Food and Loathing | Covering the Las Vegas Food Scene

The celebration of all things food is back on the weekend of September 18th at Wynn Las Vegas. Al gets a preview from Chef Jeff Ramsey of Mizumi. Also in this episode: Chef Chris Santos reflects on ten years of Beauty & Essex at The Cosmopolitan. And we get a preview of Ri-Ra's unique tradition, "Halfway to Paddy's Day," from Ri-Ra's Jennifer Spriggs. Al and guest go-host Don Chareunsy share some recent dining experiences, and they comment on word that Lotus of Siam and Naxos Taverna & Oyster Bar are closing. And, as always, a Happy Hour Report from Andrew Morgan. 

We love 'em. We hate 'em. We have put together a podcast that is a dictionary definition of 'mixed feelings.' Al and Gemini share their thoughts about the first Michelin Awards in Las Vegas in 17 years. And they bug a lot of the winners for their thoughts! They include: Bruce Kalman of Soulbelly BBQ, James Trees of Esther's Kitchen, Jeremy Ford of Stubborn Seed, Joe Mikulich and Roberto Liendo of Anima by EDO, Nicolas Kalpokdjian and Yuri Szarzewski of Partage, and Victor Ratliff of COTE. 

Al, Gem and Rich are together via the magic of the internet for some intense talk about great meals. Well, Al and Gem are having intense meals. Rich is at home making beef stew and egg bites (suggestions for both always welcome). The center of the show is pair of conversations with Paymon Raouf and David Wondrich. Paymon is celebrating 38 years of feeding Las Vegas at Paymon's Fresh Kitchen and Lounge, while David was the latest guest mixologist at The Bank in Bellagio. Al also shares his farewell dinner at Le Cirque, we have news about a new late-night menu at Petite Boheme, plus the 'secret' all-you-can eat fish and chips Fridays at The Irish Spot. And, as always, a Happy Hour Report from Andrew Morgan.

This week we're in Chinatown chowing down at 00 Pie & Pub and talking to Erica Bell. Also: Al previews next week's long conversations with Paymon Raoff and David Wondrich. You'll also hear from Jean Francoise Blais of Lester's Deli at its grand opening. Chefs Matt Silverman and Matt Piearski give us an audio tour of the construction on their new spot, Significant Other. And of course, a Happy Hour Report from Andrew, some news and some restaurant reports.

Gemini, Al and Andrew are at Monzu Italian Oven this week, getting the lowdown from owner/chef Gio Mauro on the restaurant's new summer menu and an unlimited pasta and pizza special. You'll also hear local chefs Brian Howard, Erica Bell, Gary LaMorte and Lorraine Blanco Moss comment on the new Anthony Bourdain movie, "Tony." And Wayne Herman will explain Brezza's digestif cart.  Beyond that -- a Happy Hour Vegas report, and the news.    

Al, Gem and Andrew are chowing down at Durango Social Club, courtesy of owner Dan Krohmer and new Executive Chef Crystina "Mama" Nguyen. Interviews this week include Chef Floriana Pastore, who finally has a NON-pop-up pizza place to call home: Signora Pizza Lab. Also: news of another MyTai Summer, in which the bar becomes a Tiki Lounge. Sparow + Wolf's Brian Howard previews the watch party for the new Anthony Bourdain biopic. There's new of a community block party at the Neighborhood Food Hall inside The Resort at Summerlin. And, of course, a Happy Hour Report.

It's a full house at Aroma Latin American Cocina. Al, Gemini, Bob Barnes and Andrew Morgan pay a visit to sample chef Steve Kestler's cuisine, and chat with him about his recent move from Henderson to just outside of Chinatown. We also check in with Ceselia Berumen and Chef Keris Kuwana at the new monthly Soiree event in Liam's Den at The Palazzo, get a beer report from Bob and a happy hour report from Andrew, and chat with Sam Facchini about the new Sliceteria by Metro Pizza.

