On today’s show:

·        Kevin Tien, James Beard finalist and the owner of DC’s award-winning Moon Rabbit, is teaming for the second time with Alan Vo to open Chao Ban, bringing Vietnamese street food to Tysons Galleria. Kevin joins us in the studio;                                                                                                                                                                             

·        Whiskey maker Ari Sussman, the man behind the famous Whiskey JYPSI brand and the Whiskey Network’s“2024 Whiskey Maker of the Year,” joins us for tastes and talk of some of the finest bourbons known to mankind;                                                                                                                          

·    The Canton Disco team is in. Owner  Brian Schram, executive chef Timothy Yu, and yet another James Beard Award finalist, beverage director Brent Kroll, give us the 411 on their new Cantonese-inspired café, restaurant and bar opening on 1st Street SE.                                                                                                                        

·        Then we all join in a panel discussion on the future of distilled spirits at a time of rising prices and diminishing interest in alcoholic beverages.  

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On today’s show:

·        2026 is the 50th Anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, where – for the first time – two Napa Valley American wines bested French wines in a blind tasting. That huge, seismic moment in wine is part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, and Stephen Velasquez, curator of the  Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History’s Division of Home and Community Life, joins us with all the celebratory details, including the upcoming 2026 Winemaker’s Dinner;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

·        Since the Judgment of Paris is part of today’s conversation, it made sense to also invite Claudia Chamberlain to join us. She’s the U.S. general manager for Berry Bros. & Rudd. Founded in 1698, Berry Bros. & Rudd is the oldest wine and spirits merchant in the United Kingdom and is still family-owned;

·        Our  buddy, Jarrad Silver, chef/owner of Silver and Sons BBQ in Bethesda, is in with big news -- unless you're a lamb. The Lamb Jam is back as a month-long dine-around in April, where chefs across the country will feature American lamb dishes under $30 and diners are encouraged to explore and vote for their favorites;                                                                                                                                        

·        Kenia Euceda Canales, Neighborhood Restaurant Group coffee director, ensures that the non-alcoholic program across the group is a cut above the rest. She’s got lots of caffeinated tastes and talk to share, but especially about the one she manages, NRG’s specialty coffee shop, CAMEO in The Roost on Capitol Hill.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        We say “Carla Hall” and you say, “ OMG – that’s celebrated chef, author, Top Chef All-Star, co-host of ABC’s The Chew, and former Howard U accounting major!” Then we say, “Micheline Mendelsohn, ” her partner’s name, and you say that she’s deputy CEO at the Sunnyside Restaurant Group, where her brother, celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn, and the rest of the family have the hospitality Midas touch. And then we say, “Bumblebirds on Capitol Hill” and you say, “Thank God we can get Carla’s amazing fried chicken again!” Carla and Micheline join us today;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

·        Erika Polmar, executive director of the  Independent Restaurant Coalition, a national trade association lobbying solely on behalf of independent restaurants and bars – operators working for operators. She’s here to offer the 411 on the coalition’s purpose. But, considering the fragile state of the industry these days across America, Erika also has insights on what the IRC is doing to support restaurant operations today and successful operations tomorrow;                                                                                                                                                                             

·        Emily Brown, owner, Eebee’s Corner Bar, tells her incredible story of building her own business against all odds;

·         

·        The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the DMV’s great celebrations of the advent of spring. It commemorates the 1912 gift of cherry trees from the people of Tokyo to Washington, DC. Lillian Iversen is the vice president of the festival, in with info about all things cherry blossom here in town;         

• Owen Thompson provides the drinks. He is the beverage director for Unfold Hospitality, the company behind Casa Teresa and The Square.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        You’d have to be living under a rock not to know of Marcus Samuelson, a multiple James Beard Foundation award winner. His restaurant here, Marcus DC, opened and instantly became one of The Washington Post’s top five in the city. But Marcus takes global strides and isn’t there all the time -- and his not-so-secret weapon running the place is a Maryland native, Executive Chef Anthony Jones, an exceptional talent who himself is now a James Beard Award semifinalist for Emerging Chef. Chef Anthony joins us;

·        We recently spent four glorious days in Jamaica at a condo resort called The West. And the food there was … the BEST! Thanks to restaurateur Sydney Watson -  the generous hospitality, amazing cuisine, and all-around fun to be had at her restaurant in The West Signature, a premier residential community. Syd’s on the Rocks in Negril is beyond outstanding. Syd is gracious, so talented, and she joins us today from Jamaica;       

·        Mike Friedman of  the All-Purpose Hospitality Group is in. He’s an owner, master chef and the culinary spirit behind a bunch of the area’s most outstanding spots – the Red Hen, All-Purpose, the Boundary Stone, as wells as Bethesda’s Aventino Cucina and A-P Pizza Shop. And now the All-Purpose Hospitality has a new baby – Shaw’s Fossette Focacceria – with killer focaccia sandwiches, gelato, wines, and Italian imported goods (pasta, snacks, etc.) Si mangia bene a Fosette Focacceria.

By the way, “fossette” is a French term meaning "dimples" or "small cavities" – like on a kid’s cheek or in the crust of your fave focaccia.

·        Stephen Fortier, owner and winemaker, Domaine Fortier Vineyards joins us. Fortier won two gold medals at the Virginia Governor’s Cup wine competition Thursday evening.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        He’s a flavor explorer and a culinary storyteller - Emmanuel Laroche, the noted food and beverage industry executive, creator and host of the podcast “Flavors Unknown,” and author of “Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door” and “A Taste of Madagascar;"

·        Kat Jiang from Seylou, the organic whole-grain bakery and mill in Blagden Alley, is in to introduce the Mid-Atlantic Grain Fair and Conference coming up March 15-16, organized by the Common Grain Alliance, bringing together farmers, millers, bakers, brewers, distillers, and food leaders from across the Middle Atlantic to strengthen the region’s grain economy and reconnect the full grain supply chain from field to finished food;       

·        Ashley Blake, owner of Prim’s Café in Shaw. A brilliant concept for a beloved neighborhood hang-out, Prim’s features coffee and espresso made with beans sourced from Adee’s Coffee & Bar in Baltimore, matcha, chai, and more -- PLUS fresh pastries that are delivered fresh every morning;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

·        Drink Segment: Rimtang in Georgetown is an outstanding Thai street food restaurant that we’ve featured several times on the show. Today we’re talking cocktails -- and Rimtang’s Kelly Duong is in to mix ‘em up.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Celebrated for its mouth-watering, slow-smoked meats, Latin-inspired sides, and a no-shortcuts approach to craft, 2Fifty Barbecue is touted by many as the DMV’s best, including Washingtonian’s Top 100 Very Best Restaurants, where it comes in ranked at #22 overall. Not too shabby – so we invited chef/co-owner Fernando Gonzalez in to make him give up all his best-kept culinary secrets;                                                                                                                                                                                                      

·        Speaking of mouth-watering, we also brought in Washington Ramirez,, opening manager of Terra Gaucha Restaurant in Rockville. Terra Gaucha is an authentic, churrasco-style restaurant showcasing traditional flavors from southern Brazil;

·        Formerly with PepsiCo, Liat Kaplan is the co-founder and CEO of WiSP, a cutting-edge wellness and safety platform using new technology to analyze drink contents in real time. Liat’s mission is to support patron safety and personal wellness, empowering people to enjoy food and drink experiences confidently, while minimizing risks like drink-spiking, allergens, and unsafe levels of alcohol consumption;                                                                                                                                                             

·        Kevin Bratt is a partner and the national wine and spirits director for Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Snow Crab. He’s in with tastes and talk of Joe’s wine and spirits programs.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

Geraldine Mendoza is the founder of Taquería Xochi, which just opened a fourth location in the Navy Yard. Not bad for a place that started out as a pandemic-era ghost kitchen. Known for Mexican favorites including tacos, cemitas, tlayudas, and aguas frescas, Taqueria Xochi gets universal praise – even from the hard-to-please Tom Sietsema;

• Back on Foodie and the Beast after years away and years of immense success and growth are Robb Duncan and Violeta Edelman, co-owners of Dolcezza Gelato and Coffee. Dolcezza has a creative lineup of Valentine’s Day-inspired flavors, including the sweet and spicy passionfruit Szechuan pepper matcha, at all 6 DMV shops;

• Downtown Bethesda offers a diverse selection of restaurants ranging from international flavors to American favorites like barbecue, continental cuisine, delicious desserts and more. “Savor Bethesda” Restaurant Week (Thursday, Feb. 19 – Sunday, March 1) is a great opportunity to try something new to eat -- and drink! -- at a great price. We are joined by Stephanie Coppula, director of marketing and communications at the Bethesda Urban Partnership. And mixing up cocktails is Tyler Cotting, bar manager at Pisco y Nazca, one of the restaurants participating in Savor Bethesda.

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On today’s show:

·        Scott Drewno, partnered with Danny Lee in the Fried Rice Collective, here to take about food for the Big Game and the Upstate New York foods he grew up with that he’s now able to offer;                                                                                                                                                                                                       

·        Yves Lowe, executive chef and gastronomy programming manager for the Montréal en Lumière festival. It is one of the largest winter festivals in the world and the most important food festival in Canada. Attendees enjoy hundreds of activities through gourmet experiences that showcase the best of the city’s culinary scene;                                                                                                                                                                                  

·        America loves a comeback story. Chef Paolo Dungca’s modern Filipino restaurant, Kayu, closed on the H Street Corridor at the end of June. But it didn’t take long to make a comeback. A more streamlined casual version of the restaurant is now open at Dupont Circle;                                                                                                                                                                              

·        Dr. Mamuka Tsereteli, founder of the Georgian Wine House.– The nation of Georgia is possibly the birthplace of wine, with 8000 years of uninterrupted winemaking. 

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On today’s show:

·  Diane Gross, chair of the board, RAMW, She and her husband, Khalid Pitts, have also opened a Cork in Cleveland Park;

·         Stephanos Andreou and Constandina Andreou, cofounders of D.C.’s hit, new make-your-own-pasta place, Gigi’s, in the Western Market near The George Washington University. How good is it? They did so well on opening day that they had to go out and buy a second noodle-making machine to keep up with demand;                                                                                                                                                                            

·        Lynnette Marrero and Ivy Mix are the cofounders of Speed Rack. Now in its 14th year with nearly $2 million raised so far, Speed Rack is the first global competition highlighting the bar industry’s leading women+, with 100% of proceeds going directly to breast cancer education, prevention, and research. And it's happening March 16 at the Howard Theatre;                                                                                                                                                                                                               

·        Jean Carlos Mero is the general manager at Bully, the new Spanish steakhouse in Northwest D.C.’s St. Gregory hotel.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Group

Daniella Senior — Co-Founder, Colada Shop

Michael Babin — CEO, Neighborhood Restaurant Group

Chris 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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.      

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• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On today’s show:

·        D.C’.s storied Mayflower Hotel is gearing up to celebrate its centennial with all sorts of special activities – and libations. Joe Nacci, the beverage director, and MaCauly Cacioppo, the food and beverage operations manager,  join us;                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

·        Award-winning broadcaster Tommy McFly and his husband, brand marketing guru Chrys Kefalas. Along with their day jobs, these guys are ice cream entrepreneurs, and they’re in with tastes and talk of their Greek yogurt-based ice cream -Yala Greek Ice Cream – and their new brick and mortar opening in Georgetown in about three weeks.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

·        Living online, are you? Then you probably know executive chef and cookbook author Matt Price --but maybe by another name. His millions of Instagram and YouTube followers know him as Mr. Make It Happen.

He’s just opened Fraiche (French for “fresh”) on 14thSt. NW in Columbia Heights, offering his take on the fusion of French, Cajun, South American, and Caribbean cuisines – and he’s got some kick-ass ice cream happening there , too;

·        And we throw a shout-out to Ruth Gresser of Pizzeria Paradiso fame. She is a truly special person, a D.C. icon, a community-building, delicious food-serving legend.  We congratulate her, as RAMW will bestow the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award on her this year at the RAMMYs.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Carlos Delgado is the celebrated chef/owner of Peruvian restaurants Causa and Amazonia in Blagdon Alley. Last Monday, Chef Carlos won a 2025 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic. He's the only D.C. area chef to win a James Beard Award this year and he’s in with us to tell you all about it;.                                                                                                             

·        Meg Schiffman, co-founder and CEO, the Farmside Kitchen, serving up Americana-style greens and grain bowls that are made from scratch and packed with vibrant vegetables, house-made dressings and thoughtfully sourced proteins;                                                                                                                                                                                                

·        Alex Demas, a political reporter for The Dispatch, a conservative online magazine. Conservative or not, Alex obviously has a wilder side, having penned a piece called “In Better Spirits: Meet the Architects of Washington’s Cocktail Renaissance.” We meet Alex, hear about his work and find out how he researched the article and managed to stay upright;                                                                                                                                                                   

·        Proudly putting her own, modern spin on African culinary traditions, Ndidi Agu is the founder and CEO of Silver Spring’s Cafe Shuga, an African-inspired coffee bar, and its sister concept, Shuga x Ice, an African-inspired ice cream and frozen dessert shop.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Jo-Jo Valenzuela, executive chef/ managing partner at Tiki on 18th, a unique cocktail bar that blends Polynesian and Filipino cultures in original cocktails and tiki classics, all complemented by Filipino food favorites;                                                                                                                                                            

·        Leah Culley, founder and head pastry chef of Sweet Almond French macarons;                                                                                                                                                     

·        Fatema Issa, general manager and managing partner of Vera Cocina & Bar, where the menu is a tribute to the unexpected connection between Lebanon and Mexico, inspired by Lebanese migration to Veracruz in the 19th century;             

·        Michelin-starred Chef Masaaki “Uchi” Uchino and co-owner Dean Mosones of Bar Japonais, where blends of Japanese cuisine and French influences delight;    

·        Derek Battle of Flave, an app that rewards users for posting photos of their food and drinks at local restaurants. Tune in to hear about Flave’s Pride Month promotion -- you can turn your food photos into extra rewards and highlight LGBTQ+ owned restaurants.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Carol D’Agostino, the Main Street manager for Centreville, on Maryland Crafted, an event formerly known as DrinkMaryland, featuring 40 Free State makers of wine and other alcoholic beverages;                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

·        Kiernan Slater, owner and manager of Slater Run Vineyards in Upperville , Virginia, on celebrating 10 years in business;                                                                         

·        Nick Pimentel, co-owner, and Tyson Barrett, executive chef, Restaurant Elle  in D.C.’s Mount Pleasant, one of the city’s great eateries;

·        Jennifer McCloud, proprietor of the Ag District, once known as the Chrysalis Vineyards in Middleburg, Virginia,  a registered agricultural and forestal district -- now also home to a working dairy and artisanal creamery and a restaurant –on her journey into diversified and integrated farming;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

·        Ryan Ross -- chef, consultant, culinary producer and author – on how a spiral into poor health and challenging pregnancies turned into a mighty rebound, thanks to a physical and mental health regimen that works.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’ show:

·        We talk about the ICE raids on Washington, D.C. restaurants with Jessica Sidman, food editor for Washingtonian magazine;                                                                                                                             

·        Avalon Oona Haas is the Mid-Atlantic regional sales manager for the Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, founded many moons ago by our friends Scott and Becky Harris. We’ll be sipping Catoctin Creek Rye in a range of libations and, if you’re lucky, telling you all about it;                                                                                                            

