This week’s Foodie & The Beast? Packed. And I mean packed with smart conversation and a reminder that in this industry, it’s all about passion and people.We kicked things off with Dr. Linda Boyd, who came in with exactly what so many small business owners need right now: real talk and real tools. With the 2026 POWERUP DC Small Business Summit & Expo kicking off May 5, she shared how businesses can do more than just survive, they can actually thrive.From there, we headed straight to the plate with Ben Assaraf and Zai Tajzaiin of Dalia’s Falafel and if you haven’t been yet, consider this your nudge. What started as a neighborhood spot has turned into a go-to for Middle Eastern comfort food done right. And beyond the falafel they’re thinking about sourcing, quality, and the difference between local farms and big ag, something we should all be paying more attention to when we dine out.Tim Rowley also joined us, bringing a bit of Leesburg into the studio. As co-owner of The Wine Kitchen, he’s been part of the DMV dining scene for years, with a menu that leans Italian and stays seasonal. It’s the kind of place that quietly gets it right.And then, strawberries. Because the season is short, and when they’re here, you go pick them! Harriet Wegmeyer of Wegmeyer Farms joined us to talk about the 3rd Annual Lincoln Strawberry Festival, those beautiful berries, yes, but also a community-driven event supporting local causes and scholarships. Sweet in every sense of the word.We always have drinks. This week, it’s tequila! Nelson Benavides and Antonio Fonseca joined us with Mosto Tequila, a Mexican-owned brand rooted in family tradition, and estate-grown agave from Los Altos de Jalisco. Not just any tequila, this is about craftsmanship and knowing exactly what’s in your glass.Foodie & The Beast: A show that celebrates small business, thoughtful sourcing, and the people behind it all.Catch the full episode, this one’s worth your time. Listen to the full episode here. 

An all-star show this weekend. This lineups that reminds you just how deep the talent runs in and around DC right now.-We kicked things off with a quick call-in from area food writer and author Nevin Martell, giving us the inside scoop on Mess Hall’s annual New Kitchens on the Block, aka NKOTB. It’s one of the most exciting launchpads for emerging concepts in the region, and if you want a preview of what’s next in DC dining, this is where you go.-Straight from New Orleans to Washington, Ralph Brennan joined us to talk about a milestone moment: the 80th anniversary of the legendary Brennan’s. The birthplace of Bananas Foster and home to one of the most iconic breakfasts in America. To celebrate, Ralph has taken “Breakfast at Brennan’s” on the road, landing this weekend at Occidental for a special three-day collaboration.-Ryan Ratino and Will Patton of Hive Hospitality, you know, Bresca, Jônt, and Press Club are already setting the bar (high), they’re now adding Ox & Olive in Georgetown, a fresh, modern take on the American steakhouse.-You’ve seen him on TV competing in America’s Culinary Cup and now he’s in our studio. Chris Morgan, chef/owner of Joon, continues to bring thoughtful Persian cuisine to the region. Chris joined us with plenty to talk about, from competition cooking to staying grounded in tradition.-And in our drinks segment, we took a deeper dive into tea with Cody Yu, co-founder of Seven Teahouse. These are not your everyday teas, Cody sources directly from China, working closely with the families and farmers producing some of the world’s best teas. He’s not just curating a product, he’s preserving tradition and bringing a level of expertise that you can taste in every cup.We packed a lot into an hour. Tune in to Foodie And The Beast 

This week’s show had a mix of industry veterans in studio. People opening new places, building brands, and shaping what we’re all eating and drinking right now. There’s crispy fried chicken that disappears quickly, Chinese sausage hot dogs that have everyone drooling, Champagne popped and whiskey poured. Plus, a lot of conversation around what’s happening in the industry right now.-Kevin Tien, the chef behind Moon Rabbit is talking about Chao Ban at Tysons Galleria, where he’s leaning into Vietnamese street food in a way that is personal and delicious.-Canton Disco team is in —Brian Schram, Chef Timothy Yu, and beverage director Brent Kroll— breaking down what they’re doing at this Cantonese-inspired café, restaurant, and bar designed to work from day into night.-And then there’s Ari Sussman. He’s not in studio, but we’re tasting his whiskey. Ari’s background spans winemaking in France, leading the Artisan Distilling Program at Michigan State, and building distilleries across the country. He’s behind award-winning spirits and was named 2024 Whiskey Maker of the Year. This whiskey reflects all of that.-We wrap with a quick spirits panel: Changing tastes. Changing social mores. What’s next for distilled spirits?The takeaway is simple. People are drinking differently. Less, but better. More aware of what’s in the glass and where it comes from.All That And More on Foodie & The Beast here. 