Emeril Lagase has opened Meril, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, at the M Resort. Our Bob Barnes gets a rundown from the man, himself, about the restaurant named after his daughter. It's part of a guest-packed show, in which Al and Gem talk to: Las Vegas Distillery's Kari Richardson, Ada's Wine Goddess Kat and Chef Jackson Stamper about their upcoming rum dinner   Legendary barman Joaquín Simó about 'Naked and Famous,' the cocktail he invented in 2011 Palms' Lindsay Aguilar about 'Camp Palms' and its outrageous campground cuisine Manish Vora on the new Museum of Ice Cream branch in Las Vegas Drew Belcher of Sorry Not Sorry and its role at the Museum And, of course, the sharing of the restaurant experiences and a Happy Hour Report from Andrew Morgan.    

Gyu+ Japanese Sandos and Rice Boxes is the setting for this week's episode. Al, Gem and Andrew Morgan enjoy a sampling of the products, and talk to the principles: Freddie Paloma and Luis De Santos. They spent years plotting how to bring authentic Japanese food to Las Vegas. They also get treat from Chef Yuka Takamizawa, the Lead Pastry Chef at Gyu's sister property, Moignet Café. Andrew shares the latest additions to his Happy Hour Report website. And we have restaurant reports from Bar Boheme, Rare Society and Monzu. 

Food and Loathing has been the voice of the Las Vegas food and restaurant community for five years and counting. And in this anniversary episode we're sharing our takes on some of the biggest stories and issues we've examined in that time. Starting with a discussion of Strip casinos' attitudes towards local culinary talent, we move on to: -       -   Big chefs coming to big new casino -      Vegas Unstripped -      Summerlin becomes a food destination -      Fine dining in a strip club -      The well-being of the community -      The growth of women in the business -      Jose Andres' impact on Las Vegas It's far from everything we've covered and everybody we've interviewed over more than 265 episodes, but it's a good representation. We hope you enjoy it.

Al is back in town after a nearly two-week vacation in Italy. But not soon enough, so Gemini and Rich have hijacked the show once again. Gem scores the first interview with Las Vegas's own Floriana Pastore of Signora Pizza since it was named "Best Street Pizza" by THE BEST PIZZA AWARDS broadcast from Milan Italy. She also talks to Jake Yorgensen minutes after Bar Boheme's first Sunday Bake Shop event sold out -- in about one hour. Gem also shares a few Vegas restaurant visits, Rich is loving the World Cup vibes in Seattle, and Al has a cameo appearance on the Happy Hour Report with Andrew Morgan. 

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. 

Gemini and Al are together again this week, coming to you from Diamond Spur Provisions and Meats, where they speak to partner Marc Marrone on his journey from corporate chef to Tao Group to a life spent training horses, raising horses, and selling affordable and clean meat to Las Vegas. We also have Mimmo Ferraro talking about the Summer In Italy menu at Ferraro's, and Andrew Morgan offering a Happy Hour report on Area 15. Plus, restaurant reports, special events and news.  

From the Fabulous Business Center at the JW Marriott Hotel, Al, Gem and Andrew Morgan party down (and poder how that fax machine works) and knock out #263! As we've done every year, we're focusing on Three Square and Las Vegas Restaurant Week. Al sat down with Three Square's Will Edwards, and takes you back to the basics: What is Three Square (uh, the valley's largest food bank!) and how does Restaurant Week help its work? Looking ahead, we get the lowdown on the superstar culinary event 'Drink Las Vegas' at MGM Grand for four days in September. MGM Executive Dan Bernbach knows all. And, as always, a Happy Hour Report and the news.  

Al and Gemini are reunited in person this week for an interview-packed episode. In addition to all the usual stuff like news, restaurant reports and a Happy Hour report, Neen Williams explains NADC Burgers, Chef Jae Doan tells us about Doanburi Sushi, Fhaye Kerekenich discusses Nocturno's anniversary, Sunset Station's Lee Torres talks about the renovated Gaudi Bar, Roberto Guzman explains Latin Night at Viva! by Ray Garcia, Chef Marc Marrone gives the lowdown on Diamond Spur Butcher, and Black Tap's Chris Barish tells us how to celebrate VGK wins with a shake.

