Join us on 'The Desert Harvest' as we delve into the vibrant culinary scene of Arizona with Eric Walters, author and expert on local food and drink. Hosted by Pete and Oren Molovinsky, this episode highlights the rich culture and diverse offerings from across the state. Learn about the underappreciated gems, the importance of local ingredients, and the passionate individuals driving Arizona's food and beverage industries. From foraging wild ingredients to collaborating on unique dining experiences, discover what makes Arizona a hotspot for culinary innovation. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with local knowledge and foodie inspiration!

00:00 Welcome to Desert Harvest

00:09 Introducing Oren Molovinsky

00:38 Arizona's Culinary Scene

01:46 Special Guest: Eric Walters

02:20 Underappreciated Arizona Cuisine

06:41 Surprising Culinary Gems

09:01 Local Ingredients and Foraging

14:44 Craft Beer and Local Collaborations

18:51 Trends in Arizona's Culinary Scene

27:06 Community and Collaboration

33:39 The Unique Vibe of Tucson

34:58 The Growth of Authentic Concepts in Phoenix Suburbs

37:06 Fast Casual Dining Trends

39:26 Highlighting Local Food and Drink Spots

43:22 A Taste of Arizona: Book and Magazine

44:57 Exploring Arizona's Culinary Scene

50:58 The Importance of Local Agriculture

01:00:18 Conclusion and Future Plans

In this episode of The Desert Harvest, hosts Pete and Oren dive into the fascinating journey of Don Guerra, the renowned founder of Barrio Bread and recent James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Baker. They discuss Don’s commitment to building a resilient local grain economy in Arizona, his inspiring collaboration with local producers and farmers, and the social impact of his work. Join us as Don shares the origins of Barrio Bread and his latest venture, Barrio Bagel and Slice, shedding light on the importance of community-supported agriculture and the virtuous cycle of good food and sustainable practices. Learn how Don’s passion for his craft and the collaborative spirit with Oren have led to a transformative dining experience that supports local economic growth and ecological sustainability.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

01:28 The Origin Story of Barrio Bread

07:00 The Impact of Barrio Bagel and Slice

13:06 Reviving Heritage Grains

20:57 Building a Sustainable Grain Economy

28:06 Ecological Benefits of Local Grains

30:26 Economic Impact of Arizona Wine

31:08 The Virtuous Cycle of Local Wheat

32:11 Personal Growth and Challenges

34:19 The Importance of Family and Balance

35:54 Building a Strong Business Partnership

39:12 Creating a Unique Restaurant Concept

44:47 Community Engagement and Customer Feedback

50:46 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

In this episode of the Desert Harvest Podcast, the hosts discuss the intricacies of opening a new restaurant as Oren teams up with renowned baker Don Guerra to launch 'Barrio Bagel and Slice' in Gilbert, Arizona. The conversation dives into Oren's past experiences with opening Farm Boy and the lessons learned. They explore the importance of patience, partner selection, community relationships, and effective communication with various stakeholders involved in the process. The episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in opening a restaurant and highlights the upcoming venture aiming to transform a former Sonic drive-thru into a wholesome eatery supporting local agriculture.

00:00 Introduction and Birthday Banter

00:44 Announcing the New Restaurant

01:17 Partnership with Don Guerra

03:42 The Journey of Don Guerra’s Barrio Bagel and Slice

11:01 Challenges in Opening a Restaurant

14:48 Navigating Permits and Financing

17:50 Building Strong Business Relationships

21:52 Navigating the Permit Process

23:21 The Cost of Impatience

25:15 Lessons from Farm Boy

28:01 Choosing the Right Location

34:21 The New Venture: Barrio Bagel and Slice

37:54 Looking Ahead and Final Thoughts