Food and Loathing | Covering the Las Vegas Food Scene

The sign says the place closes at 10pm. But what does that really mean? Can you sit down at 9:59 and get a full meal? What happens when you show up at 9:30 and the door is locked? There are both sides to this story, and we give them a thorough examination. Al and Rich are joined by co-host Samantha Gemini Stevens, who writes for the websites On The Strip and Off the Strip. Also diving in: two chefs who have to deal with those conflicts: Gio Mauro, chef/owner of Monzu Italian Oven and bar, and chef Abby Byrd of Graze Kitchen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's all about the fish eggs, as Al and co-host Rick Moonen sit down with Nina Manchev, owner of Forte Tapas and The Caviar Collective. And all three have plenty of conversation pieces, as they enjoyed the new Sunday brunch at Caviar Bar at Resorts World. Also: lots of talk about Valencian Gold, as everyone went there last week (at different times). Half Bird is closer to opening, Brezza celebrates one year in business, and Al takes a deep dive into a new kind of bottle service: water bottle service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rick Moonen is back in the co-host chair, telling tales of his trip to Croatia. Al shares his first full dinner at Wakuda, and Rich is back from Portland and an excellent dinner with friends at the Rose City institution The Ringside. But the centerpiece is longtime friend of the podcast James Trees. He's back from France, where he relaxed, ate great food and came back with ideas for his new French place that will move into the Ada's Kitchen space when it moves half a block west to a bigger space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was one year ago that Resorts World opened. And on that opening night, we recorded the first episode of Food and Loathing. Al and Rich get an update on the RW food scene from Executive Chef Devin Hashimoto and Chef Joe Elevado, Executive Chef of Fuhu, Red Tail and Zouk Nightclub. Also: Al and Rich share their excellent experience at the opening of Wakuda, the classing Japanese restaurant now open at the Palazzo. And we dive into a new charity gourmet experience coming this summer to the site of Mt. Charleston Lodge: "Pine Dining." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're back at Palms for an audio tour of some of the property's restaurants. Some are old, like the AYCE Buffet. Some are re-imagined, like Serrano Vista Cafe. And some are new - or might as well be, as they had barely opened before the Covid shutdown two years ago. Al and Rich also talk to Jon and Jenelle Batista, the co-owners of Artisanal Foods. They're closing their retail store, but will still sell great, unusual and exotic stuff online at www.artisanalfoods.com. Also: Martin Yan cooks with students, and the ultimate classic Japanese cuisine comes to The Venetian. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're poolside and lakeside for this episode, co-hosted by Palms Executive Chef Marcus O'Brien. He joins Al and Rich from a cabana at the Palms poll (don't call it KAOS!!).In the centerpiece interview, Al sips wine by the lake at Marche Baccus with Janna Karel, the new editor of Eater Vegas. Also on the show: visits to Sickie's Garage, Nellie's Southern Kitchen, and China Poblano. In the news: big upgrades coming to Plaza downtown, Nicole Brisson heads to the 'burbs, and it's Power Lunch Time at Sapphire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The restaurant industry's annual give-back to the community is well underway. Restaurant Week benefits the region's premier food bank, Three Square. Nearly 200 restaurants are offering lunch and dinner prix fix menus, and donate a portion of each check to Three Square. Restaurant Week actually runs nearly two weeks, through June 17th. But several restaurants extend their specials (and donations) for many days after. Three Square's Will Edwards joins Al to share the details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Rich report back from their weekend in Napa, California to attend Bottlerock, the huge music, food and wine festival. And Rick Moonen tags along, as well. He's a principle in a progressive food, wine and charity venue called Feast it Forward. Among the many people appearing on this episode: Feast it Forward owner Katie Shaffer, Chefs Marcus Samuelsson, Aaron Sanchez, Roy Choi, Stephen Hopcraft, Adam Sobel and the Voltaggio brothers. And back in Vegas, there is news about Pride Month cocktails, a Hawaiian donut eating contest, and a chance to taste the wines up for awards from Wine Spectator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Rick Moonen grab some sun and, well, scenery in an episode recorded poolside at Sapphire Gentlemen's Club. But food is still the subject, as they're joined by three chefs who did time in the kitchens at strip clubs in Las Vegas and New York many years ago. They are Gary Fx LaMorte, Bob Cranston, Steven Geddes, and Rick, himself! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before celebrity chefs became the faces and the names of restaurants, the man (almost always a man) who ran the front of the house was often the one associated with a high-end place. That concept is making a bit of a comeback, and Al talks to three veteran 'front men' this week: John Anthony of Sparrow & Wolf, Ivo Angelo of Haro (but long associated with Le Cirque), and David Oseas of Rosa Ristorante. Also: quality time with Bill Rancic of the just-opened RPM Italian at Forum Shops. Bruce Kalman comments on the one-year anniversary of Soul Belly BBQ. And John Anthony hangs in the co-host chair to talk about five years of Sparrow & Wolf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It may not be as elegant as Delilah or Mayfair Supper Club, but a couple of joints proudly serve up great pizza and great music. Al and Rich talk to the owners of two lively spots, starting with Nathan Gates and Anthony Jamison, co-owners of the Sand Dollar Lounge. While its original Spring Mountain Road location is going strong, the pair has opened a second Sand Dollar inside The Plaza Hotel in downtown Las Vegas. Also: Naomi and Giovani Mauro, who operate Monzu Italian Oven and Bar on West Flamingo Road. Al and Rich also share a long list of dining stops in the past week. Al has the lowdown on Chef Roy Ellamar's Hawaiian themed tryout at Vegas Test Kitchen. And Rich shares the interesting history of Trader Joe's. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's all about the brunch this week. The combination of breakfast and lunch has mushroomed, so to speak, in recent years in Las Vegas. And two longtime downtown restauranteurs discuss how they do it. Michael Morton, owner of La Comida, recently started weekend brunches at the Mexican joint just off Fremont St. Liam Dwyer, owner of 7th & Carson, offers brunch every day. Also: this week's co-host, author Kim Foster, shares her non-love for Mother's Day. Al has the latest on The Great Coffee Shop Giveaway content, and Rich does follow-up research on last week's episode on gaming bars. Hint: he lost $40. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What's the deal with that uniquely Nevada form of tavern/restaurant/mini-casino, the gaming bar? Al and Rich get the intel from the people behind the bars and in the kitchens. First up to talk food: Executive Chef Jeff McCarthy and Summerlin Kitchen Manager Josh Fietek of Distil - A Local Bar. Also joining in, Brian Slipock, owner of Jackson's Bar & Grill on West Flamingo. Then it's all about the bar with Distil Summerlin GM Kim Palmer and Jackson's bartender Lisa Collins. Before and after, co-host Rick Moonen shares his short-lived taco judging experience and Al shares bits of conversations with Lisa Vanderpump and his visit to Wynn's new cocktail lounges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Celebrity chef Michael Symon is coming back to Vegas, as his Mabel's BBQ will return to the Palms Casino Resort. Symon shares what the renewed Mabel's will look like, as well as the future of Sarah's the speakeasy behind the main restaurant. Rick Moonen is back in the co-host chair (actually a couch on his patio) to recount cooking for the VIP suites at the BTS concerts. Al plays his conversation with Jean-Georges Vongerichten - including how a cutting-edge French chef decided to open a steakhouse in Las Vegas. And Rich opens detailed discussions of In 'N Out Burger French fries and perhaps the single most subjective order at any coffee shop: eggs over medium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's once again all about the beer. Well, mostly about the beer as Al and Rich get a preview of The Great Vegas Festival. Formerly known as the Festival of Beer, this year's edition will include spirits and tacos. Organizer Brian Chapin has the lowdown, along with our resident beer guy Bob Barnes. Also: news about the latest finalist for The Great Las Vegas Coffee Shop Giveaway, an update on Marina Alvarado's progress on "Big Restaurant Bet," and word of two notable openings in the past week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al, Rick and Rich welcome a ton of guests for short conversations on all kinds of subjects. Sami Ledeki talks about converting another of his pizza joints into a 'Gastrobrunch' restaurant. Luis DeSantos shares his vision for The Great Las Vegas Coffee Shop Giveaway. New mom Marina Alvarado is a contestant on a new competition show on Food TV. And, while her show is a serious cooking show, a couple of other new shows are, well, not so serious. The guys talk about the fine line between 'fun' and 'completely stupid.' And speaking of stupid, Rich offers tips (via CNN) about how not to be stupid when it comes to your Muslim friends who observe Ramadan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lost Spirits, caviar, Other People's Pinot and menu add-ons are among the subjects in an action-packed show. Thrillist Las Vegas editor Rob Kachelriess joins Al, Rich