Advertise on podcast: Foodie and the Beast

Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis.     On today’s show:                                                                                                                                   ·        There’s an old saying: “Local boy makes good.” Well, we have two of ‘em today. Sebastian Zutant, owner of the lovely Primrose in Brookland, is a veteran Washington, D.C. sommelier, restaurateur and wine professional whose career has helped shape some of the city’s most celebrated dining and wine programs. His executive chef, Patrick Benton, grew up in Annapolis, and can really cook, baby!                                                                              ·        Sunflower Bakery enables pathways to employment for young adults and teens with learning differences through pre-employment exposure and workforce development training in the pastry arts, culinary arts, hospitality and related industries. Ellen Shimberg, Sunflower’s director of development, joins us with more on Sunflower and info about how you can help – yes … YOU!                                     ·        Formula 1 is pure adrenaline, pure excitement. Many of its race fans here are part of the DC Motorsport Community (DCMC), a motorsport lifestyle platform. DCMC produces race watch parties, large-scale Grand Prix experiences, automotive showcases, VIP events, and more, including an Oct. 25 rooftop experience, the Motorsport Takeover at City Ridge, for the Austin F1 Grand Prix. DCMC’s Nikki Lang is in with the deets;   ·        Carla Sanchez of Spicy Candy and Casa Kantuta has something cool coming up – Kyojin × Casa Kantuta, a cross-cultural celebration of Bolivian and Japanese influences through food and drink. Inspired by Casa Kantuta co-founder Carla Sanchez’s childhood friendship with a girl of Japanese descent, the collaboration celebrates heritage, cultural exchange and the connections that shape us;                                                                                                                        ·        Shia, the modern Korean fine dining restaurant in Washington D.C. focused on sustainability and innovation offers amazing food – also amazing cocktails, where American classics are reimagined through a Korean cultural lens. Geoffrey Chang and AJ Johnson are in to make the party happen. 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:                                                                                                                           ·         Betul and Ismail Uslu are a husband-and-wife team with three Agora locations (Dupont Circle, Tysons Corner, Bethesda) serving honest-to-goodness cuisine from Turkiye, Greece, and Lebanon; ·        Executive Chef Sanjay Mandhaiya joins us (that’s Pappe, Karravaan and The Grace). He builds his menu around freshly ground spices, seasonal produce, and fresh meats and seafood, with Northern Indian classics complemented by select dishes inspired by India’s southern and coastal regions;                 ·        The Fountain Inn is a cocktail bar, rare spirits tasting room and restaurant in Georgetown that brings fine-dining-level culinary offerings to an approachable bar setting. Led by Chef Greg Heitzig, a Thomas Keller and Aviary alum and former CDC of Michelin-starred Pineapple and Pearls, the kitchen and bar programs are intentionally developed together, creating a cohesive food and beverage experience. On the beverage side, Zack Atzert (along with Luke Georgiadis) pairs seasonally rotating cocktails with a nearly 700-bottle spirits collection, focusing particularly on whiskey. ·        The Taste of Bethesda returns Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, 11:00 am-4:00 pm. It will bring more than 50 restaurants – quite a number of them new - and four stages of entertainment to downtown Bethesda. Stephanie Coppula is back with all the yummy details. And she has brought    Executive Chef Andrew Fleischauer and Bartender Devon Kloth, both of Mon Ami Gabi.    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: -        Dhiandra Olson, General Manager of Namak, who's bringing three bottles of wine and all the info on Wine Not Wednesday and the brand-new Sunday Feast; -        Charlotte Voisey, Executive Director of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, who's bringing Tales on Tour to DC this week; -        Chef Rob Sonderman of Little Engine, his new place at the Eastern Market; -        Chef Chef Joevel Magpantay of Oribu, the gorgeous new Japanese-Mediterranean spot downtown. 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:   ·        SMYAL is DC's LGBTQ+ youth community center. Its mission is to support and empower LGBTQ+ youth to build a world where queer and trans young people thrive. Hancie Stokes is SMYAL's director of communications and she’s in with lots of info about SMYAL’s many good works and an upcoming fall brunch;                                                                                                                                                                                                ·        Chef and entrepreneur Tony Jackson may be onto something big. He has built businesses around two things he loves—great food and dogs—and now those worlds are coming together with the launch of DMV Dog Grub, his new line of handcrafted, small-batch dog treats. So, be a gooood listener, and sit! And stay! And wait to hear what Tony’s got to say!    ·        Monique Rose Sneed is an entrepreneur, restaurateur, and hospitality leader with more than 20 years of experience building businesses and creating memorable guest experiences. She is the founder of the La’Caj seafood concept, and you’ll hear all about her journey and her offering;                                                                                                                                  Let’s talk about having the right wines on hand for the changing season. Mickey Edwards is the co-owner of Sohal Wine & Spirits, a neighborhood destination she opened with her husband, Alex, in 2025. Lakeisha Mays is the founder and owner of Vista Stellata, an Italian wine brand born from a lifelong love of wine that took root during visits to the Napa Valley and deepened through years of education across Europe.  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:   ·        Chef Eric Brannon, the man in the kitchen at Little Birdie’s, the too-much fun, deeee-lish chicken joint in Alexandria’s del Ray neighborhood;                                                                                                                                  ·        Rick Bratman, the Founder and CEO of ASA Entertainment, America’s largest action sports event, television, and content production company. It’s coming to Virginia Beach in early September - The Super Girl Festival Series is the world’s largest women’s sports, music and lifestyle platform celebrating female athletes, musicians, creators, and leaders across sport, culture, and community;   ·        Bonnie Benwick & Ariel Levinson-Waldman of Tzedek DC, which offers direct legal services at no cost to low-income and working-class DC residents with debt- and consumer-related legal issues;                                                                                                                                    ·        DCFoodGod, a DC-based digital content brand run by native Washingtonian couple, Jason Fisher and Tessa Alimahmoodi. The couple recently won the 2026 RAMMY award for Content Creator of the Year;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          ·        Ceren Hunt is a hospitality executive and the chief operations officer at the Levantine-inspired Âla Restaurants. She is the creator of the group’s inspired cocktail program. 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:   ·        John Norman – Norman’s Farm Markets – why you should shop farm markets for produce;   ·        A three-time RAMMY nominee for Pastry Chef of the Year – born in Ireland, a longtime resident and student in Florence – Bridie McCalla now is the head baker at Northside Social in Northern Virginia. We’re not in Florence anymore, Dorothy! Bridie’s in with Northside Social's popular Emer O'Rourke, the longtime executive chef and culinary leader there. They join us for tastes and talk of the world-class baked goods at Northside Social;                                                                                             ·        Just opened - The Grace is a modern American tavern and saloon in Shaw, taking over the former space of The Passenger. Courtney Evans, late of Charlotte’s acclaimed Leah & Louise and known for her 2025 turn on Netflix’s “Next Gen Chef,” is the executive chef. You’ll hear all about it – and from her;                                                                                                                                                 ·        Public Interest is a modern American brasserie located on K Street NW inside the Tempo by Hilton Washington DC Downtown hotel. It successfully blends French brasserie tradition with American comfort food thanks to the skills of the man who runs the kitchen - Chef Arnaldo Pujols;   ·        Veteran bartender José Cox is the bar manager at U Street’s Kathmandu Tapas & Cocktails. This is a Himalayan-inspired cocktail bar blending modern cocktail techniques with ingredients sourced directly from Nepal. 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:   · Ashok Bajaj, owner and CEO of the Knightsbridge Restaurant Group, has another great dining spot – it’s Rosselli. And it’s Italian, thank you. He’s in with Executive Chef Carlos Cardona to tell us all about it;   · CNN Hero Kerry Brodie is the founder of Emma's Torch, a nonprofit social enterprise that trains refugees, asylees and survivors of human trafficking in the New York and Washington D.C. areas in the culinary arts and empowers them to build meaningful careers in the hospitality industry. Emma’s Torch has enrolled more than 700 students in its full-time paid culinary training program, which includes experience at one of organization’s social ventures and placement assistance for graduates. To date, the program has generated more than $34 million in increased wages for students, creating pathways to financial independence and upward mobility blocked by barriers such as limited English proficiency, lack of support and poverty;   · Combining Mehmet Sukutli's culinary talents with Malti Chaudhari's background in business, the husband-and-wife duo opened Tiffany’s Bar & Bistro in June last year as an ode to Turkish culture and Mehmet’s familial roots;   · Chrissy Sheffey is the general manager at Doyle Bar in the Dupont Hotel.  