This July 14th marks Bastille Day, the anniversary of the 1789 storming of the Bastille prison in Paris, the spark that lit the French Revolution and eventually gave us "liberté, égalité, fraternité." Two hundred plus years later, we're still celebrating with fireworks, flowing rosé, and way too much cheese. Wait?! Can there ever be too much cheese?Per usual, area bars and restaurants are ready with champagne, escargot, frites and enough French 75s to make you forget you have work on Tuesday. Grab your beret and click here to see every Bastille Day event happening around DC.

From Spotlighter to Organizer: How Gaby Montes de Oca is rallying the community for VenezuelaI am delighted to feature Gaby Montes de Oca for this edition of Behind the Counter. When the earthquakes hit Venezuela, Gaby didn't wait to see how bad it was before she acted. She jumped straight into motion, turning shock and grief into a sold-out dinner at Osteria Morini with ten chefs from some of DC's most celebrated restaurants, plus three bake sales that brought the community together again and again. Together, those efforts raised over $4,500 for World Central Kitchen, but the number only tells part of the story. What Gaby really built was a space for people to help and to heal at the same time.Gaby's path here started as a pastry intern at Imperfecto, where she realized her calling wasn't behind the pastry case, it was in telling the stories of the people who work in it. That instinct led her to found Tepui in 2022, a platform spotlighting bilingual chefs, cooks, and the often-invisible labor behind the hospitality industry, while also sharing Venezuelan culinary heritage with the community.I've watched Gaby turn heartbreak into action in a matter of days, and I wanted to learn about how she pulled it off and what it's meant for the Venezuelan community here in DC.Here's our conversation.How did you come up with the idea to organize these events?When the earthquakes occurred, I realized I had to do something. I was still in shock, and like many Venezuelans, trying my best to process what happened. But after seeing the images and how quickly the people in the country, despite being personally impacted, organized themselves to help, I realized I couldn’t sit still. I’ve built a community in the hospitality industry, and I started presenting ideas to people and friends without a specific plan.The first concept to do an event came from Matt Adler, Chef and Partner at Osteria and Cucina Morini, who learned about the catastrophe from Venezuelan team members and offered to host a fundraising dinner at Osteria Morini. After a few exchanges on Instagram, the day the earthquakes happened, we started reaching out to chefs, gathering the team, and organizing the dinner within a week. Given Matt’s ties to World Central Kitchen and the impact it’s having on the ground, we quickly agreed to support them. The final lineup included chefs Enrique Limardo, Tatiana Mora, Miguel Guerra, Paolo Dungca, Erik Bruner-Yang, Carlos Delgado, Kevin Pieters, and Leury Sánchez, as well as Elegancia’s restaurateur Daniella Senior and beverage director Josh Murski, who joined us to cook 12 courses for a dinner for 30 people.Then, the idea of organizing a bake sale came from my friends at HG Supper Club, who had run a similar bake sale at La Cosecha for last year’s California fires. Kate and Tatum, the founders, kindly shared everything — spreadsheets, planning process, even utensils and servingware for the day. Once I secured support from La Cosecha’s team, I reached out to my friend Genesis Flores, pastry chef at Seven Reasons and Imperfecto, who supervised my internship there, and we started setting the plan in motion. After our first successful sale at La Cosecha, we were a group of five friends; by the second at Hill’s Kitchen, we were already eight volunteers.Besides helping the community and raising actual money, what has been the impact of these sales?Beyond generating sales that translate into real meals, tents, medical supplies, and other essential items people need during difficult times, it’s been comforting to see the DC hospitality community come together to support the reconstruction of Venezuela. We’ve also provided a space for the Venezuelan community to gather and heal collectively.During the first dinner, we had Venezuelan arepas and a pasta dish featuring cazón, a fish stew many recognize from beach trips, catering to both Venezuelan and new audiences. At the bake sales, people waited almost an hour just to try pastries such as Ometeo’s Chef Manuel Perez’s golfeados, a brioche-like preparation not found anywhere else, which many Venezuelans had waited over ten years to try again. We also featured some home bakers who wanted to test recipes: Lutece’s chef Ana Sofia Pino’s family cookies and flans, as well as contributions from my aunt, and a project called The Persian Table, owned by a woman of Iranian descent who provided us with baklavas inspired by Venezuelan flavors. The final bake sale in this series took place at Grand Cata, where I’ve hosted events featuring Venezuelan recipes in the past.Reaching out to the friends and people I’ve met since founding Tepui during these times and receiving their support without hesitation, or even offers to use their space or take donations, has been a gift during these dark times.What’s coming next to continue supporting Venezuela in the long run, harnessing the power of hospitality?I feel incredibly grateful to the DC community (chefs, business owners, home bakers, and patrons) for supporting the dinner and bake sales.The earthquakes mark a before-and-after moment for Venezuela and for the Venezuelans diaspora, many of whom feel a greater responsibility to help, given our privilege and luck in having survived this. Seeing the success of the community gatherings, dinners, and bake sales, we’re already developing initiatives to sustain the momentum, organize cooking classes, feature home bakers and small businesses across activations, and keep the aid flowing. Our goal is also to share what Venezuelan gastronomy and energy have to offer and to provide more spaces for our community to gather and share our culinary heritage.

