Al, Gem and Rich sit down in the gorgous Bourbon Steak dining room at the Four Seasons for a conversation with executive chef Josh Smith and his upcoming guest collaborator James Trees. He's the first guest chef for what will be a series of collaborative dinners called "Chef's Corner." That first one is set for July 10. Also in this episode, restaurant visits to Ai Pazz (the new Italian place at the JW Marriott fronted by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani), House of Blues, Sorrellina and Mr. Kim's Ko...
Jul 04, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 215
Al, Gemini and Rich feast on the food and hospitality provided by Todd Clore, the chef/owner of Henderson mainstay Todd's Uniquie Dining. Todd shares why he left The Strip to open one of the suburbs' first fine dining destinations more than 20 years ago. Also: STK's Stephen Hopcraft unveils new menu items, Lotus of Siam’s Penny Chutima talks about her mother's James Beard Award from years ago, and we dive into nearly a dozen places we've visted in the past week.
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 214
The home of over-the-top burgers and "Bam-Boozled" milkshakes, about one year after closing its spot in the Cosmopolitan, is back in business in the Arts District. Billy Richardson, CEO of parent company Gen3 Hospitality, grabs a seat in the corner booth to share the Holsteins story with Al, Rich and guest co-host Bob Barnes. Bob also offers up a beer report -- because that's his claim to fame. Gemini joins us from Chicago, fresh from attending the James Beard Awards ceremony. Along with the usu...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 213
Superstar chef and humanitarian Jose Andres has opened another Las Vegas restaurant, and Al gets the lowdown from CEO Sam Bakhshandehpour on the pan-Mediterranean menu at Zaytinya. Natalie Young is also here, talking about her new Arts District place, Echo Taste & Sound. The big interview is with Ethan Spiezer at the new outpost of Solamete Pizza on West Sahara. Also: The Happy Hour Report looks at great deals in Fremont East. Al and Rich also share their dining experices at Main St. Provisi...
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 7 min
A classic upscale steakhouse right across from The Aztec on Las Vegas Boulevard? There is a method to that apparant madness, and Mae Daly's owner Richard Femenella explains it to Al, Gemini and Rich. Executive Chef Tomas Espino also joins the conversation, and brings a fantastic sample of Mae Daly's fantastic cuisine. Also: another wine dinner at Joe's, Chef Leticia Mitchell is bringing Leticia’s Cocina and Cantina to Boulder Station, and James Trees expands his empire to the 51st floor. Listen ...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 211
The full team is together again, with Gemini Zooming in to Al and Rich from Oklahoma City. Also on the show: From the Arts District, we have Chef Bruce Kalman at Soulbelly and Gen 3 Hospitality’s Stacia Stephens at Holsteins. Chef Steven Piamchunter tells us about the food at the new Thai spot Blue Orchid. Football legend Emmitt Smith talks butter cake. Boulder Station’s Lakeita Ahern talks about the return of the Broiler salad bar. And we have a nice long conversation with Chef Martin Heierling...
May 30, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 210
Diane Mina, the founder of Diane’s Bloody Mary, is hosting a Bloody Mary brunch this weekend at her husband Michael Mina’s Aria restaurant, Bardot Brasserie. She talks to Al about convincing Michael to invest in her mix. Also: Chris Clifford talks about his efforts to bring a new, restaurant-heavy development to Henderson, and the challenges he’s facing from both the city and a few of his neighbors. Our restaurant visits include the Oyster Bar at Sunset Station, Suzuya Japanese Pastry, All’Antic...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 209
Rang's Concina Moderne is a small place in a strip mall on West Charleston near Jones. And it serves up Italian and Spanish dishes, but with an Asian flare courtesy of its namesake, Chef Rang Tan. Al, Rich and Rob Kachelriess sit down with Rang in the restaurant, enjoy some of her signature dishes, and get the story on the place she and her husband opened last year. Also: Restaurant reports on Pisces at Wynn, Le Spritz, Ai Pono Cafe, Bourbon Steak and The George Sportsman's Lounge.
May 16, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 208
This week’s episode was recorded at The Legends Oyster Bar, which recently celebrated its 5th anniversary. Rich and Al have a nice long chat with founder/chef Jack Jarukasem, and devour several items from the menu. The guys share their recent experiences at William B’s Steakhouse, Coco Donuts, Sorellina, Doberman Drawing Room, La Mona Rosa, Tony Luke’s and The Empire Strips Back, as they try to hold down the fort without Gemini. Also: interviews with Robert Biale of Robert Biale Vinyards, Marche...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 207
Al and Rich throw out the format for this episode, which they recorded at Vegas Unstripped at The Palms. Basically, they just walk around the big event and talk to the best chefs in Las Vegas. We begin with a bit of news and the latest Happy Hour Report. And then it's walking and talking!
