This week’s Industry Night has it all, historic preservation, stunning design & rum-soaked nostalgia.We recorded on-site at Annex on 12th, a posh new residential community that brings serious Art Deco glamour to what was once the USDA Cotton Annex. First up is Stephen Johnson, Senior Community Manager and a walking encyclopedia of the building’s past lives. From presidential vault doors to luxe speakeasies (yes, The Vault is real), Stephen walks us through how this adaptive reuse project blends D.C. history with modern luxury.Then … drum roll, please … I caught up with an old, old, old friend, the legendary Todd Thrasher. Todd and I started our careers side by side, and to say we've come a long way is an understatement. He’s now the man behind Thrasher’s Rum, Tiki TNT, and some of the most unforgettable drinks in the DMV. We talk distilling, building community, his new collab with Annex (including a custom “1936” rum for new residents!), and why cocktails should always come with a story, and sometimes a Solo cup?Listen to the full episode here or watch the full episode here.  

Hey there, Nycci Nellis here, and welcome to another episode of Industry Night!Today’s show is a special one. I’m coming to you from the gorgeous, sun-dappled patio of a.kitchen+bar in the West End of DC. Seriously, it’s a little oasis right in the middle of the city, so chic.Later in the show, I am joined by two of DC’s biggest hospitality stars,  Chad Spangler and Glendon Hartley. You know them from the award-winning Service Bar, Causa, and Amazonia, and we dive into their journey, their evolution, and what’s next for their ever-growing culinary empire.But first, I kick things off with the a.kitchen+bar team. Big thanks to Ellen Yin and crew for hosting us. Ellen, as many of you know, is a James Beard Foundation Outstanding Restaurateur and a powerhouse in the industry.I catch up with Ellen and Diana Kendrick about what’s happening her at a.kitchen+bar, including a BBQ series that’s bringing top chefs, and a whole lot of heat.To all my Industry Night listeners, thank you. Whether you’re tuning in on your favorite podcast platform or watching on YouTube, I’m so grateful for your support.Be sure to subscribe, never miss a morsel, and I’ll see you next time on Industry Night!Listen to the full episode here or watch it here.  

Hey there, it’s me—Nycci Nellis—and welcome back to Industry Night!Today’s show is a big one. We’re talking steak, style, and serious star power. That’s right, I’m coming to you from the stunning CUT DC, the sleek, modern steakhouse tucked inside Rosewood Washington, D.C., right in the heart of Georgetown.Now, if you’ve ever had a dry-aged ribeye that made you want to cry happy tears or a martini that just hit different, then you’ve likely been touched by the culinary genius of Wolfgang Puck—a global hospitality icon whose name is synonymous with innovation, elegance, and incredible food - smoked salmon pizza anyone?Wolfgang’s CUT concept has evolved into a powerhouse brand with locations around the globe, and CUT DC—helmed by Executive Chef Andrew Ho—is his Mid-Atlantic love letter, bringing refined service and bold flavors to one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods. And now, CUT is adding weekday lunch to the mix, raising the stakes on the return of the business lunch. (Yes, martinis included.)So today, we’re diving into the evolution of CUT, what’s inspiring Wolfgang right now, and how he sees the dining landscape shifting, both here in the U.S. and around the world. Listen to the full episode here or watch it here. 

Well, hello bubbles! It’s me, Nycci Nellis, and welcome to Industry Night, where we sip, swirl, and spill the sparkling tea on all things delicious.Today’s episode comes to you from Apéro—the utterly charming Champagne and caviar bar tucked right at the entrance of Georgetown. It’s the kind of place where every glass is a celebration and every corner is camera-ready.I’m starting things off with Elli Benchimol, the visionary behind this little gem and its upstairs sister space, La Bohème. She’s created a haven for Champagne lovers, cocktail seekers, and anyone in need of a touch of magic in their glass. And with her is her chef, Jennifer Castañeda-Jones.Then—get ready to sparkle—we’re talking bubbles with Paula Kornell, Napa Valley Vintner and fourth-generation sparkling wine maker. Paula is in town as part of the Napa Valley Vintners annual visit to D.C., where they hit Capitol Hill to talk trade, health, fire mitigation, and more. But tonight? She's here to pour and to shine.We’ll sip on a few of her exquisite bottles and dive into Paula’s legacy, her vision, and why sparkling wine is not just for special occasions anymore. Listen to the full episode here and watch it here.  

I am back at Jackie for the last of my residency here. And it has been amazing. So grateful to Dmitri Chekaldin and his team for the tremendous hospitality!  Today's show — You all know I love a great story — especially when it’s poured into a glass.Today’s guest brings us not just a story of Scotch whisky, but one of rebellion & innovation, — all bottled up on the rugged west coast of Scotland. Joining me is Chris Maybin, Nc’nean Distillery’s Head of Commercial and self-proclaimed Quiet Rebel — which, if you know Scotch, sounds a lot like a revolution in a Glencairn glass.So what exactly is Scotch whisky? At its core, Scotch whisky is a distilled spirit made exclusively in Scotland from malted barley (and potentially other grains), aged in oak casks for at least three years, and bottled at a minimum of 40% alcohol by volume.But Nc’nean (that’s “Nick-knee-an” if you’re practicing your Gaelic) is rewriting that tradition — crafting organic, sustainable, and seriously sippable spirits that are as much about preserving the planet as they are about flavor.It is a net-zero carbon emissions distillery & it’s also proudly female-founded, driven by Annabel Thomas, and powered entirely by renewable energy.So pour yourself something neat, and we talk about what happens when you mix innovation with intention — and a little Scottish spirit — and then I catch up with Dmitri Chekaldin about what is happening here at Jackie.Watch the full episode here and listen to it here.  

I’m back out in Fabulous Fauquier—or as I love to say, Fauquier Fabulous! If you’ve been following along, you know this isn’t my first time out here. Over the last year, I’ve practically set up camp in this charming part of Virginia, thanks to the amazing partnerships I’ve formed with Laura Torpy and the countless inspiring conversations I’ve had with local changemakers.We’ve explored agriculture and husbandry with Amanda Luhowiak of The Whole Ox, and enjoyed an unforgettable conversation with a panel of Fauquier County winemakers at Field & Main, with the always-insightful Neal Warva.Today, the journey continues—this time, at the beautiful Old Bust Head Brewing Company (or as I like to say, Old Bust Head Brew Co.). I’m joined by two amazing guests who are shaping the future of Virginia’s craft beer scene: Julie Broaddus, Owner & Operator of Old Bust Head Brewing CompanyKevin Powers, Co-Owner & Brewer at Powers Farm & BreweryBut before we crack open a few cold ones, I’m thrilled to welcome back my good friend Laura Torpy, the unstoppable Tourism Coordinator for Fauquier County. Laura’s passion for the region is contagious—her deep knowledge and genuine love for this community make every visit richer.Listen to the full episode here and watch it here.  

In this bonus episode of Industry Night, host Nycci Nellis welcomes Moe Yamada, known as Kimono Mom, to the studio. Moe shares her journey from being a geisha in Japan to becoming a culinary ambassador across the United States. As they prepare a katsu chicken sandwich together, Moe discusses her renowned umami sauce and its role in introducing Japanese flavors to American kitchens. Their conversation also explores Moe's experiences traveling in an RV with her family, connecting with her audience, and promoting Japanese cuisine nationwide. Join Nycci and Moe for an insightful discussion that blends cultural perspectives, practical cooking tips, and a story of dedication and passion.Listen to the full episode here and watch it here.  

