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. .
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tash at talking stick resort
A Taste of AZ
Tash is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located within Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. The menu blends multicultural influences, offering dishes such as tapas, fresh seafood, and even lamb bao buns. The restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive patio with stunning views of Camelback Mountain. It is one of the best places in the valley to catch a sunset and a meal. Join us for a chat with Chef Ramos as we discuss Tash and what they will be serving at the 2nd annual A Taste of AZ Food & Drink Festival Presented by Talking Stick Resort. .
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old ellsworth brewing
A Taste of AZ
On this episode of a taste of az, we visit Old Ellsworth Brewing Co. in Queen Creek, Arizona, to chat with the passionate team behind this beloved local brewery. From their small-town roots to their award-winning beers, Old Ellsworth has become a hub for craft beer lovers and a cornerstone of the community. Hear stories about their brewing journey, the inspiration behind their signature flavors, and their commitment to creating a welcoming space for all. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just love a good local success story, this episode will leave you inspired to grab a pint and join the...
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duncan family farms
A Taste of AZ
Arnott Duncan, founder of Duncan Family Farms, reflects on the calculated risks that come with life, business, and farming. From navigating unpredictable weather to making bold business decisions, Arnott shares how resilience and adaptability have shaped the farm’s culture and legacy on this episode of a taste of az podcast. subscribe to our magazine: https://www.atasteofaz.com/subscribe a taste of az instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ATasteOfAZ/ a taste of az facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATasteOfAZ/ a taste of az tik tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@atasteofaz
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eat drink az
A Taste of AZ
In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Anaya, the powerhouse behind Eat Drink AZ, to explore the journey of her brand and celebrate her new space. Melissa shares the story behind building Eat Drink AZ from the ground up, her unique vision for spotlighting Arizona’s vibrant food and drink culture, and the through-lines that keep her passionate and connected to her work. We also get a glimpse into her goals for the future, the impact she hopes to make in the local culinary scene, and the community connections she's fostering through her new space. subscribe to our magazine:...
info_outlineOn this episode of a taste of az, we visit Old Ellsworth Brewing Co. in Queen Creek, Arizona, to chat with the passionate team behind this beloved local brewery. From their small-town roots to their award-winning beers, Old Ellsworth has become a hub for craft beer lovers and a cornerstone of the community. Hear stories about their brewing journey, the inspiration behind their signature flavors, and their commitment to creating a welcoming space for all. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just love a good local success story, this episode will leave you inspired to grab a pint and join the fun.
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