As a mom of five, I can tell you, there are plenty of ways to spend Mother’s Day celebrating me. And honestly, I’ve earned it. Restaurants and hotels across the region are offering fabulous ways to make Mom feel special everything from brunches, teas, bubbles, (you can find all that here) but if you ask me, I want an experience. Something that brings us together, gets us out of the house includes really good food and wine. So I went through everything happening for Mother’s Day weekend and pulled together the experiences I’d actually want to have.  Consider this both a guide and a gentle nudge. And now I’m sharing it with you. Because Mother’s Day is for all the moms, stepmoms, bonus moms, chosen family, grandmothers, and anyone who shows up with love and care: A Perfect Spring Day: If you want something that feels easy, inspired, and just a little indulgent, start at the Bethesda Fine Arts Festival. Set in Woodmont Triangle, this is one of those events where you can truly take your time, wandering through rows of artists, discovering everything from ceramics and jewelry to photography and sculpture, and actually talking to the people who made it all. And once you’ve done your part supporting the artisans (as you should), the next move is obvious: eat. Slide over to The Salt Line and settle in for oysters or how about a bowl of perfectly cooked strands of pasta at Aventino? And because no perfect day ends without something sweet, finish it off at Dolcezza. Gelato in hand. City Day Done Right: If staying closer to home is the move, give me a day in Georgetown. No rushing, no agenda, just walking and popping into shops. My people call is shmying. I’d start with a stroll, maybe pick up flowers from Atlantico Floreria (because yes, I should be going home with flowers), then wander through some of the newer spots like the just opened Sézane and of course my indie faves like Curated by Cecilia and Alas Eius - my new obsession. And then lunch. You can go big and buzzy at Osteria Mozza for a full-on see-and-be-seen or tuck into La Bonne Vache for something a little more cozy, lots of rosé, and classic brasserie fare. Take Me to the Country: If we’re doing Mother’s Day right, we might just get out of town. Start with a walk at Lost Mountain, an easy, beautiful hike where you can keep it light around the pasture or go a little further through the woods if you’re feeling ambitious. Then it’s wine time. Settle into spots like Barrel Oak Winery, Three Fox Vineyards, or Arterra Wines all perfect for taking in those vineyard views. And if you really want to do it right, make a reservation at the James Beard nominated, Field & Main. The cooking is thoughtful, the wine program is outstanding, and those crispy potatoes re so good. A Vineyard Experience That Feels Like a Getaway: I finally made it out to Burnt Hill Farm, and let me tell you, this is not just a winery, it’s a whole world. You roll up and it feels like you’ve landed somewhere between Iceland and Maryland. The wines are serious, Pét-Nat, Cabernet Franc, Gamay, but the real reason to go is the Chef’s Counter with Tae Strain. A multi-course tasting as the sun drops behind the vines, dishes that are beautifully executed. It’s one of those experiences you don’t forget, and exactly the kind of thing I want for Mother’s Day. Pampered, Please: If the goal is to truly relax, Balian Springs is offering a full reset of body scrub, massage, and a few hours where no one is asking you for anything. Yes, please. Or head to Virginia wine country for a beautiful brunch at Boxwood Winery, a full spread of pastries, prime rib, omelets, and wines, all set against those rolling vineyard views. For something equally thoughtful but a bit more casual, Crimson Lane Vineyards is offering a curated brunch board of savories and, sweets, and perfectly paired with a glass (or two) of wine. Make a Weekend of It, At Goodstone Inn & Restaurant.. Think horse-drawn carriage rides through the countryside one day, then a farm-to-table, multi-course meal the next. It’s like a true escape.And for something a little different (but still very much on theme) Josephine is hosting a wine class focused on women winemakers. It’s educational, and a lovely way to celebrate the women behind the bottle. In case you haven’t figured it out. There’s no one way to do this and it’s so easy to make me or your mom feel special.  So consider this your list. Your inspiration. Your hint.And to my family, you’re welcome. 

