NC F&B Podcast

Hospitality industry veterans, Max Trujillo and Matthew Weiss, get behind the scenes of North Carolina's burgeoning food and beverage culture. Hear from local chefs, sommelier's, distillers, farmers, brewers and the whole lot of them in the NC F&B podcast.

"Our intention is to create a behind-the-scenes conversation between industry professionals. Whether we are speaking with an advanced level sommelier about their wine program or a chef about breaking down an entire pig, we just want the conversation to be real, unedited and honest. The food and beverage world is a unique industry, and North Carolina's food scene is growing everyday.

Take a listen. We hope to entertain, teach and inspire while offering some specific information about the NC food scene."

-Max & Matt

A Taste of Jalwa: Culinary Innovation in North Raleigh

May 19, 2026

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...

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

Mar 26, 2026

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...

Feast Your Way Through Wilmington: Inside the 2026 Feast of Wilmington

Mar 5, 2026

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 &...

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

Feb 12, 2026

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...

We Power Food: Supporting Female Entrepreneurs

Dec 26, 2025

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...