Welcome back to Industry Night, the podcast where we dig deep into what’s cooking, literally and figuratively, across the culinary and hospitality industries. I’m your host, Nycci Nellis, and I’m thrilled to kick off my new residency at City Ridge!

City Ridge isn’t just another development, it’s a 10-acre reimagining of the former Fannie Mae headquarters into a thriving mixed-use community. Think Wegmans, Equinox, sleek residences, buzzing restaurants, and thoughtfully curated retail. As someone who’s always been fascinated by how large-scale developments come to life, especially when it comes to nailing the aesthetic and attracting the right culinary talent, this is a total dream assignment.

In this episode, I sit down with Rob Wolcheski, who’s been involved with the City Ridge project since day one. We chat inside the gorgeous new Shinwa Izakaya, where Chef Winston sends out an incredible sushi spread while we unpack how City Ridge evolved from blueprints to a neighborhood anchor.

Then, I head over to King Street Oyster Bar for a briny intermission (see: massive tray of oysters in front of me) as I welcome two very special guests: Tatiana Mora and Miguel Guerra, the powerhouse culinary duo behind MITA. We talk about their Michelin-starred journey, deep cultural roots, and how MITA blends Latin American cuisine with a holistic, wellness-driven philosophy.

Tatiana is the first Venezuelan female chef to earn a Michelin star. Miguel? The youngest Venezuelan chef to achieve that same feat. Together, they’ve created more than a restaurant, it’s a mission, a movement, and a must-visit.


Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
02:24 - "Michelin Stars & Culinary Conversations"
05:13 - Community-Centric Experiential Living
07:02 - Cultivating Intimate Community Living
10:50 - Wegmans D.C.: Diverse Culinary Offerings
13:46 - "Youngest Chef's Award-Winning Mita"
16:30 - "Reimagining Luxury in Dining"
21:44 - Reluctant Stay Amidst Political Tensions
24:08 - Starting a Home Experience Initiative
28:44 - "Culinary Transition and Pursuit"
29:26 - Mita's Unique Fine Dining Experience
33:26 - "Tasting the Chef's Mood"
38:38 - "Nourishing Hospitality at Mita"
39:22 - "Creating a Homely Restaurant Atmosphere"
45:15 - Essential Restaurant Collaborations Explained
47:43 - Balancing Work and Relationships
50:02 - "Culinary Adventures with YC Cinelli"
51:05 - Outro

Key Takeaways:

Reimagining City Living
Building Communities, Not Just Buildings
Award-Winning Plant-Based Excellence
The Power of Collaboration and Connection
Hospitality with Heart
Cultural and Culinary Fusion
Resilience and Inspiration
Pursuing Passion and Joy

Guests Social Media Links:

Podcast Locations:https://www.instagram.com/cityridgedc?igsh=dnZtNWVhbmdlbzlz
https://www.instagram.com/kingstreetoyster?igsh=OXBqNnBncXdzMmk2 https://www.instagram.com/shinwaizakayadc/

Rob Wolcheski:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/shinwaizakayadc/

Tatiana Mora:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mita_dc/
Website: https://www.mitadc.com

Miguel Guerra:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mita_dc/
Website: https://www.mitadc.com

Maru Valdes:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/maru_valdes5?igsh=bDkxZWdnZWVqNHNt

Featuring Nycci Nellis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyccinellis/
Website:https://www.thelistareyouonit.com/

Produced by Heartcast Mediahttp://www.heartcastmedia.com