·        Jon Krinn is the chef/owner at Elyse, a 30-seat “culinary speakeasy” in Fairfax, where Jon says he has fun exploring global products, techniques and combinations he’s never before used. What does the world say about what he’s up to? Well, Tom Sietsema for one says, “Elyse is a cocoon of comfort from a chef at the top of his game;”

·        Sarah Ahn is America’s Test Kitchen’s social media manager, creator of the Ahnest Kitchen website, and author of The New York Times bestselling cookbook “Umma.” She records her experiences on Instagram and TikTok of living with her Korean immigrant parents, chronicling her mother’s cooking, grocery shopping trips, and more;                                                                                                                                                                         

·        Greg Engert is the beer director and partner at the Neighborhood Restaurant Group – the guys with some of your favorite restaurants, like Evening Star, Vermillion, the Iron Gate, the Blue Jacket and Caruso. NRG is participating in this year’s Virginia Wine Festival with chef-driven food pairings that complement the wine selections. Greg’s in to tell us about all the dining to go along with the wining.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’ show:

·                                                                                                                                                     

·        Sixteen years ago, who knew that Fatima and Omar Popal would rise to become two of DC’s most prominent restaurateurs? Back then, their now-legendary Café Bonaparte was just finding its way. Today, the Popal Group’s celebrated restaurants include Lapis, Pascual, Lutece and Lapop, three of which are 2025 RAMMY nominees. Their beverage director, Suzy Critchlow, a home run hitter in her own right, is in with the 411 on their RAMMY nominations, news about their new restaurant opening in Adams Morgan this year, and to mix up some of the Popal Group’s most popular cocktails;                                                                                                                                                         

·        If you’re a D.C. small business owner or an entrepreneur with dreams of standing up your dream business, snap to and listen up. Dr. Linda Wharton Boyd, the chief communications officer at the D.C. Health Benefit Exchange Authority, is in with details about the upcoming 11th annual POWER UP DC small business summit. Learn how to access start-up capital and chase D.C. procurement contracts, network for partnering and biz dev opportunities and … more;                                                                                                                                                           

·        We’ve known our friend and neighbor, Jarrad Silver, for years. You’ve known him as the guy whose food truck dishes out all that incredible barbecue. But … do you know that Jarrad is now executive chef and owner of Silver & Sons BBQ, his new brick and mortar restaurant in Bethesda? Jarrad’s in the house today to tell us all about it, accompanied by some of the finest BBQ on the East Coast. And don’t worry – the food truck is still out there;

·         

·        Ever felt cruddy and reached out to Prescription Chicken to cure what ails you? We have, thanks to two other old friends of the show, Prescription Chicken’s cofounders,,Valerie Zweig and Taryn Pellicone. They’ve hatched a great new product called Cookstix. These are dehydrated instant stock sticks made with real ingredients. You’ll get the 411 on cooking with Cookstix and some insights on how these two crafty entrepreneurs are succeeding despite the current rocky state of the supply chain and ingredients pricing;

·         

·        And last, but hardly least, we have a legend in studio - Domenico Cornacchia, is the executive chef at Jackie’s in the Navy Yard. As many of you know, Chef Domenico spent many, many celebrated years running the kitchen at the Café Milano. Of course, you’ll hear about what he’s cooking up in his new kitchen at Jackie’s. But we’re also hoping to pry some juicy gossip from him about days of old and the nights of celebrity sightings – and canoodling - at the Café Milano.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’ show:

·        

There's a cherry blossom-themed cocktail competition coming your way, sponsored by High Road Spirits Importers. In with the details is Jennifer Nellis, the Mid-Atlantic market manager for High Road Spirits, and competition finalists  John Cooper, the general manager at D.C.’s Vagabond Kitchen & Bar and the bar manager at Prost, Lucy Valenti, the bar manager at the  Residents Café & Bar, and Kevin Cornejo,

the beverage director at Mita;                                                                         

·        

Our good buddy, Danny Lledó, is the talented chef/owner of the Michelin-starred Taller del Xiquet, where  awesome Mediterranean-inspired dishes rule.  Chef

Danny is in today with a preview of his upcoming Easter menu;

·        

Recent budget cuts by the feds have put a harsh spotlight on the increasingly difficult task of feeding folks living on the margins.  Kate Urbank, site director for Food Rescue US – DC , is in with info about Food Waste Prevention Week, April 7–13 -- 

and local activities that will help raise awareness and save tens of thousands of pounds of food for folks in need;

·        

Another good friend of the show is in. D.C. restaurateur Hakan Ilhan (Brasserie Liberté, Ottoman Taverna, Il Piatto, Al Dente, and more) gives us the 411 on his newest restaurant,  Alara, an hommage to cuisine from Turkey, Greece and the Levant.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’ show:

·        

The recent RAMW member survey looking into rising costs due to federal workforce cuts and related customer traffic declines  has really gotten people's attention.  Shawn Townsend, president and CEO of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, joins us to talk about the state of the business in our region;.                                                                                                  

·        

A family-owned and -run business, Loew Vineyards is the fourth oldest winery in Maryland, producing award-winning dry wines and meads. But that’s only the second half of the story. Rachel Loew Lipman of Loew Vineyards is in to pour some great wines and recount a family history you won't want to miss;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

·        

We said bye-bye to Booeymongers in Georgetown and wondered what would replace it – and a wonder has. Say hello to La Bonne Vache, French for “the good cow.” It’s the new

corner bistro featuring traditional French entree dishes disguised as burgers and

sandwiches. Operating Partners Ari and Claire Wilder are in with tastes and

talk of La Bonne Vache;

·        

If this is Foodie and the Beast, it must be time for Phil Greene to be back on the show! A true Renaissance man, Phil is by day the trademark counsel for the U.S. Marine Corps

at the Pentagon. By whatever isn’t day he’s an award-winning cocktail historian,

author and one of the founders of the Museum of the American Cocktail in New

Orleans. Stay with us for saucy and sour cocktail talk with Phil;

Cordelia Fishbar in the Union Market District is the newest concept from Clyde’s

Restaurant Group. Chef Ramon Rivera is the executive sous chef, Sonya Znati is the

general manager, and both are here with the 411 on Cordelia Fishbar.                                                                                                                           

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’ show:

·        

Inspired by Oscar Wilde, Wilde Irish Gin is distilled by Ireland’s first female master distiller. Billy Ray, Wilde Irish Gin’s brand director, and Lathan Kornegay, the brand ambassador, are in with tastes and talk of Wilde Irish Gin;                                                                                                                                                                                              

·        

Just opened in Logan Circle by the owners of Wunder Garten in NoMa, the Barrel House promises to be a bar and dining experience you’ll not soon forget. Founders Biva Ranjeet and Chris Lynch are in with details about their vision for Barrel House;

·        

Newly ensconced at the WIllowsong restaurant in the InterContinental Hotel, Chef Jeffrey Williams cooks up tasty seasonal fare featuring fresh takes on our region’s bounty.

Stick around to hear all about Willowsong, Chef Jeffrey’s vision for delicious

dining, his take on new approaches to sustainability and more;

·        

Elevated Southern cuisine, comfort and charm are the cornerstone delights at D.C.’s Mallard, where South Carolina-born Chef Hamilton Johnson – you may remember him from his many years at Vidalia – puts his stamp on the food cultures of the American

South. Chef Hamilton is in to give us all the Mallard 411.

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’ show:

·        

Dan Ziegler, founder of the Chacho Distillery in Takoma Park, with his special take on Colombian aguardiente;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

·        

Dani Mathey , COO of the 801 Restaurant Group, which has opened its first East Coast restaurant, the 801 Chophouse in Tysons Corner;                                                                                                        

·        

Moe Yamada, also known as the Kimono Mom. She is a former maiko (apprentice geisha) turned YouTuber, entrepreneur, and mother. Through her global platform, she shares the beauty of Japanese home cooking and culture, connecting with audiences from 192

countries;

·        

Julie Verratti, the  chief brand officer for Denizens Brewing, joins

us with new executive chef Shannan Troncoso to chat about what’s cooking

at the brewery.

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’ show:

·        

There’s been a lot of talk about tariffs on a range of imported goods – some think that’s a good thing, and others think it’ll harm many sectors of the economy.

Since we’re a food and wine show, we want to focus on how wine tariffs could cause

disruption and harm to our favorite restaurants and bars.

·        

In today for a spirited roundtable discussion are esteemed panel members, all of whom come from the world of wine.

·        

Joining us are names you know:

·        

Erik Segelbaum, vice president of the United Sommeliers Foundation and owner of Swig Partners;                                                                                                                                

·        

Vanessa Cominsky, sommelier and beverage specialist at the Prestige Ledroit Distributing Company;                                                                                    

·        

Michael Scaffidi, an advanced sommelier whose resume includes meaningful time at the French Laundry, the Union Square Café and Jean-Georges;

·        

Brent Kroll of Maxwell and Pop-Fizz. Most recently, Brent was named a 2018 Food & Wine sommelier of the year.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’ show:

·        

The Plant Magic Bottle Shop at the Union Market is a wonder. Owner Anahata Sabat has a shop filled with functional mocktails that uplift, revitalize, enhance connection and elevate your mood, all without the hangover;                                                                                                                                   

·        

One of our favorite chefs, Neal Wavra, also is a wine expert. 

Neal is the proprietor, chef and sommelier of the fabulous Field &

Main Restaurant in Marshall, Virginia and CEO of the Red Truck Bakery across

the street. Neal’s in for some fun, including a blind wine tasting;                                                                                                                                                                                                  

·        

An old friend and actually one of our first guests on F&TB almost 16 years ago, Dan Simons, is co-founder of the Founding Farmers Restaurant Group. Dan’s in with lots of

Founding Farmers news, but also for a discussion of broader issues that affect

his and every business in and out of hospitality, including how business owners

can and should navigate issues like mental health and menopause in the

workplace.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’ show:

·        

Bar Betsie wants to be your new rooftop home away from home cocktail bar in the Union Market District. It's prepping for a March opening. We’ll have tastes and talk of Bar Betsie with owners JP Sabatier, Ralph Brabham and Drew Porterfield, and bar manager

Courtney Taylor;                                                                                                                                                                            

·        

If you love oysters, the King Street Oyster Bar has loads of ‘em. Founder Rick Allison is in with news about growth, success and how he selects and brings in fresh oysters from

both the West and East Coasts of the U.S. and Canada;                                                                                                                                                     

·        

She was born Andra Johnson. We call her AJ, and she’s one of D.C.’s all-star bartenders and one of our best buddies . She’s the bar director and partner at Serenata in the Union

Market District (at La Cosecha) and she’s in with news about the upcoming “Coquito

Wars,” featuring  Puerto Rico’s distinctive coconut milk egg nog with a kick of rum;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

·        

Stephanie Coppula is the director of marketing for the Bethesda Urban Partnership. She’s the one who puts together the annual Savor Bethesda Restaurant Week, one of the area’s best. She’s in with Reyna Guardado, co-owner of Guardado’s on Del Ray

Avenue, and they tell us all about it.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’ show:

·        

U.S. Navy vet Mark McLaughlin is a co-founder of Baltimore’s Old Line Spirits, a second-generation veteran-owned distillery.   Old Line is one of the oldest producers of American single malt whiskey, which has just become the first new category of whiskey to be recognized by the U.S. government in over 50 years;                                                                                                        

·        

Gus May, co-owner of La Tejana,  a Tex-Mex breakfast taco shop in

Mount Pleasant, joins us. More than 30 million egg-laying chickens have been

killed to stop the spread of avian flu. Maybe it’s working, maybe not. But the

end result is that the national egg supply is radically diminished and prices

are skyrocketing. Gus will gives us his perspective from the retail level;                                                                                                  

·        

Esquire calls him “the chef who redefined Vietnamese cuisine in America.” Kevin Tien of Moon Rabbit joins us to discuss pho and other aspects of his culinary work;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

·        

Ferzan Jaeger is the founder and owner of Olive and Loom in Kensington, Maryland and  the District Candle Lab in Northeast D.C. You’ll hear how you can see how fragrance candles are made.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’ show:

·        

If you don’t know how nationally prominent Virginia wines are … wake up!   Leah Papadopoulos Constable, a third-generation descendant of Old World winemakers, is the operations and production manager at her family’s vineyard and winery,  Molon Lave, in Warrenton. She’s got a great story to tell – and wines to sip – and we’re gonna get into both;                                                                                                                                                                                                

·        

Michael Schlow is one of the most influential and respected chef/restaurateurs in America today and the owner of the Schlow Restaurant Group, with propertoes across the Washington D.C. area and New England. He’s in to talk about the new version of Alta Strada Embassy Row, now open in the Canopy Hilton;

·        

Falls Church has an awesome restaurant week happening right now, and its mayor, Letty Hardi, is in with chef/owner Thomas Harvey of Harvey's Restaurant to give us all the deets.;          

·        

Do you love Greek-style pitas made by hand with unbleached flour, extra virgin Greek olive oil, and lots of love?  Katerina Georgallas is the founder/co-owner of Union Market’s Mastiha Taverna, specializing in wraps, mezze and salads. And pastries, too!                  

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

A roundtable discussion about the latest news and trends shaping the local food scene, with:

·        

Tom Sietsema, The Washington Post's food critic since 2000;                                                                                   

·        

Jessica Sidman, who covers the people and trends behind D.C.’s food and drink scene. Before joining the Washingtonian in July 2016, she was a food editor and columnist at the Washington City Paper;                                                                                                                                                                                           

·        

Nevin Martell, a D.C.-based food, travel, culture and parenting writer, a recipe developer and a photographer. You’ve seen his work in the Washington Post, Wine Enthusiast

magazine, on  the Travel Channel, National Public Radio and elsewhere. He is the author of eight books, including “The Red Truck Bakery Cookbook: Gold-Standard Recipes from America’s Favorite Rural Bakery,” “ The Founding Farmers Cookbook” and the small-press smash “Looking for Calvin and Hobbes: The Unconventional Story of Bill Watterson and His Revolutionary Comic Strip;”                                                                                                                                                                                         

·        

Anna Spiegel, city reporter and food writer for Axios D.C.                                                                                                                                                   

We also sample drinks offered by Pedro J. Rodríguez, the cofounder of the Grand Cata Latin American Wine club.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        

Tahmina Ghaffer, the vice-president of operations and marketing at Paraíso, Capitol Hill’s  Mexican taqueria, has us sipping primo mezcal;      

·        

The co-owners of Daru, Executive Chef Suresh Sundas and Beverage Director Dante Datta, are taking us from the traditional Indian cuisine they are serving in Northeast D.C. to their new spot, Tapori, which will offer some of the delicious street food of India;

·        

The Lunar New Year is upon us Wednesday, Jan. 29. Joining

us with the inside scoop on how to celebrate it are owner Tuyet-Nhi Le, Chef

Daniel Le and Beverage Director Kevin Lim  from Happy Endings Hospitality. Two of their many properties, Nue: Elegantly Vietnamese and Chasin’ Tails, have Lunar New Year’s celebrations teed up that you’ll definitely want to know about;

Driven by rage that Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing led to radical – or radically

conservative – changes to the U.S. Supreme Court, hot sauce connoisseur Emily

Roe founded Female Rage, a hot sauce brand inspired by the belief that “women’s

anger can be turned into a bold, flavorful force of change.”

