NC F&B Podcast
by North Carolina Food & Beverage
Hospitality industry veteran Max Trujillo goes behind the scenes of North Carolina's thriving food and beverage culture.On the NC F&B Podcast, you'll hear from local chefs, sommeliers, distillers, farmers, brewers, and the whole colorful cast that makes up the state's culinary scene.
Episodes
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ReImagining High Horse, Getting Fired, and True Friendship - Anthony Rapillo is back on the Podcast!
First episode recorded at home with restaurateur Anthony Rapillo. We revisit last year's "real" episode and unpack Max's abrupt firing from a country club service-director job after 90 days, then how Anthony offered him work across his restaurants; Max returns to serving at Flour & Barrel and...
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Rawleigh Oysterfest "Smoke & Shuck" at Iron Works (Nov 7)
The final in-studio episode at The Kitchen for the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast with Raleigh Oyster Fest collaborators: Max Trujillo, Eduardo Mera (Mera Brothers Oysters) and Katie Dombrowski, plus guests Luis Zouain (Lagana) and Chef Chris Gass (Bellow's Butcher Company). They…
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Tree Time Tales: Hops to Hemp
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…
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A Taste of Jalwa: Culinary Innovation in North Raleigh
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...
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Momentum, Michelin & Microbiomes: Charlotte's Power Couple: Jeff Tonidandel + Jamie Brown
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;...
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Feast Your Way Through Wilmington: Inside the 2026 Feast of Wilmington
Host Max Trujillo welcomes back Jessica Maurer, Director of the third annual Feast of Wilmington, 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...
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Politics, Podcasts, and the Pursuit of Public Office: A Conversation with Beau Blair
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...
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We Power Food: Supporting Female Entrepreneurs
Max Trujillo interviews Ariana Nester and Sue Ellsworth about the We Power Food 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...
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The Rise of Chef Isaac Duque: Fusing Music and Culinary, One Pop-up at a Time
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, 'Whet,' which stands for 'We Here Eat Together.' After a spontaneous yet successful pop-up dinner experience in Wake Forest, Chef Isaac reveals...
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Inside the Michelin Guide with Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss joins in
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...
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Better Choices, Better Life: Tyler Helikson's Roadmap to Success
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...
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Sideline Snacks and the Revival of Concession Stands in Holly Springs
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo dives into the world of sports, food, and entrepreneurship with Gio Mantovani, the owner of Sideline Snacks. Joined by Kyle Sutton of Bestow Baked Goods, they discuss the innovative approach Gio is taking to...
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Shuck Yeah: The Rawleigh Oyster Fest Preview
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo welcomes back Eduardo Mera of the Mera Brothers Oysters. The main event discussed is the upcoming Rawleigh Oyster Fest, set for November 8th at Smoky Hollow. The festival will feature oysters from various farms,...
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From Alcohol to THC: Embracing a Healthier Beverage Choice with Tailchaser & Nature's Releaf
Ready to explore the buzz around THC-infused beverages? 🎧 Tune in to the latest North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast episode where we chat with Jennifer Wilson, the founder of Tail Chaser, about their new line of sangrias. 🎙️🍇 #HempRevolution #PodcastLife #drinklocal Host Max Trujillo...
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Unleashing Potential: A Woman's Story of Transformation and Entrepreneurship with Jillian Whitlow
Join Max Trujillo, host of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, as he chats with his coworker from PFG, Jillian Whitlow. Jillian, an impressive culinary school graduate, has lived in North Carolina for over two decades but will always be a New Yorker. Her story takes us from her early…
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Meatballs and Mixology: An Adventure in Angier, NC with Giuseppe's Corner
Join host Max Trujillo on the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast as he dives into the vibrant culinary world of Angier, North Carolina. Let's chat with Giuseppe's Corner, an Italian deli renowned for its authentic New York-style sandwiches. Max is joined by deli owners John and Mike Canepa,...
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Max & Anthony's Culinary Adventures: A Foodie Podcast Special
In this lively and impromptu episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo welcomes the incredibly positive and quintessentially Italian Anthony Rapillo. They laugh about Anthony's Italian aura and share anecdotes about getting back into the podcast groove. Anthony...
