In the few years that Chris Malloy has been writing in the Valley, he has already made an impact as a food writer. While serving as editor for the Phoenix New Times, Chris Malloy worked to cover interesting stories ranging from farming indigenous ingredients to pecan infused local craft beer. On this episode of A Taste of AZ Podcast we talk with Chris Malloy about how he began writing, the local food scene, and the future of the industry.

Who doesn't love a good farmers market? But what happens when a pandemic causes that model to be pretty much obsolete, at least for an extended period of time? Enter Anesa Thiele. The founder of Phoenix Microgreens saw the opportunity to provide a platform for these local creators to still get their products out to regular customers as well as finding new fans. In this episode we sit down with Anesa to hear how AZ Market to Door is helping to grow the AZ food scene from the foundation up. Enjoy the show!

Since opening in April 2018, All About the 'Booch has made waves in the Arizona food and beverage scene. One thing that makes this small scale kombucha brewery unique is their love for hip-hop culture. With names like Bonita Apple Pie and Jala Back Berry you're sure to attract some eyes. But then you find out that the liquid in the bottle is even more impressive! Enjoy this episode with founders Shelley and Duane Aul!

From the start Adventurous Stills was determined to do things their way. The name is not just a clever moniker. Paying homage to their common bond of outdoor adventure, these guys approach their craft with the same venturesome enthusiasm. Over the past few years this grain-to-glass distillery has continued to make a name for themselves including several medals at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition. On top of the accolades they continue on that adventurous path to bring us unique spirits including quinoa whiskey most recently. 

Shrubwell is a company based out of Phoenix, Arizona. Their premixed shrubs are drink mixers that can create delicious cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks. Shrubwell has focused on creating flavor profiles that have the complexity of a craft cocktail, but with no alcohol added. Enjoy the show!

When an author was needed for a cookbook highlighting the best chefs in Phoenix Christina Barrueta was a shoe-in. Known around the state of Arizona for her award-winning blog “Write On Rubee” Christina has been highlighting the food & beverage industry here since 2008. She is not a food critic but rather a lover of the amazing inspiration going on in Arizona food & beverage right now who chooses to highlight in her writing all of the great things happening here. Enjoy this episode with Christina Barrueta!

To Ivan Carreño’s family and pretty much everyone in Oaxaca, Mexico mezcal is more than just another drink. Mezcal provides work. Mezcal helps to celebrate the beautiful moments in life from beginning to end. When Ivan and his best friend Abel Arriaga decided to introduce Ivans family spirit to Arizona they knew they were up against a challenge. But you won't meet a harder working duo in ANY business. These guys are earning every bit of success they are experiencing and spreading love the whole step of the way. Enjoy the show!

Local First Arizona is an organization who puts what is being done right here in our amazing state as their main focal point. The food & beverage scene here in Arizona continues to grow and a piece of that foundation are the "hustlers" out there trying to introduce their family recipe or killer homemade gem to the masses. A major hurdle to this is finding the commercial kitchen space to make it happen as well as having the business know-how to keep the ship afloat. Enter Gabe Gardner at Local First Arizona’s Community Kitchen in Mesa. Gabe and his team work tirelessly to help dreams become a sustainable business while continuing to add to this already talented Arizona food community. Enjoy!

Jonathan Robins grew up in South Africa during apartheid, moving to the US in the late 80's. In 1992 he opened Jonathan Robins Bakery, a wholesale bakery based in Tempe, Arizona. They provide a massive variety of baked goods to restaurants, coffee shops, and hotels around the valley. They also just opened up a coffee shop attached to their bakery. The coffee shop serves premium coffee and baked goods right out of the oven.