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        

Clyde Davis, general manager

and investor in Housebar, the very cool beer, spirits and wine store dedicated

to elevating the home entertainment experience. Clyde has just opened its

second location, in Georgetown;                                                                                                                                                                                                  

·        

Shawn Townsend is president and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. He’s in with a 2025 forecast of new dining experiences,

news about Winter Restaurant Week, what to expect across the local dining scene

and … more;                                                                                                                                                                                       

·        

In partnership with her husband, Micah Wilder, Johanna Hellrigl, chef/owner at Ama (the Italian informal imperative of the verb “to love”) has created a focacceria and ristorante that bring to life the flavors of her Northern Italian roots;                                                                                                                                                  

·        

And, speaking of dynamic wife-and-husband partnerships, Gina Chersevani and Neil Dundee are in with expansion news for 2025, samplings and more from their celebrated Buffalo & Bergen, a great hangout inspired by the soda shops of yesteryear (cream

soda, anyone?);

·        

New York’s Minetta Tavern is a hospitality icon. Originally opened in 1937 and frequented by various hangers-out with names you know … like Hemingway, O'Neill, e. e. cummings

and  Dylan Thomas. Now, thanks to Keith McNally, this Parisian-steakhouse-meets-classic-New-York-City-tavern concept has a second home at the Union Market. 

Laurent Kalkotour is the Tavern’s executive chef and Roberta Delice is the director of operations. Both are partners in this venture --  and they join us to talk about it.

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:

·         When it comes to world-class sparkling, there's a world of choices outside of Champagne. Jill Erber, owner of Cheesetique, the wine and cheese shop and restaurant, leads us through the sparkling landscape of bubbly American wines;                                                                                                                                                          

·        Nobu easily is the most famous sushi restaurant in the world. But, aside from Chef Nobu himself, there are other world talents at their many locations who make Nobu what it is today. For several years here in DC, that was Filipino-born Chef Micheole Anung Datur .We call him Chef Chico. And now he is setting his own world-class standard at Tysons Corner’s new Modan and he’s with us today for a look – and some tastes – behind the scenes;                                                                                                                              

·        Talk about successful entrepreneurship! Jennifer Meltzer and Ed Reavis, who hit the ball over the fence with Money Muscle BBQ, All Set and Fryer’s Roadside in Silver Spring, are back in with delicious news about good eats for the football playoffs, New Year's and more;

·        2024 was a mostly incredible year for dining in the D.C. area. We are out a lot, so we thought we’d offer a little Foodie and the Beast year-in-review that provides some food for thought for you.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        What happens when dueling “frenemy” bartenders with Michelin-starred resumes finally team up to open a cocktail lounge and vinyl record bar in Dupont Circle? Success! Will Patten and Devin Kennedy are in with tastes and talk of what they’re pouring at their new hit spot, Dupont Circle’s Press Club;

·        James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Ellen Yin is founder and co-owner and Eli Collins is executive chef with the High Street Hospitality Group, which operates some of the country’s most celebrated dining establishments, including Philadelphia’s Fork, a. kitchen + bar and the High Street Restaurant & Bakery -- and is now opening a “kitchen + bar” at D.C.’s Washington Circle;                                                                                                                                             

·        The holidays are fun – and stressful – especially after an election season. Wanna relax and renew? Regina McLinden owns RM Wellness, a new spa in Georgetown specializing in deep-tissue, Swedish and prenatal massage, as well as manual lymphatic drainage;

·        It’s back and it’s awesome! Celebrating its 20th anniversary, D.C.’s annual downtown Holiday Market is open, featuring more than 100 vendors with truly gifted offerings for the holidays. Gerren Price,

the president and CEO of the DowntownDC Business Improvement District, is in with the details;

·        The former 18th & U Duplex Diner is famous for many reasons. Locally known as the “Gay Cheers," it is also the place where, 25 years ago, Nycci Nellis, with new baby Eli in tow, used to bake and deliver hundreds of muffins and vats of homemade soup as part of her nascent foodie career. Today the eatery is reborn as Her Diner.  Kelly Laczko and her wife, Kethida Laczko, have revived and updated the space -- and Kelly joins us to talk about it.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        If America ever needed a stiff drink, it’s now. Fortunately, Prohibition is dead and gone. Celebrating its demise, the D.C. Bar Guild's 15th Annual Repeal Day Ball is Sunday, Dec. 7. Prestige Ledroits’ Wine and Spirits Specialist Vanessa Cominsky is in with Giovanni Maramis from Vagabond and Britt Fox from Cotton & Reed to provide all the details and mix up some of the cocktails they’ll be serving at the event;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

·        The word “makan” means “to eat” in Malay, and Chef James Wozniuk, Makan’s executive chef and co-owner, celebrates his love of Malaysian cuisine and culture with a menu that offers taste bud-boggling treats;                                                                                                                            

·        The Potomac Hospitality Group’s pastry chef, Padua Player, better known as the “Suga Chef,” is in with sweet treats and all sorts of creative dessert ideas for the holidays;                                                                                                                    

·        Also joining us today is James Beard-nominated chef Jesse Ito of Philadelphia’s acclaimed Royal Sushi & Izakaya.  Royal was named one of The Best Restaurants in Philadelphia Right Now by the Inquirer and The New York Times. He’s opening a new Royal in Philly’s Rittenhouse neighborhood;

·        Anna Claire Walker of District Bridges is back with news about the upcoming DC Holiday Hunt, a city-wide scavenger hunt that runs Nov 29-Jan 5. They got prizes. They got fun! You’re gonna want to hear all about it! 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Alfreda’s pizzas are all about fresh, local ingredients. And we’re gonna talk about that, but … Alfreda chef Russell Blue Smith – you know him from Wolfgang Puck’s Source and the Black Restaurant Group – is joined today by his colleague, Evan Moore, whom you’ll know from Puck’s Cut, for tastes and talk of Alfreda’s cocktail program. Mezcal cocktails and pizza? En espanol and in italiano, we say, “si;”

·        If you’re in the know, you know that National Pupusa Day is … today! Sunday, Nov. 10. And who better to discuss it than Ana Reyes of Adams-Morgan’s legendary El Tamarindo Salvadoran and Mexican restaurant;                                                                    

·        Jake Endres is co-owner of J&J New York-style pizza and Crooked Run Fermentation. He also does wings you wouldn’t believe – and neither do a lot of chickens running around with no arms (ha, ha). Jake’s in with talk and tastes of his many entrepreneurial undertakings;                                                                                                                          

·        John and Lindsay Hill are founders of DMV Coffee and Chocolate and the organizers of the coincidentally named DMV Chocolate and Coffee Festival, coming up for its third year at the Dulles Expo Center South Hall in Chantilly, Virginia, Nov. 16-17. John and Lindsay join us, all caffeinated and ready to spill the beans!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        The Tabard Inn is the oldest continuously operating inn in Washington D.C. opening its doors in 1922. Old in years but definitely au courant, the Inn is a lively dining destination thanks to Executive Chef Matthew Zafrir, who won Washington City Paper’s 2024 award for best chef in D.C. Joining us today is his beverage director, Dominik Lenikowski, with tastes and talk of the Tabard Inn’s cocktail program;

·        Mitsitam means “let's eat!” in the Native language of the Delaware and Piscataway peoples. At the Mitsitam Native Foods Café at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, Chef Alex Strong is leading a new team and menu presenting Native foods in a decidedly delicious way;

·        Founded by Emily Friedberg and Jean-Louise Conaway, D.C.’s Each Peach Market came about when the two friends discovered their mutual love of good food and deep curiosity for where it comes and how it is made. They also love to bring people together around the table. Ergo, Each Peach, to help our community discover amazing food and inspire the DIY culinary spirit;                                                                                                                              

·        In Arabic, “Yalla” mean’s “let’s go!” So, let’s go to Lebanese chef Marcel Chehaieb’s Yalla on U Street. It serves up tantalizing Middle Eastern cuisine... and echoes of a great night out in downtown Beirut. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Petar Zivkovic, assistant general manager at Nina May, who also contributes to the creation of the bar program, and Maret School alum Colin McClimans, owner/chef of Nina May, Opal and the soon-to-be-opened Elena James in Chevy Chase Lake;                                                                                                                                   

·        The 20th annual Capital Food Fight benefiting the DC Central Kitchen is Nov. 7 at The Anthem. The event is a total foodie fantasy, from great eats and drinks to celeb chef encounters as they battle it out for cooking competition top honors. DCCK’s CEO, Mike Curtin, is in with all the delicious details;

·        Across several decades Pizzeria Paradiso’s Ruth Gresser has lifted wood-fired pizzas, craft beers and her fellow female chefs and restaurateurs to legendary heights. Now she’s passing the Pizzeria Paradiso torch in a most spectacular and admirable way: Carlos Gonzalez, who emigrated to the U.S. from El Salvador in 2000, started with Ruth as a dishwasher and then rose through the ranks there, recently became co-owner of the local chain.  Carlos and Ruth join us to share the whole heartwarming story; 

·        Ready to get your Halloween on? Tour guide John Waldron is here with a spooky tale of the addition of new "ghost tours" here in D.C.  

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join us for our 16th anniversary show. We started in October 2008 as “Dishing It Out.”

On today’s show:

·        RAMMY winner, 2018 Food & Wine Sommelier of the Year, the genius entrepreneur behind D.C.’s Maxwell, Pop and Trouble Bird, and the boy wine wonder who became a Continental man about town on this show, wine guy Brent Kroll is with us. He’s pouring bubbly and other good stuff to help us celebrate the start of our 17th year on air;

·        Chefs for Equality founder David Hagedorn and a dedicated steering committee pioneered and still run what has become D.C.’s most delicious chef-driven event. This year it happens Monday, Oct. 21;                                                                                                                                   

·        Next up is the cheesiest guy we know – and love. Brie Salzman is the “supercheesemonger” at the Whole Foods in Rockville. He is our-go-to guy for exploring the best cheeses from the far corners of the earth, and he brings an awesome cheeseboard and lots of info for you to take away;                                                                                                                       

·        Thi Nguyen, the beverage director at Kevin Tien’s Moon Rabbit, and Sara Chaudhuri, the lead bartender at Ryan Ratino’s Bresca, are in because … well, they’re at the top of their games and their professions. Both recently have received several national awards for their skills. Sara is one of VinePair’s three “next wave best” bartender finalists for 2024. And Thi is one of Punch Magazine’s top 10 new bartenders of the year. They share their secrets to success.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Taste of Bethesda is back Saturday, Oct. 5. Stephanie Coppula, The director of marketing and communications for the Bethesda Urban Partnership is in with the details, and she’s brought along Julio Mejia from the Cubanos Restaurant to mix up some tasty cocktails as well as return guest Molly Gibson from Rooted3 with the veggie-based drinks we love;                                                                                                                        

·        Pepe Moncayo is the executive chef at Cranes and the new Arrels. That word  "roots" in Catalan and is Chef Pepe’s latest restaurant concept, set to open at the Arlo Washington DC hotel this fall. Chef is from Barcelona, one of our favorite cities, and his menu will showcase a modern take on classic Spanish cuisine;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

·        Cork’s new executive chef Cicile Mendy – you may know her from her stint at Et Viola! -- is here with owner Diane Gross. Classically trained, she’s busy serving the French cuisine you know and love that pairs so well with Cork’s selection of sustainable wines from small producers;

·        This is a food lover’s alert – Food History Week is coming to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The line-up of foodie entertainment and education activities is, in a word, awesome. Paula Johnson is the curator of food history at the museum, and she joins us with all the info.            

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Jason Murray, winemaker, viticulturist and owner of Arterra Wines. We’re getting tastes of what Jason and his team call true Virginia wines;                                                                                                              

·        It’s ShuckIt time again! Everyone’s favorite beer and oyster festival on the Potomac is coming up again on October 19, 2024 at Tony and Joe’s Seafood. Greg Casten and Dave Pera are in with ShuckIt details. And, Greg has news about a new dining hotspot-to-be, The Strand, coming soon to D.C.’s Deanwood neighborhood;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

·        It’s no secret that more people died from overdose in D.C. than from gun violence. And most of those overdose deaths are the result of fentanyl that’s added to street drugs, made into fake pills, and used directly.  Naloxone is an easy-to-use medication that can quickly reverse an opioid-related overdose. Our friends, health communications expert Troy Petenbrink and Anna Valero, president of Pirate Ventures -- which operates Hook Hall, the historic National Union Building and Kraken Kourts & Skates -- are in for a problem-solution conversation;                                                                                                                                

·        The Thompson Hospitality Group is the largest minority-owned food service management company in the U.S., with more than 70 locations across 14 unique brands, including Matchbox. They’re in the process of launching Thompson Restaurants as a new restaurant group brand, and Alex Berentzen, their COO, is in with the details;

·        Some of you older folks may remember the River Club that ruled Georgetown in the '80s and '90s. Well, there’s a new River Club in Georgetown, and it’s ready to rule, too. Farid Azouri is the co-founder and managing partner of the River Club and Residents Cafe and Bar. Nate Berry is the executive chef at the River Club. And they join us with all the deets.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Lou Bernard heads up the cocktail program at Mita, a plant-based Latin American restaurant, and runs Noches del Caribe, a pop-up celebrating Afro-Latin culture;                                                                                                                                  

·        Rosemary Suggs-Evans is director of D.C’s Department of Small and Local Business Development. She spends her days advocating for the small business community looking to support, grow, and retain District-based businesses while promoting economic development in the city's commercial corridors. We peek behind the curtain to learn about her efforts with particular focus on D.C’s ever more bountiful restaurant start-up community;                                                                                                                     

·        Juan Morales is the founder of Despacio Mezcal - a drink that encapsulates the land, the people and the slow, deliberate, time-honored methods of the Mexican state of Oaxaca;                                                                                                     

·        John Issa and Johan Cortes are co-owners of the Invic2s Hospitality Group, formed just this past June as the umbrella organization overseeing the operations of Public Bar Live, the Sauf Haus Bier Hall and Garten, Das Pretzel Haus and STFU. John and Johan are in with lots of details about their plans from all the properties – especially for Oktoberfest!                                                                                                                                                                                                         

·        Monica Saigal (Bhide) is an old friend of ours and the show and… a real talent. She’s an award-winning author, accomplished literary coach  and an educator with a new children’s book coming out next month, “Papa’s Butter Chicken,” featuring a foreword by renowned Chef José Andres focused on the importance of cooking and sharing meals with people around us. And she’s a tremendous font of ideas – one of them is upcoming, It’s the DMV Butter Chicken Festival. Monica is in to tell us all about it.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·         Sam Nellis of Silver Lyan, a man who needs no introduction from a cocktail bar that needs no introduction;      

·        Lilani Dunn of the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA), a nonprofit organization that represents the 8,000 fishermen who harvest the world's largest wild sockeye salmon run;                                                                                                                                                           

·        Yvette Williams and Chef Troy Williams, respectively, the director and culinary coordinator of the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP), a workforce development nonprofit that provides underserved teens with a pathway to success;                                                                                                                                                          

·        Jill Erber of Cheesetique, Del Ray’s favorite cheese shop and neighborhood restaurant, which turns 20 next month. The theme is “Aged to Perfection,” and there is a whole year of festivities planned that you don’t want to miss;

·        Rick Colling, the brand leader of Homewood Suites by Hilton, an upscale, award-winning all-suite extended-stay hotel.

