In this inaugural episode of  @WineCentricShow , host Matt Weiss interviews Eric Asimov, the wine writer for The New York Times. They discuss various topics including the importance of evaluating wine producers over individual bottles, the role of blind tastings in wine education, the rise of natural wines, and the cultural significance of wine. Asimov emphasizes that wine should be enjoyed without the pressure of expertise and that there are many layers to the experience of wine appreciation.

Follow him on Instagram @WineCentricShow

Max sits down with Mike De Los Santos, popularly known as Mike D from Mike D's Barbecue in Durham. We get into Mike D's Dominican heritage, financial and operational challenges faced in the restaurant industry, and the art and science of barbecue-making. It's a blend of humor and seriousness, touching on community support, moral values, and the pursuit of culinary authenticity. Mike D employs a strategy to create standout barbecue sauces and dishes, his commitment to paying a living wage, and the importance of local support in the barbecue business.

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Chefs Dylan Cook from Fork Grove Barbecue and Jacques Larson of The Obstinate Daughter join the conversation, set on day three of Euphoria's Feast on the Field, explores their diverse culinary backgrounds—Dylan's roots in barbecue and his journey from a musician to a pitmaster, and Jacques's expertise in French and Italian cuisine. They discuss the influence of modern culinary trends, the impact of social media, and their passion for pushing culinary boundaries. Their discussion highlights the evolving food scene and the significance of collaborations and shared experiences in the industry. The podcast ends with a shout-out to visit their respective restaurants in South Carolina.

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Max Trujillo and Swarup Bandyopadhyay introduce Chef T from Union 41  in Bristol, Virginia, and Chef Sean from Noble Barbecue in Kingsport, Tennessee, recorded live at the Euphoria food festival in Greenville, South Carolina. Chef T discusses her innovative approach to Appalachian cuisine, incorporating elements from the Caribbean diaspora, particularly from St. Vincent. Highlights include discussions about her signature jerk chicken and famous fried chicken recipes, emphasizing the layers of flavors and the importance of execution. Chef Sean highlights the new Noble Barbecue location, emphasizing their creative use of bourbon barrels for tables and the high-end bourbon selection. Both chefs share their dedication to evolving their craft and maintaining continuity in the dynamic culinary world.

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Max Trujillo and Swarup Bandyopadhyay interview Chef Christian Hunter, partner chef at Atelier in Chicago. Christian shares his journey from Lexington, Kentucky to Chicago. He delves into his background, culinary philosophy, and experiences, including earning a Michelin star at Atelier. The discussion covers his use of local ingredients, innovative approaches to traditional dishes, and the importance of honoring food's cultural and historical roots. Christian also hints at his upcoming restaurant, Laverne's, named after his mother.

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Max Trujillo and Swarup Bandyopadhyay talk with Nikko Kagalanan, a Filipino chef from Charleston, South Carolina, who runs Kultura a unique pop-up restaurant with a minimalistic kitchen setup. Nikko shares his journey from the Philippines to Charleston, detailing his experiences working with renowned chefs and the creative challenges he faces due to the limited kitchen facilities. Despite the constraints, Nikko has garnered significant recognition, including being named an emerging chef by the James Beard Foundation. He also discusses his participation in the Euphoria festival, collaborating with Chef Dayna Lee from Comal 864 to create a Filipino-Mexican fusion dinner. The conversation highlights the importance of community-driven initiatives and the innovative spirit in the culinary world.

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Max Trujillo and Swarup Bandyopadhyay chat with Chef Michael Kramer, the owner of Gianna, recorded during the Euphoria festival in Greenville, South Carolina. We cover Kramer's extensive culinary background, including his time in California and work with Wolfgang Puck. Kramer shares insights into his transition to Greenville, the inspiration behind his newly released cookbook ‘Jianna,' and the simplicity of Italian cuisine. The conversation offers a glimpse into Kramer's passion for cycling, his approach to maintaining fresh and innovative restaurant menus, and the importance of authentic hospitality in the culinary world.

Get the cookbook Jianna Here

🚨BIG NEWS🚨 This is Matt Weiss’ last episode on the NC F&B Podcast. After 8 years and 500 episodes, Matt is moving on to explore new ventures. Look for his wine podcast coming soon. 

