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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, and passion. Rob shares how he built his setup with the Fellow Ode Gen 2 for filter coffee, the DF64 for espresso, and how mastering brew variables like grind size, water temperature, ratio, and time can unlock complex flavors just like wine or whiskey. Whether you're a casual coffee drinker or aspiring home barista, this episode will inspire you to level up your brew game.

Links:

Hario V60 Brewer -

https://www.amazon.com/Hario-Plastic-Coffee-Dripper-Clear/dp/B0BWHKPCLJ/ref=sr_1_6?crid=257YD7H0KOK2M&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QpEQtKTw8ZhjrGeXk0cknuwXFgQ3X2_DEPQry8adikrD0ZfveoA97oVarAr_Z-0SMy-rJrgGEWStaKfzKb8aTwYdF99KOKdZB7ZX_Rs3bWwAIL_awRL9dunVm6YG7ChWOal1okeK5y_iHKi3P4RqDAPJSVYvoyjIHdd77ZO4C5mGQEEYrxZAQdB36mAi4_GXNUYoq-xuKncVpWcYJAKPsnWmX03fESyr9L1_Tu4jwNqBdDpP8MNSfMq0hxMe7itBMXPCHWrkB-9fDsHAz5L-yU8SZZp9zOannXhAa2QEvDs.T706HNxfW_3LF7n6sfSlxDlzFJcA3Gb9AdN1jsPFjW4&dib_tag=se&keywords=hario%2Bv60&qid=1750082553&sprefix=Hario%2BV%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-6&th=1

Timemore C3 Hand Grinder

https://www.amazon.com/TIMEMORE-Stainless-Capacity-Adjustable-Positioning/dp/B0CC4ZNBKL/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=2QOQ1IIAURTUI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.h1L9jBbXCpDhVSWV_LUCL_Wy-ybqthRaCs7c753mWtK1eEB9cNFMkP1F7pamjG-T4lNvV07I3vaVmK6JoWMN97bRWSg3OQtYdG2M-KgTh5m0B4-_SZtXFzQOFauaUIwR3WY_H8P91nRFJ6mV9rDmiPvKjbbOmguP8lVgKcE5QmeItNzDCKU-rjFi9YPl6qKTGHCmRsEr2BlR6UqVv5SUmIrldCZbFrOoWH6wmclKtFr1e0wt_i7fmpWNjs0dEFpQFOv4DQ24qIrRQJQ9cGSdOhz7v6Z8bGRKh0fwFlbb8VQ.QM95XEJfdWR294BbmHUcMe8K13YVw20iaKPSw0-6XvI&dib_tag=se&keywords=coffee%2Bhand%2Bgrinder&qid=1750082638&sprefix=coffee%2Bhand%2Bgrinder%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

Coffee Scale

https://www.amazon.com/KitchenTour-Precision-Espresso-Back-Lit-Batteries/dp/B083PX1VHG/ref=sr_1_6?crid=KXMEF8N1U5G5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.z8qRcHDF9PEc6xIhfD-mFXWt0v6R0OmpC2i0ZeYQ7lTke1S2rd8JjPl05PwPdOyrJXeBe7S4Lq_SME17P_swtywFbz7U1ERH87dnq0qCJ9nsEMvFVXENsw8GwD5kgjygD1lGB2Vwb9waMdyjYQsQYH09XRjdWhWAEysxD-BkTEAImSR9dc7JTR6BnGDU3Je0Ou4zwXeEKL2iqXwBxJduF0LwDZ551jUhqAC_htgBEZwILZm-A-yYLvvuJo8M-Hdwyh-vlCB80UeLtP9Czjsotisf_UOyVfqxullIPClM5k0.yBNz9kGHrAH0lnET6enXq_hTQGi3Ssd12BqplvVyJvc&dib_tag=se&keywords=coffee%2Bdigital%2Bscale&qid=1750082743&sprefix=Coffee%2BDigital%2B%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-6&th=1

Kettle - Gooseneck

https://www.amazon.com/Ulalov-Electric-Gooseneck-Stainless-Protection/dp/B0D568DYXX/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=3RNAE0ATUUQTC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-txw2Qxhe3RMqUS6xxn4CPIIrBBfS_KNDosFdg3VwBjR03OJjn9kVHIqeEGBZ2xxKXZYy5hrSfsc-t-mgT_gZqSXT2EBBUbCYrSHJXAMB7qfVdwclAc5Ar_QZPVa-50l42B9bEp-KuyZzDVByP_Les8c5uSErEEK0C0DyYvmxfuh6cYGLIJVgIH8HOVJNERKCGBZ6iQIIRxtZw7Ss0iM2GCbupXiJoHdfMw39tatDlzpODYjuZxwiGZ6Szy5pY5bQP5dkk1dJvd7toigorkU0NR284fn9hcM1QZYzS6jxDE.jvkdvb151aUBISUupjombRrflTsXwwm6Q9QI7bUtGvE&dib_tag=se&keywords=coffee%2Bkettle%2Belectric&qid=1750082811&sprefix=coffee%2Bkett%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

🎙 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
📘 Facebook:

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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 Maker’s Mark—have been crafting iconic bourbons for generations.

