Food and drink: a shared experience and cornerstone of cultures all around the globe. But how often is the essence of "place" captured in the food? A strong community of taste-makers in the 48th state are doing their part to create an identity of their own while highlighting what truly is native in the Sonoran Desert. These are their stories.
In this episode, we sit down with Chef Cody Finch of Maple & Ash in Scottsdale to talk about the food, creativity, and hospitality behind one of Arizona's most distinctive dining experiences.
From steaks cooked directly over hot coals and fire-roasted seafood towers to the restaurant's signature "I Don't Give a F*@k" tasting menu, Cody takes us inside a dining experience built around making guests feel special. We get into some of his favorite dishes, the work that goes into developing new recipes, and why even the smallest details matter when creating a memorable meal.
Codie also shares his journey from growing up in Maryvale and learning to cook alongside his grandmothers to working in kitchens across San Francisco, Detroit, and Hawaii before returning to Arizona. We talk about finding his passion for cooking again, the evolution of Scottsdale's restaurant scene, and what's next for Maple & Ash as the team looks to take the guest experience to another level.
16 Oct 2026
little miss bbq
In this episode, we sit down with Scott Holmes, founder of Little Miss BBQ, at the original University Drive location in Phoenix to talk about his journey from backyard barbecue enthusiast to building one of Arizona's most celebrated barbecue restaurants.
Scott shares how a trip to Texas reignited his passion for cooking, how he and his wife Becky became obsessed with perfecting their barbecue through competitions, and how a rundown 800-square-foot building in an industrial part of Phoenix became the original Little Miss BBQ. We also get into the brisket, ribs, and other smoked meats that have earned the restaurant its reputation, along with the challenges of maintaining quality as the business grows.
Beyond the barbecue, Scott opens up about his approach to hospitality, building a strong team culture, and creating a place where people from all walks of life feel welcome. It's a conversation about passion, persistence, community, and why treating people well is just as important as the food on their plate.
9 Oct 2026
Queen B Sushi & Queen B Vinyl Cafe
In this episode, we sit down with Jen Keenan, co-owner of Queen B Sushi and Queen B Vinyl Cafe, and Chef Brett Vibber to talk about the food, creativity, and community behind their growing collection of concepts in Cottonwood and the Verde Valley.
We dig into the brand-new Queen B Sushi, from torch salmon rolls and composed sashimi to ingredients grown on their own farm and a menu designed to be approachable whether you're a sushi fanatic or don't eat raw fish at all. Jen and Brett also share how Queen B Vinyl Cafe has become a gathering place for music, coffee, live shows, and a community that welcomes everyone.
This conversation is a look at what happens when restaurants become more than places to eat. From growing ingredients and developing young chefs to creating spaces where people genuinely feel like they belong, Jen and Brett are helping build something distinctly their own in Northern Arizona.
Who has been a guest on A Taste of AZ
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Michela Ricci
Koral Casillas
Valentina Huerta
Gian Franco Brugaletta
Tandy Peterson
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
115,490
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
16 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 89 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
93
Social presence
97
YouTube
82
Engagement
82
Contact A Taste of AZ
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
