Beard! Paging a... James Beard.

We ask because it's been a while since we've seen evidence of the late, great gourmand in Sin City. But our long shutout streak is over! Sarah Thompson, executive chef of Casa Playa at Wynn Las Vegas, won for Best Chef: Southwest. Gemini was there, and talked to Thompson. She also cored a conversation fellow Best Chef nonminee Brian Howard of Sparrow + Wolf. Rich Johnson checks in from Seatle, where the grip of World Cup Fever is tightening. This show is dropping just a few  hours before the US takes on Australia. And Rich sets the sad scene outside the stadium, where unlicensed hot dog stands have set up -- often just feet away from a legit vendor. Al left us a Happy Hour Report recorded before flying to Italy.  And Rich and Gem scrape up a few interesting foodie events that are coming soon.