Jorge Gaviria has devoted years to understanding the culture, the people, and the logistics around corn production. The resulting project, Masienda, is now the industry leader in providing quality masa, heirloom corn, and tortilla cooking accessories. The journey to this amazing project is steeped in deep analysis, introspection, and travel. What started as a moment of translation, turned into a massive corn movement. We chat mezcal, NYU, civil unrest, and how we learn.
-
-
Ep 289 – Benedicte Hardy: Five Generations of Cognac
Benedicte Hardy has been representing the delicious flavors of Cognac for 30+ years. Her family has a legacy of making some of the finest Cognac’s in the world. With the recent release of Hardy Legend 1863, the brand tries to modernize the elegant spirit and help bartenders get creative with Cognac. The introduction of Cognac into American culture is an interesting story, and a brilliant history lesson. We chat wine, tradition, family, and more.
-
Ep 283 – Alan Ruesga-Pelayo: When There’s A Will, There’s A Way
Guadalajara native Alan Ruesga-Pelayo has hospitality in his blood. As a helper with his parents social events, and a lover of conversation, the perfect stage was set for Alan to excel in the bartending community. After moving to meet his sister in Washington DC, a necessity to learn English and a great deal of opportunities in hospitality started to pave his career. Some years later, a chance meeting behind the bar led to his most recent connection with Cazadores as the new and colorful brand ambassador. We chat hosting, press, Austin, and more.
-
Ep 277 – Danny Mena: From the Kitchen to the Palenque
Starting as a finicky eater and a boy of routine, Danny Mena’s mathematical mind transformed in his college years. The once deeply analytical mind evolved into the world food. Supper clubs, and many flavor combinations later, Danny paired his business acumen and his kitchen experience to launch a successful restauranteur career. This deep passion of Mexico and flavor inevitably drove him into the beautiful world of Mezcal. We chat music, flavor, inspiration, and Mezcal.
