Synopsis
Hospitality industry veterans, Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss, get behind the scenes of North Carolina's burgeoning food and beverage culture. Hear from local chefs, Sommelier's, distillers, farmers, brewers and the whole lot of them in the NC F&B podcast.
Episodes
-
*Bonus Episode: WineCentric: Understanding The Wine Critic With Eric Asimov of The New York Times
30/10/2024 Duration: 55minIn this inaugural episode of @WineCentricShow , host Matt Weiss interviews Eric Asimov, the wine writer for The New York Times. They discuss various topics including the importance of evaluating wine producers over individual bottles, the role of blind tastings in wine education, the rise of natural wines, and the cultural significance of wine. Asimov emphasizes that wine should be enjoyed without the pressure of expertise and that there are many layers to the experience of wine appreciation. Follow him on Instagram @WineCentricShow
-
Durham's East Side Treasure: Mike D's BBQ
24/10/2024 Duration: 01h14minMax sits down with Mike De Los Santos, popularly known as Mike D from Mike D's Barbecue in Durham. We get into Mike D's Dominican heritage, financial and operational challenges faced in the restaurant industry, and the art and science of barbecue-making. It's a blend of humor and seriousness, touching on community support, moral values, and the pursuit of culinary authenticity. Mike D employs a strategy to create standout barbecue sauces and dishes, his commitment to paying a living wage, and the importance of local support in the barbecue business.
-
EUPHORIA pt 5 A Dialogue Between Barbecue Roots and French Culinary Techniques with Dylan Cook and Jacques Larson
03/10/2024 Duration: 19minDonate to World Central Kitchen Chefs Dylan Cook from Fork Grove Barbecue and Jacques Larson of The Obstinate Daughter join the conversation, set on day three of Euphoria's Feast on the Field, explores their diverse culinary backgrounds—Dylan's roots in barbecue and his journey from a musician to a pitmaster, and Jacques's expertise in French and Italian cuisine. They discuss the influence of modern culinary trends, the impact of social media, and their passion for pushing culinary boundaries. Their discussion highlights the evolving food scene and the significance of collaborations and shared experiences in the industry. The podcast ends with a shout-out to visit their respective restaurants in South Carolina.
-
EUPHORIA pt 4 A Taste of Afro-lachia: Chef T's Story
03/10/2024 Duration: 17minDonate to World Central Kitchen Max Trujillo and Swarup Bandyopadhyay introduce Chef T from Union 41 in Bristol, Virginia, and Chef Sean from Noble Barbecue in Kingsport, Tennessee, recorded live at the Euphoria food festival in Greenville, South Carolina. Chef T discusses her innovative approach to Appalachian cuisine, incorporating elements from the Caribbean diaspora, particularly from St. Vincent. Highlights include discussions about her signature jerk chicken and famous fried chicken recipes, emphasizing the layers of flavors and the importance of execution. Chef Sean highlights the new Noble Barbecue location, emphasizing their creative use of bourbon barrels for tables and the high-end bourbon selection. Both chefs share their dedication to evolving their craft and maintaining continuity in the dynamic culinary world.
-
EUPHORIA pt 3 Cooking Humbly, Dreaming Big: The Christian Hunter Interview
03/10/2024 Duration: 17minDonate to World Central Kitchen Max Trujillo and Swarup Bandyopadhyay interview Chef Christian Hunter, partner chef at Atelier in Chicago. Christian shares his journey from Lexington, Kentucky to Chicago. He delves into his background, culinary philosophy, and experiences, including earning a Michelin star at Atelier. The discussion covers his use of local ingredients, innovative approaches to traditional dishes, and the importance of honoring food's cultural and historical roots. Christian also hints at his upcoming restaurant, Laverne's, named after his mother.
-
EUPHORIA pt 2 Maximizing Limitations in the Kitchen of Kultura with Nikko Cagalanan
03/10/2024 Duration: 11minDonate to World Central Kitchen Max Trujillo and Swarup Bandyopadhyay talk with Nikko Kagalanan, a Filipino chef from Charleston, South Carolina, who runs Kultura a unique pop-up restaurant with a minimalistic kitchen setup. Nikko shares his journey from the Philippines to Charleston, detailing his experiences working with renowned chefs and the creative challenges he faces due to the limited kitchen facilities. Despite the constraints, Nikko has garnered significant recognition, including being named an emerging chef by the James Beard Foundation. He also discusses his participation in the Euphoria festival, collaborating with Chef Dayna Lee from Comal 864 to create a Filipino-Mexican fusion dinner. The conversation highlights the importance of community-driven initiatives and the innovative spirit in the culinary world.
