This week on The More You Know, The Better It Tastes, we’re joined by Chef Anaiya from Biga on the Banks, one of San Antonio’s most respected kitchens.

As a chef at Biga, Anaiya is part of a team known for discipline, technique, and consistency—values that became even more important when she stepped into the national spotlight as a contestant on Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen.

In this episode, we talk about her journey in professional kitchens, what it was like representing San Antonio on one of the most intense culinary competitions on television, and how that experience continues to shape her approach to food, leadership, and growth as a chef. It’s a grounded, insightful conversation about learning under pressure and carrying those lessons back home.

Jen and Matt Zdeb, the owners of The Baked Bird in San Antonio, share how they grew from a popular food truck into a successful brick-and-mortar restaurant. In this episode, we talk about the risks of making the leap, building a loyal customer base, and what it really takes to run an independent restaurant in San Antonio’s competitive food scene. This conversation is packed with real-world insight for food truck owners, restaurateurs, and anyone interested in restaurant entrepreneurship.

Take a walk through Pearl San Antonio with the people who live and breathe it every day. In this episode of The More You Know, The Better It Tastes, hosts Alan Williams and Susie LaFredo sit down with Chef Jeff Balfour, Co-Founder and Executive Chef of the Southerleigh group of restaurants, and Michael Joergensen, VP of Marketing for Pearl, to talk Michelin recognition, approachable fine dining, and why Pearl has become one of Texas’ most important culinary destinations.

Step inside one of San Antonio’s most beloved bakeries and brunch spots—The Bread Box at The Alley on Bitters. In this episode of The More You Know, The Better It Tastes, host Alan Williams is joined by special guest co-host (and sister) Jennifer Kitchen as they sit down with Tina and Lucas Kent, the husband-and-wife team behind The Bread Box.

Derek Sanchez is a three-time World Pizza Champion and the creative force behind Mia Marco’s Pizza, one of San Antonio’s most celebrated artisan pizzerias. Known for his meticulous approach to dough fermentation and his chef-driven flavor combinations, Derek has helped elevate the city’s pizza scene to a national level. At Mia Marco’s, every pie reflects his passion for craft, technique, and unforgettable flavor — earning loyal fans and industry respect far beyond Texas.

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.