Episode 9

Chef Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and Arjav Ezekiel: the duo behind Food & Wine Magazine’s Restaurant of the Year 2023 (S9/Ep.09)

Published on: 15th September, 2023

Meet the dynamic hospitality power couple, Tracy and Arjav, behind Austin's renowned Birdie's restaurant, recently crowned by Food & Wine Magazine as “Restaurant of the Year." Birdie's is more than a restaurant; it represents this couple’s shared vision for a reimagined culinary model that places sustainability and equity at its core.

Hear the story of how a mere coin flip helped determine their next big life move, ultimately impacting their family, a city, and the culinary industry as a whole.

Tracy and Arjav’s commitment to the culinary world extends beyond the restaurant. They are advocates for organizations like Southern Smoke Foundation, and they prioritize mentoring and nurturing their dedicated staff. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Chef Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and Arjav Ezekiel.

This season is brought to you by Fords Gin, a gin created to cocktail.


This episode is brought to you by Frito-Lay.


This episode is brought to you by Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls.


Check out our #BtPlatePodcast Merch at www.BeyondthePlateMerch.com 


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About the Podcast

Beyond the Plate
Social Impact in the Culinary World
Join Andrew “Kappy” Kaplan as he sits down in-person with the world’s culinary elite to explore their journey into the food industry and the social impact they have made in their community. Every episode will share inspiring stories of what it means to be in today’s hospitality industry.

About your host

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Andrew Kaplan