Her innovative approach to mixology has been recognized by The New York Times in its "Cocktail Renaissance" feature. 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:   ·        DOMENICA MARCHETTI is a spirited champion of Italian home cooking and the author of celebrated cookbooks including “The Glorious Pasta of Italy,” “Preserving Italy: Canning, Curing, Infusing, and Bottling Italian Flavors and Traditions,” and “Williams-Sonoma Everyday Italian.” She’s in to discuss her new book, already a best seller at our house – its simple title is “Italian Cookies.” It’s a tasty "tour" of Italy though its many delicious cookies, from butter-rich canestrelletti di Torriglia in the north to chewy almond amaretti on the island of Sardinia;                                                                                                                                                          ·        DIANE GROSS AND KHALID PITTS have gone to the dogs. The founders of 14th Street's cornerstone restaurant, Cork Wine Bar, as well as Cork Spring Valley and Cork Cleveland Park, opened Marv’s Dogs in Tenleytown. Inspired by Diane's childhood memories with her father, Marv, and Khalid's Detroit roots, Marv’s celebrates classic regional hot dog traditions in a fun, nostalgic, welcoming neighborhood setting;   ·        A two-time Olympic rower for Team USA, GIUSEPPE LANZONE is cofounder with his brother, Mario, of Peruvian Brothers, the food truck and the fast casual Peruvian cuisine stop at La Cosecha in Union Market;                                                                                                                          ·        We’re covering all our favorite food cuisines today with the addition of KEITA MIYAKI, founder of Sashimi DC, a specialist importer of sashimi-grade Japanese fish, operating out of the Rice Market on 14th Street. Keita built a direct import pipeline — farmer to processor to counter, with about half the layers of a typical U.S. seafood supply chain — bringing bluefin tuna from the Goto Islands and other rare Japanese products to D.. in roughly 48 hours from Miyazaki. We dig into what makes that supply chain work, and why "sashimi-grade" is a claim worth scrutinizing;   ·        DAMANI GOODE is the beverage manager at the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, where he oversees the hotel's acclaimed beverage program, including its signature cocktail experiences, curated spirits offerings, and seasonal menus. 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: ·        She went from being a celebrated somm to a winemaker! A passionate advocate for Virginia wine, Jennifer Dasom Anderson is the co-founder of Novella Wines. She produces wines from the Monticello AVA near Charlottesville. She’s also a private client advisor at Berry Bros. & Rudd, the historic wine & spirits merchant, where she advises connoisseurs on building and refining their collections;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ·        Host of The Farmer and the Foodie, a PBS show focused on farming, food culture and land stewardship, Maggie Keith is a fourth-generation steward of Foxhollow, a 1300-acre biodynamic farm in Crestwood, Kentucky, dedicated to raising and distributing 100% grassfed beef directly to consumers. A passionate advocate for innovative business models promoting good farming and strengthening connections to nutrient-rich, locally sourced food, Maggie co-created The Farmer and The Foodie to share her farming knowledge and celebrate the joy, friendship and food that unite us all;                                                                                                                                                                                      ·        Nick Freshman is the founder of Mothersauce Partners, a consultancy serving a broad range of clients, guiding them in the unique nutritional and lifestyle demands of high-performance athletes and their organizations to develop specialized food and beverage solutions. One area of expertise is food halls – what works…what doesn’t … and why. We’ll be digging into that with Nick; ·        John Filkins is the corporate beverage director for the Clyde's Restaurant Group, overseeing beverage programs across 14 restaurants in the DMV. He previously demonstrated his chops with the likes of Fabio Trabocchi, Michael Mina and Nick Steffanelli at Masseria, Officina and other hot spots.  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: ·        Molly Irani, cofounder and chief culture officer of the James Beard Award–winning Chai Pani Restaurant Group and author of her debut book, “Service Ready: A Story of Love, Restaurants, and the Power of Hospitality.” It’s about how Molly and husband Meherwan Irani (founder of Spicewalla and a James Beard Award-winning chef) took a leap of faith, learned to run a restaurant on the fly, and built one of America’s most celebrated restaurant groups;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ·        Happy 15th Anniversary, DC Brau!!! It’s Washington, D.C.'s first packaging brewery since 1956. Launched 15 years ago (in 2011), DC Brau has become one of the region's most recognized independent craft breweries, all the while championing local business, community engagement and the District's beer culture. Brandon Skall, DC Brau’s co-founder, is in to chat about the brewery’s sometimes challenging journey to success, anniversary beers, and some great no-alcohol options;   ·        We’ve known her 20 years. She’s Chef Jamie Leeds, owner, Hank’s Oyster Bar and now Hank’s Pasta Bar in Old Town Alexandria. Jamie’s in with Clifton Brown, her general manager, with tastes and talk of Hank’s Pasta Bar;                                                                             Syn Rooftop Bar and Lounge in a the AC Hotel in Reston has a cocktail program run by chef and sommelier  Che McKissic. We’ll have what he’s serving!            