Foodie and the Beast

Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.We’re closing out 2025 with a show we’re calling State of the Plate, because if there’s one thing this year demanded from the hospitality industry, it was honesty. So today, we’re setting the table for an honest, forward-looking conversation:What actually happened in 2025? What’s broken? What’s changing? And what does it take for restaurants not just to survive — but to thrive — in 2026?Our guests are:Shawn Townsend — President & CEO, Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW)Greg Casten — ProFish & Fish & Fire GroupDaniella Senior — Co-Founder, Colada ShopMichael Babin — CEO, Neighborhood Restaurant GroupChris Schmid — Prestige Ledroit See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.  On today’s show: ·        Monica Evans, beverage director, the Coquito Bar, a tropical holiday cocktail oasis inside La Cosecha in the Union Market District;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ·        Joy Johnson, director of visitor experience at the fabulous Folger Shakespeare Library, with inside news about all the cool stuff happening there across the holidays during the 2nd Annual Folger Frost Fair and lots more;        ·        Sarah the Elf. North Pole native. ‘Nuff said. And, oh yeah, there's a big holiday light show and festival up in Baltimore. She tells us all about it;                                                                                                                                                                                               ·        Equal billing for some among us who don't celebrate Christmas, but who also have a cool holiday this time of year! Josh Saltzman is co-owner at the Juneberry Garage. We had Juneberry’s Chris Powers in last week. Josh is also co-owner at Ivy and Coney, where they’re about to celebrate their 9th Annual Hannukah pop-up bar, called Chai-vy and Cohen-y. Josh is here without his mishpocha but … with all the deets;l                                                                                                                                                                           ·        Elena Johnson is the D.C. and Maryland market lead for The Macallan. She’s in with news about The Macallan’s newest venture here, The Snug. It’s D.C.'s new whisky lounge, open now -- and only to be found at the Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.   On today’s show:·        The SNAP mess created during the recent government shutdown threatened 40 million Americans – among them, 16 million kids – with the loss of desperately needed funding for food. Food they count on for survival. Hunger across America – and across the DC area – remains a challenge. Radha Muthiah is the president and CEO of the Capital Area Food Bank. She joins us for an update on the ongoing problem;                                                                                 ·        Former White House pastry chef Susan Limb is co-owner of the Praline Bakery & Bistro in Bethesda and at The Wharf. She’s celebrating Praline’s 20th anniversary in April -- and we’re going to do the run-up celebration today;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ·        Greg Engert – globally famous partner and beer director at NRG – on ways to give during the holidays; ·        Chris Powers, partner/owner at the Juneberry Garage, a tavern-style bar and restaurant in The Parks at Walter Reed;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ·        Eric Lawson, director of food and beverage for the Singing Tiger, the new restaurant and bar recently opened in the lower level of the Hotel Nell in the Union Market District.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.   On today’s show:·        He’s a true Renaissance man in the food world. You’ve seen him on PBS and all sorts of national media … and now Chef Gregorio Fierro is here on Foodie and the Beast. He is a certified master Instructor for the Scuola Italiana Pizzaioli, an authority on Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine, and co-owner of Wagyu Sommelier, a Florida-based purveyor of authentic Japanese Wagyu beef;                                                                                                                                                             ·        Marriott’s Bonvoy Moments. Here to talk about them is Chef Stephen Toevs, VP Culinary, Global Operations, Marriott International;                                                                                                                        ·        Mel Johnson, executive director, The Storehouse, a fresh food bank that started in 2022 in Prince George’s County. It is the nation’s first Black-run food bank;                                                            ·        Gardner Douglas, the "Oyster Ninja," a professional oyster shucker and personality from the Washington, D.C. area,                                                                                                                                                                                                       ·        And we’re talking beer. Kyle Farrelly is here. He’s the GM at Atlas Brew Works and the new Atlas Bridge District Brewery & Tap Room.                   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.   