2301 M Street NW Life Alive Organic Café has officially expanded into D.C.‘s West End, making it the brand’s first-ever location outside of Massachusetts. This marks a significant milestone for the beloved concept known for its invigorating, made-from-scratch food. Life Alive Cafe aims to provide a warm and inviting environment for guests to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, and the D.C. location is no different. Guests can enjoy an elevated design with eclectic art, cozy nooks, ample plugs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hope is for the light-filled, spacious cafe to provide the West End neighborhood with an uplifting gathering place for guests to meet, linger, and simply feel at home.As part of the company's "Eat Positive. Live Positive."  vision, Life Alive is committed to providing guests with food that not only tastes amazing, but also leaves them feeling energized, uplifted, and fully alive. The chef-inspired menu offers a wide variety of options, including hearty warm grain bowls, salads, ramen-style noodles dishes, soups, açaí bowls and smoothies. All dishes are artfully prepared from scratch daily prioritizing whole, organic ingredients. For more information, click here.

So I literally just got back from a few days in NYC. IF you follow me on insta I know you know but I am totally going to share this here. I was so excited to be invited up for the big Michelin Party. So here is the skinny. Most years each city has it’s own party to celebrate the announcement of who kept their stars and who is added. In DC it has been at the French Ambassadors residence every year since DC got their stars. And I gotta say I loved that party - But this year they combined DC, Chicago and NYC. Totally different and incredibly cool. But before the big party — girl had to eat oh and walk — you know I got my 20k steps in every day.Back to Fenchette for a long lovely lunch of oysters with sausages, runny eggs and mortadella, steak tartare and the crispy hot and oh so good frites and of course I had the Paris Brest stuffed with pistachio creme for dessertGalerie at the Smyth Hotel for cocktailsThe big party at the Spring Studios in Tribeca — Daniel Boulud, Patrick O’Connell, Eric Ripert, Thomas Keller — all the names you know and maybe a few that you don’t were there toasting each other and getting their stars. Too many chefs to list here — but got the TheListAreYouOnIt.com for an update on who has been added and who maintained their status.Late night eats at Odeon — let’s just say it was a french brasserie meal kind of dayBefore leaving to get back to DC I did pop by Danny Myers new Italian spot Ci Siamo in the very sexy Manhattan West development — next to the new Pendry and across from the Hudson Yards development — also incredibly close to Moynihan! Live-fire cooking, house-made pasta, and a robust Italian wine list — not everything was a hit but the place was BIZZY AND BUZZY — anything coming out of the fire was litOkay now on to today’s show. Now some of you know that I aside from my media arm of the list I also have a consulting arm. It is probably one of the  most rewarding parts of my business. Working with companies like Hilton, Aramark, among many others I have the ability to put business opportunities in front of independent restaurant owners. I love that. Last year I was working on a project in Palm Springs and came across the incredible Tara Lazar. She is a restaurateur - in the truist sense — she cooks, does all the menu development, the look -feel-and-vibes are all her. She has nine restaurants and NO INVESTORS. She is a mom of two, a wife and in her spare time she is opening up two more properties AND oh I forgot she also opened up a hotel.I was out in Palm Springs in March for a bit of biz and a bit of play and the highlight was hanging out with Tara! I also ate at almost all of her restaurants! In fact Cheeky’s was across the street from where I was staying and every morning there was a line to get in — every morning! So let’s talk industry biz with Tara Lazar of F10 Creative ~ Listen to the full episode here. Watch the full episode here.  Today's Guest: Tara LazarPersonal InstagramBusiness Instagram

