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.
Do you recognize where I am? I have to be honest, I cannot believe I am in the space that once housed Coco Sala. For those of you who remember, Coco Sala was love letter to chocolate in a variety of forms and this space was … chocolate-ly. But if you know who took over the space here in Penn Quarter, then you know I am in the greatly anticipated and just re-opened Moon Rabbit. Less than a year ago, we were all shocked when the original Moon Rabbit suddenly closed in the Wharf’s InterContinental Hotel. David and I, and our kids, the whole family loved the beautiful and delicious take on Vietnamese cuisine that Kevin Tien, Susan Bae and team were serving. We were heart broken and we were not alone.
And here we are! And I am not alone — because I have the team with me now!
Chef Kevin Tien
Pastry Chef Susan Bae
Chef Judy Beltrano
Bar Director Thi Nguyen
And oh we are going to get into all the things But First
So you know, I have been out and about —
-Beloved BBQ
-Cut
-Fairfax City Restaurant Week — I am your Restaurant Week Lady
-Mama Changs & The Wine Hour
-James Beard Long List aka Semi-Finalists alert!
-Centrolina
-Pastis - What is New in The Neighborhood
-Duck & The Peach
So I first met four-time James Beard Foundation semifinalist, 2023 RAMW Chef of the Year, Food and Wine Best New Chef 2018 Chef Kevin Tien when he was in the kitchen at Hitmitsu. But it wasn’t until he started coming into in the Foodie And The Beast studio that I really got to know him, his heart and his passion better. Pastry Chef Susan Bae joined him a few times and now I totally have a girl crush on her. Chef Judy Beltrano & Speed Rack finalist Bar Director Thi Nguyen round out his team here and I am so excited for them and this beautiful space, for me — because the Moon Rabbit is back.
Quotes
"In restaurants, we go beyond transactions and meals. We warmly welcome you into our home, embracing the true essence of hospitality."- Kevin Tien
"Through the fusion of our Southeast Asian roots, we craft a harmonious culinary experience that fulfills our creative vision."- Judy Beltrano
"We deconstructed and injected them with our unique spirit, transforming them into bittersweet beverages that tantalize and awaken the palate."- Thi Nguyen
"In pastry, balance is key. Adding a touch of saltiness is essential to create a well-rounded dessert." - Susan Bae
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
00:40 - DC Media Personality and Host of a Food Show
04:26 - Mama Chang's: A Must-Visit for Delicious Food
07:09 - Speed Rack Finalist and Exciting New Flavors
11:20 - Exploring the Evolution of Your Unique Cooking Journey
13:56 - Overcoming Loss and Rediscovering Motivation
18:49 - Crafting Complex and Layered Dishes, Similar to Art
21:19 - Refreshing Skills After College and Achieving Success
24:59 - From Passion for Cocktails to Pursuing Bartending
27:54 - Transitioning from Marketing to Healthcare Career
29:26 - Transforming Perceptions of Asian Food and Elevating Cuisine
34:09 - Exploring Hot Pot, Fish Meatballs, Collard Greens, and Ice Cream
35:43 - The Delightful Contrast of Flaky and Bouncy Textures
41:24 - Anticipation for Instagram-Worthy Desserts and Cocktails
44:23 - Fresh Herbs, Dipping Sauces, and Unique Drinks
46:40 - The Significance of Personal Connection and Appreciation in Hospitality
50:36 - Outro
Guests Social Media Links:
Instagram:
Moon Rabbit: ** **https://www.instagram.com/moonrabbitdc?igsh=MTJkbm83dHF2dzZmcQ==
Kevin Tien: https://www.instagram.com/chefkevintien?igsh=ZmFmbm1mNmJ1MXo=
Susan Bae: ** **https://www.instagram.com/susanbae?igsh=dndvejFkbm1hOGZo
Judy Beltrano:
https://www.instagram.com/genuinely_me.judy?igsh=MXg1NnhpazVtaTAwNQ==
Website: https://www.exploretock.com/moonrabbitbykevintien/
Featuring Nycci Nellis
https://www.instagram.com/nyccinellis/
https://www.thelistareyouonit.com/
Produced by Heartcast Media
http://www.heartcastmedia.com
Industry Night with 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.