On today’s show: ·        One of the hottest new restaurants in D.C. is K Street’s Barbouzzard, French for “secret agent”. Inspired by the French Riviera, this place is just as hot. Barbouzzard’s creator and principal managing partner, Nasr El Hage, and executive chef and partner – and one of our favorite guys in the world - Cedric Maupillier – join us;                                                                                                                                                                                              ·        Tysons Corner’s Tower Club is a Northern Virginia legend sitting on the 17th Floor of a beltway landmark – the high-rise building that looks like a shopping bag. The Tower Club recently underwent a multi-million-dollar reinvention, including its menu. Vinny Mauriello, City Clubs’ senior VP and national food and beverage director joins us with all the delicious details;                                                                                                                    ·        Caviar is undeniably one of the world’s great delicacies. But what do you really know about it and its origins? Alboroz Tajik, owner of Northern Virginia’s celebrated Merolin Caviar, is in with tastes and talk of his amazing offering of imperial osetra and imperial gold caviar;  ·        And we’re gonna need something good to wash down all that caviar. Fortunately, Anna Valero and Brian McGahey are in with cocktails from District Still and Supply – shh … a speakeasy … that will do the trick.                                                      See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by David Nellis.   On today’s show: ·        So timely a guest and a subject. Brian Mulholland, chairman of the John S. Mulholland Family Foundation, whose mission is very straightforward -- to ensure local food pantries have the resources they need to support food-insecure families with dignity and respect. He is joined by Christianne Ricchi; ·        Chef Tadayoshi Motoa of the Omakase Room by Tadayoshi. Chef Tadayoshi has held leadership roles in cities such as Madrid, London, Jakarta, Osaka and Copenhagen. As executive chef at Toki in Madrid he earned a Michelin star within six months of opening. This is Chef’s first U.S. venture;        ·        Moxies is a premium casual restaurant whose menu focuses on house-made ingredients with a "global inspiration." Brandon Thordarson is Moxies’ Washington D.C. franchise owner and a partner at Elevated Hospitality. Moxies has 58 locations in the U.S. and Canada. It is opening an  8,000+ sq. ft. flagship restaurant early in December, in the heart of  D.C.’s Dupont Circle neighborhood;                                                                                                                                            ·        Cynthia Phillipe and Brandon Shackelford join us from the West End’s a.kitchen restaurant+bar.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.On today’s show: ·        A grecophile is someone with a strong affinity for Greek culture. Well, no one has a stronger affinity for Greece -- and Greek and Mediterranean cuisine -- than chef, cookbook author and beloved PBS TV host Diane Kochilas. She has a lot to share -- a new book just out titled “Athens: Food, Stories, Love.” And she just ushered in a new season – Season 5!! - of her beloved PBS show, “My Greek Table;”                                                                                                                                                            ·        National food and travel writer -- and now author -- Stephanie Burnette has a new book, “100 Things to Do in Greenville, SC Before You Die.” – and, as it turns out, there is a whole lot to do;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ·        John Norman is the co-founder and CEO of Norman's Farm Market, one of our favorite and frequent stops.  It’s fresh veggies and fruits, cheeses, yummy breads and lots more. John’s joins us with welcome news about winter markets; ·        Josh Jastrzembski, regional operations director and leader of the kitchen teams at Dig Inn, the fast-casual restaurant brand serving seasonal scratch-cooked comfort food that has just opened its second D.C. location in the West End;                         ·        The Press Club is D.C.’s hot, new record bar and cocktail lounge from the team of Will Patton, Devin Kennedy and Hive Hospitality.     See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.   On today’s show: ·        Dr. David Nutt is the chief scientific officer of both GABA Labs and SENTIA Spirits. A world-renowned neuropsychopharmacologist, he founded GABA Labs in 2016 to develop scientifically validated alternatives to alcohol by targeting the GABA system, the brain’s natural mechanism for relaxation and sociability. And we try some to see just how sociable we can get;                                                                                                                                                   ·        Georgetown continues to hop with new restaurants to try and love. Rimtang is the newest concept from the YUME Hospitality Group, created by culinary director Chef Saran “Peter” Kannasute and his mother,Executive Chef Prapit “Mama” La Femina. We’ll be tasting and talking about Rimtang’s many yummy Thai choices; ·        Husband and wife team David Harris and Megan Draheim are co-founders of the new Song Dog Farm Distillery, 29 acres of fun and hard work in the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve, dedicated to bringing grain-to-glass spirits to Montgomery County;                                                                                                                                                                                                          ·        Michelle Lim Warner, co-founder and CEO of DCanter, a Capitol Hill fixture and a great little wine shop near Eastern Market. We drink some of Michelle’s wines today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.   