NC F&B Podcast

Learn how to plan your life. Coleen Speaks has it all mapped out. Coleen knew that she wanted to live in New Orleans after high school so she found a university in New Orleans that would accept her and fit her needs. She knew accounting would be a major part of running a business so she decided to major in it in college. While in college she strategically decided that working front of the house at NOLA for Emeril Lagasse would be more knowledge she could bank for her own future business. After New Orleans, Coleen intentionally went to a city that was on the rise as a culinary destination. Not only did Coleen move to Raleigh but also when she got here she worked for none other then Ashley Christensen, waiting tables at the cutting edge Enoteca Vin. While working at Enoteca she also began her catering business, oh and by the way she was five months pregnant! Mrs. Speaks is the ultimate juggler however it's evident that when you love what you do, and you know where you want to go, you grow extra hands to juggle with. Coleen grew Posh Nosh catering from a small kitchen in her home to today where she has three businesses at the ultra-cool dock 1053 adjacent to downtown Raleigh. Three businesses aforementioned are Hummingbird Café, Posh Nosh Catering and the party venue for catering events Whitaker and Atlantic. Impressive would be an understatement in describing Coleen Speaks. I recommend that unless you are Kasparov; do not challenge this woman in chess!

Blake Gotliffe doesn't stop. After Blake regained consciousness from a heroin overdose to find himself in his mother's arms and alive he regained control of his life. His near death experience was the catalyst for him to be able to juggle so many businesses and activities. Whether Blake is curing meat to end up at your next dinner party or perhaps on your sandwich order from Meats and Pickles, he doesn't stop. Blake might be pickling vegetables picked from his own garden so that he can use that in a future Under the Oak Farms dish. It doesn't end there as Blake might be helping his expecting wife Megan create a new icing for her I Do Cakes business or he might be reaching out to colleagues to help him out in a Roots For Reece charity dinner. At this juncture of the story you get the point, Blake Gotliffe is not only a tenacious worker but a talented and resourceful chef. Hear how darkness turns to light in this story of an addict revived!

"Cheap seafood ain't good & good seafood ain't cheap!" Listen to the silky tones of the Steward of North Carolina Aquaculture aka our original fan, Top Chef contestant Keith Rhodes explain that statement. Chef Keith walks the walk and talks the talk. He literally eats, breathes and sleeps (in that order by the way) the North Carolina food culture. Rare is it to find such humility, passion and sincere zeal for others' success, in such an accomplished chef. Chef Keith Rhodes is a 3 time best chef Wilmington award winner and a James Beard Award nominee for best chef in the Southeast. Keith discuses the high level of work, dedication and focus it takes to be successful in the restaurant business. We delve into how a prospective chef should build their resume. We come to understand how the culinary culture has ethnically evolved in this country; thanks to television minorities can see chefs of the same ethnic background become successful in the culinary world, it becomes a "if you can see, I can be" mentality. There are so many valuable lessons learned in this episode. Find chefs who go beyond cooking, their soul speaks to the community. Understand why it's important to eat local and support your neighbors. Finally, answer the question, are we experiencing a turning point in North Carolina food culture different from anything before? Listen and learn!

The future Mayor of Wilmington, North Carolina must be Billy Mellon. Billy is a driving force behind putting Wilmington on the culinary map. Manna is one of the culinary beacons of North Carolina, east of interstate 95. Thanks to his stick-to-itiveness, resiliency, innate sense of hospitality and his attention to detail, Manna is thriving. In addition to building a restaurant, Billy shakes hands, kisses babies, finds up-and-coming musical acts and also directs the 40 Eats culinary collaborative. He literally does it all from helping to raise his son, curate the wine list, oh and now he's writing a book. Billy is not only the future mayor of Wilmington but he is also the angel feeding the people "Manna" from heaven. Fascinating does not even begin to describe Billy; you will have to listen for the whole story. On top of everything, we learn what Ronnie James Dio means and the origin of Devil Horns. When I tell you this episode has it all, believe me.

Walk up the down staircase a few times in your life. Going in the opposite direction will give you perspective and give you insight into the minds of Dean Neff and Lydia Clopton. Dean and Lydia's journey took them from Athens, GA to Atlanta through Asheville, NC to finally settle on the coast in Wilmington, NC. Some Chef's come in with pre-conceived notions of what a restaurant in going to be but not Dean and Lydia, they let the place and space dictate the menu. Some might say they listened to the waves. Pinpoint takes fresh and local ingredients and turns them into sophisticated yet crowd pleasing food. We learn how local catfish can be elevated into an ethereal dish and how roasted dandelion root can turn into delicious ice cream. Dean Neff learned from the best such as Hugh Acheson and Jonathan Fleer, after fifteen plus years of world class tutelage Dean was ready for his own restaurant. With Lydia Clopton providing desserts to equal Dean's savory menu a gem of a restaurant was born right near the water in downtown Wilmington, NC. CLICK FOR TICKETS TO 'PORK & RUM' JANUARY 28TH, 2018

Would you like to be wealthy? Listen closely to Chef Ben Barker's wisdom and you will be rich with stories of humility, North Carolina history and family values. Chef Ben Barker is literally a living legend of NC, he has won the James Beard award for best chef in the southeast and has been nominated six times. His restaurant Magnolia Grill was the epicenter of North Carolina Cuisine for decades. The coolest part of Ben's story goes beyond the man. Karen Barker, Ben's wife is also a James Beard award winner for Outstanding Pastry Chef in 2003. On top of all their success, the Barkers are still in the game as they are intimately involved in their son Gabe's restaurant Pizzeria Mercato. Join us in Carrboro, NC where we sat down to chat with the Godfather of North Carolina fine dining.

