After a year of waiting, the Chef Showdown is back! Jen and Abby recount their experience at the final event, where the best culinary and mixology talent across NC served guests sweet and savory bites featuring local North Carolina ingredients.Por Queen City Podcast Network

From mime to wine, Tommy Trull has had quite a journey to his current role as GM and Wine Director at Peppervine. Tune in to learn what kind of cheese ignited the shift, geek out about wine for a while, and then run, don’t walk, to Peppervine to try the insanely good food and wine pairings they’re serving up with passion.…

Join Jen & Abby at the National Pastry Conference in Charlotte, NC August 29-31! Justin Fry shares delicious details about the competition and how you can get involved. Hobbyists and pros, get your applications in soon: entries close July 31. Tickets on sale now at www.pastrycon.comPor Queen City Podcast Network

Put on your fascinators, friends - it's Battle Afternoon Tea! Marking the end of the long battle hiatus, Jen and Abby duke it out for best pairing with secret ingredients selected way back in Batch #61. Spoiler alert: there were no losers.Por Queen City Podcast Network

Jen and Abby welcome farmers market favorite Mary Wilson of Thoughtful Baking Co into the studio. Mary's baking up more than just pies...she's making it easier for you to find locally-made comfort food in the Queen City.Por Queen City Podcast Network

Another jam-packed session in the studio, Jen and Abby are inspired by the Ballantyne Hotel to set the stage for another food battle. They drool over their memories of a recent visit to Panzu, a must-visit restaurant and brewery in Mint Hill, and Jen and Abby reflect on recent unexpected cocktail experiences.…

This is one indulgent batch, friends. Join Jen and Abby at Prime Fish Cellar as they sample sake, champagne, sashimi, and...the highlight of the evening...caviar! The team, led by General Manager Bill Cox, shares their immense knowledge and passion to help us learn a thing or two about this whole new world. Tune in to hear about all the incredible …

Still floating on air, Jen and Abby regale listeners with their recent jam-packed foodie weekend featuring Phil Rosenthal and the return of Charlotte Wine + Food Week's Grand Tasting. In an attempt to sow division, the ladies share some of their culinary hot takes. Don't @ us.Por Queen City Podcast Network

Jen and Abby return to the studio to highlight Charlotte Wine & Food Week April 16-21. Abby brings some treats (and a few tricks) from her travels through Europe.Por Queen City Podcast Network

Amused Bouche Season 4 coming April 15 PLUS a special announcement.Por Queen City Podcast Network

Kenzy Cunningham of Queen's Hand Collaborative is the friend we didn't know we needed. Kenzy shows us what it means to hustle and build a business with purpose: Queen's Hand Collaborative supports local (and often women-owned) beverage businesses to grow and succeed in this fast-paced, competitive industry.…

Our next Featured Foodie takes us to Pins Mechanical where a unique food truck awaits: Mariah's Taco Spot. Chef Reyaña of Your Braisen Chef shares some secret ingredients, culinary tips, and advice for entrepreneurs while we taste some of the best wings and tacos in the city.Por Queen City Podcast Network

Jen and Abby reflect on their favorite autumnal traditions and share some NC State Fair news.Por Queen City Podcast Network

Chayil Johnson, Executive Chef at Community Matters Cafe, brings more than just pastries to the studio for this batch: he shares a mission and a strategy to transform the lives of members of our local community battling addiction. The Charlotte Rescue Mission provides recovery programs that offer skills, opportunities, and hope for the future. To l…

Tune in for the premiere of our new segment, "Featured Foodie" where we ask notable Charlotteans to take us to their favorite spots around town. First up, Tim Edwards of Splatter Charlotte smashes it out of the park with a delicious experience at Sub One Hoagie House.Por Queen City Podcast Network

It finally happened! Tune in as Abby and Jen cover the incredible 2023 NCRLA Chef Showdown Grand Finale, featuring conversations with many of the talented award winners, punctuated by drool-worthy dish descriptions. You'll want to start planning your culinary road trip through North Carolina at the end of this one, friends.…

We're back! Heidi Billotto returns to dish on the Aug 14 Grand Finale of the 2023 NCRLA Chef Showdown in Raleigh: a competition months in the making featuring chefs, mixologists, and ingredients from all over this great state. We'll see you there! Tickets available at ncchefshowdown.comPor Queen City Podcast Network