Sue Mancini fills in for the traveling Gemini Stevens this week in the show's first ever husband-wife co-hosted episode, and the pair are excited to talk about Sahara's new Caribbean Steakhouse, Maroon. In addition to delivering a report on their meal, Al  interviews the restaurant's celebrity Chef Kwame Oanwuachi. Other interviews include local Black historian Gwen Walker discussing the history of African-American cuisine in Las Vegas, and a short preview of a conversation with pro skateboarder Neen Williams at NADC Burgers.

Happy Hour Vegas' Andrew Morgan sits in for the vacationing Gemini Stevens this week, co-hosting an episode centering around two big interviews. First, Brezza Chef Nicole Brisson tells Al about her return to the suburbs at Amari in Uncommons. Then, Penny Chutima weighs in on the reopening of her family's original Lotus of Siam location on East Sahara Avenue. Other interviews include Luis and Chef Izzy from Gyu+ talking about this weekend's collaboration with Raku's Matsuo Endo, while Chef Alicia Shevetone and '80s pop star Tiffany discuss their new cookbook. Beyond that, we have restaurant reports from Boom Bang, Vickie's Diner, Eiffel Tower Restaurant, Good Pie's new Red Rock location, High Steaks at The Rio, and Fontainebleau's  La Cote and Washing Potato. As usual, there is the news, and a Happy Hour Report on JD's in The English Hotel.

Al and Rich almost make an episode that comes in under one hour - but not quite. Still, you'll find plenty of value in Al's centerpiece interview with Good Pie's Vincent Rotolo discussing his expansion to the Red Rock Hotel/Casino. Al also gets the lowdown on KJ's, the new restaurant at the English Hotel, thanks to conversations with owner Kevin Jeffers, Corporate Chef Adam Allen and Las Vegas Mayor Shelly Berkley, who was on hand for the grand opening. Al also has great things to say after attending the Grand Opening Party for Maroon by Chef Kwame Onwuachi. And Rich goes on and on and on about his tasting menu experience at La Loba, the Spanish tapas joint in Seattle owned by EDO Hospitality and Vegas Chef Oscar Amador. And, as always, a Happy Hour Report from Andrew Morgan.

This week's podcast brings Al and his guest co-host Bob Barnes to Main St Provisions in The Arts District, to meet the restaurant's new executive chef Miguel Tapia, taste some of his food, and chat with him and owner Kim Owens. Bob also provides a beer report. And we have interviews with Gina Marinelli, Bryce Krausman, Vincent Rotolo, Eric Gladstone and Clique Hospitality's Craig O'Keefe, as well as a Happy Hour Report by Andrew Morgan, news and restaurant reports.

Gemini, Rich and Al are reunited via the Internet for this week's episode, coming to you from Scotland, Seattle and Las Vegas. On the local front, we have extended interviews with Chef Rick Giffen of Rick's Supper Club and Anima by EDO's Joe Mikulich as well as a carbonara report from Eataly's Luca Esposito. We visit the Women In Hospitality Leadership Conference and chat with attendees. Andrew Morgan has a golf-themed Happy Hour Report. And you'll hear about Al's experiences at Taste of Stations, Anima, Vic's and a D'Agostino's whiskey tasting.

This week's episode was recorded at The Hard Rock Café on the Las Vegas Strip, with Al Mancini, guest co-host Don Chareunsy and Happy Hour Vegas' Andrew Morgan running the show, interviewing the Hard Rock's A.G.M. Jason Lent and musician Darren Moore of IKONS of Rock (now showing that the Hard Rock). In addition to getting the lowdown on what it means to be a Hard Rock Café in 2026, the guys share interviews with Lilli Chef Tyler Vorce and Chef Matt Scovill of F1 Arcade, a bit of news, restaurant reports on Contina Contramar, Mura Japanese BBQ & Shabu, Sartiano's Italian Steakhouse, SMKD BBQ and Summer House, and a Happy Hour Report from Andrew Morgan.

