This episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosted by Max Trujillo, highlights the return of the 'Bubbles and Brisket' event for its fifth year, scheduled for Saturday, June 7th. The event will feature around ten chefs, multiple bars, and a variety of beverages, including sparkling wines, beers, and potentially a cash bar for full-strength drinks. 

Get Tickets HERE

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo is excited to talk about delis, sandwiches, and the story behind Ideals Deli Market Gourmet. Featuring business partners Ian Bracken and Paul Chirico, Max dives into their backgrounds, their inspirations from New York-style delis, and the journey of creating Ideals in Durham, North Carolina. With nostalgic anecdotes, they discuss the growth of their business, their unique approach to making fresh sandwiches, and creating a strong community presence without traditional marketing. Banter includes the emotional connections to deli aromas, the specifics of their menu, and humorous takes on topics like PB&J sandwiches and health inspections. The episode wraps up with a focus on their highly successful, beloved sandwiches and a call to visit their market for unique items.

The NC F&B Podcast is produced, engineered and edited by Max Trujillo of @Trujillo.Media

For inquiries about being a guest, or to sponsor the show, email [email protected]

00:00 Introduction and Host's Personal Connection 00:29 Discovering Ideals Deli 00:56 Welcome Ian Bracken and Paul Chirico 01:19 The Intense Deli Experience 02:59 Opening and Success of Ideals Deli 04:00 Beer Collaborations and Upcoming Events 07:57 Nostalgia and Deli Memories 20:20 Challenges and Customer Feedback 30:36 The Harlem Chopped Cheese 35:31 A Daughter's Love for Ideals Sandwiches 36:30 Connecting with Customers on Instagram 36:49 The Art of Baking In-House 37:02 The Dilemma of Trying New Menu Items 38:10 The Perfect Cutlet Debate 39:43 Crafting the Ideal Sandwich 41:01 In-House Preparations and Ingredients 44:32 The Importance of Kosher Salt 45:45 Creating New Sandwiches: Bread vs. Ingredients 46:21 Exploring Regional Sandwich Variations 55:30 The Power of Word-of-Mouth Marketing 01:02:04 The Community Support in Durham 01:03:11 The Tin Fish Trend 01:05:32 Wrapping Up: Sandwich Talk and Community

This episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosted by Max Trujillo, highlights the return of the 'Bubbles and Brisket' event for its fifth year, scheduled for Saturday, June 7th. The event will feature around ten chefs, multiple bars, and a variety of beverages, including sparkling wines, beers, and potentially a cash bar for full-strength drinks. 

Get Tickets HERE

Welcome Hoon Lee, the president and co-owner of @goraesoju, and Shane Calder, a liquor broker for @dorado.rock, to discuss all things Soju. We delve into Soju’s backstory, its production process, and its rising trend of lower alcohol content. Max sample various Soju flavors like original, peach, grape, lemon, and honey do, and discuss their appeal and potential in markets like nightclubs and bars.

Additionally, we chat about Go Rae’s exposure at the Dreamville hip-hop festival and elaborate on its global market presence. The podcast ends with a playful hint at possibly bringing Soju to the Bubbles and Brisket event.

The NC F&B Podcast is produced, engineered and edited by Max Trujillo of @Trujillo.Media

For inquiries about being a guest, or to sponsor the show, email [email protected]

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosts Max Trujillo and Chef Savannah Miller dive into a rich conversation that spans from Savannah's Top Chef journey to the intricacies of the North Carolina culinary scene. They discuss Savannah's experience on Top Chef, highlighting her development and the final challenge of cooking the best meal ever. While at the 2nd Annual Feast of Wilmington, the duo explore the roles of various chefs detailing the collaborative efforts of local chefs, progressive meals, and the significance of balancing work and family. Engaging, informative, and filled with delicious details, this episode celebrates the vibrant and evolving food culture of North Carolina.

The NC F&B Podcast is produced, engineered and edited by Max Trujillo of @Trujillo.Media

For inquiries about being a guest, or to sponsor the show, email [email protected]

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo chats with John Seelbinder, of Local Icon Hospitality and owner of multiple establishments, including the newly relocated Merchant and the Architect's speakeasy, Green Light.

The conversation covers Seelbinder's unexpected role in disaster relief following Hurricane Helene, where he transformed his Spruce Pine hotel, The Skyline Village Inn into a critical hub for rescue and relief efforts. Despite his new nonprofit commitments with Project Skyline, Seelbinder continues to innovate Raleigh's food and beverage scene with upcoming projects like the Embargo Bar. The discussion also touches on community resilience, the importance of public and private mobilization during crises, and the continuing needs of affected areas.