In our last batch before a hard-earned summer break, join Abby and Jen for a delicious dim sum experience (their first!) at the new Open Rice Metropolitan location, a spot that never disappoints. 10/10. Would gorge again.Por Queen City Podcast Network

Get your sweet tooth ready! The amazing Sam Ward of Wentworth & Fenn (our new lady-crush) shares her journey to Camp North End, her culinary hot takes, and her drool-worthy pastries. You won't be skipping dessert after this one, friends.Por Queen City Podcast Network

Great food, great friends, and a great destination: Abby chronicles her intrepid adventures in Portugal and brings some Portuguese snacks into the studio for a taste test.Por Queen City Podcast Network

Load up on antacids and tune in for a spicy batch featuring the lovely Susannah Brinkley Henry, the talent behind the renowned cocktail blog, Feast + West. In addition to dropping solid home bartending tips, Susannah guides us through a blind Bloody Mary taste test with some shocking(ly delicious) results.…

Coming to you from Jen’s personal zoo, this home batch covers a LOT of ground – We got puppies (cute!). We recap Biblio (nom!). We get amped for Charlotte Wine + Food Week (woo!). AND we hear about Abby’s recent Family Food Challenge. Grab you a snack, cuz this one will leave you hongry.Por Queen City Podcast Network

From Myrtle Beach beginnings all the way to his own Restaurant Constance, Chef Sam Diminich has had a remarkable [flavor] journey. Tune in to hear how being “sober out loud” has allowed him to stay in the solution and not the problem, making meaningful impacts in the Queen City and beyond. We have a feeling he’s just getting started.…

Meet Fresca lover and self-proclaimed debaucherous human, Amanda Cranford of Dish and Paper Plane fame. This batch shares her journey as a Charlotte native, her people-first approach, and her serious condiment standards (why yes, there IS a perfect ketchup...)Por Queen City Podcast Network

Comin' in hot! A jam-packed batch featuring the infamous John Cochrane, AKA the "Neighborger." We hear John's superhero origin story AND conduct some science experiments in studio that blew. our. minds. This one's a must!Por Queen City Podcast Network

What should you do when time ceases to matter? What’s the most underrated kitchen tool? How big (or not) is Abby’s mouth? Get answers to these classic questions and more stuffed into this sweet mini-batch.Por Queen City Podcast Network

What happens when you say yes? Welcome Heidi Billotto to the podcast, culinary expert and food blogger who has built a vast and impressive career out of this principle. With a passion for spreading happiness through food and shining a light on local produce and talent, Heidi is truly a legend in the regional culinary scene.…

In this final batch of 2022, Abby and Jen hear an update on the cardamom challenge, take on a cheesy challenge of their own, set up the next epic Battle, and recap the amazing highs of an incredible year. We'll see you in 2023 (with some very special guests), friends!Por Queen City Podcast Network

Abby and Jen take Savannah! Or was it the cave of wonders? Were there ghosts? Probably. All this, AND a recap of the hard-fought Battle Movie Magic. Grab a cocktail and settle in, friends. This ones a goodun.Por Queen City Podcast Network

The second half of our Chef Will menu kicks off with a birthday surprise and an enthusiastic (but non-sponsored) plug for a must-have kitchen device. Stay ‘til the end to learn how to book your own private chef experience!Por Queen City Podcast Network

Multiple courses, locally sourced ingredients, and an in-home chef - all on a Wednesday AND while wearing sweatpants from the comfort of home?! Yeah. We'll take that. Meet Chef Will Philips – mushroom fanatic, fermentation boss, and private chef – in another super fun two-parter.Por Queen City Podcast Network

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s how much we have left to learn. Tune in for a lesson in authentic sushi and unlocking the third flavor with Chef Robin of Prime Fish and Omakase by Prime Fish. Plus, Chef Robin brings along a crowd-favorite: Sake Sara!Por Queen City Podcast Network

Part II of our chat with the delightful Shawn Paul begins with hidden talents and ends with some thirst trap spoilers about Foxcroft’s upcoming events and eventual world domination. Cheers, dear listeners!Por Queen City Podcast Network

