Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The More You Know, The Better It Tastes

Ray Colao and Erica Rodriguez are the husband and wife team that owns Cuba 1918. Located in the historic Quintana neighborhood in San Antonio, the restaurant is a tribute to Cuban Culture. Ray is a celebrated musician and band leader and often performs at the restaurant. Between the wonderful food and great music, Cuba 1918 is a very special place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Rodriguez and Melissa Garza create the magic behind Black Board BBQ, a celebrated joint in the Texas Hill Country. Joe is the Chef/Pitmaster and Melissa is known as the Hospitality Maven. Taking ownership in 2022, Joe and Melissa have infused new life into the establishment, maintaining its beloved charm while elevating the quality of its offerings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer Syma is a key figure in the Texas wine industry, particularly known for her role at Becker Vineyards. She is spearheading the **#AskForTexasWines** initiative⁴⁵. This campaign aims to expand the selection of Texas wines in local restaurants, promoting the state's wine industry and encouraging consumers to choose Texas-made wines. This movement is part of a broader push to support local producers and enhance the visibility of Texas wines on the national stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Louis Barrios is part of Los Barrios family who have become synonymous with Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine in San Antonio. Louis tells the story of his mother, Viola Barrios from her first restaurant until her tragic end. There are now three restaurants under the families umbrella, the original Los Barrios Continental Cuisine, La Hacienda de Los Barrios, and Viola's Ventanas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blade Haddock, owner of Full Belly Cafe & Bar has a rich background that spans from his grandmother's kitchen to the Los Angeles restaurant scene. Full Belly Cafe is renowned for its scratch-made brunch, breakfast, and lunch offerings, with a strong emphasis on fresh breads and pastries. Now with two locations, Full Belly is satisfying the hunger of more San Antonians than ever! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stefan Gruvberger is the General Manager of the new Intercontinental Hotel in downtown San Antonio. Stefan began his career at the iconic Waldorf-Astoria in New York City, setting the stage for a distinguished journey in the hospitality industry. The new Intercontinental hotel boasts an exquisite restaurant named Cavalier, an elegant and sophisticated bar/restaurant called High Praise, and a very cozy coffee shop, Rosebelly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dominick Visocaro is the proud owner of Little Italy Restaurant and Pizzaria in San Antonio, Texas. With a rich family heritage rooted in Sicilian culinary traditions, Dominick has carried forward the legacy of his parents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phillip and Jessica Gonyea, owners of Krazy Katsu, a beloved Japanese-style chicken sandwich spot in Olmos Park. Though they no longer have the Huebner Rd location, they are still slinging sandwiches from the original location on McCullough and now through their food truck at Besame, on E Grayson Street. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Lampinstein wanted a neighborhood eatery like you might find in some of the bigger cities up North, so he created The Hayden. He describes the Hayden as a "semi-classic old school Diner with a delicatessen soul. There are two locations. One on Broadway near Hildebrand and another at the Alon Market on NW Military. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Randolph is the Executive Chef at Hotel Valencia. He oversees the culinary operations at the hotel's restaurants, Dorrego, Naranja, and all catering events and in-room dining. He first worked in the industry when he was only 13 years old when he washed dishes at his mother's restaurant in Boerne, Texas. Dorrego's is an Argentinian restaurant located inside Hotel Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Old English Tea Shoppe can be found on Stone Oak Blvd but the story of it's owner Dr. Robb Kelly can be found here. Dr. Kelly tells his story of losing everything and becoming homeless for a year and then finding his way back to live a full life and helping thousands of others! It's an incredible story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt and Enga Stanfield are the dynamic duo behind Mattenga’s Pizza. Both engineers by training, they ventured into the culinary world in 2013 by taking over a struggling pizzeria. Through their dedication and innovative mindset, they transformed it into a thriving business with multiple locations across the city. Their passion for creating delicious high-quality pizzas and their commitment to the community have made Mattengas's a beloved local favorite. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joan Perez and John Ruiz are both Les Clef d'Or Concierge which is an elite international association of professional hotel concierges, known for their exceptional service and expertise. Joan is the President of the San Antonio Concierge Association and John serves as Vice President. In addition both serve at La Cantera Resort in San Antonio. It's an interesting and educational podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We talk to Drew Glick, founder of Max and Louie's New York Diner, about "Radical Hospitality." It's a concept that Drew teaches and practices at his restaurant. Max and Louie's can be found at 226 W. Bitters Rd. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April Carter is the Co-Owner of Palomar Comida y Cantina at 12656 West Avenue. The location is next to Two Bros BBQ and is the spot that for more than 40 years was El Bosque. Palomar serves authentic Mexican and elevated Tex-Mex dishes including tacos, mesquite-grilled meats, flavorful Margaritas, and other unique dishes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeremy Rushing is a retail Specialist at the Restaurant Realty Group here in San Antonio. His deep understanding of the food and beverage industry enables him to accurately assess the value of these businesses and anticipate that kind of offers they can expect. Jeremy has a strong track record of successful transactions, including sales and leases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

