Food and Loathing | Covering the Las Vegas Food Scene

Longtime Las Vegas journalist Don Chaurensy joins Al to discuss the new magazine Don is helming: Vegas Prime. Also: Al shares his food experiences at Suzuya Café on Spring Mountain Road, Cathedrale in Aria. and Marche Bacchus under new chef Chef Nikko Broznan, and much more. With Gemini out this week, Rich shares his baseball/dining experience in the Executive Suites at Wrigley Field, and his shopping experience at Wild Fork, the Brazil-based flash-frozen food store chain that's opening across the US - but not yet in Las Vegas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Al and Rich in this week's episode, which starts off with a review of all the festivities surrounding The World's 50 Best Restaurants' time in Las Vegas. We kick off with a post-event rundown from Elizabeth Blau, who was instrumental in convincing the event to come here. She also organized Wynn Las Vegas' companion culinary festival, Revelry. Other interviews include Chinglish's Ken Heck, Suzuya Cafe's Misuzu Ebihara and Azzurra Wine Bar owner Windom Kimsey. And we have news on Dan Krohmer, Mariana Alvarado, Roy Ellamar, Crystina Ngyuen and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Producer/Engineer Rich Johnson is back for a guest co-host spot, and Al chose the perfect venue: Toasted Gastropub on West Flamingo and the 215. Sharing the info, and three awesome dishes, is Alfie Szeprethy, Executive chef for both Sammy's Woodfired Pizza and Toasted. Rich shares a few experiences from Chicago, and Al goes into detail about the events he attended (and what he ate) linked to "The World's 50 Best Restaurants" festivities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Red Rocker is behind Sammy's Island, the new pool concept at the Palms Resort & Casino. Al gets the full download from Palms executive chef Marcus O'Brien, including just how involved Sammy Hagar was in the concept and buildout. Also: Gemini talks to Chef Matthew Effendy about his new line of creme brulee called "Creme by ME." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This special extra-jumbo episode was recorded at Vegas Unstripped, where the best chefs in the valley gathered to show off their skills by cooking up items not on their menus. Al and Gemini talk to a dozen chefs, foodies and others who ate and drank the night away around the pools at the Palms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gemini try to give you all the information you need to enjoy the World's 50 Best Restaurants' arrival in Las Vegas next month, and the multiple culinary festivals and events surrounding it. You'll hear all about all the events that still have tickets available, and you'll hear from many of the chefs involved -- including Jeff Ramsey, Devin Hashimoto, Gina Marinelli and Nicole Brisson. Also this week: reports on visits to Desnudos Tacos at Naked City Pizza, Gaetano's, Big Dog's, Ferraro's, Virgil's and Parm; news on Table 34, Bramare, Soulbelly, Solamente Pizza, Vegas Unstripped, Big B's Barbecue and Monzu Italian Oven; interviews with Constantin Alexander and Gio Mauro. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gemini sits down with Yukon Pizza's Alex White to discuss the pizza that won him a World Champion title. Al chats with Circa's Director of Player Development and Special Events, Whitney Genevieve Godard, to talk about Legacy Club's popular special event series. We also have interviews with Chef Gina Marinelli discussing Harlo's monthly tasting menu, Chef Nicole Brisson of Brezza sharing details on a 00 Pie & Pub pop-up, Red Rock Executive Chef Alfio Longo talking about the menu at the Rouge Pool and Cabanas, and Gianna Leflar of Carmine's explaining their new Mob Wife Dinner package. And Al and Gemini share stories about the recent Chefs For Kids gala, as well as visits to Starburst Parlor, Winnie & Ethel's, Sparrow + Wolf, Shanghai Taste and the Shrtlst launch party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two popular local businesses – Gyu+ sandos and Suzuya Patisserie – are preparing to open new concepts in The Center At Spring Mountain, and Al sits down with restaurateur Luis De Santos to talk about them. Other interviews this week include Bazaar Meat's Frank Medina talking about a new $99 tasting menu being offered on weekdays in their lounge and Nicole Brisson with details of Mother's Day 2024 at Brezza. And Al shares details on the Las Vegas connections to his recent road trip to Southern California, culminating