Rob breaks down why these historic houses still deliver the best in flavor, quality, and value, and makes the case for skipping most craft bottles that often come with higher price tags and inconsistent results. It’s a candid conversation on tradition, marketing hype, and putting your whiskey budget where it counts.

🎙 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
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/533352930766813
📧 Email: rob@bottlesandbiteswb.com

#food #whiskey #bourbon #wine #homecook #cook #BBQ #foodie #Italy #barolo #cabernet Sauvignon #france #italy #spain #napa #scotch #pizza #coffee

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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 transform the dining experience, boost customer satisfaction, and drive revenue. Whether you’re a restaurant owner, a wine lover, or just someone who wants more than “red or white” with your burger, this episode uncorks a fresh perspective on what wine can bring to the table.

🎙 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
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/533352930766813
📧 Email: rob@bottlesandbiteswb.com

#food #whiskey #bourbon #wine #homecook #cook #BBQ #foodie #Italy #barolo #cabernet Sauvignon #france #italy #spain #napa #scotch #pizza #coffee

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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-climate elegance of the Yarra Valley to the bold reds of Heathcote. Expect a lively chat on climate influences, grape varieties, and the incredible diversity of wine styles coming out of this compact but mighty state. Grab a glass and get ready for a delicious tour of Victoria—no passport required!

🎙 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
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/533352930766813
📧 Email: rob@bottlesandbiteswb.com

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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 have on hand, tools that actually make a difference, and how much glassware really matters. Plus, they’ll serve up their favorite easy summer cocktails that anyone can make with simple ingredients. Whether you're new to mixology or just looking to upgrade your setup, this episode will get you ready to stir, shake, and sip with confidence.

🎙 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
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/533352930766813
📧 Email: rob@bottlesandbiteswb.com

#food #whiskey #bourbon #wine #homecook #cook #BBQ #foodie #Italy #barolo #cabernet Sauvignon #france #italy #spain #napa #scotch #pizza #coffee

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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 you move from budget bottles to premium picks—and where the tipping point for diminishing returns begins. Whether you're stocking up for a dinner party or just want to elevate your everyday glass, this is your guide to spending smart and sipping better.

Cheers to drinking well without breaking the bank!

Contact or Follow Rob:

www.bottlesandbiteswb.com

rob@bottlesandbiteswb.com

@foodwhiskey on X

@bottles_bites_wb on IG

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#food #whiskey #bourbon #wine #homecook #cook #BBQ #foodie #Italy #barolo #cabernet Sauvignon #france #italy #spain #napa #scotch #pizza #coffee

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Tired of overpriced appetizers and waiting 45 minutes for a table? Same. In this episode, we dive into the deliciously tempting world of personal chefs — think restaurant-quality meals without putting on pants. From romantic date nights to meal-prepped Mondays, we explore why staying in is the new going out. Spoiler alert: someone else even does the dishes.

For this conversation I'm joined by Personal Chef Citlalli Maya, her small business is Fire, Fork and Gather.

IG - https://www.instagram.com/fire.fork.gather/

www.fireforkandgather.com

Reach out to her if you're anywhere in the Houston area.

Contact or Follow Rob:

www.bottlesandbiteswb.com

rob@bottlesandbiteswb.com

@foodwhiskey on X

@bottles_bites_wb on IG

Join the Bottles & Bites FB Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/533352930766813

#food #whiskey #bourbon #wine #homecook #cook #BBQ #foodie #Italy #barolo #cabernet Sauvignon #france #italy #spain #napa #scotch #pizza #coffee

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Is wine really as picky as people make it out to be? In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, we throw out the old rulebook and dive into the delicious, wide-open world of unexpected wine pairings. From spicy street tacos to sushi rolls, fried chicken to donuts, we explore how wine doesn’t just go with everything—it elevates it.

Join us as we sip, snack, and challenge the traditional wisdom of wine snobbery. Whether you're a casual drinker or a seasoned sommelier, you'll come away with fresh ideas, fun pairings, and maybe even a new favorite combo (spoiler: Riesling and hot wings might change your life).

Grab a glass and let's break some boundaries—because wine deserves a seat at every table.

Contact or Follow Rob:

www.bottlesandbiteswb.com

rob@bottlesandbiteswb.com

@foodwhiskey on X

@bottles_bites_wb on IG

Join the Bottles & Bites FB Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/533352930766813

#food #whiskey #bourbon #wine #homecook #cook #BBQ #foodie #Italy #barolo #cabernet Sauvignon #france #italy #spain #napa #scotch #pizza #coffee

Support the show