A Taste of AZ

In this episode, we sit down with Chef Cody Finch of Maple & Ash in Scottsdale to talk about the food, creativity, and hospitality behind one of Arizona's most distinctive dining experiences. From steaks cooked directly over hot coals and fire-roasted seafood towers to the restaurant's signature "I Don't Give a F*@k" tasting menu, Cody takes us inside a dining experience built around making guests...

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Holmes, founder of Little Miss BBQ , at the original University Drive location in Phoenix to talk about his journey from backyard barbecue enthusiast to building one of Arizona's most celebrated barbecue restaurants. Scott shares how a trip to Texas reignited his passion for cooking, how he and his wife Becky became obsessed with perfecting their barbecue th...

In this episode, we sit down with Jen Keenan, co-owner of Queen B Sushi and Queen B Vinyl Cafe , and Chef Brett Vibber to talk about the food, creativity, and community behind their growing collection of concepts in Cottonwood and the Verde Valley. We dig into the brand-new Queen B Sushi, from torch salmon rolls and composed sashimi to ingredients grown on their own farm and a menu designed to be...

In this episode, we're coming to you live from PeddlerCon 2026 , the annual foodservice expo from Peddler's Son bringing together chefs, restaurants, food producers, vendors, and some of the best food and beverage brands in the industry. Throughout the day, we sat down with people from across Arizona's hospitality community to talk about their businesses, their food, and what it actually takes beh...

In this episode, we sit down with Dana Dumas, founder and CEO of SugarJam The Southern Kitchen and Soul Fire Tacos , to talk about the 15-year journey from selling cookies at farmers markets to building multiple restaurant concepts in Scottsdale. Dana shares the pivots that shaped her business, from learning how to market her first brick-and-mortar and growing a massive catering operation to navig...

A taco board with 65,339 possible combinations might tell you everything you need to know about Wayward . We sat down with cocktail aficionado Kyla Hein and Executive Chef CJ Kahley to talk about the food, drinks, and stories behind their Old Town Scottsdale restaurant. From massive short rib and kan-kan pork taco boards to cocktails inspired by travel, cultures, and unexpected flavors, Wayward is...

In this episode, we sit down with chef and restaurateur TJ Culp of Restaurant Progress , Sottise , and Sidewinder to talk about the journey from a young cook figuring it out to building some of Phoenix's most recognizable independent restaurants. TJ shares how years of working in kitchens, opening restaurants, and even helping fix a struggling concept gave him the education he needed to eventually...

In this episode, we sit down with Michela Ricci and Koral Casillas, co-founders of Monsoon Market and Strip Mall, to talk about building businesses rooted in creativity, community, and supporting local. What started as an idea for a neighborhood market where people could discover local products has grown into something much bigger. We talk about the evolution of Monsoon Market, their return to the...

In this episode, we sit down with Valentina Huerta and Chef Gian Franco Brugaletta of Mixela to talk about the experiences, cultures, and relationships that shaped one of Phoenix's most unique restaurants. Their journey stretches from Mexico and Venezuela to Italy, France, Monaco, and eventually Arizona, and those influences come together throughout Mixela's constantly evolving menu. We talk about...

In this episode, we sit down with Tandy Peterson, chef and founder of Tandy's Cafe and Embers Chocolate , to talk about her journey from growing up around agriculture in Wyoming to working in some of Arizona's best kitchens and eventually building a restaurant and chocolate company of her own. Tandy takes us inside the surprisingly complex world of chocolate, from cacao fermentation and different...

In this episode, we sit down with Travis Taylor from Caldwell County BBQ to talk about the craft, tradition, and growth behind one of Arizona's standout barbecue brands. Travis shares what goes into cooking Central Texas-style barbecue over nothing but wood fire, why brisket is still king, and how the team stays focused on quality as they continue to expand. We also get into the story behind the o...

In this episode, we sit down with legendary Arizona Chef Janos Wilder to explore a career that has helped shape Arizona's culinary identity for more than four decades. From cooking professionally as a teenager to earning the 2000 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest, Janos shares the experiences, philosophies, and relationships that have guided his remarkable journey. We dive into the lesson...

In this episode, we sit down with Chef Bret Shapiro, founder of Paradise Valley Burger Company , to talk about the journey from washing dishes at 15 years old to building one of Arizona's most beloved burger restaurants. Bret shares how a passion for food, years of grinding in local kitchens, and an unwavering belief in his vision helped turn a tiny burger shop into a Valley favorite that's earned...

