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.
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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.
Industry Thought Leaders Panel in Union Market District
Industry Night with Nycci Nellis
57 minutes
8 months ago
Industry Thought Leaders Panel in Union Market District
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, and his initiative, LEE (Let’s Empower Employment), aimed at driving industry change.
Michael Rafidi, a James Beard Award recipient for Outstanding Chef, shares insights from his Michelin-starred Albi, the popular Yellow Bakeries, and his latest venture, La Chocron.
Andra ‘AJ’ Johnson, a James Beard Nominee and Managing Partner at Serenata, talks about her role in Black Restaurant Week, her upcoming book "White Plates, Black Faces," and her efforts with the Chef’s for Equality committee.
Together, they explore the current state of the hospitality industry, tackling critical issues such as sustainability, equitable practices, and the creation of inclusive dining experiences. This episode offers a compelling look into how culinary artistry intersects with social impact, driven by leaders who are redefining the way we eat, drink, and gather.
Join Nycci for an insightful discussion with the minds behind DC’s culinary revolution.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction 00:50 - Dinner of Visionaries in Shaw 03:35 - Culinary Conversations with Chef Edward Lee 07:08 - Starting Over: A Journey Rediscovered 12:42 - Women's Chefs Empowerment Initiative 15:10 - Sustainable Restaurant Think Tank 18:28 - Culinary Journey to Palestinian Roots 22:16 - From Childhood Cuisine to DC Culinary Scene 25:03 - Neighborhood Bistro-Bar Concept 27:34 - Chefs for Equality Leadership 30:52 - Effortless Appearance Misleads Effort 33:24 - Hospitality Diversity and Recognition Rise 42:22 - Bar Etiquette and Reciprocity 46:06 - Kitchen Culture and Media Misrepresentation 46:51 - Empowering Employees Amid Rude Customers 52:49 - Neighborhood Revival and Cultural Fusion 55:54 - "Industry Night Panel Highlights" 56:44 - Engaging with Thought Leaders 56:51 - Outro
Quotes:
"A restaurant is more than a meal—it's a creative experience that invites guests to return."- Edward Lee
"Sharing my childhood flavors turns cooking into a journey of discovery and storytelling."- Michael Rafidi
"Building connections and empowering everyone creates a welcoming, inclusive environment."- Andra "AJ" Johnson
Key Takeaways:
The Neighborhood and Visionaries James Beard Award Discussion The Lee Initiative The Concept and Goals of Shia Yellow - Bakery and Casual Concept La Chocron Discussion The Concept and Impact of Serenata The Role of the Neighborhood Future Look and Highs for the Year
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.
