Food and Loathing

December is here, which means the arrival of National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, as well as the launch of several holiday pop-up bars/menus. And we take a deep dive into both in this week's episode, alongside a few restaurant reports and some news. You'll get the lowdown on the NFR festivities at Easy's in Aria's Proper Eats, Gilley's in TI and Emmitt's at the Fashion Show Mall, thanks to interviews with Chef Antwan Ellis, TI's Paul Reams and Clique Hospitality's Ryan Brunty.  If you're looking for some holiday offerings, we have interviews with representatives of The Sand Dollar Lounge, Flanker, Stray Pirate, The Silverton, Dom DeMarco's, Rouge Room, and Easy's. And you'll hear about what Al and Gemini have been eating at places like Bramare, Archi's Thai and the Bagel Café.

We have lots of Vetri in this week's episode, with a nice long interview with Chef Marc Vetri in the center of the show, as well as Al's restaurant report on his meal at Vetri Cocina. Other interviews include Andy Wang of L.A.'s Industry Only, Chef Sterling Buckley of Palate and Solamente Pizza's Ethan Spiezer.  There's a bit of news, and Al and Gemini will fill you in on their recent visits to Bramare, EDO Tapas, Ciao Vino, La Casa de Julliette, Main St. Provisions and Indulge: Race Week Edition.

Longtime friend of the podcast Chef Gary LaMorte talks about his new company Fortune Events, which is creating several high-end VIP events for this year's Las Vegas Grand Prix.  Al pays a visit to the Las Vegas Pizza Festival, and chats with a few of our favorite pizza pros.  Also: a full report on the Masters of Mixology competition at Clique, including an interview with the winner, and an interview with 50 Eggs CEO John Kunkel at the opening of the Golden Gai cocktail lounge inside Wakuda. Al and Gemini will share restaurant reports from their recent visits to Winnie and Ethel's Downtown Diner, The Legends Oyster Bar & Grill, Toasties Burritos, Bar Centro at Bazaar Mar, Fukuburger and D'Agostino's. And we have news on Caspain's Kitchen and Caviar and Jason Aldean's Kitchen, as well as some memories of the now-closed Ocean One. 

On this week's episode, Al and Gemini offer options for those who want a gourmet Thanksgiving dinner at home (or in their hotel room), but don't want to cook. The show centers around reps of Barry's Downtown Prime, Big B's Texas BBQ, Echo & Rig, Table 34 and Basilico telling us about their take-home Thanksgiving options, as well as what they're doing in the restaurants on the holiday. Also on the show, Gemini covers a hotcake eating championship and interviews the winner, while Al visits the Celebrity Food Court at Caesars Palace to speak to Chef Esther Choi and takes a trip to the new Swingers golf attraction to learn about the food by Emmy Squared. You'll also get restaurant reports from Honey Salt, Ada's Food and Wine, Aroma Latin American Cocina, Anima by EDO and the new Flower Child location, among other great spots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode, Al and Gemini offer options for your gourmet Thanksgiving dinner at home (or in your hotel room) if you don't want to cook. The show centers around reps of Barry's Downtown Prime, Big B's Texas BBQ, Echo & Rig, Table 34 and Basilico telling us about their take-home Thanksgiving options, as well as what they're doing in the restaurants on the holiday. Also, Gemini covers a hotcake eating championship and interviews the winner. Al visits the Celebrity Food Court at Caesars Palace to speak to Chef Esther Choi and takes a trip to the new Swingers golf attraction to learn about the food by Emmy Squared. You'll also get restaurant reports from Honey Salt, Ada's Food and Wine, Aroma Latin American Cocina, Anima by EDO and the new Flower Child location, among other great spots.

