Sunday on Foodie & The Beast…Most Sundays, we’re all about the food, the fun, and the fabulous happenings across the DMV’s dining scene. But today, we’re diving deeper into what’s really going on behind the scenes in the hospitality industry.We’ve got a lineup of experts breaking down the policies shaping the future of dining:Shawn Townsend, President & CEO of RAMW, joins us to unpack Initiative 82, what it is, where it stands, and how it’s affecting restaurants and diners across the region.Matt Hetrick, President of Harmony Group and CFO to over 150 hospitality businesses nationwide, helps us make sense of Trump’s tax bill, what’s useful, what’s risky, and what restaurateurs should know.And in honor of National Ice Cream Day, we’re joined by Kyle Francis, Co-Founder and COO of Picnic, the startup that recently acquired beloved local brand Ice Cream Jubilee. We’re talking about scaling neighborhood favorites, honoring founder legacies, and building brands thoughtfully.And of course, keeping things cool and shaken throughout the show is Michael Riojas, Beverage Director at Matt & Tony’s All Day Kitchen & Bar in Alexandria, mixing up drinks and vibes.It’s a more serious show than usual, but still packed with flavor and insight. Listen to the full episode here. 

Today on Foodie & The Beast we’re serving up agave, accolades, and absolutely fabulous hair. Let’s go:-Agave, baby! We’re sipping and talking with the powerhouse trio behind 3708 American Agave Spirits: CEO Mitchell Linton, President Tony Ajayi, and CMO Zachary Spence. What makes agave spirits different from tequila? What makes 3708 stand out? We’re pouring it all out.Then, we sit down with culinary dream team Matt Conroy & Isabel Coss, the husband-and-wife chefs behind Lutèceand Pascual (hello, Washington Post’s #1 Best New Restaurant ), and soon-to-open Maison Bar à Vins with restaurateur extraordinaire Omar Popal. Beard noms, RAMMYs, innovation, and staying in love while running a kitchen? They spill.From Mapel Ave to Chinatown, Tim Ma has been redefining American Chinese cuisine. With Chef Robbie Reyesand Bev Director Sunny Vanavichai, we’re diving into the Lucky Danger story and Tim’s wild ride from engineer to restaurant mogul. Also, be on alert for the return of the scorpion bowl.And of course, the man behind Nycci’s signature blonde curls, Jack Howard of The Jack Howard Salon. He’s a salon legend, customer service king, and he’s drawing the line between great hair and great hospitality.Tune in, sip in, and don’t miss a minute.. Listen to the full episode here. 

Today’s Foodie & The Beast was a lively one.  We’ve got scoops, quizzes, cocktails, and culinary stars. YALA or MILK-We’re screaming for ice cream, Greek-style! Award-winning broadcaster Tommy McFly and his husband, brand marketing guru Chrys Kefalas, joined us in studio to talk about their delicious new venture: Yala Greek Ice Cream. It's yogurt-based, it's bold, and it’s about to hit Georgetown with a brand-new brick-and-mortar on National Ice Cream Day.From sweet to historic, we took a deep dive into the 100th anniversary of the Mayflower Hotel, one of DC’s most iconic landmarks. Joe Nacci and Macauly Cacioppo brought in a taste of their new cocktail menu and quizzed us on our Mayflower trivia. (Spoiler: someone needs to study up.)She couldn’t be with us in studio, but we still raised a glass to Ruth Gresser of Pizzeria Paradiso, who is this year’s recipient of the RAMMY Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award. A true DC icon and champion of the community, congrats, Ruth!And then this!  Mr. Make It Happen happened. Chef Matt Price, Instagram and YouTube sensation with over a million fans, stopped by to talk about his brand-new restaurant, Fraiche, now open in Columbia Heights. French, Cajun, South American, Caribbean influences it’s all on the menu.So whether you're here for the history, the hospitality, or the hot new openings — today's show brought the heat and the chill. Listen to the first episode here. 

