Taste of Place

Ep 89. Allison Robicelli - The City Whisperer 17.06.2026 47min

Allison Robicelli is a James Beard nominated writer, former celebrity chef and restaurant owner, and cultural intelligence consultant whose work sits at the intersection of food, media, and destination storytelling. She has written for The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Eater, Food & Wine, and The Washington Post, where she founded the publication’s first dedicated non alcoholic beverage column in major food media. In this conversation, she explores how overlooked and post industrial cities can become some of the most compelling food destinations in the world when approached with curiosity rather than convention. Drawing on her experience working with tourism boards, editors, and producers, she explains why traditional destination marketing is losing impact in an algorithm driven media landscape, and what replaces it. This episode is a sharp, often humorous look at how stories of place are found, shaped, and shared, and why the future of culinary tourism depends less on promotion and more on genuine human discovery.

Ep 88. Karl Wilder - Our Food is Our History 06.05.2026 40min

Join us for a fascinating conversation with chef, food tourism entrepreneur, and storyteller Karl Wilder — founder of The Chef Tours and a man who believes that the best food experiences in the world cannot be designed by algorithms. Broadcasting from Mexico City alongside his famous Boston Terrier Milou, Karl shares why he spent six months immersing himself in the city’s neighborhoods, markets, kitchens, and street food culture instead of building another superficial “top five bites” tour.

Ep 87. Blanca Valencia - The Real Spain Isn't on the Menu 09.04.2026 43min

In this episode, Erik Wolf speaks with Blanca Valencia, author of The Gazpacho Chronicles, about the complexities—and contradictions—of Spanish culinary culture. Blanca challenges the dominant, chef-driven narrative and highlights the overlooked role of producers, regional diversity, and culinary heritage in shaping Spain’s true food identity. From the standardization of restaurant menus to the underrepresentation of women and traditional foodways, this conversation explores what is missing from Spain’s global gastronomy story—and why it matters. Blanca also shares practical insights for travelers who want to go beyond the usual tapas and Michelin-star experiences to discover a more authentic and meaningful connection to Spanish food culture. A thought-provoking discussion on visibility, authenticity, and the future of culinary storytelling in Spain.

Ep 86. Marc Checkley - The Story Before the Sip 10.03.2026 43min

The best wine tourism experiences are not always about the wine! In this episode of the Taste of Place Podcast, Erik Wolf speaks with storyteller, wine educator, and experience designer Marc Checkley about what truly makes food and wine experiences memorable. Originally from New Zealand, Marc began his career in film, television, and broadcast journalism before moving across Asia and eventually settling in Switzerland. Today he designs immersive wine tourism experiences in regions such as Lavaux, Champagne, and Barolo, blending storytelling, culture, and human connection. Marc explains why the bottle is often the least important part of a great wine experience, how storytelling transforms simple tastings into unforgettable moments, and why the future of culinary tourism will depend on authenticity, sustainability, and meaningful human connection. From pandemic-era virtual tastings that attracted thousands of viewers to intimate vineyard walks accompanied by unexpected moments—like a winemaker playing saxophone in the cellar—Marc demonstrates how stories turn places into experiences. If you believe travel should connect people with culture, land, and each other, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration.

Ep 85. Mauricio Kusanovic - Patagonia Beyond the Postcard 04.02.2026 40min

What does it take to balance tourism growth, conservation, and community pride in one of the world’s last truly wild places? In this episode, we travel to Chilean Patagonia with Mauricio Kusanovic, a tourism and conservation leader based in Puerto Natales, and the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. Mauricio shares a personal and professional perspective on how his family’s legacy, rooted in cattle ranching, estancias, and early tourism, has evolved into a model that connects regenerative farming, conservation funding, and culinary identity. We explore how Puerto Natales gained international recognition for its food culture, why Patagonian lamb and cold-water seafood matter, and how gastronomy helps protect land, wildlife, and local livelihoods. Mauricio also reflects on lessons learned and why better tourism, not more tourism, is essential for sensitive destinations. This conversation offers insight into destination governance, sustainable growth, and how food can express culture while supporting conservation in a place often called the end of the world, or as locals say, where everything begins.