This week's episode was recorded at Ciao Vino in Boca Park, and centers around an interview with three representatives of HUKL Hospitality: Corporate Chef Lupe Avila; Cia Vino Chef Joel Myers; and Marche Bacchus Chef Avian Tun. They'll share news on all of their restaurants and talk about their new partnership with Count's Vamp'd Rock Bar and Grill. Also in the show, interviews with Bryce Krausman of D.W. Bistro, the Hard Hat Lounge's Frank Sidoris, and plenty of news and restaurant reports. Al will also play theater critic this week, with a report on his visit to DiscoShow, and the attached restaurant, Diner Ross. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The gang is back together this week, with Gemini, Al and Rich recording the episode together at Dom DeMarco's Pizzeria and Wine Bar. At the center of the show, Al has an extended interview with Other Mama Chef/Owner Dan Krohmer, recorded at his new breakfast and lunch restaurant Chamana's Café; Gemini explores the new cocktail menus at Chandelier Bar with The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas' lead mixologist, Gideon Tsegaye. Other interviews this week include celebrity chef Susan Feniger and El Dorado Cantina's Darin Feinstein. We have reports on visits to Norm's, Ada's Food and Wine, Sin Fronteras Tacos y Mas, Café Mong, Sparrow + Wolf and Main St. Provisions. And there's some news on Toasted Gastrobrunch, Gaetano's, One Steakhouse and Aroma Latin Cucina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gemini is back from Greece and Turkey, and dives right back into the Vegas food scene with meals at Moko Ramen, Dom DeMarco's, Bramare and more. Al lived to tell the tale of his Main St. brewery crawl, along with a meal at Giada and a preview Gina Marinelli's 5th Anniversary Witches Gala at La Strega. In the show's centerpiece, Al talks about the start of stone crab season with Dave Quillen of Joe's Seafood Prime Steak and Stone Crab. The aforementioned Gina Marinelli drops by, and Mimmo Ferraro talks truffles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Gemini continues her world tour, longtime friend of the pod Rick Moonen steps in to share his many comings and goings -- including escaping Hurricane Milton. In the centerpiece interview, Al sits down with Christina Dylag of Velveteen Rabbit. Also: news from Chef Michael Mina, Chef Steve Kestler of Aroma Latin American Cocina and Vincent Rotolo talks about the new branch of Good Pie in Henderson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Rich hold down the fort while Gemini is traveling. But they've called in some friends to fill out the show. The episode centers around two extended interviews: Michael Symon discussing the changes that have come to Mabel's Bar & Q in The Palms, and Keris Kuwana explains the Teatime In Wonderland experience she's offering at The Electric Playhouse in The Forum Shops. Also this week: HUKL Hospitality's Chef Jose “Lupe” Avila, Ellis Island's Christopher Gosse, Brezza's Chef Nicole Brisson, Luis De Santos of Gyu+ and the one and only Sammy Hagar. There's also news and a few restaurant reports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gemini get the download on the Proof Awards from Michele Tell and Michael Politz, creators of the event to honor Vegas-based spirits. You will also hear about Al going large at the Four Sixes Ranch Steakhouse popup at Wynn, and doing breakfast with developer J Dapper. Meanwhile, Gemini parties down at Esther's upstairs room and does the deed at Munch Box Breakfast Burrito (eating being the 'deed'). Also: News of Lavo's reopening and the 5th anniversary of Toasted Gastrobrunch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gemini are at Ada's Food + Wine in Tivoli Village to hang with James Trees and Chef Jackson Stamper, and especially Wine Goddess Kat Thomas. All three are back from London, where Ada's won the award for "Most Original Wine Line" in THE WORLD!! Also: new items on the menu at Spago and Carversteak, and a look back at the 2nd Picnic in the Alley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gemini and Al recorded this week's episode at Social Station, on Eastern Avenue in Henderson. It features an interview with one of the owners Kelley Jones, who talks about the restaurant, the menu and its charity initiatives. Also on tap: Roy Ellamar at his farewell dinner at Amari, and Bruno Marini at the 25th anniversary party for Canonita in the Grand Canal Shoppes. You'll hear from Michael Clark about Raiders Game Day festivities, and from Vincent Rotolo on the Henderson Good Pie. And of course, we have news and restaurant reports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gemini takes over while Al is on vacation and invites her friends and food authors Kim Foster (The Meth Lunches) and Sarah Lohman (Endangered Eating, Eight Flavors) to talk about why food is important in communities, where food and food ideas come from, and what it means to use food to uplift people. In all the seriousness, there are plenty of laughs, revelry and talking over one another as they turn this week's podcast into one long conversation over the ladies' lunch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a jam packed show this week, centering around Al's conversation with Chef Sterling Buckley of Palate in the Arts District. Also joining the fun: Chuck Fromer of John Mulls Meats and The Roadkill Grill, Soulbelly BBQ's Chef Bruce Kalman, Chef Leticia Mitchell of Leticia's, Letty's and the brand new Carmelita's, 1228 Main's head baker Chef Noel Rosello, Eiffel tower Restaurant partner Sharon Boudreau, and The Mob Museum's Food and Beverage Director Clint Thoman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Rich anchor the show this week. But have no fear. Gemini is on board for the big centerpiece interview with Evan Glusman and Chef Joe Valdez. We also have an extended interview with former 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea Chef Taylor Persh, discussing a very intense pop-up she's bringing to the Palms. Other highlights include conversations with both Elizabeth Blau and Circa's O'Ceana Clemens, talking about a pair of events, past and future. And you'll hear about Al's recent meals at Bramare, Orla, The Durango pool, Nene Japanese, Boom Bang and La Madre Canyon Grill, and Rich's ongoing search for a Vegas style diner in Chicago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Border Grill's Yancy Perez gives Gemini and Al a crash course in