with an interview with Metro Pizza's Chris Decker at Dana Point's Truly Pizza (his California collaboration with Las Vegas' Michael Vakneen and Metro's John Arena). Al and Gemini also discuss recent meals from 00 Pie & Pub, Makers & Finders, Mint Indian Bistro and HaSalon. And they share news on Toasted Gastrobrunch, Cinco De Mayo, Vegas Unstripped, the Revelry Culinary Festival and Chefs For Kids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Las Vegas Distillery is back, with new owners and new ideas. Gemini gets the full download General Manager/Tap Room Wrangler/Tour Commissioner/Swag Dude Cody Fredrickson. She also shares a long dining week, which included stops at Half Bird, La Madre Canyon Grill and The George at Durango Casino. Al helped Chef Roy Ellamar open patio season at Fine Company, and made stops at BBQ Mexicana, La Strega and 1228 Main. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The annual event to benefit food education for the valley's under-served children is coming up in early May, and Al gets a full preview from Chef Mark Sandoval at UNLV. As for dining this week, Gemini plays the hits with stops a Garagiste, Esther's and Nevada Brew Works. Meanwhile, Al stretches his sushi chops with some wacky rolls at Mizumi, then heads back to Wynn for the pop-up Safta 1964. Also, it wouldn't be a show (and it wouldn't be Al) without another stop at Uncommons. Plan B turned out to be Amari, which may get a promotion to Plan A. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a "clean out the closet" episode, as Al and Gemini share some interviews that have been looking for a home. Most important: author and past podcast guest Kim Foster tells us about her book that she first mentioned more than a year ago. "The Meth Lunches: Food and Longing in an American City" tells tales of what happens when the traditional family dinner includes poverty, mental illness, homelessness, and addiction. Asian-Fusion-Barbecue is the nutshell description of KYU, a new addition at the Fontainebleau. Al speaks with executive chef Christopher Arellanes. And Gemini has found another new wine bar! CrushPad Wine Bar on West Sahara near Buffalo is the work of Bryan and Jessica Dynda, who sat down for a chat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gemini podcast from Wineaux, the new wine bar in UnCommons. Chef Shawn McClain and Sommelier Nick Hetzel share how they came together for this project and what it's all about. Also: Al takes a deeper dive into the new iteration of Esther's Kitchen, while Gemini explains This Mama's House, which popped up at 00 Pie & Pub. Also: lots of pizza news, a whiskey experience and, yes, it's true! Vegas Unstripped is back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gemini and Al sit down with UNLV student Paiton Zilio and Allen Carter of Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, to discuss UNLVino's Sake Fever event on April 19 at the Resorts World pool. Together, they dig into the history of UNLVino, and discuss the role it plays in educating future generations of culinary workers, and bringing together the Las Vegas community. In the meantime, Rich Johnson reports in from Chicago, sharing some of the culinary discoveries he's made since relocating to the Windy City. Gemini shares reports on her recent meals at The Hard Hat Lounge and THE Steakhouse at Circus Circus, while Al relates his experiences at Daeho Kalbijjim, Kyu in the Fontainebleau, Naked City Pizza and Cured & Whey. And we have interviews with Todo Bien's Curtis Knickerbocker and celebrity chef Josh Capon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gem are back at Dom DeMarco's, hosting a mother-daughter social media team. Emmy Kasten is a longtime Vegas writer and lifestyle journalist. Her daughter, Alix, is a TikTok creator, with accounts followed by more than 80,000 people. Her videos show off a store, restaurant or other location in a lightning-fast 13 seconds - and Al is frustrated and amazed by his own inability to come that close. Meanwhile, Gem shares her eating adventures at Oscar's, 00 Pie and Pub, and a tinned fish collaboration dinner at Sparrow + Wolf. Al got all grungy for a 90s event at The Legacy Club, then somehow got into Barry's Prime. Both Al and Gem hit the new brunch at Crossroads Kitchen, and Al talks to the executive chef at the now-open Atomic Golf at The Strat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gemini record an entire episode on location at the restaurant everyone is