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:

·        Janon Costley, one of the founders of Shinju Whisky, is with us. Shinju means "pearl" in Japanese and symbolizes something precious and rare, which this, the first Black-founded and -led Japanese whisky company surely is;                                                                                                               

·        Apapacho is the new taqueria at Union Market’s La Cosecha. It’s the brainchild of the husband-and-wife team of Chef Alam Mendez and Pastry Chef Elisa Reyna, who offer their take on a vibrant and authentic taste of Mexican street food;                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

·        Anna Claire Walker is the director of marketing and storytelling for District Bridges, an ecosystem development nonprofit that works in Wards 1, 2 and 3 to build bridges between community engagement and economic development opportunities so individuals, businesses, and organizations can thrive together;                                                                                                                                                                                    

·        Dean Mosones and Mark Minicucci are owners of Bar Japonais, an izakaya concept that opened this summer on 14th Street with a blend of Japanese fare and French cocktails.

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 the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington;

·        Jinson Chan, co-owner of the Sojourn Fermentory, opening Aug. 17 in Suffolk, Virginia. The Sojourn Fermentory staff is passionate about two things: beer and relationships. Its mission is to create a place where diverse individuals and families can come together in community to share their stories while enjoying high-quality beer and cider;                                                                                                           

·        Amy Holmwood is the  founder and CEO of the Holistic Spirits Co. It is the world’s first plant-based and -powered holistic spirits company. Its products are made with zero artificial flavors, colors, or GMOs;                                                                                                                                                                                                              

·        Reid Shilling is the executive chef and owner of the Shilling Canning Company on the Potomac in Southeast Washington, a place to enjoy a farm-to-table taste of the Chesapeake region. He and his wife, Sarah Quinteros, have also opened Ampersandwich, a casual sandwich summer pop-up with great sides and combos. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Ryan Cooper, bar director at the spectacular Cucina Morini;                                                                                                                        

·        Julie Verratti, founder and chief brand officer at the Denizens Brewing Company;                                                                                                                                                                      

·        Paolo Dungca, chef/owner of Hiraya, a celebration of the beauty, history and tasty flavors of the Philippines;                                                                                                                             

·        Chef Nadia Ruiz. the culinary arts training program director at D.C.’s Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School, which provides tuition-free education, computer skills, culinary arts career training and support for adults, especially those in Washington’s immigrant community. The mission is to provide a pathway to success for new arrivals who otherwise may have a hard time finding work.

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:

§ Jack Zarecky is the beverage manager and sommelier at St. Anselm, the American-inspired tavern that’s one of several Stephen Starr restaurants in D.C. The beverage program there is well-loved, and Jack’s in with tastes and talk that help to explain why;

§ Cate Thurston is co-curator of “I’ll Have What She’s Having,” an hommage to the Jewish deli. It’s at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles through Sept. 18, and a localized version is now on view at the Capital Jewish Museum through Aug. 20;                                                                                                                 

§ Angel Thompson-Cephas and Teneisha Bell-Thompson are the mother and daughter due that created Bell’s Reines, the first D.C.-based, woman-owned and Black-owned gourmet cookie company that includes gluten-free and vegan options;                                                                                                       

§ Kathy Voss (owner) Joel Sanchez (head chef) from Little Miner Taco are in with lotsa news about expansion there – a new store in Rockville. And a new menu item. And more. Stay with us for that! 

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 team from Residents Café and Bar, including Beverage Director Jon Arroyo, Co-Founder Farid Azouri and Bar Manage Josue Larin;                                                                         

§ Joe Ragonese, co-founder and managing partner of D.C.’s Balos Estiatorio, serving traditional Greek cuisine. The path Joe followed to Balos is filled with success, so we’ve invited him in to give us the 411 on what we expect to be the same with Balos;                                                                                                                                                                            

§ Eric Heidenberger is a partner with the DC Restaurant Group – places you know and love, like the Bottom Line, Madhatter, Shaw's Tavern, the 801 Restaurant and Bar, Prost, Heidaway and more -- and with more on the way! He’s in to give us the 411 on the restaurant group’s next moves;                                                                                                                                                         

§ Matthew Lego is the executive chef at Restaurant Leo in Annapolis. Within three months of opening, Leo received a glowing review in the Washington Post from Tom Sietsema, was listed as his top six favorite places to eat, and then landed in The Post’s fall dining guide. Co-Owner Hilarey Leonard joins Chef Matt to give us the story behind that impressive jumpstart.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

§ Apero is the delicious little Georgetown champagne and caviar bar -- and a restaurant that’s the brainchild of Advanced Sommelier Elli Benchimol. We love it there. It’s now added La Bohème, an intimate tasting room upstairs. Elli is in with her exec chef, Jenn Castaneda-Jones, formerly of the celebrated and dearly departed Marcel’s. We definitely should mention that the RAMMYS are coming up at the end of July -- and Jenn is a 2024 finalist for the Rising Culinary Star of the Year award, and Apéro is a finalist for Wine Program of the Year. Not too shabby;

§ Silvan Kraemer and David Fritsche owned Stable DC, a traditional Swiss restaurant in the H Street Corridor. Stable closed this spring, and Silvan and David are ready to unveil their new concept, Steak Frites DC. David joins us to treat us to the new restaurant’s signature item, which is… steak frites, Geneva-style!

§ If you want to know anything about sake, Reiko Hirai is your go-to. She founded and runs the DC Sake Co. It’s way more than a beverage company. It’s an experience! Reiko us tastes  of sake and she’s here to announce a very cool  Japanese spirits tasting soiree to be held July 20;

§ David Wizenberg, the chief operation officer at Hospitality Consulting Services, is now working on optimizing the customer’s experience through the renovation and reorientation at Executive Chef Chris Clime’s PassionFish in Reston. Davis is also here to tell us about his new food truck concept;

§ L. Paige Newman is the curator at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond. The museum is hosting a fascinating interactive exhibit on the life of Julia Child. “A Recipe for Life” celebrates – and makes you a part of - Julia’s lasting impact on American cuisine and food culture.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Russ Smith and Cecy Linzey, founders of the Mr. & Mrs. Bourbon Co., are in. Theirs is one of only a few Black- and female-owned bourbon companies in the U.S., and they have quite a story to tell -- and a few bourbons to pour;                                                                                                                                                                                       

·        Our old buddy, Chef Matt Adler, late of Caruso’s and now the executive chef at D.C.’s Cucina Morini, serving up Southern Italian and Sicilian delights;                                                                                                                 

·        Aynae Simmons and Leticia Engel-Cobian with Visit Montgomery are with us. You will definitely want to visit the Tastemakers Trail in Montgomery County. It features two dozen craft beverage producers, including wineries, breweries, cideries -- and a meadery;                                                                                                                    

·        Paul Taylor and Sherra Kurtz are co-owners of Your Only Friend, an out-of-the-ordinary cocktail and sandwich concept in Shaw;

·        Originally from Berkeley, Leo and Oliver Kremer are the founders of the Dos Toros Taqueria chain. When they moved to the East Coast, they realized San Francisco Mission-style burritos were tough to find. Enter the first Dos Toros location in New York City’s Union Square in 2009. Cut to now: there are 15 Dos Toros spots in NYC, and (drum roll, please) two here in DC. The Kremer Brothers join us with all the details.

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:

·        We have a fun drink segment today. Gigi Arandid is in! She’s the founder of BINGE Bar, which offers a celebration of sobriety for those looking to have fun without the booze. You can enjoy elevated cocktails and a both vegan and a non-vegan Filipino- and Mediterranean-inspired menu;                                                                                                                                                                                                         

·        Tony Chittum, executive chef at the celebrated Iron Gate, now also back in charge of the kitchen at Vermillion in Alexandria, just in time for the grand relaunch of this beloved neighborhood spot – double the pleasure, double the workload!                                                                                                                

·        With 13 offices spanning the U.S., HGA is an architectural firm on steroids, with services that span the spectrum of what today’s environment-conscious buildings and their tenants demand. Ben Webne is an HGA principal. His focus is on designing for the hospitality world, and he joins us later to discuss the many disciplines – from sustainable design to lighting, engineering and, well, lots more that went into the development of The Heights food hall in Chevy Chase;                                                                                                                                                                         

·        Kathy Jentz is a journalist, editor and publisher of the award-winning Washington Gardener Magazine. She hosts the popular GardenDC Podcast, which was recently named best D.C. podcast, and she’s in to talk about her work and her plants and what she’s harvesting right now.;                                                                                                                                                                                          

·        Drew Darneille is the award-winning owner/pitmaster at Smokecraft Modern Barbecue. He’s in to chat about his artistry with ribs and the upcoming 32nd Annual Giant BBQ Battle, a highlight of the barbecue competition season.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        RAMW’s Communications Manager Keiristin Wilbert on this year’s Cocktail of the Year finalists;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

·        Tim O‘Rourke, wine sales and education manager at the Prestige-Ledroit Distributing Co. He trained as a chef, worked with Jose Andres at Minibar and Michel Richard at Citronelle. Michel turned him on to wines and the rest is history. Tim has just returned from France and drinking a lot of wine. Life is hard, we guess. He tells us all about it;                                                                                                                                                            

·        Jovana Urriola is the executive chef at the Colada Shop. She’s a fabulously talented Panamanian chef, restaurateur and television personality. She’s in today with news about special new treats for summer on the Colada Shop menu – like croquetas!                                                                                                                                                                                              

·        Great wines? Delicious beers? Who doesn't love both (just not in the same glass)? Jeremy Ligon is the winemaker and Jon Bowman is the brewer at the Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery, where they produce both and, by the way, recently won a Double Gold at the San Francisco International Wine Competition;                                                                                                                                                       

·        Sydney Morgan is a senior account executive at Occasions Caterers. She plans all of the top events-- most recently the Kevin Hart Mark Twain awards evening at the Kennedy Center. She’s talking about Occasions, summer event/wedding planning and more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Aynae Simmons of Visit Montgomery has the deets on what’s happening this week during Go MoCo Month;                                                                                                                                                                   

·        Danya Degen is the wine director and general manager of Méli, the Greek-ish restaurant serving mezze, wine and cocktails nestled within the lobby of The Silva Apartments in Adams Morgan;                                                                                                                                                                                              

·        Scott Schenkelberg, president and CEO of Miriam’s Kitchen, joins us. Miriam’s Kitchen is a much-admired nonprofit leader here in D.C. seeking to end homelessness and hunger among our neediest neighbors;

·        Caroline Ta is the owner and baker at SweetsbyCaroline, a pop-up bakery in Maryland that specializes in gluten-free French macarons, cakes and Asian-inspired desserts. Hers is an inspiring story of talent and entrepreneurship that you’ll enjoy;                                                                                                                             

·        And last, but hardly least, is there anyone on the planet like Michaele Weissman? Food writer, author, writing teacher and coach. Her first book, “A History of Women in America,” co-authored with her college bestie, has sold a quarter of a million copies and is still in print four decades after publication. We met her right after her next magnum opus, “God in A Cup,” put the specialty coffee industry on the map. Now she has written an hommage to love, marriage and Latvian rye bread. It’s the “Rye Bread Marriage” and you’ll hear more about it.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:                                                                               

·        James Cao, bar supervisor at Smoke & Mirrors, the rooftop restaurant and bar atop the AC Hotel in Southeast. He’ll tell you how to treat yourself and friends with stunning craft cocktails along with equally stunning views of Capitol Hill and the Navy Yard;                                                                                                                                                     

·        Chef/Owner Johnny Spero of the Reverie Restaurant and Bar Spero is back on “Foodie and the Beast.” You may recall that a huge fire took out Chef Johnny’s Michelin-starred tasting experience in Georgetown. It reopened in March and Johnny’s in with news about old favorites and new treats just sitting there waiting for your taste buds;                                                                                                                                                                 

·        If you don’t know much about Georgetown’s fashionable French restaurant, L’Avant-Garde, hang on – because you’re about to. We have invited Chef/Partner Sébastien Giannini to take us into the kitchen and through the menu for some truly amazing meals;                                                                                                                                                                                                            

·        Lamb Jam is back! Lamb Jam Month celebrates the culinary creativity of chefs across the country and supports family-operated farms and ranches that are raising sheep in the U.S. In May, in each of the seven Lamb Jam cities. chefs are running a small plate on their menu featuring American lamb and compete for the title of Lamb Jam Master of their city. Demetri Mechelis, chef/owner of Martha Dear, is in with the details. He is joined by his wife, Tara Smith, who actually runs the joint.

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:

·        Aynae Simmons of Visit Montgomery on promotions in the county during the month of May;                                                                                                                                                   

·        John Dynan, sales and education manager of spirits at local distributor Prestige-Ledroit, on the rich variety of tequila and other kinds of mezcal;                                                                                                                                                           

·        Enrique Limardo, co-founder and chief culinary officer of the Seven Reasons Group, Venezuela’s 1st Michelin-starred chef in the U.S.;

·        Sebastian Zutant,  one of D.C.’s legendary somms and co-owner of Primrose, his sweet little wine bar in Brookland, which has been revamped and re-opened;

·        Molly Gibson and her mom, Melissa Peppe, owners of Rooted3 in Bethesda, where healthy, feel-good, plant-based foods abound. In with them is Mary Beth Olson of MBO Mediam, a co-founder of D.C. Veg Restaurant Week;                                                                                                    

·        Restaurateur Erik Bergman is in with Chef Yo Matsuzaki of Wren in Tysons Corner. Along with an amazing menu, they have a special event coming up for the Derby that you are going to want to hear about.