and Rick Moonen for the entire episode. Also: a UNLVino update and news of a "cannabis friendly" hotel coming this fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're back for another bonus episode, again centered on pizza. But not completely. James Trees joins us with all the details of the upcoming expansion and move of Esther's Kitchen - and what will occupy the current Esther's space. Pizza Rock owner Tony Gemignani has much more to say about the first full-participation Pizza Expo in about two years. Metro Pizza's Chris Decker is very, very happy to see all his old pizza friends. And the Pittsburgh pizza scene is explained by Mercurio's Pizza owner Michael Mercurio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's an action-packed episode as Al reports back from the Pizza Expo, two pre-expo parties, the Bar & Restaurant show and a couple of nights out. Co-Host Rick Moonen recounts his busy week, which involved cooking, cooking and more cooking. And Rich shares the latest on which US restaurant chains are doing when regarding their operations in Russia. The centerpiece is Al's conversation with Buddy Valastro, The Cake Boss was in town to announce - well, listen to the episode and find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With no centerpiece guest, Al, Rick and Rich tackle a bunch of things this week - chief among them the 40th anniversary celebration at Piero's. Al attended the party at the stand-alone restaurant that is Ground Zero for old Las Vegas, and grabbed comments from owner Freddie Glusman and longtime lounge singer and Hollywood semi-legend Pia Zadora. Also: a deep preview of a new steakhouse coming to Henderson, Al and Rich discuss a not-so-great lunch, and Al talks to one of the OGs of food television, Martin Yan (who's opening a restaurant in Las Vegas!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Rich get the lowdown on the upcoming St. Patrick's Day festivities at one of Las Vegas' best Irish bars and restaurants: Ri-Ra at Mandalay Place. Managing Partner Scott Sherman and lead barman Wally Lang preview the fun to be had, and share the history of Ri-Ra. Also: Al talks to Chef Bobby Flay about his latest burger joint on The Strip, and Rich shares all the food he DIDN'T eat at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the NASCAR race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chef Rick Moonen is back as co-host, and he's in great company. He and Al get the lowdown on Chefs for Kids, the foundation that fights malnutrition and hunger in children through education and awareness, Chris Johns in the longtime Executive Chef at the South Point Hotel and Casino - and has been a guiding force in Chefs for Kids for years. Also joining the episode is Food Network veteran Vic Vegas. The owner of Black & Blue Diner on North Decatur is also a regular on Jon Taffer's Bar Rescue. Leading the news this week: developer J Dapper has chosen the finalists for the new diner he wants to start at the Huntridge Theater project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After hinting at it for weeks, Al makes the big reveal: his new Las Vegas restaurant guide app, Neon Feast. Rich quizzes Al about the details of the app. It's a curated list of at least 500 restaurants, but much more. Also joining the show, Jonathan Batista and Jordan Dunewood, owners of Artisanal Foods. The go-to source for many restaurants in the valley opened a large retail outlet nearly a year ago at Eastern and Tropicana. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's back to the Convention Center for more great conversations from this month's Fancy Foods Show. Among those who stopped by our table: Donald Contursi of "Lip Smacking Foodie Tours" and Michael Stamm of Cured and Whey. Also, Rich takes a Covid test. But you'll have to listen all the way to find out the result! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a long one but a good one! Al and Rich dive into the Winter Fancy Foods show, which was held in Las Vegas for the first time in decade. This trade show lets distributors, importers and food makers show off their products to the world. Well, the food world. From grains to syrup to hot sauce to cheese (and more cheese), Al and Rich gained some weight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's all about the Charcuterie - which does NOT include chocolate! Nor does it include cheese, according to Diana Brier, the proprietor of Valley Cheese & Wine in Henderson. But it DOES include a lot of tasty meats, with cheese as an accompaniment, according to the man who literally wrote the book on the subject: Jeffrey Weiss of Valencian Gold. His book is "Charcuteria: The Soul of Spain." Also: Diana is looking forward to the Fancy Foods Show next week - during which Al and Rich will be livestreaming and recording for the next Food & Loathing Episode. They share a little preview from Michael Stamm of Cured and Whey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hot Dogs take center stage in