Wine Lovers, pour yourself a glass and tuck in for Part I of our lively chat with Shawn Paul of Foxcroft Wine Co. From birthdays to random Tuesdays, Foxcroft is a go-to for any occasion: incredible food, vino, service, and an ever-present ambient level of charm.Por Queen City Podcast Network

From the redwood forests to the gulf state diners, this land was made for our Kolleen. Part II: Pacific Coast Highway and back to Charlotte.Por Queen City Podcast Network

In another two-batcher, the ladies are stoked to welcome local Charlotte foodie and longtime friend of the podcast, Kolleen Organek, to talk about her recent food-driven cross-country travels with Mom (that’s her official name). Part I: NC to the Pacific Northwest.Por Queen City Podcast Network

Ace No. 3. Waterman Fishbar. Sea Level NC. Heard of 'em? From ski bum to oyster connoisseur, Paul Manley, owner/partner of High Tide Hospitality, joins us in the studio to share his industry journey and challenge what we thought we knew about those salty little sea snacks.Por Queen City Podcast Network

Don't let those dulcet tones fool you... Chef Michael Noll thrives in chaos, from flying down the freeway on a skateboard to conducting 12-course tasting menus. Chef Michael visits the studio to highlight two of Charlotte's premier dining destinations: Bardo and VANA.Por Queen City Podcast Network

Badass female business owners? NBD. At least in Greece, it's not. In the studio, we're fangirling over these two powerhouse members of the Pahountis family, owners of Greco Fresh Grille, who school us in proper pronunciation and non-embarrassing business names.Por Queen City Podcast Network

Abby and Jen go back to their roots with a reprisal of classic segments like Yelp Reviews and Charlotte Shoutouts, in addition to a special plea to a Charlotte region staple - Harris Teeter. (beware: earworm included).Por Queen City Podcast Network

From his humble beginnings creating backyard dirt potions to his current science-forward culinary style, Chef Ken Aponte of Alchemy shares his path and his passions (spoiler alert: rules) in an absolute blast of a chat with Jen and Abby.Por Queen City Podcast Network

"Now, it's time to run." In Part II of our chat with Chef Sam Hart of Counter-, we get some drool-inducing spoiler alerts about what's coming up, including a peek at his new wine-driven concept, Biblio.Por Queen City Podcast Network

In Part I of 2, Jen and Abby welcome the inimitable Chef Sam Hart, who has been making serious waves in Charlotte with his musically paired, story-driven tasting menus at Counter-, an experience that is absolutely not to be missed – if you can get seats, that is.Por Queen City Podcast Network

Hold on to your appetites! Abby and Jen sit down with Greg Williams and Jamie Barnes, delightfully talented chef-owners of What The Fries, and chew the fat about everything from their food truck origins to their brick-and-mortar location and insanely creative menu stylings.Por Queen City Podcast Network

Great beer isn’t hard to come by in the QC. But great beer AND amazing food in one spot? That’s rare. Enter Legion Brewing! In this batch, we chat with two of their talented chefs in advance of the grand opening of their newest location. And yes, dear listeners, they brought snacks!Por Queen City Podcast Network

Chef Christa Csoka of The Artisan’s Palate visits the studio to share one of the most universal truths: no matter how long it takes, never give up on your dreams.Por Queen City Podcast Network

Set your alarm and come along on an adventure through the woods as Jen and Abby discuss hunting with Jared Shank, local entertainer and hobby hunter.Por Queen City Podcast Network

Kanpai! Sake Sara is back for Part II. In this batch: Abby gets tipsy, Jen gets a long-awaited answer to one of the big sake misunderstandings, and Sara explains all the science.Por Queen City Podcast Network

We had too much fun for one batch. In part I of II, Abby and Jen get their brains exploded in a delicious introduction to the complex world of sake with Sara "Sake Sara" Guterbock, who has been moonlighting as an Amused Bouche super fan.Por Queen City Podcast Network

Love is in the air! In this special Valentines Day episode, Abby and Jen recap their holiday food adventures, play a thrilling round of Foodie Fight, and romance the (stretchy) pants off their partners...and each other...in Battle: Chocolate.Por Queen City Podcast Network