Jolene Mannina, Kristin Whittemore and Lindsay Geddes are the main guests this week, talking about the Sip & Savor Grand Tasting that will cap off the Women In Hospitality Leadership Conference. Meanwhile, LeAnne Notabartolo subs for Gemini in the co-host seat.  You'll also hear from Todd Clore of Todd's Unique Dining, Andrew Morgan with a Happy Hour Report and the teams at a pair of Thai restaurants: Blue Orchid and Amata Modern Thai. And we have restaurant reports from Ole Manny's Seafood Shack, Las Vegas Brewing Company, Esther's Kitchen, Rare Society and more.

Al, Gemini and Happy Hour Vegas' Andrew Morgan are coming to you this week from Ocean Prime, the seafood-forward steakhouse located within 63 CityCenter. They spend some time chatting with Chef Gino Rappa and GM John Headley while sampling food and cocktails. Andrew delivers a Happy Hour Report. Our friend LeAnne Notabartolo gives us a report from the International Pizza Expo, and shares interviews with John Arena, Michael Vakneen and Adam Sobel. You'll also hear from Echo & Rig's Sam Marvin and Chef Winston Matsuuchi of Omakase Kyara.   

Gemini is back in the host chair this week, sharing reports on her recent visits to Ada's, Main St. Provisions, Nevada Brew Works, Peg's Glorified Ham & Eggs and Jipita. Al shares his experiences at The Bar At Lilli, Pearls Oyster and Crudo Bar (an Aria Pizza popup) and the Vegas Pizza Tailgate. The central interview this week is with Chef Michael Rubinstein of Wynn's brand new Sartiano's Steakhouse and Zero Bond club. You'll also hear from Che Fico Pizza's Chef David Mayfield, Slice Out Hunger's Scott Weiner, John Arena of Metro Pizza, Christina Walton of P.O.P.S., and Happy Hour Vegas' Andrew Morgan.

City Cast Las Vegas' Rob Kachelriess is in the co-host chair this week, filling in for the traveling Gemini. He and Al share their thoughts on recent visits to Crush Pad, BOA Steakhouse, St Felix Sin City, Tacos 1986, For The Win and Nocturno. We have interviews with Giulianio Rosso of 303 In The Cut, Joe Yalda of Red Rock and Guerrilla Pizza's Robby Cunningham. The centerpiece interview is actually two conversations: one with Chef Joy of Tacos 1986, followed by Santos Uy of For The Win. And, of course, a Happy Hour Report from Andrew Morgan and the news. 

It's only a sliver of the show, but Al has some pointed words about the drive to rid restaurant kitchens of toxic culture -- as recently personified by René Redzepi, the founder and celebrity chef at the iconic Danish restaurant Noma. As for the usual show: VegasPublicity.com's Don Chareunsy sits in for Gemini this week to tell us about some of the great places he's been dining, and comments on opera and Timothy Chalamet. Al offers some restaurant reports and some news. Nicole Mouskondis of Nicholas and Company speaks to him about being honored at this year's Chefs For Kids gala. Andrew Morgan has a Happy Hour Report. And we have interviews with Scott Sherman of Ri Ra, Nick Palmeri of Gaetano's, Legacy Club bartender Tiffany Namh and Lili chef Tyler Vorce.

Al devoted the center of this episode to a preview of Vegas Unstripped, the annual celebration of local chefs displaying new, cutting edge, items. The two big rules of Unstripped: head chefs must represent their restaurants, and the items they serve may not be on the menu at their places. Another similar-yet-different event is also on the horizon: Taste of Stations. It's Stations Casinos' event highlighting the chain's galaxy of restaurants. Also: Gemini pops up with a preview of Chefs for Kids, the charity that helps kids experience the hospitality industry. Al also gets the lowdown on a new BBQ competition downtown and the big charity event tied to International Pizza Week. And let's not forget a Happy Hour Report from Andrew Morgan and some beer news from this week's co-host, Bob Barnes. 

