NC F&B Podcast

In this episode, the whiskey professor Bernie Lubbers joins us to talk whiskey, bourbon, bottled in bond and a little bluegrass. Bernie Lubbers is the National Brand Ambassador for Heaven Hill Distilleries as well as an accomplished bluegrass guitarist. Bernie performs live at the Crunkleton and we weaved a few of his songs into the show. Time for school, the professor is here.

In Episode 8, the Chef episode, Max & Matt sit down with beer, bourbon & Angus Barn Executive Sous Chef Scott James & Plates Kitchen Executive Chef Chris Santucci to talk about kitchen life. Both Chefs once worked at Midtown Grille, a classic Raleigh establishment and where Host Max Trujillo was the General Manager for 3 years.

Episode 7 - Max & Matt welcome Jamie DeMent, co-owner of Piedmont Restaurant, Coon Rock Farms and Bella Bean Organics. Jamie gives an in-depth look at what it takes to be a true farm-to-fork restaurant as well as provide organic food from her farm, Coon Rock Farms. We talk about her upcoming cookbook as well as Bella Bean Organics, an online Farmers Market delivered to your doorstep. This was Nort...

In our first episode, we chat with former Umstead Hotel/Herons Restaurant Beverage Director, Hai Tran. Hai discusses his start in the industry, how he became a sommelier and how his Duke basketball career didn't quite pan out. Hai also announces his new position at the Rittenhouse Inn in Pennsylvania.

In this episode, we get to know one of our hosts, Matthew Weiss. He discusses how he got his start in the industry, living in Los Angeles and New York, his travels abroad and ordering wine for the family as a child.

In this episode we get a chance to meet one of our hosts, Max Trujillo. Max talks about growing up in Northern California, living his 20's in Los Angeles, becoming a sommelier. All the while lying his way to the middle.

In this episode, Max & Matt discuss the presidential election and hypothetically talk about what to serve the candidates. Later, president of the USBG & GM of C Grace, Matthew Bettinger stops by to chat about hospitality, cocktails and what it takes to effectively run a bar.

In this episode, Max and Matt speak with Henk Schuitemaker, the Wine Director of the Angus Barn for the last 31 years. We learn a lot about the history of the Angus Barn, North Carolina wine, Matt's affinity for Manischewitz, Henk's progression from a server to become the wine director, and a little Pro Wrestling talk too.

Listen to Gary Crunkleton discuss how he created the Crunkleton, How cocktails became craft in North Carolina. Nine years later, Gary and his team are still pumping out amazing libations nightly. We get into antique liquors, recipes, profit and loss, and how to run a bar in general. Have a listen...