November 13, 2024

Exploring Iowa’s Food Culture with Marvin Azzopardi: How the Des Moines Farmers Market, Local Bites Food Hall, and the EatFuti App are Contributing

27 minutes

On this episode of the Iowa Podcast, host Jensen Cummings dives into Iowa’s vibrant food culture with Marvin Azzopardi, a passionate entrepreneur behind EatFuti, Local Bites Food Hall, and All-City Catering. Together, they explore the dynamic Des Moines Farmers Market— America's second-largest— and discuss how it shapes the local culinary scene. Marvin shares how he connects Iowa farmers, chefs, and diners to create a community that celebrates locally-sourced food. They discuss Marvin’s journey in the food industry and his commitment to fostering connections, from the iconic farmers market to Local Bites in downtown Des Moines.

Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at Iowa's food scene as Marvin spotlights chefs like Joe from Harbinger, who collaborate directly with farmers to bring local flavors to their menus. Marvin also shares his vision for Local Bites, a hub for diverse cuisines like Baba’s Gyros, MmmBap Korean, and What A Pho, where small food businesses can thrive. The episode also highlights the innovative EatFuti app, designed to support local eateries and enhance off-premise dining. Marvin discusses his community work with organizations like Best Buddies, showing his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the plate.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/marvin-azzopardi-iowa-food-culture

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