Gemini takes over the pod! Or, at least, the centerpiece with "Girl Dinner," the brainchild of Scotch 80 Prime Chef Marty Lopez. Also, Al talks to the OG of TV chefs, Martin Yan, who came to town for Lunar New Year at the Suncoast. We get the lowdown on the latest at D'Agostino's with Dan Thompson, another pop-up coming from Walbert Castillo, listen in on the grand opening of SMKD in Henderson with Alex Reznick and learn from Eric Gladstone all about the 8th edition of Vegas Unstripped coming in April. And, of course, Andrew Morgan has a Happy Hour Report.  

Gemini and Al are at Edge Steakhouse in The Westgate, sitting down with Chef Dante Garcia, barman Mike Thompson and GM Richard Douglas for a chat about the restaurant, its offerings and its history. We also have Hell's Kitchen champ Ellie Parker discussing a collaborative dinner with Chef Nicole Brisson. We caught up with Allan Roth of The Macallan at Allē Lounge on 66 in Resorts World. And Chef Jason Janson speaks to us about the reopening of Hearthstone Kitchen at Red Rock Resort. We also have some restaurant reports, and a rundown of great margarita happy hours from Andrew Morgan.

Al and Gemini are at Ellis Island, the longtime locally-owned value-forward casino, hotel and restaurant complex just east of The Strip. Owner Christina Ellis shows off the new rooftop deck - known for a few more days as "Cupid's Deck." We also talk to Barbara Valle about the new tiki bar at Excalibur, get the lowdown on the new burgers offered by Naked City Pizza, and preview two big Lunar New Year events at Hakkasan and China Poblano. And, as usual, The Happy Report and lots of restaurant visits.     

This week, "Mama" Crystina Ngyuen joins Gemini and Al at Durango Social Club to talk about her upcoming Lunar New Year popups at the venue. Al visits Yukon Pizza's Alex White to get the lowdown on the recent online controversy surrounding their decision to close for a day. Other interviews include Edward Pizzarello of the new Venetian Five Guys, Lupe Avila of HUKL Hospitality, Ted Haddad of Ya-Baba Shawarma and professional eater Joey Chestnut. And we have restaurant reviews on Gaetano's, Nora's, Roma Kitchen and Azzura Cucina.

It's a reunion show as Al, Gemini, Rich and Andrew all gather for pizza at How Ya Dough'n, the new joint atop the new BLVD shopping and eating venue on The Strip right across from City Center. We talk to GM Vince Lawrence about the small pizza chain's first expansion outside its home base of Miami. The episode was recorded the day after we all gathered at the new Ada's in the Arts District, where we ate through most of the menu. Al shares more about the Hell's Kitchen watch party at Main St. Provisions, and the celebration of Chef Ellie Parker's victory. Plus a Happy Hour Report and lots of other restaurant reports. 

We begin with breaking news from just six hours before the episode dropped: Las Vegas' own Ellie Parker has won Season 24 of Hell's Kitchen! Al was at the watch party at Main St. Provisions and talked to Ellie just minutes after the episode finale. As for the regular show: Bob Barnes sits in for Gemini this week for an episode that centers around a conversation with bartending legend Dale DeGroff. Al caught up with Dale shortly before he kicked off a new guest bartender series at The Vault in Bellagio. They talk about the history of American mixology over the past century. You'll also hear from Walbert Castillo about the new Istorya residency at Durango Social Club, and get restaurant reports on Butcher & Thief, Guerrilla Pizza, Amari, Toca Madera, Gymkhana and more. PLUS - beer news from Bob, a Happy Hour Report from Andrew Morgan and a rundown of the James Beard Award Semifinalists.

Gemini is back!  She and Al are hosting together, in person. They're at the Las Vegas Distillery, where they get the lowdown on the place's history, products, vibe, distribution and more from Cody Fredrickson and Jonny Verplank. We also have interviews with Jason Vega of The Flamingo (talking Salt & Straw), Rio's Andi Van Willigan (talking Kitchen Table), Bellagio's Warren Richards (talking the Mayfair Supper Club) and Gyu+'s Freddie Paloma (talking about the new location), and restaurant reports from Ada's, Big B's Texas BBQ, St. Felix Sin City, With Love Always and Union Biscuit.

