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Tune in regularly to hear Nycci Nellis talk food trends and news on WTOP Radio.
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DC Is Officially in Its Steakhouse Era, According to Nycci Nellis
Washington, D.C.'s reputation as a steakhouse city has come full circle. On WTOP, Nycci Nellis of TheListAreYouOnIt.com explained that while the city's culinary scene once pushed back against being labeled a "steakhouse town" in favor of showcasing its diverse, chef-driven dining culture, a wave of new openings has ushered in what she calls D.C.'s official "steakhouse era." Nycci highlighted several standout destinations leading the trend, including Ox & Olive in Georgetown from Michelin-starred Chef Ryan Ratino, whose acclaimed restaurants Jônt and Bresca have already made a significant mark on the city's dining scene. She also pointed to Aqua Bistecca by Michael Mina at City Ridge, Bazaar Meat by José Andrés at the Waldorf Astoria, Bouboulina at Pike & Rose from the CAVA Group, Brasero Atlántico in Dupont Circle, Bully Spanish Steakhouse by Chef Pepe Moncayo, and the newly opened The Oak Room in Georgetown from Ten Five Hospitality, led by Chef Tim Hollingsworth and featuring an extensive Brandt Beef program. Nycci also praised longtime favorites including Bourbon Steak, St. Anselm, and Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, while teasing what's next for the city's booming steakhouse scene, including the anticipated arrival of RPM Steak and a rumored steakhouse from Chef Fabio Trabocchi. From premium beef programs and tableside theatrics to standout martinis and indulgent desserts, Nycci says there's never been a better time for steak lovers to explore the District.
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Nycci Nellis Shares Where to Find DC's Best Martinis
Martinis are making a comeback in Washington, DC, and Nycci Nellis joined WTOP to share where to find the city's best pours. She highlighted standout spots including L'Ardente, Lucy Bar, Minetta Tavern, Mélange, and Ox & Olive, each offering unique takes on the classic cocktail. For budget-friendly options, Nycci recommended martini specials at All-Purpose, Ama, Cucina Morini, Queen's English, Six Ways to Sunday, and Last Call Bar. She also encouraged newcomers to start with a classic gin or vodka martini and ask their bartender for recommendations to discover their personal favorite.
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Celebrate America's 250th: Nycci Nellis' Top Fourth of July Picks
Nycci Nellis shares her top picks for celebrating America's 250th birthday on the Fourth of July throughout the Washington, DC area. From rooftop fireworks viewing parties at La Vie, The Key at Hilton Arlington Rosslyn, Hi-Lawn, and The Willard InterContinental to special holiday dining experiences at Jônt, The Dabney, Fiola, and The Hay-Adams, she highlights a variety of ways to celebrate. Nycci also recommends family-friendly activities, including a crab feast at Fish Shop, a New England-inspired lobster festival at The Roost, and a limited-edition lager from 2Fifty Texas BBQ. For those looking to escape the heat, she suggests a sushi-making class at Love, Makoto, interactive exhibits at the National Building Museum and the Museum of Illusions, or a relaxing spa day at Hotel Heron's newly renovated rooftop pool. Whether you're looking for fireworks, festive food, or indoor experiences, Nycci offers something for every type of Fourth of July celebration.
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WTOP Father's Day Guide: Food, Drinks & Memorable Experiences
Nycci Nellis joined WTOP to share creative ways to celebrate Father's Day with memorable food and drink experiences across the DMV. For barbecue-loving dads, she highlighted a barbecue master class at Ruse in St. Michaels, Maryland, featuring world-renowned pitmaster Burg Garzarian of Bark Barbecue. She also recommended Little Blackbird's Japanese Wagyu Week, culminating in a special Saturday dinner showcasing premium wagyu dishes.For dads who enjoy craft beverages, Nycci suggested ChurchKey's Beer Academy membership, a year-round craft beer club led by beer expert Greg Engert; Show of Hands' Cocktail Club, which delivers handcrafted bottled cocktails curated by Spirits Director Nick Farrell; and DCANTER's Summer Wine Pack, a curated selection of organic wines from independent producers.To round out the weekend, Nycci recommended enjoying Maryland blue crabs at Cowbell Seafood & Oyster at Union Market, where guests can pair fresh seafood with refreshing Orange Crushes, or heading to Quarterdeck in Arlington for a classic crab feast complete with steamed blue crabs and cold drinks. Rather than giving traditional gifts, Nycci encouraged celebrating Father's Day with memorable experiences centered around great food, drinks, and quality time together.
