For your Cinco de Mayo Celebrations. Let’s start by dispelling the idea that Cinco de Mayo is the major Mexican Holiday commemorating their independence from Spain. It is not. Cinco de Mayo is a minor Mexican holiday celebrating the Mexican army’s … Continue reading →

Mary and I had our Chicken Pot Pie cook off. While I was hoping to hand her a crushing defeat, I am pleased to say that we both produced beautiful pies. The key components really had to do with the … Continue reading →

Moulard Duck Magret Breasts with Homemade Blueberry Preserves & Demi-Glace Mary McGuire, alias “gastrogirl”, invites guest Chef Teddy Buetow of Theos Cream City Chop House into one of the gastrotommy kitchens to prepare this wonderful dish. It seems many home cooks … Continue reading →

I am often very skeptical of people, places and things that are really cool. I find I just don’t typically find the same things cool that most other people do. So when a manager I worked with told me about … Continue reading →

Esquire has a cool slide show with ideas for Labor Day. The focus is certainly tailored for a man, but  is not gender specific. There are two chefs that provide a total of 8 ideas. All of them are functional, … Continue reading →

This week Tommy will conclude our focus on France. He will highlight the Loire, known as the Garden of France. With its elegant castles and enchanting landscape, the Loire had been the playground of the French aristocracy for years. The … Continue reading →

Chardonnay This white grape is successfully planted all over the world.  Chardonnay has proven to make spectacular wines from soils with a high chalk or limestone content. While it needs sun to develop some of the complex fruit characteristics, it … Continue reading →

Fresh Produce We all know we should eat more fruit and vegetables. Some of us are even aware that we should eat the produce that is in season. The challenge is to figure out what is in season in your … Continue reading →

We have almost concluded our initial tour of France. We have done a 2 piece episode on all of France to begin. We have now produced individual segments on each of the 6 primary fine wine producing regions. This week … Continue reading →

When the American palate began to pay attention to wine en masse in the 1980s there were two primary guiding influences Robert Parker and The Wine Spectator. Parker seemed to be everywhere writing exhaustible tasting notes on every major wine-producing … Continue reading →

Best of the Web Many of us are trying to be healthier by eating more fruits and vegetables. Imagine my horror when I learned the average tomato has “30% less vitamin C, 30% less thiamin, 19% less calcium than it … Continue reading →

Saveur article on rich, creamy and dense homemade ice cream. http://bit.ly/qNU2Kh Murray’s Cheese announces 2011 Winners of the American Cheese Society Conference. These cheeses are all available at wonderful prices. http://bit.ly/aKJVj5 How many of you are tired of 30 minute … Continue reading →

Is there a grape more maligned, more ridiculed than Merlot? There was a time that Merlot had it’s own heading on distinguished wine lists. Today it is often relegated to “Other” status. There was a point when retail shelves offered … Continue reading →

This letter is from our good friend Perry Poricelli, President of IWM in New York City. IWM is the global leader in fine Italian wines. This offer focuses on great vintages from one of the finest winemakers in the world, … Continue reading →

Today we will begin the 1st of new features entitled the best of the web. Tommy will scour the web looking for the best recipes, wines and other pertinent articles. We know how busy your days are. How could you … Continue reading →

Last night 2000 hard-core foodies endured the wicked temperatures in Lincoln Park to support the Green City Market BBQ. In attendance were many of the city’s finest chefs and mixologists. Before we cover the outstanding cuisine that was offered and … Continue reading →

We held our second gastrotommy insider/member appreciation tasting of the year Sunday, July 18th. What a tremendous experience this was for me! This time it was in the small town of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Why Fond du Lac? Well, … Continue reading →

Our guest this week is Heather Nauert who is the Fox Morning Host of Good Morning New York. Heather gives us some insight into her celebration. In addition to her TV work she is a wife, the proud mother of two little boys and the owner of three German Shepherds. Heather gives us some great ideas that are very simple and wonderful. She recommends a great spice called Slap Your Mama. Continue reading →

With strawberries at the height of the season, let’s have a Strawberry Caipiroska today. These are sooo very easy to make. Muddle 5 hulled strawberries with one tablespoon extrafine sugar. Add 2 oz of Vodka Shake well. Pour into glass … Continue reading →

Farmer’s Markets are popping up around the United States. While some of our listeners are passionate about them, many people are still apprehensive. Today’s show will help explain why we all need to support these venues, and we will reveal how we can integrate them into our daily lives. Continue reading →

