Did you miss me — probably not because a new Industry Night shows up in your inbox every week. But your girl here has been in Chicago for a few days for the James Beard Awards. ANDOMG — so incredible. It’s hard to put into words how special it is to be out there with so many of the most important creatives who are changing the food space one bite at a time.The media awards are always a cozy affair and powerful. I always walk in there and think I am so well read — and then I learn about all these essays, and stories and shows — there’s so much good content out there and at the media awards you get to hear from the people who are writing, filming or speaking those stories. I’m gonna tear up — but it is amazing.Now If you’ve never been to the awards weekend there’s a break between Media and Chefs. So during the break the day is filled with meet & greets like the Nobu brunch, the fantastic AAPI panel discussion and a celebration of bees at the Violet hour.At least that’s what I went to — there’s like 20 on record and probably another 20 off record events.Then the awards.So your girl here was hired once again by Hilton to emcee the red carpet. That means in hair and makeup at 11am, on the red carpet at 330 and at 331 the fire started — literally — for 2 and half solid hours I was chatting and cajoling and asking questions to Ruth Riechl!! Marcus Samuelson, Rick Bayless, Richard Blaze and so many of the nominees and all in 6 inch heels. It was a whirlwind! Literally my head was spinning. I then sat down with snacks in hand cause it’s a three hour show.Did DC represent or what? Masako Morishita for Emerging Chef, Mike Rafidi for Outstanding Chef and not DC but definitely DC adjacent, Harley Peet won best mid-Atlantic chef for his Bas Rouge in EastonSidebar — if you follow me at @nyccinellis you can learn about all these spots —.There’s a pretty spectacular reception after the awards and I think we shut it down.Now don’t think I just did the Beards — three days of amazing walks through that gorgeous city - down the river, on the lake and through the neighborhoods. And the food scene is on fire - Rose Mary, the Croatian restaurant in Wicker Park - the pasta and morels oh and the the cheesy- bready burek! And Galit in Lincoln Park - Middle Eastern/Israeli. That wine list was so diverse and interesting and the somm took us on such a journey.I didn’t do this on purpose but speaking of wine …. if you are watching this show on YouTube and you should and you should subscribe too!You see that I am no longer at the Capital Jewish Museum, I am in Delaplane VA, in the Piedmont Region of Virginia. Just East of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery. The 30-acre vineyard with its traditional Vitis Vinifera and American French hybrids has 10 varieties of grapes growing here including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Petit Manseng oh and Virginia’s premiere native grape Norton.I’m so grateful to the team here, especially Adriana Lucca, for agreeing to host the show here for the next four episodes!Wine in Virginia can be traced back to the first settlers, and even a few founding fathers — hello Thomas Jefferson — but it wasn’t until the late 1970s when the industry began to take root.Now for quite some time much of the wine world dismissed Virginia viticulture — but that has changed! The last 50 years has allowed for an explosion in both the quantity and quality of Virginia wine. What began as a scattered handful of wineries to over 300 wineries and counting, Virginia winemakers and wine lovers alike are reaping the fruits of that labor.So we are talking about VA Wine! The winemaker here at Barrel & Oak is Jeremy Ligon. He was on F&TB recently and when we talked about me doing Industry Night here at the property I was like let’s get a panel together of VA wine makers and talk about the trajectory of VA wine — to say that Jeremy understood the assignment is an understatement. Today I have-Jeremy Lignon Winemaker at Barrel & Oak Winery (and Brewery!)-Jason Murray - Owner – Winemaker - Viticulturist at Arterra Wines-Kerem Baki - Winegrower and Owner of Hillsborough VineyardsListen in to hear the full history here, or watch the episode here. 