Charlie is quite a big Deal! Learn how one man, who could at times be perceived as curmudgeonly, is in fact a gregarious restaurateur. Charlie Deal is a chef, sommelier and innovator all wrapped up into one. We covered everything in this episode. We learned why Charlie left the Golden State behind to move to North Carolina. Hear how he changes food to match the wine. Why there is too much sugar in most Asian food. We learned the art of the short list and how to cleverly buy close out wine deals. Listen to why Charlie is in love with Gamay. Oh yeah we also talked about virginity. I told you this one has it all!

Jordan Salcito is a woman possessed with success. Whether the task is staging at Restaurant Daniel for Daniel Boulud or working harvest in Burgundy for Alix de Montille she will achieve. Get this woman to a spin class in the morning and watch her run the world for the rest of the day. Jordan joined us at Poole's Diner in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. Jordan was in NC to raise awareness for her creations Bellus wines and Ramona. While Jordan was here we took the opportunity to chat about what it's like to work for David Chang and be the Director of Wine and Special Projects for Momofuku restaurants. We also got behind the scenes of what it's like to sit for the Master Sommelier exam, be a mom and a somm and finally what High-Low means. Listen to this episode to be inspired, awed and entertained. Jordan's story is one of endless energy and drive plus intelligence and charm. Forget TED Talks, sit down with Jordan for about an hour.

Say yes, that is the motto that Sunny Lin lives by and how Sophia Woo gets her to join in on the Pho-King fun. These girls turned their lives upside down and literally took a wild ride in creating the Dump Pho (pronounced fuh) king food truck. Within a year of beginning the Vietnamese food truck they were approached by The Food Network to compete in The Great Food Truck Race television show. Despite almost crashing the truck and many other potential disasters, the newly named Pho-nomenal truck won the Competition. The winnings from the television show gave the ladies a small nest egg, Sophia had an idea, Sunny said yes and soon enough Mofu Shoppe opened in downtown Raleigh, NC. This episode takes you on a grand journey. You will learn how a biomedical engineer and a PWC accountant upheave their lives and follow their passion into the culinary realm. From food truck wars to battling the restaurant scene in downtown Raleigh, these ladies are warriors!

Out to the coast we traveled, (that's right, Wilmington, North Carolina) to find out what's new with Co- Tar heel of the Year Mrs. Vivian "High Rent/Big Time/The Viver" Howard & her man at arms Mr. Ben aka Benny "Big Time" Knight. Max and Matt vetted Benny's Big Time Pizzeria and made sure the coast was clear for you to visit. https://www.facebook.com/bennysbigtime/ This Pizzeria is appropriately named; everything about it is truly Big Time! We found out this project was a Ben does and Vivian ask questions later scenario. In the end, sometimes the husbands do know best and this place is proof. Find out about their neopolitanesque pizza, the wood fired ovens and how they came to put their trust in Chef James Diecchio aka "we love Dim." One final tidbit, a little birdie told me you might see this episode on season 6 of A Chef's Life. (http://www.pbs.org/food/shows/a-chefs-life/) Director Cynthia Hill and crew had the cameras rolling! Oh and I almost forgot we find out more about Vivian's rock star reading with her son, tune in!

Creating with your hands is almost as sexy as that scene from Ghost with Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze. Who knew that local North Carolina clay, a stove on steroids (aka a kiln) and one brain researcher could be so damn cool? I'll tell you who did, TV's John May and bad ass chef Mike Lee of M Sushi, M Koko and soon to be M Taco. Those two culinary titans recognized that the dinnerware of Matt Hallyburton could showcase their food in a fervently stylish but useful way that no other plates had done. John and Mike are not the only one's to have recognized Matt's talents, his lore has stretched south as he has caught the eye of chef Sean Brock and collaborated with him to create plate ware for the new Husk restaurant in Georgia. Matt explains pottery from the digging of the clay to the firing of the glaze. In this episode you will learn about "throwing a piece," temperature use on clay, North Carolina potting history and why some glazes are better than others. When you listen to this episode you will understand the importance of sexy but useable ceramic dinnerware!

Rich molasses and sweet unrefined sugar is how you make rum, a new lifestyle and a fortune. Well, maybe not the fortune part at least not financially but spiritually, scientifically and flavorfully the Lassiter's are building a fortune! Rebecca and Gentry Lassiter have a fresh and intellectual spin on how to build a business and market a spirit. Artistic latitude, "Distill My Heart," from Redboot Stills, Iowa and the white oak from Blackwater barrel in South Carolina is what differentiates Lassiter Rum from the rest. In this episode you will hear how a corporate couple transitions into the world of distilling and sometimes more importantly the marketing of spirits. This episode has it all, family, tears, laughter, nerd rum speak and legal malarkey. Gobble gobble ladies and gents, listen while you baste your turkey!