May 02, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 206
This episode focuses on two programs that give back to the community, and check in with a couple of celebrity chefs. The entire episode was recorded at the brand-new Blooming Bistro, where young people in recovery are training for careers in and around the hospitality industry. Later, we speak to Monica Garcia about the Love Yourself Foundation’s upcoming event at the Beverly Theater, focusing on mental health issues faced by hospitality and entertainment workers. We also catch up with Chef Tal ...
Apr 25, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 205
It's the premier of a new feature on the podcast: the Food and Loathing Happy Hour report, thanks to our new collaboration with the site Happy Hour Vegas run by Andrew Morgan. Each week, Andrew and Al take a few minutes to run down a few of the valley's best happy hours. Like Neon Feast, they're organized by category. To kick off the new feature: Steakhouse happy hours. Also, Al talks to Metro Pizza's John Arena about his new foundation, appropriately named The John Arena Foundation. Plus, music...
Apr 18, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 204
Al and Gemini take the podcast sky-high this week, recording at the Chef’s Table in Rivea by Alain Ducasse, which is located at the top of the W hotel. They’re there to speak to MGM resorts International’s Chef Justin Fredericksen about the entire MGM culinary team being honored at the upcoming Chefs For Kids gala. But while they were in the restaurant, they chatted with Rivea GM Mark Thomas, and enjoyed an incredible feast prepared by Rivera’s executive chef, Winnie Wong. Also: an interview wit...
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 203
Rich is in Europe. Gemini is in Oklahoma. Al is in Vegas. And they have a BIG show that’s jam packed with interviews. Don’t believe us? How about these names: DW Bistro’s Bryce Krausman; Elizabeth Blau, Nina Manchev and Lorena Garcia at the Women’s Hospitality Institute’s Leadership conference at Wynn Las Vegas; Alessandro Capuano and Morgan Basile talking about Bottiglia’s Brunch Club; Mariena Mercer Boarini at the opening of Baccarat Bar in Wynn Las Vegas; Bruce Bromberg on collaborations at O...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 202
Al and Gemini recorded this week’s show at P.O.P.S. Philly Steak, and talked with second-generation owner Christina Walton. But she’s not the only guest. You’ll also hear from Stubborn Seed’s Jeremy Ford, pizza makers Sam Faccini and Tony Gemignani, Slice Out Hunger’s Scott Wiener, Prime Steak’s Sean Griffin and a Clark County rep telling us about the Tacos and Tamales festival. All that, plus news and restaurant reports.
Mar 28, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 201
Al and Rich steer the ship this week, for an episode that revolves around an interview with Chef Noe Alcala of the brand new Lucia Mexican Grill in Virgin Las Vegas. We also have interviews with Circa’s Valari Esposito, Josh Dunson of Ocean Prime, Forte’s Nina Manchev and Brandon Clark of Stew’s Sticks. There’s also lots of news, and dining reports from Nanny’s Café, NASCAR, Snooz, Ada’s, Ocean Prime, Amari and Proper Sandwich.
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 200
On this week's episode, Al pays a visit to Bourbon Steak's new executive chef, Josh Smith, to find out what he has in mind for the Michael Mina steakhouse at the Four Seasons Hotel. We also chat with Clique's Mustafa Abdi about the beginning of pool season at the Durango resort, catch up with All'Antico Vinaio founder Tommas Mazzante to discuss their current and future Vegas locations, and talk Vegas Unstripped with Kim Owens, John Church and Steve Kestler. And if you like our restaurant reports...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Al and Rich are again on location -- this time at the luxurious private dining room at Tamba, the new upscale Indian/Asian restaurant at Town Square. General Manager Oliver Morowati shares some cutting-edge appetizers and how the place, under the care of Michelin-recognized Chef Anand Singh, focuses on live-fire cooking four ways: the Josper charcoal oven, the tandoor, the mangal grill and the Chinese wok. Also this week: visits to The Broken Yolk, Burgundy Bakery Café & Bistro, Hummus Bowls...
Mar 07, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 198
This week's episode was recorded at Winnie & Ethel's Downtown Diner, and includes a nice long interview with the proprietors, Mallory Gott and Aaron Lee. Other interviews this week include Keri Kelli and Chef Krystal Meza of Evolve Brewing by Aces and Ales, Ken Heck sharing details of Hot Noods in The El Cortez, Aroma Latin American Cocina's Steve Kestler talking about his upcoming collaborative dinner at Garagiste, and Mark Shunock explaining the mental health support he's planning to offer...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 197
Meet Ellie Parker, the new executive chef at Main St. Provisions in The Arts District. Al paid her a visit this week, and you’ll hear that extended interview at the center of this week’s episode. You’ll also hear from Mimmo Ferraro about the new Happy Hour and pre-theater menu at Ferraro’s, and learn about the next Ferraro's wine dinner. And we have restaurant reports from Ciao Vino, Nora’s, Windy City Beef & Dog, Pizza Rock, Café Breizh, Pier 215, Honey Salt and Town Square’s brand new upsc...