The NC F&B is hosted by Max Trujillo and will make some big changes in the new year… so for now, listen to Matt’s final episode, gear up for his new @winecentricshow, listen to Max’s new show Every Second Counts about The Bear TV Show (coming soon) and never forget to Eat & Drink Merrily!!!

Produced and edited by Max Trujillo of Trujillo Media

We dive deep into the intricacies of the food and beverage community's marketing landscape in North Carolina by speaking with Felicia Trujillo, founder and CEO of Food Seen, a marketing agency specializing in food photography and social media. Felicia shares her journey from being a wedding photographer in LA to starting her own marketing agency in Raleigh, offering insights into the evolving world of social media, PR, and marketing for restaurants. They discuss the nuances of food styling, social media strategies, creating cookbooks, and maintaining a vibrant corporate culture. Whether you're a budding restaurateur or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of food marketing, this episode is packed with valuable information and practical tips.

00:00 Introduction to the NCFNB Podcast

00:44 Meet Felicia Trujillo: Founder and CEO of Food Seen

01:23 The Journey to Food Seen

04:50 The Role of Social Media in Food Seen's Success

11:51 Expanding Services: From Photography to PR

16:01 Strategies for Restaurant Marketing and PR

22:29 Building a Strong Corporate Culture

25:05 Building a Positive Work Environment

26:03 Women in Social Media and PR

27:54 Client Collaboration and Communication

29:18 Future Trends in Social Media

29:45 The Complexity of TikTok Marketing

30:56 The Effort Behind Social Media Content

32:28 The Role of Chefs in Social Media

34:14 Navigating Social Media Trends and Algorithms

38:06 The Legacy of Cookbooks

43:19 International Business and Cultural Nuances

46:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss dive into the world of sausages with their guest, Haig Berberian, owner of Specialty Food Solutions. Broadcasting virtually live from the historic Raleigh building in downtown Raleigh, they explore Haig's Armenian roots, playful nicknames, and his journey from a youth working in his parents' meat store to becoming a sausage aficionado. Haig shares insights on his clean label, high-quality sausages made in North Carolina, and discusses the fascinating details of their sausage-making process. The conversation takes humorous turns, with references to Ferris Bueller, Toblerone payments for childhood chores, and the intricacies of child labor laws. Haig explains the company's role as both a supplier and a developer of proprietary products for restaurants and distributors, emphasizing their agility and commitment to quality. It's a fun and informative chat that promises to leave listeners both entertained and craving some premium sausages.

WATCH THE SHOW HERE

On the mic this week: @trujillo.media @weisswine

Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod

Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpodcast

Bill King, the President and CEO of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance joins us to discuss the vitality of downtown Raleigh, including economic development, safety measures, and promotional events. King discusses the role of the DRA, their funding sources, and the challenges faced, such as accommodating office workers post-pandemic and promoting new businesses. A significant topic covered is the proposed relocation of the Red Hat Amphitheater due to the expansion of the Raleigh Convention Center. King emphasizes the economic impact of the amphitheater and the importance of timely actions to avoid losing a season of shows. We touch on the broader vision for downtown Raleigh, including improved public transportation, safety, and potential major league sports developments.

00:00 Introduction to the NCF&B Podcast

00:46 Meet Bill King: President and CEO of Downtown Raleigh Alliance

01:24 Bill King's Background and Experience

02:35 The Role and Mission of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance

04:40 Challenges and Initiatives in Downtown Raleigh

11:18 The Impact of the Pandemic on Downtown Raleigh

17:11 Safety and Transportation in Downtown Raleigh

25:52 Future Developments: Red Hat Amphitheater and Convention Center Expansion

27:24 Amphitheater Relocation and Controversy

27:55 Economic Impact of the Amphitheater

28:48 Community Concerns and Connectivity Issues

29:41 City's Plan to Address Connectivity

30:17 Urgency and Timeline for Construction

31:58 Public Involvement and Hearings

32:55 Impact on Local Businesses

35:08 Future of Raleigh's Entertainment Venues

43:56 Potential for Major League Sports in Raleigh

52:40 Call to Action for Community Support

WATCH THE SHOW HERE

On the mic this week: @trujillo.media @weisswine

Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod

Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod