Hello it’s so good to be back on air. Took a little break — well not really a break I’ve been working but I took a few weeks off from this show to get inspired and bring renewed energy.  Now to today’s guest. I love when I bring on people that I have known since the beginning of my time in this industry. Monica Bhide — nowMonica Saigal — we both started covering the food scene at the same time. Monica had a day job but she was writing mesmerizing articles for The New York Times, Bon Appétit, The Washington Post, and NPR. She has always blended stories of food with culture and her personal connections. She is a prolific writer — cookbooks like Modern Spice and The Spice is right, novels like Karma & The Art of Butter Chicken and Inspirational books like In Conversation with Exceptional Women (which Monica was generous enough to include me in) she now has a new book, a children’s book Papa’s Butter Chicken.Monica and I have truly not caught up in a bit. We are going to get personal and talk about her journey, her writing career and why everyone loves butter chicken! Listen to the episode here or watch it here.  

So today I am back with the Peter Chang family at their latest restaurant in the DC Area - NiHao Arlington, at the new Amazon headquarters at National Landing in Arlington, VA. The vibe is very hip and summery, with an airy street-facing bar and lots of delicious small plates. Lydia Chang designed the gorgeous space and I cannot wait to catch up with her. ALSO on this show is good friend and recent James Beard & RAMMY award winner Masako Morishita — so excited to have two boss babes with in with me today.I met Masako before she was ever in a restaurant kitchen. I remember where I met her! We were at the opening of Officina and your boyfriend at the time (now husband) introduced us. You were making something — dumplings doing pop ups? Anyway a year or so later you joined me on F&TB — you were executing at Brent Kroll’s Maxwell. And now you winning all sorts of well-deserved accolades while behind the stove at Perry's. How did you go from being the captain of the Commanders cheerleading squad to the 2024 James Beard Foundation’s Emerging Chef and the 2024 RAMMY’s Rising Culinary Star of the Year.At the end of today’s show, Lydia and Masako agreed to a short panel discussion on the trials and tribulations of being immigrant Asian women in the hospitality industry. Lydia’s team laid out a feast for our discussion — it was honest and frank and delicious  — tune in here 

Hello and welcome to another episode of Industry Night! Taking a break this week from residencies — although haven’t they been fun?! Loved being out in Delaplane, Virginia sitting amongst the vines of Barrel Oak  and the mountains of the Shenandoah off in the distance. It's such a treat to tape this show on location but sometimes, just sometimes,— my guests are all the way across the country so we pop on the screen to chat here in my not nearly as sexy as a vineyard … office.So for those of you who know me it takes a lot for me to gush about my guests. I like to play it cool — I mean it’s my job to interview people and I have had the pleasure of chatting with so many of the greats in this industry. But today I am a little giddy, totally fan-girling and maybe a tad nervous of the— Chef, author, food activist and the founder and owner of Chez Panisse Restaurant in Berkeley, California —  Alice Waters — She is also this year’s recipient of the Julia Child Award — The award recognizes those who have an impact on the American culinary scene and has been given by the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts since 2015, and comes with a $50,000 prize. Previous awardees include Grace Young, José Andrés, Danny Meyer, and Jacques Pépin and last year’s award winner Sean Sherman - several of those I’ve interviewed here on this show.Alice will be honored with the Julia Child Foundation Award on 10/17 in Washington DC as part of the Smithsonian’s National Food History Weekend.Also in with me today to talk about the Award and its significance is-Curator of Food History at National Museum of American History; Paula Johnson — good friend and a return guest to the show-Eric W. Spivey, Chairman and Trustee, The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary ArtsListen to the full episode here or watch the episode here.  

Good friend, beer guru and beverage director and partner of Neighborhood Restaurant Group - Greg Engert - he’s out here with me today! And since we covered wine here at the winery part of Barrel & Oak it’s now time to talk the Brewery part!First and foremost, did you know that August is Virginia Craft Beer month? With more than 200 craft breweries throughout Virginia and being named one of the Top Seven Beer Destinations by Travel Channel, it's no surprise that the state dedicates the entire month of August to celebrating Virginia craft beer. And in with me with is Jon Bowman, Brewmaster here at Barrel Oak. The brewery was named Virginia Brewery of the Year at the 2024 New York International Beer Competition, thanks to Jon.You can listen to the latest episode here.  

Well, hello there and welcome to another episode of Industry Night with me, Nycci Nellis. I am back in Delaplane at the beautiful Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery.And let’s talk about today's show!Scott Drewno & Danny Lee. I’ve known these two for so long — I just can’t believe they’re both this old.So I was doing some research. I thought I’d met Danny first but I think I may have met Scott first. Danny & his mom, Mama Lee opened up Mandu around the corner from my old apartment on 18th & T in 2006. David and I frequented the spot but I have a very clear memory of meeting Danny when he opened up the 2nd Mandu in the Mt Vernon Triangle area in 2011. I think on opening night — we were with David Hagedorn & Michael Widomski — That area was just coming to life and Mandu, this beautiful gem serving Authentic Korean food. Find the full episode here. 

Well, hello there, and welcome to another episode of Industry Night with me, Nycci Nellis. If you are watching the show, you may be like — she is at a winery but not the one she was at last episode — and you would be right! This week, I am taking a break from Barrel Oak in Delaplane and out further in Virginia! I am in Culpeper, Virginia, at the Old House Vineyard. It's a Vineyard, A Brewery, A Distillery, a restaurant, and so much more! And more about that in a minute. Let me tell you how I got here: A year ago, I was invited to a MATPRA conference — MATPRA The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance is all about regional tourism in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. Basically, it brings together journalists and destinations within the mid-Atlantic - now I know you know there's so much going on in this region because I tell you — but so many counties and municipalities offer an incredible array of fabulous things to do, eat, and drink. So, at this MATPRA event, I met Nicole Warner, Comms/Marketing Manager for the town of Culpeper. We hit it off for various reasons, but she really taught me what was going on in Culpeper. She was like, did you know we have a truffle farm? Um, no. And a Bison Farm — that you can go and visit? Um, no. And we have Virginia's first trifecta — a what? The first winery/brewery and distillery at Old House Vineyards.So, needless to say, I needed to get to Culpeper and see, touch, smell, drink, and eat everything happening there.And Voila! Industry Night With Nycci Nellis Goes to Culpeper was born.On today's show, I am chatting with:-Paige Read, Director of Culpeper Tourism-Ryan Kearney, General Manager of Old House Vineyards-Olivia Taylor & Vanessa Shea of Virginia Truffles-Steven Williams of Virginia Bison Company-Joclyn Yarnell, Head Chef Green Ribbon Restaurant here in Old House VineyardsIt's all so exciting because not only am I going to talk to all these people doing exceptional things here in Culpepper, but I am also going to get my hands dirty! Listen to the full episode here.  

Hello again. Here I am out in beautiful Delaplane at the magnificent Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery. My residency is out here for a good part of the summer and can I just tell you what a treat it is to be out here? So if you live in the DMV or in the Philly area or really anywhere this part of VA — the Fauquier and Loudon Counties — of Virginia. As you drive out here and the highway gives way to a two lane road — and the strip malls morph into pastures with cows and horses. Your blood pressure just comes down. It’s really really nice — especially since I have had a busy busy week.Is it just me? Or does everyone feel like they are running and gunning? My days are just slammed. At 630 or 7pm I’m like what just happened? I look at my List of things to do, places to go and people to see and I’m like — well there’s always tomorrow!So where have I been that you should be checking out? Well, if you follow me @nyccinellis you know I have been checking out some of the latest places.-Namak — Saied Azali’s Middle Eastern Mecca with tastes from Turkey & Iran — the saganaki & watermelon!-Kiyomi Sushi by Uchi — Sushi Nakazawa alum Masaaki "Uchi" Uchino is offering a $40 "quick omakase" at the Square food hall. 7 pieces of sushi, hand roll and miso soup - photo-ready sushi.-Almeda - Chef Danielle Harris in the former Himitsu space — innovative cuisine featuring dishes from the African Diaspora — spaghetti & fried catfish-Kalaya - a quick trip up to Philly to see family and eat, duh. Last year's James Beard Award winning Kalaya — incredible Thai food — 8 pm on a Sunday night place is jumping in Fishtown. Whole Grilled Fresh River Prawns, Crispy Garlic Chive Rice Cakes — and the florets of shaw muang dumplings.But back to Barrel Oak. As I said earlier, I love the drive out here but also like it out here. I’m kind of obsessed with all there is to do. Did you know that access to the Appalachian Trail is here via Sky Meadow State Park - and one of my favorite hikes is Lost Mountain. You start in a pasture, walking by cows, then you climb/walk up the mountain — take in the incredible views and come back down THEN — you reward yourself by hanging out at one of the area’s beautiful wineries and then going for dinner!So a little reminder I am Just East of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery. The 30-acre vineyard with its traditional Vitis Vinifera and American French hybrids has 10 varieties of grapes growing here including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Petit Manseng oh and Virginia’s premiere native grape Norton. We talked to the winemaker Jeremy Ligon last week about the fabulous wines here but this week general manager Adriana Lucca is joining me to chat about this gorgeous property. AND THEN I’m going to be talking with two chefs who are serving this region. Jarad Slip — we have known each other since the Nectar/Tahoga days — a really long time ago — he was at several other restaurants in DC including Fames City Zen as FOH. Oh and did I mention he is a Master Somm? We did reconnect when he was at RdV vineyards and now he has not one but two restaurants of note in Middleburg — Knead Wine & Tremolo, which I am a bit obsessed with and you can get here at the vineyard!And - also cooking out here is Chef Roderick (Pete) Smith. Chef Pete became the Chef de Cuisine at the age of 22 at Restaurant Medure in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. At this Four Diamond Restaurant, he was the youngest African American chef ever to run a Four-Star restaurant — he moved up here to work at Salamander and is now at The Piedmont Golfer Club and behind The Chef Feature Company. And, he is on the Taste of Blue Ridge advisory board and if you stay at the posh cottage out here — he will cook for you.Listen in to hear the full history here, or watch the episode here.