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:

·        Dania Jolley, deputy chief of staff and cultural affairs at Events DC, which is is thrilled to announce the return of Passport DC;

·        Ashley McPherson,  owner, curator and lead mixologist of the McFierce Experience, an events, catering and mixology company based in Washington;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

·        Fox 5 reporter and the host of “Cooking with Como,” Erin Como, is a dyed-in-the-wool foodie whose lifestyle tips, great passion for home-cooked meals and appreciation for local chefs and restaurants fit the Foodies and the Beast mold to a T;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

·        Arlington native David Sachs is farm manager/owner of Grapewood Farm, where he grows organic Virginia grain and mills stone-ground flour for area restaurants and bakeries. David had professional background in design, labor relations and government communications when he traded in all that “dirty work” for far dirtier work on the farm;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

·        Jill Nguyen is the baker behind Capitol Jill Baking, a Capitol Hill microbakery specializing in sourdough bread, pastries, and modern cakes. Born and raised in Hanoi, Jill has a fascinating story;

·        Joining us at absolutely the perfect moment is Isidre Sala, head of the delegation of the government of Catalonia to the United States and Canada, Perfect? Why? Because in addition to the fact that Isidre always has great new food insights and treats to share, we literally just returned from Barcelona, the heart of Catalonia, a couple of days ago. So we are prepped and ready to chat about all things Catalonian. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Shawn Townsend, president and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, on to chat about a proposed law in D.C. that would reduce liquor liability costs and better protect restaurant operators from frivolous lawsuits;                                                                                                                                     

·        Along with it being International Women’s Month, March is Maryland Wine Month. So it’s fitting that we get a visit from a prominent woman in the wine biz from Maryland. She’s Regina McCarthy, general manager at The Vineyards at Dodon, a stunning, 555-acre tract in Davidsonville, MD that produces amazing wines;                                                                                                                                       

·        Jack Maher and Jack Walten are cofounders of Sea Suite Cruises, setting sail this year with Whitlow’s on Water, a 50-foot floating tiki bar sailing the “high seas” from Georgetown Harbour and the Navy Yard;                                                                                                                                                      

·        From a Kensington pop-up to a Bethesda brick-and-mortar down the street from their alma mater, Walter Johnson High School, Dalia’s Falafel owner Ben Assaraf and his partners, Kevin Gill and Cody Chatham, have hit on a fast casual concept that’s quickly becoming a Bethesda go-to for those in urgent need of a tasty, Middle Eastern food fix;

·        Drinkin’ wine, wine, wine! We have more talk of wine – ros­é

in particular -- as we’re joined by Josephine Carr of Castle Hill Cider and Matt Harmon of Harmony Wine, who created Daze of Rosé, their special, pink twist on a traditional springtime wine festival.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·         Lesley Deveraux is in with tastes and talk of her Khamsa Tonic and its health  benefits – especially how the ingredients are beneficial for allergy season and for hangovers;                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

·        Tuesday, March 19 is the spring equinox. So we brought in Deb Schaffer, whose line of intention-based candles and other soul-based products helps people discover and deepen their spiritual, energetic and magical superpowers;                                                                                                                                                              

·        Speaking of equinoxes, one of the first guests on this show 15 years ago was Ellen Kassoff, who along with husband Todd Gray owns D.C.’s legendary Equinox Restaurant. It is now in a new location. You’ll hear all about it;                                                                                                                              

·        Teresa Velazquez is the owner/ executive pastry chef / executive chef – or simply the baker/cooker -- at Baked & Wired and A Baked Joint. She’s also RAMMY's 2023 Best Pastry Chef of the Year. Not too shabby for a lady who didn’t start out to bake her way to stardom. You’ll hear the whole sweet story about her cupcakes, pies, cookies, bars, brownies, breads and more when Teresa joins us;                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Six-time James Beard Award nominee Amy Brandwein is the chef/owner of Centrolina and Piccolina da Centrolina in Washington. Chef Amy has mastered the art of creating and serving dishes that taste exactly as they should -- and as good as they do in Italy.             

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        We love our cocktails on this show. And who better to help serve them up than one of the spirits industry’s leading lights --especially in the domain of woman-owned spirits companies -- Chanel Turner? She runs Global Alliance Distribution, Fou-Dre Vodka and the Black-Owned Wine and Spirits Festival. In with Chanel to mix things up is Kimberly La Rose, co-founder of Wisher Vodka, a woman-owned distillery;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

·        Our sweet tooth is already tingling just with the thought of welcoming two of D.C.’s great pastry chefs, Moon Rabbit’s Susan Bae and her esteemed colleague Chef Rochelle Cooper;                                                                                                                                                                               

·        Not a power woman, but definitely a power guy, Michelin Star-awarded chef, sommelier, and yachtsman Troy Knapp, brings his passion for great food and wine to a different kind of world-class dining experience – this one is actually on the D.C. waterways. Troy is the owner and host at Sea Table D.C. He’s launched an intimat fine dining private yacht experience called “Sip and Sail;”                                                                                                                           

·        Brian Nixon, general manager, McClellan’s Retreat, is in with news of something different and very cool for St. Paddy’s Day that doesn’t involve green beer, inappropriately named shots and long waits at the bar to get your drinks. What’s that, you say? Listen and learn!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        The Annual Embassy Chef Challenge is coming up! Jinhee Kim, chief creative officer at Events DC is in. And so is Dameain Williams, the Visit Barbados/Embassy of Barbados rep for the Embassy Chef Challenge;                                                                                

·        Unless you live under a rock, you know that booze-free craft cocktails are a happening thing. JW Wiseman, founder of Curious Elixirs is in. His mission is to create the world’s best booze-free craft cocktails and redefine social drinking with bold, adventurous flavors and good-for-you ingredients;                                                     

·        Téa Ivanovic and Peter Schechter are co-founders of Immigrant Food. their unique mission is to defend the vision of America as the land of immigrants, through what they call “gastroadvocacy;”                                                                                                                                      

·        Neighborhood restaurant weeks are so great! You can try places you've been curious about for reasonable fixed prices and get a real cross-section taste of what is right around the corner. Vienna Restaurant Week is on through March 10. We are joined by Ashley Curtis, the marketing and business engagement specialist for the Town of Vienna.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Our drink segment today is a twofer with wine AND cheese. We’re joined by our friend of many years, Diane Gross, co-founder of the Cork Wine Bar and Market on 14th Street. Diane has brought in some amazing wines for us to taste – props to Cork, by the way, for celebrating its 16th anniversary in business. Joining us as well is cheesemonger Alice Bergen. She has been a finalist in the prestigious Cheesemonger Invitational. She is also the proprietor of Cheesemonster in D.C, specializing in curated cheese and wine and virtual cheese and wine classes. We’ll hear about and sample some great wines and cheeses as we celebrate women who make hospitality happen;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

·        Mary Sue Milliken is a James Beard and Julia Child Award-winning chef, cookbook author and food system activist. She also co-owner of the Mundo Hospitality Group. She is one of the driving forces behind the formation of Regarding Her;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

·        Vivien Bang, owner of Lei Musubi, is with us. She’s of Korean descent, but raised in Georgia, so everything she does has a hint of Southern love, including her favorite childhood snack, handcrafted musubi. Vivien is a member and huge proponent of Regarding Her and the important support it provides to women operators of small hospitality businesses. You’ll hear more on that score and about her upcoming “Cooking and Conversation” class;                                                                                                                                      

·        Jamie Leeds is an old and good friend of ours and of the show. You know her as the founder and operator of the world-famous Hank’s Oyster Bar, the home of the best fresh and fried oysters you ever tasted. We get Jamie’s take in Regarding Her’s importance to aspiring women entrepreneurs in the restaurant industry and give us the 411 on all the incredible “Second Floor Series” collaborations Hank’s is offering as part of Women’s History Month events;

·        Also with us is Patrice Cleary, chef/owner of the Purple Patch Restaurant and the soon-to-open Joia Burger, located in D.C. Purple Patch is a acknowledged for its efforts in highlighting and educating all of us about the different nuances of Filipino cuisine. In the Washington Post’s 2023 Fall Dining Guide, critic Tom Sietsma awarded Purple Patch the singular distinction of Restaurant of the Year.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Victoria Rodriguez is the hugely respected sommelier at D.C.’s Bourbon Steak in the Four Seasons Hotel. February 18 is National Drink Wine Day. Bourbon Steak boasts over 850 labels, including many from star wineries in California, Bordeaux, Champagne and beyond. So it’s a natural draw for celebrating Wine Day the right way. Victoria’s in-studio and has brought in some of the best of her best for us to taste and discuss;                                                                                                                                                                                                      

·        Sheeeeee’s baaaack! Stephanie Coppula, the director of marketing and communications for the Bethesda Urban Partnership is in with news about “Savor Bethesda,” the community’s restaurant week, on through Sunday, Feb. 25. Thanks to low fixed-price meals, you can try all those spots you’ve driven by and thought, “I wonder what their food is like.” In with Stephanie is Payson Mtatmon, owner/chef, Zao Stamina Ramen, one of the participating restaurants;                                                                                                                

·        Stephanie Miller is the founder of Zero Waste DC and DC Reduces. Zero Waste DC empowers Washington’s government to speak with one voice in developing and providing resources that help our residents, businesses, and visitors move toward the day when all products will repurposed and/or reused;                                                                                                                                                     

·    It’s no secret that we Americans waste 40% of the food we produce. That’s billions of tons of food each year. It’s food that could feed the 40 million people who go hungry in the richest nation in history and it contributes significantly to global warming. Jen England. The vice president of external affairs for Food Rescue Hero, is here to talk about solutions to the problem.         

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Fairfax City Restaurant Week is back and keeps getting bigger and better. It’s on from Monday, Feb. 26 through Sunday, March 3. Joe Sullivan is the head chef at Earps Ordinary and he’s gonna be bartending for us today and showcasing some of his eatery’s signature cocktails. Joe’s joined by Tara Borwey, the economic development programs manager for Fairfax City Economic Development. Joe and Tara have all the deets on Fairfax City Restaurant Week;                                                                                                                              

·        Brad Feikert of Soko Butcher. He stops by to talk about not only the butcher shop’s traditional offerings, but the delicious deli sandwiches it also provides. He is joined by Dylan Greer, general manager and head of beverages at the Koma Café, also in Takoma Park;                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

·        This show is all about the world of hospitality. And, whether you’re a road warrior or on a family getaway, it’s hard to name any place more hospitable than Hilton’s Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn and Suites. It’s easy to take for granted all that they do to make your stay a great one. So we brought in Shruti Gandhi Buckley, senior vice president and brand leader for Hampton by Hilton, to give us an insider look at the magic that Hiton works there;                                                                                                                                                                  

·        Miguel Guerra and Tatiana Mora, executive chefs at Mita,  a Latin American vegetable-focused restaurant.  This pop-up restaurant has become a permanent brick-and-mortar establishment in Shaw. Mita aims to offer a unique cultural experience, dispelling the notion of Latin American cuisine as solely meat-centered. Instead it focuses on Latin American vegetables and flavors.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Dan Marlowe is the beverage director at Common Plate Hospitality, overseeing innovative concepts like The Grove and Chevy Chase’s cool new watering hole, The Turncoat. Marlowe’s in today mixing cocktail sips with insider info;                                                                                                                               

·        Tuyet-Nhi Le of Nue Elegantly Vietnamese and Chasin’ Tails joins us. Nue’s new menu is a tribute to the Year of the Dragon;                                                                                                  

·        Jill Erber and Cathal Armstrong of Corso Italian – in the former Cheesetique location in Shirlington. The secret is out. Chef Cathal heads up the kitchen. We’ve been there. It’s a home run!                                                                                                                                                                                  

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Do you know anything about Ethiopian honey wine, a fermented beverage made from raw honey? It dates back more than 3000 years. Created by master winemaker Gize Negussie, the Negus Winery and Meadery Tasting Room in Alexandria is the first and only honey wine tasting room in the U.S. It features Ethiopian honey wine, or tej;                                                                                                        

·        Speaking of wine, T.J. and Hadley Douglas of The Urban Grape in Shaw are with us. The Urban Grape is America’s largest, certified Black-owned beverage retailer, with curated wines, beers and spirits from diverse makers, regions and varietals representing 25 countries;                                                                                         

·        If you’re a fan of eat2explore.com, you know that founder Rowena Scherer believes that every cuisine tells a three-dimensional story about the culture it represents. And what better way to expand kids’ horizons than through good food? Through her new cookbook,” A Taste of the World: Celebrating Global Flavors,” Rowena brings kids up-close-and-personal with a cultural world tour of 64 recipes;                                                                                                                                            

·        He’s a bartending OG. Amateur herbalist. Frozen drink shaman. Doting dog parent. Vermouth and liqueur maker. Friend of famous people. The Wizard of Ounces. He’s Lukas B. Smith of Redbeard, in to chat about his signature approach to deliciously crafted drinks that are no- or hyper-low-ABV.

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:

·        Alcohol-free drinks are proving to be one of the most popular trends to hit the cocktail scene in years. D.C.’s favorite cocktail expert, Derek Brown, is the event director of the Mindful Drinking Fest, happening Jan. 23-28 in Washington. It’s two days of non-alcoholic beverage tastings, wellness and mixology classes, parties and activations. Derek joins us, and we’re gonna be sipping and chatting about cocktails to enjoy…enjoy again … and enjoy some more, without getting schnockered;

·        On the other hand, there’s Danielle Hatchett of the Tipsy Scoop. It’s an ice cream “barlour,” serving boozy ice cream scoops, shakes, and cocktails, opening soon in D.C.;                                                                                              

·        Laura Calderone, the chef and founder of Relish Catering is with us. Her company hosted large-scale events at venues like the White House and the National Building Museum and more intimate events at places  like the Longview Gallery and Decatur House;                                                                                                                                                                       

·        We have five kids, and one of them, Sam, now 35 and healthy as a horse, was born at home with a nurse midwife. Why do we tell you this? Because Paul Quinn, Ph.D., joins us today. He’s one of America’s few male midwives. He has been a certified nurse midwife for almost three decades. His new book, “Prenatal Possibilities,” has been called “the blueprint” for families expecting a child;                                                                    

·        Do you dig Infrared saunas and float therapy services? Willing to give them a shot? We have the place to go and the person to see. Liz Baker, the owner of D.C.’s Pure Sweat and Float Studio joins us.  

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Roasting Plant Coffee is revolutionizing coffee culture with the Javabot, which roasts in micro-batches to ensure each cup is full-flavored—with results in one minute. In today with all the details and not just a little caffeine are Mike Caswell, founder. He is also a former senior executive at Starbucks. He is joined by Genevieve Kappler, Roasting Plant’s specialty coffee expert;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

·        Newly minted cookbook author Barkha Cardoz is in to chat about her debut cookbook, “With Love & Masalas: Everyday Indian Recipes from My Kitchen to Yours.” The book is a family affair, with more than 30 family recipes and easy-to-follow instructions for home cooks;                                                                                                                                                              

·        Need a change from your usual?  Try the Mood Swings Food Hall in Northwest D.C. Based on the premise that folks often want something different than their usual, Mood Swings offers a different cuisine and menu every month, ensuring that you'll find something to satisfy your cravings. Soul? Italian? Chinese? Whatever – go to the website and vote for next month’s cuisine to be served. Owner Taj Sohal is here, and you’ll hear more about it;                                                                                                                                                                                                            

·        The name John Zaller may not ring a bell, but what he does surely will. John is the executive producer of Exhibition Hub, a curator and distributor of world-renowned immersive exhibitions, like “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition,” “Jurassic World: The Exhibition,” “Bodies: The Exhibition; Star Trek: The Exhibition, and more, including Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience,” named by CNN among the 12 best immersive experiences in the world. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Philippe & Jackie Loustaunau, co-owners of Arlington’s Pirouette, which is both a full-service restaurant and wine shop. Good food -- and the wine list is the entire wine shop!                                                                                                                                                     

·        Scott Drewno. You first met him as the award-winning executive chef at Wolfgang Puck’s dearly departed restaurant The Source. Now, in partnership with Chef Danny Lee, he’s co-owner of the Fried Rice Collective and some of the tastiest spots in town, like Anju, ChiKo and the new and so very fun I Egg You;

·        Chef Kyle Bailey, everyone’s favorite badass in a Dodge Charger. He is a partner and culinary creative genius with Long Shot Hospitality, which owns several great properties you know, including Downtown D.C.’s Dauphine, The Salt Line (with three locations) and the new and awesome Ometeo in Tysons Corner;                                                                                         

·        Been to The Square? Richie Brandenburg, known far and wide as the creator of Union Market, and Rubén García, also known far and wide as the talented former creative director of the José Andrés Group, have opened The Square, Downtown K Street’s ambitious new food market destination. Rubén joins us to talk about the food hall that opened last fall with stall after stall of amazing edibles and potables.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Paul Ashe is a guy whose name definitely rings a bell – several bells. He’s the CEO of the North American Carillon School and director of the National Bell Festival. And on New Year's Day, he’s the guy in charge of ensuring that the bells are ringing for you and your gal across all seven continents, including Antarctica!      

