NC F&B Podcast

Episode 19 - Royale's Kitchen Team Chefs Jeff Seizer, Jesse Bardyn & Bobby McFarland join us in the studio to chat about their French/American restaurant, Royale and their lunch spot, Café Lucarne. Jesse breaks down bread making while Jeff educates us on sous-vide cooking. Bobby drops knowledge on the best salami in New York while they all sing praises to their GM Gwen, who is apparently a stud-ette. It's fun, hilarious and our new favorite episode. What else are you gonna listen to today? Bieber hasn't released his new album yet. We got you covered.

Episode 18 - Chef/Owner of Provenance, Teddy Klopf. In this episode, we learn about the beauty of North Carolina, seen through the eyes and tastebuds of an extremely passionate chef. Klopf opens up about his multiple near-death-experiences and how it lead to his purpose in life... We get into foraging, wine, olive oil, cauliflower, and Matt asks Teddy how he handled the tough-love restaurant review from the News & Observer's Greg Cox. Teddy's humble and honest approach to the question (as well as life) is refreshing.

Episode 17 - Charlotte Week comes to a close with Chef Chris Coleman, the Director of Culinary Experience at the Charlotte Marriott City Center and Stoke Restaurant. He talks about growing up in Charlotte, cooking with grandma, the history of Marriott Hotels, and great local eats. One thing we learned about the local food scene is Charlotte is it's one close-knit, whiskey & pork infused family. We can't wait to come back.

Episode 16 - In this episode, Cocktail Sensei Stefan Huebner drops knowledge all over the bar. We talk about his new place, dot dot dot (...) while discussing his history. There's mention of 'dick-swinging competitions', 'bringing a pencil to a gun-fight' and how 'Mixologists serve drinks, bartenders serve people'. All of these quotes come from Stefan. He's intense and extremely entertaining. Put your ear buds in and head to your local watering hole while you listen. It's happy hour.

Episode 15 - Day 3 of Charlotte Week! Chef Matthew Krenz takes the elevator from the Asbury to our temporary studios at the Dunhill Hotel in the heart of Downtown Charlotte to chat about cooking, farming, ranching and yelling at line cooks. Chef Ben Philpott of Block & Grinder sits in as our Charlotte affiliate. Learn the gritty details of being the in the kitchen amidst the truth and passion of Chef Krenz' culinary beliefs. We learned a lot. We hope you do as well.

Episode 14 - Bar Manager of Charlotte's Dogwood Southern Table & Bar, Brian Lorusso. Barman Brian Lorusso gets into hospitality, hospitality and hospitality. It's clear that's what makes his bar sing. We chat about Tiki cocktails and a trip to Iceland while understanding why we do this... "This' being 'service'. It's not for everyone, everybody. We felt a calling... do you?

In this episode, it's the beginning of Charlotte week and Chef Ben Philpott joins us get things kicked off. Ben is the executive chef of Block & Grinder (2 locations, Charlotte and Langtree). Ben chats with us about the perfect 'Grind' for an amazing burger and we discuss the trials and tribulations of NC health code rules. Chef Philpott joins us for the week as our Charlotte affiliate for other episodes this week. Listen every day for new episodes this week!

In this episode, Max & Matt sit down with Steve Mangano, the founder/creator of the CurEat App. CurEat is all about enabling consumers to find great independent restaurants by discovering restaurants based on geography, our CurEaters, and their friends. Cut through the clutter and find independently owned restaurants in your destination. Cultivate your lists with your friends, family, and the community.

In this episode, it's our Valentine's Day & Chocolate Show! We speak with Co-CEO & Chocolate Maker of Videri Chocolate Factory, Sam Ratto. We chat with Sam about the art of chocolate making, good coffee, fair trade, Snoop Dogg & the LBC, living in California and why he moved to North Carolina. Also, Videri Chocolate Factory turns 5 years old this weekend! Max gives us his picks for great Valentine's Day restaurants and everyone tells their best V-Day story.

In the Cider episode, we sit down with Black Twig Cider House owner, Mattie Beason. Mattie B is only one of eight Cider experts in the nation and he gives us an intriguing conversation about all things cider related. We talk about the Basque Region, Spain, France, and local North Carolina Cider producers. We also learn what and how to say 'Txotx'! Click to listen!