Fascinating is not often a word you associate with a butcher, but that's Meredith Leigh. http://www.mereleighfood.com Meredith is not only fascinating, she's a bad ass butcher, a writer and most importantly a thoughtful human being. This is the story of how a vegetarian ends up seeing the other side of meat, or in other words ethical meat. In this episode we learned how you can DIY butchering at home with sub primal meats such as the "Chuck Eye Roll," "The Craft and Poetry of Curing Meat at Home," bit.ly/2A1OtuI why "I'm Right and You're an Idiot," and finally why Max has an adolescent brain. Rarely in life do we meet people who are so considerate of not only the environment and every thing in it but, also aware of adverse perspectives. Whether you are a carnivore or a vegetarian this is a must listen. Thank you Meredith for your awareness and for your literary works.

These spoken words will take you higher as you understand the inner thoughts from the host of https://orderfire.tv. Learn how chefs elevate and create, whether it's on television or in a kitchen, Marc Jacksina is always thinkin'. Marc dishes on slam poetry, Charlotte and work life balance, with this man's work ethic, he could probably do as many push-ups as Jack Palance. The city slick is in him but he sure knows how to pick em', produce, veggies, meat or fish listen up because Marc has all the ingredients to serve the best dish. Peter Taylor films and produces the story so Marc can bring all the culinary talent their due glory. Listen to this man and learn, between drama, family and food, if there's a concern in this episode an answer will be discerned.

The secret to great bread making is fermentation. Master baker Lionel Vatinet of La Farm bakery in Cary divulged that secret and many others in the latest episode. We get the skinny on why and how Lionel became a master baker. Also, Matt finally gets a legitimate answer as to why French bread is superior to all others. Why does a French Master Baker end up in Cary, North Carolina? Lionel honed his craft from the age of 16 in the bread guild (aka Les Compagnon des Devoir) and one of the key tenets of the guild is travel. Lionel's journey has literally taken him all over the world. Lionel has done everything from coaching Lebanese on how to perfect pita bread to teaching bakers in San Francisco how to improve their sourdough. Ever the suave Frenchmen, Lionel met his wife Missy on a work project in Chicago. After a cross-country love affair Lionel and his wife decided that north Carolina would be the ideal location to begin a sophisticated bakery. Today La Farm is opening up their third location and this time it's inside of a Whole Foods! "This partnership marks an exciting moment in America's bread revolution," explained Missy Vatinet. "(Whole Foods) believes in our product and in our long-term goal of cultivating a healthy grain industry. This is just the kind of support we need to continue our work with local farms, millers and scientists in the wheat and grain industry, to further the research in organic and heirloom grains, and ultimately, to bring outstanding, nutritious breads to our community." In this episode you will not only learn about baking bread but you will also understand how and where to buy quality bread. To say that this episode has a certain je ne sais quoi would be an understatement.

Episode 66 - Birdsong Brewing with Chris Goulet Quit your job, open up a neighborhood brewery and completely geek out on beer! That's what Tara and Chris Goulet did. If you accept this mission and are as smart and enthusiastic as Chris, you too within 5 years will have a 17,000 square foot facility and 30 barrel brewhouse to make any damn beer you please! Especially beers named after the band Rush. Chris brews up all kinds of knowledge and thought on #craftbeer. Birdsong is based on a simple American Style Pale Ale and this strong base allows them to experiment with many other concoctions. The creativity of Birdsong created a cult following that literally has beer aficionados foaming at the mouth while waiting for the "Thirsty Thursday" release. Our adventure in beer began in episode 44 with Bond brothers when we learned a lot scientifically about beer. With Birdsong we go further into the business side of a craft brewery. Whether it's fresh cut jalapeños in the Jalapeño Pale ale or the considerate low water use of the brewery Birdsong has thought of it all…so far.

Episode 65 - Maximilian Kast of Broadbent Selections Journey from Montana to Pittsboro North Carolina with Advanced Sommelier Maximillian Kast. Max enlightens the NC F&B Pod on what it's like to work at the 5 diamond Forbes award winning property, the Fearrington House. Max also shared why he chose to leave the Fearrington house after 10 years and go to the "dark side," AKA sales and marketing side of wines with Broadbent Selections. http://www.broadbent.com We also get a glimpse of what it's like to sit for the Master Sommelier exam as we blind taste through six wines with Max. In the tasting we find out how a Master Sommelier candidate dissects a glass of wine and uses deductive reasoning to "suss" out its origins. Finally, Max and Matt are also put to the test in this episode in order to find out their blind tasting prowess. Listen and taste with us while we schmooze and sip with Max Kast.

Episode 67 - Grand Tasting TerraVita 2017 Were you unable to make it to Terra Vita this year? No worries, Max & Matt have you covered. We did everything, including eat for you. Take a listen to hear highlights from the "premier culinary event in the Southeast." We help "spread the gospel of sustainable food and drink," through the stories of award-winning chefs, authors, educators, producers and farmers. The line up went like this: Jamie Swofford- "I grow, forage, and find ingredients for chefs in the piedmont and foothills of NC" He's also the Maker of @oldnorthshrub Botanical Beverages. www.thechefsfarmer.com Chef Ricky Moore- Proprietor- Seasonal Seafood Freshly Cooked, Good Fish That's The Hook. www.saltboxseafoodjoint.com and find out why #rickysgotshittodo Chef Isaiah Allen- of http://theeddypub.com in Saxapahaw, NC and Rocky Run Farm dishes about farms, pubs and food. Chef Sarah Cuni gets to the root of the problem of food, wine and politics at https://rootcellarchapelhill.com Chef's Jeff Seizer & Jesse Bardyn discuss being royalty at http://www.royaleraleigh.com in the capitol city. Chef Jesse Roque of http://www.theneverblue.com in Hendersonville, NC combines Filipino cuisine with local NC produce. There are also a few dishes with… wait for it… crickets… Chef Colin Bedford of https://www.fearrington.com this 5 Diamond Forbes Chef competes in ironmans, chows down on burgers and enjoys beer! Queen & Creator of Terra Vita, Mrs Colleen Minton wraps up the 4-day event and looks forward to year 9!

