Refined Taste with Dario and Chris

Dario (@dardarstinks) and Chris (@chronsofnon) sat down with Calvin Eaton, the Gluten Free Chef to talk about his new cookbook, Just Desserts now available for pre-order here We had a great talk with Calvin about his gluten-free journey and so much more! 

On this episode Dario (@dardarstinks) and Chris (@chronsofnon) sat down with Chris Spinelli (co-owner/co-founder) of Roc Brewing Co. and Dave Katleski (food and beverage consultant) to talk Roc Brewing's history, the changing neighborhood, the new direction of the kitchen and more! Follow Roc Brewing co at @RocBrewingco on Instagram. 

Dec 9 Comedy at Salena's- www.eventbrite.com/e/475179814617/?discount=PODFAM $8 tickets! 

This episode is the companion to the article published in City Newspaper's November 2022 issue, 'My Family's Thanksgiving Dish to Die For' featuring Wilfredo Arguinzoni of Palermo's Market, Steven Lara of Carnegie Cellars and Lizzie Clapp of Petit Poutinerie.  Pick up the free magazine to check out the full article including the recipes for the dishes they each shared. This Thanksgiving, we're thankful for you the listener and for everyone that supports their local businesses and community. 

Dario (@dardarstinks) and Chris (@chronsofnon) talked with Colleen and Seb Hardy, owners of Living Roots Winery about recently receiving an award in Australia for their extraordinary wine, their story and how Living Roots came to be and much more. Visit Living Roots Urban Winery at 1255 University Ave. in Rochester, NY. Follow them on instagram at @livingrootswine

Help Support the Pod: Follow this LINK for 15% your entire order at KarmaSauce.com. 

Thank you to Karma Sauce for being a sponsor of The Refined Taste Podcast! 

Dario and Chris sat down with Alex and Jason, brothers and new owners of Fox's Deli located at 3450 Winton Pl. We talk their culinary backgrounds and how they ended up owning a restaurant they grew up going to, what they hope for the future, curb your enthusiasm, Seinfeld and so much more! Follow Fox's on Instagram at @FoxsDeliRoc 

Use promo code REFINEDTASTE for 15% off your entire order at karmasauce.com

Dario and Chris sat down with James 'Murr' Murray of the Impractical Jokers prior to his performance on Saturday July 9th at The Vine at del Lago Casino in Waterloo, NY. On this special episode of the pod, we talked Staten Island Pizza, Haunted Rochester Hotels, the current season of Impractical Jokers, John Mayer and much more. Use promo code: MURR for $2 off tickets for Comedy Slice: Stand Up at Pizza Wizard this Wednesday, July 13th. Like, Share, Review the pod and always support local! 

Dario and Chris sat down with Wendi, co-owner of CRISP, the South Wedge Neighborhood's newest restaurant. We covered everything from inspiration for the menu, to prior experience in the restaurant world and what to expect when you visit and upcoming events. Check out Crisp on Instagram at @crisp_rochester 

Use promo code: REFINEDTASTE for 15% OFF Karma Sauce Products, use link HERE.

Dario and Chris sat down with Rochester Cocktail Revival Associate Producer, Leah Stacy and Director, Chuck Cerankosky to talk about this year's events happening June 6-12 at bars and venues all over the city. We discuss which events and seminars they're most excited about, which you simply cannot miss and what to expect from this year's RCR and what 'back together' means to Leah and Chuck. Thanks for listening and we'll see you out there! Use code RCRNINE for $2 off May 27th's Comedy on the Rocs show, link for tickets here and in our Instagram bio. 

Dario and Chris sat down with Ralph DiTucci and Megan Goodney, owners of Rochester's newest bar, Grace and Disgrace. We talk about what to expect from this newest venture, what sets G&D apart from the rest of the bar scene and how Megan, who was the runner-up last year should definitely do the cocktail throw down at RCR again this year. Grace and Disgrace is located at 17 Richmond St. Head to their website to make reservations. 

*Special Episode* Dario and Chris visited Portico by Fabio Viviani housed inside del Lago Resort & Casino for an unbelievable meal and experience. While there, We were able to talk to executive chef, Gregg Marsh and general manager, Robert Thibodeau. We talked about Fabio's involvement with the menu and where chef Marsh draws his inspiration along with what makes Portico different and what events GM Robert Thibodeau hopes to bring to central NY.  Interested in what we ate while at Portico? Check out our instagram, @RefinedTasteRoc. 