El Cevichero started just a few years ago as a food truck selling several varieties of ceviche. Fast forward to today where El Cevichero is a full service restaurant and bar with a seafood and Mexican food menu. They are especially known for their birria! Abel Mota started the restaurant with the help (and recipes) of his mother. She is just as involved today in making sure all the guests are having fun and enjoying the food. It's a true star on the Southside! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Lucke is the visionary Founder and CEO of Gardopia Gardens. Armed with a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry and a Master’s in Nutrition from the University of the Incarnate Word, Stephen is on a mission to teach others the benefits of growing their own vegetable garden. Gardopia Gardens, rooted in San Antonio, sprouted up in 2015. They’re all about making fresh produce accessible and rolling out smart programs in schools, businesses, and community groups. Sustainability is their jam, and they’re sharing tools and know-how with everyone – from students to local businesses. San Antonio Restaurants group raised money through the selling a Fiesta Metals and recently donated the profits to Gardopia Gardens! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we interview Tyler and Stephanie Beyer about their restaurant at Lombrano Food Hall called Eat Chingon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Princc Blakaj is the esteemed owner of Mare e Monte, a charming Italian restaurant that has quickly become a culinary gem in San Antonio’s Medical Center area. His establishment is a heartfelt tribute to his Albanian roots and the rich tapestry of coastal Italian cuisine. At Mare e Monte, guests are invited to savor a menu that brilliantly fuses tradition with innovation, featuring standout dishes like Pasta al Nero and Pollo e Monte. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chefs Asantewaa Loliyong and Stephanie Beyers tell us about the upcoming food festival, Waste No More, and fun and educational opportunity to learn about using our food more wisely and completely. Proceeds from this festival go to the San Antonio Food Bank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Griffith and Sarah Felix are part of the ownership team for Smashin' Crab. We talk to Paul and Sarah about their ghost kitchen concept, Take Flight Hot Chicken, the catering arm of Smashin' Crab, Culinary Temptations and the Smashin' Crab Commissary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jorge Rojo, the chef-owner of Ro-Ho Pork & Bread, brings the unique flavors of street food from his hometown, Guadalajara, to San Antonio, Texas. At Ro-Ho, everything is made from scratch, creating a culinary experience that transports diners to Mexico. 🇲🇽 The primary menu item is the Torta Ahogada, a traditional sandwich from Guadalajara. If you’re in San Antonio, visit Ro-Ho Pork & Bread for a taste of Mexico! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Diana Barrios Treviño, a renowned restaurateur and cookbook author is deeply connected to her family’s culinary legacy. Her mother, Viola Barrios, founded “Los Barrios” restaurant in 1979, serving authentic Mexican home-style cooking. After Viola’s passing in 2008, Diana continued the family tradition, perfecting specialties like shredded chicken puffy tacos. Diana’s impact extends beyond the kitchen; she co-founded Viola’s Huge Heart Foundation, emphasizing love, faith, and joy in all endeavors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tu Asador is a Mexican Steakhouse modeled after the culinary heritage of Northern Mexico. Brother and sister, Jose and Regina Gonzalez loved growing up in Monterrey and missed the grilled meat dinners back home. That is what spurred them to open their own restaurant. Tu Asador is a unique concept in Castle Hills. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Kodosky was raised in a very small town in Pennsylvania. There was a small chain of custard shops making and selling frozen custard that had a stronger, richer flavor than any other custard or ice cream. Though he and his family have lived in San Antonio for years, he kept missing that sweet taste, so last year he purchased a franchise license and now we all get to taste the goodness he grew up with. The Meadows Frozen Custard is located in Helotes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Box St. All Day is a delightful culinary gem with two locations, one in Hemisphere Park and the other near Fiesta Texas. Formerly known as The Box Street Social, this establishment has undergone a glow-up and now offers an elevated dining experience. Brunch, lunch, dinner, or drinks, they have it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lexi Hazlett, a dynamic entrepreneur, has made her mark in the world of media and marketing. You first knew her on television with Neighborhood Eats. She now works as the Digital Media Manager for Santikos Entertainment and is the co-owner of Ten-Gallon Hat Media. Lexi’s passion lies in storytelling and creating captivating content. From producing videos for artists like Matthew Ryan Music to helping local businesses to tell their story, she brings creativity and flair to her work. Follow Ten-Gallon Hat Media to witness her talent unfold!