Sri Lanka Meets Carolina: Spice, Flavor, and a Dash of Pizza
NC F&B Podcast
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo visits Aromaa, a new Sri Lankan restaurant in Raleigh. Max speaks with the owner Sherwin, his daughters Stephanie and Jennifer, and Chef Kalpa about the culinary delights of Sri Lankan cuisine. They discuss the restaurant's origins, the distinctive flavors and spices used in Sri Lankan cooking, and the differences between Sri Lankan and South Indian food. The conversation also covers Aromaa's unique blend of traditional Sri Lankan dishes and fusion items like curry pizzas, as well as their plans to introduce a...
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Tacos and Tariffs: A Capitol Encounter with Congresswoman Deborah Ross
NC F&B Podcast
Host Max Trujillo welcomes Congresswoman Deborah Ross for an insightful discussion. We explore topics such as North Carolina's vibrant food scene, the significance of Juneteenth, and the intersection between politics and the food and beverage industry. Congresswoman Ross shares her culinary favorites in the Raleigh Triangle area and details her legislative efforts to support the local food industry. The conversation also delves into broader issues like tariffs, the importance of a strong food community, and the current challenges in the U.S. agricultural sector. The episode emphasizes the role...
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Bubbles, Brisket, and the Business of Being Mo
NC F&B Podcast
Host Max Trujillo and his co-host, Hershey the dog, welcome the talented and outspoken chef, Mo (). The conversation traverses Mo's eclectic background, from her roots in Philadelphia to her pivotal role as head chef at in downtown Raleigh. They bounce back and forth from recapping the 5th Annual Bubbles & Brisket, some personal details in Max’s life, and the similarities to other events happening around town. They delve into Mo's controversial past involving a heated incident at Plum in Durham, her entrepreneurial ventures with the Modega popup, and the ensuing journey that led...
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Behind The Stick: Matt Coleman's Mixology Meets Neighborhood Vibe at The Davie
NC F&B Podcast
'Bubbles and Brisket' is in its fifth year, on Saturday, June 7th. The event will feature around ten chefs, multiple bars, and a variety of beverages, including sparkling wines, beers, and potentially a cash bar for full-strength drinks. Get Tickets In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo interviews Matt Coleman, owner of The Davie in Raleigh. They discuss Matt's journey from being a bartender at various high-end cocktail bars like Fox Liquor Bar, to opening his own neighborhood bar. The conversation dives into the evolution of the cocktail...
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Holy Cow! 150 Years of Shipley Farms with Gray Shipley
NC F&B Podcast
This episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosted by Max Trujillo, highlights the return of the 'Bubbles and Brisket' event for its fifth year, scheduled for Saturday, June 7th. The event will feature around ten chefs, multiple bars, and a variety of beverages, including sparkling wines, beers, and potentially a cash bar for full-strength drinks. Get Tickets Today we speak with Gray Shipley, a fifth-generation owner of Shipley Farms. They discuss the history and operations of Shipley Farms, which dates back to 1872, including its focus on high-quality, pasture-raised...
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Bartender Banter: Mixing Humor with Spirits at Wolfe & Porter
NC F&B Podcast
This episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosted by Max Trujillo, highlights the return of the 'Bubbles and Brisket' event for its fifth year, scheduled for Saturday, June 7th. The event will feature around ten chefs, multiple bars, and a variety of beverages, including sparkling wines, beers, and potentially a cash bar for full-strength drinks. Get Tickets Let's chat bartending and bar culture with Jacob Gallant and Ritchie Reno of Raleigh's Wolfe & Porter, a bar offering multiple spaces, including a neighborhood bar, a classic cocktail lounge, and an outdoor...
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The Ideal episode about Ideal's Sandwiches... Get in Line...
NC F&B Podcast
This episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosted by Max Trujillo, highlights the return of the 'Bubbles and Brisket' event for its fifth year, scheduled for Saturday, June 7th. The event will feature around ten chefs, multiple bars, and a variety of beverages, including sparkling wines, beers, and potentially a cash bar for full-strength drinks. Get Tickets In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo is excited to talk about delis, sandwiches, and the story behind Ideals Deli Market Gourmet. Featuring business partners Ian...
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Go Rae Soju and a Recap of Dreamville
NC F&B Podcast
This episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosted by Max Trujillo, highlights the return of the 'Bubbles and Brisket' event for its fifth year, scheduled for Saturday, June 7th. The event will feature around ten chefs, multiple bars, and a variety of beverages, including sparkling wines, beers, and potentially a cash bar for full-strength drinks. Get Tickets Welcome Hoon Lee, the president and co-owner of @goraesoju, and Shane Calder, a liquor broker for @dorado.rock, to discuss all things Soju. We delve into Soju’s backstory, its production process, and its rising...
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Coastal Culinary Conversations: Behind the Feast of Wilmington 2025!
NC F&B Podcast
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosts Max Trujillo and Chef Savannah Miller dive into a rich conversation that spans from Savannah's Top Chef journey to the intricacies of the North Carolina culinary scene. They discuss Savannah's experience on Top Chef, highlighting her development and the final challenge of cooking the best meal ever. While at the 2nd Annual Feast of Wilmington, the duo explore the roles of various chefs detailing the collaborative efforts of local chefs, progressive meals, and the significance of balancing work and family. Engaging,...
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Hurricane Helene Impact and Project Skyline's Mission
NC F&B Podcast
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo chats with John Seelbinder, of Local Icon Hospitality and owner of multiple establishments, including the newly relocated Merchant and the Architect's speakeasy, Green Light. The conversation covers Seelbinder's unexpected role in disaster relief following Hurricane Helene, where he transformed his Spruce Pine hotel, The Skyline Village Inn into a critical hub for rescue and relief efforts. Despite his new nonprofit commitments with Project Skyline, Seelbinder continues to innovate Raleigh's food and...
info_outlineBill King, the President and CEO of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance joins us to discuss the vitality of downtown Raleigh, including economic development, safety measures, and promotional events. King discusses the role of the DRA, their funding sources, and the challenges faced, such as accommodating office workers post-pandemic and promoting new businesses. A significant topic covered is the proposed relocation of the Red Hat Amphitheater due to the expansion of the Raleigh Convention Center. King emphasizes the economic impact of the amphitheater and the importance of timely actions to avoid losing a season of shows. We touch on the broader vision for downtown Raleigh, including improved public transportation, safety, and potential major league sports developments.
00:00 Introduction to the NCF&B Podcast
00:46 Meet Bill King: President and CEO of Downtown Raleigh Alliance
01:24 Bill King's Background and Experience
02:35 The Role and Mission of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance
04:40 Challenges and Initiatives in Downtown Raleigh
11:18 The Impact of the Pandemic on Downtown Raleigh
17:11 Safety and Transportation in Downtown Raleigh
25:52 Future Developments: Red Hat Amphitheater and Convention Center Expansion
27:24 Amphitheater Relocation and Controversy
27:55 Economic Impact of the Amphitheater
28:48 Community Concerns and Connectivity Issues
29:41 City's Plan to Address Connectivity
30:17 Urgency and Timeline for Construction
31:58 Public Involvement and Hearings
32:55 Impact on Local Businesses
35:08 Future of Raleigh's Entertainment Venues
43:56 Potential for Major League Sports in Raleigh
52:40 Call to Action for Community Support
On the mic this week:
@trujillo.media
@weisswine
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