Armenian-Mexican Fusion with Chef Ara Zada: From Lavash to Laughter| Wine Talks

Wine Talks with Paul K.

When I told my wife I was interviewing Chef Ara Zada...she was like..."I follow him!""He is great!" She never says that about me. I guess I need to learn how to make "fusion"cuisine with Mediterranean food!. Chef Ara Zada has a storied career and now turned food influencer. We had a blast together.

Ara Zada is the kind of guest who makes you wish your phone had a “smell-o-vision” app—and by the end of this episode, you’ll know why. Step into the kitchen-turned-studio where Ara, chef, content creator, and avid bow hunter, cooks up much more than what’s on the plate. You’ll discover what happens when the authenticity of Armenian-Egyptian family recipes gets filtered through French culinary training and the relentless demands of social media stardom. Ara dissects with candor the creative (and literal) balancing act behind daily content creation, sharing how his brand blossomed from a commitment to consistency, pressure, and staying “on message” while still keeping things decidedly fun. Beyond that, you’ll hear firsthand how the nostalgia of food can collapse decades in a single bite—how a dish, made with the right memory and technique, can bring both chef and eater “back home.” There are surprising lessons too—from the truth about hacking legacy dishes (hint: your grandma may have had more time on her hands than you do) to honoring every part of an animal in sustainable, hands-on cuisine. Paul and Ara delve into why culinary traditions resist—or embrace—modernization, how taste buds evolve, and why memory and flavor are inseparable companions. You’ll walk away with an intimate look at crafting a culinary career in the digital age, the importance of staying curious and genuine, and why giving someone a hot plate of food is still one of the best ways to connect. Whether you’re here for the food nostalgia, the mindset behind a thousand viral videos, or inspiration for tomorrow’s dinner, this episode promises to feed your curiosity—and maybe remind you of your own family table.

✅ What does it take to turn food memories into culinary fame?

✅ Chef, content creator, and bow hunter Ara Zada spills his secrets on building a mouthwatering brand, going from home-cooked classics to viral foodie stardom.

✅ Host Paul Kalemkiarian takes you behind the scenes on Wine Talks as they dive into food, culture, content creation, and why authentic storytelling wins in the kitchen (and online).

✅ Get ready to learn, laugh, and feel hungry—this episode is pure flavor and heart. Tune in to hear how nostalgia and innovation can launch your next delicious adventure! #WineTalksPodcast #AraZada #PaulKalemkiarian

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