Sustaining Local Communities Through Heritage Grains: Meet Don Guerra of Barrio Bread
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
Release Date: 04/16/2025
Exploring Arizona's Culinary Diversity with Chef Brett Vibber
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
In this episode of the Desert Harvest Podcast, hosts Pete and Oren converse with Brett Vibber, a chef and culinary educator deeply embedded in Arizona's food culture. The discussion opens with light-hearted banter about weight classes and jiu-jitsu, before diving into a rich exploration of Arizona's culinary diversity. Brett shares his insights on the unique agricultural and geographic features of the state, debunking common misconceptions about Arizona's culinary landscape. The conversation also covers Brett's approach to sourcing locally, the importance of foraging, and his...
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Exploring Arizona's Culinary Landscape with Chef Tamara Stanger
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
In this episode of the Desert Harvest Podcast, hosts Pete and Oren delve into Arizona's unique culinary scene with Chef Tamara Stanger. Chef Tamara shares her insights on the distinctiveness of Arizona cuisine, driven by local foraging and the state's diverse ecosystems. She emphasizes the importance of traditional foraging, sustainable farming, and the use of local ingredients, highlighting the potential of Arizona’s food culture. The conversation extends to the challenges and rewards of running a restaurant that focuses on local, nutrient-dense foods and the evolving consumer appreciation...
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Discovering Arizona's Culinary Scene with Eric Walters: A Celebration of Local Flavor
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
Join us on 'The Desert Harvest' as we delve into the vibrant culinary scene of Arizona with Eric Walters, author and expert on local food and drink. Hosted by Pete and Oren Molovinsky, this episode highlights the rich culture and diverse offerings from across the state. Learn about the underappreciated gems, the importance of local ingredients, and the passionate individuals driving Arizona's food and beverage industries. From foraging wild ingredients to collaborating on unique dining experiences, discover what makes Arizona a hotspot for culinary innovation. Don't miss this insightful...
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Sustaining Local Communities Through Heritage Grains: Meet Don Guerra of Barrio Bread
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
In this episode of The Desert Harvest, hosts Pete and Oren dive into the fascinating journey of Don Guerra, the renowned founder of Barrio Bread and recent James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Baker. They discuss Don’s commitment to building a resilient local grain economy in Arizona, his inspiring collaboration with local producers and farmers, and the social impact of his work. Join us as Don shares the origins of Barrio Bread and his latest venture, Barrio Bagel and Slice, shedding light on the importance of community-supported agriculture and the virtuous cycle of good food and...
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Behind the Scenes of a Restaurant Launch: Insights and Inspirations From Barrio Bagel and Slice
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
In this episode of the Desert Harvest Podcast, the hosts discuss the intricacies of opening a new restaurant as Oren teams up with renowned baker Don Guerra to launch 'Barrio Bagel and Slice' in Gilbert, Arizona. The conversation dives into Oren's past experiences with opening Farm Boy and the lessons learned. They explore the importance of patience, partner selection, community relationships, and effective communication with various stakeholders involved in the process. The episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in opening a restaurant and highlights the upcoming venture...
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A Deep Dive into Arizona's Wine Potential with Deep Sky Vinyard
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
In this episode of the Desert Harvest Podcast, the hosts delve into Arizona's burgeoning wine industry with guests Phil and Kim Asmundson of Deep Sky Vineyard. The conversation covers the Asmundsons' journey from acquiring a vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina, to pioneering viticulture in Arizona, debunking myths about its suitability for winemaking. They discuss the similarities between Southern Arizona and Uco Valley in Mendoza, including latitude and altitude. The discussion moves to the use of technology in farming, detailing how the Asmundsons use moisture sensors and frost fans to optimize...
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Opening a Restaurant with Confidence
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
In this episode, Pete and Oren discuss various aspects of opening and running a restaurant. They share personal experiences and insights into what makes restaurants succeed or fail. Topics include the importance of understanding your market, the role of business planning, the benefits and challenges of franchising, and the significance of strong partnerships. They also talk about practical steps for securing financing and choosing the right location. Oren emphasizes the value of working with experienced professionals such as general contractors and architects, and the importance of community...
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The Urban Farm Impact with Chef Jayson
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
Farm-to-Table Insights with Chef Jayson Khademi: Flavor, Health, and Community In this episode of 'The Desert Harvest,' hosts Pete and Oren invite Chef Jayson Khademi to discuss the unique dynamics of being a personal chef with access to an urban farm in downtown Phoenix. Jayson shares insights into the profound impacts of fresh, locally grown produce on flavor and health. The conversation touches on various farming and culinary techniques, including fermentation, food preservation, and thoughtful meal preparation, emphasizing the importance of respecting ingredients. Jayson also discusses his...
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Non-Toxic Eating: Lessons From An Italian Excursion
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
Exploring the Connection Between Food Quality and Health Have you ever wondered why food in Italy tastes so much better, and why your body feels different after eating it compared to food in the U.S.? If you're concerned about the impact of processed foods and additives on your health, this episode dives into the stark differences in food quality between Italy and the U.S., revealing how systemic regulations could be impacting your well-being. Discover how eating clean, additive-free food could transform your health. Learn about local Arizona projects that prioritize sustainable and...
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Shake the Hand That Feeds You: Farmer's Markets
Desert Harvest: Arizona's Culinary Bounty
Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to get that fresh, farm-to-table peach on your plate? If you're striving to eat healthier, support sustainable practices, or strengthen local community ties, this episode unpacks the unique challenges and rewards of local farming—and why your food choices matter more than you think. Gain insight into the struggles and triumphs of seasonal farming at Molovin' Farms. Discover how farmer’s markets and CSA subscriptions connect you directly to the source of your food. Learn why supporting local farms can benefit your health,...
info_outlineIn this episode of The Desert Harvest, hosts Pete and Oren dive into the fascinating journey of Don Guerra, the renowned founder of Barrio Bread and recent James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Baker. They discuss Don’s commitment to building a resilient local grain economy in Arizona, his inspiring collaboration with local producers and farmers, and the social impact of his work. Join us as Don shares the origins of Barrio Bread and his latest venture, Barrio Bagel and Slice, shedding light on the importance of community-supported agriculture and the virtuous cycle of good food and sustainable practices. Learn how Don’s passion for his craft and the collaborative spirit with Oren have led to a transformative dining experience that supports local economic growth and ecological sustainability.
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
01:28 The Origin Story of Barrio Bread
07:00 The Impact of Barrio Bagel and Slice
13:06 Reviving Heritage Grains
20:57 Building a Sustainable Grain Economy
28:06 Ecological Benefits of Local Grains
30:26 Economic Impact of Arizona Wine
31:08 The Virtuous Cycle of Local Wheat
32:11 Personal Growth and Challenges
34:19 The Importance of Family and Balance
35:54 Building a Strong Business Partnership
39:12 Creating a Unique Restaurant Concept
44:47 Community Engagement and Customer Feedback
50:46 Final Thoughts and Future Plans