FOODIE & THE BEAST: FEBRUARY 1, 2026

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.