On this episode of Industry Night, I’m back at the serious art-flecked Jackie in the Navy Yard. And, I am sitting down with two dynamic women who are making waves in the hospitality and food space — Nina Oduro and Ehime Eigbe.Nina Oduro is the co-founder of Dine Diaspora and Black Women in Food, organizations dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the voices of Black women in the food industry. Through curated experiences, storytelling, and community-building, Nina has been instrumental in connecting culinary talent with opportunities for growth and recognition.Ehime Eigbe is the founder and CEO of Sweetkiwi, a health-conscious frozen yogurt brand that combines rich flavors with clean ingredients. Born in Nigeria and inspired by her own health journey, Ehime created Sweetkiwi to provide better-for-you desserts that are as delicious as they are nourishing.Both Nina and Ehime are passionate entrepreneurs whose work is redefining the intersection of food, culture, and community. Today, we’ll dive into their journeys, the impact of their work, and how they continue to elevate the food and hospitality industry.Once again I’ve got the Anacostia River on one side of me and Nationals Stadium on the other —Dmitri Chekaldin is my generous host and you may remember, Jackie has a new chef — none other than Chef Domenico Cornacchia and later in the show, I will be back in the kitchen with him — I see something delicious in my future..  Listen to the full episode here or watch it here. 

Wine Tariffs: Can We Swallow ThemWelcome to the first-ever collaboration between Foodie & The Beast and Industry Night—a special episode: "Wine Tariffs: Can We Swallow Them?"A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of attending a panel at Brent Kroll’s Maxwell Park that delved into the intricate world of wine tariffs. The conversation was so engaging that I knew we had to bring it to our audience. Why choose one show when we can merge the best of both?We dive into how wine tariffs impact everyone from importers and distributors to restaurants and winemakers—and ultimately, your wallet. While there's plenty of debate about tariffs across various imported goods, our focus is clear: exploring whether these wine tariffs will disrupt our favorite restaurants and bars or even swing the balance on domestic wine exports.Joining this spirited roundtable discussion are some of the industry’s most influential voices:• Erik Segelbaum – Vice President of United Sommeliers Foundation and Owner of SWIG Partners• Vanessa Cominsky – Sommelier & Beverage Specialist at Prestige Ledroit Distributing• Michael Scaffidi – An Advanced Sommelier whose impressive resume includes The French Laundry, The Greenbier, Union Square Café, and Jean-Georges• Brent Kroll – Renowned for his work at Maxwell, Pop-Fizz, and more, and named a 2018 Food & Wine Sommelier of the Year. Brent also pouring some exceptional wines for us to sip as we chat!This is an insightful and lively exploration into the world of wine tariffs on Industry Night.  Let’s find out if these tariffs are something we can swallow—or if they’re just too much to digest. Listen to the full episode here or watch it here.  

Picture a kitchen where every dish echoes the rich traditions of Colombia’s culinary heritage. Nycci Nellis has been expanding her residencies across the city—starting today at Ellen’s, next week at Jackie, and then in Fauquier—bringing engaging conversations with exceptional guests to her audience.Recently, Nycci spent time in Medellín, Colombia, staying at the luxurious El Cielo Hotel. Her mornings in the vibrant Provenza neighborhood led to memorable culinary experiences, including:Exploring Colombian agriculture at a stunning chrysanthemum farmTasting aromatic coffees on a local coffee farmDiscovering the craftsmanship behind Colombian spiritsEnjoying exceptional meals prepared by today’s guestJoining Nycci today is Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, also known as "Juanma," founder of Elcielo Hospitality Group. His group features Michelin-starred restaurants in Medellín, Bogotá, Miami, and Washington, D.C., along with acclaimed establishments like La Sere and the vegan Kai.Before the interview, Nycci will chat with Ellen Yin and General Manager Diana Kendrick about their upcoming seasonal projects at A Kitchen & Bar. Tune in to hear Chef Juanma share his inspiring journey, family support, Michelin success, bestselling book The Recipe for Success, and his commitment to community initiatives.Listen to Industry Night for an insightful exploration of Chef Juanma's story and the dynamic culinary scene of Washington, D.C.