A Taste of AZ

On this episode of a taste of az podcast, we head back to Bar Bambino, after featuring them in our Spring 2025 magazine issue. During this visit, we were honored to sit down with the talented Julien Calella. He oversees the beverage program at Bar Bambino and all of the other nationwide concepts under the Wish You Were Here Group. During the first half of the episode, we interview Julien about his...

In this episode, we sit down with Dean Thomas, founder of Cornish Pasty Co., recorded in the cozy downstairs bar of the downtown Phoenix location. Dean shares the journey of bringing traditional Cornish pasties to Arizona—starting with a single Tempe shop 20 years ago and growing into a staple. From early doubts about whether anyone would even know what a pasty was, to creating a brand rooted in h...

In this episode, we sit down with James Piazza, the founder and owner of Bad Jimmy's , to talk about how a pandemic-era pop-up turned into what is quickly becoming one of Arizona's favorite burger spots, with locations in downtown Phoenix and now Scottsdale. We dig into the early days, the power of connections, and the real story behind James's alter ego, "Bad Jimmy." This is a conversation about...

This episode is brought to you by ALINE Architecture Concepts — inspired architecture, crafted spaces, experiences beyond expectation. Based in Scottsdale, ALINE is celebrating 15 years with over 400 restaurant projects across the Valley. In this three-part series, we learn what goes into designing and building a restaurant. This is part two, focusing on the architectural side — from design develo...

Tucked away inside the PHX Arena, The Ra Ra Room is bringing a new kind of energy to downtown Phoenix. In this episode, we sit down with General Manager Jared LoPriore to talk about the vision behind this exclusive, members-only restaurant and cocktail lounge. "From the sidewalk to the kitchen," Jared shares how three powerhouse hospitality groups came together to create this unique experience. su...

Chef Matt Carter has been shaping Arizona's culinary scene for over two decades, starting with Zinc Bistro, his classic French bistro, which opened in 2002. In this episode, we sit down with the veteran chef to reflect on his journey, from discovering his passion for French cuisine to launching acclaimed concepts like Fat Ox and The Mission. With nearly 25 years of influence, Matt shares insights...

John and Deborah Patt turned their passion into a craft—officially launching Desert Diamond Distillery. In this episode, we sit down with the husband-and-wife duo behind Arizona's oldest craft distillery to talk about their journey, the dedication behind their award-winning rums, and the unique challenges of perfecting their spirits in the desert. From their state-of-the-art distillation process t...

Devour Culinary Classic has been a cornerstone of Arizona's food scene since 2008, celebrating the chefs, purveyors, and creatives who've made the state a must-visit dining destination. In this episode, we take you inside the festival for the first time, capturing the energy, flavors, and stories that make Devour legendary. We sit down with vendors, chefs, former food critics, and longtime friends...

Élephante is a coastal Italian restaurant with an incredible menu of housemade pasta, pizzas, and their signature eggplant dip. The original location is in Santa Monica, about 10 minutes north of the iconic pier. Their new Scottsdale location takes the ethos of their renowned LA hotspot and brings some new flair along with it. Join us for a chat with Executive Chef Phil Rubino as we discuss how hi...

Driscoll Cuisine & Cocktail Concepts brings elevated in-home dining to Phoenix with innovative, globally-inspired cuisine and exceptional service. Co-founded by Chef Brian Driscoll and entrepreneur Monique Hayward, the company offers personalized, high-end culinary experiences tailored to each client's needs. Their team of chefs, bartenders, and servers come from award-winning restaurants, deliver...

Arizona beer week is back in 2025 running from February 13th to the 23rd! And Flagstaff is one of the best places to celebrate. So we went up north to hear about all of the fun events, beer releases, and other happenings in the Flagstaff beer scene! In this episode of a taste of az podcast sponsored by Discover Flagstaff, we interview representatives from the city's breweries to hear what they hav...

Tash is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located within Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. The menu blends multicultural influences, offering dishes such as tapas, fresh seafood, and even lamb bao buns. The restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive patio with stunning views of Camelback Mountain. It is one of the best places in the valley to catch a sunset and a me...

On this episode of a taste of az, we visit Old Ellsworth Brewing Co. in Queen Creek, Arizona, to chat with the passionate team behind this beloved local brewery. From their small-town roots to their award-winning beers, Old Ellsworth has become a hub for craft beer lovers and a cornerstone of the community. Hear stories about their brewing journey, the inspiration behind their signature flavors, a...