this episode, in which we talk to two of the valley's best purveyors of artisan tubes: Snap-O-Razzo's Ralph Perrazo and Jordan Camacho, creator of the "To Be Frank" popup inside Sticks Tavern on Water Street in Henderson. Both talk about how they came from serious fine dining to creating and selling their own dogs. Ralph sells his packaged dogs online and at Green Valley Markets. Jordan makes the dogs and creates the entire experience with multiple toppings at Sticks. But, this episode is not a complete sausage fest. This week's co-host is Kim Foster, James Beard Award - winning food writer. She shares her experiences helping feed people during the depths of the Covid lockdown, and how McDonald's became a touchstone of consistency in the life of her adopted children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Rich hunker down in their respective broadcast bunkers, as both tested positive for Covid-19 last week. But, through the magic of Zoom, they talk about events they had to miss - as well as two events coming up and underway. Diana Edelman of 'Vegans Baby' checks in from New York to talk about the great vegan items that means restaurants are offering in the final days of Vegan Dining Month. And Jill Campbell of the Fancy Foods Show previews the industry event coming up in early February. And, as we post this episode, both Al and Rich are testing negative. So don't go running into the night of you encounter them! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al, Rich and co-host Rick Moonen welcome the chefs from two of the top restaurants at Resorts World: Daniel Ontiveros of Carversteak and Nicole Brisson of Brezza. Recorded inside the knife room at Carversteak, the two discuss their commitment to high quality beef raised in a humane way, their individual paths to these new properties and how they both compete and cooperate in adjacent spaces. Al and Rick talk about their day feeding the suite-dwellers at Allegiant Stadium, and Rich shares his lutfisk experience ahead of the annual Las Vegas Lukfisk Festival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're back poolside and Rick Moonen's house to put a cap on the holidays. Al, Rick and Rich share thoughts on Carversteak, the new cutting-edge steakhouse at Resorts World. Al sits down with Heidi Knapp-Rinella, who's just retired after 22 years as the top food writer/critic at the Las Vegas Review-Journal. And Rich quizzes Al and Rick on several food items that are loved around the world, but illegal in the US. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Rich share a few bits from the first 29 episodes. Among the subjects and guests: Italian food with Gina Marinelli and Chris Conlon, cooking for the Raiders with Gary LaMorte, Top Chef Portland finalist Jamie Tran, and all about the geneses of Vegas Uncorked with James Trees. If you're sharing with someone unfamiliar with the podcast, this is the perfect introduction! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Politics, Tomatoes and more highlight the second half of Al's dinner and conversation with the legendary Jose Andres. Also: Al and Rich check a few news items and review a light week of going out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the episode that Al's been waiting to drop for two weeks: the first half of his very long interview and dinner with Chef Jose Andres, the man behind Jaleo, China Poblano, E, MiniBar, Bazaar Meats and other restaurant concepts. And he's the man who's fed hundreds of thousands of people around the world who are the victims of disasters - both natural and human-made. Also: Al and co-host Rick Moonen dive into a blogger post that's gone viral: a serious take-down of a Michelin-starred tasting menu restaurant in Italy. And Al has news that every chef wants to hear: a chance to be given your own restaurant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two years after the season was shot, Hell's Kitchen Young Guns finally aired this past summer. And delaying the release also meant delaying the prize for winner Trenton Garvey. But now he has his money, and his new job as Executive Chef at Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris. From his new home in Henderson, Trenton sits down with Al to explain it all. Rick Moonen is back as co-host. He recounts a very busy Thanksgiving time. Al talks about his recent restaurant visits, and Rich goes in depth on his meal at Harlo in Downtown Summerlin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a combination of celebration, remembrance and education this week – all wrapped up in a tasty package. We celebrate Hanukah with a primer on what it means to keep kosher, and a discussion of all things kosher in Las Vegas. And we found two men who know their stuff: Ken Heck, owner of Chinglish and Chinglish Kosher, and Rabbi Tzvi Bronchtain, who certifies that a restaurant or shop is, indeed, Kosher. We also remember Chris Herrin, the pioneering Strip veteran who brought great bread and pastry to the neighborhoods