Don Chareunsy of VegasPublicity.com sits in for Gemini this week, joining Al at the new steakhouse Butcher & Thief. In addition to having a nice long conversation with chef/owner Cory Harwell, they sample a large portion of the menu. Other interviews this week include John Arakaki of St. Felix, Lilli's Tyler Vorce and Darren Walters of South Point. You'll also get a Happy Hour Report, a few dining reports, and some news.

Al sits down with Robbie Cunningham, the brain behind Guerrilla Pizza Company, the new downtown joint that's serving up what it calls "Detroit-style deep dish" pies. Al also goes on a big rant about the price of parking in The Arts District -- and incorrect enforcement, to be kinda polite. Producer Rich Johnson hangs out from  his listening post in Seattle, celebrating the start of the commercial Dungenness crabbing season and regretting all the years he went without Banh Mi sandwiches. And he finds concrete evidence that Dubai Chocolate is over. And, as usual, Andrew Morgan's Happy Hour Report.     

Al, Gemini and Happy Hour Vegas' Andrew Morgan are together in the Arts District for the final episode of 2025, coming to you from Bjork Caviar on Main Street. Owner Christian Sandefeldt shares all of the basics on sturgeon roe, so you'll be comfortable making the indulgent treat part of your New Year's celebration. We also have restaurant reports from Amador Cocina Fina, Le Club by Partage and Butcher & Thief as well as interviews with Ellie Parker of Main St. Provisions, Keith Glynn of Nacho Daddy and Gabby Goodman of How Ya Dough In.    

Just in time for Christmas Eve, we're talking Feast of the Seven fishes. We share interviews with Chefs Nicholas Beesley of Triple George Grill near The Downtown Grand, Nicole Brisson of Brezza in Resorts World and Mimmo Ferraro of Ferraro's about their versions of the Italian tradition. We also have a tour of Yurt by Dan Coughlin. Shuchi Patel explains Henderson's Taste of Gujarat. Cory Harwell tells us about Butcher and Thief. And Rob Baker explains the changes at Circa's Project BBQ. Also, a Happy Hour Report from The Arts Distrcit, restaurant reports and news.

Al and Las Vegas' premier guy Bob Barnes dive into this week's episode, which is Japan-centric. The centerpiece is with Chef Winston Matsuuchi of Omakase Kyara Sake Bar. Chef Winston is the son of the founders of Las Vegas' first Japanese grocery store, and has put his bi-cultural upbringing to good use, fusing Japanese and American cuisines. Also in this episode, comments by Masaharu Morimoto on his revamped signature restaurant at MGM Grand, and details of the Sand Dollar's pop-up pizza series. 

It's Al, guest co-host Rachel Diehl and Happy Hour Vegas' Andrew Morgan coming to you from Du-par's in the Suncoast this week. The resort's executive chef Christopher Nicholson feeds them loco moco, Chinese chicken salad and the California import's famous pancakes. You'll also get restaurant reports, some news, and interviews with Metro Pizza's John Arena and Toddy Shop's Hemant Kishore. And Gemini Stevens delivers a message, bringing people up to date on her recent absences.  

Andrew Morgan sits in for Gemini Stevens, and producer Rich Johnson connects from Seattle. At the center of the show this week: a nice long interview with Hell's Kitchen contestant Ellie Parker, as well as interviews with Chefs Jose Andres, Wolfgang Puck, Masaharu Morimoto, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Michael Mina, Michael Voltaggio, Bryan Voltaggio and Dave Beran at F1's Fountain Club. Also: former French Laundry chef Tyler Vorce talks about his new off-Strip popup. We're dropping the episode early this week, so you can enjoy it as you prepare your holiday dinner, or drive to Grandma's house. Please enjoy.

City Cast Las Vegas' Rob Kachelriess keeps the co-host chair warm for the ailing Gemini this week, sharing his experiences exploring the cuisine of Las Vegas' relatively new Filipino Town on Maryland Parkway. Rob also discusses his recent meal at High Steaks in The Rio and lets us know where we can find an airport version of The Durango Resort's Summer House. At the center of the show, Al shares interviews with Vincent Rotolo, John Arena, Ricky Wilson, Tony Gemignani and James Trees, recorded at the Las Vegas Pizza Festival. We also have interviews with Cory Harwell of Butcher & Thief and Gene Samuel of SMKD BBQ.  

