Subscriber-only episode

From The Wine Makers Podcast:

This week, Sam hits the road with MJ Towler—The Black Wine Guy—for a special crossover episode recorded live in New Brunswick, New Jersey. They sit down with legendary restaurateurs and OG podcasters Francis Schott and Mark Pascal, the co-owners of Stage Left Steak and Catherine Lombardi, and hosts of The Restaurant Guys podcast.

Long before podcasts went mainstream, Francis and Mark were pioneering thoughtful, unpretentious conversations in food, wine, and hospitality, straight from their corner of the Garden State. Sam and MJ dive deep into Francis and Mark’s early days in the restaurant industry, the dramatic evolution of hospitality, and how New Brunswick emerged as an unexpected—and underrated—food and wine hotspot.

The conversation also revisits the wild, early days of podcasting, raising a glass to names like DiSpirito, Trotter, and Bourdain. With behind-the-scenes restaurant stories, old-school podcast wisdom, and heartfelt reminders about the timeless power of passion and hospitality, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Guests Francis Schott and Mark Pascal join co-hosts Sam Coturri and MJ Towler (The Black Wine Guy, Beats Vines & Life) for this special collaboration.

Hosts

Sam Coturri of The Wine Makers podcast and Sixteen 600 Wine

https://radiomisfits.com/twm369/

MJ Towler of Beats, Vine and Life podcast and The Black Wine Guy Experience

https://blackwineguy.com/

The Restaurant Guys LIVE with Chef Alex Guarnaschelli at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center on Monday, May 12! VIP = After-Party with Alex! Tickets https://www.restaurantguyspodcast.com/rglivealexguarnaschelli Discount on Tickets for RG Regulars AND Cocktail Party for Regulars on May 10 https://www.stageleft.com/store/event/2nd-annual-bar-regulars-cocktail-party-mixer-with-the-restaurant-guys-regular/ 

Our Sponsors
The Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center
https://www.theheldrich.com/

Magyar Bank
https://www.magbank.com/

Withum Accounting
https://www.withum.com/

Our Places
Stage Left Steak
https://www.stageleft.com/

Catherine Lombardi Restaurant
https://www.catherinelombardi.com/

Stage Left Wineshop
https://www.stageleftwineshop.com/

Reach Out to The Guys!
[email protected]