·        Lieven de Geyndt, CEO of Sparkle-ist. The Sparkle-ist monthly subscription box contains three bottles of superior sparkling wines, ranging from $20 to $60, all hand-selected and tasted by a man who knows his wines;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

·        Speaking of great wines with personality, Stephanie Franklin of Fly Wines joins us. The minority-owned Fly Wines is a subscription service with an interesting twist, offering tasting boxes that let subscribers get acquainted with unfamiliar wines before committing to a full order;

·      And we get an end-of-the-year wrap-up and a look ahead with David Hagedorn and Jenna Goldman.                                                                                   

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        The holiday season is filled with some truly unique special events. One you definitely want to know about comes up Tuesday, Dec. 12 at The Square in D.C. Famed chocolatier Chef Ursula XVII, who has whipped up pastries for some of the best – like, for Michael White at the Michelin-starred Ai Fiori, Thomas Keller at Per Sei, and Claudia Fleming at the North Fork Table and Inn – hosts a traditional Catalan Christmas food event. She’ll demo how to make those yummy Catalan 'torrons' or (nougats) and chat about yummy traditional Catalan products like cava, wines, chocolates, cheeses and olive oil. Chef Ursula joins us with all the details;                

·        We do a lot of entertaining. Nyc is a star cook and David is the man at the sink doing the dishes. But sometimes, we just need more help than the hands at home. And when you need extra hands, the only thing that really helps are professional hands – bartenders, servers, and dishwashers. Fear not. Party Host Helpers is here, and so is the company’s founder and CEO , Renee Patrone Rhinehart. She offers us the solution to our party staffing needs;

·        Lisa Lucas and Debrianna Mansini are two lively women. You may be fans of their show, “Corona Kitchen,” on YouTube and Facebook Live, and of their new book, “That Time We Ate Our Feelings,” which shares stories of their experiences growing up in foodie families;                 

·        Not everyone needs a world-class executive chef at home, but sometimes…when you’ve planned something special … you do! Founded by chef Brian Arruda (former executive chef at Boulud Sud), Executive Chefs at Home is a premier global private placement agency for top chefs who come to you to curate customized dining experiences;

Jake Ireland, founder & CEO of Off Hours Bourbon, offers authentically crafted bourbon made for the modern bourbon drinker. David can vouch for it personally, having enjoyed a fair portion of the sample Jake sent us on Halloween.                                                                

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:

·        Doron Peterson, known to all for her plant-based bakery Sticky Fingers, is a board member of Re:Her DC, a woman-led organization promoting and working with women who own and lead food and beverage businesses. RE:Her DC is sponsoring its second annual Holiday Market Monday, Dec. 11 at Cork Wine Bar;

·        Ebony Walton, acting director of marketing and communications of Washington’s downtown business improvement district, is in with the scoop on D.C.’s annual Downtown Holiday Market – on now through Saturday, Dec. 2 on F Street NW between Seventh and Ninth;                                                                                                                                                                                      

·        Moveable Feast is a nationwide subscription and a la carte service that creates and delivers exclusive dinner parties in collaboration with America's most celebrated and award-winning restaurants. Co-founder John Stubbs joins us with how to bring delish to a dish at your house.

·        Georgetown GLOW is feast for the senses, featuring contemporary public art, great shopping, an outdoor holiday market and more with historic Georgetown as its backdrop, including fireworks lighting up the sky nightly through Jan. 7. Debbie Young, events director of the Georgetown Business Improvement District is in with all the deets.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Who doesn’t love Greek food and drink? Lord knows we do. So we’ve brought in the folks from The Wharf’s Limani, the Mediterranean seafood restaurant focusing on traditional Greek specialties to serve up some of their favorite drinks. Joining us are Executive Chef Lonnie Zoeller, General Manager Michael Deery and Operations Manager Kyriakos Curiacopoulos;

·        Emma Jagoz is the owner/farmer at the Moon Valley organic farm, where they grow for and work with incredible chefs and restaurants. But it wasn’t always that way, and Emma’s in to tell us how a one-woman operation now feeds thousands;           

·        Jordan Brown, CEO of the Jet Agency, a fixed-rate private jet service with access to more than 5,700 aircraft of all categories;

Istanbul Hawaii is the only Turkish/Mediterranean restaurant in Hawaii that effortlessly combines traditional flavors and heritages together. Chef Ahu Hettema’s restaurant has earned the distinguished title of Hawaii's 2022 Women-Owned Business of the Year. Chef Ahu tells us all about her restaurant and her rise to culinary fame.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        It’s baaaack! Has it been a year already? DMV Black Restaurant Week is back and its patron saint and inventor, Georgetown University’s Dr. Erinn Tucker-Oluowole, is in to tell us all about it. In with her is a gentleman of good taste with some good tastes from his restaurant FishScale, a Black Restaurant Week participant, Chef Henry Brandon Williams;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

·        Jeremy Scheck is the author of “ScheckEats―Cooking Smarter: Friendly Recipes with a Side of Science.” It’s a guide to straightforward and delicious home cooking. It combines staple ingredients with food science principles to ensure the reader’s efficiency and good health. You’ve seen him on TikTok and the Today Show and read about him in People magazine;                                                                                                              

·        Barry Koslow is the executive chef at the Pendry DC on The Wharf. The Pendry is a very sexy hotel property with three food and beverage concepts that hit a high mark – and he’s in to tell us all about them;                                                                                                           

·        Ana Reyes is director of operations at El Tamarindo, D.C.’s HQ for homestyle Salvadoran and Mexican cooking with authentic pupusas, tacos and irresistible bebidas. El Salvador’s National Pupusa Day, is Nov. 12. Ana’s in with the deets AND .. lotsa pupusas! 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Since opening in 2016, the Service Bar has gone from a friendly neighborhood cocktail establishment to international recognition  on North America’s 50 Best list. Co-owner Chad Spangler tells us about the Service Bar and mixes up a few drinks from its RAMMY Award-winning cocktail program;                                                                                                               

·        At the Café Unido Panamanian coffee is king -- and its queen is Executive Chef Jovana Ulloa. She serves up the café’s signature Panamanian cuisine;                                                                                                                                                                                                            

·        John McCarthy is a mixologist and author who loves the classics. His new book, “Every Cocktail Has a Twist: Master 25 Classic Drinks and Craft More Than 200 Variations,” is an indispensable guide to mixing up the great cocktails that we all know and love;

·        Lydia Chang, business partner and proprietor of Chang Chang, is back with us with hot news. As Chef Peter Chang’s first and only restaurant in the District celebrates its first anniversary, the famed chef has collaborated with his new chef de cuisine DaiCan Tang to debut a brand new menu for dine-in and carryout. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Hosted by globally famous chefs Jose Andres and Spike Mendelsohn, DC Central Kitchen’s Capital Food Fight returns to The Anthem on Nov. 9, when chefs Carlos Camacho of dLeña, Ria Montes of Estuary DC, Ed Reavis of All Set and Rachel Bindel of Gravitas will duke it out in front of celebrity judges like “Top Chef’s” Tom Colicchio. DCCK’s CEO Mike Curtin, Jr. joins us with the details;                                                                                                                

·        Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage Marco Fossati is THE MAN at the Salamander Washington DC – formerly the Mandarin Oriental. He’s in with tastes and talk of the Salamander and insider news about a bold new restaurant concept coming to the hotel in 2024 from none other than celebrity chef and New York Times bestselling author Kwame Onwuachi. Chef Marco is joined by the hotel’s assistant director of food and beverage, Gina Netisingha, and its marketing manager, Janelle Burt;                                                                                                                                      

·        When the phrase “where’s the beef” comes up, the guy you want to talk to is Nathan Stambaugh, regional sales manager for Creekstone Farms Premium Beef. He’s in with all sorts of great tips on how to select, dry age and cook beef – including some lesser-known cuts that still deliver amazing flavor;                                                                                                                                       

·        Happy first anniversary to Balian Springs, the 100,000-square-foot “social club for wellness” in Springfield. We’ve been there; we’ve had the Balian Springs experience. It’s nothing short of spectacular and there is nothing like it in the area. So we invited Balian Springs’ founder, Stephanie Chon, and her business partner, Jennifer Chon, to help us tell you all about it.

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:

·        Lead Bartender Sara Chaudhuri of Michelin-starred Bresca uses her creative background in graphic design to inspire her cocktail menu, which relates life experiences to nostalgia and sentiment with ingredients. Sara’s in today with tastes and talk of her works-of-art cocktails;                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

·        Hungry for food culture? Get ready to be well fed! Nov. 3 and 4the annual Smithsonian Food History Weekend explores how food, climate, and community intersect with the lives of women in different regions of the country. We’re joined by Theresa McCulla, curator of the American Brewing History Initiative at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History;

·        Rock Harper is a celebrated chef, TV personality, restaurateur and a very cool guy – Rock won in the third season of Gordon Ramsay’s “Hell's Kitchen.” Chef Rock’s restaurant,  Queen Mother's Kitchen, is an homage to his mom, Carole Harper. The fried chicken is said to be so good that grown men cry when there’s nothing left on the bones!

·        Way back in 2013, when The Yards neighborhood was just coming together, Osteria Morini opened almost before the cenment was dry. It was great then and it has remained so. Suddenly, we’re all a decade older – and so is Osteria Morini. We have invited Bill Dorrler, the restaurant’s corporate executive chef, to talk about its evolved menu and amazing staying power. 

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:

·         Winn Roberton, head sommelier, and Erich Stumpe, general manager, Bourbon Steak at the Four Seasons in Georgetown. Chef Michael Mina’s Georgetown Wine and Dine will return for a second year to the Four Seasons Hotel Nov. 2-3. Renowned Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-winning chefs will descend on our nation's capital for two full days of culinary festivities;                                                                                                                           

·        Matt Smith is the executive chef at Alta Strada Mosaic, where he shares his love and passion for Italian food. There are mouth-watering new dishes for the new season, and you’ll hear all about them;

·        Another sign of autumn is here. Suzanne Eblen, owner of The Old Lucketts Store, joins us with details of the annual Lucketts Fall Vintage Market happening Oct. 13-15 at the Clarke County Fairgrounds in Berryville, Virginia;                                                                                                                                                                 

·        Think you know anything about non-traditional Japanese cuisine? Well, maybe you do and maybe you don’t. So we brought in co-owners Jeff King, who is also the managing director, and Saran Kannasute, who is also the chef, of the restaurant Kyojijn, located on Cady’s Alley in Georgetown.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        In Northern Virginia, the Ashby Inn and Restaurant sits in the tranquil and historic village of Paris. David Saavedra (general manager) and Stephen Elhafdi (wine director) join us for cocktails and other tales at the historic Ashby Inn;  

·        Love Chinese cuisine? Ever been curious about the names of the dishes you order?     “Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite American Chinese Foods” is the new book from award-winning children’s book author and New York Times bestselling author/ illustrator Grace Lin. The book is a great read, and Grace Lin joins us to take you through it;

·        For dog lovers and dog lover wannabes, there’s nothing cooler than Bark Social at Pike and Rose in Rockville. At its core, Bark Social is a bar for dog lovers, where dogs are encouraged but not required. An indoor/outdoor venue, Bark Social hosts a professionally monitored off-leash dog park and features a fully stocked beer garden bar as well as coffee bar offering bites for both humans and pups. Luke Silverman, the founder and CEO … and a doggone genius … tella us all about it;

·        Alak Vasa is a true Renaissance woman and citizen of the world. The founder of Element Truffles donates much of her profits to helping disadvantaged children. Aa a wellness and meditation instructor, her mission is to create a stress-free and violence-free society through individual empowerment. As such, she’s helping to promote awareness of and attendance at the upcoming World Culture Festival, a three-day event giving people a chance to renew, groove, dance, sing, and connect with millions of others who long for greater unity. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Jason Brauner of Buzzard’s Roost Spirits out of Louisville is with us. If you said, “Who?” you don’t know your bourbon. He’s credited by many for being behind the bourbon “re-revolution.” Jason is with us and … we’ll be sippin’!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

·        Love your shawarma? Love your falafel? Then you’ll love hearing from Phil Petrilli, founder of Untamed Brands and owner of Taim Mediterranean Kitchen, with four locations in the D.C. area and more planned for later this year;

·        Fairfax City Restaurant Week is back Sept. 4–10, and Mathew Easley is here with the deets. Matt oversees the administration, budget and operations for the Fairfax City EDO. He is joined by Marie Hinds, the genius chef/owner behind Jas & Fam Caribbean Flavor, an authentic Jamaican restaurant;

·        Holly Heider Chapple owns Hope Flower Farm and Winery in delicious Waterford, Virginia. Aside from great wines and beautiful flowers, the farm hosts weddings, family and corporate, seasonal flower events and more. -and there’s an Airbnb;. 

·        And, they’re baaaaack! Jennifer Meltzer and Ed Reavis of Money Muscle BBQ must’ve forgotten to tell us something when they were in a couple of weeks ago, so they’ve back. And we’re always good with that, because they always bring us good barbecue!

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 Lahaina fire is the deadliest fire in our country in over a century. Maui is remote, and getting supplies and assistance is difficult and slow. Rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts are going to be long and arduous. How can you help? Participate in the Sticky Fingers Diner Relief for Maui fundraiser by donating to the live auction which will take place Wednesday, Aug. 23,  7:00–9:00 p.m. Donations will be multiplied, as all funds will be matched by a factor of four by a generous donor! Celebrity pastry chef and Sticky Fingers owner Doron Peterson joins us with all the info;

·        Jonathan H. Stahl is the Washington Nationals’ vice president, experience and hospitality. He tells us about some really fun stuff coming up at Nats Park, an event called BBQ and Barrels on Aug. 26.  You can sample over 90 whiskeys from over 30 distilleries, there’s a cocktail competition and more. Of course, one of our favorite guest bartenders is in with Jonathan – it’s NRG’s spirits director, Nick Ferrell, here to pour and kibbitz the action;                                                                                                               

·        Next, get ready for the man…the legend … the guy behind many of D.C.’s most legendary restaurants. It’s Tony Cibel! Born in Washington in the 1930’s, and Wilson High grad, he’s been in the hospitality business for 60 years. From the dearly departed Dancing Crab to Tony and Joe’s to Nick’s Riverside Grill, Tony’s seen it all. Not only is he the winner of numerous RAMMY awards, he's a fabulous raconteur and the ultimate D.C insider;                                                                                                                                                             

·        Since she arrived as chef de cuisine at Estuary in the Conrad Washington DC, Ria Montes has been getting sparkling reviews. Chef Ria and her executive sous Sean Tew join us to chat about the way they highlight local ingredients of the Chesapeake in a fresh, unconventional way;                                                                                                                                                                                             

·    Alessandro “Alex” Oradei is the executive chef at the Mayflower Club, D.C.’s exciting restaurant/nightclub combo. It’s a restaurant Wednesday through Saturday and a nightclub only after the restaurant closes at 11:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. He’s on to talk about the food, the crowd, the red-hot nights there and how he manages to juggle everything while turning out great food.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by Nycci Nellis.

