The Sausage King of the Carolinas with Specialty Food Solutions
NC F&B Podcast
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss dive into the world of sausages with their guest, Haig Berberian, owner of Specialty Food Solutions. Broadcasting virtually live from the historic Raleigh building in downtown Raleigh, they explore Haig's Armenian roots, playful nicknames, and his journey from a youth working in his parents' meat store to becoming a sausage aficionado. Haig shares insights on his clean label, high-quality sausages made in North Carolina, and discusses the fascinating details of their sausage-making process....
info_outline
Downtown Raleigh’s Growth and Future with Bill King
NC F&B Podcast
Bill King, the President and CEO of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance joins us to discuss the vitality of downtown Raleigh, including economic development, safety measures, and promotional events. King discusses the role of the DRA, their funding sources, and the challenges faced, such as accommodating office workers post-pandemic and promoting new businesses. A significant topic covered is the proposed relocation of the Red Hat Amphitheater due to the expansion of the Raleigh Convention Center. King emphasizes the economic impact of the amphitheater and the importance of timely actions to avoid...
info_outline
Hops For Hope: Children's Flight of Hope and Local Breweries Unite
NC F&B Podcast
We speak with the Children's Flight of Hope charity with Heather Miller, Director of Community Engagement for the organization, and Mike Zolnik, Director of Marketing for Clouds Brewing to promote Hops for Hope on September 14th in North Hills! Heather explains how Children's Flight of Hope provides flights for children in need of life-changing medical care, often requiring travel to specialized hospitals. Hops for Hope on September 14th, is a collaboration involving local companies and breweries to raise funds for the charity. Mike shares details about Clouds Brewing's participation and the...
info_outline
Behind the Barrel: A Deep Dive into Lonerider Spirits
NC F&B Podcast
We welcome Levin Woodall, the director of Lonerider Spirits to explore their journey from being a staple craft brewery in Raleigh to launching its spirits division, including whiskey, in 2018-2019. The discussion delves into Lonerider's unique offerings like the high rye bourbon finished in sherry, tequila, and stout barrels, as well as their limited-edition wheated bourbon. Levin shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of selling craft spirits in North Carolina, the impact of COVID-19 on their business, and their expansion plans. The conversation also touches on the intricacies...
info_outline
It's Time for EUPHORIA in Greenville, SC... Join us!
NC F&B Podcast
Euphoria is a food, wine, and music festival that takes place in Greenville, South Carolina. It is celebrating its 19th year and has become a prominent event in the culinary scene. The festival offers a variety of events, including tastings, chef demos, seminars, and lunch and learns. It showcases a diverse range of cuisines and brings in renowned chefs and mixologists from around the country. Euphoria also focuses on providing an intimate and educational experience for attendees. The festival takes place from September 19th to September 22nd, and tickets can be purchased here:
info_outline
To Hell with Your Bad Reviews: The Native Prime Provisions Experience
NC F&B Podcast
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss interview Chef Scott Alderson, owner of Native Prime Provisions, a hidden gem located in a strip mall in Cashers, North Carolina. Scott shares his journey, love for fresh, high-quality ingredients, and innovative yet strict approach to running a 10-seat counter restaurant. Despite some harsh Google reviews, Scott emphasizes his commitment to providing exceptional food and experience while setting clear boundaries for his guests. The conversation covers sourcing fresh seafood, local...
info_outline
Pouring Wisdom: Ingrid Folkers on Cocktails & Bartending Competitions
NC F&B Podcast
This episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast features co-hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss interviewing accomplished mixologist Ingrid Folkers. Ingrid shares her journey from being a bartender at Whiskey Kitchen to competing in prestigious cocktail competitions like the USBG World Class sponsored by Diageo, where she was named a top 30 contestant. She discusses her upcoming transition to managing a new bar program at the Hyatt's High Rail in Seaboard Station, her philosophy on using unique ingredients in cocktails, and her competitive spirit shaped by a background in...
info_outline
How to Build a Restaurant Today with Mera Brothers Oysters
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...
info_outline
It’s A Hot One: Inside Shelby Spice's Hot Sauce Revolution
NC F&B Podcast
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...
info_outline
Blues and Brews at Missy Lane's: A Jazz Oasis in Durham
NC F&B Podcast
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...
info_outlineBill King, the President and CEO of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance joins us to discuss the vitality of downtown Raleigh, including economic development, safety measures, and promotional events. King discusses the role of the DRA, their funding sources, and the challenges faced, such as accommodating office workers post-pandemic and promoting new businesses. A significant topic covered is the proposed relocation of the Red Hat Amphitheater due to the expansion of the Raleigh Convention Center. King emphasizes the economic impact of the amphitheater and the importance of timely actions to avoid losing a season of shows. We touch on the broader vision for downtown Raleigh, including improved public transportation, safety, and potential major league sports developments.
00:00 Introduction to the NCF&B Podcast
00:46 Meet Bill King: President and CEO of Downtown Raleigh Alliance
01:24 Bill King's Background and Experience
02:35 The Role and Mission of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance
04:40 Challenges and Initiatives in Downtown Raleigh
11:18 The Impact of the Pandemic on Downtown Raleigh
17:11 Safety and Transportation in Downtown Raleigh
25:52 Future Developments: Red Hat Amphitheater and Convention Center Expansion
27:24 Amphitheater Relocation and Controversy
27:55 Economic Impact of the Amphitheater
28:48 Community Concerns and Connectivity Issues
29:41 City's Plan to Address Connectivity
30:17 Urgency and Timeline for Construction
31:58 Public Involvement and Hearings
32:55 Impact on Local Businesses
35:08 Future of Raleigh's Entertainment Venues
43:56 Potential for Major League Sports in Raleigh
52:40 Call to Action for Community Support
On the mic this week:
@trujillo.media
@weisswine
Join our Facebook family: @NCFandBPod
Follow us on Instagram: @ncfbpod