Send us a text Bourbon has never been bigger—but is it on solid ground? In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob is joined once again by friend of the show Matt Carter to take a hard look at the current state of bourbon. From explosive growth and shifting consumer tastes to pricing fatigue, limited releases, and changing hype cycles, we break down where bourbon is right now—and where it may be headed next. We discuss the biggest trends we’re seeing in 2025, ask the uncomfor...

Send us a text The egg is everywhere—and for good reason. In this episode, we make the case that the egg is the greatest food and ingredient ever created. From over-easy and sunny side up to omelets and scrambled eggs, the egg shines as the star of breakfast. But it doesn’t stop there. Eggs elevate burgers, crown fried rice, finish enchiladas, and form the soul of iconic dishes like Pasta Carbonara. They’re essential in baking, foundational in fresh pasta, and quietly responsible for texture,...

Send us a text In this warm and thoughtful episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob sits down with a very special guest—Jaime Deleon’s daughter, Ashley, a young wine enthusiast beginning her journey into the vast and fascinating world of wine. Together, they dive into the real questions that new wine drinkers often feel too intimidated to ask. She shares what excites her, what confuses her, and what sometimes feels overwhelming as she starts exploring bottles, regions, aromas, and ...

Send us a text 2025 was the Year of Italy for Bottles & Bites Without Borders. From Tuscany to Piedmont, Sicily to Friuli, Rob dives back into all five Italian regions explored this year and breaks down the wines, the culture, the surprises, and the discoveries that left a mark. In this episode, Rob uncorks the highlights of the Italian series—what he loved, what challenged him, which grapes over-delivered, and why Italian wine continues to be one of the most rewarding deep dives for any ...

Send us a text In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob sits down with wine expert and friend of the show, Jaime Deleon, to dive deep into the newly released Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2025. We break down how many wines each country landed on the list—and whether we actually agree with the rankings. Rob and Jaime also share how they use the Top 100 list in their own wine journeys, and offer practical, no-nonsense advice for how you, the consumer, can make the most of i...

Send us a text As wine drinkers lean increasingly toward whites for their freshness and lower alcohol, the shift into fall and winter brings back that familiar craving for red wine. But what if you want the comfort and complexity of a red—without the big alcohol punch? In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob sits down with Advanced Sommelier Jaime Deleon to explore the world of low-alcohol red wines you can enjoy as the weather cools. From elegant Pinot Noir and juicy Gama...

Send us a text In this episode, we dive into a controversial take: fine dining isn’t worth the hype — or the price tag. Sandra and I recently visited a so-called “authentic Italian” fine dining restaurant, and let’s just say… it was anything but. The service was polished but clueless, the Bolognese tasted like grocery-store jarred sauce, the wine list was marked up five times retail, and they even tried to upsell us on a membership just to get reasonable wine prices. Oh — and they rushed us o...

Send us a text As the weather cools and comfort food takes center stage, the wines we crave start to change too. In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob Clark sits down with Advanced Sommelier Jaime Deleon to explore the perfect wines for fall. From soulful reds that pair beautifully with stews and roasts to whites that still shine when the temperatures drop, we dive into the bottles that give you that warm, cozy feeling — like a good meal and great company on a cris...

Send us a text In this episode, Rob sits down with Advanced Sommelier Jaime Deleon for a deep dive into the fascinating contrast between Old World and New World wines. They explore how history, climate, and winemaking philosophy shape what ends up in the glass — from structure and balance to ripeness and expression. Together, they compare examples side by side, discuss how modern winemakers are blurring those lines, and offer insights on how to identify which style best fits your palate...

Send us a text In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, host Rob Clark explores how American wine culture stands apart from the rest of the world — from how we buy wine to how we drink it and even how we think about it. Why do most Americans grab bottles at grocery stores instead of wineries? Why is wine treated as a special-occasion drink instead of part of everyday life? And what can we learn from places like Italy, France, and Spain, where wine flows as naturally as conversa...

