NC F&B Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Tree Time Tales: Hops to Hemp Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

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" golf drink. They explain production using hemp-derived THC nanoemulsions from California, emphasize responsible consumption, and warn that a pending NC bill could effectively ban the category by limiting THC to 0.4 mg per container, urging "regulate, don't ruin" advocacy and consumer outreach.

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

A Taste of Jalwa: Culinary Innovation in North Raleigh May 19, 2026

Show notes

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 health-focused cooking with no food coloring, preservatives, MSG, or manufactured spice control. Chef Mukesh Gautam blends traditional Indian flavors with modern techniques (e.g., 12-green saag with burrata), and signature items include karam podi cauliflower and inventive desserts like mango tiramisu and cotton candy with popcorn ice cream. Ajit, an IT cybersecurity professional, discusses consistency, economic challenges, reduced prices, a weekend brunch menu, a $50 prix fixe option, and expansion goals.

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

Momentum, Michelin & Microbiomes: Charlotte's Power Couple: Jeff Tonidandel + Jamie Brown Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

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 shoppable market; and Jamie's new book Eleven Tables about successes and failures. They discuss key team members, concept/design philosophy, menu and operational challenges, a major abandoned pre-COVID project, Jamie's diet changes tied to mental health via the gut-brain connection, and advice for Max's new director-of-operations role. Fork & Hammer season two is slated for January 2027.

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

Feast Your Way Through Wilmington: Inside the 2026 Feast of Wilmington Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

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 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 (now starting at noon) featuring brunch dishes plus espresso cocktails, Bloody Mary, and mimosa bars. Beverage highlights include Tito's, Gin Mare, Diplomatico Rum, Old Forester, End of Days, and wine from Lighthouse Beer & Wine. Tickets and menus are at feastwilmington.com; events cap at about 1,500 tickets each.

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

Politics, Podcasts, and the Pursuit of Public Office: A Conversation with Beau Blair Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

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 the broader impact of current politics on the food and beverage industry.

Beau's Substack

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

We Power Food: Supporting Female Entrepreneurs Dec 26, 2025

Show notes

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 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 women in business.

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

The Rise of Chef Isaac Duque: Fusing Music and Culinary, One Pop-up at a Time Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

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 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 gives a behind-the-scenes look at his multi-course dinners, featuring dishes like Brazilian cheese bread and duck skewers, and discusses the joys and challenges of creating these unique culinary events. Tune in to hear about his plans for future collaborations and his favorite Thanksgiving traditions, all delivered with the charm and humor of Max's colorful hosting style.

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

Inside the Michelin Guide with Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss joins in Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

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 mentions in Raleigh, Asheville, and beyond. The duo also reminisces about past joint projects and updates on their separate ventures. Max gives a shoutout to the upcoming Raleigh Oyster Fest he's promoting and throws in some humorous, candid thoughts about his dating life post-divorce. If you stick around until the end, you'll get a raw, unedited taste of their off-the-cuff banter, giving you a glimpse into the real minds behind the mics.

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

Crafting the Perfect Cut:Inside Prime Brothers Butcher Shoppe Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

Better Choices, Better Life: Tyler Helikson's Roadmap to Success Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

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 supportive environment for men to improve their lives through diet, exercise, and mindfulness. Despite Max's initial skepticism about joining groups (and his lifelong affinity for the counterculture vibe of the Raiders), the experience has already led to positive changes, like resisting the temptations of food courts.

They also hint at the potential for a new series to continue motivating others. This conversation not only highlights their personal growth but also underscores the importance of community and support in achieving lasting change.

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

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