On Today’s Menu: Post–4th of July recovery and burger crawl reflections Ingredient Wars: Caviar vs. Truffle — which fancy ingredient overstayed its welcome? Texture Excuses: Are they childish or valid? (Spoiler: John wants to fork people in the eye) Vegas summer dining deals and why now’s the time to eat like a local Full reviews of 9 restaurants, including a heated conversation of… Carbone Riviera is opening at Bellagio — expect boat, bros, and cargo shorts Simple food is eternal. Excess is exh...
Jul 13, 2025•1 hr 9 min
On Today’s Menu: 🎆 Fourth of July & Final Bites: We made it. The Great Las Vegas Steakhouse Burger Crawl has reached its glorious, greasy finale. After 16 contenders and 3 months of carnivorous commitment, we're revealing the definitive top four — and crowning the best steakhouse cheeseburger in town. 🍔 The Final Four: Delmonico Steakhouse , Peter Luger Steak House , Mae Daly's , and Nicco's Steakhouse . Which burger had the best bun? Who overcooked the patty? And which $52 cheeseburger so...
Jul 04, 2025•48 min
On Today’s Menu: 🍳 The Burger Crawl Final Four & Winner Announcement Episode We’ve reached the semi-finals in our Steakhouse Burger Crawl — and the contenders are fierce. The burger finale 4th of July episode is coming in hot. Flavor wins. Fries might break the tie. And Sam still inhales his before the photo is taken. 🇨🇦 John’s Canadian Culinary Comeback Tour Vancouver’s still got Roots — but does it still have flavor? John weighs in after a few hits, many misses, and a lot of mid-Atlanti...
Jun 27, 2025•55 min
On Today’s Menu: 🍳 Steak. Egg. Burger. Madness.: We’re on location at Carversteak Las Vegas to tackle their brand-new Steak & Egg Burger — stacked with Wagyu rib cap, Gruyère, crispy shallots, horseradish cream, chimichurri, and a sunny-side egg. Is it too much? Or just enough? 👨🍳 Meet the Mastermind: Executive Chef, Daniel Ontiveros: From Therapy to Carversteak, Chef Daniel walks us through the burger’s surprisingly simple origin story, his take on Vegas hospitality, and why great chefs...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 14 min
We’re on the road — okay, two blocks away — at Echo Taste & Sound with Vegas culinary icon Chef Natalie Young . From her legendary pancakes to her analog record players, Nat walks us through her new Arts District gem: part listening lounge, part brunch haven, and 100% a certified vibe . On Today’s Menu: 🎧 The magic of Hi-Fi audio and what makes Echo different 🥞 Why her pancakes taste like cotton candy 🍳 The evolution from EAT to Echo 🍗 Fried chicken nostalgia, portion control, and pork c...
Jun 13, 2025•43 min
On Today’s Menu: Shrimp tails in pasta? Ash calls it a microaggression. John rolls his eyes. When craft cocktails jumped the shaker John drops his top Vegas steakhouse list… 20 years later. Ash goes to bat for Golden Steer. James Trees takes over Voodoo Steak at the Rio — is it a “mis-STEAK”? Batista’s closes with zero warning. PR disaster or something worse? Matt Meyer’s new venture: a dry-aged meat food truck Natalie Young is back with breakfast at Echo. Destination pancakes are calling! Winni...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 14 min
On Today’s Menu: 🍔 Cro-Burger Alert – 1228 Main makes the croissant burger real. Crescent vs. round? It’s delicious either way — but maybe limit it to nine a day for maximum hype. 🥩 Steakhouse Burger Wars – Carversteak drops a $45 Wagyu + egg bomb. John calls it yolk porn for bros; Ash says it's the Instagram tax. 🍸 Bar Boheme ’s Late-Night Steal – $15 burger and fries after 9PM with a drink. Add foie gras if you're feeling bougie. 🌮 Taco News – DJ Flores is taking over the old La Casa De Lu...