Welcome to another episode of Industry Night. Today is my last session at the Capital Jewish Museum, and even though I am so so excited about my next residency at Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery in Delaplane, VA — and the guests that will be joining me like Jarad Slipp and a fabulous VA wine maker panel — the last month of shows at The Capital Jewish Museum have just been amazing. If you are just tuning in, the CJM celebrates DC’s Jewish heritage — it is full of incredible stories of Jewish people from all around the world who made their way to this city and were integral in laying the foundation for the vibrant community we live in today.There is a fabulous new exhibit here, “I’ll Have What She’s Having”. It explores the Jewish deli culture and how American Jews imported traditions, adapted and built community through the experience of food, not just here in DC but all around the country.The hospitality of the museum has not been taken for granted! Maura Scanlon, Malki Karkowski, Lisa Del Sesto, and so many others here at the museum have provided me with a space to share stories and chat a little bit about what “the Deli” means to me. In fact, last week there was an amazing evening event here at the museum where myself, Ted Merwyn (author of “Pastrami on Rye”), and Michale Weissman of the “Rye Bread Marriage” got to share our love and personal histories. Prescription Chicken was serving matzoh ball soup and Silver & Sons BBQ had pastrami. But the best part, honestly? The nostalgia. The conversations I had with all those people who joined the event. Whether the deli they went to with their Zayde when they were young or how the pastrami was sliced or is it called Russian Dressing — it is — or Thousand Island? Our histories, our lives are told through our food experiences. And I just love that I had an opportunity to do that here.Now today’s show is going to be just as delish. A while back I met Kenyattah Robinson. He reached out to me after a RAMW event and I was like how. do. we. not. know. each. other?! He is President & CEO of the MVT CID aka The Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District — which is Celebrating 20 YEARS. The Council made a proclamation and everything. Which we will get to in a minute. In getting to know Kenyattah I learned so much about what goes into running a CID. And it is a lot. What’s fascinating about the Mt Vernon District is its humble beginnings compared to where it is today!But first. I am so excited to chat withJonathan Edleman, collections curator & Sarah A. Leavitt, PH.D., curator of the Capital Jewish Museum.I am so curious about what went into filling this museum with all the incredible history and artifacts.And now on to Kenyattah. I remember when the City Vista building opened in the now Mt. Vernon Triangle neighborhood. At the time it was a lot of knocked down dilapidated row houses and open lots — 20 years later and WOW. It’s a thriving part of DC filled with gorgeous residences, restaurants, retail, hotels — thriving.Listen in to hear the full history here, or watch the episode here.

Welcome back to another episode for Industry Night. If you are joining me on YouTube you can see I am still here at the Capital Jewish Museum. The Capital Jewish Museum celebrates DC’s Jewish heritage — it is full of incredible stories of Jewish people from all around the world who made their way to this city and were integral in laying the foundation for the vibrant community we live in today.As you know, there is a new exhibit here. “I’ll Have What She’s Having” it explores The Jewish Deli and how American Jews imported traditions, adapted and built community through the experience of food. Not just here in DC but all around the country.Last week Joan Nathan was here with her gorgeous challah — not a deli creation but definitely a deli staple. Who doesn't go to their local deli on Friday to pick up a challah, especially if they don’t have Joan Nathan bringing them one? Now, you may go to get your bagels & a schmear at the deli but I’m always getting a pastrami on Rye — am I right?Who better to talk about Rye … Bread than with Michaele Weissman? Food writer; author; writing teacher and coach. Her first book, A History of Women in America, co-authored with her college bestie, has sold a quarter of a million copies and is still in print four decades after publication. And she was on this show probably five years ago talking her God in A Cup book - all about the multi waves of coffee - and now she has written an homage to love, marriage and Latvian rye bread. It’s the Rye Bread Marriage, and you’ll hear more about it in a bit.I am here while the Deli exhibit is happening, so I thought I’d better bring in some guys with a Deli! Jason Berry of KNEAD Hospitality + Design (you know him from Succotash, Mi Vida, Mi Casa and so many other hot spots around DC) he just opened Beresovsky’s Deli here in DCSo let’s talk Deli and Rye …Also … Two lines worth writing down found in Michaele’s book:-How do the stories we live and the stories we inherit play out in our relationships?-How do individuals learn to tolerate ethnic, religious & national differences? Listen to the full episode here, and watch it all here.

