The More You Know, The Better It Tastes

Cory Neal went from owning one of San Antonio's most famous party spots to opening a brand-new honky-tonk in its place. In this episode, Alan and Susie talks with Cory about closing Pat O'Brien's San Antonio after 22 years downtown, what it took to transform the space, and his vision for The Rowdy Spur — downtown San Antonio's premier honky-tonk with live music. THE ROWDY SPUR 242 Losoya St #121,...

 Carlos Salinas has worked in restaurants since he was 13, starting at his grandfather's hotels. His Ay Chiwawa Mexican Café began in Austin in 1999 and now has locations in Spring Branch and San Antonio. Carlos talks about a lifetime of hard work and hands-on ownership, and about what keeps customers coming back. 

 Arsenio and Maria Rodriguez, the husband-and-wife team behind La Patrona. Maria runs the front of house while Arsenio commands the kitchen, and together they've built La Patrona into a place that feels like home — the kind of restaurant where the food carries the weight of family tradition and every plate tells you something about where they come from. We're excited to get into their story, what...

 In this episode, Alan and Susie sit down with Aaron Startz, owner of Startz Cattle Company — the largest Wagyu ranch in Texas. Wagyu beef has a reputation for being some of the best in the world, but what actually goes into it? Aaron walks us through what sets Wagyu apart, from genetics to feed to the years of patient care it takes to raise these cattle, and why that process translates into the m...

Many of you already know our next guest from Mare e Monte, where he's built a reputation for incredible coastal Italian flavors right here in San Antonio. Today he's here to tell us about his newest venture, Morea — a new Italian steakhouse bringing that same passion for quality to Floresville. 

 In this episode, Alan and Susie sit down with Will Tennyson, owner of 375° Social Kitchen. Named for the most common oven temperature used to cook their food, 375° Social Kitchen started as a catering operation in 2017 before growing into a food truck and eventually a brick-and-mortar restaurant. The menu is best described as eclectic — think Asian twists alongside southern comfort food — with so...

In this episode, we sit down with our first-ever three-time guest, Albi Zogaj—the visionary 26-year-old founder and operator of Albi's Vite Italian Kitchen and Sunny’s Brunch. Albi brings exclusive breaking news regarding his latest expansion to The Rim in San Antonio, Texas, alongside masterclass insights covering decentralized team leadership, experiential restaurant marketing, and tactical conc...

In this high-value episode of "The More You Know, The Better It Tastes," Susie and Alan explore the intersection of media, marketing, and the culinary arts with Jennifer McInnis, Editor-in-Chief of San Antonio Magazine. With a career spanning major Texas metros, a deep background in wine as a WSET Level 2 expert, and years of experience as a food and drinks editor, Jennifer brings a unique perspec...

In this episode of the Flavors of Texas Podcast, host Alan Williams sits down with Matt Levere, the Head Butcher at San Antonio's revolutionary Pullman Market. This isn't just a conversation about meat; it's a deep dive into the craft, responsibility, and science of whole-animal butchery and its impact on the Texas food scene.

Today we’re joined by someone who truly understands what hospitality is supposed to feel like. Jeffery Spahn has spent his career on the front lines of the restaurant industry—both in management and as a server—working in some of the top dining rooms and learning what separates good service from something people remember long after the meal is over. He now brings that experience to Esencia, the ne...

Chef Brian West is a respected Texas chef known for his commitment to showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of our state. With a passion for quality ingredients and a deep appreciation for regional cuisine, he brings a thoughtful and elevated approach to every dish he creates. At Fiesta San Antonio, Chef West created The Taste of the Republic —one of the festival’s premier culinary events. Th...

Brook and David Richie are our guests they run both Bee's Wellness Shop and The Market at Shavano Park.  They are wonderful guests with a mission to help others!

 Alvin Garlitos is the owner of Zojah Burger in San Antonio, a restaurant that has quickly earned a reputation for creative, flavor-packed burgers and bold culinary ideas. With a passion for bringing unique combinations and high-quality ingredients together, Alvin has built Zojah Burger into a destination for people looking for something beyond the ordinary burger. His approach blends creativity,...

