Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’s show: · D.C’.s storied Mayflower Hotel is gearing up to celebrate its centennial with all sorts of special activities – and libations. Joe Nacci, the beverage director, and MaCauly Cacioppo, the food and beverage operations manager, join us; · Award-winning broadcaster Tommy McFly and his husband, brand marketing guru Chrys Kefalas. Along with their day jobs, these guys are ice cream entrepreneurs, and they’re in with tastes and talk of their Greek yo...
Jun 28, 2025•51 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’s show: · Carlos Delgado is the celebrated chef/owner of Peruvian restaurants Causa and Amazonia in Blagdon Alley. Last Monday, Chef Carlos won a 2025 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic. He's the only D.C. area chef to win a James Beard Award this year and he’s in with us to tell you all about it;. · Meg Schiffman, co-founder and CEO, the Farmside Kitchen, serving up Americana-style greens and grain bowls that are made from scratch and packed...
Jun 21, 2025•50 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’s show: · Jo-Jo Valenzuela, executive chef/ managing partner at Tiki on 18th, a unique cocktail bar that blends Polynesian and Filipino cultures in original cocktails and tiki classics, all complemented by Filipino food favorites; · Leah Culley, founder and head pastry chef of Sweet Almond French macarons; · Fatema Issa, general manager and managing partner of Vera Cocina & Bar, where the menu is a tribute to the unexpected connection between Lebano...
Jun 07, 2025•50 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’s show: · Carol D’Agostino, the Main Street manager for Centreville, on Maryland Crafted, an event formerly known as DrinkMaryland, featuring 40 Free State makers of wine and other alcoholic beverages; · Kiernan Slater, owner and manager of Slater Run Vineyards in Upperville , Virginia, on celebrating 10 years in business; · Nick Pimentel, co-owner, and Tyson Barrett, executive chef, Restaurant Elle in D.C.’s Mount Pleasant, one of the city’s great eate...
May 31, 2025•50 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’ show: · We talk about the ICE raids on Washington, D.C. restaurants with Jessica Sidman, food editor for Washingtonian magazine; · Avalon Oona Haas is the Mid-Atlantic regional sales manager for the Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, founded many moons ago by our friends Scott and Becky Harris. We’ll be sipping Catoctin Creek Rye in a range of libations and, if you’re lucky, telling you all about it; · Jon Krinn is the chef/owner at Elyse, a 30-seat “c...
May 10, 2025•53 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’ show: · · Sixteen years ago, who knew that Fatima and Omar Popal would rise to become two of DC’s most prominent restaurateurs? Back then, their now-legendary Café Bonaparte was just finding its way. Today, the Popal Group’s celebrated restaurants include Lapis, Pascual, Lutece and Lapop, three of which are 2025 RAMMY nominees. Their beverage director, Suzy Critchlow, a home run hitter in her own right, is in with the 411 on their RAMMY nominations, ne...
May 05, 2025•50 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’ show: · There's a cherry blossom-themed cocktail competition coming your way, sponsored by High Road Spirits Importers. In with the details is Jennifer Nellis, the Mid-Atlantic market manager for High Road Spirits, and competition finalists John Cooper, the general manager at D.C.’s Vagabond Kitchen & Bar and the bar manager at Prost, Lucy Valenti, the bar manager at the Residents Café & Bar, and Kevin Cornejo, the beverage director at Mita; · ...
Apr 05, 2025•51 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’ show: · The recent RAMW member survey looking into rising costs due to federal workforce cuts and related customer traffic declines has really gotten people's attention. Shawn Townsend, president and CEO of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, joins us to talk about the state of the business in our region;. · A family-owned and -run business, Loew Vineyards is the fourth oldest winery in Maryland, producing award-winning dry wines and me...
Mar 29, 2025•51 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’ show: · Inspired by Oscar Wilde, Wilde Irish Gin is distilled by Ireland’s first female master distiller. Billy Ray, Wilde Irish Gin’s brand director, and Lathan Kornegay, the brand ambassador, are in with tastes and talk of Wilde Irish Gin; · Just opened in Logan Circle by the owners of Wunder Garten in NoMa, the Barrel House promises to be a bar and dining experience you’ll not soon forget. Founders Biva Ranjeet and Chris Lynch are in with details ab...
Mar 15, 2025•55 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’ show: · Dan Ziegler, founder of the Chacho Distillery in Takoma Park, with his special take on Colombian aguardiente; · Dani Mathey , COO of the 801 Restaurant Group, which has opened its first East Coast restaurant, the 801 Chophouse in Tysons Corner; · Moe Yamada, also known as the Kimono Mom. She is a former maiko (apprentice geisha) turned YouTuber, entrepreneur, and mother. Through her global platform, she shares the beauty of Japanese home cookin...