It was a buzzy show this week, and not just because of what was in our glasses. There was a whole lot of caffeine fueling the conversation.We kicked things off with a little wine history that still shakes the industry. 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, that moment when Napa Valley wines went head-to-head with France and won. Stephen Velasquez from the Smithsonian National Museum of American History joined us to talk about how this milestone is being celebrated as part of America’s 250th, including a Winemaker’s Dinner you’ll want on your radar.Then we got into meat —specifically lamb— and Jarrad Silver of Silver and Sons BBQ came in hot with the return of Lamb Jam. This year it’s not just a one-day event, it’s a full month of lamb love. Throughout April, chefs across DC (and the country) are putting American lamb on the menu, all under $30, and you get to eat your way through it and vote. Not baaaaaa-d at all.Since we were already in wine mode, Claudia Chamberlain, U.S. GM of Berry Bros. & Rudd, joined the conversation. The oldest wine and spirits merchant in the UK, and still family owned they are bringing a little old-world perspective into a very American wine moment.And because no show is complete without a serious caffeine situation, Kenia Uceda Canales of Neighborhood Restaurant Group stopped by. She’s the force behind the group’s coffee program and the mind behind Cameo, serving up next-level coffee and reminding us that what’s in your cup matters just as much as what’s in your glass.11AM on 1500AM on Here.

Cherry blossom season may be in full swing, but in studio, it was all about the people driving the energy behind the city’s food and beverage scene. -Carla Hall and Micheline Mendelsohn are bringing BumbleBird to Capitol Hill, and while the fried chicken is reason enough to go, the real conversation was about hospitality as an art form and what it means to truly connect with your guests. -Emily Brown came straight from a late night at Eebee’s Corner Bar, running on little sleep but a whole lot of purpose. There’s a reason there’s a line, it’s the care, the burger! and the way she makes people feel. -Lillian Iversen, Vice President of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, reminded us that cherry blossom season isn’t just about the trees, it’s about experiencing the city in all the ways it shows up this time of year. -The Square’s Owen Thomson is back behind the bar and continuing to shape how DC drinks, this time with vermouth, low-ABV cocktails, and a focus on creating moments that bring people together. -And we began with the ndependent Restaurant Coalition’s , Erika Polmar, whose message was clear supporting independent restaurants has never been more important. This show wasn’t just about what’s on the plate or in the glass, it was about the passion behind it all. Listen to the full episode here. 

What happens when you put a rising star chef, a legendary restaurateur, an award-winning winemaker, and a Jamaican hospitality powerhouse in one studio? A seriously great Foodie & The Beast.-TV Top Chef, Anthony Jones of Marcus DC chats the last year of running the kitchen for Marcus Samuelsson and how he has made this moment his own.- Then the man, the myth, the restaurateur behind so many of the DMV’s favorite spots, Mikey Friedman of All-Purpose Hospitality caught us up on life & brought in Fossette Focacceria greatest hits- Winemaker Stephen Fortier of Domaine Fortier Vineyards joined us fresh off two gold medals at the Virginia Governor’s Cup.- And then… back to Jamaica. 🇯🇲 Restaurateur Sydney Watson checked in from Syd’s on the Rocks in Negril .AND, Anthony & Mike dug into the industry conversation sparked by reporting in The New York Times about René Redzepi and Noma,  and what it means for leadership and culture inside kitchens today.Listen to the full episode here. 

Spring Forward! Yes, we lost an hour of sleep, but we gained sunshine AND it’s International Women’s Day, so we filled the studio with women entrepreneurs, artisans, and innovators.-Emmanuel Laroche, called in with his new book, A Taste of Madagascar.  There’s nothing vanilla about his take on food culture.-Kat Jiang from Seylou Bakery & Mill talks the Mid-Atlantic Grain Fair & Conference/Common Grain Alliance. Farmers, millers, bakers, brewers, & food leaders gather to reconnect the grain supply chain from field to table.-Ashley Blake, owner of Prim’s Café in Shaw, the new cozy neighborhood café serving espresso, matcha, chai, and community. The kind of spot you wish was on your corner.-Our drink segment with Kelly Duong from Kyojin in Georgetown, mixing up art-like cocktails inspired by the bold flavors of Chef Peter’s menu.More sunshine. That’s this week’s Foodie & The Beast. Listen to the full episode here. 

