A Taste of AZ

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...

Tucson Foodie is a community-driven platform shaping how Southern Arizona experiences and supports its local food scene. In this episode, we sit down with Shane Reiser, owner and leader of Tucson Foodie, to talk about his unconventional path from nonprofit work and the University of Arizona to running one of Tucson's most influential culinary brands. Shane shares how he went from being a fan and s...

Dala Al-Fuwaires, MFA, Founder and CEO of House of Form, shares her journey from Kuwait to building a design-led business rooted in storytelling, culture, and community. In this episode, Dala opens up about transitioning from teaching to entrepreneurship, how her global perspective shapes her approach to hospitality and interior design, and why understanding both the client and the story behind a...

Amber Kovarik is redefining what neighborhood dining looks like in Chandler through George & Gather, a restaurant built around clean, crave-worthy food made with local ingredients. In this episode we sit down with Amber to talk about her leap from a successful career in the mortgage industry into restaurant ownership, and the intention behind creating a space that feels both welcoming and energizi...

This episode is the final installment of our 3-part series discussing the designing, building, & opening Sparrow in Peoria—now open after years of planning and dedication. We sit down with the team to reflect on the entire journey, from early concept to opening day. With elevated American cuisine, a vibrant cocktail program, a striking bar, and a beautiful patio, Sparrow is a major new addition to...

On this episode of a taste of az podcast , we sit down with David and Jesus Vicente, the brothers and co-founders behind Welcome to Arizona. They've built one of Arizona's biggest Arizona-focused media brands from the ground up, and we get into the real story of how that happened. We talk early days, learning content and business from a mentor, juggling corporate jobs while building the page on th...

Pure Sushi has been a North Scottsdale staple for years, serving up fresh rolls and flavorful Asian fare. Recently, they wrapped up a major renovation — with the help of Arizona Restaurant Consulting, today's episode sponsor. We're joined by Greg, one of the owners of Pure Sushi, and Justin, founder of AZRC, to talk about the renovation process: what worked, what didn't, and how they tackled chall...

On this episode of a taste of az podcast, we're diving into one of Gilbert's best places to grab pizza—Barrio Bagel & Slice. We sit down with James Beard Award winner Don Guerra of Barrio Bread fame and his business partner Oren Molovinsky to talk about how this delicious partnership came to life. From converting an old Sonic drive-in into a neighborhood hub for fresh-baked bagels and more, to fin...

On this episode of a taste of az podcast, we sit down with Pure Sushi and Arizona Restaurant Consulting. During the conversation, we discuss the history behind Pure Sushi, as well as the updates they are making to their location, with the help of Arizona Restaurant Consulting. Join us for an interesting and informative episode sponsored by our friends at AZRC, who are here to help you open your ba...

In this episode, we talk with David Tyda—food festival producer, bar owner, and co-owner of BARCOA. David shares the story behind BARCOA, from not setting out to be bar owners to recognizing an opportunity to create something special. We explore the inspiration for the space, the flavors and sips that define it, and how dance classes, Spanish lessons, and food festivals all tie into a bigger missi...

Nelson's Meat + Fish is one of the valley's most beloved casual restaurants and fishmongers. They stock high-quality options of some staple fish, but also specialize in bringing in specialty options sourced at the peak of the season. With specials like $2 oysters and mountainous lobster rolls, it's a must-visit for seafood lovers. On this episode, we sit down with the hotspot's namesake, Christoph...

On today's episode, we sit down with Cady Gokey of Purely Sedona to explore what makes their bottled water stand out—from the unique spring source in the red rocks of Sedona to how their process differs from other bottlers. We also talk about their support of Arizona's food and beverage scene, including their sponsorship of the a taste of az food & drink festival. Grab a bottle of this delicious l...

Teddy Myers, founder of Pretty Decent Concepts, is nothing short of a genius. The creativity he has put forth—alongside a slew of talented team members and partners—has wowed countless guests with immersive experiences that blend sights, sounds, and, of course, flavors. Pretty Decent Concepts consists of seven different bars and restaurants at the moment, with several more in construction. Some of...

Sushi Friend may be casual in nature, but their rolls and other dishes are seriously delicious. On this episode of a taste of az podcast we sit down with the founder, Kevin Min. We discuss how the concept went from a shell of a building to one of Yelp's top sushi restaurants in the country. Listen in to our newest episode, and make sure to visit Sushi Friend for a terrific meal, or top-notch to-go...