Nc F&b Podcast

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo interviews Lee Robinson, the current owner of the iconic Irregardless in Raleigh. Lee took over the cafe in 2020, just 10 weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. They discuss the history of Irregardless, including its origins as a vegetarian sandwich shop in the 1970s, its evolution over the years, and the community's love for the establishment. Lee shares his journey in the restaurant industry, having worked in various notable Raleigh establishments like Frazier's and The Pit. The conversation also touches on the cafe's recent innovations, including introducing THC-infused beverages, aiming to maintain its roots while appealing to newer generations. The episode highlights the upcoming 50th-anniversary celebration of Irregardless and Lee's ongoing efforts to ensure its legacy continues in the ever-evolving Raleigh food scene. The NC F&B Podcast is produced, engineered and edited by Max Trujillo of @Trujillo.Media For inquir

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo speaks with Courtney Blake, owner and managing director of Pilot Light Consulting. They discuss their shared bi-coastal experiences and delve into serious topics like the natural disasters affecting California and North Carolina. Courtney shares insights into the challenges faced by the food and beverage industry, the evolution of restaurant consulting, and the importance of building sustainable business models. We highlight the essence of California and Southern cuisines, trends in the industry, and the innovative ways to maintain quality and profitability. We explore Courtney's background, her educational journey, and how Pilot Light Consulting helps restaurateurs develop robust business and cultural systems. They wrap up with a discussion on the vibrant food scenes in North Carolina cities like Charlotte, Durham, and Asheville.

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo connects with Jimmy Kim and Andrew Robison to discuss their exciting venture into opening the third Cucciolo location, Cucciolo Famiglia, near Southpoint Durham. We get into the unique Italian journey of the Cucciolo brand, from its origin in Korea to its expansion in North Carolina. Kim and Robison reveal their plans for Cucciolo Famiglia to offer approachable, family-friendly Italian-American staples, focusing on a neighborhood restaurant feel. We also reflect on the North Hills community's response to recent local tragedy at Coquette, and our hearts go out to their families, friends and coworkers.  The NC F&B Podcast is produced, engineered and edited by Max Trujillo of @Trujillo.Media For inquiries about being a guest, or to sponsor the show, email max@ncfbpodcast.com  

We have returned! And to kick off 2025, the NC F&B Podcast starts right by featuring renowned bartender, author, and cocktail expert Jim Meehan. Celebrating his new book, 'The Bartender's Pantry,' Meehan reflects on his journey from Madison, Wisconsin to New York’s elite bars like Gramercy Tavern and PDT. He shares anecdotes about working with Danny Meyer, the philosophy behind his writing, and his views on the modernization of the cocktail industry. Meehan highlights the importance of service, community, and the true essence of hospitality in bartending. The episode showcases Meehan’s meticulous attention to detail and his dedication to preserving the craft of cocktail making in a fast-evolving industry. The NC F&B Podcast is produced, engineered and edited by @Trujillo.Media For inquiries about being a guest, or to sponsor the show, email max@ncfbpodcast.com

In 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

Max 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.

Donate 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.

Donate 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.

Donate 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.

Donate 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.

Donate 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

We 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

In 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

Bill 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

We 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

We 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.

Euphoria 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  

In 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

This 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