May 30, 2025•54 min
On Today’s Menu: 🔪 Italian Food Smackdown: John unleashes on Battista's Hole in the Wall and the state of Italian-American slop across Vegas. Monzù – Italian Oven + Bar ? Amazing. Vetri Cucina ? Great. Battista’s? Legendary for the wrong reasons. 🍸 Cocktail Conspiracy: John's pet peeve of the week targets the shrinking, weakening cocktails plaguing Vegas bars. Are we being duped one $22 drink at a time? 🍔 Burger Crawl & Bun Battles: Holsteins opens, Oscar’s tweaks their cheese, and the bu...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 11 min
On Today’s Menu: Opening chaos: Exploding water bottles, soggy notes, and John’s retirement unraveling. Crudo Confessional: John’s Italian seafood trip sparks a debate — true Crudo vs. Americanized ceviche. Burger Crawl Update: Final Four are locked — Delmonico, Mae Daly’s, Peter Luger, and Nicco’s. Who’s ready to burger down? Closures Galore: Farewell to Hogs & Heifers, Chamana's Café, Mr. Chow, Cathédrale at Aria, and… Giada’s?! New Openings: Pisces at Wynn stuns (and steals Ash’s heart), ...
May 16, 2025•56 min
On Today’s Menu: 🎯 Bramàre & Table 34 Closed — John unpacks the Glusman family feud that shut down two Vegas restaurants. Felony charges, threats at Piero’s, and a cautionary tale: Never go into business with your family. 🍔 Burger Crawl Math — $31 for the burger, $30 to park? John’s not having it. We break down the true cost of Strip steakhouse burgers and why Nicco’s and Mae Daly’s are looking better every day. 💐 Mother’s Day Mayhem — John Curtas vs. Mother’s Day. Spoiler: He’s undefeate...
May 09, 2025•40 min
On Today’s Menu: John returns from Italy Anniversary dinner at Robuchon European hospitality > American hostess stands Vegas cappuccinos: a national embarrassment Ash, Sam, and John prepare for the ultimate eat-off: Steakhouse Burger Crawl Final Four 🥇 The top four steakhouse burgers are crowned: #1 Delmonico – The smash burger GOAT #2 Mae Daly’s – A perfect classic, no frills #3 Peter Luger – Big meat energy, raw onion included #4 Nicco’s – McDouble on crack… for $52 Burger Bracket Shocks: ...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 1 min
We went on the road to Vegas Unstripped at the Palms, and it’s chaos in the best way. Champagne was sabered, Sam got iced, and we ate... everything. From escargot donuts to foie gras ice cream, this episode is a love letter to Vegas' best chefs. On Today’s Menu: Culinary highlights from Partage & Le Club with Chef Yuri Szarsewski Golden Steer Steakhouse's expansion to New York & more with Amanda Signorelli Bourbon Steak's new menu & local focus with Josh Smith Soul Belly BBQ, BURGERS...
May 02, 2025•45 min
Vegas Unstripped 2025 is just around the corner — and we’ll be there — so we’re bringing back our most popular episode that dives into last year’s Unstripped, plus a whole lot more. On Today’s Reheated Menu: John goes semi-viral (again) for calling Tony Hsieh a “drug-addicted creep” Private membership clubs — worth it or nah? Vegas Unstripped recap + behind-the-scenes local gossip The CWOSSAIIIINTS bracket is unveiled Mead spots you need to try in Las Vegas Ash’s Microaggression of the Week™ Res...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 8 min
On Today’s Menu: 💔 Tribute is paid to Christopher Janz, a respected figure in the Las Vegas food community, who passed away unexpectedly. 🍞 Daily Bread vs.1228 Main – The carb wars begin! Ash and John dive into their favorite loaves, legendary focaccia, and the casual joy of grabbing a fresh-baked gem to go. Plus, a shoutout to the ginger chicken salad that channels the spirit of Wolfgang Puck’s long-lost Xinhua. 🍗 John's Reluctant Buffalo Wild Wings Adventure – John steps into the world of w...