 Meet Priscilla and Cassandra Caballero , the sisters behind Eddie’s Taco House — a beloved San Antonio institution serving up classic Tex-Mex with heart and heritage. Carrying on a family legacy that locals have loved for generations, Priscilla and Cassandra blend tradition with modern leadership, keeping Eddie’s flavors authentic while guiding the restaurant into its next chapter. Their passion...

Today’s guest is Leah Flores , owner of La Tea Da , one of San Antonio’s favorite local tea shops. Leah joins us to share her journey into entrepreneurship, the inspiration behind La Tea Da, and how she’s built a welcoming space centered around community, wellness, and great tea. Catch Episode 150 of The More You Know, The Better It Tastes now on Spotify or YouTube .

Chef Kaius Austin Bey is the visionary behind The Chef Kaius Experience , crafting elevated, soulful cuisine that blends bold flavors with refined technique. Known for creating unforgettable dining moments, Chef Kaius transforms every meal into a curated experience—where culture, creativity, and connection meet on the plate. Learn more and book your bespoke culinary experience at thechefkaiusexper...

This week on The More You Know, The Better It Tastes , we’re joined by Chef Anaiya from Biga on the Banks , one of San Antonio’s most respected kitchens. As a chef at Biga, Anaiya is part of a team known for discipline, technique, and consistency—values that became even more important when she stepped into the national spotlight as a contestant on Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen . In this episode,...

  Jen and Matt Zdeb, the owners of The Baked Bird in San Antonio , share how they grew from a popular food truck into a successful brick-and-mortar restaurant. In this episode, we talk about the risks of making the leap, building a loyal customer base, and what it really takes to run an independent restaurant in San Antonio’s competitive food scene. This conversation is packed with real-world insi...

Take a walk through Pearl San Antonio with the people who live and breathe it every day. In this episode of The More You Know, The Better It Tastes, hosts Alan Williams and Susie LaFredo sit down with Chef Jeff Balfour, Co-Founder and Executive Chef of the Southerleigh group of restaurants, and Michael Joergensen, VP of Marketing for Pearl, to talk Michelin recognition, approachable fine dining, a...

Step inside one of San Antonio’s most beloved bakeries and brunch spots—The Bread Box at The Alley on Bitters. In this episode of The More You Know, The Better It Tastes, host Alan Williams is joined by special guest co-host (and sister) Jennifer Kitchen as they sit down with Tina and Lucas Kent, the husband-and-wife team behind The Bread Box.

Derek Sanchez is a three-time World Pizza Champion and the creative force behind Mia Marco’s Pizza , one of San Antonio’s most celebrated artisan pizzerias. Known for his meticulous approach to dough fermentation and his chef-driven flavor combinations, Derek has helped elevate the city’s pizza scene to a national level. At Mia Marco’s, every pie reflects his passion for craft, technique, and unfo...

Let me tell you about someone truly special in our San Antonio food scene — Chef Alessia Benevides , the creative force behind Chocolatl . When you step into her world, you feel it immediately… that mix of history, artistry, and pure passion for cacao. Alessia doesn’t just make chocolate — she brings ancient Mesoamerican traditions to life in the most delicious way. Her chocolates are rich, though...

 Sean and Virginia Archer are the passionate husband-and-wife team behind Pazzo Pastaria , one of San Antonio’s favorite spots for fresh, handcrafted Italian cuisine. With deep roots in the city’s vibrant food scene, they’ve built Pazzo Pastaria around a love for authenticity, community, and flavor — creating pasta dishes that feel both elevated and comforting. Their commitment to using quality in...

 In this episode of The More You Know, The Better It Tastes, we sit down with Brook “Blazey Bee” Richie and her husband, David Richie, the duo behind Bee’s Wellness Café in San Antonio. What started as Brook’s personal health journey has grown into a thriving hub for healing — offering cold-pressed juices, CBD coffee, natural remedies, and community events. David, a Functional Wellness Coach and B...

 In this episode, we’re joined by Augie Cortez , the heart and soul behind Augie’s Barbed Wire Smokehouse here in San Antonio. Augie has turned his passion for barbecue into one of the city’s most beloved spots, where smoky brisket, ribs, and sausage meet a backyard-style atmosphere filled with music, laughter, and community. More than just a pitmaster, Augie has created a gathering place that cap...