The NC F&B Podcast is produced, engineered and edited by Max Trujillo of @Trujillo.Media

For inquiries about being a guest, or to sponsor the show, email [email protected]

We dive into the distinctive world of Jeppson's Malört with Tremaine Atkinson, CEO and head distiller at CH Distillery. Known for its unique and polarizing taste, Malört has a rich history dating back to its Swedish roots and Prohibition-era Chicago. Atkinson shares the story of Carl Jeppson, the drink's creator, and the journey of Malört through history, highlighting its revival and growing popularity. The conversation also covers the intricacies of Malört’s flavor profile, its medicinal properties, and its place in modern cocktail culture. Atkinson, an enthusiast of crafting unconventional spirits, emphasizes the authentic and challenging nature of Malört, making it a beloved choice for many, albeit an acquired taste for some. Their discussion is infused with humor, nostalgia, and a shared appreciation for this iconic Chicago liquor.

The NC F&B Podcast is produced, engineered and edited by Max Trujillo of @Trujillo.Media

For inquiries about being a guest, or to sponsor the show, email [email protected]

 

In this engaging episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo interviews Chef David Ellis of Figulina, a newly nominated James Beard Award contender for Best New Restaurant in America. Chef Ellis shares his journey from Stoke-on-Trent, England, through various culinary adventures around the world, including his impactful experiences in Raleigh and his pivotal role at Ashley Christensen’s Poole's Diner. They discuss the inspiration and dedication behind Figulina's artisanal pasta, made fresh daily in an open kitchen for guests to observe. Figulina, located in Raleigh's former Humble Pie space, focuses on creative, scratch-made pasta dishes that transcend traditional Italian cuisine.

The episode highlights Chef Ellis’s philosophy, commitment to texture and balance in his dishes, and the exciting provisions section selling fresh pasta and sauces. With insights into the potential expansion of this section and the future vision for Figulina, this conversation captures Chef Ellis’s passion for culinary artistry and his integration into Raleigh’s vibrant food community. Chef Ellis’s story is a testament to following one's culinary dreams and the immersive, heartfelt experiences that shape a successful restaurant.

The NC F&B Podcast is produced, engineered and edited by Max Trujillo of @Trujillo.Media

For inquiries about being a guest, or to sponsor the show, email [email protected]

 

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo interviews Lee Robinson, the current owner of the iconic Irregardless in Raleigh. Lee took over the cafe in 2020, just 10 weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. They discuss the history of Irregardless, including its origins as a vegetarian sandwich shop in the 1970s, its evolution over the years, and the community's love for the establishment.

Lee shares his journey in the restaurant industry, having worked in various notable Raleigh establishments like Frazier's and The Pit. The conversation also touches on the cafe's recent innovations, including introducing THC-infused beverages, aiming to maintain its roots while appealing to newer generations.

The episode highlights the upcoming 50th-anniversary celebration of Irregardless and Lee's ongoing efforts to ensure its legacy continues in the ever-evolving Raleigh food scene.

The NC F&B Podcast is produced, engineered and edited by Max Trujillo of @Trujillo.Media

For inquiries about being a guest, or to sponsor the show, email [email protected]

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo speaks with Courtney Blake, owner and managing director of Pilot Light Consulting. They discuss their shared bi-coastal experiences and delve into serious topics like the natural disasters affecting California and North Carolina. Courtney shares insights into the challenges faced by the food and beverage industry, the evolution of restaurant consulting, and the importance of building sustainable business models. We highlight the essence of California and Southern cuisines, trends in the industry, and the innovative ways to maintain quality and profitability. We explore Courtney's background, her educational journey, and how Pilot Light Consulting helps restaurateurs develop robust business and cultural systems. They wrap up with a discussion on the vibrant food scenes in North Carolina cities like Charlotte, Durham, and Asheville.

The NC F&B Podcast is produced, engineered and edited by Max Trujillo of @Trujillo.Media

For inquiries about being a guest, or to sponsor the show, email [email protected]

In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo connects with Jimmy Kim and Andrew Robison to discuss their exciting venture into opening the third Cucciolo location, Cucciolo Famiglia, near Southpoint Durham.

We get into the unique Italian journey of the Cucciolo brand, from its origin in Korea to its expansion in North Carolina. Kim and Robison reveal their plans for Cucciolo Famiglia to offer approachable, family-friendly Italian-American staples, focusing on a neighborhood restaurant feel.

We also reflect on the North Hills community's response to recent local tragedy at Coquette, and our hearts go out to their families, friends and coworkers. 

The NC F&B Podcast is produced, engineered and edited by Max Trujillo of @Trujillo.Media

For inquiries about being a guest, or to sponsor the show, email [email protected]

 

We have returned! And to kick off 2025, the NC F&B Podcast starts right by featuring renowned bartender, author, and cocktail expert Jim Meehan. Celebrating his new book, 'The Bartender's Pantry,' Meehan reflects on his journey from Madison, Wisconsin to New York’s elite bars like Gramercy Tavern and PDT. He shares anecdotes about working with Danny Meyer, the philosophy behind his writing, and his views on the modernization of the cocktail industry. Meehan highlights the importance of service, community, and the true essence of hospitality in bartending. The episode showcases Meehan’s meticulous attention to detail and his dedication to preserving the craft of cocktail making in a fast-evolving industry.

The NC F&B Podcast is produced, engineered and edited by @Trujillo.Media

For inquiries about being a guest, or to sponsor the show, email [email protected]