Apr 11, 2025•56 min
This week on Eat. Talk. Repeat. , Ash is hungover, John’s annoyed by everything, and Sam's eager to argue about burgers. We’ve hit 15 of Vegas’ top steakhouse burgers, and now it’s time to start winnowing it down to the Final Four. (Spoiler: emotions are running high, and nobody agrees.) On Today's Menu: 🥐 Full review of Bar Boheme , the elegant new Parisian bistro on Main Street. Duck liver, Dover sole, pâté en croûte, and flaky tarts — is this downtown’s most grown-up restaurant yet? 🍔 Burge...
Apr 04, 2025•58 min
We went out of the studio and deep into taco territory this week at the Tacos & Tamales Festival with the legendary Leticia “Letty” Mitchell, chef and owner of Letty's de Leticia's Cocina , Leticia's Cocina & Cantina , and the new seafood-forward Carmelita's Mar Y Tierra . On Today’s Menu: 🌮 From hand-pressed tortillas to birria ramen, Letty shares: Her Las Vegas food journey — from 1964 to opening restaurants in a pandemic The real markers of great Mexican food (spoiler: yellow cheese ...
Apr 03, 2025•32 min
On Today’s Menu: The steakhouse burger crawl is getting intense — John is 9 deep, Sam's trying to catch up, & Ash is barely hanging on No spoilers (yet), but Final Four talk is heating up ICYMI, we’re on video now & John’s showing chest hair… viewer discretion advised Influencer food frauds Bar Boheme buzz grows Rant alert: bacon jam, QR codes, tipping culture, speakerphones in public, & coffee shop rage… boomers beware Off-strip restaurant must-visits – EDO, Anima, Raku, Esther’s, &...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 1 min
On Today’s Menu: Enshittification — when good spots go to hell faster than you can say “franchise special” Our Burger Crawl is serious business — chase the perfect patty or die trying Ambiance can make or break it — too fancy, I’m broke; too grim, I’m gone Authenticity’s our lifeline — mid-meat at One Steakhouse? John would rather eat his shoe Staff with a pulse save the day — treat ‘em right, or your steak’s toast Corkage fees? Negotiate gracefully, lest Spring Mountain’s $35 tariff spoil the v...
Mar 15, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Chef Gio of Monzù – Italian Oven + Bar shares his culinary journey, from his family's rich restaurant legacy to his personal experiences in the kitchen. He discusses the importance of authenticity in Italian cuisine, his influences, and the transition from a career in opera to becoming a celebrated chef. He also touches on his awards and recognition in the culinary world, highlighting his contributions to the Las Vegas dining scene. Chef Gio discusses his journey in the pizza industry, the impor...
Mar 12, 2025•57 min
On Today’s Menu: Monzu show coming soon!! Steakhouse burger crawl updatessss! Vegas Unstripped is back April 27 at Palms! Serious foodies, mark your calendars. Bazaar Meat is closing (and moving!) – what’s next for this legendary spot? The MEAT of the food news…… Golden Steer is heading to New York – but can it capture that Vegas magic? Or is NY too cutthroat? New restaurant openings, closures, and some insider rumors we need to shut down ASAP The Master Debater showdown – How will Golden Steer ...
Mar 08, 2025•57 min
On Today’s Menu: Dayvid Figler of City Cast Las Vegas joins us to talk coffee & cocktails Programming update: we’re on location at Monzu on Tuesday! Review of Last Showgirl on bookandfilmglobe.com Top, mid, & low-tier coffee spots Moccamaster 2000 — yes, it’s a real thing Our favorite hidden gems Why all roads lead to Liquid Diet The art of a craft cocktail & cocktail bar Why booze is a cultural thing Build-a-Bear martinis Spots Mentioned: Vesta Coffee Roasters Bungalow Coffee Co Mot...
Mar 01, 2025•58 min
On Today's Menu: Falling on our swords… sorry for the audio last week Steakhouse Burger Crawl unveiling with specific criteria & A FRY BREAKER 6 more reasons to ignore & hate Yelp The worst meal we’ve ever eaten or put in our mouth… never forget fingernail pizza We address listener questions, comments, & concerns Monkfish liver: avoid at all costs Stay strong, Signorelli! Thank you for keeping Golden Steer at the gold standard F*ck you, BABY BOOMERS Bouchon bag couture??? Please don’...