I have a new Residency! I'm down at Buzzards Point, the new sparkling development wedged between the Wharf and Navy Yard — this is The Point DC. For the next month, the good people of Fish & Fire Group, aka Greg Casten, are hosting Industry Night in their pretty fabulous property. And I am grateful and excited! So, if you don't know, the Point is the Winner of the Restaurant Development & Design Magazine Award for "Best Restaurant Design," The Point has a glorious outdoor patio ideally situated where the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers join — talk about picturesque and panoramic views. But just because the views are fab — what about the food — right? The Point features a 12-foot wood-infused grill and a dedicated raw bar/sushi bar, so yes, locally sourced oysters are shucked to order.The man, the myth, the legend — Greg Casten — the owner of the Point pops in for a little how do you do.You pay attention to my insta feed, you know I have been out and about:-Caruso's at Pike & Rose - Matt Adler does it again-Dear Sushi in the Love Makoto - Oh Ma Kase-Chefs For Equlaity - Another blowout event-Daru-MakettoAs a regular listener of this show, you know I love to travel. Love it. But making all the decisions is a little overwhelming! When I was a less seasoned traveler, I had done all this research and made all these reservations — it was so stressful — and when I arrived at our hotel, the concierge, Franco, greeted us, sat us down, and asked what our plans were. I took out my book, and he looked at me and said — may I help you here? I was like, PLEASE. He tore through our itinerary, took places out, added places in, and streamlined our trip. It was fantastic! He then let us in on a little secret: whenever you travel and wherever you travel, stay at a hotel that values the concierge's expertise. And since that moment, when selecting a hotel to stay in, I do just that, which got me thinking. I've been in the hospitality business for over 30 years, and I have worked with some of the best in our region. The concierge can really provide you with a stellar trip if you know how to WORK with them wisely. So today's class is a concierge 101In with me today are two very visible concierges in the DC Area: Leslie Valtin, Lead Concierge from the St. Regis & Jeffrey Morgan, Chef Concierge Conrad — we all go way back. Both Jeff and Leslie took different paths to become the experts that they are today, but here is what they both have in common — They are generous souls, thoughtful problem solvers, and convey hospitality in all that they do. They are both past presidents of the WACA and members of Les Clefs d'Or — let's get an education. Listen to the full episode here. Watch the full episode here.  Today's Guests: Greg CastenPersonal Instagram Leslie ValtinPersonal Instagram Jeff MorganPersonal Instagram

On this Industry Night:Now. Many Italians and Italophiles kind of disregard Milan. Because unlike Florence, Rome, Venice, Assissi, etc, it's a newer city. The city is not filled with architectural and artistic artifacts. The city is modern. And I am here to tell you that it is just fabulous. We happened to be there a little less than a week before Milan fashion week so the city was just buzzy with tall, leggy creatures running all over the city to casting calls.Gucci took over the city — especially the Brera District — more about that in a minute.We stayed at the Chateau Monfort (another Relais Chateau property) ideally situated in the Monfort neighborhood (close to the Duomo), which we got a private tour of along with the incredible opera house, La Scala. And we were close to 2 - not one but 2 - Peck's — the food emporiums.Pizza at Giolina — maybe one of the best pizzas I have ever had. Knife & fork Ready.Langosteria — Off the beaten path in the Navigli" nightlife district, this packed restaurant filled with tiny rooms and tons of people serves up seafood obviously — and deliciouslyI went to Starbucks Milan, so you do not have to. Willy Wonka in real life. Amazing food offerings.Walked the Brera district.. Similar to the Village in NYC. Little streets filled with shops, restaurants, and people .. so alive and fabulous.The modern architecture of the city is just amazingOur last dinner was at the Michelin-starred L'alchimia - an incredible tasting menu, a ridiculous wine cellar, and a 36-yolk pasta topped with freshly shaved truffles. My throat is still closing up. So rich!So that was Milan and the end of my trip …. but you know what you do