NC F&B Podcast

Host Max Trujillo records off-site at Jalwa, a 15-month-old luxe Indian fine-dining restaurant in North Raleigh, and interviews proprietor Ajit Khanna. We get into the restaurant's presentation, flavors, ambiance, service, and innovative touches like the "spice symphony" aromatic opener, fresh house-brewed cocktail ingredients, illuminated menus, and palate-finishing saunf. Ajit explains choosing...

Host Max welcomes Charlotte hospitality duo Jeff Tonidandel + Jamie Brown, recapping their busy slate: operating five restaurants including Supperland, Haberdish, Ever Andalo, and Leluia Hall; opening "Olivelli Deli" (a tiny 82-square-foot former donut shop) with sandwiches and soft serve; developing Wyatt's Super Fine inside the 1903 Leeper-Wyatt building they physically moved 750 feet; earning t...

Host Max Trujillo welcomes back Jessica Maurer, Director of the third annual Feast of Wilmington , happening March 28–29, as a spring kickoff showcasing Wilmington's food and beverage scene. They outline the weekend: a Friday tailgate kickoff at the Starling Bar featuring Southern Smoke, Lawrence Barbecue, Salt & Charm and friends; Saturday's Crafting Cuisine (11–2) pairing 25 restaurants with 25...

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo interviews Beau Blair, an old friend and brand ambassador running for the North Carolina Sixth Congressional District. They delve into Blair's journey from the food and beverage industry to politics, discussing the importance of representation, the challenges faced by restaurant workers, and Blair's stance on immigr...

Max Trujillo interviews Ariana Nester and Sue Ellsworth about the We Power Food nonprofit organization and their upcoming event on January 26. The episode discusses the mission of We Power Food to empower women in the food and beverage industry by providing resources, tools, and a supportive community. Key discussions include the challenges women face in the industry, the importance of networking...

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo sits down with Chef Isaac Duque to discuss his unique dining concept, ' Whet ,' which stands for 'We Here Eat Together.' After a spontaneous yet successful pop-up dinner experience in Wake Forest, Chef Isaac reveals his vision of merging food and music to trigger nostalgia and create unforgettable dining experiences...

The North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo welcomes back co-creator and longtime co-host Matthew Weiss as they delve into the recent Michelin Guide announcements for the American South that have stirred quite a buzz in the North Carolina culinary scene. We kick off with a lighthearted debate about Michelin's surprising decisions, revealing a mix of excitement and skepticism. M...

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo welcomes back restaurateur Tyler Helikson for an inspiring conversation. The pair catch up on Tyler's latest ventures, including his successful restaurants, Happy Inhale and Madre, and dive deep into their shared journey of self-improvement. Tyler shares his recent commitment to health and wellness, describing how h...

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo dives into the world of sports, food, and entrepreneurship with Gio Mantovani, the owner of Sideline Snacks . Joined by Kyle Sutton of Bestow Baked Goods , they discuss the innovative approach Gio is taking to revitalize dormant concession stands in Holly Springs. The conversation spans from Gio's entrepreneurial jo...

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo welcomes back Eduardo Mera of the Mera Brothers Oysters. The main event discussed is the upcoming Rawleigh Oyster Fest , set for November 8th at Smoky Hollow. The festival will feature oysters from various farms, dishes prepared by local chefs, live music, and a charity component benefitting NC Coastal Federation an...

Ready to explore the buzz around THC-infused beverages? 🎧 Tune in to the latest North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast episode where we chat with Jennifer Wilson, the founder of Tail Chaser, about their new line of sangrias. 🎙️🍇 #HempRevolution #PodcastLife #drinklocal Host Max Trujillo explores the realm of THC-infused sangria alongside Ian Brown, the District Manager of Nature's Relief, and...

Join Max Trujillo, host of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, as he chats with his coworker from PFG, Jillian Whitlow. Jillian, an impressive culinary school graduate, has lived in North Carolina for over two decades but will always be a New Yorker. Her story takes us from her early days of culinary training in Arizona to her current passion for horses and fitness. Having undergone a si...