Dario and Chris sat down with Lindsay McGrail, Chef & Owner of Green Zebra Catering where we talked about everything from how she got her unconventional start into the food world, her place in and what she hopes for the future of the Rochester culinary community and the people she draws inspiration from to continually evolve and try new things. Check them out at @Greenzebra_roc

Dario & Chris sat down with Amanda Joyce, Co-Owner of James Brown's Place, a Rochester institution that's been open since 1998. Amanda talked with us about her decision to purchase the iconic diner, how she runs it along with a lot of help from her children and the plans she has for the future. Go visit her and her wonderful family and have a great breakfast seven days a week from 7am-2pm, located at 1356 Culver Rd. And check out the blog that was mentioned in the episode here: RV Mama to 6

Dario and Chris sat down with Kayla of Biscotti Brewers, a speciality bakery currently based out of The Roc Commissary with a focus on gluten-free and vegan baked goods and sometimes Mexican faire. We had a great talk about her transition to living in Rochester, the many collaborations she's been involved in and how her husband is her resident baked good guinea pig. Follow her on Instagram at @BiscottiBrewers to find out where she'll be popping up next and any other BB news. 

Dario and Chris sat down with Drew Nye & Marcus Lenear, co-owners of The Blossom Road Pub, we talked about their six successful years in business, the neighborhood and its support, and Marcus and Drew's history with each other and the community. This one was a real HOOT. Check out the BRP at the corner of Blossom and Winton and tell em' Refined Taste sent ya!  

Dario and Chris sat down with Ronnie and Lizzie, co-owners of Le Petit Poutine to talk all about their restaurant (44 Elton St) grand opening. It is very exciting! We covered new menu items, design choices, stress crys and SO MUCH MORE! The official opening is February 18th so go check them out and tell em' Refined Taste sent ya! 

Dario and Chris sat down with Pauly Guglielmo, former radio producer and on-air personality and current owner and operator of Guglielmo's Home Grown Marinara Sauce. On one of our longest episodes yet, we got into everything including the state of the Rochester Pizza, stand up comedy, life insurance, sauce of course, why customers be acting crazy and so much more! Check out Pauly's podcast, the Pauly Guglielmo Show everywhere you find podcasts. 

Dario and Chris sat down with Chef Jason DeLeo of Food by DeLeo, formerly Meals by DeLeo to kick off 2022. Chef DeLeo has an inspirational story that has shaped how he lives his life and does business. Oh and the meals are delicious! Follow them at @mealsbydeleo on Instagram for menus and more information! 

Dario and Chris talked with Meg & Bob, co-owners of Alt Bar, a Non-Alcoholic Pop-up bar and community about how their first event at Fuego went, what they have planned for the future and why something like Alt Bar is important to the Rochester bar scene. This is our last episode of 2021! More to come in 2022, rate, review and share! Thank you listening. 

Recorded Live on Zoom 11/15/2021: Dario and Chris talk with Shayla Johnson of Shayla J's Dessert Bar & Bistro about banana pudding, her culinary start and how she's ready to take on Patti Labelle in a bake-off. You can find her at 539 South Ave, housed within Women of Color NY

Recorded Live 10/24/2021: In a special Halloween episode, Dario and Chris are joined by Scott Pukos (Social Media/PR), Matt DeTurck (Events) and Kristin Pelc-Pecheco (Anomaly Film Fest Co-Founder) We talk Little Theatre History, upcoming movies, our favorite horror movies and a run down of the Anomaly Film Festival (November 4-7) 

Recorded Live on Zoom 10/18/2021: In another fun interview, Dario & Chris talk live with Evan Schutt of Schutt's Apple Mill about how he became the 4th generation owner and the life he left behind, the fried cake phenomenon and a whole lot about apples. Visit them year-round at 1063 Plank Rd. Webster, NY 14580. 

Recorded Live on Zoom 10/4/2021: Dario and Chris talk with Luis Perez of Peels on Wheels (Garage) about his love for all styles of Pizza, about how he loves to spread his passion for his craft through educating the community and about how a move from the city to the country changed the course of his life. Follow them at @PeelsonWheelsPizza and Luis at @PizzawithPerez

Recorded Live on Zoom 9/20/2021: Dario & Chris talk with Joe and Jackie of Ridge Donut about the shop's beginnings back in 1977, their most popular donuts and collaborations and what Ridge means to so many people in the community. Follow them on Instagram at @RidgeDonut 

Recorded Live on Zoom 9/13/2021: Dario and Chris talk with Kristina, owner of Mad Hatter Restaurant & Bakery about the Hatter's most popular dishes, the original location and what high tea is and a little sneak preview on the Cinema Theater. Follow them on Instagram @MadHatterRochester

Recorded Live on Zoom on 8/30/2021: Dario and Chris talk with Rob and Nora of Grass Fed Rochester about the drunken inspiration for creating plant-based meats, their location and its vegan history and why sandwiches are going to a game-changer. Follow them on Instagram at @Grass_Fed_Rochester for their current menu and news.