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeannie Rutkowski and John Goodwin are the mother/son ownership team of Maverick Grill & Saloon in Floresville, Texas. Maverick Grill & Saloon in Floresville, Texas has been a beloved establishment rooted in the community for over 24 years. Originally starting as a meat market, it has grown into a cherished dining destination while staying true to its roots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex Serna, widely recognized by his social media moniker “San Antonio Munchies,” is a prominent food influencer in San Antonio with a passion for showcasing the city’s vibrant culinary scene. With nearly 97,000 followers, Alex provides tantalizing first looks at local dishes and snacks, sharing his personal favorites and secret recipes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fish City Grill is a friendly and inviting chain of seafood restaurants that began as a small 12-table establishment and has since expanded to 20 locations including 3 in San Antonio with a 4th coming soon. They are committed to serving high-quality seafood and homemade recipes at reasonable prices. Rocky Cheek is the Executive General Manager and Nick Zimmerle is the Kitchen Manager of one of the units. They discuss the restaurants history and it's famous chalk board specials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chef Andrew Weissman returns to our podcast to discuss the state of local restaurants. We also talk about his burger business, Mr. Juicy and the second location which expected to open in June of 2024. Chef Weissman is a renowned culinary figure in San Antonio. A four-time James Beard Foundation nominee, Weissman has made significant contributions to the city’s dining scene.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most beautiful hotels on the San Antonio Riverwalk and Dorrego's is the fabulous Argentinian restaurant in the hotel. Stacy Seaborn, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Valencia and Ricardo Garcia, Head Chef at Dorrego's. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tina Kent, co-owner of The Bread Box in San Antonio, has an inspiring journey in the world of baking. She and her husband, Lucas Kent, started by producing bread for 10 local restaurants before even settling on a name for their now thriving bakery. The couple’s passion and dedication led them to transform their two-car garage into a bustling commercial bakery and kitchen. By 2015, they had outgrown their garage and another commercial space, prompting them to open their current location at the Alley on Bitters. Tina, a former graphic artist, now channels her creativity into decorating specialty cakes with intricate details. The Bread Box is not only known for its delicious bread, which still supplies around 65 local restaurants and cafes, but also for its stellar lunch service, tea parties, artfully decorated cakes, homemade pies, and a delightful variety of pastries, including signature English muffins, blueberry muffins, and cinnamon rolls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chef Ceasar Zepeda returns to tell us why he was forced to close Sangria on the Burg and how he created his new concept Saucy Birds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our very first remote podcast, Alan and Susie visit the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) Bakery Pop Up Cafe. The bakery is run by students as a capstone class and is only open Monday - Fridays from February to mid-April. April Goess, Managing Director of CIA San Antonio and Michael Joergensen, Chief Marketing Officer for Pearl are our guests as we talk about the Bakery and Savor, the CIA student run restaurant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chef Jason Dady is a San Antonio based restaurateur who owns the Jason Dady Restaurant Group, which includes Range, Tre, Jardin, and Two Bros. BBQ. He is known for his diverse and innovative culinary concepts, ranging from Tuscin-Italian to Texas Barbecue to Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. He has been featured on several TV shows, such as Beat Bobby Flay and has received numerous accolades such as James Beard Foundation Award Semifinalist and Guest Chef in NYC. Chef Dady is passionate about exploring new flavors and creating memorable dining experiences for his guests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chef Jason Dady is a San Antonio based restaurateur who owns the Jason Dady Restaurant Group, which includes Range, Tre Trattoria, Jardin, and Two Bros BBQ. He is known for his diverse and innovative culinary concepts, ranging from Tuscan-Italian to Texas barbecue to Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. He has been featured on several TV shows, such as Food Network's Iron Chef Gauntlet and Beat Bobby Flay and has received numerous accolades such as James Beard Foundation Award Semifinalist and Guest Chef in NYC. Chef Dady is passionate about exploring new flavors and creating memorable dining experience for his guests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lis Mathis is a long-time resident of Cibolo, Tx. She got tired of having to drive to San Antonio to find good food establishments, so she opened her own! First a wine bar, then two restaurants. Chef Efron Sandoval moved to the area after running several successful restaurants in San Francisco. Kindling Texas was the perfect fit for him and his family. Hear their stories on this week's podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Javier Barron is the owner of Mi Gente, a new Mexican restaurant that opened in San Antonio in January 2024. Javier has a passion for Latin cuisine and culture, and he wanted to share it with his community. Mi Gente offers a variety of dishes, from traditional Mexican favorites to innovative creations like Hot Cheetos enchiladas and chicken on a stick. Javier’s goal is to provide a fun and festive atmosphere for his customers, where they can enjoy delicious food, music, and entertainment.