Join host Max Trujillo on the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast as he dives into the vibrant culinary world of Angier, North Carolina. Let's chat with Giuseppe's Corner, an Italian deli renowned for its authentic New York-style sandwiches. Max is joined by deli owners John and Mike Canepa, and famous local bartender, Zachariah Williams. Listen in as they discuss everything from sourcing bre...

In this lively and impromptu episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo welcomes the incredibly positive and quintessentially Italian Anthony Rapillo. They laugh about Anthony's Italian aura and share anecdotes about getting back into the podcast groove. Anthony discusses his spontaneous appearance on the show, attributed to his upcoming TED-style talk at Horologe S...

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo visits Aromaa, a new Sri Lankan restaurant in Raleigh. Max speaks with the owner Sherwin, his daughters Stephanie and Jennifer, and Chef Kalpa about the culinary delights of Sri Lankan cuisine. They discuss the restaurant's origins, the distinctive flavors and spices used in Sri Lankan cooking, and the differences b...

Host Max Trujillo welcomes Congresswoman Deborah Ross for an insightful discussion. We explore topics such as North Carolina's vibrant food scene, the significance of Juneteenth, and the intersection between politics and the food and beverage industry. Congresswoman Ross shares her culinary favorites in the Raleigh Triangle area and details her legislative efforts to support the local food industr...

Host Max Trujillo and his co-host, Hershey the dog, welcome the talented and outspoken chef, Mo ( Modega ). The conversation traverses Mo's eclectic background, from her roots in Philadelphia to her pivotal role as head chef at LA Dive Bar in downtown Raleigh. They bounce back and forth from recapping the 5th Annual Bubbles & Brisket, some personal details in Max's life, and the similarities to ot...

'Bubbles and Brisket' is in its fifth year, on Saturday, June 7th. The event will feature around ten chefs, multiple bars, and a variety of beverages, including sparkling wines, beers, and potentially a cash bar for full-strength drinks.   Get Tickets HERE In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo interviews Matt Coleman, owner of The Davie in Raleigh. They...

This episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosted by Max Trujillo, highlights the return of the 'Bubbles and Brisket' event for its fifth year, scheduled for Saturday, June 7th. The event will feature around ten chefs, multiple bars, and a variety of beverages, including sparkling wines, beers, and potentially a cash bar for full-strength drinks.   Get Tickets HERE Today we spea...

This episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosted by Max Trujillo, highlights the return of the 'Bubbles and Brisket' event for its fifth year, scheduled for Saturday, June 7th. The event will feature around ten chefs, multiple bars, and a variety of beverages, including sparkling wines, beers, and potentially a cash bar for full-strength drinks.   Get Tickets HERE Let's chat ba...

This episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosted by Max Trujillo, highlights the return of the 'Bubbles and Brisket' event for its fifth year, scheduled for Saturday, June 7th. The event will feature around ten chefs, multiple bars, and a variety of beverages, including sparkling wines, beers, and potentially a cash bar for full-strength drinks.   Get Tickets HERE In this episo...

This episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosted by Max Trujillo, highlights the return of the 'Bubbles and Brisket' event for its fifth year, scheduled for Saturday, June 7th. The event will feature around ten chefs, multiple bars, and a variety of beverages, including sparkling wines, beers, and potentially a cash bar for full-strength drinks.   Get Tickets HERE Welcome Hoon...

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosts Max Trujillo and Chef Savannah Miller dive into a rich conversation that spans from Savannah's Top Chef journey to the intricacies of the North Carolina culinary scene. They discuss Savannah's experience on Top Chef, highlighting her development and the final challenge of cooking the best meal ever. While at the 2nd Annual Feas...

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo chats with John Seelbinder, of Local Icon Hospitality and owner of multiple establishments, including the newly relocated Merchant and the Architect's speakeasy, Green Light. The conversation covers Seelbinder's unexpected role in disaster relief following Hurricane Helene, where he transformed his Spruce Pine hotel...