We #GetSmashed with the gents from Smash Waffle! Justin Cox waffles biggest hero and Hunter Harrison waffles biggest "fanboi" are teeming with entrepreneurial enthusiasm. We riffed on the origin of the "Belgian Liege Waffle," and why their recipe is crisp on the outside and pleasantly doughy on the inside. Waffles are not just for breakfast anymore, they are for lunch, dinner, dessert and a late night snack. This episode will make you hungry at anytime of the day. Pretty soon you will be able to cure that hunger as Smash Waffle is opening up brick and mortar locations near you. The First Smash Waffle café will be in Raleigh, NC. Justin and Hunter are precise, enthusiastic and sincere. You will hear about how they conceived smash waffles, the grass roots marketing campaign that launched it and finally how Justin despite being a non-written recipe believer is able to translate his recipe into a repeatable, franchise creating formula. Listen to an adventure in business, friendship, and creating a food group. And buy your Wine & Beer from TriangleWineCo.com and use our promo code "NCFB" to receive 10% off your purchase! And get your Blind Wine Tasting Six Pack at Triangle Wine Company for $99!

Episode 62 - euphoria Greenville, SC 2017 Max & Matt hightailed it to euphoria in Greenvile, South Carolina to catch up with legends and rising stars of the culinary world. The conversations had there were not only euphoric, they were historic. Leading off was a 2009 James Beard Award nominee for best chef in the southeast, Mr. Bruce Moffett. Bruce has three restaurants in Charlotte, Barrington, Good Food on Montford & Stagoni. We talked about his upcoming book "South by North," his influence on elevating the Charlotte food scene, which oh by the way he won a Pegasus award for! We did have to end the conversation when Chef Bruce began professing his love for the New England Patriots all while explaining why his son was a Carolina Panthers fan. Then, Matt & Max knelt at the feet of BBQ royalty Sam Jones as he joined us with Matthew Register of Southern Smoke BBQ. Sam and Matt dug deep into the pit of BBQ, we discussed regional differences, wood preference and of course vinegar versus tomato based sauce. We also got the official story of why National Geographic named Skylight Inn BBQ the capitol of BBQ in America and why Sam Jones BBQ is the evolution of that. Plus we get insight into Sam's life and what its like to be the crowned prince of BBQ. Taylor Garrigan & Aaron Siegel of Home Team BBQ then stopped by our studio to educate us on how to evolve from a fine dining chef to a BBQ pit master and thus create a powerhouse BBQ franchise in multiple states. Taylor and Aaron also explained why their version of BBQ is upholding the integrity of BBQ while still being able to push it to new heights. Up and comer Chef Trey Bell of Larue Elm & Rue Bar stopped by to chat about what's happening in Greensboro, NC. Trey also schooled us on how to run a traditional French kitchen in these modern times. To top it off, we exchanged home cooking favorites with the organizer of Lambstock, Mr. John & Sharon Park AKA Hungry Asian & Mrs. Hungry Asian. It's our longest single episode, but it's a great listen filled with history, technique & laughs. LINEUP: Bruce Moffett of Barrington's Stagioni & Good Food on Montford Sam Jones of Skylight Inn BBQ in Ayden, NC Matthew Register of Southern Smoke BBQ in Garland, NC Aaron Siegel & Taylor Garrigan of Home Team BBQ in Charleston & Aspen Trey Bell of La Rue Elm in Greensboro, NC Food Mavens John & Sharon Park aka @HungryAsianRke & @MrsHungryAsian

Episode 61 - Cappie Peete Chapman of www.ACRestaurants.com They call her "The Young Gun Somm," and this episode with Cappie Peete Chapman is a blaze of glory. We discuss her origins in the wine world all the way back to being a South Carolina Gamecock, to eventually learning how to run beverage programs for James Beard Award winning chef Sean Brock when she was at McCrady's in Charleston, SC. Cappie has come full circle back to her native North Carolina when another James Beard award winning chef Ashley Christensen lured her to Raleigh to run beverage for AC Restaurant Group. Cappie dishes information on how to pair wines with Mexican food when she was creating the beverage program for Minero and also gives insight on how a relatively young person can successfully manage people. Grab a glass of vino, listen and learn!

