The More You Know, The Better It Tastes

Why has Mare e Monte rose to the top so quickly?  This small Italian restaurant located in San Antonio's Medical Center is already loved by many even though it's only been open one year.  The reason?  Hospitality.  Owner Princ talks about why service is so important to him. 

Ken Rodriguez has spent his career writing for publications like Sports Illustrated and the San Antonio Express News.  He has now brought his talent to San Antonio Report where is a Feature writer with a focus on the culinary scene in San Antonio. We talk about his career and some of the great people he has met including some of the most well-known chefs and restauranteurs in town.

San Antonio food and travel writer Kimberly Suta joins us as we make the big announcement that Kimberly is now the editor for our magazine, The Flavors of Texas!  This quarterly magazine is expected to be released in mid-July.  We also talk about our joint project, The Burger Showdown!

Our guests this week is Jaycee Clark and Chef Justin Motl of San Antonio’s Comfort Café. Comfort Cafe is a warm and inviting brunch spot operated by SerenityStar, a nonprofit peer-supported recovery program founded in Smithville back in 2009.  Comfort Cafe can be found at 6812 Bandera Rd., Suite 101

Selda is new to San Antonio but not new to Mediterranean food.  Selda has three locations in Dallas but just recently came to San Antonio.  Max Tezkol and Muhammet Yilmaz tell us about the menu and vibe of this exciting Mediterranean restaurant. 

 Blanca Aldaco is well known in the San Antonio culinary scene.  She has a vibrant personality and a deep passion for authentic Mexican cuisine. As the founder of Aldaco’s Restaurants, she has spent decades sharing the rich flavors of her native Guadalajara with the Alamo City. Blanca is also widely recognized for her iconic margaritas and for being one of the first female restaurateurs in the reg...

In this special episode of *The More You Know, The Better It Tastes*, Susie LaFredo and Alan Williams sit down with Levi Rodgers and Juan Cuellar — the powerhouse duo reviving a nostalgic pizza empire in the heart of San Antonio: Godfather’s Pizza. Join us for a heartwarming, high-energy conversation as Levi and Juan recount the passion, memories, and mission behind bringing this iconic brand back...

Jeremiah Burns makes his second visit to this podcast. Jeremiah is the owner of PB&J with Tay , a unique San Antonio eatery that brings a fun and nostalgic twist to the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Known for his creativity and community spirit, Jeremiah has built more than just a restaurant—he's created a space that feels like home. He’s also been open about his personal journey w...

A good POS system is critical for restaurant success.  David Dikin, owner of San Antonio, POS, joins us to talk about how the POS system can make life easier for owners and managers. For more info go to www.theflavorsoftexas.com and scroll all the way to the bottom of the first page for the San Antonio POS banner!

 Meet Rick Rodriguez, the creative mind and snack enthusiast behind the popular Instagram page Random Acts of Snacks . What started as a fun way to share his love for quirky, crave-worthy treats quickly turned into a growing community of fellow food lovers drawn to Rick’s authentic voice, off-the-wall snack finds, and a genuine passion for spreading joy one bite at a time. Whether he’s highlightin...

Todd Winn and Walter Wilkerson, owners of Forum Meat Company of Ennis, Texas join Alan to talk about bringing clean, quality, proteins to the San Antonio culinary market.  Forum has been in business for a few years but are just now moving into the San Antonio Market.  

Your hosts, Alan and Susie take time out to discuss new and upcoming local restaurants in the San Antonio area.

The Taste of the Republic is one of the most popular Fiesta events for a reason.  This week we interview the founder of The Taste of the Republic, Chef Brian West to explain what it is and why the event has so many fans!

Inside a 6-time James Beard Nominee - Chef Steven McHugh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bringing Culinary skills to kids! What a great idea! Katy Rohr, Principal of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church and School and Jerrel Williams, the schools Kitchen Manager join us to talk about this cool venture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Regina Gonzalez gives details about a fun festival she has created called Norteno Fest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Palermo, known as The Cajun Cowboy , brings the bold flavors of Louisiana to San Antonio with his unique blend of Cajun tradition and Texas flair. A passionate chef with deep Southern roots, Michael has built a reputation for crafting authentic, soul-satisfying dishes that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Cajun cuisine. Whether he's simmering a perfect pot of gumbo or grilling up bl...

Albion Zogaj is the passionate co-owner of Albi's Vite, an Italian restaurant known for its fresh flavors and warm hospitality. With a deep love for authentic cuisine and a commitment to quality, Albion brings a unique touch to the dining experience, ensuring every guest feels at home. His dedication to excellence and innovation has helped establish Albi's Vite as a go-to destination for delicious...

Sophie Jeffery is the founder and co-owner of Spread the Loaves , a beloved local bakery known for its artisanal breads, pastries, and warm community spirit. With a dedication to quality ingredients and time-honored techniques, Sophie brings a personal touch to every loaf, creating baked goods that nourish both body and soul. Whether it's a crusty sourdough, a delicate pastry, or a custom cake, he...

Chef Jean Tardif is the celebrated chef and owner of Tardif’s American Brasserie and The Creek Restaurant in Boerne, Texas. With a passion for classic techniques and bold flavors, Chef Tardif blends his French culinary heritage with American influences to create refined yet approachable cuisine. His dedication to quality ingredients and exceptional hospitality has made both restaurants beloved din...

What is it like to manage a large "Foodie Group" and to be known as an "Influencer"? Alan Williams and Susie LaFredo chat about their experience plus new plan for San Antonio Restaurants and the Flavors of Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristina Zhao and Brandon Lalaine, the power couple behind Dashi – Chinese Kitchen and Bar and Sichuan House, two of San Antonio’s premier destinations for authentic Sichuan cuisine. Kristina shares her entrepreneurial journey, from growing up around her father’s Asian grocery store, Asia Market, to working in marketing in Dallas, and eventually returning to San Antonio to help build Sichuan House...

In this episode of The More You Know, The Better It Tastes, Susie and Alan interview Rick Greenfield and Erin Tireman, the co-owners of Smash’d, a beloved restaurant in San Antonio located at 520 East Grayson. Smash’d is known for its innovative take on the "smashed burger" concept, elevated bar food, live music, craft cocktails, and its famed California burritos. The restaurant also serves as a v...

Kyle Anderson is the proud owner of B-Daddy's BBQ, a beloved barbecue joint located in the heart of Helotes, Texas. Known for its mouthwatering, smoky flavors and a commitment to quality, B-Daddy's BBQ has earned a loyal following of barbecue enthusiasts from near and far. With a passion for grilling and a deep love for the rich traditions of Texas barbecue, Kyle and his father, BR Anderson create...

David Van Horn was adopted from the Country of Georgia so the Van Horn family has always had an affection for that culture. Recently, the family began importing wine from Georgia and distributing it to local restaurants and liquor stores. Frank and David Van Horn joined us to give the history of Georgia wine and descriptions of the different types. It is a fascinating interview and I know you will...