March marks the celebration of Women’s History Month, a time when we commemorate the role of women in history and the women in the hospitality Industry. During the pandemic women chefs, restaurateurs and makers twisted and swiveled and then turned to each other to keep their businesses afloat. Enter Regarding Her. On the next Industry Night, Nycci speaks with Regarding Her founders, Sylvie Gabriele and Dina Samson about the LA organization that has now spread its wings to DC. Local board members, Joy Crump and Fiona Lewis shed light on the new growth and the 14 days of RE: Her events.

Recycling is confusing. Compost. Reusable bags. No straws. Want to live a less wasteful life but feel that you’re failing miserably? Help is on the way! Author of Zero Waste Living, the 80/20 Way, Stephanie Miller joins Nycci Nellis on Industry Night to help all of us do better. And, Love Local is back to provide funding for National Landing restaurants and small businesses. Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, National Landing BID fill us in. Industry Night with Nycci Nellis, 7pm on Real Fun DC.

On the next Industry Night, Nycci makes sure that love remains in the air and retains its post-Valentine’s Day luster with author, Christine DeLozier and her book, Diet for Great Sex. And, Heather Clancy & Paul Caris both with Grace O’ Malley Spirits zoom in from Ireland to talk Irish Whiskey, Irish Gin, and the amazing story behind Grace O’ Malley

A computer that predicts what wine you will like? Yep! Katerina Axelsson, founder & CEO of Tastry, a California sensory science company that predicts how consumers will perceive any product you can taste or smell joins Nycci Nellis along with Sommelier/Wine Steward at Vons Grocery, Hillary Klein and Alexandre Remy Managing Partner/Winemaker at Atlas Wine Co for a deep dive on the science of making and drinking wine. Industry Night at 7pm on Real Fun DC

Being a model sounds fabulous. But not every pretty face becomes a model, creates a style aesthetic and becomes a sought-after stylist, and launches a modeling company, especially in DC. Joy Kingsley-Ibeh did all of that, truly the definition of an entrepreneur. But first, Nycci catches up with Chef Eric Adjepong who is taking time out of the kitchen to host Food Network's Alex vs America. Industry Night 7pm on Real Fun DC

Omicron is spreading like the highly transmissable virus that it is, restaurants are short staffed, and market shelves are not well-stocked. Uh who can use I drink? On the next Industry Night, Nycci talks with Sam Nellis (yes, they’re related) Beverage Director for All Purpose Pizza & Red Hen about getting on the dry-January bandwagon. Zero-proof cocktails, non-alcoholic beers & wines offer up more than you think. Just don’t call them mocktails.

On the first Industry Night of 2022 Nycci talks the absolute do’s of dining right now with Kathy Hollinger of the Restaurant Association of Metro Washington. And, all the way from Japan - seriously - Honkaku Spirits founder Christopher Pellegrini and Ambassador of Honkaku Spirits, Stephen Lyman provide a Japanese Distillery education. Think you know koji-fermented shochu, awamori and whiskey? Class is in session.

Restaurants had to up their takeaway abilities. Now there are heating instructions, maybe you have to cook something a bit, plating ideas maybe there’s a video? All of this has become part of the “at home” experience. Enter Table 22 and their monthly meal subscriptions. On the next Industry Night, Sam Bernstein joins Nycci Nellis along with Grace Shea of Lebanese Taverna, Rob Sonderman of Federalist Pig, and Antonio Matarazzo, Stellina. Talk about a gift that could give all year long. But first, the mystical Deb Schaffer of Enchanted Botanicals helps us clear and reset for a brilliant 2022. Industry Night, Tuesdays at 7pm on Real Fun DC

The holiday season can be a time of pure gluttony. A glut of friends, family, food and food and food and all the festivities that are usually centered on food. And with all that excess, it is gobsmacking to believe that in this country there are many and of all ages who are in a struggle to access food. On the next Industry Night, Nycci brings in a panel of experts — Mike Curtin, Jr, of DC Central Kitchen, Christopher Bradshaw of Dreaming Out Loud and Kate Urbank Food Rescue — to talk Food Sovereignty, Systemic Issues, Food Waste, Access and how we answer the call to take care of each other. Industry Night, 7pm on Tuesday son Real Fund DC

They say it is better to give than to receive and on the next Industry Night Nycci helps make that a reality. Bart Yablonsky, owner of one of the last independent grocery stores in the DC Metro area, Dawsons Dupont & Rockville helped gather a group of local vendors - Sarah Dwyer of Choquette, Ekua DuFu of Natural Essentials and Chris Burns of Old Ox Brewing - who each have great stories and gifts for even the most difficult of recipients. But first, it is said, “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” Brian Duss explains how his organization World Vision is doing just that. Industry Night on Real Fun DC.

