This podcast episode of the Iowa Podcast features host Jensen Cummings exploring Iowa food culture with guest Marvin Azzopardi of the EatFuti app, Local Bites Food Hall and All-City Catering.
The discussion centers around the Des Moines Farmers Market, local restaurants, and their love of food. Marvin, a serial entrepreneur in the culinary industry, shares his experiences and insights about the diverse food scene in Iowa. He emphasizes the importance of connecting farmers, chefs, and customers to create a vibrant food community.
The conversation touches on various topics including the farmers market’s role in shaping Iowa’s food culture, the importance of storytelling in restaurants, and the development of the EatFuti app to support local businesses and engage customers. Marvin also discusses his goals for Local Bites, a food hall in downtown Des Moines, and his commitment to community engagement through charity work with organizations like Best Buddies.
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Jensen Cummings introduces the podcast’s focus on exploring Iowa food culture, drawing from his 25 years of experience in the culinary industry, starting at age 17 at his uncle’s restaurant Wallaby’s in Ames, as well as his work on over 500 podcasts on BestServedPodcast.com. He expresses his interest in understanding the originators, current innovators, and where to experience Iowa’s food scene.
Marvin discusses the Des Moines Farmers Market, highlighting its significance as the second-largest farmers market in the country. He shares his experiences of exploring the market, meeting vendors, and incorporating local products into restaurant menus. Marvin emphasizes the market’s role in educating people about diverse food cultures and fostering connections between farmers and consumers. he also touches on the market’s impact on his time at the Hotel Fort Des Moines with Chef Andrew Wilson.
The discussion turns to the influence of local chefs, particularly Joe from Harbinger, in shaping Iowa’s food culture. Marvin praises Joe’s approach of engaging with farmers and incorporating their products into his restaurant’s offerings, emphasizing the importance of dialogue between chefs and producers.
Marvin talks about Local Bites, a food hall in the Greater Des Moines Partnership Building. He describes the various vendors (What A Pho, Baba’s Gyros n More, MmmBap Korean, Chubb’s Chicken n Fries, Burger Shop, Fernando’s Mexican Grill, Teriyaki Boys) and their offerings, including the introduction of Holy Biscuits for breakfast, highlighting the opportunity it provides for small entrepreneurs to showcase their cuisine and grow their businesses.
Marvin emphasizes the significance of restaurants sharing their stories and engaging with customers. He highlights Arturo from Roots95. He discusses how COVID-19 impacted customer interactions and stresses the need for restaurants to educate their staff about their passion and mission to create a more engaging dining experience.
Marvin introduces the EatFuti app, explaining its development and features. He describes how the app aims to support off-premise dining, provide tools for restaurant owners, and create an employee incentive program. Marvin also mentions plans for future features and partnerships to enhance the app’s offerings.
The conversation concludes with Marvin discussing his commitment to community engagement, particularly through partnerships with organizations like Best Buddies. He outlines plans for hosting events at Local Bites to introduce the EatFuti app and support local charities, emphasizing the importance of making a positive impact in people’s lives.