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.
I have a new Residency! I'm down at Buzzards Point, the new sparkling development wedged between the Wharf and Navy Yard — this is The Point DC. For the next month, the good people of Fish & Fire Group, aka Greg Casten, are hosting Industry Night in their pretty fabulous property. And I am grateful and excited! So, if you don't know, the Point is the Winner of the Restaurant Development & Design Magazine Award for "Best Restaurant Design," The Point has a glorious outdoor patio ideally situated where the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers join — talk about picturesque and panoramic views. But just because the views are fab — what about the food — right? The Point features a 12-foot wood-infused grill and a dedicated raw bar/sushi bar, so yes, locally sourced oysters are shucked to order.
The man, the myth, the legend — Greg Casten — the owner of the Point pops in for a little how do you do.
You pay attention to my insta feed, you know I have been out and about:
-Caruso's at Pike & Rose - Matt Adler does it again
-Dear Sushi in the Love Makoto - Oh Ma Kase
-Chefs For Equlaity - Another blowout event
-Daru
-Maketto
As a regular listener of this show, you know I love to travel. Love it. But making all the decisions is a little overwhelming! When I was a less seasoned traveler, I had done all this research and made all these reservations — it was so stressful — and when I arrived at our hotel, the concierge, Franco, greeted us, sat us down, and asked what our plans were. I took out my book, and he looked at me and said — may I help you here? I was like, PLEASE. He tore through our itinerary, took places out, added places in, and streamlined our trip. It was fantastic! He then let us in on a little secret: whenever you travel and wherever you travel, stay at a hotel that values the concierge's expertise. And since that moment, when selecting a hotel to stay in, I do just that, which got me thinking. I've been in the hospitality business for over 30 years, and I have worked with some of the best in our region. The concierge can really provide you with a stellar trip if you know how to WORK with them wisely. So today's class is a concierge 101
In with me today are two very visible concierges in the DC Area: Leslie Valtin, Lead Concierge from the St. Regis & Jeffrey Morgan, Chef Concierge Conrad — we all go way back. Both Jeff and Leslie took different paths to become the experts that they are today, but here is what they both have in common — They are generous souls, thoughtful problem solvers, and convey hospitality in all that they do. They are both past presidents of the WACA and members of Les Clefs d'Or — let's get an education.
Quotes
"We crafted this restaurant with a powerful message in mind: strength. Despite its previous emptiness, it now stands as a symbol of our unwavering determination and unwavering resilience.”- Greg Casten
"Javier believed in my potential, seeing my means, personality, and chef industry connections. Transitioning from F and B to concierge was a natural and exciting leap for me." - Jeffrey Morgan
We work closely with hospitality high schools in DC, providing placement and education opportunities to help these young individuals thrive in the world of hospitality." - Leslie Valtin
Guest Social Media Links
Greg Casten
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castengregory/
Leslie Valtin:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/leslval/
Jeff Morgan:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jeffrey.r.morgan/
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
05:43 - Tony, Joe's, and Herb Miller: Unveiling a Visionary Connection
09:03 - Insights from a Conversation with Greg
12:21 - From Overseas Trip Stress to Concierge Savior
13:17 - Misunderstood Expertise: The Generosity of Two Professional Concierges
18:13 - Javier's Offer: The Path to Becoming a Concierge
20:16 - Job Fair Success: Navigating the Journey to a Concierge Position
23:34 - Letters Before Arrival: The Personal Touch of Luxury Hotels
25:47 - Chefs' Joining Forces: The Truth Behind Misinformation and Recommendations
31:21 - Promoting DC: Ambassadors Showcasing the City's Offerings
34:42 - Breaking Barriers: Reaching Young People in the Hospitality Industry
36:42 - A Generous Couple's In-Depth Discussion about DC's Nitty-Gritty Details
40:36 - City Spending and Must-See Recommendations
44:23 - Assistance at Your Fingertips: Contact the Concierge for Help
46:31 - Outro
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.