talking about this week, the newly opened Esther's Kitchen. They're joined by the restaurant's top chef, and owner, James Trees. In addition to telling them all about his new digs, Trees reminisces about his early days in The Arts District, and reflects on Esther's success to date. He also shares what's next, and announces the name of the new restaurant that will be moving into the original Esther's Kitchen space – an all-tasting-menu affair he refers to as "The Quentin Tarantino Film of restaurants." Also: UNLV's Marc Sandoval previews the Viva Careers event aimed at anyone who would like advice on how to pursue a career in hospitality. And Al and Gemini tell us about recent visits to the new Cheongdam Food Hall, The Hard Hat Lounge, Sushi Tanuki, Anima by EDO, Piero's and Hofbräuhaus. Finally: How you can win a free dinner for two at Joel Robuchon, in a new contest from Neon Feast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gemini do a semi-serious test-drive of the first cannabis lounge in the valley, Smoke & Mirrors. It's the first cannabis consumption lounge to open under Nevada's new regulations for those businesses. Consultant Chris LaPorte helped build the place, and he explains it all. As for dining, it's a gallery of the usual (and excellent) suspects for Gem: Ada's, Marche Bacchus and Winnie & Ethel's. Al shares his recent experiences at Wally's, Fiorella Pasta Bar and BBQ Mexicana - the latest creation of superstars Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

And we did... at the brand new Federal Chicken & Donuts, next to the food hall at Red Rock Resort. The Philadelphia-based chain is putting out four varieties of chicken sandwiches, chicken strips and more than a dozen kinds of fancy donuts. Also: Al gets schooled in all things Parma and Iberico at "Cure Camp," EAT's Natalie Young is not happy with downtown street work, and another effort to help those in the hospitality industry deal with stress and mental health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're back at Dom DeMarco's Pizzeria & Wine Bar on West Charleston for, what else? More pizza talk! And the big topic is Barstool Sports' Dave Portnoy doing is famous "One Bite Pizza Reviews" in Las Vegas during Super Bowl week. Of the four places Dave visited, Dom DeMarco's got the top review. We talk to owner Albert Scalleat, as well as Good Pie's Vincent Rotolo. Also: reaction from two other subjects of Portnoy's reviews. Keep listening for word of another unfortunate closing, Leap Day specials at the Lev Group's restaurants, and first word of Pizza Expo's annual charity event Slice Out Hunger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al, Gemini and Rich share their experiences before and during the big game, including the NFL's signature charity event, Taste of the NFL, which benefits GenYouth and its "End Student Hunger" fund. Rich spoke to some of the superstar chefs that took part. Al and Gemini got to "Toast by Tostitos," which featured, well, Tostitos. Gemini got to 00 Pie & Pub, while Rich split his Super Bowl watching between the Sand Dollar Downtown and the bar at Barry's Downtown Prime. And Al shares reaction to one local restaurant's public disappointment with Guy Fieri's Super Bowl event. But the centerpiece is an extended interview with the Golden Tiki's Adam Rains, who shares a feast from their new food menu and tells us about U2's recent visit. Other interviews this week include Chef Lorena Garcia, Patrick Anthony Munster, Olivier Dubreuil, Andrew Pollard, Chef Carla Hall, DJ Flores, Rashad Jennings, Locale Italian Kitchen's Andy Hooper and the first broadcast interview with Whataburger CEO Ed Nelson about their first Las Vegas location. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After years of shunning us, the NFL is finally letting Las Vegas host its first Super Bowl. And several local chefs will be involved - and just about every joint in the valley will be doing something football-related on Sunday. Also: Al shares several conversations in this episode, including Chefs Leticia Mitchell, Stephanie Sandfrey, Joe Komiski, Sam Pulliam and more. Al also shares his first taste of Michael Mina's new place at Mandalay Bay, Orla. Rich has an excellent lunch at a small French place he'd been avoiding for a while: Oh-La-La. And there's news of a long-delayed celebrity-fronted steakhouse opening soon, and a change of ownership for Gambit in Henderson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Five chefs from Las Vegas have