Foodie & The Beast: June 6, 2026

This week's Foodie & The Beast was one of those shows where every guest opened the door to a completely different world. It's the exact way to kick off a Sunday.

First up was Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and Responsibility.org. Chris joined us to talk about the current state of the spirits industry, consumer trends, and DISCUS' new Spirit Forward initiative celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Chris offered a fascinating look at one of the country's most dynamic industries.

Ready to sharpen your knife skills and elevate your home cooking? Kelly Singer, founder of the upcoming Georgetown's Skillette, talked about her innovative cooking school and culinary lifestyle house designed for serious home cooks and aspiring culinary pros alike. Kelly is creating a space where learning and community come together around food.

Then things got a little wild!

Chef Daniel Perron, owner of Fredericksburg's acclaimed Locavore Restaurant, and Gabrielle Cerberville, better known to many as Chaotic Forager or Mushroom Auntie, took us into the fascinating world of foraging. We talked mushrooms, edible plants, patience, safety, and the incredible connection that happens when you learn to see the natural world through a different lens.

Hospitality is constantly evolving, and William Grace, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Hotel at Arundel Preserve, joined us to explain how hotels are thinking beyond traditional events and overnight stays. Today's hospitality world is increasingly focused on creating memorable moments rather than simply providing a place to sleep.

And because no Foodie & The Beast show is complete without something delicious in our glasses, we welcomed back Happy Endings Hospitality CEO Tuyet Nhi Le and NUE Beverage Director Kevin Lim from NUE Vietnamese Restaurant in Falls Church. The pair shared and poured some of NUE's newest cocktail creations, showcasing the restaurant's elegant Vietnamese perspective on modern mixology and proving once again that some of the most exciting drinks in the region are being crafted right here in the DMV.

This week's show was a reminder that food is never just about what's on the plate. It's about the people, ideas, and experiences that bring us together.

Catch the replay and get ready to be inspired.