On the next Industry Night: Kosher dining -yes Kosher dining. Kosher is not a cuisine it is a way of observing and eating bu, you don’ have to be Jewish to enjoy the benefits of it. Chap Gage & Yehuda Malka of Schmaltz Bros give a Kosher 101 and the latest on their new concept, Hamakom. But first, Nycci gets naked - not really - but she does chat with Tanecia Britt & Kohn Glay creators of the visual art experience,

The Hill Center is a true gem in this city. A cultural and arts nonprofit that was disconnected from it’s community (like many others) during the height of the pandemic. What does a community center do when they can’t serve in their original capacity? They get creative! On the next Industry Night, Bonny Wolf, Bonnie Benwick, Bill Schindler, and, Marianne Tshihamba, talk their collab, A Taste of Hill Center: Recipes from our Community Table. But first, the one & only Chef Jacques Pepin pops on air to talk with Nycci.

The National Reuse Awards aka The Reusies were a few months back and presented by the non-profit, Upstream, who is behind initiatives to irradicate plastic pollution. On the next Industry Night, Chief Solutioneer of Upstream Matt Prindiville chats about what we all can do to make real change and brought Reusie Award winners: Crystal Dreisbach, Don't Waste Durham, Lindsey McCoy, of Plaine Products and Garr Punnett, the Most Innovative Reuse Company, Rheaply. There is a "Better Way Than Throwaway” on the Next Industry Night on Real Fun DC.

A while back Nycci was introduced to John Aggrey a long-time entrepreneur who started DIn DIn back in August 2020 to address the needs of the meal prep & meal delivery during the pandemic. On the next Industry Night, John discusses his business model and brings with him Patrick Haaland of Bar Therapy, Chef Leonardo Rebollo of Pasta Ilgatto, and Din Din’s Bernie Rousseau to chat about this new way of dining well while at home.

On the next Industry Night, the cheese lady, Jill Erber of Cheesetique and Nycci usually talk cheese. Not on this show. Jill and Nycci talk positive insights into the Industry and Identifying the “Gifts of Covid”. And, Aileen Fuchs, the new President and Executive Director of the National Building Museum pops on to chat about the latest exhibition & a new climate initiative. Industry Night with Nycci Nellis on Real Fun DC

On the next Industry Night, Nick Carter launched Market Wagon, an online marketplace that connects food consumers directly with local farmers. And, good friend Ruth Gresser took a pandemic pop-up with Cork Wine & Market and made it permanent in Spring Valley. Industry Night with Nycci Nellis airs Tuesdays on Real Fun DC

Is Pizza subjective. Does where you grow up dictate your pizza taste? New York by the slice, soupy Neopolitan, New Haven or Detroit style pizzas. Who better to do a deep dish with than Modernist Pizza co-author, FRANCISCO MIGOYA? And, Indie Chefs Community (ICC) is coming to DC for a collaborative Chefs Week dinner series, Grover Smith the founder has all the details. That's Industry Night on Real Fun DC.

Tracye McQuirter, is a Vegan agent of change, an award-winning public health nutritionist, speaker, and best-selling author. She has also just launched the 10 Million Black Vegan Women Movement, a groundbreaking public health intervention that will change the health paradigm of black women for generations to come. On the next Industry night, Nycci & Tracye talk the benefits and social impact of evolving to a plant based diet - especially for women of color. Tuesdays at 7pm on Real Fun DC.

On the next Industry Night with Nycci Nellis: Chef Chris Amendola believes in forest to fork dining and does just that at his restaurant, Foraged in Baltimore. Hyper-seasonal/local eating. And, FIFA and US Soccer may return to DC after a 30+ year hiatus. What does it take to bring an international event of that size to the District? Nicole Quiroga, President & CEO of the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and a member of the DC2026 Advisory Board fills us in. That’s Industry Night on RealFunDC

You’ve heard Nycci say food is her profession but fashion is her passion — can we put fashion and home design under the same umbrella? On the next Industry Night, Nycci takes today’s design aesthetic with Mariel Heredia, Director of Design for Van Metre Homes & Jill Switzer, Creative Director, Eleanor Thomas Studio. But first, Lena Galperina the Visitor Experience Director at Artechouse takes us on a virtual tour of the new Life of a Neuron experience. That’s Industry Night on Real Fun DC.