Ep 84. Santina Kennedy - Ireland Made by Makers 10.01.2026 47min

In this episode, Erik Wolf speaks with Santina Kennedy, an award-winning Irish food consultant, producer champion, and storyteller whose work bridges food history, culture, and contemporary experience design. Santina shares her unconventional journey from banking to café ownership, and ultimately to a vocation that did not exist when she was young: interpreting Irish food culture through storytelling, events, and strategic collaborations. She reflects candidly on delayed purpose, entrepreneurship without capital, and why genuine hospitality matters more than polish or scale. The conversation explores Ireland’s overlooked food narratives - from tenant farmers and kitchen workers to everyday staples like potatoes, butter, and bread - and how these stories can be brought to life through immersive experiences in galleries, estates, and public institutions. Santina also dives deeply into Irish whiskey, explaining how history, resilience, terroir, and innovation are expressed in mash bills, grains, and pairing traditions. A standout theme is Santina’s advocacy for St. Brigid as Ireland’s original food and hospitality patron, and her work elevating Brigid’s legacy through food, drink, poetry, and craft. The episode concludes with a thoughtful discussion on regional food networks, particularly County Wicklow, and why Ireland must first teach its own people to value their food culture before expecting visitors to understand it. This is a rich, reflective conversation about identity, resilience, and the power of food to tell the true story of a place.

Ep 83. Heike Winter - Why Artisanal Still Matters 02.01.2026 36min

In this episode of the Taste of Place Podcast, Erik Wolf speaks with Heike Winter, founder of Must Heb, an award-winning artisanal mustard producer based on the Isle of Harris in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. Originally from Germany, Heike shares the personal journey that led her to relocate to one of Europe’s most remote regions and build a food business rooted in place, purpose, and craft. The conversation explores why mustard is often underestimated, how flavor innovation happens outside mass-market systems, and what it truly means to grow a business without losing its soul. Listeners will hear about the realities of sourcing organic ingredients, producing food at a small scale, educating consumers through tastings and storytelling, and choosing intentional limits on growth. This episode offers a thoughtful reflection on culinary culture, transparency, and why artisanal food continues to matter in a world increasingly shaped by industrial food systems.

Ep 82. Daniela Sfara - Cooking by Heart Not by Recipe 14.12.2025 30min

What happens when you completely reinvent your life at 50—and return to the culinary traditions that shaped you? In Episode 82, host Erik Wolf speaks with Daniela Sfara, the Canadian-Italian chef, cultural ambassador, and founder of ITALUS whose mission is to preserve the disappearing regional foodways of Italy. Daniela shares her extraordinary personal transformation from a 20-year jewellery career to becoming a respected voice in culinary culture, hospitality excellence, and immersive food experiences across Italy, Dubai, Europe, and North America. Daniela’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and deep cultural stewardship. Whether you work in food, tourism, hospitality, or simply love Italian cuisine, this is an inspiring reminder that food is identity, and preserving culinary heritage is an act of service to future generations.

Ep 81. Veronica Peralta - The Sweet Taste of Ethics 12.11.2025 43min

In this inspiring episode, Erik Wolf sits down with Veronica Peralta of Paccari Chocolate — the Ecuadorian brand that redefined how ethical, organic, and biodynamic chocolate can uplift entire farming communities. Veronica shares how her brother Santiago transformed Ecuador’s cacao industry by empowering small farmers, protecting biodiversity, and restoring national pride in fine-flavor cacao. The conversation explores the distinct regional flavors of Ecuadorian chocolate, the social and environmental mission behind Paccari, and how climate change is reshaping the global cacao market. Veronica also discusses Paccari’s recognition as the world’s most ethical chocolate brand, and why conscious consumer choices can create real change.

Ep 80. Ximena Velasco - Mexico Beyond the Myths 01.10.2025 28min

In this Taste of Place Podcast episode, we sit down with Ximena Velasco, founder of the ¡Qué Gusto! festival in France. She shares how she’s breaking stereotypes, championing authentic Mexican culinary culture, and bringing the real flavors of Mexico to French audiences.

Ep 79. Paula Mohammed - Peace Through Food 21.09.2025 42min

Paula Mohammed is a podcaster, cultural explorer, and founder of In My Kitchen. Born to a Pakistani father and a mother from New Zealand with Māori heritage, and raised in Canada and New Zealand, Paula grew up surrounded by flavors, family, and cross-cultural stories. She’s built a career on the idea of creating peace through food, one dish at a time. From childhood memories of curried peas to life-changing adventures in Portugal, Paula shares how food helps us connect, bend, and let life unfold.

Ep 78. Paule-Odile Beke - From Abidjan to London 21.08.2025 39min

In this episode, Ivorian-French chef Paule-Odile Béké shares her journey from sneaking street food in Abidjan to founding her Afro-fusion catering company in London and competing on MasterChef: The Professionals. She reflects on her culinary roots, the influence of family, her experiences in Paris and London, and her mission to elevate Ivorian cuisine on the global stage. Paule also discusses resilience in the kitchen, the importance of mentorship, and her exciting new ventures with Ivorian teas, spirits, and food products.

