When two chefs get together to brew kombucha, you know it is going to be good! That is exactly what happened when Micheal Zonfrilli and Steven Strupp started Bambucha Kombucha in San Diego.
The two not only craft up unique flavors but they are also the most down-to-earth guys you'll ever meet! We feel very lucky to be working with them! Here is more on Steven and Michael.
How long have you been brewing kombucha?
Steven - We have been brewing for 2 years as Bambucha Kombucha.
Michael - I first brewed kombucha on a commune in Oregon called the Magic Forest Farm. That was over 20 years ago and our booch tastes way better now!
If you had to pick a favorite flavor that you offer, what would it be?
Steven - My favorite is Blueberry Tart
Michael - I am in love with our new Thai Ginger at the moment, but I am also really into the orange-fennel flavor profile and digestive benefits of our Orange Blossom.
If you had to pick a favorite flavor of another brand, what would it be?
Steven - Revive's Craft cola redux
Michael - I am a sucker for GT's Divine Grape. It makes me feel like a kid drinking grape soda again.
If you had an extra hour in the day to spend any way you wanted, how would you spend it?
Steven - I would be riding my mountain bike or surfing when the waves are good.
Michael - I would get to the beach and go for a surf or chill out with my family.
Where is the last place you went on vacation?
Steven - My wife and I went to Palm Springs for her birthday.
Michael - My wife's parents have a place on Long Beach Island on the Jersey Shore, so we go visit there every Summer.
What is your favorite meal?
Steven - Pan-seared salmon served atop a herbed mesclun green bean fennel salad, with a Meyer lemon vinaigrette.
Michael - A dozen raw littleneck clams on the half shell, steamed Maine Lobster, sweet summer corn on the cob, and lots of melted butter!
Do you have any pets?
Steven - Yes Finley, he is a rescue from Helen Woodward who just turned one year old.
Michael - We have a pound rescue named Maverick. He is an awesome little terrier and our family's first dog.
What is your favorite part of running a business?
Steven - My Favorite part of running the business would be creating a product that is healthy and delicious.
Michael - I really enjoy the constant pursuit of improving what we do every day. We never stop learning and getting better.
What is your least favorite part?
Steven - Mine would be taking Inventory.
Micheal - Worrying about cash flow.
What is something about you that others might find surprising?
Steven - I love gardening & my wife and I are trying to have a child at 49 years young.
Michael - I make really funny faces when I play drums.
What charity or cause are you passionate about supporting and why?
Steven - Educating children on the benefits of eating & drinking a healthy diet.
Michael - My nephew survived stage four cancer so I am grateful to the Ronald McDonald house for their charity.
Before you started Bambucha, what were you doing?
Steven - I was a professional private chef for a high profile family in Rancho Santa Fe and an avid home beer brewer.
Michael - I was a hotel and restaurant chef, a Chef Instructor at a San Diego college, and a restaurant consultant.
Have you ever binge-watched a tv-series and if so which one?
Steven -Breaking bad
Michael - I totally binged on Breaking Bad! I would watch episode after episode until I fell asleep. I couldn't turn it off!
The last movie you saw in the theaters?
Steven - Greatest Showman
Michael - The Shape of Water
The last concert you went to?
Steven - Nahko Bear & Medicine for people
Michael - David Byrne. Amazing!!
Anything else you want people who are reading to know about you?
Steven - Health and fitness is such an important part of my life. I believe that our food is our medicine; we are what we eat. Being a Chef for so many years I was never taught the importance of health through food.
Michael - I love kombucha it makes me so happy when someone enjoys our flavors.