when you return from a fantastic trip?! You get Covid — I mean, we did get Covid! No - you plan your next trip. Details on that travel are coming soon.Okay, I will not tell you where I am going locally today - I will save that for the next show, but I did wind up -pure serendipity- at one of today's guest's restaurants last night!I was at the so so good Japanese restaurant of Michael Schlow Nama Ko, which is just one of his nine concepts across DC & New England. Like all good restaurateurs, Michael began his career in the culinary industry as a dishwasher at age 14 and held every position in the restaurant before eventually attending culinary school. I have had this James Beard Award-winning chef and author on this show and Foodie And The Beast many times. And there's a reason — he has an incredible insight into the state of the restaurant industry. And I love going down a rabbit hole with Michael, and we will do that today. But we are not doing it alone. In 2017, pastry chef extraordinaire Aex Levin joined the Michael Schlow Group and took over the fantastic pastry program AND is also the director of strategic business initiatives. Okay, let's start digging in. Listen to the full episode.Watch the full episode. Today's Guests: Michael SchlowPersonal Instagram Alex LevinPersonal Instagram

Welcome to another episode of Industry Night! So if you pay attention to my insta feed you know I have been traveling for the past month. I have had the incredible good fortune to travel through different areas of Italy - a little bit of work and a little bit of play — back to Sardinia, first time traveling to Como and being in Milan during fashion week. It was all pretty fabulous.The sites, the sounds, the conversations, the wine and the food — so I’m gonna take you on a quick tour of Northern Sardinia:-But first can we talk about flying La Compagnie?!-Stayed at the fabulous Petra Segreta-The Town of San Pantaleo-Sardinian flatbread - Pane Caseau - My Kryptonite-JBeach-L’Assaggio — Mussels for days - and pasta-Surrau Vineyard — Vermentino & Cannanau-Alghero — the Cliffs!-Dinner at the Marina at Porto Rotondo — more pasta & lobster -Favorite beach — Cala Granu — more pasta, Sardinian clams and lobster-Last night at Il Fuoco Sacro - Michelin Starred Executive Chef Luigi Bergeretto and the famed Enrico BartoliniWe met so many incredible people and explored even more this year. It is our happy place. Next I’m gonna take you to Como — wait until next week — cause as much as I would love to sit here and talk about Italy um do you see me sitting in a new setting?!I am at the beautiful Capital Jewish Museum in downtown DC. Now some of you who have been watching/listening to me for a long time may remember that I had the team from the Museum last year — the museum was not opened yet but as a way to get people excited about the opening they threw this pretty fabulous festival last October. I was there, I interviewed Michael Twitty (IYKYK), the sun was shining, the food was delicious and all the people were there. BUT the museum was not open.So, guess what? It is now open. The Museum opened its doors in the spring of 2023. And it is glorious. Now, last year I heard from some people — another Jewish museum?! — so let me get this out of the way now: The Holocaust museum is not a museum celebrating the life and times of Jewish people. It bears witness to the tragedy of the Holocaust. The Capital Jewish Museum explores the Jewish experience in the national capital and inspires visitors to connect, and reflect thanks to a beautifully laid out and thoughtfully curated museum. So excited to talk with some of the people who made this all happen today:-Malki Karkowsky, Chief Advancement Office-Bettina Neudert-Brown, Principal, Lead Designer for Capital Jewish Museum | SmithGroup-Sarah Leavitt, CuratorLet’s get into it … Listen to the full episode here. Watch the full episode here. Today's Guests: Bettina Neudert-BrownBusiness InstagramBusiness Facebook Sarah LeavittPersonal Facebook Malki KarkowskyPersonal InstagramPersonal Facebook Capital Jewish MuseumInstagramFacebook

