Common Room Roasters

Nick Stone, Founder & CEO of Bluestone Lane is an AFL footballer, turned banker, turned coffee culture barron! 10 years ago, Bluestone Lane opened its first location in a subterranean basement in midtown Manhattan. What started as a side hustle has now morphed into a business that generates $100m annually. Bluestone Lane is an Australian-inspired coffee shop, cafés & lifestyle brand committed to bringing premium coffee and healthy and delicious food to their ‘locals’. Influenced by the renowned coffee culture of Melbourne, Australia, they’ve embraced the ‘Aussie’ approach to life and are sharing it all over the USA. Produced by: Nick Sherry Music by: Aaron Drake

Praise the goat...the roasted goat! We're in Chicago for this special episode with Chef Jonathan Zaragoza. A renowned local legend from the Southside of Chicago who at the age of 12 started to master the craft of Birria tacos, culminating with the opening of their family restaurant, now institution, Birreria Zaragoza. From working at Sepia and Sixteen as a young cook, cutting his teeth on the Michelin circuit, to becoming the chef of Masa Azul at 22, Zaragoza’s culinary abilities have afforded him acclaim and the world as his kitchen. His path has taken him throughout Mexico, deep into its rich culinary heritage, to bring its traditions with him to London, Dubai, Paris and all across the US. Produced by: Nick Sherry Music by: Aaron Drake

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Ed Moffatt moved to Newport Beach, California in 2016. What he brought with him was his take on coffee and a business that has quickly grown to become the award winning brand we know as Common Room Roasters. Common Room is a specialty coffee roastery, based out of Long Beach, California, a transparent operation in sourcing, roasting and brewing coffee, and they work with sustainable farmers all over the world. They’re even on a mission to change people’s perception of instant coffee! Simultaneously, Ed is the owner/operator of Milligram Coffee and Kitchen in Costa Mesa, a European inspired eatery with an homage to the Australian cafe culture. Produced by: Nick Sherry Music by: Aaron Drake

Originally hailing from Liverpool, England, Iain Ling took over The Lincoln in 2014. The pub originally opened all the way back in 1854 and has been continuously operated as a pub or hotel ever since. The Lincoln was named Pub of the Year in 2017 by Time Out. In 2018 it was named Hotel of the Year at the Australian Liquor Industry Awards and Pub of the Year at the Australian Bar Awards, and Lingy was named Publican of the Year in 2019 at the Australian Liquor Industry Awards. Gemima Cody from Good Food best sums up this place when she wrote in 2020 - “At a pub I knew I'd find proof that the whole world was still out there. When veteran Iain Ling took over…it developed serious dining credentials, championing Victorian produce, but unlike a lot of boozers-turned-gentrified-bistros it never lost its roots. You want community? It's here. It's good to have it back.” Produced by: Nick Sherry Music by: Aaron Drake

“Wine is the great socialization lubricant” - Phil Hude Phil Hude has been in the wine retail business for over 25 years, having taken the reins of Armadale Cellars in 1997. These days, some people use apps such as Vivino and Delectable to choose their wine, others use Phil! Located in the affluent leafy inner east of Melbourne, Australia, Armadale Cellars is one of the few remaining independent owner-operated wine merchants in the city. Phil grew up in a working class family from the northern suburbs of Melbourne and has gravitated to being one of the most well respected wine merchants in the country. Phil's work ethic and focus on education is unlike no one else...with just the right amount of "wine wankery." Produced by: Nick Sherry Music by: Aaron Drake

“I would gladly have stayed forever” - Giles Coren (British Food Writer) In the final episode for 2021, we have the absolute pleasure of delving into the daily lives of Jason King and Simon Page, chef and owners of The Wellington Arms in Hampshire, England. Quite possibly the most perfect pub to grace the earth, they first met in Hong Kong before heading to England to take over this quaint countryside pub in 2005. After many pigs, chickens, geese, pints and pies, and thousands of cheese soufflés, they’ve built the perfect place to escape and enjoy the finer things in life…especially at Christmas! Produced by: Nick Sherry Music by: Aaron Drake

On this episode, we go on a coffee and mezcal fueled journey from the mean streets of Falkenberg, Sweden to Guadalajara, Mexico. We're chatting with the delightful Freddy Andreasson as he details how life can take very sudden, scary turns, and set you out on a path you never knew was possible. From weed dealer, to barista, to bar owner, Freddy enlightens us on what's possible if you let life just take its course...and realize that sometimes you just have to get the hell out of town! Produced by Nick Sherry Music by Aaron Drake

“They might have lost the language, they might have lost a lot of the culture...but they kept the food” - Hetal Vasavada Hetal Vasavada grew up with a true understanding of how important her culture, and in particular the food was to her and her family. It's taken her on a journey that started out of necessity, and became a passion. From her college dorm room, to cooking for Gordon Ramsay on MasterChef, she's become a trailblazing advocate for the misunderstood and diverse Indian cuisine. The chef, entrepreneur, content creator, recipe developer, author and traveler shares her story of Milk & Cardamom. Produced by Nick Sherry Music by Aaron Drake

“Legend!” – An exclamatory remark used in Australia to compliment one’s performance, contribution, or overall character. Something that is larger than any one person. Timeless. Legend Australian Wine Imports was born out of passion and dedication to the world of wine...specifically Australian wine. With close to forty years of experience between them, husband and wife team and Master Sommeliers, Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross, have worked at some of the best restaurants in the world, including Eleven Madison Park, Attica and Rockpool. They now dedicate their time to bringing the very best of Australian wine to the American market, and advocate for accessible wine education for Australian wine world-wide. Bloody ripper! Produced by: Nick Sherry Music by: Aaron Drake

It's the most wonderful time of the year...yes we're talking about Negroni Week! In this bonus episode, we're talking all about the Negroni! We have two very special guests joining to breakdown the history, origins, variations and more about this beloved cocktail. Anne-Louise Marquis is the National Portfolio Brand Ambassador for Campari America and Tiffanie Barriere is a beverage industry influencer and educator who has been awarded with some of the industry’s highest honors. 7 days, 3 ingredients, 1 simple way to give back. Produced by Nick Sherry Music by Aaron Drake