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philippe Place is the general manager and co-founder of Southerleigh Hospitality Group, a group of restaurants and breweries in Texas that serve modern Texas cuisine and craft beer. The Southerleigh Hospitality Group includes Southerleigh, Southerleigh Haute South, and Mon Chou Chou. He is originally from France, but he has been living in the US for over 25 years, and in San Antonio for more than a decade. He has worked in prestigious hotels and restaurants around the world, and he has met celebrities and royalty. He is known for his signature smile, welcoming nature and French accent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jean Tardif is a French-Mexican chef who has a passion for creating French cuisine with a Texas twist. He is the owner and head chef of Tardif’s American Brasserie. Chef Tardif has a rich culinary background, having trained at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and owned several successful restaurants in Mexico City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Behrend is a chef, entrepreneur, and advocate for plant-based eating. He is the co-owner of Earth Burger and Green Vegetarian Cuisine, two successful vegan restaurant chains in Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You could say that Brian Correa was born into the San Antonio Bar business. His great grandfather started Bar America which has been a popular downtown spot for since 1942. Last year, Brian decided to sell his stake in Bar America and head North and open Texas Dog Co. Texas Dog Co is a dog-friendly beer garden that offers a unique experience for both dogs and their owners. It is located at 4302 Hyatt Place. The beer garden is open Monday - Friday from 4:00 pm to midnight, Saturday from 3:00 pm to midnight, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to midnight. The beer garden features a dog park, sand volleyball courts and local food trucks! Very family friendly spot!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cecilia Barretto is a wine expert and the owner of Vinously Speaking, a wine edutainment event business. She has been studying wine since 2002 and has a Masters in Wine Business from France. She offers private wine tasting parties, education, and entertainment for her clients, who can choose their own wine and food budget. She also runs a wine blog where she shares her vinous adventures and insights. Vinously Speaking is the name of both Cecilia’s wine blog and her wine event service. She started the blog in 2009 to document her wine studies in France. She provides wine edutainment events for private residences, corporate functions, and social gatherings in San Antonio and surrounding areas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrick Flores bought an existing restaurant, Las Chiladas in 2003 and has been bringing in the crowds ever since. Las Chiladas is both a restaurant and a place to buy great tamales, year round. Patrick talks about his journey to becoming a restaurateur and about how Las Chiladas has added comedy and entertainment to its list of opportunities. Las Chiladas is San Antonio Restaurants Gold Approved! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Luis Vazquez has created a Mexican Seafood restaurant reminiscent of the classy, resort-style places you might find in Cancun or Cabo San Lucas. Arenas Maqueria Lounge opened early in 2023 and is becoming a hot spot for great seafood, excellent cocktails, and live music! Luis talked with us about learning the restaurant business from washing dishes to running his other restaurant Sabor! Mexicana Cocina with his father. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Edward Leos is the publisher of The Hotel Guide, an award-winning digital travel magazine that features some of the top resorts in the world. He has more than 30 years of experience in the travel and publishing industry. He also hosts a podcast called Travel Talk where he interviews entrepreneurs and world travelers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jenn Riesman has always loved baking. She started her own business, Rooster Crow Bakery last year at 4421 De Zavala Rd. Since then, she has been making delicious cakes, pies, cookies and breads for her loyal customers. She says her secret is using fresh ingredients and putting a lot of passion into her work. Jenn hopes to expand her bakery and share her treats with more people in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dos Sirenos Brewing is unique in that it not only offers delicious beer, the food is amazing too! Chef Jared Cattoni has created a great menu. Most of his food has the beer incorporated into it! Jared talks about creating the menu and plans for the future! Dos Sirenos is San Antonio Restaurants Gold Approved! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices