Tree Time Tales: Hops to Hemp
NC F&B Podcast
Host Max Trujillo returns to the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast after a five-week break and a new role at Northridge Country Club, reuniting with Sara Abernethy and chef Bobby McFarland (with deep ties to Wye Hill Brewery) to focus on their new venture, Tree Time THC seltzers. They frame THC drinks as a social alternative—not a replacement—for alcohol, discuss who’s buying them (non-drinking younger folks, exhausted parents, even their own parents), and break down dosages (5 vs. 10 mg) and flavors, including seasonals like Cherry Blossom Lemongrass and a new “Transfusion”...
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A Taste of Jalwa: Culinary Innovation in North Raleigh
NC F&B Podcast
Host Max Trujillo records off-site at Jalwa, a 15-month-old luxe Indian fine-dining restaurant in North Raleigh, and interviews proprietor Ajit Khanna. We get into the restaurant’s presentation, flavors, ambiance, service, and innovative touches like the “spice symphony” aromatic opener, fresh house-brewed cocktail ingredients, illuminated menus, and palate-finishing saunf. Ajit explains choosing North Raleigh to offer a central destination and to deliver the rare combination of great service, ambiance, and food while making Indian cuisine approachable and not overly spicy. He highlights...
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Momentum, Michelin & Microbiomes: Charlotte's Power Couple: Jeff Tonidandel + Jamie Brown
NC F&B Podcast
Host Max welcomes Charlotte hospitality duo Jeff Tonidandel + Jamie Brown, recapping their busy slate: operating five restaurants including Supperland, Haberdish, Ever Andalo, and Leluia Hall; opening “Olivelli Deli” (a tiny 82-square-foot former donut shop) with sandwiches and soft serve; developing Wyatt’s Super Fine inside the 1903 Leeper-Wyatt building they physically moved 750 feet; earning three Michelin Guide spots; filming season two of their PBS show Fork & Hammer; running their weekly podcast Jeff and Jamie Feed; launching a commissary to centralize production and add a...
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Feast Your Way Through Wilmington: Inside the 2026 Feast of Wilmington
NC F&B Podcast
Host Max Trujillo welcomes back Jessica Maurer, Director of the third annual , happening March 28–29, as a spring kickoff showcasing Wilmington’s food and beverage scene. They outline the weekend: a Friday tailgate kickoff at the Starling Bar featuring Southern Smoke, Lawrence Barbecue, Salt & Charm and friends; Saturday’s Crafting Cuisine (11–2) pairing 25 restaurants with 25 breweries plus music from Dawson Wright; Saturday night’s Pier Party (6–9) with a new lineup of 25 restaurants, unlimited food and drinks, and entertainment by Kicking Bird; and Sunday’s Brunch Elevated...
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Politics, Podcasts, and the Pursuit of Public Office: A Conversation with Beau Blair
NC F&B Podcast
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo interviews Beau Blair, an old friend and brand ambassador running for the North Carolina Sixth Congressional District. They delve into Blair’s journey from the food and beverage industry to politics, discussing the importance of representation, the challenges faced by restaurant workers, and Blair's stance on immigration, education, and healthcare. Blair shares his motivations for running, emphasizing the need for better governance and authentic representation in Washington. The conversation also touches on...
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We Power Food: Supporting Female Entrepreneurs
NC F&B Podcast
Max Trujillo interviews Ariana Nester and Sue Ellsworth about the nonprofit organization and their upcoming event on January 26. The episode discusses the mission of We Power Food to empower women in the food and beverage industry by providing resources, tools, and a supportive community. Key discussions include the challenges women face in the industry, the importance of networking and mentorship, the launch of a new pitch competition to distribute $25,000 in funding, and the specifics of their upcoming conference. The participants also touch on personal anecdotes and the evolving role of...
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The Rise of Chef Isaac Duque: Fusing Music and Culinary, One Pop-up at a Time
NC F&B Podcast
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo sits down with Chef Isaac Duque to discuss his unique dining concept, ',' which stands for 'We Here Eat Together.' After a spontaneous yet successful pop-up dinner experience in Wake Forest, reveals his vision of merging food and music to trigger nostalgia and create unforgettable dining experiences. The chef shares his journey from an audio engineer in South Florida to becoming an innovative pop-up dinner host in North Carolina, all while highlighting his love for diverse flavors and community dining. Isaac...
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Inside the Michelin Guide with Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss joins in
NC F&B Podcast
The North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo welcomes back co-creator and longtime co-host Matthew Weiss as they delve into the recent Michelin Guide announcements for the American South that have stirred quite a buzz in the North Carolina culinary scene. We kick off with a lighthearted debate about Michelin's surprising decisions, revealing a mix of excitement and skepticism. Max shares his rich experience working with notable chefs while Matt provides insights from the wine industry. They touch upon deserving winners like Counter in Charlotte and explore other notable...
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Crafting the Perfect Cut:Inside Prime Brothers Butcher Shoppe
NC F&B Podcast
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Better Choices, Better Life: Tyler Helikson's Roadmap to Success
NC F&B Podcast
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo welcomes back restaurateur Tyler Helikson for an inspiring conversation. The pair catch up on Tyler’s latest ventures, including his successful restaurants, Happy Inhale and Madre, and dive deep into their shared journey of self-improvement. Tyler shares his recent commitment to health and wellness, describing how he’s transformed his life by focusing on nutrition, physical fitness, and mental well-being. Max, inspired by Tyler’s approach, joins a group called 'The Great Lock-In,' which encourages a...
info_outlineIn this engaging episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo interviews Chef David Ellis of Figulina, a newly nominated James Beard Award contender for Best New Restaurant in America. Chef Ellis shares his journey from Stoke-on-Trent, England, through various culinary adventures around the world, including his impactful experiences in Raleigh and his pivotal role at Ashley Christensen’s Poole's Diner. They discuss the inspiration and dedication behind Figulina's artisanal pasta, made fresh daily in an open kitchen for guests to observe. Figulina, located in Raleigh's former Humble Pie space, focuses on creative, scratch-made pasta dishes that transcend traditional Italian cuisine.
The episode highlights Chef Ellis’s philosophy, commitment to texture and balance in his dishes, and the exciting provisions section selling fresh pasta and sauces. With insights into the potential expansion of this section and the future vision for Figulina, this conversation captures Chef Ellis’s passion for culinary artistry and his integration into Raleigh’s vibrant food community. Chef Ellis’s story is a testament to following one's culinary dreams and the immersive, heartfelt experiences that shape a successful restaurant.
The NC F&B Podcast is produced, engineered and edited by Max Trujillo of @Trujillo.Media
For inquiries about being a guest, or to sponsor the show, email max@ncfbpodcast.com