Food and Loathing | Covering the Las Vegas Food Scene

Jolene Mannina, Kristin Whittemore and Lindsay Geddes are the main guests this week, talking about the Sip & Savor Grand Tasting that will cap off the Women In Hospitality Leadership Conference. Meanwhile, LeAnne Notabartolo subs for Gemini in the co-host seat. You'll also hear from Todd Clore of Todd's Unique Dining, Andrew Morgan with a Happy Hour Report and the teams at a pair of Thai restaurants: Blue Orchid and Amata Modern Thai. And we have restaurant reports from Ole Manny's Seafood Shack, Las Vegas Brewing Company, Esther's Kitchen, Rare Society and more.

Al, Gemini and Happy Hour Vegas' Andrew Morgan are coming to you this week from Ocean Prime, the seafood-forward steakhouse located within 63 CityCenter. They spend some time chatting with Chef Gino Rappa and GM John Headley while sampling food and cocktails. Andrew delivers a Happy Hour Report. Our friend LeAnne Notabartolo gives us a report from the International Pizza Expo, and shares interviews with John Arena, Michael Vakneen and Adam Sobel. You'll also hear from Echo & Rig's Sam Marvin and Chef Winston Matsuuchi of Omakase Kyara.

Gemini is back in the host chair this week, sharing reports on her recent visits to Ada's, Main St. Provisions, Nevada Brew Works, Peg's Glorified Ham & Eggs and Jipita. Al shares his experiences at The Bar At Lilli, Pearls Oyster and Crudo Bar (an Aria Pizza popup) and the Vegas Pizza Tailgate. The central interview this week is with Chef Michael Rubinstein of Wynn's brand new Sartiano's Steakhouse and Zero Bond club. You'll also hear from Che Fico Pizza's Chef David Mayfield, Slice Out Hunger's Scott Weiner, John Arena of Metro Pizza, Christina Walton of P.O.P.S., and Happy Hour Vegas' Andrew Morgan.

City Cast Las Vegas' Rob Kachelriess is in the co-host chair this week, filling in for the traveling Gemini. He and Al share their thoughts on recent visits to Crush Pad, BOA Steakhouse, St Felix Sin City, Tacos 1986, For The Win and Nocturno. We have interviews with Giulianio Rosso of 303 In The Cut, Joe Yalda of Red Rock and Guerrilla Pizza's Robby Cunningham. The centerpiece interview is actually two conversations: one with Chef Joy of Tacos 1986, followed by Santos Uy of For The Win. And, of course, a Happy Hour Report from Andrew Morgan and the news.

It's only a sliver of the show, but Al has some pointed words about the drive to rid restaurant kitchens of toxic culture -- as recently personified by René Redzepi, the founder and celebrity chef at the iconic Danish restaurant Noma. As for the usual show: VegasPublicity.com's Don Chareunsy sits in for Gemini this week to tell us about some of the great places he's been dining, and comments on opera and Timothy Chalamet. Al offers some restaurant reports and some news. Nicole Mouskondis of Nicholas and Company speaks to him about being honored at this year's Chefs For Kids gala. Andrew Morgan has a Happy Hour Report. And we have interviews with Scott Sherman of Ri Ra, Nick Palmeri of Gaetano's, Legacy Club bartender Tiffany Namh and Lili chef Tyler Vorce.

Al devoted the center of this episode to a preview of Vegas Unstripped, the annual celebration of local chefs displaying new, cutting edge, items. The two big rules of Unstripped: head chefs must represent their restaurants, and the items they serve may not be on the menu at their places. Another similar-yet-different event is also on the horizon: Taste of Stations. It's Stations Casinos' event highlighting the chain's galaxy of restaurants. Also: Gemini pops up with a preview of Chefs for Kids, the charity that helps kids experience the hospitality industry. Al also gets the lowdown on a new BBQ competition downtown and the big charity event tied to International Pizza Week. And let's not forget a Happy Hour Report from Andrew Morgan and some beer news from this week's co-host, Bob Barnes.

Gemini takes over the pod! Or, at least, the centerpiece with "Girl Dinner," the brainchild of Scotch 80 Prime Chef Marty Lopez. Also, Al talks to the OG of TV chefs, Martin Yan, who came to town for Lunar New Year at the Suncoast. We get the lowdown on the latest at D'Agostino's with Dan Thompson, another pop-up coming from Walbert Castillo, listen in on the grand opening of SMKD in Henderson with Alex Reznick and learn from Eric Gladstone all about the 8th edition of Vegas Unstripped coming in April. And, of course, Andrew Morgan has a Happy Hour Report.

