ON SUNDAY, VODKA TAKES THE COURT

Ready for a Grand Slam of Flavor?

This Sunday, August 24th at 9PM, tune in to AM 970: The Answer for a courtside conversation on CULINARY CONFIDENTIAL that serves up tennis, taste, and tales from the top of the hospitality world.

The show's host, Christina Cates, steps up to the mic with a featured guest whose cocktail creation has become as legendary as the tournament it was made for.

Special Guest: Nick Mautone
Hospitality visionary, cocktail craftsman, and creator of the Honey Deuce

Nick Mautone isn’t just a mixologist—he’s a master of moments. With over four decades of experience shaping the way New Yorkers eat, drink, and celebrate, Nick has left his mark on some of the city’s most iconic venues. From Gramercy Tavern to the dazzling heights of the Rainbow Room, his influence runs deep.

But it was one inspired idea—born from a dessert and a love of tennis—that catapulted him into cocktail stardom. Tasked by Grey Goose to create a drink that could be served in high volumes without sacrificing sophistication, Nick found his muse in honeydew melon balls that looked strikingly like tennis balls. The result? The Honey Deuce—a crisp, citrusy cocktail that’s now as much a part of the US Open as the final serve. In 2024, it broke records with over $12 million in sales, proving that great taste always wins.

Nick’s consulting firm, Mautone Enterprises, continues to shape hospitality brands nationwide, and his books—including Raising the Bar and The Artisanal Kitchen series—have become go-to guides for cocktail enthusiasts and industry pros alike.

Host: Christina Cates
Hospitality expert, industry insider, and host of Culinary Confidential

Christina Cates knows the restaurant world from the inside out. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in New York City’s vibrant dining scene, she’s worked with some of the most respected names in the business. From the timeless elegance of Tavern on the Green to the classic charm of The Palm and the downtown cool of Almond Tribeca, Christina has led teams, shaped guest experiences, and built a reputation for excellence.

Now, as the host of Culinary Confidential on AM970, she brings her insider knowledge and infectious enthusiasm to the airwaves. Her interviews go beyond the menu, diving into the stories, struggles, and successes that define the hospitality world. Whether she’s chatting with chefs, restaurateurs, or cocktail legends like Nick Mautone, Christina brings warmth, wit, and wisdom to every conversation.

What to Expect This Sunday:

• The origin story of the Honey Deuce—how a fruit garnish became a cultural icon
• Behind-the-scenes tales from New York’s most legendary venues
• Tips, trends, and truths from two hospitality pros who’ve seen it all
• And maybe, just maybe, a few secrets about what makes a cocktail unforgettable

So pour yourself a Honey Deuce, kick back, and get ready for a Sunday night that’s equal parts spirited and sparkling. It’s the only show where your drink has a better backhand than you do—and where every story is served with a twist.

Grand Slam Sunday: Game, Set, Sip!

#food #foodie #chef #chefs #restaurant #restaurants #foodservice #culinaryconfidential #foodies #foodlover #talkshow #talkradio #radio #liveradio #radio #radiotalkshow #talk #radioshow #radiohost #am970theanswer #am970 #opinions #interview #interviews

# # #

# # #