received nominations for James Beard awards, and we've talked to four of them! Plus: comments from Thomas Keller on the 20th anniversary of Bouchon, and Joe Bastianich on the opening of All'Antico Vinaio, one of the most famous sandwich shops in Italy. Also: a new Executive Chef at Bazaar Meats and two big-deal grocery chains are coming to the valley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gemini recorded this episode at the Fancy Foods Show, and talked to a few of the people hoping to find buyers for their products. Also: Chef Lasheeda Perry talks to Al about Taste of the NFL, the annual pre-Super Bowl event featuring some national celebrity chefs and some of our own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The legendary chefs of Border Grill, Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, are expanding their empire to the Las Vegas suburbs. Barbecue Mexicana is opening at The Bend. The concept is already in place right across the hall from Border Grill, in T-Mobile Arena and Allegiant Field. But this will the group's first stand-alone fast-casual property. Also: Gemini goes all-out at 00 Pie & Pub, while Al tries the sorta Cuban sandwich at The Chef Truck, the faux food truck in the hall just outside the casino at Park MGM. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al, Gemini and Rich dive into a great mid-day feast at Bel-Aire Lounge in the new Durango Casino & Resort, courtesy of Keith Eure of Clique Hospitality. Between bites of a tuna roll, burgers, churros, shrimp and more, Keith told us all about Clique's restaurants at Durango, Bel-Aire Lounge, Mijo Modern Mexican and Mijo's speakeasy, Wax Rabbit. Also: Lots of dinners to share, including comments from some of the winners of the Slow Foods USA "Snail of Approval" awards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the valley's groundbreaking pizza parlors has, for 12 years, sat in a strip mall nestled between a pet store and a grocery store. But the history of Dom DeMarco's Pizza stretches years before, and all the way to Brooklyn. Owner Albert Scalleat tells the fascinating tale of coming out of retirement and convincing one of New York City's premier pizza makers, the owner of Di Fara Pizza, to cooperate. Eventually he did, and Scalleat honored Dom DeMarco by naming the Las Vegas outlet for him. In all modesty, it's one of the best stories we've presented on Food & Loathing! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gemini spend much of this yearend episode reviewing the reviewers. They critique the 'Best Of' lists complied by Desert Companion, Las Vegas Weekly and Eater. Also, stunning news from the owner of two popular Asian restaurants. Chef Bank Atcharawan is stepping down from Lamaii to focus on his health and his future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Table 34 has been under the Batch Hospitality brand for nearly a year. There is also new ownership at Graze Kitchen, the plant-based joint at South Buffalo and Warm Springs. Al talked to the owners of both establishments about their plans for 2024, from new menus to new restaurants. And, as usual, Al, Gemini and Rich share their recent dining experiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Seoul Bird Korean Street Food serves up fried chicken strips, sandwiches and more inside the Proper Eats Food Hall at Aria. It's Chef Judy Joo's first Vegas venture after two successful outlets in London. Joo is also a cookbook author, an Iron Chef in the UK (despite being a born and bred New Jersey girl), and a veteran of the flagship restaurants of both Gordon Ramsay and Thomas Keller. Gemini sits down with Joo at Proper Eats, and does some proper eating of Seoul Bird's signature dishes. With Al away for family time, Rich and Gem also share their dining of the past week - including Main St. Provisions, Hanu Korean BBQ, Snooze and the buffet at Rampart Casino. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first ground-up casino in years built especially for locals is up and running. Station Casinos opened Durango Casino and Resort earlier this week. Al got a big preview of the property's food and beverage offerings from Executive Chef Danny Ye. And Rich was there for the ribbon-cutting and very "cozy" slot and video poker play in the huge space that's filled to capacity with machines. Also: It's Patisserie Manon and Sammy's for Gemini, The Hard Hat Lounge and Kura Revolving Sushi for Al, and McDonald's for Rich. But it's the "new improved" burgers! Really! The press release said so, and would it lie???? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's been about three years since Chef Todd Harrington challenged himself to make a knife - with no knowledge of how to do it. Now, his one-of-a-kind works of art are the prized tools of chefs and cooks all over. Al went to Chef Todd's home to get the full story - and, it turns out, a knife! Also: news of two sudden closings, some holiday wine paring events, and of course, lots of sharing by Al, Gemini and Rich about meals of the past week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The holiday week is a good time to share a couple of interviews about new items on Zouk's patio and the first expansion of The Golden Steer in decades. Al, Gemini and Rich share several restaurant experiences in the past week, including yet another great breakfast place and a 'Spukie,' a Chicago-inspirated Polish dog and Italian Beef. And Al shares the Facebook post that inspired hundreds of shares and likes: his 'post-game' comments on Formula One's visit to Las Vegas, and what F1 needs to do to make it a more inclusive experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

F & L has been talking about it since before it was barely an idea. And now the winners of J Dapper's "win a diner" contest are open for business. Winnie & Ethel's co-owner Aaron Lee sits down with Al, Gemini and Rich to explain the journey: learning about Dapper's contest, preparing their entry, making the finals, cooking some of their creations and winning the prize: a spot in Dapper's Huntridge development for a classic Vegas diner. And, after sampling a few items, it's clear to all that Lee and co-owner (and his wife) Mallory Gott have achieved the goal. Also: a couple of Thanksgiving dinner ideas, Al gets a tour of the Peter Lugar aging room, Gemini's not happy with a dumbed-down Korean fast-food place and Rich is looking for healthy places - for an important reason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al, Gemini and Rich share their dining adventures for another week, including a deep dive into Pizzafest. Al's guest is chef-turned-photographer and taste-tester Louiie Victa, who talks about her new book for Eater.com: "Eater: 100 Essential Restaurant Recipes." And... after a two-week unsuccessful hunt for McDonald's Mambo Sauce, Rich decides to make his own - and inflict it on Al! And Rich promises that will be the last-ever reference to Mambo Sauce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The patio at Mon Ami Gabi, the excellent French restaurant right along Las Vegas Boulevard at the Paris Hotel/Casino, could be one of the best places to watch this month's Formula One race. Al spends time with Chef Vincent Pouessel to get the lowdown on what he's offering that night, how much it costs, and how the property dealt with the demands of F1. Also: Al shares his big-deal dining of the past week, which includes Ferraro's, Ocean Prime and Lemon Tree Market and Café. Rich actually went to a couple of nice places, including Esther's Kitchen and Taste of Asia. But he once again was frustrated in his hunt for Mambo Sauce at McDonald's! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's no Dean Martin singing about the moon to hitting your eye like a big pizza pie, but there is some great pizza at Brent Stanford's new place, Amari, in UnCommons on Durango Drive. From the glass-enclosed wine room, Chef Stanford shares his story of coming to Las Vegas, working in some big-deal kitchens, and making the move from The Strip to the new office/residential/commercial/food center at the 215 and Durango. And he pops out a couple of great dishes, including lobster pasta and his take on Caesar salad. Also: Al shares several interviews from the Bellagio's 25th anniversary event and hangs with the beautiful people at the Wynn Field Club during a Raiders game. Meanwhile, Rich laments the lack of Mambo Sauce at McDonald's. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back after a one-year break, Vegas Unstripped was back this month. Chefs from all over Las Vegas (maybe EVEN The Strip) converged on California St. in the Arts District to show off items that are NOT on their regular menus. Among the people stopping by to chat with Al and Gemini: Rick Moonen, Bob Cranston, Gina Marinelli, Jackson Stamper, Jeff Weiss, John Arena and the always shy and retiring James Trees. Enjoy!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wolfgang Puck was the first big-time celebrity chef to open a restaurant in Las Vegas. His empire has expanded all over The Strip. But now Puck has opened a place in The Arts District: 1228 Main. Puck's culinary director for Las Vegas, Dustin Lewandowsky, joins Al, Gemini and Rich to talk about how the place morphed from bakery to pasty shop to coffee to breakfast to lunch and dinner - all before it even opened! Also: Al heads back to Fine Company in Summerlin, Gemini gets an huge salad at Leone Cafe, and Rich goes for the bargain prime rib at the honest, straight-up, non-elevated coffee shop at Jerry's Nugget. NOTE: Do not adjust your ears. The episode is a bit muffled, which we discovered after recording. We (meaning me, Rich) will resolve it for next week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Main St. Provisions owner Kim Owens joins Al to talk about the big change in the kitchen: the exit of Executive Chef Patrick Munster. Taking over is a veteran of that kitchen: Adrian Garcia. Kim talks about the changes that Patrick made in the past year, but says we'll have to wait a bit to taste what Adrian has planned. As for dining in the past week: Al talks about his visits to HaSalon at the Venetian, Jayde @ 16 at the M Resort, and the pop-up preview of Prince Street Pizza, the legendary New York City joint that's coming to the new Durango Station. Samantha shares her experiences at Chop Shop, Little Avalon, Pho OC and (in Rich's absence) Jack in the Box and McDonald's! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A longtime fixture of fine dining on The Strip, Roy Ellamar is now cooking in the burbs. He's running Fine Company, a new all-day spot in Downtown Summerlin. Al, Gemini and Rich sit down with Roy at the restaurant to talk about his history in Las Vegas and elsewhere, the items on the brunch/lunch menu (soon to include dinner), and what spurred his move from the very upscale "Harvest by Roy Ellamar" at the Bellagio to a more modest, more casual place in the burbs. Also: lots of dining experiences to share, including Al's visit to one of the country's great tasting menu experiences (disclosure: It's NOT in Las Vegas). And big news: Neon Feast's "Meet the Chef" is back! Listen for all the details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al's away this week, but before he left he talked to the people behind El Segundo Sol, the venerable Tacos & Margaritas joint right on Las Vegas Boulevard at the Fashion Show Mall. Wesley Pumphrey and Ryan Richardson talk about the restaurant's recent revamp, and how they keep the prices in check. And they share insight into Lettuce Entertain You, the Chicago-based restaurant company that also owns dozens of restaurant concepts, including several in Las Vegas: Joe's, Mon Ami Gabi, Eiffel Tower, RPM Italian, and coming to the suburbs: Summer House. Meanwhile, Rich and Gemini share their dining fun of the past week and preview a couple of "interesting" events: National Taco Day and the Gordon Ramsay Rage Room! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gemini sit down with Natalia Badzo and Brian Beuchner, the husband and wife team behind Big B's Texas BBQ. He's from Texas and she's from Estonia. Also: historically anti-sports Al hits not one but three sports bars, and tries the brunch at Casa Playa. Gemini, fresh from a quick trip to the mouth of the Columbia River, heads back to former podcast venue Little Avalon Coastal Café. And stick around for the news to learn all about.... The Monkey Mixer! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Chef Marty Lopez in the kitchen and Jorge Pagani running the front of the house, Scotch 80 Prime has been going strong since the Palms reopened about 18 months ago. The steakhouse is one of the brands at Palms that came long with the change of ownership after Covid. The two talk about Scotch 80 Prime's place in the Vegas steakhouse universe, and how they brought an international flair to a traditional steakhouse. Also: the mostly un-sporty Al hits two sports bars in one day. Gemini goes for the all-day happy hour at The Sundry, barbecue at Big B's, and has mixed feelings about one dish at Neighbors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gemini sit down with one of the area's newest food writers, Danica Stockton. She shares her journey to the Vegas food scene, a couple of favorite places and what she's observed in her year or so of covering the town. Also: a new barbecue deal, free wine tastings, Bourbon & Blues in the daytime atop Circa, & 25th Anniversary specials at