Gemini and Al were in Centennial Hills this week to record this episode with Anthony Jameson at Casa De Juliette. The man who helped bring The Sand Dollar Lounge back to its past glory talks about serving Mexican food in the 'burbs, and his own return to the kitchen. You'll also hear interviews with Dan and Donny Thompson at the D'Agostino's Grand reopening party, SunCoast's Pearl Brecia on the Du Par's reopening, Lyle Tolhurst talking about Formula 1 race weekend at Eiffel Tower Restaurant, Circa's Oceana Clemens explaining Bourbon & Blues, and Happy Hour Vegas' Andrew Morgan on Arts District deals.       

Al and Gemini are back together this week, with an interview-heavy episode recorded on the newly extended patio of Nine Fine Irishmen in New York New York. In addition to chatting the Irish Pub's Senior Restaurant Operations Manager, Teague Smith, they also share conversations with Echo Taste & Sound's Natalie Young, author Kim Foster, Durango Social Club's Dan Krohmer, In Limbo's Steve Lee, Joe's Prime Seafood Steak and Stone Crab's Dave Quillen and the comedic, wine-guzzling stars of "In Pour Taste," Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh.

Gemini and Al are reunited this week (via Zoom, but we'll take it). It's a great episode that includes interviews with Chefs Jose Andres, Shawn McClain and Oscar Amador as well as representatives of Cabinet of Curiosities and a company called Sadie that builds AI to anser the phone at restaurants. We also have restaurant reports, news, and a Happy Hour Report by Andrew Morgan.

Al Mancini and Happy Hour Vegas' Andrew Morgan handle the hosting duties this week, as Al also muddles through as recording engineer. They both attend the 15th anniversary celebration at Weera Thai, where they observe a blessing by Buddhist monks before interviewing owner Sasi Phothidokmai and manager Chollada "Bo" Hendrix. Other interviews include Chef Mimmo Ferraro, Christina Ellis, the Hard Hat Lounge's  Frank Sidoris, Brezza's Chef Nicole Brisson and White Whale's Walter Cortez.

Gemini and Al helm the show together this week. Al joins baker Korey Wells at her shop, Whiskful Thinking Cakes, in the center of the shoe. Among the topics: painting with buttercream, fake cakes vs real ones and baking on TV. Other interviews include Chef Fabio Viviani, The Mob Museum's Clint Thoman, Gjelina's farm liaison Bethanny Harris, the Charitable Hospitality Foundation's Michael Kennedy and Chef James Trees on the opening of High Steaks atop the Rio. And of course, we have a Happy Hour Report, plenty of restaurant reports, and a bunch of news.

Gemini is back this week, and she's brought Chef Jamie Tran with her. Actually, she's brought Al to Chef Jamie's restaurant, The Black Sheep, to record the episode. In addition to feeding the pair lots of new menu items, Chef sat down to chat. Also on this episode: restaurant reports from The Legends Oyster Bar, Red Dwarf, Al Solito Posto, Joel Robuchon and more, as well as a Happy Hour report, news, and a discussion of salmon-gate.

For this week's episode, Al joined Chef Gio Mauro and musician Naomi Mauro at their restaurant, Monzu Italian Oven. He was there to speak to them about the music at the restaurant, as well as the new seasonal menu. When Gemini found herself unable to make the recording, the Mauros were kind enough to sit in as co-hosts for the entire show, sharing  some of their favorite Las Vegas restaurants and chiming in on the news.

With Gemini out of the country, Al is joined by Bob Barnes at the brand new Leticia's Cocina and Cantina in the Boulder Station Hotel & Casino. In addition to an extended interview with chef/owner Leticia Mitchell, we have an extended beer report by Bob, as well as an interview with Joel Robuchon executive chef Eleazar Villanueva discussing the restaurant's 20th anniversary celebration. And, of course, Andrew Morgan with a Happy Hour Report.