We sit down with partners of Spirit of the Dao, Drew Schenck and Kevin Barrett, to discuss their newest venture into the spirits world: Moonbird Gin and Goatz Spiced Rum. Owners of the well-respected cocktail lounges across the state: Dram & Draught, have created an English dry gin and a Barbados spiced rum. Both have recently received top honors at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (Double Gold & Gold respectively) and are headed for national distribution soon. Get an...

In the first half of this week’s episode, we explore the intersection of comedy and culinary culture, featuring comedians @davewcomedy & @bourbonshowdown who blend humor with a love for food and beverage, particularly barbecue and bourbon.  We shift for the second half with our newest sponsor of the podcast, @gottobeNC’s own Chad Blackwelder to discuss the importance of why promoting local food makers across the state and fostering collaborations with chefs help to create a unique...

We packed up the family wagon and headed to the coast to explore the Beaufort Wine and Food Festival, discussing wine, culinary delights, local seafood sustainability, oyster farming, and the festival's evolution.  Engage with wine experts like chef/sommelier, Doreen Colondres, learn about sourcing local seafood from Captain John Mallett of Southern Breeze Seafood, learning about the life of an 18 year old oyster farmer from Changing Tide Oyster Co, and steady guidance of the food industry...

Delve into the enchanting world of champagne with Laurent-Perrier, through insightful discussions from the 4th generation of the family, Lucie Pereyre, about their rich history, dedication to quality, and innovative practices. Learn about the nuances of champagne-making, the importance of Grand Cru vineyards, and the company's commitment to excellence across generations. Joined by the President of Laurent Perrier US, Michelle DeFeo, discover the unique position of Laurent-Perrier in the...

Jessica Lee and Kelly Santel met at the Club. Got married at the Club, and even had a child... at a hospital... c'mon, there's health regulations... and sometimes it simply doesn't work out. But sometimes, it actually turns into something beautiful in its own unique way.  Listen in to hear the ex-couple, but current business owners, detail their journey of running the University Club amidst a divorce, a pandemic, and coming together to co-parent their 2 children, their daughter, and The...

Chef Bennett Depew, Director of Italian for Sysco of the Carolinas. The discussion covers the rising popularity of Italian cuisine in America, particularly in the Carolinas, and the evolution of Italian cooking from traditional dishes to novel ingredients like 'nduja and Taleggio cheese. Chef Bennett shares insights on how the Italian segment of the restaurant industry uniquely thrived during the pandemic due to the travel-friendly nature of Italian cuisine. They delve into how restaurants...

We chat with Chef Manny Barella, visiting from Denver, Colorado. Barella, a Top Chef contestant and renowned chef, discusses his culinary journey, the inspiration behind his cooking, and his excitement for participating in Bubbles and Brisket. Beyond sharing his experiences on Top Chef and his recent culinary experiments, Barella also reveals his upcoming venture in Raleigh, Jaguar Bolera, an entertainment-focused concept aiming to offer high-quality, scratch-made food. The conversation...

We are joined by a newly minted contestant on Top Chef from Durham, NC Savannah Miller. Max & Matt delve into Savannah's culinary journey, from her beginnings in Southern Pines and education at the New England Culinary Institute to her roles in various restaurants, including her current role at M Tempura. The conversation highlights her early interest in pastry, her move toward a broader culinary role, and her experiences with Top Chef — including the audition process, working under the...

Lastly, we have a bonus episode that features the ladies of the NC F&B Podcast, that’s right, Sarah C Weiss and Felicia Trujillo take over the microphones to show us how to do a proper interview, featuring the local and delicious Boombalattis Ice Cream owners, Kristen and Wes Bechtel. Be sure to follow us on Instagram at NCFBPOD and though this week is audio only, follow us on youtube at youtube.com/@ncfbpodcast Get your tix to Bubbles & Bagels here On the mic this week: ...

Our third episode from Feast of Wilmington features the Journalistic talents of Raleigh Magazine’s Melissa Howsam and Lauren Kruchten, local podcast and great social media follow What’s Up Wilmington as well as digital creators Abbi and Bert of Dailey Dines Together Get your tix to Bubbles & Bagels here On the mic this week: @trujillo.media @weisswine Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod Support our Sponsors: Welcome SYSCO as our Title Sponsor!! ...

We devote this episode at Feast of Wilmington specifically to Chef Bobby Zimmerman of True Blue Butcher and Table. It's a comprehensive dive into the world of entrepreneurship, post Covid  pivots and straight up Butcher-talk. Get your tix to Bubbles & Bagels here On the mic this week: @trujillo.media @weisswine Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod Support our Sponsors: Welcome SYSCO as our Title Sponsor!! Drink better coffee - get Carrboro...

The inaugural Feast of Wilmington's first night is a VIP experience with notable participants including Matthew Register from Southern Smoke in Garland, Ben Knight from Benny's Big Time Pizzeria, and Chef Will Copeland from Circa 1922 and Kevin Draper of G Prime in downtown Wilmington. We talk about their culinary offerings, experiences, and reflections on the local food scene in Wilmington. Get your tix to Bubbles & Bagels here On the mic this week: @trujillo.media @weisswine Join...