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D.C. Gears Up for a Month of World Cup Celebrations
Nycci Nellis joined WTOP to share how Washington, D.C. is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with watch parties, themed food and drink specials, and soccer-inspired events across the region. Popular viewing destinations include Hook Hall, The Wharf, and Union Market District, while restaurants such as Apapacho Taqueria, Casa Teresa, Shaw’s Tavern, and Elcielo Washington are offering World Cup-themed experiences and international cuisine. From large-scale fan zones and rooftop watch parties to hotel activations and special dining events, the tournament is turning the D.C. area into a month-long celebration of soccer, food, and community.
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Nycci Nellis Shares Memorial Day Weekend Dining, Theater & Rainy Day Picks Around DC
Nycci Nellis shared rainy weekend recommendations around the DMV as Memorial Day plans shifted indoors due to the weather. Nycci encouraged viewers to double check outdoor event updates before heading out and highlighted a variety of indoor activities including museum exhibits, theater productions, brunch destinations, and special dining experiences. From the National Museum of Women in the Arts and the Spy Museum to shows at Signature Theatre and Shakespeare Theatre Company, Nycci also shared restaurant pairings and insider dining tips for making the most of a rainy holiday weekend in DC.
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Nycci Nellis Shares Last-Minute Mother’s Day Experiences Around the DMV
Nycci Nellis joined WTOP to share a variety of last-minute Mother’s Day ideas around the DMV, encouraging families to focus on memorable experiences rather than just brunch reservations. As a mother of five herself, Nycci suggested everything from exploring the Bethesda Fine Arts Festival and shopping in Georgetown to enjoying wine country outings in Virginia and relaxing spa experiences. She highlighted local favorites including The Salt Line, Aventino, Dolcezza, Osteria Mozza, and La Bonne Vache, along with wineries like Barrel Oak Winery and Three Fox Vineyards. Nycci also recommended a luxurious spa day at Balian Springs, calling it the perfect way for moms to unwind and celebrate the holiday weekend.
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Nycci Nellis’ Guide to Easter Weekend in D.C.: Brunch, Family Fun & Unique Experiences
Nycci Nellis of TheListAreYouOnIt.com shares top picks for Easter weekend across the D.C. area, including family-friendly events, brunch, and unique dining experiences. She highlights activities like Easter celebrations at Capital One Center, egg hunts at Astro Beer Hall, and alpaca encounters at Black Barn Alpacas. For brunch, she recommends spots like Blue Duck Tavern, CUT by Wolfgang Puck, and Zinnia, along with standout experiences at Nobu and a candy-and-wine pairing at Little Blackbird. She also suggests afternoon tea at Fairmont Washington DC and Willard InterContinental, plus a unique tasting experience at Oasis Sushi and Listening Bar. Overall, it’s a curated mix of festive, family-friendly, and elevated ways to celebrate the holiday weekend.
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St. Patrick’s Day in the DMV: A Multi-Day Celebration of Irish Spirit
Nycci Nellis of TheListAreYouOnIt.com is tracking all the St. Patrick’s Day festivities happening across the DMV, highlighting a multi-day celebration packed with food, drinks, and lively events. The festivities kick off early with several multi-day whiskey-focused celebrations featuring Irish favorites, Guinness, and classic dishes. On March 14, guests can enjoy a waterfront VIP Irish experience with whiskey tastings and live music, while neighborhood spots host all-day celebrations and themed events. Alexandria joins in with a city-wide bar crawl, and a long-running St. Baldrick’s Day event on March 15 offers a meaningful way to celebrate while raising funds for pediatric cancer research. On St. Patrick’s Day itself, iconic pubs across Capitol Hill and Northern Virginia deliver all-day parties filled with Irish music, whiskey, and community spirit. Nycci’s top advice: pace yourself, enjoy the hearty Irish fare, and remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
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Inside the Seder: Nycci Nellis Explains Passover Traditions
Nycci Nellis of TheListAreYouOnIt.com provides an overview of Passover and the traditions surrounding the Seder. She explains that Passover is an eight-day holiday commemorating the Israelites’ escape from Egypt, with the Seder serving as the ceremonial kickoff. The Seder is a structured, storytelling dinner guided by the Haggadah, where participants recount the Exodus while enjoying symbolic foods. A central aspect of Passover is avoiding leavened bread, leading to a week filled with matza-based dishes—from matza ball soup to creative modern takes like matza pizza and lasagna. During the Seder, a ceremonial plate features symbolic items such as bitter herbs to represent hardship, haroset as a symbol of hope, a roasted shank bone, and an egg—each contributing to the story being told throughout the evening. Nycci highlights that while the Seder is deeply rooted in tradition, it is also a celebration of comforting, meaningful foods like brisket, chicken, kugel, and matzo ball soup. For those looking for convenient options, she recommends several restaurants and markets offering Passover-ready meals and dishes, including full traditional spreads and Israeli-inspired offerings, as well as prepared family-style meals that can be pre-ordered and reheated at home. Overall, the Seder is described as a meaningful and communal experience that blends storytelling, tradition, and food into one memorable evening.
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