There is no other wine-producing region in the world that produces such tremendous food-friendly wines that are as value driven. Unfortunately, the wines are relatively unappreciated by the bulk of the wine drinking population. Our mission today is to change this dynamic. Our guest today is Etienne Hugel, the 12th generation owner of Hugel wines. He is not only among the most charming men in the industry, but also his family makes extraordinary wines available at three different price points. We will discuss the primary varietals in the region and give you several different applications to incorporate these wines into your daily lives. Continue reading →

Learn how to make Skinny Girl Mojitos, Caipirinha, The Gastro Money Martini, The Gastro Marg, Mint Julep, and more. Continue reading →

The cocktail scene is in the most exciting time in our country’s history. The power of the internet has enabled us to learn from the best mixologists in the country. The history of the word “cocktail” has many different origins. There are some who believe that it came from a patriotic lady who was stealing chickens from an English farm. She would then put the feathers into the patriot’s drinks. There are several other ideas listed in our show. Unfortunately, there is no clarity as to the origins of the term. However, we can say that cocktails involve the blending of juices, liquors with bitters.

Through the years, the American cocktail scene has changed dramatically. During Prohibition, the cocktail culture was killed. The few spirits that people were drinking, in general, were bad expressions of pure alcohol like rock gut gin and watered-down Canadian Whiskey. The cocktail culture gained considerable momentum through the 40s and 50s. Through the 60s… Continue reading →

Gastro Guacc! Ingredients: 4 ripe avocados juice of 2-3 limes generous pinch of sea salt 1/3 bunch of cilantro tablespoon of El Yucatero Salsa Picante de Chile Habanero-Green Instructions: Mash the fruit of four avocados into a mixing bowl. Begin … Continue reading →

Stream Show #5: Ten Great Ideas for Summer Food and Drink Take it With You: Download the mp3 Stay Tuned: Subscribe to the Podcast RSS Our Top 10 Great Ideas for Summertime Food and Drink 10. Work with a local … Continue reading →

Sergio Esposito was born in Naples, Italy. His family moved to the United States when he was a young boy. Over the last 11 years he has created the finest wine shop in the world, Italian Wine Merchants. The initial … Continue reading →

During the upcoming days filled with glorious sunshine and outdoor living, we provide a special focus on delicious summer wines. Continue reading →

Stream Show #3: A fiery education on BBQ and Grilling for National Barbecue Month Take it With You: Download the mp3 Stay Tuned: Subscribe to the Podcast RSS This Week’s Radio Show This week Tommy will discuss the history of … Continue reading →

On this week’s radio podcast, Tommy Powers will introduce you to the bubbling world of Champagne and Sparkling Wines. Tommy will explain why these delicious wines need to be a part of our life today and how these wines can also be enjoyed at the beginning of a meal and throughout the dining experience. Continue reading →

Being a brilliant chef takes time, education, creativity and experience. Their success also requires an eye for the greatest ingredients, which are the building foundation of every brilliant creation. So where do the greatest chefs look to order the finest … Continue reading →

Another great gastrotommy insider wine discount is now available from Perry Porricelli. Perry is the co-founder and President of IWM and your personal portfolio manager if you’re a gt insider.  Here’s Perry’s introduction to these incredible Barolos.  The full details … Continue reading →

We have an exciting announcement for food and wine lovers everywhere. Tom now has his own radio podcast! One new hour-long show will be released each week. Stream Show #1: Why You Are Buying Food and Wine the Wrong Way … Continue reading →

Gastrotommy Insiders: Visit the insider discounts page to obtain a coupon code and purchase your ‘La Quercia Bone-In Organic Prosciutto’ at 20% off. This deal has now expired.  Stay tuned for more great Gastrotommy-only coupon codes from La Quercia. Update: … Continue reading →

Tommy and Amanda Parker from Murray’s Cheese give a great intro to each cheese and offer some great wine and beer pairings. We’re proud to announce our first Insider Discount with Murray’s Cheese! For a limited time our Gastrotommy Insiders … Continue reading →

We are thrilled to release our interview with Jon Bonné, wine writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Jon has been in the center of the discussion about balanced Pinot Noir.  The activity began at the World of Pinot Noir tasting. … Continue reading →

On Monday, March 28th, 2011 the esteemed Rajat Parr from Michael Mina-RN74 and the tireless Jasmine Hirsch from Hirsch Vineyards hosted California Pinot Noir: In Pursuit of Balance.  The event was intended to be a small gathering of their colleagues. … Continue reading →

Tommy had an opportunity to sit down with the esteemed Rajat Parr. Rajat takes us through a brief timeline of his professional career as a sommelier, restaurateur, author, and winemaker. Then the co-founder of In Pursuit of Balance gives our … Continue reading →

We were afforded the opportunity to sit down with the effervescent Jasmine Hirsch. She shares the inspiration for the creation of In Pursuit of Balance. We also learn that there may be a follow up to this wonderful event.