 Today on Foodie & the Beast...We kicked things off with serious sweetness thanks to a donut drop from Donisima Fresh from Chicago, newly crowned James Beard Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, Carlos Delgado joins us to talk about his big win and the vision behind his restaurants, Causa and Amazonia.Meg Schiffman, co-founder of The Farmside Kitchen, shares how she’s redefining fast casual with vibrant, veggie-packed grain bowls.Political reporter Alex Demas gives us a look inside his piece on D.C.'s cocktail renaissance, and how he survived the research.Ndidi Agu, founder of Cafe Shuga and Shuga x Ice, talks blending modern African flavors into coffee, ice cream, and frozen treats.Every Sunday at 11am on 1500am or here.  

 It’s another delicious Sunday on Foodie & The Beast, and today we’re serving up global flavors and immigrant stories:-We’re starting off with a seriously spirited drink segment from Jo-Jo Valenzuela, Executive Chef and Managing Partner at Tiki on 18th. Polynesian vibes meet Filipino flair in the glass and on the plate.-We’re getting delicate with Leah Culley, the pastry queen behind Sweet Almond and her beautifully crafted French macarons. She’ll tell us why they’re the ultimate high-maintenance dessert.-Next, a culinary crossroads like you’ve never tasted before: Dr. Fatema Issa from Vera Cocina & Bar join us to talk about their inventive menu connecting Lebanese and Mexican flavors that is all inspired by real migration history.-And from one fusion to another, Michelin-starred Chef Masaaki “Uchi” Uchino and Dean Mosones, co-owner of Bar Japonais, take us into their sleek world of Japanese cuisine with French elegance. Umami for days.We’re closing things out with Derek Battle of Flave, the app that lets you turn your food pics into real rewards. Everyone takes photos of their food  now receive some serious bonuses for eating out and showing up.Craving a cocktail, a cookie, or culinary adventure, Foodie & The Beast has your tastebuds covered every Sunday at 11AM on 1500AM or here

🎙️Today on Foodie & The Beast, we’re raising a glass, passing the cheese, and celebrating some serious culinary resilience. Let’s break it down:🍷 Kiernan Slater of Slater Run Vineyards joins us to toast 10 years of winemaking magic. Farming, winemaking and thriving in Virginia wine country, deliciously.🎨 Carole D’Agostino calls in with the lowdown on Maryland CraftedL Centreville, formerly DrinkMaryland, happening Saturday, June 7. Think: 40+ local winemakers, artisans, and makers all turning downtown into a delicious sip-and-shop street fest.🍽️ If you haven’t been to Elle in Mt. Pleasant, consider this your sign. Co-owner Nick Pimentel and new Chef, Tyson Barrett are in studio with why this neighborhood gem is a must  and what’s new on the menu.🌱 From vineyards to dairy farms to full-blown ag innovation, Jennifer McCloud of the Ag District is here to tell us how she turned personal challenges into a powerhouse food and farm destination in Middleburg.💪 And finally, we’re closing strong with the fierce Ryan Ross, chef, consultant, culinary producer, and author, who shares how her journey through health struggles inspired a career that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.Settle in, pour something local, and tune in here. 

This week’s Foodie & The Beast show? Fairy-Fueled -Washingtonian’s Jessica Sidman called in with the latest information on the ICE raids disrupting DC hospitality this week.-We had a fairy unicorn in studio, Avalon Oona Haas from Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, shaking things up with their award-winning rye (and yes, we’re sipping along).-Chef Jon Krinn is back and with the details of his “culinary speakeasy” Elyse in Fairfax.  Have you seen Tom Sietsema’s Spring Guide? It’s in there.  -Sarah Ahn, America’s Test Kitchen’s social star and author bestselling UMMA joined us to chat food, family, and the perfect gift for Mother’s Day.-And of course, the one and only Greg Engert gave us the scoop on all the delicious eats at this year’s Virginia Wine Festival (because what’s wine without great food?).Every Sunday at 11am on 1500am or tune in here.

What a lineup on today’s Foodie & The Beast:-Sixteen years ago, Fatima and Omar Popal were just getting started with Café Bonaparte — now their Popal Group empire (Lapis, Pascual, Lutèce, and Lapop!) is racking up 2025 RAMMY nominations. We had their Beverage Director Suzy Critchlow in studio to spill the tea on their big year, and mix up some of their top cocktails. -Thinking about launching your own business? Dr. Linda Wharton Boyd from the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority dropped by with the scoop on the 11th Annual POWER UP DC Summit — your crash course for turning that dream into reality. -Also in the house: BBQ boss Jarrad Silver. You know him from his epic food truck, but now he’s got a brand new brick-and-mortar, Silver & Sons BBQ in Bethesda. He brought the low-and-slow love and yes, the truck is still rolling. -Feeling a little under the weather, or just craving some real comfort? Valerie Zweig and Taryn Pellicone of Prescription Chicken introduced their latest delicious invention: Cookstix! Instant stock sticks made with real ingredients and their story of entering the consumer packaged goods market.-And we wrapped it all up with a little legend status: Chef Domenico Cornacchia, now at Jackie’s in the Navy Yard, dished on his new menu and gave us some Café Milano memories. Trust us, you’re going to want to catch this one. Full show here 

FULL STUDIO!  Today’s Foodie & The Beast: The Gauntlet Has Been Thrown!-Who will take the crown in the Cherry Blossom-themed Cocktail Competition, sponsored by High Road Spirits? We’ve got the deets from High Road’s Mid-Atlantic boss babe Jennifer Nellis—plus meet the talented finalists:✨ John Cooper (Vagabond Kitchen & Bar + Prost)✨ Lucy Valenti (Residents Café & Bar)✨ Kevin Cornejo (just wait till you hear this one…)-Also in studio: Michelin-starred Chef Danny Lledó, sharing how diners can now experience his culinary R&D firsthand at El Taller del Xiquet —his intimate lab where bold, creative Mediterranean flavors are constantly being explored and refined. 🍽️-What happens to all the food we don’t eat? Kate Urbank from Food Rescue US – DC talks Food Waste Prevention Week (April 7–13) and how local efforts are helping save tens of thousands of pounds of food for neighbors in need.And after hours at the stunning new Alara, DC dining vet Hakan Ilhan (Brasserie Liberté, Ottoman Taverna, Il Piatto, Al Dente, and more) gives us the inside scoop on his latest love letter to Turkish, Greek & Levantine cuisine.🎙️Tune in every Sunday at 11AM on 1500AM or here 

We’re serving up a stacked show this week — from policy shakeups to perfect pours and behind-the-scenes bites.-Shawn Townsend, President & CEO of RAMW, breaks down the latest member survey — federal workforce cuts, rising costs, shifting traffic — and what it all means for DMV dining.-Rachel Loew Lipman of Loew Vineyards joins us to pour award-winning wines and share the powerful, multi-generational story behind one of Maryland’s oldest wineries.-Claire & Ari Wilder have transformed the old Booeymonger into La Bonne Vache, a cozy French bistro that feels like it’s always belonged on Prospect Street.-Phil Greene returns! The cocktail historian and author is here with stories (and sours) from his latest book, Sours: A History of the World’s Most Storied Cocktail Style.-And from Cordelia Fishbar, we chat with GM Sonya Znati and Executive Sous Chef Ramon Rivera about Clyde’s newest seafood-forward spot in Union Market.Before we wrapped, we circled back to Shawn’s Initiative 82 data and got real-time takes from Ari, Claire, Sonya, and Ramon on what they’re seeing in the streets.🎧 It’s a candid, flavor-packed episode you won’t want to miss. Listen here.