Welcome back to another Industry Night with Nycci Nellis. Still taking you on my travels through Italy! The sites, the sounds, the conversations, the wine and the food — so I’m gonna take you on a quick tour of Como:-Stayed just outside Bellagio in the town of Lezzeno in the new hotel, Filario-Spent the morning walking the streets of Cernobbio, shmying around the gorgeous grounds of The Villa D’Esta. Followed by a 3 hour lunch on the terrace restaurant. It was like being in a movie!-Gluttons that we are we went to the Michelin-starred Mistral that evening in the Grand Villa Serbelloni — so many table side preps, including a house made ice cream. The staff was so lovely and had such a generous spirit. We just had a wonderful time-A Private boat trip through the lake to get a lakeside view of all the beautiful Villas-Loved walking around Tremezzo and another lakeside lunch this time at The Grande-Walking around Bellagio AND another delish dinner at Forma & GustoSo here’s the thing about Como — it is gorgeous and the views are unlike anything we have ever seen. David and I both agree that we ate well — though you are not going to Como for the food and again, the sites were stunning. But we are definitely ocean people and not Lake people. Sardinia is more our speedNow that is the past — let’s talk the now. I have been out and about as much as I can and I did check out the new menu at Chang Chang — amazing ah-mazing offerings. Peter Chang and his team are turning out some of the best Sichuan in town. Protip get the tofu skin — ohmygoodness so goodAND I did dine at the very hot and good luck getting a rez El Presidente. Stephen Starr’s latest is visually spectacular. DC has nothing like it. And the service is classic Starr! Amazingly kind, thoughtful and prompt. There are still some kinks to work out as far as the food goes but I am optimistic.Ok! On to today’s show. So back in the Summer I had Philippe Massoud Chef/Owner of ilili restaurants - that’s ilili NYC & ilili DC- on Foodie And The Beast. It was the first time we met and his story was so engaging that I thought — I have got to go deeper with this restauranteur on Industry Night. So if you don’t know, Philippe Massoud is the Chef/Owner of ilili restaurants, founded in 2007 in New York. Chef Philippe came to New York as a refugee from Lebanon in his teens and founded ilili as an homage to his country, with the menu featuring dishes recreated from his childhood memories. His immigration story and his culinary trajectory and how he brought the dishes of his childhood to the East Coast is one worth diving down deep for — Chef! Listen to the full episode here.Watch the full episode here.  Today's GuestPhilippe MassoudPersonal InstagramBusiness Instagram

In this episode, we'll be diving into the world of culinary innovation, indigenous knowledge, and the fascinating interplay between food, culture, and the environment.Our featured guest is Sean Sherman, co-founder of the nonprofit North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems and its Indigenous Food Labs. Sean, a renowned chef and author, boasts multiple James Beard Awards and was recently named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people of 2023. Discover Sean's pivotal work in championing indigenous foods and the profound link between indigenous peoples and the natural world.We're also joined by Paula Johnson, the curator of food history at the National Museum of American History, and Eric Spivey, chairman and trustee of the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts. Together, they'll shed light on culinary traditions, cultural diversity, and the prestigious Julia Child Foundation Award, which Sean Sherman has received for his outstanding contribution to American cuisine.Throughout our conversation, we'll journey through Sean Sherman's life, from his early restaurant days to his deep dive into indigenous knowledge and culinary arts. Learn about his unique restaurant concept that celebrates indigenous foods while eliminating colonial ingredients and his vision for expanding this model to new locations.We'll also touch upon the upcoming Food History Weekend, a thought-provoking event centered on Food, Climate, and Community. This event unites chefs, experts, and advocates to address climate change challenges, promote sustainable food systems, and foster stronger communities. Listen to the full episode here. Watch the full episode here.  Today's Guests: Sean Sherman Personal InstagramPersonal FacebookPersonal Twitter Paula JohnsonBusiness InstagramBusiness Facebook Eric SpiveyBusiness InstagramBusiness Facebook