On today’s show: ·        Confused about “eating vegan” or what a vegan lifestyle – like beauty, skincare, or clothing - includes and excludes? Not to worry. Joining us is Angela Yvonne, host of Vegan Pop Eats; ·        Viyas Sundaram is the founder of the Middleburg Barrel Company, makers of 1787 Provenance Bourbon, a new brand blending tradition and innovation;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ·        Iesha Holy, board chair at Georgetown Main Street, is in with details on the Fifth Annual Georgetown Cookie Tour - “The Sweetest Tour of Georgetown;”                                                                                                                                                                                                          ·        Nothing warms your belly like rum on a crisp autumn day. So, we’ve invited Jordan Cotton, founder and president of Cotton and Reed, D.C.’s first rum distillery.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.   On today’s show: ·        The mystery man who for 25 years has been The Washington Post’s celebrated food critic, Tom Siestema. He recently announced his impending departure to so he can spend the rest of his life not hiding out… or something like that. You’ll get the whole story when Tom joins us;                                                                                          •      Irena Stein of Baltimore’s celebrated Alma Cocina Latina. It’s said that stepping into Alma feels like entering a vibrant Venezuelan home filled with art, greenery, and warmth; Food writer and restaurant critic David Hagedorn joins us to talk about this year’s Chefs for Equality event;              ·        Richard Hanauer, beverage partner at RPM Italian in D.C., which  has just debuted a collection of three expertly blended single-vineyard wines, available exclusively at RPM Restaurant locations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.   On today’s show:·        Alyssa Taylor, Director, Brand + Consumer Marketing at Penguin / Random House Publishing. She’s with us to discuss the upcoming Banned Books Week national celebration Oct. 5-11. The goal is to take action, save our stories, and preserve First Amendment rights by giving away free banned books to these communities and beyond;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  ·        Mike Curtin, CEO, DC Central Kitchen, is in with all the details of the annual Capital Food Fight, coming up Thursday, Nov. 6 at The Anthem! This year’s celebrity guests include Amanda Freitag, Roy Yamaguchi, Eric Adjepong, Rocco DiSpirito, Ryan Zimmerman and our hosts Spike Mendelsohn and Tommy McFly; ·        Meghan Trossen, Senior Manager, Marketing & Community Affairs, Global Workplace Services, Capital One in to talk about the Capital One Center’s signature programming, community partnerships and the upcoming festival;                                                                                                                                                                                                                  ·        Chef Daniel Perron is with us – he’s formerly the Executive Chef at Charlie Palmer Steakhouse, Trummer's, and Whaley's. Now he has opened his own place. It’s Locavore, a seasonal New American restaurant in historic downtown Fredericksburg;                                                                                                                      ·        Sam Nellia, head bartender at the Silver Lyan, a Rammy Award winner and, maybe even better, a recent selection to the prestigious North America's 50 Best Bars. They recently introduced a new cocktail menu, the result of  months of research and tinkering, and he’s in to mix up some samples of his good works.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.   On today’s show: ·        Victoria Wu of Cakes by Happy Eatery;·        Selva Chef Giovanni Orellana;·        Louie Jocson of California Fish Grill;·        And, to celebrate the Taste of Bethesda, Stephanie Coppula, director of marketing and communications, Bethesda Urban Partnership, along with Ruslan Falkov, co-founder, and Victoria Bespalchuk, from the award-winning Ruta Ukrainian Restaurant on Cordell Avenue.      See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

• Talk about the Dynamic Argentinian Duo! - Renato “Tato” Giovannoni is one of the world’s most celebrated bartenders. In fact, not long ago, when all lead bartenders from the prestigious, World’s 50 Best Bars were asked to name the one person who has done more to further the art of bartending than any Tato’s name topped the list. • And his partner is Alex Resnik, former senior partner at Wolfgang Puck’s globally acclaimed Fine Dining Group by any measure one of the world’s leading creators of exciting dining experiences – They have joined to bring two spectacular, Argentine hospitality concepts -- Florería & Brasero Atlántico – to DC by way of Buenos Aires, Barcelona, and Bahrain.  Joining them is their chef, Manuela Carbone;      • Werten Bellamy of Great Oak Manor, a delightful, 12-room boutique hotel located in Chestertown, Maryland, overlooking the Bay        • Christian Irabién, chef/owner of DC’s Amparo Fondita. Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off on September 15th, and Mexico’s Independence Day celebrations start September 16th. So, Amparo Fondita is marking the month with a series of special dishes, cocktails, chef collaborations, and a fundraiser.       • Hospitality and spirits consultant Ashley McPherson is in to mix up some tasty cocktails and fill us in on the upcoming 9th Annual BOWSFest – the Black Owned Wine and Spirits Festival back on October 4th. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.  On today’s show: ·        A trip down memory lane - Mary Quillian, owner of Capitol Hill’s legendary Mr. Henry’s, which opened in 1966. It’s where Robert Flack was discovered and there’s a lot still going on there;                                                                                                        ·        Alaska’s Bristol Bay has the world’s most abundant wild sockeye salmon fishery, contributing over half of the global supply. Bristol Bay has been at the center of controversy often  across the past two decades. Home to more than 30 million salmon spawning annually, it is threatened by the Pebble Mine. Casey Coupchiak is a Yup'ik commercial salmon fisher from Togiak, Alaska who has fished in Bristol Bay for 16 years. She’s in with news about the upcoming Bristol Bay Salmon Week, a celebration of the health and wealth of that unique region;                                                                                                                                                  ·        Florencia (Flor) Agrazo is owner of Georgetown’s Flor. Coffee + Books. There you’ll find Buenos Aires–inspired café culture. amazing coffees, snacks and pastries -- and a placid atmosphere for finding and sampling some great reads; ·        Living or hanging out in Clarendon? Check out Westville, the seasonal veggie-forward, but not veggie-exclusive, restaurant founded by Jay Strauss more than 20 years ago in New York City. Jay joins us with his take on balancing tasty vegetable dishes with traditional faves like burgers and mac and cheese.                                                                                                                    Mixing cocktails for us is Devin Felli of 14th Street’s Bresca;        See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.   On today’s show: ·        Shawn Townsend of RAMW on the evolving policing situation in D.C.;                                                                                                                                                                                     ·        Zed Wondemu, a former restaurateur, talking about her first memoir, “Slanted Justice;”                                                                                                                                                                                ·        Urara Iwasaki, the chef-owner of Georgetown’s Koryouri Urara, describes her tasting menu rooted in Japanese homestyle cooking;                                                                                                                                              ·        Greg Heitzig, executive chef and general manager of The Fountain Inn in Georgetown, acquainting us with this 18th-century tavern, reborn as a rare and vintage spirits tasting room, whiskey bar and restaurant;                                                                                                                                         ·         Todd Thrasher, the celebrated barman-turned-rum-distiller, talking about his tiki place at The Wharf.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

 Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.   On today’s show: ·         Cheetie Kumar, chef/owner of award-winning Ajja, in Raleigh, N.C.; Board Member and Vice President, Independent Restaurant Coalition, which is launching two first-of-their-kind grant programs:                               o   The first Disaster Relief Fund designed by and for independent restaurants and;o   An “Innovator Awards” for independent restaurants and bars doing innovative things to help their teams and communities;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ·        There‘s a lot of good chatter about the inventive Thai dishes served at Birdsong. Chef Kitima Boonmala is in and we’re gonna make her tell us all her secrets for tasty Thai cuisine;                                                                                                                         ·        Victoria Simmerling of Scale Hospitality, who is developing the food and beverage program at D.C.’s new Sixty hotel;                                                                                                                                                                ·        Lead bartender Lily Heredia of D.C.’s Gaia Supperclub, which opened in April, offering Mediterranean and Latin fusion cuisine with immersive entertainment inspired by nightlife experiences in Mykonos, Dubai, and Saint-Tropez.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.   