Food and Loathing | Covering the Las Vegas Food Scene

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

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