On another drippy Sunday in the DMV, our advice is simple: put something cozy on the stove and tune into the soothing conversations on today’s episode of Foodie & The Beast, the long-running DC food and hospitality radio show & podcast hosted by Nycci Nellis and David “The Beast” Nellis. Once again, we filled the studio with voices from people who truly have their pulse on what’s happening in the DC-area restaurant and hospitality industry, from Toast raising prices, to being more certain about what’s in your glass, we even had BBQ and stone crabs in studio.-First up, if you love slow-smoked barbecue in the DMV, this one’s for you. 2Fifty Barbeque is celebrated for its mouth-watering approach to craft BBQ, Latin-inspired sides, and serious pit mastery. Touted by many as one of the best BBQ spots in the DC area, and ranked #10 on Washingtonian’s Top 100 Very Best Restaurants, Chef/Co-Owner Fernando Gonzalez joins Foodie & The Beast to give up a few of his best-kept culinary secrets.-We also welcomed Washington Ramirez, Opening Manager of Terra Gaucha Restaurant in Rockville, Maryland. Terra Gaucha is an authentic Brazilian steakhouse offering a traditional churrasco-style dining experience inspired by the flavors of southern Brazil. We’re calling this one Carnevale for the Carnivorous.-Then we got smart (and a little serious) about drink safety and transparency with Liat Kaplan, Co-Founder and CEO of WiSP (What’s In Your Glass?). WiSP is a cutting-edge drink safety and wellness technology platform that analyzes beverage contents in real time. Liat’s mission is to support patron safety and personal wellness, empowering people to enjoy food and drink experiences with confidence while helping reduce risks like drink-spiking, allergens, and unsafe levels of alcohol consumption. This kind of innovation is shaping the future of hospitality safety and consumer protection.-Rounding out the table, we welcomed Kevin Bratt, Partner and National Wine and Spirits Director for Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Snow Crab. Kevin brought deep industry expertise, insider perspective on Joe’s acclaimed wine and spirits programs, and smart guidance on how to pair big, bold food with wines and cocktails that truly elevate the dining experience. AND, stone crabs. This episode of Foodie & The Beast feeds both your brain and your appetite and is a must-listen for anyone who loves DMV dining & hospitality. Listen to the full episode here. 

Before you bundle up for some football, do yourself a favor and bundle up with us for today’s Foodie & The Beast!David and I kicked off the show with some seriously good date-night inspo (because romance doesn’t stop for game day), and then we filled the studio with people who are fired up about what’s happening right now in the D.C. dining scene.-We’ve got an incredible founder story coming your way —> Geraldine Mendoza of Taquería Xochi, which just opened its fourth location in Navy Yard. Let that sink in for a second. This is a business that started as a pandemic-era ghost kitchen and is now slinging tacos, cemitas, tlayudas, and aguas frescas across the city all with universal praise. Geraldine’s journey from working with José Andrés at China Chilcano to building her own powerhouse brand is the kind of DC success story we love to celebrate. Wait until you hear how she did it.-Then we caught up with two old friends of the show —> Robb Duncan and Violeta Edelman of Dolcezza Gelato + Coffee, back on Foodie & The Beast after years away and years of serious growth. From a scrappy Argentine gelato duo at farmers markets to cafés all over the DMV, they’ve built something special with a real commitment to seasonality, wholesomeness, and great coffee. And yes, their Valentine’s flavors are next-level.  -And because there is always something happening in Bethesda, we’ve got Stephanie Coppula of Bethesda Urban Partnership in studio with the scoop on what’s new, what’s changing, and why Downtown Bethesda keeps leveling up,  plus Tyler Cotting from Pisco y Nazca with the inside track on how to eat and drink your way through Savor Bethesda Restaurant Week (Feb 19–March 1) without breaking the bank. So before kickoff… kick back with us on Foodie & The Beast here. 

Rabbit Rabbit.If you know, you know. 🐇And OMG… it’s 11 degrees out, feels like zero. Which means there is truly no better way to snuggle in than with the comforting, thoughtful, and very delicious conversations on today’s Foodie & The Beast.We kicked things off with repeat guest Scott Drewno, (partner with Danny Lee in the Fried Rice Collective, you know the family behind Anju, ChiKo, I Egg You, District Catering, and their recently launched love letter to Scott’s roots, Upstate FTW).Scott grew up in upstate New York, and this conversation was truly about eating his roots. We talked about the foods of the region, how he imagines them on the plate, and how to properly sauce and gloss for Super Bowl suppers.Next, calling in from Canada, Yves Lowe, Executive Chef and Gastronomy Programming Manager for Montréal en Lumière, joined us to talk about one of the largest winter festivals in the world and the most important food festival in Canada. Hundreds of activities, immersive gourmet experiences, and a celebration of Québec’s incredible culinary scene.Oh, and yes, Nycci is going (along with Chef Matt Conroy and Chef Danny Lledó). Stay tuned.Because America loves a comeback story, we welcomed Chef Paolo Dungca. His modern Filipino restaurant Kayuclosed on H Street last June, but the comeback was swift. Now open in Dupont Circle, Paolo is once again bringing the flavors of his Filipino childhood to the table, with a renewed sense of purpose.And finally—wine with a story.Dr. Mamuka Tsereteli, founder of Georgian Wine House, reminded us that the Nation of Georgia is the birthplace of wine, with 8,000 years of uninterrupted winemaking history. He regaled us with stories, poured delicious Georgian wines and they were so good that Scott Drewno broke a glass. (True story.)Tune in to Foodie & The Beast, comfort listening for a freezing day. Listen to the full episode here.