Episode 60 - Sanctuary Vineyards with Inez Ribustello We took the show on the road to the Tarboro Brewing Company (tarborobrewingcompany.com) where renowned Sommelier Inez (AKA Inie) Ribustello introduced us to Sanctuary Vineyards (sanctuaryvineyards.com) of Currituck, John Wright the owner/vineyard manger and Casey Matthews the winemaker. We sat down, not only taste their wines, but to get schooled on the history of their specific piece of land on the outer banks of North Carolina. We rediscovered the fact that North Carolina led the USA in wine production from the end of the civil war through prohibition. We learned how it's possible to maintain a bird sanctuary, evolve a 3rd generation family farm into a modern day winery, all while convincing your uncle and dad that this is good for business. The wines are delicious, the story is captivating and the location is sensational. Grab a glass, take a listen, sip generously and learn all about this magnificent North Carolina Winery.

Episode 3 - Clark Barlowe & the KUDU Grills of Lambstock We brought the team to Border Springs Farm in Patrick Springs, VA for the 8th year of Lambstock; a chef-inspired, invite-only, event that happens every 2nd weekend of August. As a podcast that primarily focuses on the food & beverage industry of North Carolina, we traveled up to Virginia for a unique experience that is known to many in the restaurant industry. No money exchanges hands. It's a collective of like-minded people bringing their talent and experience to provide food & drink for a few days while camping out in a sheep pasture. IN EPISODE 3 - We learn about the best open fire grill in the South, produced by Stebin Horne of Kudu Grills. And we end our Lambstock experience with Chef/Owner of Heirloom in Charlotte, Clark Barlowe. We talk podcasts, mushrooms, his bromance with Kyle and why Lambstock is important to our industry. This series sponsored by: The CurEat App Food-Seen Van Daughtry Consulting

Episode 2 - The Liquification of Lambstock We focus on the drinks at Lambstock by starting with our GM of the NC F&Bar, Matthew Bettinger of C.Grace Raleigh, NC & Sidebar, Cary, NC. Later, we talk with the ladies from Virginia, Chef Brittanny Anderson (Metzger Bar + Butchery & Brenner Pass) & GM of the VA Bar Kristel Poole of Graffiato. Lastly, we finish up with former guest, Bartender of Dogwoods Southern Table in Charlotte, Brian 'The Hammer' LoRusso. Sponsors: The CurEat App (Steve Mangano) Food-Seen Van Daughtry Consulting Audio Produced/Edited: Max Trujillo

The NC F&B Podcast, featuring a 3-part series of Lambstock 2017. We brought the team to Border Springs Farm in Patrick Springs, VA for the 8th year of Lambstock; a chef-inspired, invite-only, event that happens every 2nd weekend of August. As a podcast that primarily focuses on the food & beverage industry of North Carolina, we traveled up to Virginia for a unique experience that is known to many in the restaurant industry. No money exchanges hands. It's a collective of like-minded people bringing their talent and experience to provide food & drink for a few days while camping out in a sheep pasture. Episode 1 features the Lore of Lambstock. We kick it off with the Shepherd of Border Springs, Craig Rogers. Followed up with James Clark & Bill Hartley of Postal Fish Company in Pittsboro, NC and closed with Writer/Podcaster Amber Donaghue of Haute Dish in Charlotte, NC. Hosts: Max Trujillo & Matthew Weiss Sponsors: The CurEat App (Steve Mangano) Food-Seen Van Daughtry Consulting Audio Produced/Edited: Max Trujillo Video Produced/Edited: Forrest Mason

Episode 56 - TerraVita Fest with Colleen Minton http://www.terravitafest.com #terravita2017 Listen to the Founder & Director of the TerraVita Festival. Celebrating its eighth year, TerraVita has grown into a multi-day celebration that brings together top chefs, food artisans, sommeliers, baristas, brewers, educators, distillers, cookbook authors and industry luminaries from across the Southeast to celebrate culinary excellence and sustainability in food and drink. Purchase tickets: https://www.showclix.com/events/19172 This episode sponsored by Van Daughtry Consulting, cureatapp.com & Food-seen.com Don't miss out on Pepperfest Sunday, September 24th in Briar Chapel, Chapel Hill. For more information, go to pepperfestnc.org

Episode 55 - A Chef's Life Premiere Party with Vivian Howard Both Max & Matt ventured to Durham, NC to the 21c Hotel https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/durham/ to host the After-Party Podcast with members from the Emmy Award Winning PBS Show, A Chef's Life. Season 5 will premiere Oct. 5th but we have the behind-the-scenes conversation with Chef Vivian Howard, Farmer Warren Brothers, ex-Chef de Cuisines John May & Brian Kaderavek, Sous Chef/Food Truck Driver Casey Atwater and batting cleanup, Director/Creator Cynthia Hill. The show is intriguing, entertaining and soulful. And their success is obvious because what makes it special are the lives of the people they follow. A Chef's Life is about a chef, a farmer, a town and a community. Listen with us as we become temporary members of their lives. If you're a fan of the show, this is an absolute must-listen. This episode sponsored by Daughtry Consulting, Food-Seen.com & the Cureat App.