Feb 21, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 196
Al’s back, but it’s James Beard semi-finalist DJ Flores who’s front and center this week, along with his Director of Bar Lou Lopez. They tell Gemini all about their plans for a pair of projects in The Arts District. Other interviews this week include Bryce Krausman, who shares details about the final party at DW Bistro, as well as Steve Jerome and Alexandra Lourdes talking about their new Italian spot, Sorellina. And to round it out, we have restaurant reports from The Legends Oyster Bar, Sammy’...
Feb 14, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 195
It's just Gemini and Rich this week, as Al got sick, got better, then lost his voice just in time for the show. But he did have a nice conversation with Sylvia Welsh of The Composer's Room on E. Sahara. That includes a detailed explantion of just what The Composer's room is. Also: the man synonamous with competitive eating, Joey Chestnut, came to Las Vegas and won another crown: his second victory in the Bagelmania bagel eating competition. Gemini got a few comments from him, and runner-up Pater...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 194
Al talks to Gio Mauro, the chef/owner of Old School Pizzeria and Monzu Italian Oven & Bar, about being named Nevada Chef of the Year. Al also shares his conversation with Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. The owners of Border Grill have been very busy, with the staff of their Southern California restaurants, feeding firefighters and others since the huge blazes destroyed hundreds of homes and other buildings. Also: reports on visits to The Steakhouse, Havana 1957, Marafuku Ramen, Buddy V'...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 193
This week’s episode was recorded on location at the 2025 Winter Fancy Food Show, with Rich and Al reporting on the big trade show, while Gemini was under the weather. They speak to dozens of exhibitors at the show, get serenaded by a candy maker, and share Chef Scott Conant’s big announcement from his keynote address. We share restaurant reports on visits to Rosalie French Café, The Cheongdam Food Hall, Basilico, Tim Ho Wan and Rang’s Cocina. Also: news about Sparrow + Wolf, Vegas Valley Winery,...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 192
It’s a very happy episode, despite the absence of Samantha Gemini Stevens, because our main focus is happy hours in Las Vegas Joining us is the founder of HappyHourVegas.com, Andrew Morgan. Other interviews include Sammy Hagar, Clique Hospitality’s Corey Nigrelli, Station Casinos’ Casandra Northwick, Sam Facchini of Metro Pizza and Vincent Rotolo of Good Pie. We share news of some Vegas relief efforts for California fire victims, the latest opening for Seventy-Six Taverns and the grand opening p...
Jan 17, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 191
Mark Steele, founder of the Restaurant Hospitality Institute, sits down for a long talk with Al about how his organization helps front of the house staff and managers maximize their potential. Steele also shares news of the newest course RHI is offering on allergens and food sensitities. Rich reports from the Consumer Electronics Show and leads a discussion on the best food-related films. And Gemini tells us about her search for Laksa in Australia. Also: interviews with restaurateur Freddie Palo...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 190
Chicken Zamboni? Yes, it's a thing at Vegas Golden Knights games, and Al has the full description (Spoiler: it's chicken fingers!). But this first-of-the-year episode is anchored by Al's conversation with Keith Bracewell and Jonah Gibbs, the guys on the front line of Petite Boheme, the soon-to-be French place from James Trees. Al also talks to veteran Vegas chef Eric Luhlier, who's taken over the kitchen at the Hawthorn Grill in the JW Marriott in Summerlin. Also: Gemini checks in from Australia...
Jan 03, 2025•50 min
Happy holidays. With Gemini celebrating in the Southern Hemisphere, and Las Vegas in holiday mode, Al and Rich avoided the temptation to take a week off, and put in just enough effort to create an abbreviated episode. But it’s still packed with good stuff – especially if you’re a fan of Michael Mina. Al talked to Mina just hours before the new Bourbon Steak in the Four Seasons resort opened its doors to the public. But before we even get to that, Al will tell you about his experience getting bit...
Dec 27, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 188
On this week’s episode, Vegas CityCast’s Rob Kachelriess sits in for the traveling Gemini, and joins Al and producer Rich Johnson at Dom DeMarco's Pizzeria and Wine Bar. Rob tells us about his recent experiences Craftsteak (with Tom Colicchio in the house) and Dominique Ansel Marche (with Dominique Ansel in the house). Rich will share culinary highlights from his road trip from Chicago to Vegas. And Al will tell you about experiences at the openings of Pinky’s by Vanderpump and China Mama in Pal...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 11 min
Al and Gemini were invited to spend two days at the judging sessions for the 2024 Proof Awards spirits, wine and beverage competition -- where local and national booze buyers sampled hundreds of products to grade, and perhaps purchase for their companies. And, much to Rich’s chagrin, they had so much fun they decided to create a gigantic episode featuring some of their favorite conversations. They speak to national (Delta Sky Club, Walmart, Pacifica Hotels) and local (The Palms, Hot Noods, Brezz...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 19 min