Did you miss me — probably not because a new Industry Night shows up in your inbox every week. But your girl here has been in Chicago for a few days for the James Beard Awards. ANDOMG — so incredible. It’s hard to put into words how special it is to be out there with so many of the most important creatives who are changing the food space one bite at a time.The media awards are always a cozy affair and powerful. I always walk in there and think I am so well read — and then I learn about all these essays, and stories and shows — there’s so much good content out there and at the media awards you get to hear from the people who are writing, filming or speaking those stories. I’m gonna tear up — but it is amazing.Now If you’ve never been to the awards weekend there’s a break between Media and Chefs. So during the break the day is filled with meet & greets like the Nobu brunch, the fantastic AAPI panel discussion and a celebration of bees at the Violet hour.At least that’s what I went to — there’s like 20 on record and probably another 20 off record events.Then the awards.So your girl here was hired once again by Hilton to emcee the red carpet. That means in hair and makeup at 11am, on the red carpet at 330 and at 331 the fire started — literally — for 2 and half solid hours I was chatting and cajoling and asking questions to Ruth Riechl!! Marcus Samuelson, Rick Bayless, Richard Blaze and so many of the nominees and all in 6 inch heels. It was a whirlwind! Literally my head was spinning. I then sat down with snacks in hand cause it’s a three hour show.Did DC represent or what? Masako Morishita for Emerging Chef, Mike Rafidi for Outstanding Chef and not DC but definitely DC adjacent, Harley Peet won best mid-Atlantic chef for his Bas Rouge in EastonSidebar — if you follow me at @nyccinellis you can learn about all these spots —.There’s a pretty spectacular reception after the awards and I think we shut it down.Now don’t think I just did the Beards — three days of amazing walks through that gorgeous city - down the river, on the lake and through the neighborhoods. And the food scene is on fire - Rose Mary, the Croatian restaurant in Wicker Park - the pasta and morels oh and the the cheesy- bready burek! And Galit in Lincoln Park - Middle Eastern/Israeli. That wine list was so diverse and interesting and the somm took us on such a journey.I didn’t do this on purpose but speaking of wine …. if you are watching this show on YouTube and you should and you should subscribe too!You see that I am no longer at the Capital Jewish Museum, I am in Delaplane VA, in the Piedmont Region of Virginia. Just East of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery. The 30-acre vineyard with its traditional Vitis Vinifera and American French hybrids has 10 varieties of grapes growing here including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Petit Manseng oh and Virginia’s premiere native grape Norton.I’m so grateful to the team here, especially Adriana Lucca, for agreeing to host the show here for the next four episodes!Wine in Virginia can be traced back to the first settlers, and even a few founding fathers — hello Thomas Jefferson — but it wasn’t until the late 1970s when the industry began to take root.Now for quite some time much of the wine world dismissed Virginia viticulture — but that has changed! The last 50 years has allowed for an explosion in both the quantity and quality of Virginia wine. What began as a scattered handful of wineries to over 300 wineries and counting, Virginia winemakers and wine lovers alike are reaping the fruits of that labor.So we are talking about VA Wine! The winemaker here at Barrel & Oak is Jeremy Ligon. He was on F&TB recently and when we talked about me doing Industry Night here at the property I was like let’s get a panel together of VA wine makers and talk about the trajectory of VA wine — to say that Jeremy understood the assignment is an understatement. Today I have-Jeremy Lignon Winemaker at Barrel & Oak Winery (and Brewery!)-Jason Murray - Owner – Winemaker - Viticulturist at Arterra Wines-Kerem Baki - Winegrower and Owner of Hillsborough VineyardsListen in to hear the full history here, or watch the episode here. 

