Food and Loathing | Covering the Las Vegas Food Scene

That Girl is actually the founder of "Girls Can Grill," Christie Vanover. Her longtime Vegas presence gets some big-time national exposure, as she's a contestant on the new season of Discovery's "Barbecue Brawl." Al and Gemini recorded this episode at Little Avalon, the coastal cuisine casual joint in Village Square, the shopping complex at West Sahara & Fort Apache. Also: Gemini shares her trips to Urth Caffe, Garagiste and and Carson Kitchen. Al gets us up to speed on more places at The Sundry, the new food hall in the southwest valley. In the news: The Summer of Sangria arrives at Jaleo and yet another honor for Pizza Rock's Tony Gemignani. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While Rich continues his world tour, Al and Gemini take the show to Area 15, the sprawling arts and entertainment district located just west of The Strip. They chat with representatives of the complex about all the experiences it has to offer – especially the food and beverage options. COO, Dan Pelson provides an overview of all the attractions, from Omega Mart to Wink World and everything in between. After Al and Gemini brag about where they've been eating, Area 15's Associate Director of F&B Marketing Jennifer Falcione and Executive Chef Chris Garcia take a deep dive into what you can eat and drink at the complex: The Beast, Lumin Café & Kitchen, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, Oddwood and the brand new Kaia Handroll. There's also a bit of news, including things to do on Independence Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are doing Vegas all over the valley this week, as Al and Gemini come to you from Carson Kitchen, the O.G. of Carson St. cuisine. VP Andrew Weintraub and Executive Chef Scott Simon keep the food coming. Al goes serious top shelf at the new Ocean Prime on The Strip, speaking to owner/CEO Cameron Mitchell. And Gemini talks to Stephan Parker and Ethan Spitzer, the geniuses behind Solamente Pizza & Down2Earth Plant-Based Cuisine, which share space at Town Center. Also: Martin Yan gets rich off poker players and Chinatown legend Karrie Hung comes to Summerlin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Well, it's not Puck, himself cooking at 1228 Main St., his new place in the Arts District. But Al is definitely on a big-time rant. Not about the restaurant, but about all the privileged food snobs trashing the Wolfgang-adjacent place just hours after its very soft opening. Al and Gemini go back and forth on that. And back. And forth. And back again. And maybe one more forth. Also: Diana Brier gets emotional about her impending exit from Valley Cheese and Wine, and Joshua Fyksen recounts his quest for the record: eating at the most Michelin-starred restaurants in 24 hours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gemini joins us from Chicago, sharing her impressions of the James Beard Award ceremony, and reveals what it was like to serve as a volunteer judge for the awards. Later in the show, it's Gemini with the big interview in the latest seafood trend. Call it a tin. Call it a can. Call it 'conserva.' It's how people have preserved food, especially seafood, for centuries. And now there's a tinned fish club in Las Vegas. Gemini sat down with its founders to get the details -- including how to pair, uh, fish with cheese. Also: Al gets a preview of The Sundry in Uncommons, the new food hall in the new development at the 215 and Durango. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No, it's not a new, hip greeting that all the cool kids are doing. Istorya is a community-based Filipino pop-up that's more than just food. Al gets the full download from Walter Castillo. And while we're discovering new words, Fermantato is coming to town. It's a series of culinary classes you can enjoy at Ellis Island. The first two: BBQ and Charcuterie. Gemini has more information on her newest obsession, the Tinned Fish Club. And as always, Al, Gemini and Rich share their restaurant visits of the past few days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

OK, nobody but us is old enough to remember that homage to big, chair-filled barber shops. But this episode feels like the old days, as Al gets the downloads for Bruce Kalman, Candace Ochoa, Min Kim, Lorena Garcia, Roy Ellamar and Tai Ronnen. This episode is so big we lost count! Also: visits to La Strega, Monzu Italian Oven, The Legacy Club, Aromi, The Baguette Cafe and neighborhood Chinese mainstay China A Go-Go. Plus: news of new items at The House of Blues, an Early-Bird pre fixe menu at Naxos Taverna, the dinner buffet is back at Bellagio, and an effort to eat at 23 Michelin-starred restaurants in 24 hours! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you haven't been to Sparrow & Wolf lately, it's a good time to get back to Brian Howard's Spring Mountain Road joint. He's just back from a tour of New Zealand, South Korea and Vietnam. And what he learned is already showing up on the menu. Also: Al talks to the Voltaggio brothers about their one-year pop-up at Mandalay Bay. Al and Gemini wax poetic about Spaghetty Western in Southern Highlands. And Rich goes for a classic Vegas movie at a brand new downtown cinema, The Beverly. Spoiler alert: the popcorn is pretty good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al pays a visit to the valley's premier food bank, Three Square, to get an update from Katie Gaines on its programs, challenges and triumphs. Maryland's famous Voltaggio brothers are now in business - for a year - at Mandalay Bay with their elevated retro concept. Want to buy out an entire hotel when Formula 1 comes to town? We'll tell you where, and the price. Also: Gemini goes Asian, Rich goes Rouge, and Al gets soaked at SOAK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al takes a deep dive into what Carver Road Hospitality is doing these days on the heels of Carversteak's success at Resorts World. Also: Al gets wet and eats well at Green Valley Ranch and Palms, co-host Samantha Gemini Stevens shares the "joys" of delivery while hold up with Covid, and Rich goes for the fast food hat trick. There's also news of some great Cinco de Mayo events, and our favorite Korean Hot Dog joint is now doing breakfast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yep, it's a thing. And you can light your fire with that very same lighter at an exclusive cigar night at Ferraro's. Sotto Le Stelle with El Septimo Cigars will be presenting some of his finest, complete with - well, listen to the podcast to find out! Also: Co-Host Rick Moonen sings the praises of Red Rock's latest restaurant and lounge additions (and Rich seconds that motion), and Al goes crazy for the Rise and Grind Flaftbread at The Front Yard at Ellis Island. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a huge buffet of food and food items this week, including a preview of Picnic in the Alley, the big food even by women... for everyone! Al talks to the Mob Museum's Senior Food and Beverage Director Clint Thoman about five years for The Underground speakeasy. Al, Samantha and Rich also share several upcoming food events, including Italian wine tasting, a tasty Mother's Day meal, a tequila and mezcal festival and a big-time (and big ticket) cigar and dinner event at Ferraro's. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We sit down with Canyon Ranch Spa's executive Chef Pete Ghione to discuss his experience helping people battle cancer with a healthier diet, and how he's working to raise $100,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We also discuss recent meals at Toast Society, Crafthaus Brewery's Arts District taproom, Taste of Asia, Zai, Born and Raised, Anima and a Winnie & Ethel's pop-up at the Huntridge Theater's sign lighting. Rich shares his culinary highlights from the Pacific Northwest. There's also news on Vegas Test Kitchen, Tacotarian, The Golden Monkey, Jaleo, and a collaboration between Big B's Texas BBQ and Crust & Roux, as well as interviews with Jolene Mannina, Kristen Corral, Natalia Badzjo and Aaron Lee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's episode, Al and Gemini sit down with Renee Guglielmetti, Crystal Momii and Vic Vegas of Chefs For Kids, to talk about the work they do educating and feeding at-risk Las Vegas school kids, and their upcoming fundraising dinner. Vic also shares some news about his work with the nonprofit. Al and Gemini also discuss their recent visits to Toast Society, Le Café du SUD, the newest Wahlburgers, 7th & Carson, Good Pie and Basilico. Also: a disappointing attempt to dine at Nightmare Café. And we share news on Buddy Valastro, Retro by Voltaggio, Cathédrale and Evel Pie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Pizza Expo time, and Al talks with two of Vegas' best, John Arena and Tony Tony Gemignani. Gemini goes in-depth with the proprietors of two downtown pop-ups, Hemant Kishore and Antonio Nunez. Congrats to the James Beard Foundations nominees from Las Vegas (listen to find out who). And Rich shares some non-Vegas stops on his Pacific Northwest trek - angering Al when it comes to duck fat frites! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Live (on tape (well, on digits)) from Ada's Food and Wine, Al and Gemini dive deep into the joint's new name with Executive Chef Jackson Stamper, Wine Goddess Kat Lilly and the shy and retiring owner James Trees (we kid because we love). Also: a new cocktail menu has debuted at Chinglish Cantonese Wine Bar, and Chef Chris Santos has revived his iconic New York City restaurant with a slightly new name: Stanton Prime, now open at Caesars Palace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's an action-packed episode featuring some serious chefs! The man who brought Asian cuisine to public TV, Martin Yan, has opened his new place at Horseshoe. St. Patrick's Day is going to be an all-weekend affair at Ri-Ra and many other Irish joints. "Picnic in the Alley" is returning to Downtown Las Vegas, thanks to our friend and badass superwoman in culinary, Jolene Mannina. Also: Al hits Marche Bacchus, Chinglish, the new Echo & Rig, Monzu, Nobu and Naxos Taverna. Gemini cooked steak from one our favorites, Featherblade. She also judged a student culinary competition, and had time to have breakfast, sushi and libations at Golden Tiki. And all this happened during a venture to Henderson and Paymon's French Kitchen and Lounge on Eastern Avenue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A major addition at Brezza! It - well, you'll just have to listen to find out which of the valley's most celebrated chefs is joining Chef Nicole Brisson at the elevated Italian eatery in Resorts World. Also: Al has a lot to say about truffle burgers at Shake Shack, and Rich bores everyone with his XFL/UFC/NASCAR weekend. There's big burger news at Half-Bird. and some craft brewers do some lobbying in Carson City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Trees was the star of the second "Meet the Chef' Event at Element Home Gallery. If you didn't make it, you can catch up as James talks his way through making agnolotti. We also have news of a new chef taking over the venerable Chef's Roma Kitchen, who's the guest at the next Som Sunday at Ada's Wine Bar, and the special burger event at Half Bird. Also: Al, Gemini and Rich share their weeks in dining. Their very, very, very long weeks in dining. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The OG, Mac Daddy real deal publicist to legendary rock stars for decades, Mitch Schneider is now a Las Vegas resident and part-time foodie. He's writing about the food and arts scene for Casino.org, and has more than a few stories to tell. He did that at Spiedini Fiamma, the six-month old Italian restaurant inside the Rampart Casino at the JW Marriott hotel. Chef Paula Smagacz enhanced our recording session with some of the best items from her excellent menu. And we may never go back to non-food-enhanced podcasting! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Samantha Gemini Stevens a late scratch, Al and Rich make due by entertaining each other with hospital and fast-food stories. But two of our mainstays show up to make this episode worth a listen. Gio Mauro talks about the new Industry Night at Monzu. Nicole Brisson runs down the revised menu at Bar Zazzu at Resorts World. And Al offers high praise for those times when a restaurant can feel like home - even when you're not there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While Al is away, Rich Johnson and Samantha Gemini Stevens hijack the podcast! Gemini shares the fun of her trip to NeNe Japanese Contemporary Bistro for lunch and Oscar's Steakhouse at The Plaza for dinner. Rich follows up on last week's mention of Farm Basket, and reviews the three-piece fried chicken lunch. He also goes ga-ga for the technology at Kura Sushi. Al left a little appetizer: a few minutes with Sam Marvin talking about his now-open second Echo & Rig - this one in The District at Green Valley Ranch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two Las Vegas institutions are the centerpieces of this episode. Well, three, if a chef can be an institution. Bradley Ogden, longtime star at Caesars Palace, is back on the line - in the burbs. Al talks to Bradley about his new gig at Marche Bacchus. And one of the valley's venerable home-grown fast food joints - The Chicken Basket - is doubling in size. Which means it's growing from one store to two. Also: another institution is getting a makeover, and two new very cool joints are about to open at Red Rock Casino. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al, Gemini and Rich get a preview of the best cocktail class in the valley coming next month. After a more than two years hiatus, Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits is reviving its cocktail academy. Two of the instructors stop by Southern's $2,000,000 classroom: a long bar outfitted with cameras, monitors and four rows of custom lighted comfy seating for students. You need to listen to learn how you can attend - for free! Also: Al makes it to StripSteak, Rich finally makes to to Brezza, and Gemini again somehow makes it back to Las Vegas after another airline adventure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gemini stalk the floor of the Fancy Foods Show during its second visit to Las Vegas. Some of the podcast's best friends were also there, and stopped by to chat: Nicole Brisson, Michael Stamm and LeAnne Notabartolo. Specialty Foods Association president Bill Lynch was in the house, as well as folks hawking whiskey made from whey and ice cream from Turkey. And about that cheese. Gemini found lots and lots of cheese. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a celebrity-filled episode, and not just celebrity chefs! Al chats with 80s pop star Tiffany, who's coming to Las Vegas next month for a combination music and food event with Chef Alicia Chevetone. And two big names are back on the scene. Al was surprised when the mastermind behind Stripsteak (and so many other first-class restaurants) Michael Mina was at the re-opening of the legendary place at Mandalay Bay. And Carla Pellegrino is back as chef/owner of Lemoncello at The Lakes. Also: Samantha Gemini Stevens shares her winter travel nightmare. Rich Johnson eats his way through the new food hall at the Fremont downtown - and he finds a ramen shop in a box at CES. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thanks to the miracle that is Zoom, Al reconnects with former colleague (and former nemesis) Corey Levitan. He's back in the journalism game covering gaming and Vegas for casino.org. Corey shares his journey from being laid off by the Las Vegas Review-Journal to freelancing, PR, community papers and now back doing what he loves for the same site that backs Vital Vegas. Also: Al's back in restaurants, and shares some recent visits with co-host Rick Moonen. And big news about a new location for Randy's Donuts, gnocchi from the master, himself, Gio Mauro. Finally: wake the kids, call the neighbors; The Peanutmobile is in town! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al shares some of the biggest conversations of the year, with some of the biggest deal chefs of this or any year: Buddy V, Marc Vetri, Martin Yan, Shawn McClain, Michael Symon and the always shy and retiring James Trees. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a long time getting it all together at Vegas Test Kitchen, Yukon Pizza is open on its own. The shop in the Huntridge complex is the brainchild of Alex White, who sits down with Al to explain it all -- including his family's 100+ year old sourdough starter! Also: Samantha Gemini Stevens does cocktails, the Sand Dollar at checks out a VTK newbie. Rich found a new Strip-to-Strip Mall story at the Italian restaurant Gondola. And Al has a lot to say about his recent medical maladies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al is under the weather, so Gemini and Rich run amok with news of holiday specials, Feasts of the Seven Fishes -- and some Festivus grievances. Before he tapped out, Al got serious with Eat's Natalie Young about doing more to improve the mental health of those in the hospitality business. Also: Carversteak is offering up a great bargain for locals. Ferraro's and Gaetano's are doing big 'Feast of the Seven Fishes' dinners on Christmas Eve. And Rich's friend Steve Hytner, better known as Kenny Bania from Seinfeld, serves up some memories of his days as a server in New York. And yes, That's Gold! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Newly-renovated Table 34 is under new ownership, and Al got the lowdown over lunch. Meanwhile, it's a new generation in charge of the family-owned Gaetano's Ristorante in Henderson. And Al learned all about it from chef/owner Nick Palmeri. Co-host Samantha Gemini Stevens shares the joys of a new smart refrigerator, as wall as several dining experiences this past week. Rich Johnson shares his relief that a childhood favorite back in Portland is still up to snuff. And everyone agrees to hate the idea of a hot pocket to store... yes... Hot Pockets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The namesake of the fabulous Vetri Cucino atop The Palms sits down in the gorgeous restaurant to talk about the agony of closing during Covid, more agony when Station Casinos decided not to re-open after Covid, the ecstacy of finally re-opening under Palms' new owners. Also: holiday happy hours and the American Dream history of Roberto's Taco Shop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al used to do it, backing up the legendary Heidi Knapp-Rinella. Now, the sole food writer at the Las Vegas Review-Journal is Jonathan Wright. He sits down with Al to talk about the dream of getting paid to eat and share. Also: Al, Rich and co-host Rick Moonen share a long list of things done in the past week. And the news is all about three venerable bars that are all decked out for the holidays. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al didn't talk to every pizza maker in Las Vegas. It only seems like it as he wades through the Las Vegas Pizza Fest, microphone in hand. Also: Samantha Gemini Stevens has a less-than wonderful lunch at a Summerlin Mexican place, Rich Johnson has the best cheesesteak ever, and all three are ready to plunk down some big dollars for fresh stone crabs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's not quite the State of the Union Address or a Donald Trump rally, but Al does spend a lot of time this week on his visit to Nusr-Et, the steakhouse fronted by social media superstar Nusret Gokce, aka 'Salt Bae.' There is a lot to unpack when it comes to a $2,200 Tomahawk. Also, Chef Shawn McClain talks about his new place, Balla Italian Soul inside the Sahara. We also taped the episode inside the gorgeous restaurant. And Rich recounts his hits and misses in New Orleans, and his visit to Crossroads Kitchen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Mancini is back and ready to dish on his dining and drinking in San Jose Del Cabo. Samantha Gemini Stevens shares tales of the pop-up burger event at Featherblade and the 13-hour brisket from her back yard. Producer Rich Johnson's week consisted of a great donut and a not-so-great Italian Beef. But the centerpiece of the episode is thanks to our recording venue host: Eric Prato of Garagiste Wine Room and Merchant in the Arts District. The wine bar/wine store just celebrated its third anniversary. Eric shares stories of transitioning from front of the house guy to Certified Sommelier, and moving from Buchon Bistro to his own place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

...the help is at play! Samantha Gemini Stevens and producer Rich Johnson share a few experiences from the week while Al gets in a proper vacation. Of course, Al being Al, he left enough material for nearly an entire show -- including comments from chefs at the Evening of Hope gala at Wynn, to benefit the University Medical Center Foundation. Also: a conversation with John Baez, the new Executive Chef at Border Grill, and Donald Contursi on his upcoming Finger Licking Food Tours' pizza tour. And there's news of a series of food festivals coming to Tivoli Village, a combination Chicken joint and pickleball venue coming to Henderson, and Rakkan Ramen, which hopes to make a difference with its plant-based broth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Autumn is in the air in Las Vegas - meaning it's down to the mid 80s during the day! Fall food events are springing up all over, to mix our seasons. Al enjoyed the seasonal pop-up Fall at the Terrace at Green Valley Ranch. Both Rich and Gemini enjoyed the monthly serving of Jackson's Chicken at Ada's Wine Bar. Al tried, but failed, to get to the Grand Reopening of Hard Hat Lounge under new owner and Detroit style pizza guy Robby Cunningham. And there's news about more than one Mediterranean restaurant coming to The Strip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a huge anniversary for a Summerlin institution. Honey Salt at Boca Park is ten years old, and Al talks about the major milestone with owner Elizabeth Blau. And another F&L favorite, Vegans Baby webmaster Diana Edelman, was in town for a conversation - including details of her vegan safari! Also: Wolfgang Puck stops by, Echo & Rig staffs up its second Vegas Valley location, and Green Valley Ranch opens its fall patio pop-up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a deep dive into the Las Vegas of the late 60's, and a fictional battle for control. On one side, the mob. On the other, the Mormons. What? It's fiction, and it's the latest novel by P Moss, owner of the Double Down Saloon and Frankie's Tiki Room. "Dead Ringer" is Moss's fifth book - a thoroughly researched trip back in time. The places are real. The story is fiction. Also: Cake Boss Buddy Valastro gets the Key to The Strip, Honey Salt celebrates ten years, Samantha Gemini Stevens recounts her taco marathon, and Rich hits Allegiant Stadium for Rebels football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a beyond-packed episode as Gemini recounts her end-of-summer multi-animal roasting party. Al caught up with new cocktails at the Cosmopolitan, a new hockey bar at M Resort, new pizza at Atomic Liquor and a New World Order at the venerable Henderson eatery Table 34. Oh, and Rich had hot chicken and KFC. We recorded in the party room at Vegas Valley Winery, and talked to Tasting Room Manager Crystal Torres. Anchoring this episode: Al talks to Chef Alicia Shevetone, creator of the culinary entertainment company Dink Cuisine, and Gemini hangs with Nina Manchev of Forte Tapas and Chef Josh Bianchi. He'll be taking over Forte starting this Sunday for a two day a week "residency restaurant" called Binky's. What's a "residency restaurant?" Listen and learn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's tough, this restaurant business. It's been romanticized in books, movies and TV. But the reality is not so romantic. And now some restauranteurs are trying to help their people with their struggles. Al talks to Sparrow & Wolf's John Anthony about that. And he talks to the new co-owners of The Hard Hat Lounge, one of the area's premier dive bars - if 'premier' and 'dive bar' even belong in the same sentence. Also: Samantha Gemini Stevens shares her recent restaurant experiences - along with a semi-big scoop about Anima by EDO. And Rich talks food carts after his latest visit to food cart heaven, Portland. But Al got the best perk of all: a preview of Bacon Nation, the new bacon-centric 24-hour joint coming to The D on Fremont St. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's a new guy on Main Street - or rather, there's a new guy IN Main Street - as in Main St. Provisions. Samantha Gemini Stevens has a long talk with its new executive chef, Patrick Munster. And we get a preview of a new steakhouse coming to Henderson thanks to Chef Matt Meyer. Also: the fall menu's nearly in place a Piero's, Al talks to Marche Bacchus owner Jeff Wyatt about the wine-centric restaurant's huge whiskey and tequila collections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's all about cookbooks and community as Al, Rich and co-host Symantha Gemini Stevens welcome third-time guest Kim Foster. The James Beard Award winning author is also the founder of "Please Send Noodles!!!" That's a Facebook-based book club that focuses on cookbooks. Gemini, who's a core member, also welcomes Natasha Kaul, a local attorney and activist who loves to try out new recipes on her husband and dog. Also in this episode: good news about Main St. Provisions, sad news about POTS Egyptian, and Rich shares his first bites of Bodega Bagel. Metaphorically, that is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Physical and mental health has long been ignored by much of the hospitality industry. And Justin Kingsley Hall says he was as guilty as most in that regard. Long out of the daily kitchen, Hall came back to establish Main St. Provisions and Peyote. But now he says it's time to step back again to address chronic, decade-long issues. He shares his journey in a frank talk with Al. Also: a visit with the new executive chef at Jaleo, co-host Rick Moonen heaps praise on Edge Steakhouse at the Westgate, and The Golden Tiki celebrates its anniversary with Mai Tais for the masses! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rick Moonen is back, and he and Al go over a long list of restaurants visited in the past week. Rich, as usual, only has one good one. Al gets the details on Brezza's special dinner to honor Babbo, the venerable New York City restaurant where she got her start. Also: a dive into some Filipino/Vegas desserts, courtesy of Kimmie and Josh McIntosh of Milkfish Bakeshop. In the news: first word of changes coming to Main St. Provisions, Yukon Pizza's weekend event, and how one big-time Strip restaurant is marking "La Tomatina." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's just about that time. Life is Beautiful, the downtown Las Vegas music, arts and food festival happens September 16th through the 18th. And, this being a food podcast, we take a deep dive into what's on offer with the festival's culinary director Sharee Macy and the guy running the cocktail school, Bryant Jane. Yes, you will get to attend cocktail school? Speaking of cocktails, Al, Symantha Gemini Stevens and Rich do some day drinking courtesy of Bryce Krausman on the very comfy couch at DW Bistro. WARNING: rum, martinis, sliders and flautas were harmed in the production of this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rick Moonen is back in the co-host chair, just in time to hear Al and Rich talk about Half-Bird, Brian Howard and Jon Anthony's new rotisserie and chicken sando joint at Spring Mountain & Wynn. Al goes straight to the source, a lobster expert in Maine, to learn about colored lobsters (and whether it's OK to eat them). As for the ghost: Chef Iman Haggag of POTs shares her not-so-great experience turning her Egyptian vegan restaurant into a takeout-only facility via a ghost kitchen. Also: Al's dessert discoveries, a $10,000 a head wine paring meal, and Rich goes big-time at Catch for a special dinner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Crunchy? Chewy? A pristine hole? Hand-rolled? And what about the water? They're all questions that have surrounded the quest for, and snobbery about, the perfect bagel. Few in Vegas know bagels better than Sonia El-Nawal. After working in top kitchens on the east coast and in Vegas, Sonia ran Rooster Boy in Summerlin - where she developed what she calls the Bodega Bagel. And that's the name of her new shop that's set to open this fall in Henderson. Al, Rich, and guest host Symantha Gemini Stevens dive into bagel talk - and literally into bagels as they record at Sadelle's in the Bellagio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the age-old question asked by anyone who's not familiar with Hawaiian cuisine - which in this case is both Al and Rich. Along with co-host Samantha Gemini Stevens, they get schooled by two Vegas chefs who are Hawaii natives: Chef Arnold Corpuz of Brezza and Lee Villalun, Executive Chef of Island Sushi & Grille in Henderson. Also: big news about Vegas' top Thai restaurant coming to Summerlin, French meets Spanish for two nights at Le Cirque, and the status of the Sinatra Smash at Wynn/Encore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices