Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty

Mingle & Graze Wine, Cheese, and Passion: Crafting Unique Experiences in Chandler Pete and Oren host Mahfam Moeeni-Alarcon, owner of Mingle & Graze in downtown Chandler and the wine shop Spin the Bottle, to discuss her 20+ years in the restaurant industry and how Whole Foods training led to a cheese-focused concept. Mahfam explains building charcuterie boards and grazing tables, teaching customers...

Exploring Arizona's Flourishing Grain Chain: The Desert Harvest Podcast   In this episode of the Desert Harvest Podcast, the hosts discuss Arizona's local grain economy, focusing on sustainable farming and culinary excellence. They are joined by special guests Jeff Zimmerman, co-founder of Hayden Flour Mills, and celebrated baker Don Guerra of Barrio Bread. The conversation covers the journey of d...

In this episode, we delve into why bread and pizza in Italy may be more digestible than their American counterparts. The discussion centers on differences between European and American bread-making techniques, particularly focusing on types of wheat and fermentation processes. Experts Don Guerra, a master baker, and hosts Oren and Pete, highlight the significance of ancient grains, like einkorn, a...

    In this episode of the Desert Harvest Podcast, hosts Pete and Oren converse with Brett Vibber, a chef and culinary educator deeply embedded in Arizona's food culture. The discussion opens with light-hearted banter about weight classes and jiu-jitsu, before diving into a rich exploration of Arizona's culinary diversity. Brett shares his insights on the unique agricultural and geographic feature...

In this episode of the Desert Harvest Podcast, hosts Pete and Oren delve into Arizona's unique culinary scene with Chef Tamara Stanger. Chef Tamara shares her insights on the distinctiveness of Arizona cuisine, driven by local foraging and the state's diverse ecosystems. She emphasizes the importance of traditional foraging, sustainable farming, and the use of local ingredients, highlighting the p...

Join us on 'The Desert Harvest' as we delve into the vibrant culinary scene of Arizona with Eric Walters, author and expert on local food and drink. Hosted by Pete and Oren Molovinsky, this episode highlights the rich culture and diverse offerings from across the state. Learn about the underappreciated gems, the importance of local ingredients, and the passionate individuals driving Arizona's food...

In this episode of The Desert Harvest, hosts Pete and Oren dive into the fascinating journey of Don Guerra, the renowned founder of Barrio Bread and recent James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Baker. They discuss Don's commitment to building a resilient local grain economy in Arizona, his inspiring collaboration with local producers and farmers, and the social impact of his work. Join us as Do...

In this episode of the Desert Harvest Podcast, the hosts discuss the intricacies of opening a new restaurant as Oren teams up with renowned baker Don Guerra to launch 'Barrio Bagel and Slice' in Gilbert, Arizona. The conversation dives into Oren's past experiences with opening Farm Boy and the lessons learned. They explore the importance of patience, partner selection, community relationships, and...

In this episode of the Desert Harvest Podcast, the hosts delve into Arizona's burgeoning wine industry with guests Phil and Kim Asmundson of Deep Sky Vineyard. The conversation covers the Asmundsons' journey from acquiring a vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina, to pioneering viticulture in Arizona, debunking myths about its suitability for winemaking. They discuss the similarities between Southern Ariz...

In this episode, Pete and Oren discuss various aspects of opening and running a restaurant. They share personal experiences and insights into what makes restaurants succeed or fail. Topics include the importance of understanding your market, the role of business planning, the benefits and challenges of franchising, and the significance of strong partnerships. They also talk about practical steps f...

Farm-to-Table Insights with Chef Jayson Khademi: Flavor, Health, and Community In this episode of 'The Desert Harvest,' hosts Pete and Oren invite Chef Jayson Khademi to discuss the unique dynamics of being a personal chef with access to an urban farm in downtown Phoenix. Jayson shares insights into the profound impacts of fresh, locally grown produce on flavor and health. The conversation touches...

Exploring the Connection Between Food Quality and Health Have you ever wondered why food in Italy tastes so much better, and why your body feels different after eating it compared to food in the U.S.? If you're concerned about the impact of processed foods and additives on your health, this episode dives into the stark differences in food quality between Italy and the U.S., revealing how systemic...

Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to get that fresh, farm-to-table peach on your plate?   If you're striving to eat healthier, support sustainable practices, or strengthen local community ties, this episode unpacks the unique challenges and rewards of local farming—and why your food choices matter more than you think.    Gain insight into the struggles and triumphs of seasonal farming at...

Ever wondered how Arizona's craft beer scene has risen to national prominence? Whether you're a beer enthusiast or simply curious about local flavors, understanding Arizona's brewing history and its connection to agriculture might hold the key to finding your next favorite brew. Discover the rich history behind iconic Arizona breweries like Four Peaks and Mother Road. Learn how local ingredients l...

A True Ranch to Plate Beef Experience Delivered directly to your door. Our mission is to provide the community with healthy, sustainable grass fed beef, raised the way nature intended. Our cattle spend their life eating Native grasses on millions of acres of open range land in the beautiful state of Arizona. Our beef is a true ranch to plate experience, giving our customers peace of mind knowing w...

Exploring Arizona's Emerging Wine Industry In this episode of the Desert Harvest Podcast, hosts Pete and Oren dive into the surprisingly thriving wine industry in Arizona. They discuss the evolution of American wine, breaking stereotypes about U.S. and Arizona wines, and Oren's journey of discovering high-quality wines in the region. The conversation covers terroir dynamics, altitude advantages, a...

Pivot Produce aims to bridge the gap in an ever-expanding farm-to-table local food movement. For farmers, Pivot functions as a distributor, giving back valuable time on the farm where they can focus on growing and worry less about selling their vegetables, fruits and more. For chefs and restaurants, Pivot offers the unique ability to connect to an existing network of Tucson-area purveyors. Founded...

The Omnivore's Dilemma Food Inc. Food Inc. Movie

Welcome to episode one of the Arizona Desert Harvest podcast!