Let me tell you about someone truly special in our San Antonio food scene — Chef Alessia Benevides, the creative force behind Chocolatl. When you step into her world, you feel it immediately… that mix of history, artistry, and pure passion for cacao. Alessia doesn’t just make chocolate — she brings ancient Mesoamerican traditions to life in the most delicious way.
Her chocolates are rich, thoughtful, and full of depth — the kind you taste and instantly think, wow, this is something rare. Every piece feels like a little moment, crafted with care and rooted in culture. If you're a chocolate lover or just someone who appreciates makers who pour their heart into their craft, you’ll fall in love with what Alessia is doing right here in our city.
San Antonio has some incredible talent, and Alessia is one of those people raising the bar — one beautiful bite at a time.
Sean and Virginia Archer are the passionate husband-and-wife team behind Pazzo Pastaria, one of San Antonio’s favorite spots for fresh, handcrafted Italian cuisine. With deep roots in the city’s vibrant food scene, they’ve built Pazzo Pastaria around a love for authenticity, community, and flavor — creating pasta dishes that feel both elevated and comforting. Their commitment to using quality ingredients and traditional techniques shines through in every bite, making Pazzo Pastaria a place where locals and visitors alike can experience the heart of Italy right here in San Antonio.
In this episode of The More You Know, The Better It Tastes, we sit down with Brook “Blazey Bee” Richie and her husband, David Richie, the duo behind Bee’s Wellness Café in San Antonio. What started as Brook’s personal health journey has grown into a thriving hub for healing — offering cold-pressed juices, CBD coffee, natural remedies, and community events. David, a Functional Wellness Coach and Breathwork Expert, shares how the power of breathing can transform health and resilience. Together, they’ve built more than a café — they’re creating a wellness movement. Tune in to hear their inspiring story and discover what makes Bee’s Wellness Café a place where health, community, and purpose come together.
In this episode, we’re joined by Augie Cortez, the heart and soul behind Augie’s Barbed Wire Smokehouse here in San Antonio. Augie has turned his passion for barbecue into one of the city’s most beloved spots, where smoky brisket, ribs, and sausage meet a backyard-style atmosphere filled with music, laughter, and community. More than just a pitmaster, Augie has created a gathering place that captures the true spirit of Texas BBQ culture. We’re excited to hear his story, his journey with Augie’s, and what keeps him fired up about serving San Antonio.
Kim Stevens brings her passion for wine, hospitality, and community together at Vino Grotta Wine Bar, a cozy yet sophisticated destination for wine lovers. With a curated selection of boutique wines, small plates, and a welcoming atmosphere, Kim has created a space where guests can explore new flavors, share stories, and enjoy the art of wine in a relaxed setting.
Chef Paul Morales crafts tortillas the same way they have been made for thousands of years. With only three ingredients. His tortillas actually have flavor, the way they used to! Learn all about these tortillas and Chef Paul's story on this week's podcast!
Robert and Krista Elwell are the proud owners of 6 Klicks Café in Helotes, Texas — a cozy local spot known for great comfort food, friendly service, and a warm community feel. Passionate about creating a place where friends and neighbors can gather, they’ve made 6 Klicks a go-to destination for both locals and visitors alike. Check out 6 Klicks Cafe at 12916 Bandera Rd., Helotes, Texas
Adam Lampinstein is the guy behind The Hayden, one of San Antonio’s favorite spots for great food and good vibes. His passion for bold flavors and welcoming spaces has turned The Hayden into more than just a restaurant—it’s a community hangout. When you’re enjoying a plate there, you’re tasting Adam’s love for creativity and connection. 4025 Broadway
Agnes Hubbard is the Chief Executive Officer of Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries, a transformative organization dedicated to combating poverty and hunger throughout the Texas Hill Country. Under her leadership, the ministry has grown into a vital community lifeline, providing food, resources, and hope to thousands of families in need. Agnes is passionate about fostering partnerships with local churches, businesses, and volunteers to create sustainable solutions that uplift lives and strengthen communities.