Our last installment from BevCon in Charleston, South Carolina where we met with some of the best in the food and beverage business. From all of our experiences and interviews, we decided it would be best to release multiple episodes this week. Tuesday: Sommelier, Winemaker and Designer André Hueston Mack. Wednesday: Beverage Director of Atlanta's Staplehouse, Melissa Davis Thursday: Wall Street Journal best-selling author Fred Minnick Friday: Wine Forum with: Pax Mahle - Winemaker of Pax Mahle Wines in California Patrick Cappiello - Wine Director of Rebelle Restaurant, Walnut Street Café, and the producer of Forty Ounce Wines Grayson Schmitz - Executive Chef of BKLYN Larder in New York & 2-time Top Chef participant Jon Bonné - American Wine Writer, columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, and senior contributing editor for Punch

We took the show on the road to Charleston, South Carolina where we met with some of the best in the food and beverage business. From all of our experiences and interviews, we decided it would be best to release multiple episodes this week. Tuesday: Sommelier, Winemaker and Designer André Hueston Mack. Wednesday: Beverage Director of Atlanta's Staplehouse, Melissa Davis Thursday: Wall Street Journal best-selling author Fred Minnick Friday: Wine Forum with: Pax Mahle - Winemaker of Pax Mahle Wines in California Patrick Cappiello - Wine Director of Rebelle Restaurant, Walnut Street Café, and the producer of Forty Ounce Wines Grayson Schmitz - Executive Chef of BKLYN Larder in New York & 2-time Top Chef participant Jon Bonné - American Wine Writer, columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, and senior contributing editor for Punch

We took the show on the road to Charleston, South Carolina where we met with some of the best in the food and beverage business. From all of our experiences and interviews, we decided it would be best to release multiple episodes this week. Tuesday: Sommelier, Winemaker and Designer André Hueston Mack. Wednesday: Beverage Director of Atlanta's Staplehouse, Melissa Davis Thursday: Wall Street Journal best-selling author Fred Minnick Friday: Wine Forum with: Pax Mahle - Winemaker of Pax Mahle Wines in California Patrick Cappiello - Wine Director of Rebelle Restaurant, Walnut Street Café, and the producer of Forty Ounce Wines Grayson Schmitz - Executive Chef of BKLYN Larder in New York & 2-time Top Chef participant Jon Bonné - American Wine Writer, columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, and senior contributing editor for Punch

Episode 51 - BevCon 2017 1 of 4 featuring Andre Hueston Mack We took the show on the road to Charleston, South Carolina where we met with some of the best in the food and beverage business. From all of our experiences and interviews, we decided it would be best to release multiple episodes this week. Tuesday: André Hueston Mack, Sommelier, Winemaker & Designer https://maisonnoirwines.com/andre-hueston-mack/ Wednesday: Melissa Davis, Beverage Director of Atlanta's http://www.staplehouse.com Thursday: Fred Minnick, Wall Street Journal best-selling author Friday: Wine Forum with: Pax Mahle - Winemaker of https://paxwine.com in California Patrick Cappiello - Wine Director of http://rebellenyc.com, http://www.walnutstreetcafe.com, and the producer of http://fortyouncewines.com Grayson Schmitz - Executive Chef of http://www.bklynlarder.com in New York & 2-time Top Chef participant Jon Bonné - American Wine Writer, columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, and senior contributing editor for http://punchdrink.com This week sponsored by: https://www.food-seen.com https://cureatapp.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/van-daughtry-6b69493b/

Episode 50 - Ashley Christensen of http://ac-restaurants.com We celebrate our 50th episode in style. Chef Ashley Christensen sits in studio to chat about her life, her family, and why she does what she does...beyond food. We get a little inspirational and tamper it down with some good ol' tales of the business. Ashley is truly the definition of a Raleigh chef and our bellies couldn't be happier. It's clear to hear that being a chef is only the first layer of the onion that is Chef Christensen. We are proud and humbled to have a legend in the industry speak to these two yankees from out of town. North Carolina is better for having Ashley Christensen living with our limits. http://ac-restaurants.com

Episode 49 - Chris Jude of the http://fairgamebeverage.com joins us to talk spirits, bio-fuel, sorghum and his Jetta. Listen to hear about the beautiful things coming out of Pittsboro, NC and we discuss the art of making Brandy, Calvados and the technique of distilling Carolina Agricole Rum. We also announce the winner of the 2 tickets to the premiere party for A Chef's Life Season 5! Download the CurEat App for free in iTunes & Android! This episode sponsored in part by Food-Seen.com and CurEat

Episode 48 - What it Takes to be an Entrepreneur | NCRLA Expo 2017 http://www.ncrla.org North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association We went LIVE at the 2017 NCRLA Expo in front of thousands (maybe 40) people. In the hour before the solar eclipse, we speak with 3 entrepreneurs from different walks of life but whom all share the drive to make their own way in the food & beverage industry. Panelists include: • Felicia Perry-Trujillo of https://www.food-seen.com, (Professional Photography, Social Media Management & Website Design for the Food, Beverage and Table Ware industries of North Carolina.) • Kim Hammer of http://bittersweetraleigh.com, a cocktail, dessert & coffee lounge & http://raleighprovisions.com, a corner shop in the heart of Downtown Raleigh providing North Carolina specialty food, wine & beer. • And an entrepreneur changing lanes at the height of his success from a multi-restaurant hospitality group http://www.eschelonexperiences.com, to releasing his latest venture in the beverage industry, http://www.socialhousevodka.com - 2017 NCRLA Restaurateur of the Year, G. Patel. We hope to speak to the young entrepreneur and inspire them to make a difference in our industry. Eat & drink merrily...

