mixela
A Taste of AZ
In this episode, we sit down with Valentina Huerta and Chef Gian Franco Brugaletta of Mixela to talk about the experiences, cultures, and relationships that shaped one of Phoenix’s most unique restaurants. Their journey stretches from Mexico and Venezuela to Italy, France, Monaco, and eventually Arizona, and those influences come together throughout Mixela’s constantly evolving menu. We talk about their original restaurant, Nona, the transition to Mixela, and why they don’t feel the need to put their food into one specific box. From ceviche and sashimi to pasta, seasonal ingredients,...
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Tandy’s Cafe & Embers Chocolate
A Taste of AZ
In this episode, we sit down with Tandy Peterson, chef and founder of and , to talk about her journey from growing up around agriculture in Wyoming to working in some of Arizona’s best kitchens and eventually building a restaurant and chocolate company of her own. Tandy takes us inside the surprisingly complex world of chocolate, from cacao fermentation and different origins to making drinking chocolate from scratch. We also talk about her years working with Kevin Binkley, what she learned in the resort world at The Phoenician, and how those experiences shaped Tandy’s into a place...
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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...
info_outlineIn this episode, we sit down with Valentina Huerta and Chef Gian Franco Brugaletta of Mixela to talk about the experiences, cultures, and relationships that shaped one of Phoenix’s most unique restaurants. Their journey stretches from Mexico and Venezuela to Italy, France, Monaco, and eventually Arizona, and those influences come together throughout Mixela’s constantly evolving menu.
We talk about their original restaurant, Nona, the transition to Mixela, and why they don’t feel the need to put their food into one specific box. From ceviche and sashimi to pasta, seasonal ingredients, mezcal, and dishes inspired by whatever is available at the moment, the menu is essentially Gian Franco’s culinary résumé.
Mixela is a restaurant built around curiosity, creativity, and a lifetime of experiences. Tune in to hear how Valentina and Gian Franco turned their travels, memories, and love of hospitality into something completely their own.