Bellagio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al has a long chat with Chef Brian Howard, co-creator of Sparrow + Wolf and Half-Bird Chicken & Beer. They talk about Half-Bird's coming expansion and new items on the menu at Sparrow + Wolf. But the focus is on Brian and partner John Anthony's efforts to make their places safe spaces for their people. Both were recently featured in Fortune magazine for their work on breaking the cycle of mental illness and substance abuse that plagues so many in the hospitality industry. Also: Al, Gemini and Rich share the week's of restaurant experiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al, Gemini and Rich pig out with perfect pig, and many other delights, atop the Whiskey Bar inside Mizunara, which is inside The Sundry Food Hall at UnCommons - the new restaurant/residential/office complex at Durango, just off Interstate 215. The Executive Chef of the entire food hall, David Varley, explains how they reinvented the concept thanks to Covid. Yes, he says, you will have to use a QR code with your phone. But that means you and your friends won't spend 30 minutes apart as each hunts down a different vendor. David that's one of many ways he and his partners made The Sundry more efficient, and ultimately more customer-friendly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All three of the Cocktail Collective bars at Venetian and Palazzo are getting makeovers. But Dorsey also has a new name: Juliet Cocktail Room. Al, Gemini and Rich hang out on the comfy couches of Juliet and talk to the man who made the switch: Ryan Labbe of 8182 Group. Also: Al shares his thoughts on lunch at Amari in the UnCommons development. He also speaks with Buddy Valastro on the 10th anniversary of his namesake restaurant at Venetian. Among her meals in the past week, Gemini focuses on Starburst Parlor Keto Bakery, which describes itself as a "vintage Keto bakery." And Rich gets picky about his breakfasts at Publicus and 1228 Main. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bad Beat Brewing is the site of today's episode thanks to founder/owner Nathan Hall and head brewer Tom Harwood. Both share their journey to Henderson's Booze District - both starting out as home brewers who now profit from their passion. Gemini finally gets to Sundry, and samples a lot of items at the new food hall near the Durango Curve. Al shares lots of thoughts about HaSalon, the new Israeli/Mediterranean creation of chef Eyal Shani in the Palazzo. And Rich, doing a bit of advance work on the upcoming arrival of Bojangles Chicken, takes a few bites out of its main competitor, Church's. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al, Gemini and Rich are in the same room for the first time in nearly two months, and are celebrating by breaking open a bottle of Frey Ranch's new "Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon." That means 124 proof, or more than 62% alcohol. Rich returns from his world tour by hitting two semi-new Chinese joints inside casinos - with mixed results. Gemini is all over the map, sampling Mexican, sushi, Irish, and even a smoothie. And Al checks out Tequila Cantina, the new collaboration of Nice Hospitality and Brandon Powers (think 'classic' Tijuana décor). Our guests include Chef Noe Alcala of Zai Restaurant, a cutting edge Mexican place downtown. And Al gets tips on cooking for two from Chef Alicia Shevetone, who's written a new cookbook on how to do just that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

That's right. We're slaves to Search Engine Optimization. But Al also did talk to Guy about his latest Vegas enterprise. Guy is one of several guests on a guest-packed episode that also includes Sam Marvin, Geo Mauro, Sean Christie and more! As for dining: Al and Gemini share their experiences at Archi's Thai, Vicki's Diner, Half Bird Chicken and Beer, a party at Delilah and Al's vacation in Cabo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Champion pizzaiolo Michael Vakneen shares the news of his latest adventure: ∅∅ Pie & Pub on Spring Mountain Road. The genius behind Pop-Up Pizza at The Plaza is joining the excellent offerings in the same strip mall as Half-Bird and The Golden Tiki. And he shares his journey to pizza greatness with Al. Meanwhile, Gemini gets the first-hand download on Lemon Tree Café from its chef/owner Patrick Littlejohn. And Rich is back - from the road - recounting the highs and lows of his trips to Paris and DC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices