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.
Welcome to Industry Night. I'm Nycci Nellis, and today we highlight two chefs transforming Washington D.C.'s culinary landscape. At Jackie in the Navy Yard, Chef Domenico Cornacchia leverages his experience from Café Milano to create menus that resonate with a diverse, younger audience, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and value-driven offerings.
Joining him is Chef Johanna Hellrigl of Ama, an all-day dining establishment focused on sustainability and health-conscious cuisine. Drawing from her family's legacy in Michelin-starred restaurants, Johanna has developed a restaurant that prioritizes regenerative ingredients and fosters a sense of community.
This episode delves into how these chefs balance rich Italian traditions with modern dining trends, offering valuable insights for food enthusiasts, aspiring chefs, and advocates of sustainable practices. Join me, Nycci Nellis, as we explore the innovative approaches shaping D.C.'s dining future.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction 00:15 - Culinary Adventures Around Town 05:30 - "Ama: Where Indulgence Meets Nourishment" 08:50 - From Democracy to Culinary Diplomacy 11:09 - Culinary Journey: From Feasts to Career 13:36 - "Empathy and Leadership in Restaurants" 18:59 - Espresso Myth: Not Stronger Caffeine 22:07 - Unplugged Relaxation at Ama Restaurant 23:40 - "Celebrating Italian and Italian-American Cuisine" 27:03 - Mission-Driven Dining with Love 31:37 - Balancing Health and Social Eating 33:47 - "Inescapable Role of Plastic" 37:19 - Going Seed Oil Free? Here's Help 41:46 - Rancid Oils and Health Concerns 44:51 - Home-Cooked Benefits and Ama's Appeal 47:27 - Holistic Wellbeing Through Personal Choice 50:39 - Unconventional Business Attempt in Vegas 53:06 - "Relentless Chef Creativity" 58:57 - Italian Culinary Showcase Highlights 59:38 - "Join Industry Night Podcast" 58:27 - Outro
Key Takeaways:
A Journey Through Italian Heritage Rethinking Restaurant Culture Sustainability Practices Chef Domenico’s New Venture Community-Centric Dining Culinary Education and Empowerment
Quotes:
"Whether you're indulging in a delicious plate or enlightening your mind with new stories, let every experience nourish you!"- Nycci Nellis
"If we do things from a place of love, only that will transpire. Let nourishment be a passion, not just a practice!"- Johanna Hellrigl
"Change is the essence of staying young and vibrant. So, embrace new beginnings and continue to create artistry on the plate!"- Domenico Cornacchia
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.