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:   ·        Tae Strain is the most excellent chef-partner at Burnt Hill Farm and culinary director of the Old Westminster Winery, both owned by the same family team. We met him many moons ago when he was the head chef at D.C.’s gone, but not forgotten, Michelin-starred Momofuku. We met up with him again for an excellent meal at his stunning new chef’s counter at the tasting room at Burnt Hill outside of Frederick;                                                                                                                              ·        Eater’s newest cookbook, “Eaterland: Recipes and Stories From Across the United States,” is now available for preorder. Edited by our good friends Missy Frederick, editorial director for Eater’s dining team across 23 cities, and cookbook contributor Tim Ebner,  it focuses on the iconic regional dishes that define American cuisine;                                                                                                                                                                               ·        David Lee is the award-winning executive chef and co-founder of PLANTA, a leading plant-based restaurant group with locations across North America including, of course, here in the DMV. Chef David’s 'Passport to Summer' menu is a curated itinerary of 15 new, globally-inspired dishes, drawing from the world's best coastal food cultures;                                                                                Attorney Chipp Sandground heads a boutique law practice dedicated to the legal needs of restaurant and bar operators, wine shops and food retailers. He has worked with people you may have heard of, like our late great friend, Michel Richard, with whom he founded Central, now celebrating its 20th year in business. To help with Central’s 20th anniversary celebration, Chipp has curated an entirely new wine list of 50+ bottles, all priced under $100 and some as low as $35.   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:   ·        Chris Swonger is president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), the leading voice for distilled spirits across the U.S. market. He also holds the same positios with Responsibility.org, fighting drunk driving and underage drinking and promoting responsible attitudes toward alcohol. Chris is in with valuable insights into the state of the business in the spirits world and the DISCUS’ “Spirit Forward” Campaign celebrating America’s 250th anniversary;                                                                                                                                                                                      ·        Kelly Singer is in – she’s the founder of Skillette, a Georgetown-based cooking school and culinary lifestyle house created for serious home chefs -- and for chefs ready to get serious;                                                                                                                                                   ·        Foraging is fun and rewarding – and it leads to delicious treats. It also calls for patience and special knowledge. Daniel Perron, chef/owner of Fredericksburg’s highly touted Locavore Restaurant, and Gabrielle Cerberville, known to many of you as the Chaotic Forager or Mushroom Auntie, are in with foraging tips and more, including info about an upcoming dinner you will want to attend;                                                                                         ·        Our friend William Grace, an accomplished hospitality and event executive, is the director of sales and marketing at a special getaway spot, The Hotel at Arundel Preserve in Hanover, Maryland. These days, hotels large and small – the Preserve included – increasingly are offering innovative, immersive experiences like mood lighting, innovative menu cards (seeds that are plantable) and thought-provoking events transcending the standard party that follows the same boring formula. Fun is afoot… and William will tell all;                                                                                                                      ·        From NUE Elegantly Vietnamese Restaurant in Falls Church – - Happy Endings Hospitality CEO Tuyet Nhi Le and NUE Beverage Director Kevin Lim discuss and share some of NUE's new cocktail offerings. 