-
EUPHORIA pt 1: From California to Greenville: Chef Michael Kramer of Jianna
03/10/2024 Duration: 18minDonate to World Central Kitchen Max Trujillo and Swarup Bandyopadhyay chat with Chef Michael Kramer, the owner of Gianna, recorded during the Euphoria festival in Greenville, South Carolina. We cover Kramer's extensive culinary background, including his time in California and work with Wolfgang Puck. Kramer shares insights into his transition to Greenville, the inspiration behind his newly released cookbook ‘Jianna,' and the simplicity of Italian cuisine. The conversation offers a glimpse into Kramer's passion for cycling, his approach to maintaining fresh and innovative restaurant menus, and the importance of authentic hospitality in the culinary world. Get the cookbook Jianna Here
-
-
Mastering Food Marketing with Felicia Trujillo of Food Seen
19/09/2024 Duration: 48minWe dive deep into the intricacies of the food and beverage community's marketing landscape in North Carolina by speaking with Felicia Trujillo, founder and CEO of Food Seen, a marketing agency specializing in food photography and social media. Felicia shares her journey from being a wedding photographer in LA to starting her own marketing agency in Raleigh, offering insights into the evolving world of social media, PR, and marketing for restaurants. They discuss the nuances of food styling, social media strategies, creating cookbooks, and maintaining a vibrant corporate culture. Whether you're a budding restaurateur or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of food marketing, this episode is packed with valuable information and practical tips. 00:00 Introduction to the NCFNB Podcast 00:44 Meet Felicia Trujillo: Founder and CEO of Food Seen 01:23 The Journey to Food Seen 04:50 The Role of Social Media in Food Seen's Success 11:51 Expanding Services: From Photography to PR 16:01 Strategies for Restaurant Ma
-
The Sausage King of the Carolinas with Specialty Food Solutions
12/09/2024 Duration: 33minIn this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss dive into the world of sausages with their guest, Haig Berberian, owner of Specialty Food Solutions. Broadcasting virtually live from the historic Raleigh building in downtown Raleigh, they explore Haig's Armenian roots, playful nicknames, and his journey from a youth working in his parents' meat store to becoming a sausage aficionado. Haig shares insights on his clean label, high-quality sausages made in North Carolina, and discusses the fascinating details of their sausage-making process. The conversation takes humorous turns, with references to Ferris Bueller, Toblerone payments for childhood chores, and the intricacies of child labor laws. Haig explains the company's role as both a supplier and a developer of proprietary products for restaurants and distributors, emphasizing their agility and commitment to quality. It's a fun and informative chat that promises to leave listeners both entertained and cravi
-
Downtown Raleigh’s Growth and Future with Bill King
05/09/2024 Duration: 56minBill King, the President and CEO of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance joins us to discuss the vitality of downtown Raleigh, including economic development, safety measures, and promotional events. King discusses the role of the DRA, their funding sources, and the challenges faced, such as accommodating office workers post-pandemic and promoting new businesses. A significant topic covered is the proposed relocation of the Red Hat Amphitheater due to the expansion of the Raleigh Convention Center. King emphasizes the economic impact of the amphitheater and the importance of timely actions to avoid losing a season of shows. We touch on the broader vision for downtown Raleigh, including improved public transportation, safety, and potential major league sports developments. 00:00 Introduction to the NCF&B Podcast 00:46 Meet Bill King: President and CEO of Downtown Raleigh Alliance 01:24 Bill King's Background and Experience 02:35 The Role and Mission of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance 04:40 Challenges and Initiative
-
Behind the Barrel: A Deep Dive into Lonerider Spirits
29/08/2024 Duration: 40minWe welcome Levin Woodall, the director of Lonerider Spirits to explore their journey from being a staple craft brewery in Raleigh to launching its spirits division, including whiskey, in 2018-2019. The discussion delves into Lonerider's unique offerings like the high rye bourbon finished in sherry, tequila, and stout barrels, as well as their limited-edition wheated bourbon. Levin shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of selling craft spirits in North Carolina, the impact of COVID-19 on their business, and their expansion plans. The conversation also touches on the intricacies of North Carolina's ABC laws and the untapped potential for the state's distilling industry. WATCH THE SHOW HERE On the mic this week: @trujillo.media @weisswine Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod
-
Hops For Hope: Children's Flight of Hope and Local Breweries Unite
29/08/2024 Duration: 19minWe speak with the Children's Flight of Hope charity with Heather Miller, Director of Community Engagement for the organization, and Mike Zolnik, Director of Marketing for Clouds Brewing to promote Hops for Hope on September 14th in North Hills! Heather explains how Children's Flight of Hope provides flights for children in need of life-changing medical care, often requiring travel to specialized hospitals. Hops for Hope on September 14th, is a collaboration involving local companies and breweries to raise funds for the charity. Mike shares details about Clouds Brewing's participation and the community aspect of the event. Get your tickets and enjoy unlimited beer tastings, food trucks, and live music.
-
It's Time for EUPHORIA in Greenville, SC... Join us!
