We sit down with James Beard Nominee chef Oscar Diaz and the owner of the Cortez Raleigh, Charlie Ibarra. Oscar tells the story of sneaking back into Mexico on a research trip. Chef Oscar’s story symbolizes both his and Charlie's mission of fusing the flavors and culture of Mexico with the produce and bounty of North Carolina.

We explore the rise and quality evolution of the Mexican restaurant in America, and the identity crisis of the South Eastern America Latino. In addition to ethnic identity we learn the secret to the Cortez's famous butter beans and what it's like to find out you've been nominated for a JBF award! 

Welcome our newest sponsor, Bestow Baked Goods, currently located in Fuquay-Varina but soon to open in Holly Springs! https://bestowbakedgoods.com

Follow them on Instagram @bestowbakedgoods

Need legal help in the Food and Beverage industry? Reach out to the Forrest Firm and tell them Max and Matt referred you. 

http://forrestfirm.com Forrest Firm, Business Attorneys Across North Carolina

Need wine & beer? Of course you do, get it at https://trianglewineco.com Use promo code 'NCFB' at checkout!

 Hospitality industry veterans, Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss, get behind the scenes of North Carolina's burgeoning food and beverage culture. Hear from local chefs, sommelier's, distillers, farmers, brewers and the whole lot of them in the NC F&B podcast.

Max is a front-of-house vet/sommelier that moved from Los Angeles to North Carolina in 2013. Since moving to North Carolina, he's run restaurants, designed wine programs and builds craft cocktail menus and now produces multiple podcasts. 

Matthew is a certified sommelier from New York. His experience ranges from restaurant/bar to importing some of the finest wines in the world. He moved his family to North Carolina three years ago and works as a wine distributor.

For questions, comments and booking, contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]

Eat & Drink Merrily!