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:   ·        Regina McLinden , founder of RM Wellness in Georgetown – specializing in customized massage therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, and showcasing local art;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          ·        Take a deep breath – because Tanya Saunders is here. Tanya is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist – a CRNA - a nervous system educator, and trauma-informed breathwork facilitator specializing in stress physiology, emotional regulation, and human behavior. Her work focuses on helping high-performing humans understand how chronic stress, the multitasking culture, and nervous system patterns shape performance, relationships, decision-making and overall well-being;                                                                                                                                                                                                      ·        It’s all about the skin! Dr. Arleen Lamba is founder and CEO of GLO30, a modern skincare studio revolutionizing skincare with AI-personalized, professional-grade treatments;                                                                               ·        Eva Cranford is a personal training manager with Equinox Wisconsin Avenue in Washington. Eva’s her with the 411 on Equinox’s ARC program - comprehensive personal training, nutrition coaching, & regeneration programming, focused on the whole & total health of women;       ·        Normally we have cocktails/wine/beer/spirits – today we’re going healthy with Greg Rozeboom and Fruitive. In 2012, Greg founded Fruitive, a 100% plant-based, organic fast-casual concept focused on fresh, made-from-scratch food and everyday wellness. We’ll have taste and talk of Fruitive throughout the show. 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 Bethesda Fine Arts Festival is back May 9 and 10, filling the streets with artisans from all over the U.S. and their original artwork, sculptures, photography and much more. Stephanie Coppula of the Bethesda Urban Partnership tells us all about it;                                                                                                      ·        If you don’t know even the broad details of Cava’s skyrocketing success, then … where have you been? Ike Grigoropoulos is a founder and partner in Cava and Wild Goat Hospitality, the full-service restaurant group from the creators of CAVA. With him is Aris Tsekouras is the executive chef at Bouboulina, Julii, Melina and Maurizio’s. Cava opened almost exactly two decades ago, and its rise has been the envy of the industry;                                                                                                 ·        Dale Vaughn, owner of Pittsburgh’s Space Bar, a molecular cocktail bar joins us. He’s the founder of the MixBurgh Foundation, a new collaborative initiative in the craft cocktail and spirits scene in Western Pennsylvania.                                                                                                                                                                                                          ·        Tapori has brought the authentic flavors of South Asian street food to H Street Northeast. It‘s also brought Chef Suresh Sundas, a 2026 James Beard Foundation Finalist for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic. With him is Bar Director EJ Apaga, whose professional mission is challenging the predictable, and sometimes lifeless, world of spirit-free 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:     ·        Start-up and fledgling small businesses need all the helpful input and guidance they can get to succeed. Fortunately, the 2026 POWERUP DC Small Business Summit & Expo starts May 5. It’s designed to be an energizing, enriching event equipping small business owners and nonprofit leaders with the tools, insights, and connections they need to succeed. Dr. Linda Boyd is in with the details;                                                                                          ·        When Dalia’s Falafel first opened in Bethesda a couple of years ago, it started making waves almost immediately, so we had owner Ben Assaraf – a proud Walter Johnson High School grad! – join us. Since then, Dalia’s family-inspired Middle Eastern fare has continued to harvest a slew of loyal fans. So we’ve brought Ben and his buddy Zai Tajzai in for an update on Dalia’s finger-lickin’ good falafel;                                                                                            ·        We are also joined byTim Rowley, co-owner/comptroller for the Eat Drink Simply Group, which  owns Leesburg’s Wine Kitchen. It’s a great little wine bar offering an Italian-influenced menu rooted in seasonality, regional sourcing, and house-made pastas;                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ·        Question: When is a strawberry festival truly sweet? When it’s the  3rd Annual Lincoln Strawberry Festival  at Wegmeyer Farm to fund important local causes and scholarships for high school students. Harriet Wegmeyer, co-owner of Wegmeyer Farm and organizer of The Lincoln Strawberry Festival, joins us with the deets;   ·        And drinks? We ALWAYS have drinks – and we LOVE when it’s tequila! Today, Nelson Benavides and Antonio Fonseca are in with tastes and talk of Mosto Tequila, a Mexican-owned brand,produced with estate-grown agave in Los Altos de Jalisco.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.