23/08/2024 Duration: 11minEuphoria is a food, wine, and music festival that takes place in Greenville, South Carolina. It is celebrating its 19th year and has become a prominent event in the culinary scene. The festival offers a variety of events, including tastings, chef demos, seminars, and lunch and learns. It showcases a diverse range of cuisines and brings in renowned chefs and mixologists from around the country. Euphoria also focuses on providing an intimate and educational experience for attendees. The festival takes place from September 19th to September 22nd, and tickets can be purchased here: Euphoria Greenville
-
To Hell with Your Bad Reviews: The Native Prime Provisions Experience
22/08/2024 Duration: 43minIn this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss interview Chef Scott Alderson, owner of Native Prime Provisions, a hidden gem located in a strip mall in Cashers, North Carolina. Scott shares his journey, love for fresh, high-quality ingredients, and innovative yet strict approach to running a 10-seat counter restaurant. Despite some harsh Google reviews, Scott emphasizes his commitment to providing exceptional food and experience while setting clear boundaries for his guests. The conversation covers sourcing fresh seafood, local partnerships, and the unique atmosphere of his restaurant, characterized by loud music, casual vibes, and a no-nonsense attitude. WATCH THE SHOW HERE On the mic this week: @trujillo.media @weisswine Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod
-
Pouring Wisdom: Ingrid Folkers on Cocktails & Bartending Competitions
15/08/2024 Duration: 55minThis episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast features co-hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss interviewing accomplished mixologist Ingrid Folkers. Ingrid shares her journey from being a bartender at Whiskey Kitchen to competing in prestigious cocktail competitions like the USBG World Class sponsored by Diageo, where she was named a top 30 contestant. She discusses her upcoming transition to managing a new bar program at the Hyatt's High Rail in Seaboard Station, her philosophy on using unique ingredients in cocktails, and her competitive spirit shaped by a background in Taekwondo and debate. Additionally, Ingrid talks about her goals to own a bar focused on education and mentorship. The episode concludes with insights into the latest trends in mixology, emphasizing no and low-ABV cocktails and the potential for THC-infused drinks. WATCH THE SHOW HERE On the mic this week: @trujillo.media @weisswine Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod Support our Sponsors: Go
-
How to Build a Restaurant Today with Mera Brothers Oysters
08/08/2024 Duration: 48minJoin Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss on the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast as they chat with the Mera Brothers, who are opening a new oyster and ceviche restaurant in downtown Raleigh. The trio dives into their journey from a Google search to becoming seasoned oyster farmers, and discuss their plans to vertically integrate their oyster farm with a brick-and-mortar cevicheria. We talk about the challenges and strategies of starting up in the food business, pricing, and the potential of North Carolina's oyster industry. Expect delicious insights, a behind-the-scenes look at restaurant entrepreneurship, and the promise of affordable, high-quality seafood. All served with a side of vino, cerveza, bourbon, and Shark Week fun! WATCH THE SHOW HERE On the mic this week: @trujillo.media @weisswine Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod Support our Sponsors: Got To Be NC! Carrboro Coffee Roasters Here
-
It’s A Hot One: Inside Shelby Spice's Hot Sauce Revolution
01/08/2024 Duration: 57minIn this sizzling episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss spice things up with Duncan Blount, the owner of Shelby Spice from Shelby, NC. As they chew the fat (and some hot sauce), Duncan shares his rockstar passion for crafting premium hot sauces, comparing them to aged bourbon and fine wine. Amid chatter about banjos and bluegrass, Duncan discusses his use of premium vinegars and local family farm-grown peppers. He reveals his process of creating small-batch, single-pot hot sauces that could light up any meal—and maybe even Drake's next hit song. From discussing vinegar’s bite to reminiscing about grandma’s pepper sauce, this episode is a symphony of humor, heat, and heartfelt craft. Get ready to dance to the beat of hot sauce! WATCH THE SHOW HERE On the mic this week: @trujillo.media @weisswine Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod Support our Sponsors: Got To Be NC! Carrboro Coffee Roasters Here
-
Blues and Brews at Missy Lane's: A Jazz Oasis in Durham
25/07/2024 Duration: 57minWe turn up the mics and dim the lights for a session with Dr. Cicely Mitchell, Marcel Mercer, and Adrian Lindsey to explore the soulful world of Missy Lane's Assembly Hall. Discover the heart behind this unique jazz club and coffee bar in downtown Durham and get an insider perspective on its vibrant music scene. From classic to modern jazz vibes, experience how Missy Lane's has become a cornerstone of North Carolina's cultural fabric. Learn about their exceptional coffee program, curated cocktails, and the intimate setting that draws top artists like Branford Marsalis. Don't miss out on the special jazz jam sessions, where magic unfolds every Thursday night. WATCH THE SHOW HERE Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod Support our Sponsors: Got To Be NC! Carrboro Coffee Roasters Here
-
Heads Carolina, Tails California with Davis Family Vineyards
18/07/2024 Duration: 01h15minIn this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, co-hosts Max and special guest Felicia Trujillo interview Guy Davis and his son, Cooper Davis of Davis Family Vineyards. They discuss their comprehensive winemaking journey, spanning from Sonoma, California to Highlands, North Carolina. The discussion delves into North Carolina's distinctive agriculture, the climatic contrasts between the two states, and their impact on wine production. They also highlight the complexities of the wine blending process, particularly in producing sparkling wine, and their collaboration with Tryon Distributing. Reflecting on the evolution of their winemaking practices, the Davises emphasize organic farming and share insights from their experiences in Napa's renowned 1997 vintage. The episode also celebrates North Carolina’s burgeoning food and wine culture, mentioning a memorable dining experience at Native Prime. This podcast provides a deep dive into maintaining a bicoastal wine business and the satisfaction of