Festival season has been on hiatus but guess what? It is making its way back. Snallygaster the beast of a beer festival, roars back into DC October 9. On the next Industry Night, one of the masterminds of Snalley, Greg Engert joins Nycci along with Adrien Widman, of Ocelot Brewing and Rachael Marie, Executive Chef of Slice Joint. But first, what is happening in Bethesda?! No longer a sleepy suburb of DC Stephanie Coppula of the Bethesda Urban Partnership takes us on a tour of the town, Industry Night. 7pm on Tuesdays on Real Fun DC.

On the next Industry Night, Nycci talks with her good friend Amanda McClements of Salt & Sundry fame. Amanda has built a mini lifestyle empire over the last 10 years by infusing her impeccable aesthetic with accessible pieces. They chat retail during all phases of the pandemic and how local retail survives and thrives, especially since she has a new Salt & Sundry pop-up now in Bethesda. And it’s Kathy Hollinger’s week to be back with Industry Night. Kathy provides the latest update on the RAMMY's, masking, and vaccine intel. That's Industry Night, 7 pm on RealFunDC.

So in Nycci’s previous life, she was a total club girl. Limelight in NYC, M80 in Boston Club Zei in DC. The good ol’ days. What is the status of clubs and “clubbing” today in DC? What has the pandemic done to DC’s ever-growing nightlife? Industry veteran Beau Biabani joins Nycci on the next Industry Night to talk about his new hot spots, the music, the vibe, and the drinks. Grab your dancing shoes. Industry Night on RealFunDC 7pm every Tuesday.

On the next Industry night, Nycci talks with Shari Wallack, author of from Hell to Challah. Like all of us, Shari went through her own journey during the height of the pandemic and was able o make it through via good people and baking. Also making it through by truly helping others, Nicole Brassington a nurse practitioner who co-founded Bespoke Global Health Initiatives an organization that supports women and girls in Sierra Leone discusses health, business, and women’s empowerment. That’s Industry Night at 7PM on Tuesdays on Real Fun DC

On the next Industry Night, the RAMMY nominations were announced, a new mask mandate has been made and so much more intel from RAMW’s Kathy Hollinger. And, Shane Pomajambo, owner, designer, and art curator of newly opened, WHINO in Ballston Quarter chats this new destination location that mixes food, drinks, and art/art collectibles. Artists, Aaron “Woes” Martin & Rodrigo Pradel join the conversation to talk about their work.

Many of you may think Nycci is all about Gluttony — all the good food and even better drink. Part of that is true but she is really about living well. And sometimes that involves good wine, sometimes it involves decadent food and sometimes a trip away or just a great pair of shoes. Don’t be so myopic people — there are so many ways to live well On today’s Industry Night, Esosa E — aka the Raw Girl — talks about how eating right for you impacts your skin, your mental health and your overall physical well-being. Industry Night, Tuesdays at 7pm on Real Fun DC

On the next Industry Night, Dr. Travis Parno and his team from Historic Saint Mary’s City recently discovered the St. Mary’s Fort and other artifacts recovered during the excavations — he takes us on his dig. But first, Mark Bucher is back talking about the incredible growth of Feed the Fridge, the D.C.-based program that’s turning food insecurity into meal security. That’s Industry Night, Tuesdays at 7pm on Real Fun DC

On the next Industry Night, Nycci chats with Carla Sanchez of @SpicyCandyDC fame who is now introducing the DC Are to her Bolivian heritage via the recently launched Casa Kantuta. Casa Kantuta takes visitors on a culinary and cultural experience thanks to Maria Helena, owner of Saya Sal, and mixologist Luis Aliaga. That's Industry Night, Tuesdays at 7pm on RealFunDC .

There has been a lot of talk about the staffing shortages in the Restaurant Industry. On the next Industry Night, Nycci Talks with Tim Banks, associate professor and department chair for the Center for Hospitality and Culinary Studies at Howard Community College and Howard Community College student and cake business owner. Rachel Carver. The problem can not be fixed without education. But first, an interactive Fashion Funhouse has opened — be still my Prada-loving heart — and Cory Frank and Annie Senatore from Inside the Wardrobe walk us through the 20+ experiences. Industry Night. Real Fun DC. Tuesdays at 7pm.

