Foodie and the Beast - Jan. 26, 2025

On Sunday's Foodie & The Beast we did something a little different. Given the recent administration change and the week that was had, we brought in several of the most knowledgable DC food writers to talk about the State of the Plate:

- Tom Sietsema, The Washington Post's food critic
- Jessica Sidman, Food Editor of Washingtonian Magazine
- Anna Spiegel, City Reporter and Food Writer for Axios D.C.
- Nevin Martell, Author and food, travel, culture and parenting writer.                            

In this panel format, we discussed: 
- The Trump Administration’s possible impact on DMV Hospitality
- How will immigration raids, tariffs, and other policies affect the industry?
- Will dining habits and gathering spaces shift?
- Phasing out tipped minimum wage in DC: Is this experiment working? How is it impacting service quality, and what do service fees mean for diners and workers alike?
- Crime and Safety: While data may suggest crime is down, many restaurateurs report a different reality. What’s the truth on the ground?
- Cuisine and Drink Trends: What’s hot right now in F&B?
- And, we do end on a hopeful note … what we are looking forward to in 2025.

AND — while we didn’t eat in studio this week we did have delicious wines poured by Pedro J. Rodríguez, Cofounder of Grand Cata, Latin American Wine Club. Pedro generously shared the stories of the winemakers behind the Latin American wines he poured.

Foodie &The Beast, every Sunday morning at 11am on 1500AM here.