A Taste of Medellín in DC

Picture a kitchen where every dish echoes the rich traditions of Colombia’s culinary heritage. Nycci Nellis has been expanding her residencies across the city—starting today at Ellen’s, next week at Jackie, and then in Fauquier—bringing engaging conversations with exceptional guests to her audience.Recently, Nycci spent time in Medellín, Colombia, staying at the luxurious El Cielo Hotel. Her mornings in the vibrant Provenza neighborhood led to memorable culinary experiences, including:Exploring Colombian agriculture at a stunning chrysanthemum farmTasting aromatic coffees on a local coffee farmDiscovering the craftsmanship behind Colombian spiritsEnjoying exceptional meals prepared by today’s guestJoining Nycci today is Chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, also known as "Juanma," founder of Elcielo Hospitality Group. His group features Michelin-starred restaurants in Medellín, Bogotá, Miami, and Washington, D.C., along with acclaimed establishments like La Sere and the vegan Kai.Before the interview, Nycci will chat with Ellen Yin and General Manager Diana Kendrick about their upcoming seasonal projects at A Kitchen & Bar. Tune in to hear Chef Juanma share his inspiring journey, family support, Michelin success, bestselling book The Recipe for Success, and his commitment to community initiatives.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction00:14 - Industry Insider News Tour05:50 - Iconic Entryway and Terrace Plans09:13 - Culinary Journey with Chef Mon Ma12:28 - "Choosing Cooking Over College"15:46 - Pre-Cooking Essentials for Chefs19:09 - "Spreading Colombian Joy Globally"22:20 - Innovative Restaurant Kitchen Solution24:57 - "Cielo's Growth and Expansion"28:59 - Tailored Storytelling in Menus30:05 - Unconventional Fine Dining Experience35:13 - Complex Conflict Drives Urban Migration37:20 - Inclusive Job Training Initiative40:31 - "Creative Design Through Illusion"43:33 - Evolving Vision: Future Concepts46:48 - Colombian Pork Meets Tonkatsu Technique47:52 - OutroQuotes:"Our goal is always to blend into the neighborhood, to be part of the community’s vibrant tapestry."- Ellen Yin"In the art of dining, every dish tells a story, and every story is a gateway to new possibilities."- Diana Kendrick"Cooking is more than just creating meals—it's about bringing culture to life and making a difference through every dish."- Chef Juan Manuel BarrientosKey TakeawaysJourney from Colombia to Culinary StardomEl Cielo's Unique Culinary ExperienceCommunity and Culinary HeritageAccolades and InnovationsPlant-Based Ventures and Future VisionsConnect with the Guests:Juan Manuel Barrientos:Website: https://elcielo.com.co/washington/Personal: https://www.instagram.com/juanmaelcielo?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Business: https://www.instagram.com/elcielowashington?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Ellen Yin:Website: https://highsthospitality.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZ2RYQhXuDkzdwXYUgDuD6oz2AgvfJ38jQlz0N7mhvo8OR4Z06g3RR1TGY_aem_TY_1QGVZ1dJlBLmshmH5OAPersonal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealellenyin?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.kitchenandbardc/Diana Kendrick:Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maitreddk/Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.kitchenandbardc/Featuring Host Nycci NellisInstagram: https://www.instaWebsite:https://www.thelistareyouonit.com/Produced by Heartcast Mediahttp://www.heartcastmedia.com/