Welcome to another episode of Industry Night. Today is my last session at the Capital Jewish Museum, and even though I am so so excited about my next residency at Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery in Delaplane, VA — and the guests that will be joining me like Jarad Slipp and a fabulous VA wine maker panel — the last month of shows at The Capital Jewish Museum have just been amazing. If you are just tuning in, the CJM celebrates DC’s Jewish heritage — it is full of incredible stories of Jewish people from all around the world who made their way to this city and were integral in laying the foundation for the vibrant community we live in today.There is a fabulous new exhibit here, “I’ll Have What She’s Having”. It explores the Jewish deli culture and how American Jews imported traditions, adapted and built community through the experience of food, not just here in DC but all around the country.The hospitality of the museum has not been taken for granted! Maura Scanlon, Malki Karkowski, Lisa Del Sesto, and so many others here at the museum have provided me with a space to share stories and chat a little bit about what “the Deli” means to me. In fact, last week there was an amazing evening event here at the museum where myself, Ted Merwyn (author of “Pastrami on Rye”), and Michale Weissman of the “Rye Bread Marriage” got to share our love and personal histories. Prescription Chicken was serving matzoh ball soup and Silver & Sons BBQ had pastrami. But the best part, honestly? The nostalgia. The conversations I had with all those people who joined the event. Whether the deli they went to with their Zayde when they were young or how the pastrami was sliced or is it called Russian Dressing — it is — or Thousand Island? Our histories, our lives are told through our food experiences. And I just love that I had an opportunity to do that here.Now today’s show is going to be just as delish. A while back I met Kenyattah Robinson. He reached out to me after a RAMW event and I was like how. do. we. not. know. each. other?! He is President & CEO of the MVT CID aka The Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District — which is Celebrating 20 YEARS. The Council made a proclamation and everything. Which we will get to in a minute. In getting to know Kenyattah I learned so much about what goes into running a CID. And it is a lot. What’s fascinating about the Mt Vernon District is its humble beginnings compared to where it is today!But first. I am so excited to chat withJonathan Edleman, collections curator & Sarah A. Leavitt, PH.D., curator of the Capital Jewish Museum.I am so curious about what went into filling this museum with all the incredible history and artifacts.And now on to Kenyattah. I remember when the City Vista building opened in the now Mt. Vernon Triangle neighborhood. At the time it was a lot of knocked down dilapidated row houses and open lots — 20 years later and WOW. It’s a thriving part of DC filled with gorgeous residences, restaurants, retail, hotels — thriving.Listen in to hear the full history here, or watch the episode here.

Welcome back to another episode for Industry Night. If you are joining me on YouTube you can see I am still here at the Capital Jewish Museum. The Capital Jewish Museum celebrates DC’s Jewish heritage — it is full of incredible stories of Jewish people from all around the world who made their way to this city and were integral in laying the foundation for the vibrant community we live in today.As you know, there is a new exhibit here. “I’ll Have What She’s Having” it explores The Jewish Deli and how American Jews imported traditions, adapted and built community through the experience of food. Not just here in DC but all around the country.Last week Joan Nathan was here with her gorgeous challah — not a deli creation but definitely a deli staple. Who doesn't go to their local deli on Friday to pick up a challah, especially if they don’t have Joan Nathan bringing them one? Now, you may go to get your bagels & a schmear at the deli but I’m always getting a pastrami on Rye — am I right?Who better to talk about Rye … Bread than with 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. And she was on this show probably five years ago talking her God in A Cup book - all about the multi waves of coffee - and now she has written an homage to love, marriage and Latvian rye bread. It’s the Rye Bread Marriage, and you’ll hear more about it in a bit.I am here while the Deli exhibit is happening, so I thought I’d better bring in some guys with a Deli! Jason Berry of KNEAD Hospitality + Design (you know him from Succotash, Mi Vida, Mi Casa and so many other hot spots around DC) he just opened Beresovsky’s Deli here in DCSo let’s talk Deli and Rye …Also … Two lines worth writing down found in Michaele’s book:-How do the stories we live and the stories we inherit play out in our relationships?-How do individuals learn to tolerate ethnic, religious & national differences? Listen to the full episode here, and watch it all here.