Bottles & Bites Without Borders

Send us Fan Mail Rye whiskey doesn’t get enough love—so we’re fixing that. In this episode, I’m breaking down my Top 6 Rye Whiskeys every home bar should have . These are bottles that actually get poured, not just admired on the shelf. Great flavor, solid availability, and strong value—whether you like your rye neat, on the rocks, or in a killer cocktail. We’ll talk mash bills, proof, spice levels...

Send us Fan Mail Every bourbon shelf doesn’t need unicorns, secondary prices, or bottles you’re afraid to open. What it does need are dependable, great-tasting bourbons that overdeliver for the price—bottles you can pour for friends, sip neat, or use in a killer cocktail without hesitation. In this episode, I’m breaking down the 12 bourbons that are always on my home bar . These are bottles with f...

Send us Fan Mail 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—...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Carbon...

Send us Fan Mail 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 confus...

Send us Fan Mail 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 grape...

Send us Fan Mail 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 wi...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 ev...

Send us Fan Mail  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 t...

Send us Fan Mail  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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 wh...

Send us Fan Mail  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...

Send us Fan Mail  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 A...

Send us Fan Mail 🍇 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, co...

Send us Fan Mail  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 lea...

Send us Fan Mail  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. Wheth...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail  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 F...

Send us Fan Mail  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: ww...

Send us Fan Mail   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 Northw...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Uncorking Italy , Rob heads into the cool, mountainous vineyards of Northeast Italy —where high-altitude precision meets bold experimentation. From the pristine whites of Alto Adige to the skin-contact pioneers of Friuli Venezia Giulia , this region delivers some of the most fascinating, food-loving wines in the country. Rob explores crisp Pinot Bianco , floral...

Send us Fan Mail In Part 3 of Uncorking Italy , Rob Clark takes you to the sun-drenched, wind-swept island of Sicily —a region once known for bulk wine that's now one of Italy’s most exciting wine destinations. From the powerful Nero d’Avola to the elegant, lava-soaked Etna Rosso , Sicily is full of contrast, character, and volcanic energy. You’ll explore bold reds, electric whites like Carri...

Send us Fan Mail Piedmont is where elegance meets complexity. We dive into the home of Barolo and Barbaresco, discuss the mystique of Nebbiolo, and spotlight the charming everyday wines like Dolcetto, Barbera, and Arneis. Topics Covered: Nebbiolo: The grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco Terroir differences: Barolo villages vs Barbaresco Other reds: Barbera d’Asti, Dolcetto d’Alba Whites to know: Ar...