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Sri Lanka Meets Carolina: Spice, Flavor, and a Dash of Pizza
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...
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Tacos and Tariffs: A Capitol Encounter with Congresswoman Deborah Ross
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...
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Bubbles, Brisket, and the Business of Being Mo
Host Max Trujillo and his co-host, Hershey the dog, welcome the talented and outspoken chef, Mo (Modega). The conversation traverses Mo's eclectic background, from her roots in Philadelphia to her pivotal role as head chef at LA Dive Bar in downtown Raleigh. They bounce back and forth from...
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Behind The Stick: Matt Coleman's Mixology Meets Neighborhood Vibe at The Davie
'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 HERE In this episode of the North Carolina Food...
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Holy Cow! 150 Years of Shipley Farms with Gray Shipley
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...
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Bartender Banter: Mixing Humor with Spirits at Wolfe & Porter
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...
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The Ideal episode about Ideal's Sandwiches... Get in Line...
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...
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Go Rae Soju and a Recap of Dreamville
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...
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Coastal Culinary Conversations: Behind the Feast of Wilmington 2025!
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,...
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Hurricane Helene Impact and Project Skyline's Mission
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...
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Drink Malört: Chicago's Liquid Legend Unbottled
We dive into the distinctive world of Jeppson's Malört with Tremaine Atkinson, CEO and head distiller at CH Distillery. Known for its unique and polarizing taste, Malört has a rich history dating back to its Swedish roots and Prohibition-era Chicago. Atkinson shares the story of Carl Jeppson, the...
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A Pasta Passion Kneading to Get Out at Figulina
In 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…
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Irregardless of Tradition: A 50-Year Journey with Lee Robinson
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo interviews Lee Robinson, the current owner of the iconic Irregardless in Raleigh. Lee took over the cafe in 2020, just 10 weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. They discuss the history of Irregardless, including...
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Hospitality Trends and Transformations with Courtney Blake of Pilot Light Consulting
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo speaks with Courtney Blake, owner and managing director of Pilot Light Consulting. They discuss their shared bi-coastal experiences and delve into serious topics like the natural disasters affecting California and...
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Neighborhood Italian: The Charm of Cucciolo Famiglia
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, host Max Trujillo connects with Jimmy Kim and Andrew Robison to discuss their exciting venture into opening the third Cucciolo location, Cucciolo Famiglia, near Southpoint Durham. We get into the unique Italian journey of the…
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Crafting Legacy: Jim Meehan's Cocktail Philosophy
We have returned! And to kick off 2025, the NC F&B Podcast starts right by featuring renowned bartender, author, and cocktail expert Jim Meehan. Celebrating his new book, 'The Bartender's Pantry,' Meehan reflects on his journey from Madison, Wisconsin to New York's elite bars like Gramercy Tavern...
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*Bonus Episode: WineCentric: Understanding The Wine Critic With Eric Asimov of The New York Times
In this inaugural episode of @WineCentricShow , host Matt Weiss interviews Eric Asimov, the wine writer for The New York Times. They discuss various topics including the importance of evaluating wine producers over individual bottles, the role of blind tastings in wine education, the rise of...
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Durham's East Side Treasure: Mike D's BBQ
Max sits down with Mike De Los Santos, popularly known as Mike D from Mike D's Barbecue in Durham. We get into Mike D's Dominican heritage, financial and operational challenges faced in the restaurant industry, and the art and science of barbecue-making. It's a blend of humor and seriousness,...
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EUPHORIA pt 5 A Dialogue Between Barbecue Roots and French Culinary Techniques with Dylan Cook and Jacques Larson
Donate to World Central Kitchen Chefs Dylan Cook from Fork Grove Barbecue and Jacques Larson of The Obstinate Daughter join the conversation, set on day three of Euphoria's Feast on the Field, explores their diverse culinary backgrounds—Dylan's roots in barbecue and his journey from a musician to…
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EUPHORIA pt 4 A Taste of Afro-lachia: Chef T's Story
Donate to World Central Kitchen Max Trujillo and Swarup Bandyopadhyay introduce Chef T from Union 41 in Bristol, Virginia, and Chef Sean from Noble Barbecue in Kingsport, Tennessee, recorded live at the Euphoria food festival in Greenville, South Carolina. Chef T discusses her innovative approach...