On today’s show:

-   Have you been to Mike Rafidi’s YELLOW in Georgetown? The lil’ Levantine cafe serves up delicious pastries - the lebneh-filled croissant is Nycci’s kryptonite - pita-filled sandwiches and pizza that is not pizza. He is also the chef behind the too-many-awards-to-mention Albi in Navy Yard. The attention to detail at both these spots is what gets them all their accolades - and that includes the coffee program. In today is Ayat Elhag, the coffee director of YELLOW and Albi, where she helms a beverage program that blends creative, Levantine-inspired specialty drinks with intentionally sourced Counter Culture coffee;

-   In 2018, Debby Portillo Gonzalez made a life-changing move to the DMV area from her native El Salvador. Here she and her husband established the 100% handcrafted barbecue operation 2Fifty Texas BBQ. Using exclusively offset smokers, they spearheaded the creation of a unique culinary experience at 2Fifty.  They are dedicated to developing a menu that has top-notch quality control and have now expanded to two locations;

-   Chef Seng Luangrath was born in Laos and fled the country during the Vietnam War. During her stay in a refugee camp in Thailand’s Nakhon Phanom province she learned how to cook from her camp neighbors and elders. In 2009, at the age of 40, she decided to go after her greatest passion - cooking. In 2010 she took over Padaek, previously Bangkok Golden, a Thai restaurant, where she slowly added Lao dishes of her own. Currently the restaurant offers both Thai and Lao menus. And then — in 2014 she opened Thip Khao, a Lao restaurant in Columbia Heights and home of the Lao Food Movement. And she is just getting started!

-   Christian Irabien is the visionary founder of Amparo Fondita, a remarkable restaurant that celebrates contemporary Mexican cuisine, particularly emphasizing the flavors and influences of coastal regions. Christian’s commitment to quality and to showcasing the diverse culinary traditions of Mexico is evident in every meticulously crafted dish;

-   And we are joined on RingCentral by Tiffany MacIsaac. The Buttercream Bakeshops founder grew up on Maui and her family lives there today.  She addresses the absolute horror and devastation that have taken place in Hawaii this week. The wild fires have wreaked havoc — and she has some ideas on how we can help.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Chef Dima Martseniuk of the Ruta Ukrainian Restaurant is the three-time winner of the best potato pancake in New York at the city’s Latke Festival. You’ve seen him on ”Beat Bobby Flay” and “Good Morning America;”                                                           

·        Oyster lover Jasmine Norton is the executive chef and owner of a new restaurant, The Urban Oyster in Baltimore. It’s the first Black woman-owned oyster bar in America, and that’s a very big deal. You’ll hear all about it when Chef Jasmine joins us.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:                     

·        Spice n Nice is a local and woman-owned brand founded by Mariya Cherk and Risa Lin. The company bottles all-natural add-in coffee flavorings made from premium spices, flowers, and herbs. They have zero calories with no added sugars, and each bottle will flavor at least 50 cups of coffee;                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

·        As some of you may know, the word “jewfro’ commonly refers to a curly, bushy hairstyle worn by some Ashkenazi Jews. Ari Augenbaum and Nar Hovanian’s Richmond restaurant, Jew Fro, is not at all that -- it’s a place where Jewish foods meet African flavors! It is a Jewish/African culinary journey through two robust cultures. JewFro is meant to educate your palate and encourage cultural exchange and appreciation through food;    

·        Naples (Italy, not Florida) native Giulio Adriani is a seven-time World Pizza Champion who is the only pizzamaker ever awarded a green card from the United States government for achievements in the pizza business. Chef Giulio learned pizza-making from his Neopolitan nonna – his grammy - honed his craft in pizzerias in Naples and Rome and has opened Slice & Pie on 14th Street and Florida Avenue NW. It was recently named one of America’s Top 50 Pizza Restaurants. Chef Giulio joins us with the whole story – and a couple of slices!

·        D.C.’s own Jackie Greenbaum has brought a lot of fun and good food to the area’s dining scene for many years as co-owner of several popular restaurants, such as Bar Charley, the Quarry House Tavern and, now, the recently opened Charley Prime Foods in Gaithersburg. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·         We’re sampling the cocktails at Joon, the new – and outstanding – Persian restaurant in Tysons Corner. But we also talking about the Kitchen Collective. Joining us is the leadership team at Joon – Michelin Star recipient Chris Morgan, chef/co-founder of The Kitchen Collective and boss of the kitchen at Joon, and Said Haddad, The Kitchen Collective’s beverage director, Chris’s longtime collaborator and the guy running the cocktail program at Joon;                                                                           

·        Jennifer Meltzer, co-owner and managing partner at Fryer’s Roadside and her partner – and hubby - Head Chef Ed Reavis are in with the delicious details of their latest venture. Fryer’s Roadside is a  fried chicken and soft serve spot in Silver Spring and, for the Beast, that is a killer combo!                                                                                                                                                                                                

·        We are partial to pretty much every morsel of cuisine from countries ringing the Mediterranean. So it’s no wonder that we’re looking forward to talking today about Ililli, a restaurant on The Wharf in D.C. The name means “tell me” in colloquial Lebanese, and the restaurant tells a story of Lebanon’s rich heritage of cuisine and hospitality.. Founded by Chef/Owner Philippe Massoud, with a menu curated by Executive Chef Satinder Vij, Ilili is racking up plaudits;   

·        Baltimore-based ice cream company The Charmery is now open in Chevy Chase. Huzzah!  At Charmery locations, the joy of ice cream is king. David Alima, the founder, “master flavor maker” and “dreamer of dreams” for The Charmery, joins us.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Dave Delaplaine is the general manager at Roofers Union, and he’s a guy who feels strongly both ways. Dave's first passion in the industry was and always will be craft beer. But he and the team at Roofers Union can’t stop experimenting and recently poured that same passion into agave spirits. So Dave’s in with tastes and talk of Roofers Union’s new Agave Room. Pour it on, Dave!                                                                                                                                                                        

·        Danish company GoBoat’s mission is to get us out on the Potomac with a consumer and environment-friendly approach to casual boating. Don’t worry – there’s no need to buy an expensive boat or even have considerable boating experience. GoBoat US wants its guests to enjoy a social experience on the water, while being your own captain. Lavert Phillips, the company’s CEO, is in to explain how it all works;                                                                                 

·        War has been declared – and you’ll love it, because it’s the annual War of the Rosès. And here to tell us all about it is JP Sabatier, one of the owners of 14th Street’s  Jane Jane;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

·        The Jefferson DC’s food and beverage manager Jonnathan Alvis also is in today. The hotel is marking the centennial of the building that the hotel has called home since 1955 with amazing, celebratory offerings in its signature restaurant, The Greenhouse, now helmed by executive chef Fabio Salvatore.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Brian Landry, executive chef, and Michael Schoutens, assistant general manager of restaurants at The St. Regis Washington, D.C., are in with big news about their First Ladies Afternoon Tea, an hommage to the women of the White House, featuring desserts and pastries inspired by various U.S. first ladies, freshly baked scones, the finest selection of tea from Dammann Freres, optional champagne pairings … and more;                                                                                            

·        Next, we’re talking the finer points of real Mexican food with Blaine Welsh, executive chef at Destination Unknown Restaurants – that’s Destino, Las Gemelas, and Ghostburger;                                                                                                                                                  

·        Clyde Davis, managing partner of Housebar , in to describe its lineup of offerings and how it’s changing the face of spirits consumption and home entertaining.;                                                                                                       

·        Kareem Queeman, Mr. Bake to all of you and a celebrated 2023 James Beard semifinalist, in today with hot-off-the-press news about his awesome dessert lineup of cakes, cake jars, cupcakes, and banana pudding. Sweet!

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:

·         Glendon Hartley, co-owner of U Street’s celebrated Service Bar and a partner at the equally celebrated Peruvian concepts, Causa and Bar Amazonia, is West Indian. But he’s really a cultural citizen of the world whose inquisitiveness, travels and research infuse his hospitality concepts and cocktails with unique blends of international influences. Glendon is in with some creative cocktail concocting and tales of Causa and Amazonia;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

·        We can’t seem to stop there with talk of cocktails – that’s why Lukas Smith, the self-described “mad scientist of the D.C. craft bartending scene,” is here. He’s a spirits educator, the Line Hotel’s beverage director and co-owner of Made To Measure Cocktails in to whip us up about his quest to bring the practical use of whole botanicals back into the purview of the working mixologist. Can he do it? Is he Don Quixote? We’ll see!                                                                                                                                                    

·        Rick Easton, the James Beard Award-nominated owner of cult-favorite bakery Bread & Salt, has a riveting cookbook/manifesto called ”Bread and How to Eat It.” His premise is that people will line up around the block to buy bread from popular bakeries, without really appreciating the many qualities of this humble product. You’ll find out what he means when we are joined by his just-as-famous coauthor, life partner and our old and good friend, Eater’s Melissa McCart;

·        Anna Valero is Kraken Up!  As the genius entrepreneur behind Hook Hall, the event space and community gathering space in Park View, she’s now also the driving force behind D.C.’s ONLY indoor roller skating and pickleball venue, Kraken Kourts & Skates. Anna’s rolling in later to explain what makes her world go ‘round.             

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by Nycci Nellis.

On today’s show:

·        Eileen Vaughn, the general manager at Il Piatto. If you’re a regular listener, you know that anything Italian gets our attention – and, since Il Piatto is the creation of our good friend, local restaurateur Hakan Ilhan– we’re doubly interested in the cocktails they’re concocting there! Eileen joins us to start mix them up for us;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

·        Eva Torres, director of restaurants for Stephen Starr’s group. She has the job of overseeing all D.C. properties, including Le Diplomate, St. Anselm and Bread Alley;

·        Kevin Kelley, an attorney born with an entrepreneur’s itch. He scratches it by owning and developing hospitality and entertainment concepts, including Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley, a comfort food concept found in Dallas, Chicago and now here in D.C.’s Franklin Square;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

·  Dalton Kreiss, the founder of Maguey Melate, an artisanal agave spirits company showcasing independent mescaleros.. In plain English, we’re talking about… mezcal! So, how does a kid from Iowa fall in love with the joys and artistry of agave distilling and make it his life’s work?? Tune in to find out!

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:

·        Tommy Evans, founder and cidermaker, Two Story Chimney Ciderworks. We’re sipping and talking the finer aspects of cider all during the show;                                                                                                              

·        Joe Farruggio, an interesting guy, a bit of a Renaissance man and the owner of Il Canale, known for its authentic Verace Pizza Napoletana. He’s also the author of a new memoir, "My Name Is Joe and I Am A Pizza Man;”

·        Susan Gravely, deserving of the term “Renaissance woman,” the founder and the CEO of VIETRI, Inc., a lifestyle brand of Italian artisan-crafted dinnerware and home and garden accessories that now is America’s largest importer of ceramics from Italy. She’s also the author of “Italy on a Plate: Travels, Memories, Menus,” an exploration into what makes Italia so magical -- its staggering beauty, unparalleled style, artistic legacy and incredible food;                                                                                        

·        Executive Chef Derek Watson of Nama Ko , the Schlow Restaurant Group’s Best New Restaurant Finalist for The RAMMY Awards, coming up Sunday, July 9, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in 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 Nellis.

On today’s show:

·        Elizabeth Parker, general manager, Lutèce, whose non-alcoholic drinks are thoughtful concoctions for folks who for whatever reason just don’t want alcohol but do want a sexy drink;

·        Sandy Mazza, founder/CEO, Sandy Bottom Enterprises, whose Sandy Bottom Rum Cocktails are sparkling with natural flavors of coconut, lemonade, and lime;                                                                                                              

·        Jon Williams, owner, Whitlow’s, circa 1946 neighborhood icon that moved to Clarendon in the late ‘90s and is now coming home to D.C. ;                                                                                                                          

and Jerry Hollinger, owner and culinary director, Hollinger Group Restaurants, which owns local faves The Daily Dish and The Dish and Dram and has opened J. Hollinger’s Waterman’s Chophouse in downtown Silver Spring.

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:

·        Who doesn’t love Montgomery County? And who doesn’t know about all the cool stuff to see and do there? You don’t! That’s why Cory Van Horn is here! He’s chief strategy officer for Visit Montgomery;                                                                                                                                  

·        Green Zone Owner Chris Francke, whose bar is a Cocktail Program of the Year Finalist for The RAMMY Awards;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

·        The Gaylord National Resort has reopened the completely reimagined and modernized Old Hickory Steakhouse as part of the property’s ongoing investment with a multi-million dollar transformation following the dramatic $64 million guestroom renovation. Allen Smith, director of food and beverage at the Gaylord National Resort joins us with all the deets;                                                                                                                                        

·        Most 40th birthdays come with a tinge of sadness. Not this one. Perry’s, the cornerstone sushi restaurant in Adams Morgan turns 40 next year and … it’s 40 years young! Masako Morishita was named executive chef there last fall and since then has rejuvenated the menu with traditional comfort foods from her childhood and twists on classic dishes. Masako’s magic has not gone unnoticed; she’s been selected as StarChef’s Rising Star and received a RAMMY nomination for Rising Culinary Star;                                                                                                                                                                                                 

·        Summer’s coming and so is camp for gazillions of kids … and adults. Calleva is an expansive camp concept offering a spectrum of outdoor team building opportunities, summer camps, and group excursions throughout Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Delaware, Colorado, and Canada. Alex Markoff of Calleva is in with all you need to know.                 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Who doesn’t love Montgomery County? And who doesn’t know about all the cool stuff to see and do there? You don’t! That’s why Cory Van Horn is here! He’s chief strategy officer for Visit Montgomery;                                                                                                                                  

·        Corey Landolt and Ari Wilder of Kappo – a 21-seat gem on MacArthur Boulevard, showcasing an eight-course tasting menu. They’re in to tell us what to expect and to get our tastebuds revved up with specialty cocktails, like The Bull: An A-5 Miyazaki Wagyu fat-washed old-fashioned featuring Legent Bourbon Whiskey, Demerara syrup and bitters;

·        Nationally celebrated as one of Food & Wine Magazine’s 10 Best New Chefs and recently honored as a James Beard Foundation 2023 semifinalist, Moon Rabbit’s Chef Kevin Tien is back in with his sidekick, the no less supremely talented pastry chef Susanna Bae. We talk about the good life on The Wharf, enjoy tastes and talk of their upcoming Dinner on the Dock and Night Market events and other treats;

·        Justin Frank Polgar, the self-titled “Minister of Chocolate” and founder of YES Cacao. This dude has been eating a half-pound of chocolate every day for the past 13 years … for health! And he is with us to explain how and why;

·        One of our favorite guests of all time was the dearly departed Chef Michel Richard of Citronelle and Central fame. Chef Michel has gone to that great kitchen in the sky, but his Central is alive and well on Pennsylvania Avenue, and the new executive chef, David Barigault, runs the show. Chef joins us to tell us how things are going.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Who doesn’t love Montgomery County? And who doesn’t know about all the cool stuff to see and do there? You don’t! That’s why Cory Van Horn is here! He’s chief strategy officer for Visit Montgomery;                                                                                                                                  

·        It’s no longer the Maxwell – it’s now Trouble Bird, Navy Yard’s first-ever dedicated cocktail bar in D.C. It’s the result of brainstorming by Brent Kroll and area bartenders and friends Justin Cara-Donna and Andrew Hurn. Co-owners Andrew Hurn and Justin Cara-Donna met working at D.C’s Columbia Room, then moved to the world- famous Silver Lyan (where the world-famous Sam Nellis is a lead bartender) and now,they’ve got Trouble … Bird. Hear all about it;                                                                                                                                                                                 

·        The totally talented Chef Marcelle Afram, is in today. Chef Marcel’s a rising culinary star finalist for The RAMMY Awards Sunday, July 9, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center-  and for good reason! Marcelle’s Palestinian-inspired cuisine is a treat for all the senses. Don’t miss the chicken!!!                                                                                                                              

·        Last year Eater DC published its list of Washington’s hottest new restaurants – on there was Hiraya, owned by Chef Paolo Dungca. Hiraya’s offering tells Chef Paolo’s story of growing up in the Philippines: the food he ate, the family and friends that influenced his journey, and the recipes he learned from his mom, aunts, and grandparents. He’s with us today for tastes and talk of Hiraya;

·        HQ DC House bills itself as D.C.’s premier private membership club, combining community, culture, and an elevated experience. It’s the brainchild of The Burns Brothers and its five brands, all aimed at developing safe environments for people of color through various channels and industries. Haywood Donerson, manager at HQ DC House, joins us.

