Caldwell County BBQ
A Taste of AZ
In this episode, we sit down with Travis Taylor from to talk about the craft, tradition, and growth behind one of Arizona’s standout barbecue brands. Travis shares what goes into cooking Central Texas-style barbecue over nothing but wood fire, why brisket is still king, and how the team stays focused on quality as they continue to expand. We also get into the story behind the original Gilbert location, house-made sausage, mesquite smoke, and the creative ways Caldwell County uses everything from brisket trimmings to beef tallow. Whether you’re a barbecue fanatic or just curious...
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janos wilder
A Taste of AZ
In this episode, we sit down with legendary Arizona Chef to explore a career that has helped shape Arizona's culinary identity for more than four decades. From cooking professionally as a teenager to earning the 2000 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest, Janos shares the experiences, philosophies, and relationships that have guided his remarkable journey. We dive into the lessons he learned in France, why hospitality should always make people feel welcome instead of intimidated, and how his passion for local ingredients ultimately led him to become one of the pioneers of Arizona's...
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paradise valley burger
A Taste of AZ
In this episode, we sit down with Chef Bret Shapiro, founder of , to talk about the journey from washing dishes at 15 years old to building one of Arizona's most beloved burger restaurants. Bret shares how a passion for food, years of grinding in local kitchens, and an unwavering belief in his vision helped turn a tiny burger shop into a Valley favorite that's earned national attention. We also dive into the story behind the iconic Burger Brûlée, what it was really like filming with Guy Fieri on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and why that opportunity completely changed the trajectory of...
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Urban Fraîche
A Taste of AZ
In this episode, we sit down with Chef Dean Waziry, founder of , for a conversation that goes far beyond food. Dean shares the philosophy behind Urban Fraîche and why he believes every meal should nourish not only your body, but your overall way of living. From organic ingredients and daily-changing menus to genuine hospitality, every decision at Urban Fraîche is rooted in helping people make healthier, more intentional choices. Dean also opens up about his incredible journey from immigrating to New York without speaking English to working in some of the world's most prestigious...
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lobo drinkhouse
A Taste of AZ
In this episode, we sit down with Brian McCarrick and Andrew Felix, co-owners of in Flagstaff, to hear the story behind one of Arizona's most exciting new cocktail bars. What started as a friendship built while working in hospitality eventually turned into a food cart, countless late nights, and a dream of opening a place of their own. Brian and Andrew share how they went from cooking tacos in a parking lot during the pandemic to building a neighborhood drink house centered around hospitality, community, and genuinely making people feel welcome. We also dive into why they reject the...
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Shift Kitchen & Bar
A Taste of AZ
In this episode, we sit down with owner/chef Dara Wong and chef Tamara Stanger from in Flagstaff. The conversation explores the philosophy behind one of Arizona's most creative restaurants, from sourcing local ingredients and reducing food waste to building a menu that constantly evolves with the seasons, available products, and the team's curiosity. Dara shares how Shift came to life more than a decade ago, why she chose Flagstaff, and how her background in pastry and hospitality helped shape the restaurant's unique approach to dining. Tamara discusses her journey through Arizona's...
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indibar
A Taste of AZ
In this episode, we sit down with of to explore a journey that spans continents, cultures, Michelin-starred kitchens, and ultimately leads to one of Arizona’s most exciting new restaurants. From growing up in Dubai to training in some of the world’s most respected culinary programs and restaurants, Nigel shares the experiences that shaped his approach to food, hospitality, and leadership. We also dive into the story behind Indibar, from the friendship and trust that brought Nigel and his team to Arizona, to the years of planning, construction, and attention to detail that went into...
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phantom fox beer company
A Taste of AZ
In this episode, we sit down with Trent Smith, Eric Cady, Val Adee, and Colt Cook from to talk about the journey from opening to building one of Arizona's most exciting independent breweries. We dive into the challenges of launching a production brewery, the unexpected hurdles that come with manufacturing beer, and how a shared passion for craft beer helped turn a downtown Mesa dream into reality. We also discuss Phantom Fox's brewing philosophy, the importance of community, what goes into creating award-winning lagers and West Coast IPAs, and how the team balances creativity with...
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saucy luke's craft bbq
A Taste of AZ
In this episode, we sit down with Luke Unrein of to talk about barbecue, hospitality, entrepreneurship, sobriety, and the journey from selling sauces at farmers markets to building one of Arizona's most recognizable barbecue brands. Along the way, Luke shares how a single sauce, a smoker purchased with money from selling a motorcycle, and a willingness to bet on himself helped launch the business. We also dive into what separates great barbecue from great hospitality. Luke explains why he believes people can choose from plenty of barbecue spots, but the experience they have when they...
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press coffee
A Taste of AZ
In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Robertson from @presscoffee and dive deep into the world of specialty coffee, from roasting and origins to brewing techniques and what actually makes a better cup at home. One of our favorite takeaways was Andrew’s approach to keeping coffee simple. You do not need a thousand-dollar setup or a kitchen full of gear to make great coffee. Good beans, a grinder, and understanding a few basics can completely change your morning cup. We also get into the “three Ts” of coffee extraction: time, temperature, and turbulence, and how understanding those...
info_outlineIn 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.