Send us a text In this episode, Rob sits down with Tony, Garrison, and Anthony Ford to settle one of the greatest debates of all time — who makes the best fast food burger? From classics like the Big Mac and the flame-broiled Whopper to heavy hitters like Wendy’s Baconator and beyond, each of us reveals our personal Top 5 lists. Expect plenty of laughs, nostalgia, and maybe a few controversial picks as we break down what makes a great burger — the flavor, the sauce, the bun, and the she...

Send us a text With endless options on apps and menus, why does ordering dinner still feel like such a struggle? In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob and Sandra dive into the real frustrations of modern takeout—sky-high prices, disappointing portions, inconsistent quality, and the nagging question of whether it’s even worth it. From the role cost and timing play to why Asian food often feels like the only safe bet, we unpack why America’s takeout scene feels broke...

Send us a text 🍇 Draft season… but make it wine! 🍷 On the next episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, I’m joined by Hector Ramirez, Jaime De Leon, and Matt Carter for a fantasy draft of wine grapes. 4 people. 10 rounds. 40 grapes. Once a grape is picked, it’s OFF the board. Who’s building the grape roster you’d actually want to drink from the most? 👀 This one’s going to be fun, competitive, and maybe a little controversial. Stay tuned! Support the show

Send us a text It’s Sunday, the craving for pizza is strong, but our favorite local spot has its doors shut. So Sandra throws out an idea: what if we put the big chains to the test? In this episode, we order up pizzas from Domino’s and Papa John’s to see if the national giants can actually satisfy when the craving hits. Is there such a thing as a “good” chain pizza? Did either impress us—or leave us saying “never again”? Tune in as we taste, debate, and maybe discover a guilty pleasure....

Send us a text Great wine doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. In this episode, we count down the top 10 wine regions around the world that consistently deliver serious quality at approachable prices. From Portugal’s hidden gems to South Africa’s Chenin Blanc, Argentina’s cool-climate reds, and Austria’s crisp Gruner Veltliner, these are the wines that punch well above their weight. Whether you’re hunting for everyday drinkers or bottles that feel like steals compared to their Old...

Send us a text In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob and Sandra are joined by friends Chris and Teri for a delicious debate: our Top 5 Sandwiches of all time. With completely subjective criteria (and plenty of laughs), we share our picks, from deli classics to international favorites. The only rules? No hamburgers, no hot dogs, and no breakfast sandwiches. Which sandwiches make the cut—and which ones spark controversy? Grab your favorite bite and join us for this layered...

Send us a text Step into the Food Court with Rob and Sandra as they go head-to-head over the most heated food controversies of all time. From ketchup on hot dogs and scrambled eggs, to whether Chicago deep dish is really pizza, to the bizarre joys of cheese on apple pie — no dish is safe from debate. Are boneless wings just nuggets? Is a hot dog actually a sandwich? Does ice cream belong with French fries? We argue, laugh, and maybe even change each other’s minds… but in the end, the fi...

Send us a text Rob and Sandra imagine a world where they can only eat one cuisine for the rest of their lives. Italian, Mexican, Japanese, French, Indian, Thai, etc. Each makes their case, defends their choice, and pokes fun at the other’s pick. 🎙 Rob Clark — Host of Bottles & Bites Without Borders Exploring the world of food, wine, and whiskey—one bottle and bite at a time. 🌐 Website: www.bottlesandbiteswb.com 📸 Instagram: @bottles_bites_wb 🐦 X (Twitter): @foodwhiskey 📘 F...

Send us a text From smoky brisket buns in Texas to lobster rolls in Maine, America’s love affair with the sandwich is as diverse as its regions. In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob takes a flavorful road trip across the U.S., exploring the most iconic and beloved sandwiches from each region—Northeast, Southeast, South, Midwest, Southwest, West Coast, and Pacific Northwest. We’ll dig into the stories behind these regional favorites, what makes them culturally sig...

Send us a text In this final episode of Uncorking Italy, we head south — where the sun is hotter, the soils are volcanic, and the wines are bursting with character. Host Rob Clark uncovers the raw beauty of Southern Italy’s wine regions, from the powerful Aglianico of Campania and Basilicata, to the rich, fruit-forward Primitivo and Negroamaro of Puglia, and the ancient, resilient grapes of Calabria. Along the way, we’ll spotlight world-class whites like Fiano and Greco di Tufo, explore high-...