In this episode, we sit down with Chef Dean Waziry, founder of Urban Fraîche , for a conversation that goes far beyond food. Dean shares the philosophy behind Urban Fraîche and why he believes every meal should nourish not only your body, but your overall way of living. From organic ingredients and daily-changing menus to genuine hospitality, every decision at Urban Fraîche is rooted in helping pe...

In this episode, we sit down with Brian McCarrick and Andrew Felix, co-owners of Lobo Drinkhouse in Flagstaff, to hear the story behind one of Arizona's most exciting new cocktail bars. What started as a friendship built while working in hospitality eventually turned into a food cart, countless late nights, and a dream of opening a place of their own. Brian and Andrew share how they went from cook...

In this episode, we sit down with owner/chef Dara Wong and chef Tamara Stanger from Shift Kitchen & Bar in Flagstaff. The conversation explores the philosophy behind one of Arizona's most creative restaurants, from sourcing local ingredients and reducing food waste to building a menu that constantly evolves with the seasons, available products, and the team's curiosity. Dara shares how Shift came...

In this episode, we sit down with Chef Nigel Lobo of Indibar to explore a journey that spans continents, cultures, Michelin-starred kitchens, and ultimately leads to one of Arizona's most exciting new restaurants. From growing up in Dubai to training in some of the world's most respected culinary programs and restaurants, Nigel shares the experiences that shaped his approach to food, hospitality,...

In this episode, we sit down with Trent Smith, Eric Cady, Val Adee, and Colt Cook from Phantom Fox Beer Company to talk about the journey from opening Chupacabra Taproom to building one of Arizona's most exciting independent breweries. We dive into the challenges of launching a production brewery, the unexpected hurdles that come with manufacturing beer, and how a shared passion for craft beer hel...

In this episode, we sit down with Luke Unrein of Saucy Luke's Craft BBQ to talk about barbecue, hospitality, entrepreneurship, sobriety, and the journey from selling sauces at farmers markets to building one of Arizona's most recognizable barbecue brands. Along the way, Luke shares how a single sauce, a smoker purchased with money from selling a motorcycle, and a willingness to bet on himself help...

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Robertson from @presscoffee and dive deep into the world of specialty coffee, from roasting and origins to brewing techniques and what actually makes a better cup at home. One of our favorite takeaways was Andrew's approach to keeping coffee simple. You do not need a thousand-dollar setup or a kitchen full of gear to make great coffee. Good beans, a grinder...

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Farrow of Iconic Cocktail Co. to talk about the journey behind one of Arizona's most recognizable cocktail mixer brands. We recorded this episode on location at Arizona Wilderness Miracle Mile and covered everything from Matt's small-town Missouri upbringing to bartending, moving through Colorado and California, and eventually building a brand that now shows...

In this episode, we sit down with the team behind Sacred Pint and get a full look at what they're building out in Queen Creek… a spot that's all about great drinks, strong community, and a laid-back hang. At the core, it's a serious beer program. We're talking 36 rotating taps, over 100 beers in the cooler, plus wine, sake, and a surprisingly strong lineup of non-alcoholic options. Everything is c...

In this episode, we sit down with Abel from Compa Spirits, and partway through, Chef LT Smith from Chilte joins the conversation as we film this one on location at Chilte in Phoenix. What started as Abel bringing in mezcal from one family in Oaxaca has grown into something much bigger. Today, Compa Spirits represents multiple families, spirits, and wines from across Mexico, all rooted in story, cr...

In this episode, we sit down at The Herb Box in Old Town Scottsdale with founder Susan Wilcox, and this one is packed with energy, perspective, and a whole lot of real talk about building something from nothing. Susan takes us all the way back to starting The Herb Box as a tiny catering operation with no experience, no money, and a willingness to just figure it out. What started as a small side hu...

let's eat is a special series where we make it all about the food. In this episode, we're joined by Shane Reiser of Tucson Foodie as we head to Agustin Kitchen in Tucson's Mercado District to try some of their top dishes. From sourdough pancakes topped with lemon honey butter and peaches to a rich, savory shakshuka with roasted tomatoes and runny eggs, we break down each plate bite by bite. We als...