Why has Mare e Monte rose to the top so quickly? This small Italian restaurant located in San Antonio's Medical Center is already loved by many even though it's only been open one year. The reason? Hospitality. Owner Princ talks about why service is so important to him.
Ken Rodriguez has spent his career writing for publications like Sports Illustrated and the San Antonio Express News. He has now brought his talent to San Antonio Report where is a Feature writer with a focus on the culinary scene in San Antonio. We talk about his career and some of the great people he has met including some of the most well-known chefs and restauranteurs in town.
San Antonio food and travel writer Kimberly Suta joins us as we make the big announcement that Kimberly is now the editor for our magazine, The Flavors of Texas! This quarterly magazine is expected to be released in mid-July. We also talk about our joint project, The Burger Showdown!
Our guests this week is Jaycee Clark and Chef Justin Motl of San Antonio’s Comfort Café. Comfort Cafe is a warm and inviting brunch spot operated by SerenityStar, a nonprofit peer-supported recovery program founded in Smithville back in 2009. Comfort Cafe can be found at 6812 Bandera Rd., Suite 101
Selda is new to San Antonio but not new to Mediterranean food. Selda has three locations in Dallas but just recently came to San Antonio. Max Tezkol and Muhammet Yilmaz tell us about the menu and vibe of this exciting Mediterranean restaurant.
Blanca Aldaco is well known in the San Antonio culinary scene. She has a vibrant personality and a deep passion for authentic Mexican cuisine. As the founder of Aldaco’s Restaurants, she has spent decades sharing the rich flavors of her native Guadalajara with the Alamo City. Blanca is also widely recognized for her iconic margaritas and for being one of the first female restaurateurs in the region to gain citywide acclaim. Beyond the kitchen, she’s a community advocate, mentor, and trailblazer who continues to inspire the next generation of chefs and entrepreneurs. She is the current president of the San Antonio Restaurant Association.
In this special episode of *The More You Know, The Better It Tastes*, Susie LaFredo and Alan Williams sit down with Levi Rodgers and Juan Cuellar — the powerhouse duo reviving a nostalgic pizza empire in the heart of San Antonio: Godfather’s Pizza.
Join us for a heartwarming, high-energy conversation as Levi and Juan recount the passion, memories, and mission behind bringing this iconic brand back to life — including the fateful Oregon road trip that sparked it all.
Whether you’re a longtime San Antonio local, a pizza lover, or a restaurateur curious about franchise success stories, this episode delivers inspiration, entrepreneurial gold, and a craving for taco pizza you won’t soon forget.
Jeremiah Burns makes his second visit to this podcast. Jeremiah is the owner of PB&J with Tay, a unique San Antonio eatery that brings a fun and nostalgic twist to the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Known for his creativity and community spirit, Jeremiah has built more than just a restaurant—he's created a space that feels like home. He’s also been open about his personal journey with mental illness, using his experiences to inspire others and promote mental health awareness which he discusses in this interview.
A good POS system is critical for restaurant success. David Dikin, owner of San Antonio, POS, joins us to talk about how the POS system can make life easier for owners and managers. For more info go to www.theflavorsoftexas.com and scroll all the way to the bottom of the first page for the San Antonio POS banner!
Meet Rick Rodriguez, the creative mind and snack enthusiast behind the popular Instagram page Random Acts of Snacks. What started as a fun way to share his love for quirky, crave-worthy treats quickly turned into a growing community of fellow food lovers drawn to Rick’s authentic voice, off-the-wall snack finds, and a genuine passion for spreading joy one bite at a time. Whether he’s highlighting a hidden gem at a local shop or surprising someone with a spontaneous snack drop, Rick brings heart, humor, and a whole lot of flavor to everything he does. Instagram
Todd Winn and Walter Wilkerson, owners of Forum Meat Company of Ennis, Texas join Alan to talk about bringing clean, quality, proteins to the San Antonio culinary market. Forum has been in business for a few years but are just now moving into the San Antonio Market.