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EUPHORIA pt 3 Cooking Humbly, Dreaming Big: The Christian Hunter Interview
Donate to World Central Kitchen Max Trujillo and Swarup Bandyopadhyay interview Chef Christian Hunter, partner chef at Atelier in Chicago. Christian shares his journey from Lexington, Kentucky to Chicago. He delves into his background, culinary philosophy, and experiences, including earning a...
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EUPHORIA pt 2 Maximizing Limitations in the Kitchen of Kultura with Nikko Cagalanan
Donate to World Central Kitchen Max Trujillo and Swarup Bandyopadhyay talk with Nikko Kagalanan, a Filipino chef from Charleston, South Carolina, who runs Kultura a unique pop-up restaurant with a minimalistic kitchen setup. Nikko shares his journey from the Philippines to Charleston, detailing…
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EUPHORIA pt 1: From California to Greenville: Chef Michael Kramer of Jianna
Donate to World Central Kitchen Max Trujillo and Swarup Bandyopadhyay chat with Chef Michael Kramer, the owner of Gianna, recorded during the Euphoria festival in Greenville, South Carolina. We cover Kramer's extensive culinary background, including his time in California and work with Wolfgang...
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Closing a Chapter: Matt's Last Episode on NC F&B
🚨BIG NEWS🚨 This is Matt Weiss' last episode on the NC F&B Podcast. After 8 years and 500 episodes, Matt is moving on to explore new ventures. Look for his wine podcast coming soon. The NC F&B is hosted by Max Trujillo and will make some big changes in the new year… so for now, listen to Matt's...
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Mastering Food Marketing with Felicia Trujillo of Food Seen
We dive deep into the intricacies of the food and beverage community's marketing landscape in North Carolina by speaking with Felicia Trujillo, founder and CEO of Food Seen, a marketing agency specializing in food photography and social media. Felicia shares her journey from being a wedding...
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The Sausage King of the Carolinas with Specialty Food Solutions
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss dive into the world of sausages with their guest, Haig Berberian, owner of Specialty Food Solutions. Broadcasting virtually live from the historic Raleigh building in downtown Raleigh, they…
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Downtown Raleigh's Growth and Future with Bill King
Bill 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…
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Hops For Hope: Children's Flight of Hope and Local Breweries Unite
We speak with the Children's Flight of Hope charity with Heather Miller, Director of Community Engagement for the organization, and Mike Zolnik, Director of Marketing for Clouds Brewing to promote Hops for Hope on September 14th in North Hills! Heather explains how Children's Flight of Hope...
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Behind the Barrel: A Deep Dive into Lonerider Spirits
We welcome Levin Woodall, the director of Lonerider Spirits to explore their journey from being a staple craft brewery in Raleigh to launching its spirits division, including whiskey, in 2018-2019. The discussion delves into Lonerider's unique offerings like the high rye bourbon finished in…
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It's Time for EUPHORIA in Greenville, SC... Join us!
Euphoria is a food, wine, and music festival that takes place in Greenville, South Carolina. It is celebrating its 19th year and has become a prominent event in the culinary scene. The festival offers a variety of events, including tastings, chef demos, seminars, and lunch and learns. It…
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To Hell with Your Bad Reviews: The Native Prime Provisions Experience
In this episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast, hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss interview Chef Scott Alderson, owner of Native Prime Provisions, a hidden gem located in a strip mall in Cashers, North Carolina. Scott shares his journey, love for fresh, high-quality…
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Pouring Wisdom: Ingrid Folkers on Cocktails & Bartending Competitions
This episode of the North Carolina Food and Beverage Podcast features co-hosts Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss interviewing accomplished mixologist Ingrid Folkers. Ingrid shares her journey from being a bartender at Whiskey Kitchen to competing in prestigious cocktail competitions like the USBG...
About this show
Hospitality industry veteran Max Trujillo goes behind the scenes of North Carolina's thriving food and beverage culture.On the NC F&B Podcast, you'll hear from local chefs, sommeliers, distillers, farmers, brewers, and the whole colorful cast that makes up the state's culinary scene.
Hosted by
North Carolina Food & Beverage