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, Max and Matt dive into the story of Tamasha, North Carolina's latest culinary sensation. They are joined by the restaurant's visionary duo, owner Mike Kathrani and Chef Bhavin Chhatwani. The podcast explores Tamasha's inception, from Kathrani's leap from hair salon entrepreneurship to the restaurant industry, to Chhatwani's illustrious career as a Michelin-starred chef. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at the...

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, co-hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss explore the world of cider, a fermented beverage adjacent to beer, wine, and spirits. They are joined by Oliver Koch and Dustin Skywalker from East Bower Cider, who share insights into the cider-making process, discuss the distinctions between making cider and brewing beer, and address the industry's stance on the terminology. They also delve into the types of apples used in cider making,...

Conrad Hunter has lived 5 lifetimes and knows as much about music as any music pro and more about wine than most Sommeliers! However, hospitality is where him and Foxcroft flex their muscle best. This episode is complete with: Why Frank Sinatra does not move pianos Inspiration of wines like La Mission Haut Brion And the lore of former Charlotte restaurant Chez Darryl. Get your tix to Bubbles & Bagels here On the mic this week: @trujillo.media @weisswine Join our Facebook family:...

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, co-hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss sit down with Kristen Mullins, the owner and head baker of the award-winning Slice Pie Company. From humble beginnings, refining her father's traditional pie recipes to owning a successful business, Kristen shares her journey and the unique challenges she overcame during the COVID-19 pandemic.  As she discusses her experiences of being a pie expert, the future of Slice Pie Company, and...

Chef Dan Jackson of Osteria Georgi shares his journey in the restaurant industry and coping with his wife Stephanie's passing. He also discusses his time at Eleven Madison Park, meeting his wife there, and eventually opening his restaurant in Chapel Hill. The episode also touches on managing a restaurant while raising three children, and how tragedy gave him an interesting perspective on life. The hosts, Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss, along with Chef Dan, engage in an in-depth conversation...

Jamie Ager builds community through agriculture as a fourth-generation farmer from Hickory Nut Gap Farm. We go deep into Hickory Nut Gap's dedicated drive towards regenerative farming and ethical treatment of animals to produce high-quality foods. We shed light on farming's significant role in climate change, highlighting the importance of diversified farming methods in transforming the food system. The conversation also encourages listeners to appreciate the contributions made by local...

It's the return of the 2021 Person of the Year, 2-time James Beard Nominee, and owner of Cheeni Indian Food Emporium: Preeti Waas. We discuss the benefits of getting nominated with the James Beard Foundation and how it positively affected her business. Also how Indian food is top of mind in the food industry. Get insights on how to expand your restaurant, and your influence on the industry. There's a lot to unpack in this episode, so let's get started. Subscribe to their YouTube page HERE ...

Listen in today to hear how Tina Karras, the owner of Tina's Vodka, uses her skills as a musician, a bartender, beverage purchaser and her own savvy to battle it out in the heavily saturated market of the Vodka industry. Her organic, gluten-free and non GMO vodka hit the market recently and is coming to a liquor store near you very soon. Check out her latest album on Spotify here:https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p5hbQMWIIXDWYQvVUCZqU?si=962dsThVR0mpGj1m6dYYIA   Subscribe to their YouTube...

MasterChef Junior star, Emerson Pauley joins the show to discuss his epic rise to fame on the cooking show, his experiences working with Gordon Ramsay, and his future plans as an aspiring actor, comedian, and cook. From sharing his savory cooking secrets to showcasing his skills as a stand-up comedian, Emerson paints a bright picture of what it means to be part of Gen-Alpha. Our young guest also delights us by bringing in his own baked delights that include blueberry donuts and meatball...

Two-time James Beard nominee, Chef Oscar Diaz of Little Bull in Durham, NC joins Matt on this weeks pod. Tune in to learn insights about his unique 'Pocho Cuisine' and future restaurant ventures. Our security-turned-chef guest introduces us to his latest endeavor of transforming airport food culture with his Mexican restaurant. He draws from his experiences as a former airport security worker while discussing his west coast-style business, plans for a taqueria, coffee shop, and potential...

Two-time James Beard nominee, Chef Oscar Diaz of Little Bull in Durham, NC Joins Matt on this weeks pod. Tune in to learn insights about his unique 'Pocho Cuisine' and future restaurant ventures. Our security-turned-chef guest introduces us to his latest endeavor of transforming airport food culture with his Mexican restaurant. He draws from his experiences as a former airport security worker while discussing his west coast-style business, plans for a taqueria, coffee shop, and potential...

Oaklore Distilling's Matthew Simpkins and Jack Schute join the pod this week. Throughout their discussion, they delve into Oaklore's unique bourbon and whiskey production process, including their commitment to high quality, transparency, and North Carolina roots. They share insights into the distinct characteristics of their four-grain bourbon and honey-finished bourbon, and exciting future releases. The episode also touches on the challenges faced by distilleries in North Carolina. Matthew...