Gemini and Al are at Edge Steakhouse in The Westgate, sitting down with Chef Dante Garcia, barman Mike Thompson and GM Richard Douglas for a chat about the restaurant, its offerings and its history. We also have Hell's Kitchen champ Ellie Parker discussing a collaborative dinner with Chef Nicole Brisson. We caught up with Allan Roth of The Macallan at Allē Lounge on 66 in Resorts World. And Chef Jason Janson speaks to us about the reopening of Hearthstone Kitchen at Red Rock Resort. We also have some restaurant reports, and a rundown of great margarita happy hours from Andrew Morgan.

Al and Gemini are at Ellis Island, the longtime locally-owned value-forward casino, hotel and restaurant complex just east of The Strip. Owner Christina Ellis shows off the new rooftop deck - known for a few more days as "Cupid's Deck." We also talk to Barbara Valle about the new tiki bar at Excalibur, get the lowdown on the new burgers offered by Naked City Pizza, and preview two big Lunar New Year events at Hakkasan and China Poblano. And, as usual, The Happy Report and lots of restaurant visits.

This week, "Mama" Crystina Ngyuen joins Gemini and Al at Durango Social Club to talk about her upcoming Lunar New Year popups at the venue. Al visits Yukon Pizza's Alex White to get the lowdown on the recent online controversy surrounding their decision to close for a day. Other interviews include Edward Pizzarello of the new Venetian Five Guys, Lupe Avila of HUKL Hospitality, Ted Haddad of Ya-Baba Shawarma and professional eater Joey Chestnut. And we have restaurant reviews on Gaetano's, Nora's, Roma Kitchen and Azzura Cucina.

It's a reunion show as Al, Gemini, Rich and Andrew all gather for pizza at How Ya Dough'n, the new joint atop the new BLVD shopping and eating venue on The Strip right across from City Center. We talk to GM Vince Lawrence about the small pizza chain's first expansion outside its home base of Miami. The episode was recorded the day after we all gathered at the new Ada's in the Arts District, where we ate through most of the menu. Al shares more about the Hell's Kitchen watch party at Main St. Provisions, and the celebration of Chef Ellie Parker's victory. Plus a Happy Hour Report and lots of other restaurant reports.

We begin with breaking news from just six hours before the episode dropped: Las Vegas' own Ellie Parker has won Season 24 of Hell's Kitchen! Al was at the watch party at Main St. Provisions and talked to Ellie just minutes after the episode finale. As for the regular show: Bob Barnes sits in for Gemini this week for an episode that centers around a conversation with bartending legend Dale DeGroff. Al caught up with Dale shortly before he kicked off a new guest bartender series at The Vault in Bellagio. They talk about the history of American mixology over the past century. You'll also hear from Walbert Castillo about the new Istorya residency at Durango Social Club, and get restaurant reports on Butcher & Thief, Guerrilla Pizza, Amari, Toca Madera, Gymkhana and more. PLUS - beer news from Bob, a Happy Hour Report from Andrew Morgan and a rundown of the James Beard Award Semifinalists.

Gemini is back! She and Al are hosting together, in person. They're at the Las Vegas Distillery, where they get the lowdown on the place's history, products, vibe, distribution and more from Cody Fredrickson and Jonny Verplank. We also have interviews with Jason Vega of The Flamingo (talking Salt & Straw), Rio's Andi Van Willigan (talking Kitchen Table), Bellagio's Warren Richards (talking the Mayfair Supper Club) and Gyu+'s Freddie Paloma (talking about the new location), and restaurant reports from Ada's, Big B's Texas BBQ, St. Felix Sin City, With Love Always and Union Biscuit.

Don Chareunsy of VegasPublicity.com sits in for Gemini this week, joining Al at the new steakhouse Butcher & Thief. In addition to having a nice long conversation with chef/owner Cory Harwell, they sample a large portion of the menu. Other interviews this week include John Arakaki of St. Felix, Lilli's Tyler Vorce and Darren Walters of South Point. You'll also get a Happy Hour Report, a few dining reports, and some news.

Al sits down with Robbie Cunningham, the brain behind Guerrilla Pizza Company, the new downtown joint that's serving up what it calls "Detroit-style deep dish" pies. Al also goes on a big rant about the price of parking in The Arts District -- and incorrect enforcement, to be kinda polite. Producer Rich Johnson hangs out from his listening post in Seattle, celebrating the start of the commercial Dungenness crabbing season and regretting all the years he went without Banh Mi sandwiches. And he finds concrete evidence that Dubai Chocolate is over. And, as usual, Andrew Morgan's Happy Hour Report.

Al, Gemini and Happy Hour Vegas' Andrew Morgan are together in the Arts District for the final episode of 2025, coming to you from Bjork Caviar on Main Street. Owner Christian Sandefeldt shares all of the basics on sturgeon roe, so you'll be comfortable making the indulgent treat part of your New Year's celebration. We also have restaurant reports from Amador Cocina Fina, Le Club by Partage and Butcher & Thief as well as interviews with Ellie Parker of Main St. Provisions, Keith Glynn of Nacho Daddy and Gabby Goodman of How Ya Dough In.

