Arjav Ezekiel and the Color of Hospitality
About this episode
Arjav Ezekiel shares his journey as an undocumented immigrant and his insights on hospitality and community through his work at Birdie's restaurant.
When Arjav Ezekiel arrived in America at age 12, the first person he met was Simpsons creator Matt Groening. Years later, after navigating life as an undocumented immigrant, he would help build Birdie's in Austin, Texas, into one of the country's most celebrated restaurants. He reflects on the burden of keeping secrets, the people he calls his "guardian angels," why making people feel seen has become the foundation of his work with his wife, Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel, and the color he believes hospitality can bring to people's lives. Visit foodandwine.com/tinfoilswans for more Episode Art Courtesy of Food & Wine /Eva Kolenko Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: Food & Wine
Guest: Arjav Ezekiel
Topics covered
- hospitality
- immigration
- restaurant culture
- personal stories
- community
Keywords
- hospitality
- immigrant experience
- restaurant
- community
- personal growth
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Birdie's
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