On today’s show: ·        Erin Hildreth, VP of communications for Responsibility.org, which works to eliminate both underage drinking and drunk driving and to promote responsible alcohol consumption. They have a cool app --The Virtual Bar -- a great tool to use before your first sip to plan how to pace your imbibing for a safe night out;                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ·        Here’s an old and good friend back on the show - Francesco Amodeo, founder of the acclaimed Italian liqueur distillery Don Ciccio & Figli, is a consultant for the new concept, Tarì Trattoria, in Washington, D.C.’s Union Market District. Two decades in the making, Tari is a love letter to the simple, bold flavors of his hometown of Furore, Italy, on the Amalfi Coast near Salerno;                                                                                                                                                        ·        You know Reid Shilling and his wife, Sara Quinteros, from their waterfront restaurant, the Shilling Canning Company. Not long ago they had a bird-brained idea to also open a stall in the Union Market District to pay homage to the crispy fried chicken that's so famously rooted in Amish culture. It’s Fancy Ranch Amish Fried Chicken. And we’ll be taste-testing it on air!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ·        Unless you live under a rock, you likely know the James Beard award-winning chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson recently opened Marcus DC. We enjoyed a special meal there and Marcus was on-hand for a great chat, as were his valued team members, D.C. native and Executive Chef Anthony Jones, and Rachel Sherriffe, executive pastry chef. Anthony and Rachel are in with us today;                                                                                                                                                     ·        AJ Irawan is the general manager of Nobu Washington DC and Andre Bastien is the bar director. Every month, Nobu DC features a new specialty cocktail, and AJ and Andre are in with tastes and talk of the light and lively cocktail they’ve teed up for August, the Ocean Bloom.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

 Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.   On today’s show: ·        Paul Carlson of Lulu's Winegarden (three-time RAMMY finalist for "Wine Program of the Year");                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ·        If you’ve been wondering whether there’s a day dedicated to celebrating the almighty, delicious oyster, there is. National Oyster Day is Aug. 5, and Rick Allison, the chef/owner of the King Street Oyster Bar, is in with the details you need;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ·        Gianna Biscontini, a clinical behavior analyst and the founder of Expanded Women’s Health + Wellness, offering a transformative mental health and wellness experience tailored for women, the AFAB community and male allies of female-focused spaces; ·        Gelato is an artisanal gelateria serving the yummiest, fresh gelato and sorbet. There’s a new store coming to 14th Street this winter to join Pitango’s other stores around the DC Metro area. Dinah Bengur, Pitango’s CEO, is in with the sweets and the deets.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.On today’s show: ·        Shawn Townsend. President and CEO of  RAMW on Initiative 82, the RAMMYs and more;                                                        ·        Matt Hetrick, president and owner of accounting firm Harmony Group, the premier restaurant-focused accounting firm in the US. He acts as CFO for more than 150 hospitality businesses around the U.S.;                                                                                ·        Kyle Francis, co-founder and COO of Picnic, a fast-growing startup that acquires small food brands from founders who are looking to hand over the reins;                                                                                                                                                                                ·        Michael Riojas, beveragedDirector at Matt & Tony’s All Day Kitchen and Bar in Alexandria.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.   On today’s show:·        Agave, baby! Mitchell Linton, CEO, Tony Ajayi, president, and Zachary Spence, CMO – all of 3708 American Agave Spirits –talking the difference between tequila and agave spirits;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ·        They are husband and wife. And they are incredibly talented chefs who are getting handfuls of accolades heaped on them. They are Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss and they’re teamed with our friend, much-admired restaurateur Omar Popal, in two of the city’s most celebrated restaurants, Lutece and Pascual. In the course of things, both Matt and Isabel are themselves in the spotlight with James Beard and Rammy nominations. How do they do it and keep restaurants innovative and love alive? Matt and Isabel join us to reveal all;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ·        Owning a restaurant is in Tim Ma’s blood. Trained as an electrical engineer, he chucked it all, went to culinary school, opened a tiny spot in Vienna, Virginia that blew up and .. the rest is history. Today, Tim has his hands in a lot of projects. The newest is Lucky Danger in Chinatown, billed as an American Chinese restaurant brought to us by a Chinese American chef;                                                                                                                                                                                            ·        Georgetown salon owner Jack Howard is a L’Oreal Ambassador and hair colorist with over 40 years of experience. Jack’s a family friend, and we’ve brought him in today to talk about his successful approach to customer service and long-term relationships and how that mirrors the concept of providing hospitality.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.