Mar 08, 2025•50 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’ show: · There’s been a lot of talk about tariffs on a range of imported goods – some think that’s a good thing, and others think it’ll harm many sectors of the economy. Since we’re a food and wine show, we want to focus on how wine tariffs could cause disruption and harm to our favorite restaurants and bars. · In today for a spirited roundtable discussion are esteemed panel members, all of whom come from the world of wine. · Joining us are names you kn...
Mar 01, 2025•50 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’ show: · The Plant Magic Bottle Shop at the Union Market is a wonder. Owner Anahata Sabat has a shop filled with functional mocktails that uplift, revitalize, enhance connection and elevate your mood, all without the hangover; · One of our favorite chefs, Neal Wavra, also is a wine expert. Neal is the proprietor, chef and sommelier of the fabulous Field & Main Restaurant in Marshall, Virginia and CEO of the Red Truck Bakery across the street. Neal’s...
Feb 22, 2025•55 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’ show: · Bar Betsie wants to be your new rooftop home away from home cocktail bar in the Union Market District. It's prepping for a March opening. We’ll have tastes and talk of Bar Betsie with owners JP Sabatier, Ralph Brabham and Drew Porterfield, and bar manager Courtney Taylor; · If you love oysters, the King Street Oyster Bar has loads of ‘em. Founder Rick Allison is in with news about growth, success and how he selects and brings in fresh oysters f...
Feb 15, 2025•50 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’ show: · U.S. Navy vet Mark McLaughlin is a co-founder of Baltimore’s Old Line Spirits, a second-generation veteran-owned distillery. Old Line is one of the oldest producers of American single malt whiskey, which has just become the first new category of whiskey to be recognized by the U.S. government in over 50 years; · Gus May, co-owner of La Tejana, a Tex-Mex breakfast taco shop in Mount Pleasant, joins us. More than 30 million egg-laying chickens ha...
Feb 08, 2025•52 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’ show: · If you don’t know how nationally prominent Virginia wines are … wake up! Leah Papadopoulos Constable , a third-generation descendant of Old World winemakers, is the operations and production manager at her family’s vineyard and winery, Molon Lave, in Warrenton. She’s got a great story to tell – and wines to sip – and we’re gonna get into both; · Michael Schlow is one of the most influential and respected chef/restaurateurs in America today and ...
Feb 01, 2025•50 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’s show: A roundtable discussion about the latest news and trends shaping the local food scene, with: · Tom Sietsema, The Washington Post's food critic since 2000; · Jessica Sidman, who covers the people and trends behind D.C.’s food and drink scene. Before joining the Washingtonian in July 2016, she was a food editor and columnist at the Washington City Paper; · Nevin Martell, a D.C.-based food, travel, culture and parenting writer, a recipe developer a...
Jan 28, 2025•51 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’s show: · Tahmina Ghaffer, the vice-president of operations and marketing at Paraíso, Capitol Hill’s Mexican taqueria, has us sipping primo mezcal; · The co-owners of Daru, Executive Chef Suresh Sundas and Beverage Director Dante Datta, are taking us from the traditional Indian cuisine they are serving in Northeast D.C. to their new spot, Tapori, which will offer some of the delicious street food of India; · The Lunar New Year is upon us Wednesday, Jan....
Jan 18, 2025•50 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’s show: · Clyde Davis, general manager and investor in Housebar, the very cool beer, spirits and wine store dedicated to elevating the home entertainment experience. Clyde has just opened its second location, in Georgetown; · Shawn Townsend is president and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. He’s in with a 2025 forecast of new dining experiences, news about Winter Restaurant Week, what to expect across the local dining scene a...
Jan 11, 2025•52 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’s show: · When it comes to world-class sparkling, there's a world of choices outside of Champagne. Jill Erber, owner of Cheesetique, the wine and cheese shop and restaurant, leads us through the sparkling landscape of bubbly American wines; · Nobu easily is the most famous sushi restaurant in the world. But, aside from Chef Nobu himself, there are other world talents at their many locations who make Nobu what it is today. For several years here in DC, t...
Dec 21, 2024•52 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’s show: · What happens when dueling “frenemy” bartenders with Michelin-starred resumes finally team up to open a cocktail lounge and vinyl record bar in Dupont Circle? Success! Will Patten and Devin Kennedy are in with tastes and talk of what they’re pouring at their new hit spot, Dupont Circle’s Press Club; · James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Ellen Yin is founder and co-owner and Eli Collins is executive chef with the High Street Hospitality Group...
