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

In this episode of the Desert Harvest Podcast, the hosts delve into Arizona's burgeoning wine industry with guests Phil and Kim Asmundson of Deep Sky Vineyard. The conversation covers the Asmundsons' journey from acquiring a vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina, to pioneering viticulture in Arizona, debunking myths about its suitability for winemaking. They discuss the similarities between Southern Arizona and Uco Valley in Mendoza, including latitude and altitude. The discussion moves to the use of technology in farming, detailing how the Asmundsons use moisture sensors and frost fans to optimize grape quality and water usage. The guests share insights into the importance of community and collaboration among Arizona winemakers and outline the economic potential of the state's wine industry. Phil and Kim also talk about their marketing efforts, including their educational newsletters and social media presence. The episode emphasizes how Arizona’s unique environment adds a special element to the winemaking process and highlights the need for more awareness and legislative support to maximize the industry's growth potential.

00:00 Introduction to Desert Harvest Podcast

00:57 Meet the Renaissance Guests: Phil and Kim Asmundson

02:24 Arizona's Hidden Wine Potential

03:23 The Science Behind Arizona's Vineyards

06:46 Family-Run Wineries: A Personal Touch

11:03 Economic Impact of Arizona's Wine Industry

13:56 Innovative Technology in Viticulture

18:26 The Importance of Soil and Water Management

31:34 Organic Practices and Pest Control

33:07 The Story Behind Deep Sky Vineyard

34:24 Finding a Place to Sell Wine

34:33 The Inspiration Behind 'Deep Sky'

35:33 Exploring Arizona Wine Varietals

36:58 Unique Wine Names and Their Stories

39:36 The Future of Arizona Wine Industry

46:41 Collaborative Efforts in Winemaking

49:24 Marketing and Tourism in Arizona Wine

59:17 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode, Pete and Oren discuss various aspects of opening and running a restaurant. They share personal experiences and insights into what makes restaurants succeed or fail. Topics include the importance of understanding your market, the role of business planning, the benefits and challenges of franchising, and the significance of strong partnerships. They also talk about practical steps for securing financing and choosing the right location. Oren emphasizes the value of working with experienced professionals such as general contractors and architects, and the importance of community involvement in building a successful restaurant.

00:00 New Year Beginnings and Holiday Recap

00:45 Dry January and Non-Alcoholic Beers

04:18 Smoking Meats and Holiday Feasts

08:05 Insights on Opening a Restaurant

11:59 Challenges and Success in the Restaurant Business

22:34 The Importance of Market and Location

29:42 Maintaining Success in a Transient Market

32:19 Understanding Market Demand

34:53 Exploring Franchise Opportunities

35:19 The Importance of a Business Plan

37:41 Understanding Market Dynamics

39:12 The Role of Brokers and Distributors

41:59 Financial Planning and Risk Management

44:11 Franchising Insights and Pitfalls

48:16 The Value of Local Expertise

50:34 Negotiating Leases and Financing

01:02:57 The Importance of a Strong Business Partner

01:06:06 Conclusion and Future Plans

Farm-to-Table Insights with Chef Jayson Khademi: Flavor, Health, and Community

In this episode of 'The Desert Harvest,' hosts Pete and Oren invite Chef Jayson Khademi to discuss the unique dynamics of being a personal chef with access to an urban farm in downtown Phoenix. Jayson shares insights into the profound impacts of fresh, locally grown produce on flavor and health. The conversation touches on various farming and culinary techniques, including fermentation, food preservation, and thoughtful meal preparation, emphasizing the importance of respecting ingredients. Jayson also discusses his experiences in both small-scale, farm-to-table settings and larger restaurant environments, offering practical advice for cultivating healthier eating habits and building a sense of community through food. With engaging anecdotes and practical tips, this episode provides an in-depth look at how fresh, local ingredients can transform meals and improve health.

00:00 Welcome Back to Desert Harvest

00:57 Introducing Chef Jayson Khademi

02:01 The Impact of Fresh Ingredients on Flavor

03:20 Exploring Unique Ingredients and Preservation Techniques

05:05 The Benefits of Homegrown Produce

07:06 The Role of Nutrition in Health

10:32 Community and Food: Building Connections

12:24 Challenges and Rewards of Growing Your Own Food

15:57 The Importance of Sourcing Quality Ingredients

20:14 Respecting Food and Its Origins

36:50 Urban Farming and Nutrient-Dense Food

37:33 Harvesting Fresh Ingredients

38:18 Restaurant Sourcing and Food Costs

40:37 Stretching Your Food Budget

42:28 Health and Food Preservation

46:44 The Ethics of Food and Obesity

58:34 Cooking Techniques and Recommendations

01:05:05 Final Thoughts and Social Media

Exploring the Connection Between Food Quality and Health

Have you ever wondered why food in Italy tastes so much better, and why your body feels different after eating it compared to food in the U.S.?