Arnott Duncan, founder of Duncan Family Farms, reflects on the calculated risks that come with life, business, and farming. From navigating unpredictable weather to making bold business decisions, Arnott shares how resilience and adaptability have shaped the farm's culture and legacy on this episode of a taste of az podcast.    subscribe to our magazine: https://www.atasteofaz.com/subscribe a tast...

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Anaya, the powerhouse behind Eat Drink AZ, to explore the journey of her brand and celebrate her new space. Melissa shares the story behind building Eat Drink AZ from the ground up, her unique vision for spotlighting Arizona's vibrant food and drink culture, and the through-lines that keep her passionate and connected to her work. We also get a glimpse int...

This episode takes us into the heart of The Coffee Builders, a café recently launched by Thomas Porter and his team at Phoenix's Porter Barn Wood. Known for his commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability, Thomas has brought the same ethos to The Coffee Builders, where guests can enjoy handcrafted coffee and a thoughtfully curated menu, including sandwiches and fresh pastries. We dive into the...

In this episode, we join Matthew Frosch, co-owner of Peoria Artisan Brewery, and Executive Chef Michael Mahalick to uncover the magic behind Barley & Smoke—a speakeasy-inspired, open-kitchen dining experience in Peoria, Arizona. From handcrafted cocktails to a chef-driven menu, Matthew and Chef Michael discuss the vision that shaped Barley & Smoke, where guests can enjoy the intimate energy of an...

This episode is brought to you by Social Design Studio, led by Nicole Herman. Based in Scottsdale, they specialize in creating stunning, boutique hospitality spaces that stand out. During this new three part series we learn what goes into designing and building a restaurant. Join us as we dig into phase one of that process, designing the space! And if you need help building or designing your next...

In this episode, we dive into the delicious world of Earth Sugar, a woman-owned, plant-based snack company based in Tempe, Arizona. We chat with the founder, Jennifer Meyers, who shares her passion for crafting 100% organic, vegan, and gluten-free snacks and desserts using only the highest-quality ingredients. Jennifer discusses the brand's commitment to minimizing their environmental footprint wh...

In this episode, we sit down with Armando Hernandez, co-owner of Cocina Chiwas, alongside his wife Nadia Holguin, to discuss their James Beard-nominated, Chihuahua-inspired Mexican cuisine. Armando shares the journey behind not only Cocina Chiwas but their entire restaurant portfolio, which started with transforming an old Dairy Queen drive-thru into Tacos Chiwas. From there, they went on to creat...

In this episode, Eric from a taste of az sits down with Ron Marino, the owner of Marino's Italian Kitchen and Bar at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Ron shares his story, detailing his journey in the restaurant industry and the vision behind Marino's. With a focus on blending traditional Italian flavors with modern touches, Ron discusses the creativity and passion that fuel his culinary approach. Next t...

In this episode, we sit down with Charles Barber Jr., owner of Aftermath Bar & Kitchen, and his partner Mike Bunker to explore the story behind this popular Phoenix spot. Charles shares his journey of turning Aftermath into a local favorite, known for its modern American cuisine and focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Together, Charles and Mike discuss the challenges of running a high-ene...

We sit down with Hector Cruz, the Executive Chef at Jocque Concepts, at the popular Eat Up Drive In in Phoenix, AZ. Hector shares his culinary journey and how his worldly travels and diverse ingredient knowledge shape the menus at Jocque Concepts' renowned restaurants, including Diego Pops, The Montauk, The Hot Chick, Pretty Please Lounge, and Eat Up Drive In. As the creative force behind new menu...

In this episode we sit down with Chef Cory Oppold of Course, a premier dining destination in Scottsdale, AZ. Chef Cory shares how Course takes guests on a culinary journey, treating food as an art form that ignites both the taste buds and the eyes. We dive into how the restaurant's focus on seasonality and the progression of flavors creates a unique dining experience that goes beyond the plate.  ...

In this episode of a taste of az, we chat with Steve Chucri, President and CEO of the Arizona Restaurant Association. Steve shares his insights on Arizona's thriving restaurant industry and the work the association does to support local businesses. From advocacy efforts to industry growth, Steve discusses how the Arizona Restaurant Association is helping shape the future of the culinary scene in t...