Indulgence Meets Nourishment

06/03/2025 58 min
Indulgence Meets Nourishment

Listen "Indulgence Meets Nourishment"

Episode Synopsis

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 - Introduction00:15 - Culinary Adventures Around Town05:30 - "Ama: Where Indulgence Meets Nourishment"08:50 - From Democracy to Culinary Diplomacy11:09 - Culinary Journey: From Feasts to Career13:36 - "Empathy and Leadership in Restaurants"18:59 - Espresso Myth: Not Stronger Caffeine22:07 - Unplugged Relaxation at Ama Restaurant23:40 - "Celebrating Italian and Italian-American Cuisine"27:03 - Mission-Driven Dining with Love31:37 - Balancing Health and Social Eating33:47 - "Inescapable Role of Plastic"37:19 - Going Seed Oil Free? Here's Help41:46 - Rancid Oils and Health Concerns44:51 - Home-Cooked Benefits and Ama's Appeal47:27 - Holistic Wellbeing Through Personal Choice50:39 - Unconventional Business Attempt in Vegas53:06 - "Relentless Chef Creativity"58:57 - Italian Culinary Showcase Highlights59:38 - "Join Industry Night Podcast"58:27 - OutroKey Takeaways:A Journey Through Italian HeritageRethinking Restaurant CultureSustainability PracticesChef Domenico’s New VentureCommunity-Centric DiningCulinary Education and EmpowermentQuotes:"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 CornacchiaConnect with Chef Johanna HellriglPersonal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jhellrigl/Business Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/amarestaurant.bar/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjohannahellriglBusiness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amarestaurant.barConnect with Chef Domenico CornacchiaBusiness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafemilanodc?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/domenico-cornacchia-50887222/Featuring Host Nycci NellisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyccinellis/Website: https://www.thelistareyouonit.com/Produced by Heartcast Mediahttp://www.heartcastmedia.com