Just in time for Christmas Eve, we're talking Feast of the Seven fishes. We share interviews with Chefs Nicholas Beesley of Triple George Grill near The Downtown Grand, Nicole Brisson of Brezza in Resorts World and Mimmo Ferraro of Ferraro's about their versions of the Italian tradition. We also have a tour of Yurt by Dan Coughlin. Shuchi Patel explains Henderson's Taste of Gujarat. Cory Harwell tells us about Butcher and Thief. And Rob Baker explains the changes at Circa's Project BBQ. Also, a Happy Hour Report from The Arts Distrcit, restaurant reports and news.

Al and Las Vegas' premier guy Bob Barnes dive into this week's episode, which is Japan-centric. The centerpiece is with Chef Winston Matsuuchi of Omakase Kyara Sake Bar. Chef Winston is the son of the founders of Las Vegas' first Japanese grocery store, and has put his bi-cultural upbringing to good use, fusing Japanese and American cuisines. Also in this episode, comments by Masaharu Morimoto on his revamped signature restaurant at MGM Grand, and details of the Sand Dollar's pop-up pizza series.

It's Al, guest co-host Rachel Diehl and Happy Hour Vegas' Andrew Morgan coming to you from Du-par's in the Suncoast this week. The resort's executive chef Christopher Nicholson feeds them loco moco, Chinese chicken salad and the California import's famous pancakes. You'll also get restaurant reports, some news, and interviews with Metro Pizza's John Arena and Toddy Shop's Hemant Kishore. And Gemini Stevens delivers a message, bringing people up to date on her recent absences.

Andrew Morgan sits in for Gemini Stevens, and producer Rich Johnson connects from Seattle. At the center of the show this week: a nice long interview with Hell's Kitchen contestant Ellie Parker, as well as interviews with Chefs Jose Andres, Wolfgang Puck, Masaharu Morimoto, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Michael Mina, Michael Voltaggio, Bryan Voltaggio and Dave Beran at F1's Fountain Club. Also: former French Laundry chef Tyler Vorce talks about his new off-Strip popup. We're dropping the episode early this week, so you can enjoy it as you prepare your holiday dinner, or drive to Grandma's house. Please enjoy.

City Cast Las Vegas' Rob Kachelriess keeps the co-host chair warm for the ailing Gemini this week, sharing his experiences exploring the cuisine of Las Vegas' relatively new Filipino Town on Maryland Parkway. Rob also discusses his recent meal at High Steaks in The Rio and lets us know where we can find an airport version of The Durango Resort's Summer House. At the center of the show, Al shares interviews with Vincent Rotolo, John Arena, Ricky Wilson, Tony Gemignani and James Trees, recorded at the Las Vegas Pizza Festival. We also have interviews with Cory Harwell of Butcher & Thief and Gene Samuel of SMKD BBQ.

Gemini and Al were in Centennial Hills this week to record this episode with Anthony Jameson at Casa De Juliette. The man who helped bring The Sand Dollar Lounge back to its past glory talks about serving Mexican food in the 'burbs, and his own return to the kitchen. You'll also hear interviews with Dan and Donny Thompson at the D'Agostino's Grand reopening party, SunCoast's Pearl Brecia on the Du Par's reopening, Lyle Tolhurst talking about Formula 1 race weekend at Eiffel Tower Restaurant, Circa's Oceana Clemens explaining Bourbon & Blues, and Happy Hour Vegas' Andrew Morgan on Arts District deals.

Al and Gemini are back together this week, with an interview-heavy episode recorded on the newly extended patio of Nine Fine Irishmen in New York New York. In addition to chatting the Irish Pub's Senior Restaurant Operations Manager, Teague Smith, they also share conversations with Echo Taste & Sound's Natalie Young, author Kim Foster, Durango Social Club's Dan Krohmer, In Limbo's Steve Lee, Joe's Prime Seafood Steak and Stone Crab's Dave Quillen and the comedic, wine-guzzling stars of "In Pour Taste," Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh.

Gemini and Al are reunited this week (via Zoom, but we'll take it). It's a great episode that includes interviews with Chefs Jose Andres, Shawn McClain and Oscar Amador as well as representatives of Cabinet of Curiosities and a company called Sadie that builds AI to anser the phone at restaurants. We also have restaurant reports, news, and a Happy Hour Report by Andrew Morgan.

Al Mancini and Happy Hour Vegas' Andrew Morgan handle the hosting duties this week, as Al also muddles through as recording engineer. They both attend the 15th anniversary celebration at Weera Thai, where they observe a blessing by Buddhist monks before interviewing owner Sasi Phothidokmai and manager Chollada "Bo" Hendrix. Other interviews include Chef Mimmo Ferraro, Christina Ellis, the Hard Hat Lounge's Frank Sidoris, Brezza's Chef Nicole Brisson and White Whale's Walter Cortez.