Do you ever go to an area and think — how did they do this? The Navy yard, the Washington Harbor, Georgetown Park, Buzzards Point — are but a few examples of areas that legit did not exist in the flesh but did exist in some pretty magical minds. On the next Industry Night, Nycci chats with Herbert Miller of Western Development Corporation, Michael Stevens with the Capitol Riverfront BID, and Greg Casten, Fish & Fire Food Group and Executive Chef Benjamin Lambert, The Point DC. But first, as Industry Night has done every other week since the beginning of the pandemic Kathy Holinger returns with the latest in industry news. Industry Night. 7pm. On Real Fun DC.

There are a lot of changes out there. What does it look like for retail in the DC Area? How do we make sure that our city’s streets stay vibrant with diverse and interesting retail? On the next Industry Night, Nycci talks retail retention with the experts: executive director of the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID), Leona Agourdis, Philippe Lanier, one of the top commercial real estate developers in the nation’s capital from Eastbanc and 2nd generation owner of the Tiny Jewel Box, Jim Rosenheim. Industry Night, Tuesdays at 7pm on RealFunDC.

On the next Industry Night on Real Fun DC, Nycci talks with wine importer, Estebe Salgado & winemaker of Bodegas Arrayan, Maite Sánchez Márquez about the terroir and tastes of Spanish wines. But first, Nycci catches up on the latest restaurant openings and Rammy info with RAMW’s Kathy Hollinger.

On the next Industry Night, magical botanicals -- elixirs, crystals, overall health — are overall of interest to Nycci and fortunately, Deb Shaffer of enchanted botanicals takes us on her journey from breast cancer survivor to an arbiter of wellness. But first, Nycci talks with aureate and activist Tony Lewis, Jr. activist and author Tony Lewis Jr. As a community leader, and re-entry expert, Tony has fought to uplift and empower men, women, and children impacted by mass incarceration.

Just because restaurants are ALLOWED to be at100-percent it doesn’t mean that they can. Pre pandemic there was a growing staffing crisis and almost post-pandemic not enough employees to staff all the hospitality establishments. On the next Industry night, Nycci is joined by Kathy Hollinger of RAMW, hospitality industry recruiter, Chris Floyd of Capital Restaurant Resources, Hollis Wells Silverman, owner of The Duck & The Peach, and Christina Fox, True Food Kitchen Northeast Regional Director of Restaurants. Everyone agrees the restaurant industry needs to change but how and can it?

When Wolfgang Pick announced he was going to open a Cut steakhouse in the Rosewood hotel a few years back there was the usual Foodie backlash —- another steakhouse! But let’s be honest — DC is known as a steakhouse town but we really don’t have many — and especially good ones. So when Cut opened there was a collective sigh that a hip and hospitable steakhouse was here — but then there was a fire and then the bridge was out and then the pandemic — It took Cut a while to come back. On the next Industry Night with Nycci Nellis is joined by Andrew Skala, Executive Chef of CUT by Wolfgang Puck, and one of the chef's incredible collab-partners, Angel Gregorio founder and owner of The Spice Suite, a growing community-centric spice boutique. But first, RAMW’s Kathy Hollinger is back to talk DC reopening on Friday, May 21 - what does that reset look like? Industry Night at 7pm on Real Fun DC.

It will surprise no one to learn that stereotypes & unconscious bias are rampant in the hospitality Industry. Enter Empowering The Diner an educational events series that aims to empower diners to have better experiences in restaurants. On the next Industry Night, Nycci talks with long-time local hospitality professionals Erica Christian & Kapri Robinson. And, Carlos Rice & Darris Dameron, the dynamic duo behind YAP - Yes another Podcast - that follows Industry Night on Real Fun DC pops on air to chat up their show.

On the next Industry Night, Nycci talks with chefs Paolo Dungca & Chef Tom Cunanan about DC and how it has always been a haven for cuisines and cultures that were not readily available in other American cities. In the last 10 years that notion has exploded in a variety of ways. Not only are more options available but the execution has been elevated. And, RAMW’s Kathy Hollinger is back to explain the latest in pandemic dining restrictions and hopeful changes coming soon.

On the next Industry Night, Michelin stars have dropped around DC, and the North American Chief Inspector (anonymous!) talks about who is in and who is out. Chef Ryan Ratino is in! Retaining the one-star at Bresca and earning two stars at his recently opened Jônt, Ryan talks about the business of receiving these kinds of accolades. Lindera Farms has a cult-like following and forager/producer Daniel Liberson is why. That’ Industry Night on Real Fun DC Tuesdays at 7pm.

On Industry Night, Nycci catches up with the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington’s President, Kathy Hollinger about the status of the restaurants during Covid and how they are going to deal with the next hurdle, staffing. And, Nycci takes a deeper dive into the making of the area’s first retailer that’ mission is to discover and appreciate, Black-owned, lifestyle and home goods brands and makers, The Gift shop’s Tamon George join Nycci and bring with him a talented group of local makers - Akinwale Akinbiyi [Wale] and Thomas Davis of Riveriswild, Destiny Sweeney Durant of Destiny’s Caché and Taelor Salmon of Cadence Candle Co. - to talk the creativity that is thriving in this city and the location where you can find it all.

On the next Industry Night, one thing the pandemic has made crystal clear is that our outside space is sacred. Jessica Petrino from appliance experts AjMadison, landscape architect, Robert Bell of Bell Design, Inc., and lighting specialist, Reed Libby from Affordable Sprinklers join Nycci Nellis to talk about creating an outdoor oasis. But first, Moon Rabbit's Kevin Tien shares his experience as a first-gen Vietnamese American and all the details on the massive fundraiser he has put together with chefs Erik Bruner-Yang and Tim Ma, Chefs Stopping AAPI Hate.

On the next Industry Night, chef/owner Danny Lee, (of some of DC’s most loved restaurants, Mandu, Chiko, Anju), shares his experience as an Asian American & offers guidance on what we can all do to put a stop to racism & hate. Later in the show, Nycci says goodbye to Rosé all day and hello to Sake with DC Sake Co's Reiko Hirai.

Have you been invited to join Clubhouse? What is this new social media phenomena and why should you be on it? On the next Industry Night, Rita Goodroe, International speaker and business strategist talks why who, what, where and how Clubhouse is the next great networking platform. Erik Bruner-Yang pops back to revisit "Pandemic Year in Review" & his Power of 10 Initiative’s evolvement. Industry Night. 7pm. On RealFunDC

It’s been a year since the pandemic shut us down. On the next Industry Night, Nycci Nellis goes on a data discovery mission on the industry’s numbers with MarginEdge’s co-founder, Bo Davis, and owner of Ford’s Fish Shacks Tony Stafford. RealFunDC’s Tommy McFly pops in with a Cherry Blossom Festival updates.

During these pandemic times, as discussed on this show often, businesses have had to pivot and swivel and contort themselves in all sorts of ways to survive with hopes of thriving. Elliot Spaisman of Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken, Valerie Zweig of RX Chicken & Maria Iturralde of Saya Salteña joins Nycci on Industry Night to chat about Collaborative Kitchen spaces. Kathy Hollinger of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington provides the latest pandemic updates for both those in the industry and consumers. Tuesdays at 7 pm on RealFunDC @astrodoughnuts @PrescriptionChicken @ramwdc @kathyhollinger @Saya Salteña @charissa_b

We all talk about local — buying local, shopping local — but in these pandemic days, it is pretty easy to just order online. It is up to us, the consumer to do our homework, stay educated, and support those that greatly enrich our communities and our bellies! Dawson's Market, one of the few independently owned grocery stores in the DC Metro Area that is committed to filling its shelves with local producers, joins Nycci along with local purveyors Christelle Szymkowicz, founder and CEO of Kreyol Kitchen, Roya Shadravan & Kristy Lam with Mulan Dumpling and Berni & Helene Gallent of Little Austria. All on this week's Industry Night at 7PM on Real Fun DC @dawsonsmarket @littleaustria @mykreyolkitchen @mulandumpling

On Industry Night, RAMW’ Kathy Hollinger is back to chat pandemic updates for both those in the hospitality industry & its consumers. And, Nycci talks rapid changes in food tech and third party delivery systems with Adam Fry of DC To Go Go.

On Industry Night, Courtney Lewis launched Err’body Eats in August of last year. Courtney and her organization is empowering the food insecure and have distributed over 3600 meals already. Later in the show, Chef Ed Reavis & his wife/business partner Jennifer Meltzer talk swiveling in the pandemic with their Money Muscle BBQ launched and what it means to be a black-owned business in 2021 @allsetdtss @moneymuscleBBQ @j.meltz @theedreavis @charissa_B @dtsilverspring

On the next Industry Night, Kathy Hollinger of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington is back to update all of us on the status of pandemic dining in DC. And, Chef Jonathan Krinn of Clarity in Virginia is hosting an array of DC chefs. I call it a collaboration he calls it crossing culinary bridges. Joining Chef Krinn: Chef JoJo LawYone of Thamee, Chef Bobby Pradachith of Thip Khao, and Chef David Fritsche & Silvan Kramer of Stable @clarityvienna @ramwdc @kathyhollinger @thipkhaodc @thamee_dc @stable_dc @adra_renee