Welcome back to another episode for Industry Night. If you are joining me on YouTube, you can see I am back at the Capital Jewish Museum, and as I mentioned last week, I am a little more than excited about being here. The Capital Jewish Museum celebrates DC’s Jewish heritage — it is full of incredible stories of Jewish people from all around the world who made their way to this city and were integral in laying the foundation for the vibrant community we live in today.The new exhibit, “I’ll Have What She’s Having: The Jewish Deli" explores how American Jews imported traditions, adapted, and built community through the experience of food. Not just here in DC, but all around the country. The Jewish deli forged an entirely new, American cuisine by combining Central and Eastern European dishes with ingredients abundantly available in the United States.Bagels people?!Where do you think bagels come from — and my favorite Jewish dish that is also part of the general lexicon — other than matzoh ball soup. I have a great story about my daughter-in-law who was born in Romania and grew up in Germany — Not Jewish, No Judgement — I was helping her and my son move into a new home and she had cases and cases of matzoh ball soup mix. I was like what’s the deal with the matzoh ball soup? Is my son always sick? And she said… And I do love this… Oh, these are a delicacy from my country. And I was like, yeah —  you see that language there? That’s Hebrew. These are a delicacy of my people.And speaking of matzoh ball soup, it is also one of Joan Nathan‘s favorite dishes. The minute she smells it, it brings her back to a specific place in time in her new fantastic memoir and cookbook My Life in Recipes: Food, Family, and Memories. Now I am bringing on this prolific writer, cookbook author, and James Beard Award winner — oh and IACP award winner — I mean who better to talk about how our ancestors' trials and tribulations affect what winds up on our tables than Joan Nathan?But first, Malki Karkowsky, Chief Advancement Officer here at the Museum. Malki is one of the reasons the Deli exhibit is here and has received so much support from the Deli community.Okay! Let’s get on with the show:Joan Nathan is the author of twelve books, including Jewish Cooking in America and The New American Cooking, both of which won both the James Beard Award and the IACP Award, and King Solomon’s Table, which won an IACP Award and a Gourmand World Cookbook Award. She is a frequent contributor to The New York Times and other publications. She lives in Washington, DC, but her heart belongs in Martha's Vineyard. And I am so thrilled to have her with me today to talk about EVERYTHING.Listen to the full episode here, or watch it all here. 

And welcome back to another episode of Industry Night. If you join me on YouTube, you will see I am in a new location this wee, and for the next four weeks, and a little excited about it. Back in September, I was here at the Capital Jewish Museum for a sit down with the team to talk exhibits, architecture, and programming. And speaking of programming, the Capital Jewish Museum has this fantastic new exhibit, “I'll Have What She's Having: The Jewish Deli”. It explores how American Jews imported traditions, adapted, and built community through the experience of food. The Jewish deli forged an entirely new American cuisine by combining Central and Eastern European dishes with ingredients abundantly available in the United States.  Growing up in NJ, my dad went to the Mark's Deli in Morristown every Sunday to pick up bagels, lox, and all the smoked fish — we had a feast every Sunday for brunch, and it was one of my favorite meals!I'm so grateful that the Capital Jewish Museum has invited me back for a full month to host Industry Night. I have some amazing guests coming in the next few weeks, including Joan Nathan, Michael Weissman, Beresovsky's Deli, and more. And wait until I tell you about today's panel. So, I became friendly with Zero Waste's Stephanie Miller when she joined me on Foodie & The Beast — a couple of times — she does such amazing work in the sustainability/food waste space. During our last time together, she gave me all the people she thought I should have on the show, and I was like, "Let's do a panel on Food Waste." So, thanks to Stephanie for bringing this incredible group together. I'll be chatting with:Stephanie Miller of Zero Waste in DCClaudia Fabiano of the U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyBen Parry from Compost CrewRachael Jackson, creator of Eat or TossAll are joining me … but first, Where I've Been:NYC Trip — Suffs the Broadway show, Pastis, Cafe Carmellini, Modern at Moma & CIA Gala afterpartyL'Avante GardeKyojinAventinoSilver Lyan — Paola Velez's new book Bodega BakesOkay on to the show, kicking off with Maura Scanlon of the Capital Jewish Museum.Food Waste. I see it everywhere in my line of work. At restaurants and the massive events - the galas and fundraisers - that I attend, but I also see it in my day-to-day life. Stopping at a Starbucks or the food I let spoil in my fridge. Aside from the fact that so many people go without whole nutritious food, there's also what all that leftover food does when it rots in a landfill.  We all know that food waste is an issue, but maybe we don't know why or what we can do to solve it. Hello! Industry Night's Food Waste Panel!Dig in with us on the podcast, here, or watch it all on YouTube, here.

