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NC F&B Podcast

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.

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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 frame THC drinks as a social alternative—not a replacement—for alcohol, discuss who's buying them…

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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 house-brewed cocktail ingredients, illuminated menus, and palate-finishing saunf. Ajit explains choosing…

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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; developing Wyatt's Super Fine inside the 1903 Leeper-Wyatt building they physically moved 750 feet; earning…

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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 Barbecue, Salt & Charm and friends; Saturday's Crafting Cuisine (11–2) pairing 25 restaurants with 25…

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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 importance of representation, the challenges faced by restaurant workers, and Blair's stance on…

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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 community. Key discussions include the challenges women face in the industry, the importance of networking…

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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 his vision of merging food and music to trigger nostalgia and create unforgettable dining…

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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 lighthearted debate about Michelin's surprising decisions, revealing a mix of excitement and skepticism.…

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Crafting the Perfect Cut:Inside Prime Brothers Butcher Shoppe

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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 journey of self-improvement. Tyler shares his recent commitment to health and wellness, describing how…

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