Video 8.05: Traversing the World of Sparkling Wine – Pops For Champagne is out today! In this educational segment, Tom continues his discussion with Craig Cooper, General Manager of Pops for Champagne. Craig describes the major regions of the world … Continue reading →

“What’s interesting about this idea of the professional wine writer and what it takes to become one is that it’s not a depth of knowledge that will break one into these ranks. Yes, having a depth of wine knowledge is … Continue reading →

Tom Powers and Pops For Champagne general manager, Craig Cooper dispel the myth of this Dom Pérignon quote and several other prominent misconceptions about Champagne in this 4:26 minute Champagne educational video from Gastrotommy. They discuss the terroir of Champagne, … Continue reading →

Pops For Champagne video 8.03 is now available for your viewing pleasure! The information is flying fast and furious in the in this 4 minute segment. Tom and Pops general manager Craig Cooper provide a complete reintroduction to Champagne and … Continue reading →

The second installment of our Pops For Champagne episode is now online! Tommy meets with Craig Cooper, General Manager for the past 10 years. Craig describes the initial conception of this sparking wine bar while the founder was traveling in … Continue reading →

Get ready to be reintroduced to a 400 year old French sparkling wine that is all too often misrepresented and misunderstood: Champagne. Gastrotommy episode 8 premieres today at Gastrotommy.com. During this 6 part episode Danny and Tom pay a visit … Continue reading →

Tom did a live segment today on WGN and gave some great basic tips on sparkling wine, whites, and reds. Continue reading →

Our second Gastrotommy Insider package is now on the site! Enjoy 20% off fresh-caught organic rainbow trout from Rushing Waters Fisheries in Palmyra, Wisconsin. Rushing Waters is nestled on 80 acres of pristine forest and is fed by artesian springs … Continue reading →

Tommy interviews Mindy Segal, Chef/Owner of the incredible Hot Chocolate in Chicago, IL. Mindy is nationally respected as a pastry chef but in this episode we also get to hear her thoughts on craft beer and cheese. Continue reading →

We are proud to announce our first Gastro Insider Partnership Package! This is 20% off a beautiful selection of the finest artisan meats in the world, including prosciutto, cured bacon, coppa, and more. We couldn’t be prouder to partner with La Quercia, who produces these certified organic meats from right here in the U.S. in the great state of Iowa. Continue reading →

I outline some ground rules for how to pair wine with food. Every Wednesday we’ll be covering food and wine pairings on the blog. Continue reading →

Before we begin, I ask that you remove all preconceived notions about wine. I also kick things off with some personal book recommendations that will provide a great starting point for your wine education. Continue reading →

Tommy gives a video introduction to his upcoming food and wine blog series. Continue reading →

Tom was on the the WGN Chicago morning show today giving wine recommendations for New Years Eve. Watch the full video. Continue reading →

What better time to premiere our one-of-a-kind food and wine show and launch the full web site than on the eve of the greatest American gathering of food, wine and family: Thanksgiving. We are proud to announce that our first … Continue reading →

A collection of photos from our day of shooting at Qupe. Continue reading →

The Hitching Post II, made famous by the movie Sideways is the subject of one of 3 full episodes that will be released later this week. Here’s a photo slideshow of the wonderful day we spent with owner Frank Ostini and his staff. Stay tuned this week for the premier all 3 episodes and our new web site. Continue reading →

A photo slideshow of our day of shooting at Au Bon Climat winery. Continue reading →

The master of Rhone varietals, Bob Lindquist of Qupe winery has always made terroir-driven wines that are balanced and elegant. Bob makes an array of wines that offer tremendous value at every price point. Continue reading →

Jim Clendenen, winemaker and owner of Au Bon Climat Winery, is recognized worldwide for his classically-styled wines. He has been regarded as Winemaker of the Year from The Los Angeles Times and Food & Wine among other considerable accolades. Continue reading →

What is GastroTommy and what will the show be about? Tommy and Dan discuss the focus of their upcoming wine and food show over wine, water, and the obligatory cheese plate. Continue reading →

Tom Powers and Michael Nahabedian have an uncensored conversation about the restaurant wars!  Michael is one half of the dynamic duo who own and operate the critically acclaimed, award winning restaurant NAHA in Chicago, IL.

The first unedited behind-the-scenes from the upcoming first episode of Gastrotommy. Continue reading →

The upcoming Web series hosted by wine and food expert Tommy Powers. Get an industry insider’s tips on the greatest wines, innovative restaurants and exclusive deals. Continue reading →