Bottles & Bites Without Borders

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...

Send us Fan Mail Tuscany is home to Italy’s most iconic reds—and a few underrated whites. In this episode, we explore the rolling hills of Chianti, the prestige of Brunello, and the rise of Super Tuscans. Learn what makes Sangiovese so expressive, and how Tuscany balances tradition and innovation. Topics Covered: Sangiovese 101: The backbone of Chianti, Vino Nobile, and Brunello Brunello di Montal...

Send us Fan Mail After years of chasing ghost bottles and lining up at dawn, bourbon lovers are wondering— is the tide finally turning? With Buffalo Trace announcing Eagle Rare 12-Year, and major distilleries finishing billion-dollar expansions, are the dark days of empty shelves and insane secondary prices behind us? In this episode, host Rob Clark digs into the state of the bourbon world—product...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders , host Rob Clark takes you on a flavorful journey from his earliest days brewing Folgers in a basic drip machine to becoming a full-blown coffee enthusiast with over a dozen specialty brewers and dialed-in equipment. Discover how curiosity—and a good scale—transformed his daily cup into a ritual rooted in science, precision,...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders , Rob dives deep into a hot take: You don’t need to chase the latest $90 craft bottle to experience the full spectrum of what bourbon has to offer. From the bold spice of Wild Turkey to the mellow richness of Maker’s Mark, the legacy distilleries—Wild Turkey, Old Forester, Jack Daniel’s, Four Roses, Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, and...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders , host Rob Clark sits down with Hector Ramirez, the voice behind the popular Instagram account It’s Wine Thirty , to explore why it’s time for casual dining restaurants to stop treating wine as an afterthought. Together, they break down how a well-curated wine list—featuring high-quality bottles that overdeliver on value—can...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders , we head Down Under to explore the rich and varied wine regions of Victoria, Australia. Joining Rob is Michael Lazarou—Instagram’s very own @wines_by_michael—a passionate wine communicator with a deep love for the bottles and stories of his homeland. Together, they break down Victoria’s unique subregions, from the cool-clima...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how to start making great cocktails at home without turning your kitchen into a full-blown speakeasy? In this fun and approachable episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, host Rob Clark is joined by his wife, Sandra, for a laid-back conversation on how to set up your home cocktail bar the smart (and stylish) way. They’ll share essential spirits and mixers to...

Send us Fan Mail Is it worth spending more than $20 on a bottle of wine? What do you actually get when you bump your budget up to $40—or even $60? In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders , Rob breaks down the value-packed “sweet spot” for buying wine and why this price range often delivers the best bang for your buck. We explore what changes in quality, craftsmanship, and region as...