Recorded Live on Zoom 8/23/2021- Dario and Chris talk with 'Tasha of Soulistic Sweets about her decision to become vegan, her baking influences and experience in vegan pastry school and what she hopes to accomplish in the future. Follow 'Tasha at @SoulisticSweets on Instagram 

Recorded Live on Zoom 8/16/2021: Dario and Chris talk with Beth and Mohammed of Levantine's Cafe & Bakery about the real story behind baba ganoush, their "romantic" meet-cute on a horse farm and about Mohammed's memories of growing up in Syria. Follow them on Instagram at @LevantinesCafe

Recorded Live on Zoom 8/9/2021: Dario and Chris talk with Felipe Higgins, head brewer of Other Half FLX about the brewery's perfect location, Felipe's background and what inspired him to pursue a path in brewing and the 'IN BLOOM' program and why it's a game-changer for Other Half and its fans. Follow Other Half FLX at @OtherHalf.FLX 

Recorded Live on Zoom on 10/12/2020: Dario and Chris talk with Rory of Ugly Duck Coffee about what goes into choosing featured roasters, how they landed on Charlotte St, the origin of the ugly duck name and much more. Follow them on Instagram at @UglyDuckCoffee

Recorded Live on Zoom 7/26/2021: Dario and Chris talk with Brandon of Aldaskeller Wine Co. about his inspiration for the brand, what makes natural wine different and how we can liven up the alleyway they currently serve in. Follow them on Instagram at @AldaskellarWineco for all upcoming news 

Recorded Live on Zoom 2/1/2020: Dario and Chris talk with Laurel Brown of The Little Brownie about how she got her start baking, what influences she draws on for her cookies recipes and what interesting career she left before starting her business (teaser!) Follow her on Instagram at @thelittlebrownieroc 

Recorded Live on Zoom 7/20/2021: Dario and Chris talk with Chef Joe Zolnierowski of the restaurants Nosh and Old Pueblo Grill about everything from his time working in restaurants in Tucson, Arizona to opening a restaurant and how he refuses to make Polish Food. Follow them on Instagram at @noshroc & @oldpueblogrill 

Recorded Live on Zoom on 7/12/2021: Dario and Chris talk with the co-owners of Fiorella Allison and Chef Gino. We talk about Chef Gino's start in restaurants, their favorite regions in Italy and a whole bunch about pizza dough. Follow them on Instagram at @restaurantfiorella

Recorded Live on Zoom 12/7/2020: Dario and Chris talk with Madeline and Colin of Madeline's Catering about their history in business, how they've fared during the pandemic and the strangest gatherings they've hosted. Oh and a whole bunch of smoked gouda mentions. Follow them on Instagram at @MadelinesCatering

Recorded Live on Zoom 6/28/2021: Dario and Chris talk with Courtney and Chloe of 490 Farmers about their interesting location, the good they do for the community and what they envision for the future. Follow them on instagram @490Farmers

Recorded Live On Zoom 6/21/2021: Dario and Chris talk with Brittany (marketing, designer, organizer extraordinaire) about everything Rohrbach Brewing from the history of the building, to the upcoming annual Flour City Brewers Fest to space dust and astronaut cats. You can find them on instagram @Rohrbach_Brewing 

Recorded Live on Zoom 6/14/2021: Dario and Chris talk with Lorna and Jerome of Caribbean Heritage Restaurant about everything from their beginnings as a caterers, to a history lesson on the islands, to Lorna's rum cake and how its so delicious and unique. Find them on Instagram at @ourCaribbeanHeritage

Recorded Live on Zoom 12/7/2020: Dario and Chris talk with Madeline and Colin of Madeline's Catering about all things catering, from their beginnings to what they see for the future, how it's a family operation and a whole lot about smoked gouda. Follow them on instagram at @MadelinesCatering 

Recorded Live on Zoom 5/24/2021: Dario and Chris talk with Kaiden of Embark Craft Ciderworks about everything from all the types of apples that go into their cider, to Chris' obsession with slides, to some amazing tasting ciders they've been experimenting with. Follow them on Instagram at @EmbarkCraftCiderworks 

Record Live on Zoom 5/17/2021: Dario and Chris talk with Maddy of bluHorn Tequilaria about all the margaritas they offer, our varying experiences with tequila and how no one should ever say 'daughter labor.' Follow them on Instagram at @bluHorntequilaria 

Recorded Live on Zoom 5/10/2021: Dario and Chris talk with Sam of Yeah Baby! Bakes about everything macaron including her inspiration, the baking process and what into her decision to commit to baking full time. If you'd like to eat some of Sam's amazing macarons visit @YeahBabyBakes on instagram, new flavors every week go on sale on Thursday at 6:30pm. 

Recorded Live on Zoom on 4/26/2021: Dario and Chris talk with Andrea of The Red Fern about her nine years of running an all vegan restaurant, how she gives back to the animal community and even about her many celebrity customers. Follow The Red Fern on Instagram at @RedFernRoc  

Recorded Live on Zoom on 4/19/2021: Dario and Chris talk with Val of Bodega about everything from what goes into making their beer selections to the art of sandwich photography and much more. Follow Bodega on instagram at @Bodegahhhh and do yourself a favor and visit them for a sandwich or two.