎧 Explore the culinary, coastal, and cultural world of oysters—delicious, sustainable, and full of flavor! 

Dining on a Trabocco in Abruzzo

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Global Adventures with Debbie Stone,” travel writer Debbie Stone takes listeners to Abruzzo, Italy, where she dined on a historic trabocco—a traditional wooden fishing structure turned extraordinary seafood restaurant.
Debbie shares the history of these fascinating coastal platforms, originally designed for fishing, and now repurposed for unique dining experiences like the one she had at Trabocco Punta Cavalluccio. From fresh seafood and regional pasta to local wines and seaside views, this episode blends history, cuisine, and atmosphere into an unforgettable Italian travel story.
📌 Key Takeaways:• Abruzzo is a diverse central Italian region with mountains and coastlines.• Trabocchi are historic fishing machines, now iconic coastal structures.• Dining on a trabocco combines local cuisine with historical ambiance.• Punta Cavalluccio serves flavorful seafood and regional pasta like Sagneti.• Guests can choose from over 60 wine labels.• Meals are designed to be relaxed, immersive, and memorable.• Culinary tourism reveals local stories and traditions.• Debbie hints at future travel plans in Spain and beyond.
📖 Read Debbie’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/dining-at-a-trabocco-along-italys-picturesque-adriatic-coast/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 🎙️ Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” Channel:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

An Italian Cooking Class in Rome

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Global Adventures with Debbie Stone,” travel writer Debbie Stone shares her delicious hands-on experience in an Italian cooking class in Rome. From crafting fresh pasta with 00 flour to layering the perfect tiramisu, Debbie dives into the culinary traditions of Italy and the joy of learning by doing.
The conversation highlights the cultural value of food, the unique flavor and texture of homemade pasta, and the connection that comes from cooking and sharing a meal with fellow travelers. Whether you're a novice or seasoned home cook, Debbie’s insights will inspire you to roll up your sleeves and taste the experience.
📌 Key Takeaways:• Cooking classes deepen appreciation for local cuisine.• Tiramisu means “pick me up” – thanks to its coffee kick.• Zero zero (00) flour is key to pasta-making success.• Homemade pasta cooks in two minutes and tastes distinct.• Culinary learning brings fun, community, and cultural insight.• You don’t need prior experience to enjoy cooking classes.• Traveling through food creates lasting memories.
📖 Read Debbie’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/complement-your-visit-to-rome-with-an-italian-cooking-class/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 🎙️ Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” Channel:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Taste the Flavors of Madrid

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Global Adventures with Debbie Stone,” travel writer Debbie Stone shares her mouthwatering culinary experience on The Tour Guy’s Ultimate Drinks and Tapas Tour in Madrid, Spain.
From savory tortillas to sizzling mushrooms and refreshing Tinto de Verano, Debbie explores the essence of Spanish cuisine through local food traditions, lively tapas bars, and cultural storytelling. Tune in as she chats about the origins of the tapa, the difference between Spanish and Mexican tortillas, and why food is one of the most flavorful ways to connect with a destination’s culture and history.
📌 Key Takeaways:• Tapas introduce travelers to the heart of Spanish food culture.• The word "tapa" originally referred to covering drinks.• Spanish tortilla is made with eggs and potatoes – not to be confused with the Mexican version!• Mushrooms are a star ingredient in Madrid’s food scene.• Beer and Tinto de Verano are popular local drinks.• Food tours are a delicious and fulfilling way to explore history and community.
📖 Read Debbie’s article: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/taste-the-flavors-of-madrid-on-a-culinary-adventure/ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: https://global-adventures-debbie-stone.podbean.com/ 🎙️ Also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Eat, Drink & Be Merry” Channel:https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

The Flavorful World of Chinatowns

In celebration of National Fortune Cookie Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio explores the vibrant culture, cuisine, and heritage of Chinatowns around the world. From Singapore to San Francisco to Boston, discover how these neighborhoods serve as gateways to rich cultural traditions and unforgettable culinary experiences.
Featured guests include:🍜 Jeffrey Spear – Branding expert, food/travel writer, and author of My Life in Gluttony: A Culinary Adventure, which shares his personal and flavorful journey through the world of food. Learn more at: https://spearwrites.com 
🌏 Clifford Garstang – Award-winning author, world traveler, and writer of the new novel The Last Bird of Paradise, which explores themes of identity, history, and cultural connection. More at: https://cliffordgarstang.com 
Together, they share insights into the evolution of Chinese cuisine in America, the importance of festivals like Chinese New Year, and the fascinating (and very American) origin of the fortune cookie. It’s a lively and delicious conversation that celebrates cultural diversity, storytelling, and the power of food to bring people together.

Happy Hour Picnic Party in Nature

Join us for a delightful "Happy Hour Hang Out" on Big Blend Radio as we celebrate National Picnic Month and Parks & Recreation Month! This engaging episode explores the pure joy of picnicking, the profound benefits of connecting with nature, and our favorite spots and foods for an outdoor feast from Arizona to England. 
We dive into the calming practice of forest bathing, the therapeutic power of nature's sounds, and the breathtaking beauty of Arizona's diverse landscapes, from vibrant wildflower seasons to dramatic monsoon experiences. Discover how nature can positively impact mental health and the simple pleasure of sharing picnics with loved ones, whether in your local park or while traveling the world.
Featured Guests:* Judy Karnia – Travel writer and forest bathing guide. Learn more at https://travelingnature.com/ * Eva Eldridge – Traveler, writer, editor, and book publishing expert. Discover more at https://evaeldridge.com/ 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend,” “Eat, Drink & Be Merry,” and “Parks & Travel” podcasts. Explore our network of shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork