carry on
A Taste of AZ
Teddy Myers, founder of Pretty Decent Concepts, is nothing short of a genius. The creativity he has put forth—alongside a slew of talented team members and partners—has wowed countless guests with immersive experiences that blend sights, sounds, and, of course, flavors. Pretty Decent Concepts consists of seven different bars and restaurants at the moment, with several more in construction. Some of the top names include Chico Malo, Wren & Wolf, Filthy Animal, and the focus of this episode in Carry On. Join us for a chat with Teddy as we discuss the work that went into Carry On, what...
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sushi friend
A Taste of AZ
Sushi Friend may be casual in nature, but their rolls and other dishes are seriously delicious. On this episode of a taste of az podcast we sit down with the founder, Kevin Min. We discuss how the concept went from a shell of a building to one of Yelp’s top sushi restaurants in the country. Listen in to our newest episode, and make sure to visit Sushi Friend for a terrific meal, or top-notch to-go. . subscribe to our magazine: a taste of az instagram: a taste of az facebook: a taste of az tik tok:
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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.
info_outlineSushi Friend may be casual in nature, but their rolls and other dishes are seriously delicious. On this episode of a taste of az podcast we sit down with the founder, Kevin Min. We discuss how the concept went from a shell of a building to one of Yelp’s top sushi restaurants in the country. Listen in to our newest episode, and make sure to visit Sushi Friend for a terrific meal, or top-notch to-go.
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