Episode 47 - Slingshot Coffee Wife-Husband team of Jenny & Jonathan Bonchak chat with us about their widely popular cold-brew coffee, https://www.slingshotcoffeecompany.com. We learn about the drive to succeed without pretense. They collaborate across the nation while negotiating nationwide distribution decisions. With a new facility on the way, Slingshot is shooting for the moon, and we're drinking it in. This episode sponsored by Food-Seen.com & the cureatapp.com

Episode 46 - Gallo Pelon Y Centro We sit down with Angela Salamanca & Marshall Davis of Centro, a Mexican Restaurant with South American influence and Gallo Pelon, a Mezcaleria. They speak about their business collaborations, the study of Mezcal and their new joint effort coming out next year! http://gallopelon.com http://www.centroraleigh.com To Win 2 tickets to A CHEF'S LIFE Season Five Premiere party, Write a review on iTunes and tag 2 friends in the comment section on our Instagram post about A CHEF'S LIFE! And download the CurEat App for Free in iTunes!

Episode 45 - Sono Sushi with Chef Hyun-Woo Kim & James Yang With Án in their past, both Chef Hyun-Woo Kim and General Manager James Yang take control of Sono in the midst of transition. The sushi menu has been thoughtfully curated and the saké menu is on point. Án was a focal point for business travelers to the triangle area and closed after a 10 year run. In the dark of night, the doors closed and the staff was left to pick up the pieces and figure out the next move. The lifeblood of Án, the chef and General Manager, transitioned to to Sono. Sono has been a hub for Downtown Raleigh and caters to a worldly palate. This is a new inception of the project has recently been welcomed by it's local inhabitants. Listen to Max, Matt, James and Kim get into Saké and the pairing potential with such a diverse cuisine as sushi. We taste quite a few saké bottles over a conversation fueled by cuisine and flavors. Please continue to listen to the NC F&B Podcast. We have other really great episodes!

Episode 44 - http://www.bondbrothersbeer.com We go to beer school with Co-Founder, Brewmaster, Certified Cicerone Whit Baker & Head of Blending & Certified Cicerone, Sean McKinney of USA Today's Best New Brewery in the Universe! We don't always chat with beer pros, but damn when we do, we do it well. Whit & Sean break down the complexities and beauty of making and drinking beer. We talk, we taste, we laugh, we burp. This episode sponsored by Photography, Social Media Management and Web-Designers: Food-Seen https://www.food-seen.com & The CurEat App. Click to download the CurEat App in iTunes>>> itunes.apple.com/us/app/cureat/id1136256011?mt=8

In today's episode, we took the show on the road down to Charlotte, NC to get a private drinking session with the Ritz-Carlton's 2015 Global Bartender of the Year, Bob Peters! Bob invited us to the Punch Room, a craft cocktail lounge on the 15th floor of Charlotte's Ritz-Carlton. Between the tour of the rooftop-garden, the magical punch bowl of drinks, the comfortable hospitality and the education on cocktails, we experienced pure bar nirvana. We hear tale of Bob's growth from dive bars to picking herbs over Charlotte's skyline for tonight's drink menu. Bob tastes us on the honey cultivated from the hotel's rooftop beehive. Bob gives us his best picks for places to dine and drink in CLT while serving us a few rounds of delicious cocktails. Give a listen and don't forget to download the CurEat App for free in iTunes!

Episode 42 - Katy & Joe Kindred http://kindreddavidson.com On the road to Davidson, NC where we had the pleasure of meeting the husband/wife team of Kindred, Joe & Katy Kindred. Bon Appétit named Kindred America's Top Ten Best New Restaurants 2015, including Joe Kindred's semifinalist nod for the James Beard Foundation's Best Chef: Southeast award in 2016 & 2017. We talk family, food, staffing and good bathroom reading material. We also chat about their new restaurant opening soon, Hello Sailor, of which, Eater.com named to the top 16 most anticipated new restaurants of 2017. https://www.eater.com/2017/1/13/14258922/best-new-restaurants-2017-opening-winter-spring Their family-friendly approach to high-end cuisine is refreshing and quaint among their flashy and stuffy contemporaries. When in Davidson, you must eat here. This episode sponsored by Photography, Social Media Management and web-designers: Food-Seen https://www.food-seen.com & The CurEat App. Click to download the CurEat App in iTunes>>> itunes.apple.com/us/app/cureat/id1136256011?mt=8

Episode 41 - Raleigh Raw's Sherif Fouad & Leslie Woods Go to https://www.raleighraw.com to check out their menu and locations. We interview the cold-pressed juice-heads of Raleigh Raw and get straight to why drinking their juice is not only delicious & beneficial to your health, but also how important the business was for Sherif Fouad's life. Leaving a destructive lifestyle behind him, Sherif and Leslie Woods created their own business through help from other entrepreneurs, such as G. Patel, and struggled to make it succeed. Raleigh Raw is about to open their 2nd location and is thriving in the heart of downtown Raleigh. This episode sponsored by Photography, Social Media Management and web-designers: Food-Seen https://www.food-seen.com & The CurEat App. Click to download the CurEat App in iTunes>>> itunes.apple.com/us/app/cureat/id1136256011?mt=8

