Industry Night with Nycci Nellis

10 Episodes
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By: Nycci Nellis

Industry Night is the long-talk format radio show and podcast that brings you up close and personal with the trends and trendsetters across today’s diverse food, wine, spirits, brews and hospitality landscape. For in-depth insights and insider tips, join your host, Nycci Nellis, cohost of Foodie and the Beast, the DC area’s one and only food and wine variety show, and all the locally, nationally and globally renowned chefs, restaurateurs, cookbook authors, mixologists, somms, distillers, brewmasters, pit-masters and more that you’ll hear from on Industry Night.

The Quiet Rebellion of Nc’Nean Scotch Whisky
Today at 8:00 AM

I am back at Jackie for the last of my residency here. And it has been amazing. So grateful to Dmitri Chekaldin and his team for the tremendous hospitality!  Now today’s show — You all know I love a great story — especially when it’s poured into a glass.

Today’s guest brings us not just a story of Scotch whisky, but one of rebellion & innovation, — all bottled up on the rugged west coast of Scotland. Joining me is Chris Maybin, Nc’nean Distillery’s Head of Commercial and self-proclaimed Quiet Rebel — which, if you know Scotch, sounds a lot like a revolu...


Beer Business
04/24/2025

Hello everyone, and welcome back to Industry Night with Nycci Nellis!

I’m back out in Fabulous Fauquier—or as I love to say, Fauquier Fabulous! If you’ve been following along, you know this isn’t my first time out here. Over the last year, I’ve practically set up camp in this charming part of Virginia, thanks to the amazing partnerships I’ve formed with Laura Torpy and the countless inspiring conversations I’ve had with local changemakers.

We’ve explored agriculture and husbandry with Amanda Luhowiak of The Whole Ox, and enjoyed an unforgettable co...


Uuuuuuu … Mami, Kimono Mom in the Kitchen
04/17/2025

In this bonus episode of Industry Night, host Nycci Nellis welcomes Moe Yamada, known as Kimono Mom, to the studio. Moe shares her journey from being a geisha in Japan to becoming a culinary ambassador across the United States. As they prepare a katsu chicken sandwich together, Moe discusses her renowned umami sauce and its role in introducing Japanese flavors to American kitchens. Their conversation also explores Moe's experiences traveling in an RV with her family, connecting with her audience, and promoting Japanese cuisine nationwide. Join Nycci and Moe for an insightful discussion that blends cultural perspectives, practical cooking tips...


Making Room At The Table
04/10/2025

On this episode of Industry Night, I’m back at the serious art-flecked Jackie in the Navy Yard. And, I am  sitting down with two dynamic women who are making waves in the hospitality and food space — Nina Oduro and Ehime Eigbe.

Nina Oduro is the co-founder of Dine Diaspora and Black Women in Food, organizations dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the voices of Black women in the food industry. Through curated experiences, storytelling, and community-building, Nina has been instrumental in connecting culinary talent with opportunities for growth and recognition.

Ehime Eigbe is the found...


Wine Tariffs: Can We Swallow Them
04/03/2025

Welcome back to another episode of Industry Night! Today, we're tackling a pressing issue in the world of wine: tariffs. Join our host Nycci Nellis as she sits down with a panel of industry experts including Erik Segelbaum, Vanessa Cominsky, Michael Scaffidi, and Brent Kroll. We'll explore how these tariffs could impact not just wineries and distributors, but also your favorite restaurants and the contents of your glass. From the intricacies of the three-tier system to the broader economic implications, we'll break down what you need to know. Whether you're a casual wine drinker or an industry insider, this conversation...


A Taste of Medellín in DC
03/27/2025

Picture a kitchen where every dish echoes the rich traditions of Colombia’s culinary heritage. Nycci Nellis has been expanding her residencies across the city—starting today at Ellen’s, next week at Jackie, and then in Fauquier—bringing engaging conversations with exceptional guests to her audience.

Recently, Nycci spent time in Medellín, Colombia, staying at the luxurious El Cielo Hotel. Her mornings in the vibrant Provenza neighborhood led to memorable culinary experiences, including:
Exploring Colombian agriculture at a stunning chrysanthemum farmTasting aromatic coffees on a local coffee farmDiscovering the craftsmanship behind Colombian spiritsEnjoying exceptional meals prepared...


There's Nothing Like a Dame
03/20/2025

Welcome to Industry Night. A few months ago, Ellen Yin shared her journey with us, highlighting her High Street Hospitality Group, including A. Kitchen + Bar, Fork, and High Street Restaurant & Bakery. Now, Ellen, along with Chef Eli Collins and Diana Kendrick, has invited me to join them for a new residency at A. Kitchen + Bar in the Aka Hotel, Washington Circle. Throughout the year, I’ll be hosting four shows from this vibrant location, engaging with the team and exploring their latest initiatives.

Celebrating Women in the DMV This March

As March unfolds, we honor National Wo...


Making Pizza With Award-Winning Pizzaiolo, Giulio Adriani
03/13/2025

Welcome to Industry Night, hosted by Nycci Nellis. This week, we feature Giulio Adriani, an accomplished pizzaiolo who has significantly influenced the pizza scene in Italy and the United States. As a Guinness World Record holder and founder of acclaimed restaurants in New York and DC, Giulio has introduced innovative techniques, including flash-fried Neapolitan pizza.

In this episode, we explore Giulio's journey from his upbringing in Rome and training in his grandmother's kitchen to his emergence as a leading pizza expert. We discuss the essential elements that make a pizza exceptional, examine various styles such as New York...


Indulgence Meets Nourishment
03/06/2025

Welcome to Industry Night. I'm Nycci Nellis, and today we highlight two chefs transforming Washington D.C.'s culinary landscape. At Jackie in the Navy Yard, Chef Domenico Cornacchia leverages his experience from Café Milano to create menus that resonate with a diverse, younger audience, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and value-driven offerings.

Joining him is Chef Johanna Hellrigl of Ama, an all-day dining establishment focused on sustainability and health-conscious cuisine. Drawing from her family's legacy in Michelin-starred restaurants, Johanna has developed a restaurant that prioritizes regenerative ingredients and fosters a sense of community.

This episode delves into h...


Industry Thought Leaders Panel in Union Market District
02/27/2025

Industry Night with Nycci Nellis kicks off today from the heart of Union Market District, a neighborhood that has transformed remarkably over the past fifteen years. Nycci recalls a pivotal gathering where visionaries like Jodie McLean of EDENS envisioned a thriving food hall, setting the foundation for what is now DC’s Meatpacking District, complete with high-rises, vibrant restaurants, and bustling retailers.

In this episode, Nycci sits down with key figures shaping the culinary landscape:
Chef Edward Lee, recently honored with the James Beard Humanitarian of the Year award, discusses his non-profit Korean fine dining restaurant, Shia, an...