Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration at Philippe Chow DC
Philippe Chow DC is bringing the traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival to The Wharf with a...
LATEST MORSELS
{Keeping you up to date on the absolute latest in restaurant openings in the DC Metro area.
SUNDAY MORNING BAKEHOUSE: MCLEAN
1800 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA Sunday Morning Bakehouse has opened its first Northern Virginia location in McLean's Heming development. This family and female-owned elevated bakery occupies 3,100 square-feet of ground space. Guests can get excited to enjoy Handmade Croissants, Seasonal Breads and Pastries, Special Occasion Cakes, and much more. For more information, visit their website here.
{What’s in that empty storefront? Which favorite chef is opening up where, and when? All those details and more in Coming Soon.
MOXIES
PROJECTED OPENING: Late 2025 1111 20th Street NW Moxies, the Canadian-born premium casual restaurant known for its chef-driven menu, craft cocktails and high-energy vibe, will open its first-ever DC location just south of Dupont Circle later this year. The 8,000+ square-foot flagship led by Brandon Thordarson will feature a modern dining room, bold statement bar and versatile spaces designed to host everything from intimate nights out to lively group celebrations. Guests can expect globally inspired dishes made in-house, inventive cocktails and a stylish, high-energy atmosphere unlike anything else in the neighborhood. For more information, click here.
All the food news that you can use.
If You’re Not Nominated, You Cannot Win
The James Beard Foundation has opened the entry and recommendation window for the 2026 James Beard Awards now through Friday, November 21, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET. These are the culinary world’s benchmark honors, spotlighting excellence across restaurants, bars, media, and the broader food system plus a commitment to equity, community, sustainability, and creating a culture where all can thrive. Recognition at any stage (semifinalist, nominee, or winner) meaningfully moves the needle as many recent semifinalists reported increased covers after their nods. Who Should Throw Their Hat InRestaurants & Chefs (yes, self-recommendations are welcome)Beverage Pros & Bars (including the newer categories added in 2025)Media: Books, Broadcast, JournalismChangemakers: Lifetime Achievement, Humanitarian of the Year, and Impact Awards (introduced in 2025) What’s New(ish) & NotableImpact Awards recognize visionaries driving transformative change in the food system.Expanded beverage recognition: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service. Key DatesOpen Call Window: Opens Wed, Oct 1, 2025 (9:00 a.m. ET) • Closes Fri, Nov 21, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET)Physical Book Deadline (Media/Books): Fri, Dec 5, 2025Ceremonies (Chicago):Media Awards — Sat, June 13, 2026Impact Awards — Sun, June 14, 2026Restaurant & Chef Awards — Mon, June 15, 2026 How to Enter or RecommendRestaurant & Chef Awards: Submit a recommendation (free).Impact Awards: Submit a recommendation (free).Media Awards (Books, Broadcast, Journalism): Submit an entry ($85 per entry; fee waivers available upon request). Pro-Tip: You can self-recommend! The 2026 James Beard Awards ceremonies will be hosted in Chicago June 13-15, 2026 —> Mark Your Calendars Now.
Where is Nycci? Here, there, and everywhere in media outlets across the city.
Eater: Moon Rabbit hosts top female pastry...
This Sellout Collab Pizza in D.C. Is Here to Stay; Plus, a Mount Pleasant mainstay celebrates seven years, Moon Rabbit hosts top female pastry chefs (featuring mini interviews by Nycci Nellis), and more intel from Emily Venezky for Eater DC, here.Photo: Maria Rebrikova for Slice & Pie
Tune in regularly to hear Nycci Nellis talk food trends and news on WTOP Radio.
DC Restaurant Week 2025
Support the DC dining scene during Restaurant Week 2025! Listen in for the James Beard nominees and finalists, as well as Nycci's do's and don'ts during Restaurant Week!
Take a deep dive into the Industry and beyond.
Industry Night: The Intersection of The...
Welcome back to Industry Night with me Nycci Nellis.I’m here today at Capital One Center in Tysons, Virginia, a 35-acre mixed-use development that has completely redefined this part of Fairfax County. It’s not just office towers and retail; it’s a cultural hub with Capital One Hall, The Watermark Hotel, Capital One Park, and The Perch, a three-acre skypark with a biergarten, food trucks, and even mini golf. And built into all of it is a deep commitment to the arts, whether that’s public sculptures, world-class performances, or what’s plated in the restaurants here.That commitment is front and center this fall with the Capital One Center Celebration of the Arts, a two-day immersive festival happening October 4th and 5th. I will be there leading a fireside chat with artists and chefs. The event will transform the campus into a multi-block celebration filled with installations, workshops, live music, culinary experiences, and more — all in partnership with the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art.To talk about the festival and the bigger story of Capital One Center, I am thrilled to be joined by:Erin Mical, Vice President of Central Operations at Capital One, who oversees much of the vision and growth of this development,Meghan Trossen, Senior Manager of Marketing and Community Affairs, who curates the community programming and signature events that bring this campus to life,and Jonell Logan, Executive Director of the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art, who is collaborating with Capital One on this year’s festival.We have a lot to get into — development, community, art, and why creativity matters now more than ever. Listen to the full episode here and watch it here.
