Food and Loathing | Covering the Las Vegas Food Scene

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

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