Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and Arjav Ezekiel are the husband-and-wife team behind Birdie’s, the nationally acclaimed East Austin restaurant known for its fine-dining-caliber food, counter-service format, and values-driven approach. Tracy is a James Beard finalist with a résumé that includes Blue Hill and Gramercy Tavern, known for her deeply seasonal, ingredient-driven cooking. Arjav, named Esquire’s “Wine Guru of the Year” and recently awarded the Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service at the 2025 James Beard Awards, brings a thoughtful, values-based approach to wine and hospitality. Together, they’ve built one of the country’s most celebrated and intentional restaurants.

In this episode, Tracy and Arjav join Steve in a conversation about how their relationship has evolved since becoming business partners, what they do differently as restaurant owners, and how they overcome self-doubt.

Thank you to The Study at University City for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.

Neal Bodenheimer is the Managing Partner of CureCo., the group behind New Orleans’ acclaimed bars Cure, Cane & Table, and VALS, and is a partner in Washington D.C.’s legendary restaurant, Dauphine’s. He also oversees beverage operations at Peychaud’s and serves as Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. A New Orleans native and pioneer of the city’s craft cocktail scene, Cure has received a James Beard Award, Pinnacle Guide recognition, and was named “Best Bar in the U.S.” by Food & Wine in 2025. His book, Cure: New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix 'Em, won an IACP Award and was a James Beard finalist. In 2023, he was named VinePair’s “Drinks Professional of the Year.”

In this episode, Neal joins Steve for a conversation on navigating his career growth and career changes, balancing the economic realities of owning a hospitality concept while taking care of the employees, and how the city of New Orleans has impacted his professional and personal life.

Thank you to Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this Episode.

Danny Meyer is one of the most influential voices in modern hospitality. As the founder of Union Square Hospitality Group, he’s built some of New York’s most iconic restaurants—including Union Square Cafe and Gramercy Tavern—and turned Shake Shack from a hot dog cart into a $3 billion global phenomenon. A leader who pioneered the philosophy of “Enlightened Hospitality,” Meyer has reshaped the way we think about service, culture, and leadership in business. Over the course of his career, he’s been recognized with countless accolades, including an impressive 28 James Beard Awards for his restaurants and team, and the prestigious Julia Child Award for his impact on American food culture.

In this episode, Danny joins Steve for a conversation in which Danny reflects on four decades of innovation, his growth plans, and the personal values that have shaped his journey from restaurateur to industry icon.

Thank you to HOST on Howard for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.