bar bambino
A Taste of AZ
On this episode of a taste of az podcast, we head back to Bar Bambino, after featuring them in our Spring 2025 magazine issue. During this visit, we were honored to sit down with the talented Julien Calella. He oversees the beverage program at Bar Bambino and all of the other nationwide concepts under the Wish You Were Here Group. During the first half of the episode, we interview Julien about his background, the concepts he manages, and more. Then, we pop over to the bar and let Julien make us a few drinks! subscribe to our magazine: a taste of az instagram: a taste of az facebook: a...
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cornish pasty co.
A Taste of AZ
In this episode, we sit down with Dean Thomas, founder of Cornish Pasty Co., recorded in the cozy downstairs bar of the downtown Phoenix location. Dean shares the journey of bringing traditional Cornish pasties to Arizona—starting with a single Tempe shop 20 years ago and growing into a staple. From early doubts about whether anyone would even know what a pasty was, to creating a brand rooted in heritage, community, and comfort food.
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bad jimmy's
A Taste of AZ
In this episode, we sit down with James Piazza, the founder and owner of , to talk about how a pandemic-era pop-up turned into what is quickly becoming one of Arizona’s favorite burger spots, with locations in downtown Phoenix and now Scottsdale. We dig into the early days, the power of connections, and the real story behind James’s alter ego, “Bad Jimmy.” This is a conversation about grit, growth, and great burgers.
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designing and building a restaurant experience pt. 2
A Taste of AZ
This episode is brought to you by ALINE Architecture Concepts — inspired architecture, crafted spaces, experiences beyond expectation. Based in Scottsdale, ALINE is celebrating 15 years with over 400 restaurant projects across the Valley. In this three-part series, we learn what goes into designing and building a restaurant. This is part two, focusing on the architectural side — from design development to construction documents, and how ALINE partners with teams like Social Design Studio and Ganem to bring spaces to life. Ready to design something remarkable? Learn more at...
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the ra ra room
A Taste of AZ
Tucked away inside the PHX Arena, The Ra Ra Room is bringing a new kind of energy to downtown Phoenix. In this episode, we sit down with General Manager Jared LoPriore to talk about the vision behind this exclusive, members-only restaurant and cocktail lounge. "From the sidewalk to the kitchen," Jared shares how three powerhouse hospitality groups came together to create this unique experience.
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matt carter
A Taste of AZ
Chef Matt Carter has been shaping Arizona’s culinary scene for over two decades, starting with Zinc Bistro, his classic French bistro, which opened in 2002. In this episode, we sit down with the veteran chef to reflect on his journey, from discovering his passion for French cuisine to launching acclaimed concepts like Fat Ox and The Mission. With nearly 25 years of influence, Matt shares insights on longevity in the restaurant industry and the evolution of Arizona dining.
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desert diamond distillery
A Taste of AZ
John and Deborah Patt turned their passion into a craft—officially launching Desert Diamond Distillery. In this episode, we sit down with the husband-and-wife duo behind Arizona’s oldest craft distillery to talk about their journey, the dedication behind their award-winning rums, and the unique challenges of perfecting their spirits in the desert. From their state-of-the-art distillation process to their vintage train car Airbnb, we cover the heart, history, and hospitality of Desert Diamond Distillery.
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devour 2025
A Taste of AZ
Devour Culinary Classic has been a cornerstone of Arizona’s food scene since 2008, celebrating the chefs, purveyors, and creatives who’ve made the state a must-visit dining destination. In this episode, we take you inside the festival for the first time, capturing the energy, flavors, and stories that make Devour legendary. We sit down with vendors, chefs, former food critics, and longtime friends for a reunion filled with reflections and fresh perspectives.
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driscoll
A Taste of AZ
Driscoll Cuisine & Cocktail Concepts brings elevated in-home dining to Phoenix with innovative, globally-inspired cuisine and exceptional service. Co-founded by Chef Brian Driscoll and entrepreneur Monique Hayward, the company offers personalized, high-end culinary experiences tailored to each client’s needs. Their team of chefs, bartenders, and servers come from award-winning restaurants, delivering sophisticated yet approachable dishes and expertly crafted cocktails. In this episode, we dive into their creative process, their commitment to unforgettable hospitality, and the journey...
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élephante
A Taste of AZ
Élephante is a coastal Italian restaurant with an incredible menu of housemade pasta, pizzas, and their signature eggplant dip. The original location is in Santa Monica, about 10 minutes north of the iconic pier. Their new Scottsdale location takes the ethos of their renowned LA hotspot and brings some new flair along with it. Join us for a chat with Executive Chef Phil Rubino as we discuss how his recipes made it onto the menu, what’s different at their Scottsdale location, and the “speakeasy” next door. .
info_outlineIn this episode, we join Matthew Frosch, co-owner of Peoria Artisan Brewery, and Executive Chef Michael Mahalick to uncover the magic behind Barley & Smoke—a speakeasy-inspired, open-kitchen dining experience in Peoria, Arizona. From handcrafted cocktails to a chef-driven menu, Matthew and Chef Michael discuss the vision that shaped Barley & Smoke, where guests can enjoy the intimate energy of an open kitchen in a refined, sultry atmosphere. Chef Michael shares his culinary philosophy, inspired by his years at notable Valley restaurants, and his dedication to fresh, seasonal ingredients and unexpected flavor combinations. Join us as we dive into the artistry, passion, and community spirit that make Barley & Smoke a unique gem in the West Valley dining scene.
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