Dec 07, 2024•52 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’s show: · If America ever needed a stiff drink, it’s now. Fortunately, Prohibition is dead and gone. Celebrating its demise, the D.C. Bar Guild's 15th Annual Repeal Day Ball is Sunday, Dec. 7. Prestige Ledroits’ Wine and Spirits Specialist Vanessa Cominsky is in with Giovanni Maramis from Vagabond and Britt Fox from Cotton & Reed to provide all the details and mix up some of the cocktails they’ll be serving at the event; · The word “makan” means “to...
Nov 16, 2024•52 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’s show: · Alfreda’s pizzas are all about fresh, local ingredients. And we’re gonna talk about that, but … Alfreda chef Russell Blue Smith – you know him from Wolfgang Puck’s Source and the Black Restaurant Group – is joined today by his colleague, Evan Moore, whom you’ll know from Puck’s Cut, for tastes and talk of Alfreda’s cocktail program. Mezcal cocktails and pizza? En espanol and in italiano, we say, “si;” · If you’re in the know, you know that Nat...
Nov 09, 2024•53 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’s show: · The Tabard Inn is the oldest continuously operating inn in Washington D.C. opening its doors in 1922. Old in years but definitely au courant, the Inn is a lively dining destination thanks to Executive Chef Matthew Zafrir, who won Washington City Paper’s 2024 award for best chef in D.C. Joining us today is his beverage director, Dominik Lenikowski, with tastes and talk of the Tabard Inn’s cocktail program; · Mitsitam means “let's eat!” in the N...
Nov 02, 2024•50 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’s show: · Petar Zivkovic, assistant general manager at Nina May, who also contributes to the creation of the bar program, and Maret School alum Colin McClimans, owner/chef of Nina May, Opal and the soon-to-be-opened Elena James in Chevy Chase Lake; · The 20 th annual Capital Food Fight benefiting the DC Central Kitchen is Nov. 7 at The Anthem. The event is a total foodie fantasy, from great eats and drinks to celeb chef encounters as they battle it out ...
Oct 26, 2024•50 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. Join us for our 16 th anniversary show. We started in October 2008 as “Dishing It Out.” On today’s show: · RAMMY winner, 2018 Food & Wine Sommelier of the Year, the genius entrepreneur behind D.C.’s Maxwell, Pop and Trouble Bird, and the boy wine wonder who became a Continental man about town on this show, wine guy Brent Kroll is with us. He’s pouring bubbly and other good stuff to help us celebrate the start of our 17 th year on air; · Chefs for Equality fo...
Oct 19, 2024•52 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’s show: · Taste of Bethesda is back Saturday, Oct. 5. Stephanie Coppula, The director of marketing and communications for the Bethesda Urban Partnership is in with the details, and she’s brought along Julio Mejia from the Cubanos Restaurant to mix up some tasty cocktails as well as return guest Molly Gibson from Rooted3 with the veggie-based drinks we love; · Pepe Moncayo is the executive chef at Cranes and the new Arrels. That word "roots" in Catalan a...
Sep 28, 2024•52 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’s show: · Jason Murray, winemaker, viticulturist and owner of Arterra Wines. We’re getting tastes of what Jason and his team call true Virginia wines; · It’s ShuckIt time again! Everyone’s favorite beer and oyster festival on the Potomac is coming up again on October 19, 2024 at Tony and Joe’s Seafood. Greg Casten and Dave Pera are in with ShuckIt details. And, Greg has news about a new dining hotspot-to-be, The Strand, coming soon to D.C.’s Deanwood ne...
Sep 21, 2024•50 min
Hosted by David Nellis. On today’s show: · Lou Bernard heads up the cocktail program at Mita, a plant-based Latin American restaurant, and runs Noches del Caribe, a pop-up celebrating Afro-Latin culture; · Rosemary Suggs-Evans is director of D.C’s Department of Small and Local Business Development. She spends her days advocating for the small business community looking to support, grow, and retain District-based businesses while promoting economic development in the city's commercial corridors. ...
Sep 14, 2024•57 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’s show: · Sam Nellis of Silver Lyan, a man who needs no introduction from a cocktail bar that needs no introduction; · Lilani Dunn of the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA), a nonprofit organization that represents the 8,000 fishermen who harvest the world's largest wild sockeye salmon run; · Yvette Williams and Chef Troy Williams, respectively, the director and culinary coordinator of the Careers through Culinary Arts Program...
Aug 24, 2024•51 min
Hosted by David and Nycci Nellis. On today’s show: · Janon Costley, one of the founders of Shinju Whisky, is with us. Shinju means "pearl" in Japanese and symbolizes something precious and rare, which this, the first Black-founded and -led Japanese whisky company surely is; · Apapacho is the new taqueria at Union Market’s La Cosecha. It’s the brainchild of the husband-and-wife team of Chef Alam Mendez and Pastry Chef Elisa Reyna, who offer their take on a vibrant and authentic taste of Mexican s...
Aug 17, 2024•52 min