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:

·        Heeeeee’s baaaack! Our buddy, Nick Farrell, spirits director for the Neighborhood Restaurant Group, is in with tastes and talk of some of his newest cocktail concoctions for spring;

·        Isidre Sala heads the delegation of the government of Catalonia to the United States and Canada. Catalan Gastronomic Week is a new initiative launched by the delegation on the occasion of the feast day of Sant Jordi (Saint George), one of the most important in the Catalan calendar. It is a festival of love and literature, observed every year on April 23. On this day, people give books and roses to their loved ones. This century-old tradition is now becoming global, and you’re going to hear all about it;                                                                          

·        Matt Adler, chef partner at Caruso’s Grocery at Pike and Rose and on Capitol Hill, tells us all about this NRG restaurant’s offerings, including delicious red sauce dishes and crazy good pizzas and much more;

·        Zena Polin, the owner of the Beauty Champagne and Sugar Boutique, tells us how she plans to celebrate her business's first anniversary;

·        Max Peña, general manager at Qui Qui, tells us how it's become Shaw’s destination for authentic Puerto Rican food.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Bo & Ivy just released its limited edition Spring Gin. Co-founder Julia Fletcher is owner and general manager, and she’s in with Joe Rivera for tastes and talk of Spring Gin and more;                                                                               

·        Passover is coming and, just in time, Valerie Zweig, an old friend and old friend of the show is on today. A masterful entrepreneur, she’s co-founder of everyone’s favorite chicken soup that you don’t need to make yourself: Prescription Chicken. Val’s in to chat about her soups, her Passover starter kit, matzah brei and ball soup and … more!                                                                                                                                                                          

·        H Street’s Please Bring Chips is a great catering and event space that hosts awesome pop-ups. We had Chef Marcelle Afram on a couple of months ago, went to his pop-up and dined like champs. Now it’s Christian Irabien’s turn. He’s the executive chef/creative director of Amparo Fondita/Hospitality Humans and we’re going to hear about and taste what he has waiting for you at Please Bring Chips. He’s in with Dayna Hiyakumoto, PBC’s venue and events manager;

·        Paula Johnson is the curator of food and wine history at the National Museum of American History, part of the Smithsonian. The museum and the Napa Valley Vintners are co-hosting a signature event for wine lovers under the theme of “Napa Wines in Changing Times.” It features renowned Napa Valley winemakers sharing their wisdom and their wines, all paired with a four-course menu, and their stories of creativity and resilience during challenging times.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Marc Rios, creative director of beverages at the Mayflower Hotel. Any beverage program that goes so far as to have its own CD is one you’ll want to know about. Especially when it has to do with the Mayflower’s very cool Edgar Bar and Kitchen, a great watering hole and hommage to J. Edgar Hoover;

·        George Rodrigues, chef/owner of El Mercat De Tapas in Rockville Town Center, with a menu celebrating Spain’s tasty cultural diversity.  Once monthly the restaurant hosts Flamenco Night. Flamenco dancer Mariana Gatto and guitarist Michael "Miguelito" Perez tell us what we can expect;

·        Montgomery County is cool, especially for day-tripping this spring!!! Cory Van Horn of Visit Montgomery, Maryland, joins us with info about the MoCo Eats program spotlighting  the area’s eateries and the county’s new Tastemaker Trail featuring more than 20 local craft beverage producers;                                                                                                                                                                                                   

·        Lauren Bernstein is founder and CEO of The Culinary Diplomacy Project. Its mission is to promote cross-cultural awareness through global culinary engagement by working with high-profile American chefs who travel to different countries, learn the cuisine and culture from the local people and then share their experiences with American audiences.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Sticky Fingers vegan bakery founder, cookbook author and two-time “Cupcake Wars” winner Doron Petersan has news about the upcoming second annual Women’s History Month Festival March 13-19.  In particular, a group close to her heart, RE:Her, invites you to savor and celebrate the strength and diversity of D.C.’s woman-owned restaurants by enjoying their menu collaborations and specials;                                                                                                                              

·        Topher Bertone-Ledford, general manager, Seamore’s seafood restaurant, now in Arlington. Among many claims to fame, Seamore's is a James Beard Foundation Smart Catch Leader and all its seafood is caught and farmed in a sustainable manner that minimizes habitat and ecosystem damage;                                                                                            

·        That wild ‘n crazy guy is baaaaack! Shane Mayson, owner/operator of Crazy Aunt Helen’s, the so-much-fun Southern-inspired American comfort restaurant located on Barracks Row, is in. Yes, you’ll hear what’s up at the restaurant. But we’ll also dig into a current hot topic – drag-themed events like those featured at Aunt Helen’s that are getting legislative blowback in many Republican-led states.

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:

·         Will Shifrin, director of food and beverage, Marriott Bethesda Downtown, which offers several spots in the hotel for food and drink, but … ya gotta see the Hip Flask Rooftop. There is nothing like it in Bethesda for miles around;                                                                                                        

·        Fairfax City Restaurant Week is back and it features awesome opportunities to taste and try the full spectrum of Fairfax City’s diverse offerings. Joining us with the inside scoop are Kathleen Paley, commissioner, Fairfax City Economic Development Authority, and Bill Hamrock, owner/chef, Hamrock’s Restaurant;                                                                                                                    

·        H Street’s Bronze Restaurant is something quite different and fascinating. It’s a restaurant inspired by Afro-futurism, which melds fantasy and gastronomy with the culture of the African diaspora. It tells the imaginary 700-year-old story of Alonzo Bronze, who travels freely around the globe searching for new cultures to learn from and share with. Bronze’s owner, Keem Hughley,  joins us;

·        Sara Quinteros-Shilling and Reid Shilling of the Waterfront’s Shilling Canning Company are with us today. Shilling’s fourth anniversary is coming up. It seems like yesterday that they last joined us on air to discuss the restaurant’s opening. We hear what Sara and Reid have planned for the anniversary celebration at the Shilling Canning Company.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Old Town Alexandria’s only hotel and spa, the Lorien is a chic getaway. For dining fun there are the BRABO Brasserie and the Tasting Room, serving European cuisine with an American twist and inventive cocktails. We hear about the latter today as we are joined by Phillip Blane, the Lorien’s general manager, and Fernanda Romero, The Tasting Room’s manager;                                                                                                                                                                                                         

·        Oysters have long been considered a natural aphrodisiac to increase sex drive and desire. In fact, Casanova ate large amounts of oysters for breakfast each day due to their stimulating properties. Do they work?  We find out when Rick Allison, chef/owner of the King Street Oyster Bar, joins us. He offers more than 10 varieties on any given day in his four locations, with a fifth coming soon to Northwest D.C.;                                                                                                     

·        In an increasingly rude world, do manners still matter as they did 100 years ago, when Emily Post was America’s “go-to” for etiquette advice? We say “Yes!” and so does her great-great-granddaughter, Lizzie Post, who carries on the family tradition as co-author of “Emily Post’s Etiquette;”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

·        Terra Saunders is creator/co-founder of della Terra Organics, offering wellness education and self care consultations along with locally crafted, small batch organic wellness products made 100% from plants. They range from  reef-safe sunscreen to sublingual and topical all-natural full-spectrum cannabinoids. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Brad Parkes, partner at Masq Hard Organic Tea  and Masq Hard Coconut Water, and his wife, BeBe, co-creator of Masq's product line. Masq was built for people who live an active lifestyle and enjoy drinking with friends but also care about the ingredients that they are putting into their bodies;                                                                                                              

·        Is it proper to call a hotel “sexy?” It is when it’s the new Salamander Hotel Washington D.C. Centrally located near downtown’s major attractions, the Salamander enjoys an ideal setting close to Capitol Hill, where it offers a top-of-the-hospitality-food-chain experience.  How good is it? The hotel’s assistant director of food and beverage, Gina Netisingha, its marketing manager, Janelle Burt, and visiting celebrity pastry chef, Lasheeda Perry, tell us all about it;                                                                

Suyo is dedicated to discovering small batch producers in Peru and introducing their pisco to the world. Company cofounder Alex Hildebrandt joins us;

·        Brian Zaro is the fourth-generation owner of Zaro’s Family Bakery. The iconic family-owned bakery has 14 locations across New York and New Jersey. The first Zaro’s was opened in The Bronx in 1927 by Joseph Zaro, a Jewish immigrant from Poland. Today the Zaro family runs the business and serves over 3 million customers a year. To celebrate 95 years of Zaro’s Family Bakery, the fourth-generation team has launched a line of Black & Whites,, a twist on a classic New York dessert.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Stephanie Coppula, director of marketing with the Bethesda Urban Partnership, joins us with news about another action- and food-packed Bethesda Restaurant Week – starting this Thursday, Feb. 16 and running through Feb. 26. Chi-KO, World of Beer and dozens more of Bethesda’s best are in the mix;

·        Renato Spanu, winemaker, Vini Jankara in Gallura, Sardinia. Thanks to our friend, Gary Diamond of Empson USA - the people responsible for putting many of the fine wines on your menus and in your favorite wine stores across Greater D.C. Renato joins us live online with tales of Jankara and Gary is in studio to pour some of Jankara’s very best, all made from our new, favorite grapes – Vermentino and Cannonau;

·        Look up the term “successful woman entrepreneur” and you’re likely to see a photo of Hollis Wells Silverman. In 2021 Hollis introduced three new concepts to Capitol Hill all under one big roof:  The Duck & The Peach, La Collina and The Wells. All are hugely successful, which shouldn’t be a surprise, since Hollis, a graduate of Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration, has a background in taking restaurant organizations to the moon, most notably as chief of operations for José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup.  

·     Food and hospitality business counselor Chef Carolina Gomez joins us with details about a new web portal from The District of Columbia Small Business Development Center and the Aspen Institute

designed to help small food entrepreneurs plan, launch, and grow successful small businesses. Carolina herself has plenty of entrepreneurial cred as evidenced by her 2022 selection as Young Hispanic Entrepreneur of the Year by The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

·     How delicious is the Olivia Macaron? I’m pretty sure that anyone who’s ever strolled through Georgetown Park knows the answer is VERY! How interesting is the story of its development and explosive popularity? Also VERY! Ana Claudia Lopez is the innovator and business entrepreneur behind it all, and she joins us  to share her story.           

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Clyde Davis Jr. , North American brand ambassador for the Equiano Rum Company. Based in the U.K., it is a black and woman-owned company. He’s also the owner of 75 Proof Beverage Solutions, a company dedicated to the success of black and woman-owned spirit brands;                                                                                                                                     

·        Steve DiFillippo, chef/owner of Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse. There are 11 locations, including a new one now open in Reston Station. He’s been in the restaurant industry for 40 years, was inducted into the Massachusetts Restaurant Hall of Fame in 2008 and was recognized as the Restaurateur of the Year in 2014;                                                                                                                                                                                                          

·        “Chinese Homestyle” by Maggie Zhu is a tasty new cookbook with plant-based recipes for every day of the week: make your own dim sum, delicious noodle dishes and more. Best of all, Maggie is here with us to give away all the secrets locked in her new cookbook;

·        When it’s time for steak, I’ll have a Wangus. That’s a mix of Wagyu and Angus. Also known as an F1. Meet Karen Way, Jessica Morton and Roy Lambert of Ovoka Farm in Paris, Virginia. They are cattle entrepreneurs, dedicated to bringing the best of all steak worlds to your dinner plate.  Their herd is a carefully balanced mix of superior Japanese Wagyu and American Angus, so you get  the balance of traditional American expectations regarding cuts and sizes – gimme that monster ribeye! – paired with the deep flavor and richness of Wagyu. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Katie Dandridge of the always elegant Jefferson Hotel, where she runs a terrific bar program at the Quill. Also with us are Fabio Salvatore, executive chef at the Jefferson’s signature restaurant, The Greenhouse, and the hotel’s director of guest service, Meredith Craig;    

·        Jessica Sidman, who covers the people and trends behind D.C.’s food and drink scene for the Washingtonian Magazine. The magazine just released its list of Top 100 area restaurants and Jessica’s is in to take us through it;                                                                                                                                                                                                   

·        Jessica Rose, who is the director of spa at the Waldorf Astoria Washington D.C. Some of you may say, “Huh? Waldorf Astoria? That’s New York.” Well, we have our own now and it’s fresh, new and gorgeous. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Palestinian pop-up Shababi Chicken teams with Please Bring Chips, the very cool event space and caterer on H Street NE to deliver unforgettable events, small and large. Shababi’s executive chef and founder, Marcelle Afram, is in with Kat Dean, director of operations for Please Bring Chips, to mix up some of the cocktails they offer that are wowing their guests;                                                                                                                                                                            

·        Tony DiGregorio, now the executive chef at Kingbird at The Watergate Hotel, has launched a menu featuring modern American cuisine with a French twist;

·        Sara Baroni, brand manager for Venchi Fine Italian Chocolates, tells us why the company’s chocolate recipes have made it such a notable category leader;                                                                                    

·        And last, but hardly least, Colin McClimans, chef/owner of Washington’s Nina May and the new Opal joins us with details on the good taste he brings to the menu at Opal in Chevy Chase, D.C.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s show:

·        Crimson Lane Vineyards is a Northern Virginia winery in Fauquier County founded by Tom Herrity and his wife, Deanna, and overseen by winemaker Dominick Fioresi, an apprentice of renowned winemaker Jim Law;                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

·        Daniella Senior, the Colada Shop’s founder and supreme leader, is in with news about the fifth incarnation of that popular Cuban concept that will open Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 1900 N St NW;                                                                                                                    

·        Amy Riolo is back. Since her last appearance on this show, Amy has authored several cookbooks books on Italian cuisine and the Mediterranean diet. Now she has created her own line of products, the Amy Riolo Selections Gift Box;                                                                                                                                                   

·        Chef James Gee is the executive chef of Dovetail at the Viceroy Washington DC, a modern, artful boutique hotel at Logan Circle. James has previously been the owner of Michelin Plate recipient I’m Eddie Cano, a restaurant on Connecticut Avenue in Northwest 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 Nycci Nellis.

On today’s show:

·        

Mary Ann Mohanraj, clinical associate professor of fiction and

literature at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She recently published the

first vegan Sri Lankan American cookbook, “Vegan Serendib;”

·        

JJ

Digeronimo, a two-time

award-winning author who helps women raise their frequencies and empower their

future impact through tried-and-tested strategies, mindfulness, and energetic

practices;

·        

David Hunter of Blugenics, which has

harnessed a form of algae for human consumption in the form of supplements and

other ingestible products;

The leadership

team from Casa Kantuta,the first Bolivian cocktail bar in the nation.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.