of Las Vegas. Chris, who struggled with diabetes for decades, died suddenly just before Thanksgiving in St. George, Utah. He and business partner Chris Connors started Farmstead Bakery in downtown St. George less than a year ago. Connors joins us, along with Chris Decker of Metro Pizza and Chris Palmeri of Naked City Pizza, to share stories about their friend. We also have foodie news and tales, and a cannabis edibles review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're celebrating the holiday by asking some of our best friends in the Las Vegas restaurant community to share their best Thanksgiving moments. From family fun to challenging times in the kitchen to heartbreaking moments, we hope you'll find something that speaks to you. Among our friends sharing their stories: Justin Kingsley Hall, Elizabeth Blau, Rick Moonen, Cory Harwell, Bruce Kalman, Ken Heck and Stacy Dugan. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The meat in the sandwich that is this episode is all about sandwiches: what makes a good one and why are there so many awful sandwich sellers? We talk with two of the best at their craft: Dave Simmons of Goodwich in Downtown Las Vegas, and Ismaele Romano, who just opened Via Focaccia at Elis Island Casino. Sandwiching that conversation, Rich critiques cheap steak, Al and co-host Rick Moonen play Monday morning quarterback on Desert Companion's restaurant awards and Marcus Samuellson unveils his Impossible "chicken" nuggets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chef Rick Moonen is back to talk about his travels. He and Al also compare notes about Harlo, the new Downtown Summerlin steakhouse from Chef Gina Marinelli that's still in "preview" mode. And Rich bitches about not yet getting an invitation. But the bulk of the episode is all about Spanish food and the great Las Vegas joints that celebrate it. From the private dining room at Jaleo in The Cosmopolitan, we're joined by Jaelo's head chef Eric Suniga and one of the brains behind Valencian Gold, Jeffrey Weiss. Also: news about the latest tenants of Vegas Test Kitchen, the new executive chef at SW Steakhouse, and the big Las Vegas - Kansas City barbecue competition set for this weekend! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most restaurant kitchens may be 'boys' clubs.' But that's changing in many places - especially in Las Vegas. Our guests include Dr. Lisa Cain, who teaches a course at UNLV called "From the Classroom to the Boardroom: Leadership for Women in Hospitality. " Also joining us, Elizabeth Blau, one of the most successful restaurant operators in Las Vegas, male or female. And we recorded that conversation at the Las Vegas Test Kitchen. Owner Jolene Mannina shares here stories of successes and failures in her culinary career. Also on this episode: guest co-host Lindsay Stewart. She's attracted more than 300,000 followers of her Instagram site The Las Vegas Foodie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We take a deep, delicious dive into the Las Vegas sushi scene with two of the best sushi chefs at one of the best sushi venues. Chef John Um treats us to a fantastic array of raw fish in the newly refurbished and expanded bar at SushiSamba at the Palazzo. John is SushiSamba's corporate chef. Also joining us at the table is Josh Bagwin, formerly of RM Seafood - which is a nice coincidence, since the 'RM' of that fantastic, much-missed joint is our semi-regular co-host Rick Moonen. Along with news of the week, Rich reviews three local hot dogs, while Al and Rick wax poetic about this week's cannabis edible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the second time in history (well, our history) Food and Loathing is releasing a bonus episode! Well, it's more like a leftover episode. There was just too much good stuff at and great guests at "Vegas Unstripped" for just one episode. So we've constructed this extra helping of Unstripped. It features Chef J.P. Labadie, as well as Vegas' most famous (and most recognizable) mixologist Adam Raines from The Golden Tiki. But we've been willingly hijacked by Chef James Trees of Esther's Kitchen. He brought along Chef Jackson Stamper, who's presiding over the latest iteration of Ada's Wine Bar. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We've recovered from an epic night of gluttony on Main St. in the Arts District, and we're sharing what we saw, heard and tasted. Before then, co-host Rick Moonen shares his tale of 'glamping' in Utah, Al and Rick recount their 'secret' dinner in Tivoli Village, and Rich 'reviews' the new fast foot joint that serves nothing but plant-based food. That includes 'cheese' - heavy on the quote marks. Also, be sure to download our bonus episode, Unstripped Leftovers, with even more from Vegas Unstripped. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jenny Wong, co-owner of Every Grain, is our co-host this week. She shares her story about bringing the Taiwanese staple Lu Rou Fan to the valley. The centerpiece of the show is barbecue. And two of the best in town are here for us: Bruce Kalman of Soul Belly BBQ and Rollin' Smoke's Mike Moore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We hang with Top Chef Portland's fan favorite, and Las Vegas' own, Jamie Tran! Also along for the ride is this week's co-host Mercy Baron. She's host of the "All Forked Up" podcast, a certified master barbecue judge, author of the Baron's Barbecue Beat website, and administrator of the Las Vegas and San Diego Food Fanatics pages on Facebook. Jamie tells all about Top Chef, including her reluctance to appear, her comeback from elimination and why she tried to accept elimination instead of seeing a fellow competitor leave the show. One hint: those rushing-to-beat-the-clock moments are real! She also shares the inspiration for the Vietnamese-inspired American comfort food she serves up at her restaurant Black Sheep. Could there be more in the future? You'll have to listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rick Moonen is back to co-host an episode that looks at the state of Mexican cuisine in Las Vegas. Chefs Francisco Alvarez, Mariana Lavarado, and Sarah Thompson join us to talk about the history, nutrition and variety of Mexican cuisine, and some of the unfair expectations many Americans bring to the table. Al also opens up a bottle of Singhani 63, the new spirit championed by acclaimed film director Steve Soderburgh. It's a white distilled spirit made from the ancient Muscat of Alexandria, and is produced by the largest and oldest singani maker in Bolivia, Casa Real. Also: Rich shares his compare-and-contrast journey through a trio of sub sandwich chains - his quest for the best basic turkey sandwich. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We take a closer look at the current state of celebrity sightings in Las Vegas: where to go and who you might find there. And we get top-shelf help from two people who do it for a living: Melinda Sheckells of "Off the Strip" and John Katsilometes, the Man About Town for the Las Vegas Review Journal. And this week's co-host is Diana Brier, owner of Valley Wine & Cheese in Henderson. Wonder about her cheese bone fides? How about this? Diana is one of only 45 people in the country to hold a Certified Cheese Sensory Evaluator Certificate from the American Cheese Society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's time for Life is Beautiful, downtown Las Vegas' celebration of music and food. We talk with a couple of chef-owners at their new Fremont St. spot, and get the lowdown of what it's like to cook for rock royalty on the road - as well as the uber-rich in their exclusive enclaves! Our co-hosts this week are Justin Kingsley Hall, Kim Owens and Jolene Mannina, who created Peyote at Ferguson's on Fremont St. Jolene is also the genius behind Vegas Test Kitchen. Meanwhile, Dan Krohmer from Other Mama and (from one of those uber-rich enclaves) Geno Bernardo talk about cooking for the very rich and extremely famous. And, as always, Al has found another edible cannabis product to review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In all modesty, this is a big deal episode - because we have two very big deal chefs joining us. This week's co-host is Rick Moonen, former owner of RM Seafood and Rx Boiler Room. Rick shares what he's doing these days, and why he continues to call Las Vegas home. Also: It's a huge job feeding an NFL team and all of its staffers. And for the Raiders, it's a high priority - an amenity the team uses to attract free agents. To deliver on that promise, the Raiders turned to veteran Vegas Chef Gary LaMorte. He shares some, but not all, of the secrets of how diet can optimize a player's performance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We love getting into the minutiae of this valley. But this time we're getting the view of Vegas from far away. Andy Wang has been traveling and writing for LA Magazine, Food & Wine, The Robb Report, The New York Times and many other publications. Over the past 20 years, Matt Vilano has written more than 100 stories about Las Vegas and has edited at least a dozen travel guide books. In Time Magazine, he recently declared Las Vegas one of the world's greatest places. Before we talk to Andy and Matt, we hung out with DW Bistro co-owner Bryce Krausman. He shared his recent Vegas fun. And he (like us) is especially excited about Vegas Unstripped, which is back after a one year hiatus. We dive into all the details and talk to several of the chefs who will be taking part on the night of October 16th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's all things beer with one of the valley's best brewers and best beer writers: Crafhaus co-owner Dave Forrest and Bob Barnes, who's been covering the Nevada beer scene since 1998. Al, Jason and Rich talk to Dave and Bob in the tasting room at Crafthaus, which is in a light industrial park that's become known as the Henderson Booze District. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices