The Man, The Myth, The Legend, Chef Rock Harper - An Industry Night Exclusive at Rimtang

Hey, it’s Nycci! Welcome to Industry Night: my pod/vod love letter to the people who feed us, pour for us, and keep the DMV delicious. We’re posted up in Georgetown at Rimtang —huge thanks to Cici Yang, Chef Saran “Peter” Kannasute, and Chef Prapit “Mama” La Femina — for hosting this shiny new residency.

Today’s guest! My friend Chef Rock Harper. You know him, Hell’s Kitchen winner, community builder, Queen Mother’s fried-chicken maestro, and now the mind behind Hush Harbor, DC’s first phone-free bar on H Street NE. We talk about presence over doomscrolling, Southern-leaning comfort, and what hospitality in the DMV and across the country looks like right now.

Then, Rimtang. “Rimtang” means “by the roadside,” and that’s the vibe: Thai comfort, family recipes, and Mama-level hospitality that tastes like home. Peter and Mama join me to chat about roots, and the growing YUME family.

Plug in and let’s eat, talk, and actually look each other in the eye.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
01:50 - "Industry Insights with Chef Rock"
04:42 - "Cooking, Tea, and Rim Tang"
06:50 - Capri Suns and Thai Food
09:55 - Rock Harper: Chef & TV Personality
14:28 - "Theater Skills and Hospitality"
17:55 - Food TV: Pros and Cons
21:11 - Culinary Trends Through TV
24:51 - Passion for Culinary Mission
28:01 - "Building the Nikki Nellis Brand"
30:17 - Restaurant Disappointment Reflections
32:02 - "Chaotic Restaurant Dream Unraveled"
36:11 - Restaurant Business Operations Insights
40:41 - H Street's Community Advocacy
42:00 - Capitol Hill or 8th Street?
45:15 - Smartphones and Dining Experience
49:03 - "Phone Locking System Explained"
52:33 - "Comfort Food with Quality Ingredients"
56:56 - "Follow Me Everywhere!"
57:47 - Outro

Quotes:

"To truly thrive in this industry, you must grasp every component—from the front of house to the back, and the vital heartbeat in between. With this knowledge, you can weave magic anywhere."- Nycci Nellis

"In this business, you must be versatile—acting as a plumber, psychologist, and woodsman. But above all, lead with empathy and embrace learning from every role you undertake."- Rock Harper

"Cooking alongside my mother connects me to my roots. I aim to share that spirit with everyone, ensuring each dish narrates the story of our heritage."- Peter Kanasood

"Every dish is crafted with love, balancing spice, richness, and a touch of sourness—just like life in the kitchen and at home."- Prab Pit

Key Takeaways:

What It Means to Be a True Hospitality Professional
H Street—Home of Innovation and Community
No Phones Allowed! Rediscovering Connection
The Evolution of America’s Food Scene
Rooted in Family & Heritage—A Taste of Rim Tang
Entrepreneurship: Dream Big, Plan Smarter
Supporting Local—Why It Matters
Legacy, Love, and the Power of Food

Connect with Rock Harper
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rockharper/?hl=en
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/iamrockharper/
Website:https://www.chefrockharper.com/
LinkTree: Rock Harper

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

Produced by Heartcast Media: http://www.heartcastmedia.com