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 touches on Barella's diverse cooking influences, expectations for his new project, and the significance of h ..read more

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 scrutiny of cameras and judges, and the challenges and opportunities that come with being on the show. A ..read more

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: @trujillo.media @weisswine Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod Support our Sponso ..read more

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 Coffee Roasters Here ..read more

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 our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod Support our Sponsors: Welcome SYSCO as our ..read more

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 challenges and triumphs of launching a modern Indian restaurant in Raleigh, the evolving local food scene, and ..read more

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, emphasizing the shift towards using 100% North Carolina apples and the trend towards cider-specific app ..read more

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: @NCFandBPod Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod Support our Sponsors: Welcome SYSCO as our Title Sponsor!! Drink ..read more

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 her innovative sales strategies, the conversation takes an exciting turn exploring trendy food indust ..read more

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 about the realities of running a restaurant and offer some insightful anecdotes about their experiences ..read more