Hello, and welcome to another episode of Industry Night with me, Nycci Nellis. So it’s taken me a few days to get back into the thick of things after my trip to Barcelona — I don’t usually suffer from jet lag. And my sleeping and exercising were on target, but I have been loath to really go out and be about. BUT all of that is about to change, cause we are rolling into May in DC and boy is there a lot to do, eat, play  - so so much. And look where I am today. My current residency  is with Peter Chang’s Restaurants. You know Peter Chang? Once coined the restless chef — because area foodies would follow him all around the region to get one of his famous Sichuan dishes.  We are back in Chang Chang today, one of Chef’s most recent openings and the very first one in DC. Last week we talked with Lydia Chang about her family and their incredible story, from leaving China, to working at the Chinese Embassy, to staying here - now having over 16 restaurants. I’m so grateful to Lydia for making this residency happen, and in a bit I’ll be talking with Jen Lin-Liu, event director at Chang Chang. There is a massive catering arm of the restaurant — they do family style dinners and wine events here. Jen is going to fill us in on all of that. And then later in the show I am so excited to talk with today's guest.  I’ll be chatting with Jessica Powers — you know her as the style setting Publisher of DC Magazine. We are going to get into the story of how all those glossies came to DC and how DC Mag maintained its presence. I see food, fashion and party hopping chats in our future.But first - Where have I been?-I’ve been cooking — family in town — Chicken Saltimbocca, Lemon dressed Char, Chicken Provencal, Flourless chocolate cake-Ceibo — I popped into Ceibo, a spot that draws its inspiration from South America with a special focus on Uruguay. Brothers Manuel and Juan Oliveras have divvied up the duties, with Manuel offering his incredible experience in wine and hospitality in the front of the house, and in the back of the house, Chef Juan is serving his recently launched spring menu that features an incredible array of beautifully plated and tasty dishes-And Nobu — Yes that Nobu was in town.  I was literally eating out of his handsNot long after I launched TheListAreYouOnIt — the glossies came to town. DC Modern Luxury, DC Style, Capitol File … the city’s nightlife changed overnight with sexy parties and store openings. It was so much fun — now this is all pre Insta — but as social media picked up, so did the power of these publications. Now DC Style did not last long, and I’m not sure what went down with Cap File & DC — but I’ve got Jessica Powers Volz with me today. And we are going to talk about all the glitz and glamor. How is it that a magazine creates experiences that happen off the page?Watch the full episode here, or listen in here.

Welcome back to another episode of Industry Night. If you are joining me on YouTube, you can see I am in a new location this week (taking a break from the Peter Chang Family Restaurants where I will be back next week in their brand new location, Ni Hao). And have I mentioned yet that the month of May I’ll be recording at the Capital Jewish Museum? I am — they have a new exhibit on Deli Culture - I’ll Have What She's Having - and they are hosting Industry Night there for the month. AND THEN — I’ll be out at Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane for the month of June. I’m just a tad excited about all these amazing people and places who are hosting Industry Night - including where I am now. So today we are at the Urban Grape in Shaw. The Urban Grape is one of the country’s most successful independently owned wine stores, recently opened in DC, and is America’s largest certified Black-owned beverage retailer. They thoughtfully curate wine, beer, and spirits with an emphasis on representation for diverse makers, regions, and varieties. I’ll be talking to old friend, Kat Dean AND THEN — I am so excited. Every year, for the last 5 years? I have had the pleasure of having the Napa Valley Vintners & Napa Valley Winemakers on my show. Such an amazing opportunity to talk to the makers, the farmers, the producers and get an insider look on the nature of the wine business, what is going into the bottle at this moment, what are the pressing issues that are affecting their businesses, and…what are they pouring into my glass right now?!Michelle NoviCounsel and Sr. Director of Industry RelationsNapa Valley VintnersKellie DuckhornGeneral ManagerBaldacci Family VineyardsMalek AmraniFounder & WinemakerThe Vice WinesAre all joining me … but first Where I’ve Been:- WHCD Party at the National Women’s Museum - thanks to DC Magazine- Casa Teresa- Cranes x Crimson Lane Wines- WineLair - new and improved- Quick round trip to Philly to revisit Royal Izakaya Listen to the episode here, or watch it all on YouTube, here.

Thanks for  joining me again on the latest Industry Night. I’ve been traveling the last few weeks, so I am excited to be back on air with my new residency. The next few weeks I’ll be hanging out in some of Peter Chang’s Restaurants. You know Peter Chang? Once coined the restless chef — because area foodies would follow him all around the region to get one of his famous Sichuan dishes. This week I am starting off in Chang. Chang, one of chef’s most recent openings, and the very first one in DC. Peter Chang and his family have such an incredible story, from leaving China, to working at the Chinese Embassy to staying here with his family and now having over 16 restaurants. I’m so grateful to chef’s daughter and business partner, Lydia Chang, for inviting me into her fantastic restaurants to record the show and share her family’s journey. I will be talking to Lydia in just a sec and then later in the show I am so excited to talk with today's guest, Kathy Jentz, editor/publisher of Washington Gardener. I mean hello people, it's planting season! Who better to help our garden’s grow than Kathy?But first .. where have I been traveling?- Barcelona- James Beard Finalists Announcements here in DC at the Waldorf- Lunch at Bazaar- Dinner at Cucina Morini- AlfredaListen in to the full episode here, or watch it all unfold here. 

