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.
All content for Industry Night with Nycci Nellis is the property of Nycci Nellis and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
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.
Hot Seat & Happy Pours: Industry Night × When You Just Want a Glass of Wine
Industry Night with Nycci Nellis
1 hour 24 minutes
1 month ago
Hot Seat & Happy Pours: Industry Night × When You Just Want a Glass of Wine
It’s hard when the mic turns on me—I’m wired to ask the questions. But today I’m in the hot seat for a special crossover: Industry Night × When You Just Want a Glass of Wine with Zena Polin & Renee Gentry. We’re recording on Historic 23rd Street at Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique, presented by the National Landing BID (cheers to a neighborhood that spans Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Potomac Yard and keeps raising the dining bar —> think Water Park vibes, new hits like Bar Colline, Bar Chinois on Crystal Drive, NiHao, Taqueria Xochi, Surreal, plus stalwarts like Beauty).
We’re toasting with Barboursville—a Fiano and a Nebbiolo—and swapping wine “a-ha” moments, DMV dining stories, and a few confessions. I learn more about Zena & Renee’s journeys, they pry out mine. Glasses up & let’s go.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction 00:44 - "Live Episode from National Landing" 09:58 - Growing Up Around Bars 15:47 - "Wine: Bringing People Together" 20:27 - Versatile Dining Preferences 26:25 - "Discovering Willamette's Chardonnay Delight" 28:20 - "Wine Trip & Family Memories" 33:21 - Engaged Wine Conversation Dynamics 38:47 - "From Cooking Classes to Online List" 46:43 - "Unexpected Wine Encounters" 48:28 - Customer Service and Flexibility 53:41 - Dining Conversations 58:52 - "Wine Club with Stories" 01:05:18 - "Drag Brunch and Chefs Event" 01:09:19 - "Protect and Support Our Communities" 01:16:56 - "Start with a Glass" 01:23:37 - Podcast Highlights & Event Info 01:24:32 - Outro
Quotes:
“Making a living from your passion is the dream—every day you wake up knowing you’re exactly where you belong.”- Nycci Nellis
“Wine shouldn’t be intimidating—it’s about bringing people together, sharing stories, and welcoming everyone into the club.”- Zena Polin
“Wine is the thread through our celebrations, stories, and connections—it brings us together wherever we are and whatever’s in our glass.”- Renee Gentry
“There’s an energy when a community transforms and grows—whether you’re exploring something new or rediscovering a familiar place, inspiration awaits right here.”- Madeline Long
Key Takeaways
Collaboration is Everything National Landing is on the Rise Wine Is for Everyone Stories Make Sips Special Say Yes to Adventure—Michelin Stars and Hidden Gems Hospitality is Human Advocate—and Celebrate!—Equality Cheers to Everyday Joy Know What You Love—But Stay Curious
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.
