NC F&B Podcast

Join Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss on the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast as they chat with the Mera Brothers, who are opening a new oyster and ceviche restaurant in downtown Raleigh. The trio dives into their journey from a Google search to becoming seasoned oyster farmers, and discuss their plans to vertically integrate their oyster farm with a brick-and-mortar cevicheria. We talk about the challenges and strategies of starting up in the food business, pricing, and the potential of North Carolina's oyster industry.

Expect delicious insights, a behind-the-scenes look at restaurant entrepreneurship, and the promise of affordable, high-quality seafood. All served with a side of vino, cerveza, bourbon, and Shark Week fun!

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

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Got To Be NC!

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In this sizzling episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss spice things up with Duncan Blount, the owner of Shelby Spice from Shelby, NC. As they chew the fat (and some hot sauce), Duncan shares his rockstar passion for crafting premium hot sauces, comparing them to aged bourbon and fine wine. Amid chatter about banjos and bluegrass, Duncan discusses his use of premium vinegars and local family farm-grown peppers. He reveals his process of creating small-batch, single-pot hot sauces that could light up any meal—and maybe even Drake's next hit song. From discussing vinegar's bite to reminiscing about grandma's pepper sauce, this episode is a symphony of humor, heat, and heartfelt craft. Get ready to dance to the beat of hot sauce!

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

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Got To Be NC!

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We turn up the mics and dim the lights for a session with Dr. Cicely Mitchell, Marcel Mercer, and Adrian Lindsey to explore the soulful world of Missy Lane's Assembly Hall. Discover the heart behind this unique jazz club and coffee bar in downtown Durham and get an insider perspective on its vibrant music scene. From classic to modern jazz vibes, experience how Missy Lane's has become a cornerstone of North Carolina's cultural fabric. Learn about their exceptional coffee program, curated cocktails, and the intimate setting that draws top artists like Branford Marsalis. Don't miss out on the special jazz jam sessions, where magic unfolds every Thursday night.

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Got To Be NC!

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In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, co-hosts Max and special guest Felicia Trujillo interview Guy Davis and his son, Cooper Davis of Davis Family Vineyards.

They discuss their comprehensive winemaking journey, spanning from Sonoma, California to Highlands, North Carolina. The discussion delves into North Carolina's distinctive agriculture, the climatic contrasts between the two states, and their impact on wine production. They also highlight the complexities of the wine blending process, particularly in producing sparkling wine, and their collaboration with Tryon Distributing. Reflecting on the evolution of their winemaking practices, the Davises emphasize organic farming and share insights from their experiences in Napa's renowned 1997 vintage.

The episode also celebrates North Carolina's burgeoning food and wine culture, mentioning a memorable dining experience at Native Prime. This podcast provides a deep dive into maintaining a bicoastal wine business and the satisfaction of producing exceptional wines in diverse environments.

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Got To Be NC!

Carrboro Coffee Roasters Here

Having recently celebrated our nation's independence, this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, celebrates 32 years of the independently owned Margaux's in Raleigh. The NC F&B Podcast, hosted by Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss, speaks with owner Steve Horowitz and Chef Andrew Pettifer, as they discuss the restaurant's history, rooted in French Nouvelle cuisine, the pivoting to Pacific Rim and Thai fusion, and the challenges they faced, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode delves into their commitment to fresh, local, sustainable ingredients and the significance of adapting to customer preferences. Margaux's dedication to service, pivots through different trends, and personal connections within the community highlight its enduring success.

WATCH THE SHOW HERE

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Got To Be NC!

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The North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosted by Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss, celebrates Independence Day by featuring veterans who have found new purposes after their service.

From farming at the Veteran's Farm of North Carolina with Robert Elliott to competitive shooting with Memorial Three Gun Foundation's Jordan Comstock and Seth Amidon, the podcast highlights their journeys.

Discussions range from agricultural challenges to thrilling three-gun match events supporting Gold Star families. With fun anecdotes, heartfelt gratitude, and insightful chats on veterans' transitions, the episode also recaps recent events like Bubbles and Brisket and their media shoutouts at the James Beard Awards. Tune in for a mix of humor, camaraderie, and philanthropy.

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Got To Be NC!

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Max Trujillo and special guest host Amber Freeman, from CBS' My Carolina, talk with Kevin Cottrell, the executive chef and partner of Machete in Greensboro. The episode delves into the backstory of Machete, which opened in February 2020 right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and evolved from a supper club. Cottrell discusses his culinary journey, the struggles and triumphs of opening a fine dining restaurant, and how the restaurant's menu balances elevated cuisine with accessibility by incorporating unique inspirations like junk food. The conversation also covers Cottrell's experiences working at high-profile restaurants, the creative freedom of his pop-up supper club days, and the challenges and rewards of introducing upscale dining to Greensboro.

We also get into their other venture, Yokai, which opened in September 2022 offering a casual Japanese dining experience. Max may bring up his Japanese commercial. Get ready.

On the mic this week: @trujillo.media & @amberfreemantv

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Got To Be NC!

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Go behind the scenes and on the Red Carpet at the Lyric Auditorium in Chicago as we dive into the 2024 James Beard Awards! We're in town to support our NC nominated crews, such as Jamie Davis of the Hackney in Washington, NC, Crawford Hospitality for Outstanding Hospitality and Chef Dean Neff for Outstanding Chef.

We take you inside, discuss what it takes to get nominated, what it's like backstage and how the city of Chicago embraces the biggest food event of the year!

Video Production by Forrest Mason

On the mic: @trujillo.media @weisswine

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Got To Be NC!

Delta Airlines

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Here comes a full mug of motivation! Listen to Co-Founder of 321 Coffee's Lindsay Wrege speak about the inspiring stories and seeing potential in people that don't always get the opportunity to rise against odds. Coffee shop + roaster employs individuals with disabilities and brings excellent coffee to the community!

We also speak with special guest co-host, Chef Luis Zouain about his departure from Madre and his new culinary endeavors.

#StoriesThatInspire #PotentialUnleashed

On the mic this week: @trujillo.media & @chefluiszouain

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SYSCO as our Title Sponsor!!

Drink better coffee - get Carrboro Coffee Roasters Here

And welcome our newest sponsor Got To Be NC!

The best kept secret in Winston-Salem is Broad Branch Distillery - Until now. We tasted through the various whiskeys, ryes, and rums with Anna Windham and Donald Jenkins of Broad Branch Distillery. That was a memorable afternoon of tasting. And their commitment for flavors is quite inspiring. Listen in to hear how they started the distillery, the choices they made to keep their style unique and what future plans they have from growth in the heart of Winston-Salem.

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

Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod

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Support our Sponsors:

SYSCO as our Title Sponsor!!

Drink better coffee - get Carrboro Coffee Roasters Here

And welcome our newest sponsor Got To Be NC!