In Search of Flavor

In this episode we talk about: The origin of cacao in South America and cradle in Peru The beginnings of Obolo Chocolate and how Mark got the project off the ground Why he only sources his beans from one organic coop in Peru The art of chocolate making and what constitutes chocolate ‘terroir’ What really is bean-to-bar chocolate? Obolo Chocolate’s impact on communities and commitment to sustainabi...

In this episode we talk about: Juan Andrés’ upbringing in a wine growing family in Uruguay The enmeshed history of Uruguayan wine with the country’s Spanish & Italian heritage His background in viticulture and his love for Mendoza, Argentina The challenges and triumphs of taking over a multigenerational family winery in Uruguay  The nuances of Uruguayan terroir and Marichal’s vineyards The busines...

In this episode we talk about:  How Giuliana was “chosen” by the world of fungi  The “3F’s” & basics of the Fungi Kingdom & the role fungi plays in our world  The development of Chilean mycology and the uniqueness of Chilean fungi. The lonely road that was studying Chilean fungi at first and why Chile is classified as a “mycro-phobic” country despite being a fungi hotspot!  How co-evolution with f...

In this episode we talk about: Why Michael fell in love with Mendoza  How he turned his dream of going from wine lover to winemaker a reality in Argentina What it’s really like to own a vineyard: the many details involved from farming to vinification to wine labels and exporting. How to get deeper into wine and really understand your own palate--translating taste. How The Vines has expanded to mov...

In this episode we talk about: How did we came to travel and when we realized it was our life’s work Living between two cultures, two continents, two languages, and having essentially two different selves Stories and memories meals, moments, wines, and people in Europe and South America that altered life Why food (and wine) focused travel is different than average travel; and how to approach any t...

In this episode we talk about: What it’s like in South America to celebrate the holidays in summer Stories from friends and colleagues about traditions in Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile What panettone, turkey, and the beach have in common during this time of year Why the holidays are an ideal time to visit South America  Some inspiration to dream of warm(er) latitudes  Resources: Th...

In this episode we talk about: Camila’s culinary background and fascination with fermentation The emerging cheese culture of Chile Building community education and economic co-operation with dairy producers The bane of pasteurization  Some fun cheese tips to enhance your eating pleasure Resources: @ColectivoFermento @camilacuisine https://www.colectivofermento.cl/ Comida para Todos Fundacion Gastr...

In this episode we talk about: Lucia’s roots in appreciating food and cooking The foundations of her culinary career with Argentine celebrity chef Francis Mallman Lucia’s path as a chef and restaurateur in Uruguay Her flavorful, elemental, produce-driven cooking style  How her food philosophy and approach in her Montevideo restaurants tie into the larger Uruguayan, and South American, food scene L...

In this episode we talk about: Stephanie upbringing between the UK & Ecuador and as a world traveler How a holiday on the Galapagos sparked a dream--and life project Building the safari camp on a remote island from the ground up How a land-based trip to the Galapagos can be more than a bucket list trip and a transformational life experience Why the Galapagos is a perfect destination for family tra...

In this episode we talk about: Sven’s background in agriculture and viticulture and how his time at UC Davis changed everything Breaking into the Chilean wine industry as it began booming  Australia’s profound influence on Sven and how Syrah became his passion Many nerdy things about Syrah, terroir, and the love of that grape Founding the Movement of Independent Vintners (MOVI) The business of sel...

In this episode we talk about: How the inspiration for their hotels was born on a family trip to Uruguay Why the beach village of Jose Ignacio was the perfect spot to bring their dreams to life How Carrie & Alex Vik’s appreciation of art became a passion The concept behind Vik property and creative process of designing and commissioning local artists for the hotels Why aesthetics and beauty are th...

In this episode we talk about: How an unexpected family tragedy sparked Tomas’s creative path to design The noble intentions behind his sustainable brand and how it’s a tribute to his late father What it takes to create a new luxury brand in a noisy (fashion) market Place-based design in home, fashion, and art in Latin American The craftsmanship, artisans, and local materials behind Verdi Designs...

In this episode we talk about: How Jake became interested in coffee via international humanitarian work His experimental coffee roasting that led to founding his business The concept of “specialty coffee” in a world of mediocre brew The process and criteria for sourcing premium beans Our conditioning, and reconditioning, of taste in culture and food Challenges on his entrepreneurial path and why s...

In this episode we talk about: How Santiago turned a passion for learning about wine into a wine business Why Achaval Ferrer became such a disruptor of the Argentine wine industry The concept of the terroir of Malbec Wine as an evolving art form  The latest chapter in winemaking for Santiago The future of wine in Argentina The business side of creative passions Challenges and lessons learned in wi...