Ep 77. Sara England - Maple, Migration & Memory 26.06.2025 36min

In this conversation, Sara England shares her journey from Ontario to Nova Scotia, her work at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, and the significance of food in the context of immigration. The discussion highlights the new exhibition 'Eat, Make, Share: A Taste of Immigration,' which explores the relationship between food and cultural identity in Canada, emphasizing the contributions of Indigenous peoples to Canadian cuisine. The conversation also touches on historical aspects of immigration, including the harrowing experiences of those who traveled on coffin ships during the Irish potato famine, and the evolving identity of Canadian food.

Ep 76. Siham Lahmine - Morocco by Hand and Heart 29.05.2025 43min

In this episode number 76, we explore Morocco through the eyes of Siham Lahmine, founder of Morocco Travel Organizer. Siham shares how she crafts immersive culinary experiences that connect travelers with Morocco’s rich food heritage, local artisans, and vibrant communities. From farm visits to tea ceremonies in mountain caves, discover how food becomes a powerful gateway to culture, identity, and human connection.

Ep 75. Jamie Furniss - From Tunisia With Flavor 06.05.2025 45min

In this episode, anthropologist and culinary tourism entrepreneur Jamie Furniss shares his journey from the Yukon to Tunisia, and how he's working to reposition Tunisia as a serious culinary destination. From overlooked olive oils to street food stories, Jamie dives into the challenges and opportunities of redefining Tunisian cuisine for global travelers.

Ep 74. Christy Davis - Honor the Carrot 08.03.2025 37min

In this Episode 74 of the Taste of Place podcast, we meet Christy Davis to explore the diverse agricultural landscape of Arizona, highlighting the surprising variety of crops that thrive in the state's unique climate. Christy shares insights about Agritopia Farms, its history, and its role in promoting urban agriculture and community engagement. We also discuss the importance of sustainability, the challenges posed by urban growth, and the future of agriculture in Arizona, emphasizing the need for education and local food systems.

Ep 73. Allison Zinder - The French Legacy 13.01.2025 37min

In this episode number 73 of our Taste of Place podcast, we speak with Allison Zinder, an American living in Paris. We speak about French food, culture and language, and why the French culinary legacy is so profound. This is the first of our video episodes of our Taste of Place podcast. If you prefer to watch the video version of the podcast, you will find it on our YouTube channel.

Ep. 72. Audrey Kelly - Empower Others 19.09.2024 28min

In this episode number 72 of the Taste of Place podcast, we speak with Audrey Kelly. Audrey is the co-owner and head pizza maker at Audrey Jane’s Pizza Garage in Boulder, Colorado in the USA, which she runs with her brother, Peter. After studying pizza-making under Tony Gemignani, she opened her restaurant, and achieved quick success, with the restaurant having been been featured on the Food Network; the Travel Channel; and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Audrey won first place in the Pizza in Teglia competition in Naples, Italy, and has been featured in the New York Times and NPR. As a mother of twin boys, she balances family life with expanding her business, including plans for a second location. Audrey also grew up in a family of bakers, so she knows a thing or two about making dough!

Ep 71. Joe Carlucci - Career. Culture. Lifestyle. 19.08.2024 30min

In this Episode number 71 of the Taste of Place podcast, we speak with Joe Carlucci. Joe owns Valentina's Pizzeria in Madison, Alabama (USA). His 30 years in the pizza industry have brought remarkable highs and devastating lows. He’s worked hard to create a culture at Valentina’s where employees take pride in their work, and that's one of the reasons Valentina’s is the 31st-best pizzeria in the United States and the number-one pizzeria in Alabama. Joe is the 2024 Best of the Best World Master Champion at the International Pizza Challenge, a 9x World Pizza Champion, a 2x Guinness World Record Holder, and father to his daughter, Valentina, after whom his pizzeria is named.

Ep 70. Allie Bahn - Communication is the Key 08.08.2024 27min

In Episode 70 of the Taste of Place podcast, we speak with Allie Bahn. Allie is a distinguished food allergy travel expert and travel consultant. With a focus on empowering travelers with severe food allergies, Allie offers invaluable guidance through her blog and consulting work. Her expertise stems from personal experience growing up with severe food allergies and having traveled extensively, including living abroad for many years. Allie also consults with hotels and restaurants to improve their awareness and inclusivity for those with food allergies. She educates through online courses and shares her insights as a travel and lifestyle writer. Her work ensures that others can enjoy safe and enriching travel experiences.