Hey all, and thanks for joining me again. Delighted to be here for my last in-person show at Tony & Joe's. I am so grateful to Greg Casten and his team here for supporting my work and hosting this show, which requires work. The team needs a space to set up, turn the music down, and allow for good light. I always need a massive amount of hot water and tea, and everyone here at Tony & Joe's is always so accommodating! Hospitality is alive and well here. As I have mentioned on every show here — once patio season starts — Tony & Joe's is one of the go-to patios in D.C. Get here early on a nice day if you want prime seating on the sparkling Potomac water, watching the boats go by. So special thanks, as always, to Greg Casten for being such a tremendous supporter of me, this show, and my work.Later in the show, I'll be chatting with the mayor of nightlife — Salah Czapary. How does one become a Mayor of nightlife, and what is it that they do? 'Cause to this aging club girl, it sounds like a dream gig. But it can't all be house music and shots, right? I think Salah will burst my bubble and tell me there's none of that. Salah has a fascinating background; he is a D.C. native and the son of immigrants. He spent over a decade leading community outreach initiatives and engaging with the nightlife community — he is a former D.C. police officer, and he did run as a candidate for Ward 1's D.C. Council seat — but did not make it over the finish line. But all things happen for a reason, right?But first a little on where I've been: Brunch at Anju on Sunday. So I don't usually go to brunch because I'm out for so many lunches and dinners. Anju might change me. Black Garlic Caesar, the horseradish bloody Mary, and my favorite dish that I am not going to try to pronounce, but let me explain it- chewy rice cakes like gnocchi, smothered in mozzarella with a hint of spicy tomato sauce — has my name all over it. I joined Parisian journalist Marine Sanclemete at the top of the Pendry Hotel at The Wharf for beautiful views, snacks of sushi and chatted D.C. She is doing a 10 page spread for Le Figaro Magazine. Her photographer, Eric took a bunch of photos, who knows! Maybe I'll be a hit in Paris? Stopped by the Latvian Embassy - cause that's what you do when you live in D.C. — for Micaehle Weissman's book launch - The Rye Bread Marriage. A wonderful book about rye bread and marriage. Really.Okay, enough about me. On October 18, 2018 Mayor Bowser signed the "Office and Commission of Nightlife Establishment Act of 2017," establishing the District's first Office of Nightlife and Culture. The role was previously held by good friend Shawn Townsend, now the head of RAMW and then Solana Vander Nat. Aside from taking care of our city nightlife - you should know that Salah is a graduate of the Metropolitan Police Academy; he completed a Fellowship in Innovative Policing at Georgetown Law Center, the Program for Excellence in Municipal Management through George Washington University, AND he is completing his Master's Degree in Homeland Security and National Defense at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. So he is busy.So excited to chat D.C. living with Salah - listen to the full conversation here, or watch the entire episode, here.

Hey All, and thanks for joining me again. It was patio season and no…now it isn't. This is spring in DC. One day it’s sunny and 70 and one day it’s sunny and 30. ANYWAY. The ridiculous weather doesn’t take away my excitement from taping this month’s show at Tony & Joe’s. I am down on the sparkling Potomac water, watching the boats go by. This is a so “if you know you know” situation. Tony and Joe’s has one of the best patios in DC with views of the Kennedy Center. As I have said, once the weather hits an acceptable temperature, find me out on that patio with a tray of fresh shucked oysters and a glass of rose. Thanks as always to Greg Casten for being such a tremendous supporter of me, this show, and the work that I do.Later in the show, I’ll be chatting with Mary Taylor of Mary Taylor wines. For the span of her professional life, she has been active in all aspects of the wine industry, whether selling high-end French and Italian wines at the Sotheby’s auction, opening a retail store in lower Manhattan, serving as the president of a Tri-state area wholesale company, or working as a portfolio manager for a major distributor covering the entire United States. Fast forward to now and Mary Taylor Wine is the largest self-funded female wine importer in the United States. If you don’t know Mary Taylor - you are about to…Listen to the podcast interview here, or watch the full episode here.