If you're concerned about the impact of processed foods and additives on your health, this episode dives into the stark differences in food quality between Italy and the U.S., revealing how systemic regulations could be impacting your well-being.

Discover how eating clean, additive-free food could transform your health.

• Learn about local Arizona projects that prioritize sustainable and health-conscious food production.
• Uncover the hidden links between the food industry and healthcare challenges highlighted in the recommended 'The Ultimate Human' podcast.
• Tune in now to learn how to take control of your food choices and find healthier options that benefit your body and lifestyle!

In this episode of the Desert Harvest Podcast, the hosts discuss their experiences with food in Italy, emphasizing the stark differences between consuming meats, breads, and other meals made with quality, additive-free ingredients abroad versus in the United States. The discussion explores the role of systemic regulations and industry incentives that affect food quality and health in America. Additionally, they highlight various projects and products in Arizona focusing on sustainable and health-conscious food production. The episode further delves into insights from a recommended podcast, 'The Ultimate Human', emphasizing issues within the food and healthcare industries.

00:00 Introduction to the Desert Harvest Podcast

00:11 Italian Culinary Adventures

02:12 Comparing Food Quality: Italy vs. USA

04:42 The Impact of Additives in American Food

06:45 Podcast Recommendation: Exposing Food and Healthcare Secrets

09:59 The Connection Between Food and Health

16:07 Advocating for Better Food Choices

18:34 The Importance of Quality Food for Longevity

26:34 Challenges in Accessing Healthy Food

27:10 Whole Foods: A Critical Perspective

28:00 Arizona's Food Revolution

29:07 The Benefits of Grass-Fed Products

30:06 The Barrio Bread Collaboration

33:44 The Virtuous Cycle of Local Food

39:38 Non-Toxic Eating: A Starting Point

43:57 The Economics of Healthy Eating

44:46 Concluding Thoughts and Future Promises

The Ultimate Human

Gary Brecka

Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to get that fresh, farm-to-table peach on your plate?
If you're striving to eat healthier, support sustainable practices, or strengthen local community ties, this episode unpacks the unique challenges and rewards of local farming—and why your food choices matter more than you think.

• Gain insight into the struggles and triumphs of seasonal farming at Molovin' Farms.
• Discover how farmer’s markets and CSA subscriptions connect you directly to the source of your food.
• Learn why supporting local farms can benefit your health, protect the environment, and enrich your community.

Press play now to uncover the hidden stories behind your food and take a small but powerful step toward healthier and more sustainable eating!

In this episode, the hosts discuss the cyclical challenges of farming, especially focusing on the unique relationships between farmers, chefs, and the local community. They delve into the seasonal hardships at Mulligan Mullivan Farms, emphasizing the labor-intensive process of producing high-quality peaches and the impact of nature on crop yields. The conversation explores the benefits and intricacies of farmer's markets, CSA subscriptions, and local butchery, highlighting how these avenues create connections between producers and consumers. Key points include the importance of supporting local agriculture for better health, environmental sustainability, and fostering community relationships. The discussion touches on several resources for further understanding the value of locally sourced food, including films, books, and influential figures in the farming community.

00:00 Missing Peach Season: A Farmer's Lament

00:44 Challenges of Farming: Nature's Influence

01:26 Symbiotic Farming: Chickens and Peaches

02:29 Farmer's Market: Connecting with the Community

04:30 Value-Added Products: Freeze-Dried Peaches

07:54 Farm-to-Table: The Chef-Farmer Relationship

20:41 CSA Subscriptions: Supporting Local Farms

27:14 Local Butcher Shops: Quality and Sourcing

28:21 Arcadia Meat Market Experience

30:52 Economic Perspective on Local Butcheries

33:22 The Meat Shop: A Worthwhile Trip

35:28 Value Proposition of Local Meat

38:31 Educational Resources on Food and Agriculture

46:32 The Ecological Impact of Food Choices

50:04 Conclusion and Future Guests