Episode 40 - Alyssa Barkley of the NCRLA For show notes: ncfbpodcast.com In this episode, we speak to Alyssa Barkley, Chief Operating Officer/Health and Safety Regulations for the NCRLA. We talk about the North Carolina concerns such as the passing of the Grill Bill, awaiting the decisions on the Brunch Bill, the NCRLA Expo happening Aug 21st & 22nd http://www.ncrl-expo.com. And click to download the CurEat App in iTunes>>> itunes.apple.com/us/app/cureat/id1136256011?mt=8

Episode 39 - Crude Bitters with Craig Rudewicz http://www.crudebitters.com We turn on the mics and open the bar with the founder of Crude Bitters, Craig Rudewicz. Listen to how he started his bitters company from a corner of restaurant kitchen to opening his own shop to winning the Good Food Award. Click here for show notes for this episode: www.ncfbpodcast.com And click to download the CurEat App in iTunes>>> https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cureat/id1136256011?mt=8

We did it once, we'll do it again! Episode 39.5 is a re-release of our show with the founder of the CurEat App, Stave Mangano. https://cureatapp.com CurEat has recently become a sponsor of our show and since we released his episode so long ago, it's a nice refresher course to check out what he's doing. Available to download for free in iTunes, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cur-eat/id1136256011?ls=1&mt=8 CurEat cuts through the clutter to bring you concise lists of the best places to eat in town across the country. Follow CurEaters in various towns and learn from their lists. Create your own lists of your favorite things to do in your current town, hometown and the places you like to visit. Share your lists with your friends too! No reviews, just endorsements from people that care about the dining industry. Don't forget to review us on Soundcloud and iTunes! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nc-f-b-podcast/id1166754661?mt=2 Eat, drink and be merry.

Episode 38 - G. Patel of http://www.socialhousevodka.com & http://www.eschelonexperiences.com/ This is THE entrepreneur episode. Gaurav 'G' Patel speaks about his business ventures from a little boy farming crops in India to booking Prince and Usher to late-night club parties in Raleigh, NC. Somehow, G created Eschelon Experiences along with many successful restaurants, and some struggles along the way, to now releasing his first distilled spirit, Social House Vodka. Click the link and download the CurEat App in iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cureat/id1136256011?mt=8

Episode 37 - Garland's Cheetie Kumar & Paul Siler We sit down with 2017 James Beard Award semifinalist for best chef Southeast: Chef/Musician Cheetie Kumar and Musician/Restaurateur Paul Siler of garlandraleigh.com, kingsraleigh.com & neptunesparlour.com. Cheetie talks about growing up in India and cooking as a young child. We chat about the growth and change of their band, Birds Of Avalon birdsofavalon.com and the balance of life & art. Paul talks about how he and Cheetie met and gives us the lowdown on hospitality. This episode sponsored by @cureatapp & food-seen.com Download the CurEat App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cureat/id1136256011?mt=8

Episode 36 - Chef Frank Fronda & Charlie Candelas This episode is a break from our typical NC conversation. We break the rules a bit due to opportunity. Max & Matt's former mentor Chef Frank Fronda was in town with his business partner, Charlie Candelas of Olive Garden & Wolfgang Puck fame. Frank was the chef at cafedelreymarina.com, where Max & Matt worked together in LA. Frank and Charlie recently opened firefinpoke.com in Chicago and cooked at this year's www.jamesbeard.org/awards There's a bit of reminiscing, how to grow a restaurant brand, a few bars of Wilson Phillips songs, and a few cocktails. Be sure to download the Cureat App cureatapp.com and makes some lists! Also check out Matt's family's charity event in New York: www.aswcaresforkids.org/contact-us/

Episode 35 - Michael Lee of M Sushi http://msushidurham.com https://www.facebook.com/MkokkoDurham/ Chef Michael Lee drops by the studio with bourbon in hand and amazing insight to parenting, knife sharpening, travel, and the pursuit of a non-profit restaurant chain. Michael is a visionary and an artist. We get into time-management with kids and jujitsu. Even Matt & Max put on the gloves and throw down for a bit. There's footage of Michael on the heavy bag! It's a great listen. Be sure to download the Cureat App https://cureatapp.com and makes some lists! Also check out Matt's family's charity event in New York: http://www.aswcaresforkids.org/contact-us/ Eat, drink and be merry!

Episode 34 - Larry Larsen & Jeremy Behne of Larry's Coffee https://larryscoffee.com In this episode we get our caffeine fix with the master of coffee, Larry Larsen. We discuss coffee, fair-trade, startup business and basic entrepreneurship. Larry's right hand man, Jeremy Behne adds to the show with his unparalleled level of coffee knowledge. It's funny how we can learn so much from coffee. Let us know how much you love us by writing a review in iTunes or on SoundCloud. We dare you...

Episode 33 - Jones Von Drehle Winery www.jonesvondrehle.com In this episode, Max & Matt speak with North Carolina winemakers, Jones Von Drehle. Owners Diana & Chuck Jones join us in the studio and share their wine and story of how their winery was created. Listen for a behind the scenes tasting experience between a sommelier and winemaker. Also, Click https://www.eventbrite.com/myevent?eid=34023272524 to purchase tickets to the Apiopolis Beehive Dinner hosted at Standard-Foods. It's a collaborative dinner focused on honey and joined by http://garlandraleigh.com & http://mandolinraleigh.com & http://www.stanburyraleigh.com and featuring Jones Von Drehle wines & http://bigbossbrewing.com