Feb 22, 2025•1 hr
Welcome back to Eat. Talk. Repeat.! This week, we cover more culinary ground than any other pod or pundit in town — from avant‑garde tasting menus that feel like intergalactic missions to soggy burgers that’ll have you questioning everything. On Today’s Menu… Tasting Menu Throwdown & Price Tag Debate: Single Thread: Is the hefty price tag worth this gastronomic adventure? You’ll have to listen to decide! Endo: Dive into a world of precision plating and top‑notch ingredients — complete with a...
Feb 08, 2025•49 min
Welcome back to Eat. Talk. Repeat. This week, we cover more ground than any other podcast or journalist in town! From the latest restaurant openings to our burger crawl plans, plus some food news you can actually use, we’ve got it all. John’s even willing to put a steak dinner on the line! Burger Crawl Planning: Wally’s is now officially on the Steak Burger Crawl list. Creating a list of 10 spots with a deadline, ranking them, then narrowing it down to the top 4 for a battle royale. Real hammer ...
Feb 01, 2025•59 min
On Today’s Menu: 30th year of John officially reporting on the Las Vegas food scene How honest and informed opinions are hard to come by (except on this pod) Influencers often compromise their integrity for compensation Did Eater Las Vegas’ Top Restaurant List piss John off? Yes, because they often miss essential local AND quality spots The James Beard Awards have become less meaningful over time Top 5 essential places off-Strip Food news you can use Recent ventures & spots mentioned What no...
Jan 25, 2025•1 hr 1 min
On Today’s Menu: New Year reflections and John’s travel tales Culinary comparisons: London vs. Las Vegas Dining experiences: recent ventures & exploring new culinary ventures Food news you can use & restaurant updates Breaking news: one of our favorite restaurants is relocating Pizza wars: a taste test Indian cuisine The impact of hospitality groups Pet peeves: menus & tables Questions, comments, hate mail? Email us at cheers@eattalkrepeat.com! Thanks for tuning into today's episode!...
Jan 18, 2025•49 min
On Today’s Menu: Where to find the best chocolate chip cookie on Earth Taste tempting palate, pleasing pics – short & sweet for the Millennials Retirement is nothing but self-care No strippers, just NY Strip Tuna cutting Holiday dining tips & Valentine's Day ideas High-end Asian cuisine Thai delights The Golden Steer: a culinary comeback Last-minute gourmet gifts Anyone else need a chiro after a sushi bar? F*ck you and your children’s menu Next week on Eat. Talk. Repeat.: Verbal gifts &a...
Dec 21, 2024•59 min
On Today’s Menu: Major Awards 2024 are HERE Former Chef of the Year and Executive Chef & Partner of Brezza & Bar Zazu , Nicole Brisson, joins us Dry aging The problem with Prime How much meat ties into the cigar world Italian adventures with the meat maven of Italy Are there too many steakhouses in Vegas? Nicole’s shocking guilty pleasure The Naughty Angel – what the hell is it? Terrible customer tales… How kitchen culture has changed since the Me Too movement Nicole’s advice for women c...
Dec 13, 2024•53 min•Ep. 85
On Today’s Menu: Sake bombs > caviar bumps 2024 Eater Las Vegas Award Winners just dropped… will they piss John off? John's a slut for fancy soap Burger throwdown: Peter Luger vs. Wally’s Picking on The Hamburguesa Principessa in her absence When do you know a restaurant is f*cked? The minute they say they’re getting a DJ The best burger in Las Vegas debate is coming soon… Vintner Grill: a controversial review Pet peeves right up there with the fingernail pizza – IYKYK Food News You Can Use: ...
Dec 07, 2024•47 min•Ep. 84
On Today's Menu: On-site at Vetri Cucina – the best & most elevated restaurant in Las Vegas (in more ways than one) Interview with Chef Marc Vetri and Chef Jason Janson of Vetri Cucina Pat's King of Steaks vs. Geno's Steaks What makes a perfect pasta dish Marc Vetri's perspective on how Americans have bastardized authentic Italian food Caviar with Pringles? Most offensive things on a menu… BIG cringe Sam has the meats The problem with prime meat Nostalgia and the role it plays in your palate...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 83
