Restaurant Magic's Podcast

The Hotness and her colleague, A.J. travel to Florence on a nine day trip.  They chronicle their daily dining and travel excursions from the Medici palaces to the vineyards of Tuscany.  Each day is full of eating and sharing the beauty of their adventures in Florence, Italy.  Listen and enjoy the adventure!  Ciao!

Let Sammy's Sliders silde into your belly! Culinary artist Sammy Gianopoulos (Chef Sammy G.) and his partner, entrepreneur Sam Ballas have put their business and food acumen together to create legendary sliders and talk of the town milkshakes.  Both gentlemen share information on: How high quality ingredients elevates their dishes Running a successful franchise and the importance of community connection The delicious Sammy's Sauce and Omg Cookie Butter Crunch Milkshakes Also...thinking of starting a franchise? This episode is for you!  Listen to two Sammy's on one podcast!  What a treat. Enjoy!

The Hotness and her associate, Jada Kay eat their way through Vegas checking out the hottest spots! (no pun intended) From crab boils, oxtail tacos, and delicious desserts along the strip - there was no stopping us.  Cronuts! Jumbo shrimp stuffed with crab! Lemon Pepper Wings - the best in Vegas!  Listen to find out about these great restaurants!

The Hotness and Sweetly return to The Oak to celebrate their TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY! What an achievement to accomplish, we were more than happy to partake in the celebration feast! Deviled eggs, macaroni and cheese, bourbon beef sliders, tuna tartar, and mouth-watering desserts! Have a listen and be sure to visit The Oak!

Only twenty-four years old, Chef Chris Freed is making an impression in the culinary world.  He is the Head Chef at Wye Hill Hospitality Restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina and one of 2023 Best Chef Winner's at North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association Event.  During our interview: Chris offers important advice to up and coming chefs. Explains the secret ingredient “smart butter” of the award-winning dish at the NCRLA Chef Showdown Contest Shares that the great Wye Hill Brewery team won a gold medal for their Luminous Beings Beer What is Sippin' Santa at Wye Hill? Plus tickets are now available for 2024 New Year's Eve on the Hill Event!  Get your tickets now!  

Adenah Bayoh, entrepreneur and co-founder of Cornbread Farm to Soul Restaurant shares the inspiring story of turning dreams into reality after meeting partner Zadie Smith.  Voted Best Fried Chicken in Brooklyn! Voted Best Cornbread in New York City! Cornbread Farm to Soul Restaurant is on a mission to impact the community through food and love.  With New Jersey locations in Maplewood, Newark, and Montclair plus Brooklyn, New York - there's no stopping these ladies!  Not to mention, Adenah gives insights on their wonderful sister-restaurant, Brick City Vegan.  

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Well in this case Frozen Custard! Goodberry's recently celebrated 35 years in Raleigh, North Carolina.  This homemade frozen custard has a special place in ice cream lovers heart. Known for their quality ingredients: fresh milk, fresh cream, eggs, honey, and pure cane sugar - The Hotness and guest, Shaunie discuss their love aka obsession with Goodberry's.  Enjoy!

This Grand Finale Chef Showdown was held at the Pavilion at Angus Barn in Raleigh, North Carolina. The best savory dishes, desserts, cocktails, and mocktails from 25 chef finalists from NC were served with happiness.  This chef showdown will go down in history as one of the best food festivals!  Great jobs chefs and mixologists!  The Hotness and Sweetly thoroughly enjoyed this event. Not to mention the bonus tour of the Angus Barn given by radio personality, Kitty Kinnin!  This night was truly a blast, can't wait until next year!

Death and Taxes in one of AC (Ashley Christensen) fine-dining Restaurants that was a James Beard Award finalist.  The Hotness and special guest, Shaunie discuss the unique wood-fire cooking dishes with a southern twist. On the menu: Roasted NC oysters, Delicious golden beet salad, Dry-aged long-island strip, and MORE! Bon Appetit!!  

What happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas! The Hotness and special guest host, Troy Williams from Start From Scratch Podcast discuss their Gordon Ramsay restaurant and blackout dining experience.

The Oak restaurant is one of Raleigh's best gems on the scratch kitchen scene.    In addition to being one of the top bourbon bars in town, the food is quite outstanding and delicious.  Listen to The Hotness and Sweetly review the Shrimp and Grits, 5-Star Nachos, and the "Drop the Mike" Bread Pudding dessert.

The Hotness and Sweetly decide to walk on wide healthy side...salads!  Chopt salad's offer a wide variety of customized salads, bowls, and wraps.  Healthy eating and wonderful salads all in one!  Check out our review of Chopt!

The Hotness and Sweetly begin a new adventure of reviewing food! Who's in the mood for Mexican food?! Torchy's Tacos will satisfy your craving...tacos, queso, corn, and rice.  Hear what we have to say about this new restaurant taking Raleigh by storm!

Chef Jheramie brings a taste of Memphis to the Midwest! His unique flavors keep customers coming back for more of his secret sauce.  Chef Jheramie's determination to see his dream accomplished is an inspiration to many people.  Listen to his story and find out how you can support his delicious talents and vision of Gifted Hands!

Chef DeMario is back! He joined The Hotness and Sweetly for an interview last year in April 2020 to share how he started his food truck business.  Now it's 2021 and Chef DeMario has managed to open a thriving restaurant in Garner, North Carolina.  From a food truck to a restaurant...how did Chef DeMario do it during a pandemic?  Listen to his amazing story and words of wisdom!

"Kane Get Enough!" That's what everyone says after tasting Erica's food.  Erica is only 23 years old and she is making waves on the food scene.  She does it all: selling delicious plates, being a personal chef, and catering in Charlotte and the Raleigh-Durham area.  Listen to Erica's story on how she stepped out on faith and introduced to the world to:  Kane Get Enough!

2020 will be a year to remember.  The Hotness and Sweetly catch up on what they have been up during the fall and winter of 2020.  Life happens fast, it's all about how you respond which ensures that you will come out on top. Happy New Year! And thank you all for your support!

Part Two continuation of The Hotness and Sweetly Mid Year Review of 2020.  What does the future hold for The Hotness and Sweetly?  This Restaurant Magic is just the beginning of their adventure.

Wow! What a year? The Hotness and Sweetly reflect on their past interviews during 2020.  Even during the pandemic, they wanted to bring the audience stories of businesses who have managed to thrive during challenging times.  So grateful to all who spent time sharing their insightful knowledge on how to be successful!

There's not enough time in the day for Mr. Wilbert Jeffries of Jeffries Farm.  He does it all...farming, landscaping, mechanic, builder, butcher, ministry, etc.  Wilbert shares his story of how he began farming and growing eggplants- white and green eggplants that is for distributors around the country,  If you're interested in farming, listen to Wilbert's story as he explains how RafiUsa.org and the NRC helped his vision of farming.

Carolyn is the produce, meat, and seafood merchandiser of Weaver Street Market located in North Carolina. She's worked for Weaver Street since 2002, starting as a clerk in the produce department and worked her way up to become the head buyer over several departments in the whole co-op.  Weaver Street Market has wholesome delicious, healthy, organic, non-gmo's food available to customers in-store or via online for locals.  What is a co-op and how does it work?  Listen to Carolyn's story and find out the benefits of supporting your community and participating in a co-op.  Remember..."your food is your medicine!"

DeMario's Classic Catering slogan is "Food so good, make ya wanna slap your brains out!" It's an authentic American catering company that offers outstanding BBQ meat.  Chef DeMario is committed to serving customer's quality service and delicious food via his food truck.  He's been cooking for over forty years and now have plans to open a DeMario's Classic Catering restaurant in the White Oak shopping center in Garner, North Carolina this summer.

Chicago native, Chantel Johnson made the move to be "off the grid" to raise chickens, pigs, and turkeys in North Carolina.  Customers who purchase meats from Off Grid in Color can taste the love Chantel gives her animals.  She takes pride in raising each chicken, pig, and turkey to fulfill their purpose and loves doing so!  How does a city girl decide to become a country girl?  Listen to Chantel's story!

Did someone say chocolate dipped cheesecake on a stick? Owner and chef, Nicole McIntyre shares helpful tips and information on running a successful business while serving wonderful and delicious desserts all across the Tarheel state.  Listen to her story on how Nicole and her husband began living the American dream. Cocoa Forte Desserts delivers within North Carolina, provides corporate catering, and has a dessert truck! What more can you ask for?  Cupcakes, chocolate covered strawberries, and cheesecake bites!

How does Oak City Pizza serve the best pizza in Garner, North Carolina?  Steven, the owner and chef of the restaurant had a vision and did not stop until it became a reality.  He makes his own dough, creates his own sauces and special ingredients.  His mission is to prepare and serve the highest quality of food.  Wood fired pizzas, calzones, pastas, and sandwiches...and it all taste delicious.  Listen to his amazing story!

Jolly's Food Truck is not just about soul food.  Owner Chef James is a specialized trained chef that takes his food truck and catering services all over!  Chef James proudly boasts that Jolly's Catering and Events has the best chicken wings in the Triangle. Say what?! He is serious about his flavor and will be happy to cater business & athletic events, weddings, birthdays, and festivals.  Chef James has an amazing story.  His food will certainly make you smile.

Thanks to her mother, Mariluz Peterson started cooking when she was just ten years old.  She knows how prepare true, authentic Puerto Rican cuisines.  It's no surprise that Sweetly has declared Mama Luz Cafe's empanadas the best in town! 

We had a wonderful year and it's always fun taking a moment to look back on all the fun we had interviewing our guests!  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

James Davis, the founder of Milestones Culinary Institute has a platform to give those in need a second chance.  This culinary institute trains the next generation of chefs who are beginning their careers in the culinary industry.  Listen to our interview on how the Milestones Culinary Institute gives hope for better tomorrows.

Hannah Popish, owner of Poppysol offers many products that can be used to heal the body using plants.  Hannah personally develops unique tea blends, body balms, bath salts, and holistic tincture creations using ingredients from her farm.  It all organic too!  Listen to her story and find out how natural herbs can heal your body.

She's only 11 years old but Tamia is already living her entrepreneurial dream.  Baking delicious cupcake desserts is her passion and she is so happy to share her creative talent with customers.  Listen to Tamia explain the importance of family support and never giving up.  Way to go Tamia!

Candie has all the sweets and treats...cupcakes, cakes, cake pops, pound cakes, brownies, cookies, rice krispy treats, cheesecake bars, muffins, breads, and candy apples! When Candie decided to start her own business, it wasn't easy but she kept going to live her dream to bring sweets to everyone.  Listen to how she accomplished her goal and how it's important to never give up on your vision!

We are so sad and happy to celebrate this final food festival event.  During TerraVita's Fall Fête on the Village Green, we had the pleasure of interviewing: Leah&Louise, La Farm Bakery, Sweet Arielle, Fiddlehead Farm, Kingfisher, Lil' Farm & Queen George's Ginger, Chapel Hill Creamery, King Cobra Apiary, and PoppySol.  Thank you Colleen Minton for putting on such a wonderful event!  We will miss all the yummy food and drinks!

Miss Stephannie Renee discusses the success of her family's secret praline candy recipe and how she started her entrepreneur business with her two sons.  She prepares these classic, southern favorite candies with love and care which has created a nationwide demand for her pralines.  Email PralinesbyMissRenee @ gmail.com to place your order now.  

Tom and Martina- The dynamic duo and owners of Gateway Restaurant are serving true home cooked meals to their customers.  Gateway Restaurant has been in Raleigh for over 25 years, having weathered all the storms listen to their story on how to manage a successful restaurant.  "Sometimes you want to go where everyone knows your name..." and Gateway Restaurant does!

These awesome food truck vendors participated in the Africana Food Truck Rodeo in downtown Durham, North Carolina at the Carolina Theatre Plaza.  We spoke with the owners of Lawrence & Perry BBQ, Magnificent Concessions, R&J Fish & Wings, Lyck Yuh Finga, and Amagees Jamaican Cuisine.  Jay's Italian Ice was on the scene as well.  Fun times indeed!

For over years, Frank's Pizza & Italian Restaurant has brought delicious authentic pizza to Raleigh.    Owner and chef, Nasser details how his North African roots bought him to America to live out his dream of owning his own restaurant.  We can't get enough of Frank's Pizza! Check out his amazing story.

We've had a blast this year and wanted to take a moment to reflect on the yummy goodness The Hotness and Sweetly have enjoyed so far! So thankful

We've had a blast this year and wanted to take a moment to reflect on the yummy goodness The Hotness and Sweetly have enjoyed so far! So thankful

It's all about the food...trucks! The Hotness and Sweetly walk you through Raleigh's Food Truck Rodeo as the enjoy all sights and be surrounded by yummy food! It's one of their favorite activities...enjoying food trucks!

Ellen Barrett is the owner and baker of Barrett's Cookies and Biscuits.  Ellen and Laurel bring a delicious assortment of wonderful cookies that are prepared with love.  Taught how to bake by her talented Grandmother, Ellen does the corporate world by day and is the baking super queen at night!  Barrett's Cookies are truly one of kind.  Listen to Ellen's story on how she is accomplishing her dream.  

Momma's Soul Food Truck is taking Raleigh, North Carolina by storm.  From the yams, greens, potato salad, and hot fried fish, customers can't seem to get enough.  James tell the audience how over a few months he's making a name for himself and Momma's Soul Food Truck.  Take a listen to find out how this food truck has become so successful in short amount of time.

Mariston & Brie Marrow take pride in everything their hands touch.  Owners, chefs, caterers, and cake stylist are titles they were proudly under the Cake Couture Boutique business.  Brie & Mariston share profound insights on how they jumped out on faith to start one of the most successful wedding cake boutiques in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Hint: "Paychecks are dream killers."

Shoe Crazy Wine owner, Gwen Hurt describes how a tragic accident gave birth to her dream of developing the finest wine for her customers.  Owned and operated with her daughter, Brittny, these phenomenal ladies are making their footprint on the wine scene!  And find out...what is a sommelier?

Annabelle Michael of Michael's English Muffins makes quality, fresh homemade English muffins.  Annabelle offers sound advice on opening a business, great advice that she learned from her late father, Michael Comisar owner of the legendary Maisonette, an award winning, 41-consecutive five star French restaurant.  English muffins have never tasted better!

Agus, owner and chef of Poke Burri is all about creativity, poke bowls, and burrito bowls.  Born in Indonesia, he shares his inspirational story on his migration to America, proving with hard work and determination that dreams really do come true!

Owner and chef, Tawonna Bess has been cooking since her grandmother taught her as a young child.  She's serving up the hottest fish and loving every minute of it! Take a listen on how she took a leap of faith to share her cooking talents with the public and the catering world.  

Carmen Settles of Full Street Wings Cafe food truck has a plan and she's executing it! Taught by her father on how to master the grill, Carmen set out to grill the best wings in the Carolinas.  Full Street Wings Cafe brings smiles to everyone blessed to taste Carmen's tasty wings!

Diesha Banner of Toast It Up! explains how she and her co-partner, Shannon started their mobile mixology and bartending services.  They serve events across the Triangle, bringing them the best customer service and unique drinks around town.   #LetThemMixYou!

Former teacher Pat Dawson never gave up on her dream of cooking.  Mrs. Pat shares wisdom and knowledge on how to never give up and how she started her catering business.

Area Marketing Director, Lisa Greene of Zaxby's keeps breaking the glass ceiling.  Amazingly, her influence produces the top performing restaurant franchises in her marketing territory.  Lisa shares the secrets to maintaining success on everything she sets her mind to and how she is a true trailblazer for women.