Mexican wine, while Al shares some stories about some super-cool Italian champagne glasses he discovered in San Francisco. Also, you'll learn about Gemini's recent meal at Boom Bang, her exploration of Allegiant Stadium's dining options, and Al's California pizza adventures. And we have interviews with Cheri Rooftop's Chef Anthony Carron, Brezza and Bar Zazu's Chef Nicole Brisson and Solamente Pizza's Ethan Spiezer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's episode, Al shares the full interview with Jose Andres Group CEO Sam Bakhshandehpour that he previewed last week, and the pair discuss the new Bazaar Mar in The Shops At Crystals. There's an extended interview with longtime Las Vegas barman David Cooper, discussing his new vodka brand, Spur. Also: the founder of Angie's Lobster, explains how they can sell a lobster roll for $9.99, and Brian Howard talks about Sparrow + Wolf's new pop-up series, Bar Snacks, which will host Casa Playa's Sarah Thompson for its inaugural event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Importing a bar concept to the Vegas Strip is always hard. But doing it from a hospital bed after a paralyzing motorcycle accident would be impossible for most of us. Titan Brands co-founder Scott Frost was still in his hospital bed following his accident when he finalized the deal to bring the Ensenada dive bar Hussong's to Mandalay Place. Frost talks about his life, his accident, and his career in the Las Vegas hospitality industry in the center of today's episode. Other interviews this week include Jose Andres Group CEO Sam Bakshandehpour, Monzu's Gio Mauro, Richard Femenella of Mae Daly's, cookbook author Alicia Shevetone and cookbook librarian Nichole Beer. And you'll hear about recent meals Gemini and Al had at Case De Juliette, Vesta Coffee, Shanghai Taste, Basilico, Taps & Barrels Beerhouse and Lemontree Café, and a report on the opening of Bazaar Mar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While a concierge can be a foodie's (or any traveler's) best friend, many don't really understand how to utilize them. So Al, who has been both disappointed by and impressed with various hotels' concierge desks, sat down with Mildred Schneidman, a veteran hotel concierge and president of the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association, for some advice on making the most of the service (as well as a tipping etiquette, and warnings on what they cannot do for you in Las Vegas). Also on this episode, Al sits down with Bruce Kalman to discuss his appearance on Season 5 of BBQ Brawl, his desire to do more food TV, his new Allegiant Stadium burger outlet, and Monday's pop-up preview of those burgers. Other interviews include Chef Gene Villiatora of Ai Pono Café, Clique Hospitality's Mustafa Abdi, and three generations of Oak & Ivy barkeeps (Chris Guiterrez, Eric Kleuver and Russell Dow). And we'll hear from Al and Gemini about the things they've been eating and drinking at Bramare, Bel Aire Backyard, Yukon Pizza and Winnie & Ethel's. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gemini's out this week, but Al and Rich are together with reports from Vegas and Chicago, some opinions on The Bear, a bit of news, a Chef Joe Valdez interview we forgot to run last week, and a few longer-form interviews. Rich bumped into a food TV star filming in Chicago. Al dined at Bobby Flay's newest spot, Brasserie B by Bobby Flay – where he was reunited with a true old-school FOH pro, back in Vegas to work there. And that reunion led to the first of the two longer-form interviews. At the center of the show, Al gets the lowdown on a pair of restaurants mingling French and Spanish influences. First, he sits down with Ed Tracy and Chef Candace Ochoa in the private dining room of Brasserie B by Bobby Flay. From there, he heads to the PDR of Anima by EDO, where partners Robert Liendo and Joseph Mikulich about their forthcoming THIRD venture with Chef Oscar Amador: Braseria. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gemini get a personal tour of Scotch 80's new Social Hour menu at Palms Casino. And that includes a deep dive into the steakhouse's beef sourcing. Also this week: Gemini checks out Carson Kitchen, which is celebrating ten years of serving up cutting edge cuisine downtown. Meanwhile Al shares what he can about an "off the record" meal at Anima. He also scoped out the brunch at Middle Child, and gets some advance intel about National Tequila Day coming up on Wednesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's episode was recorded live at the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas, and centers around a conversation with chef/instructors, Nick Preston and Culinary Apprenticeship Coordinator Chiara Astriab. They share all sorts of info on how they can help advance your culinary career, whether it's a new idea or a continuation of your journey. Other interviews this episode include Evan Glussman talking about the opening of Bramare, and Richard Femenella discussing the brand new Mae Daly's. We also have news on Bastille Day celebrations at March Bacchus, Sparrow + Wolf and Mon Amu Gabi (plus a short interview about wine pairing with the latter's sommelier). And you'll hear about Al's recent visits to Eat Your Heart Out Food Hall, Boom Bang and Hard Hat Lounge, as well as some of Gemini's recent takeout adventures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Las Vegas scored big on the Top 50 Pizza list, as recently announced in New York. And two of our best are here to talk about it: Metro's John Arena and Michael Vakneen of 00 Pie and Pub. Also: Gemini is back with hospital horror stories and lots of love for all who've shown her the love. Oh, and Al and Rich ate food at places. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Not that he needs to after a quarter-century of pro food writing, but Al felt the need to rant just a bit about the difference between being a professional food writer and a hobbyist. And the difference between being a food writer and a food critic (spoiler: Al is the former, not the later). Also, lots of new news from longtime friends of the pod Alicia Shevetone, Sam Marvin, Vinny Rotolo and.... (drum roll)... a few words from our co-host Samantha Gemini Stevens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Longtime Las Vegas journalist Don Chaurensy joins Al to discuss the new magazine Don is helming: Vegas Prime. Also: Al shares his food experiences at Suzuya Café on Spring Mountain Road, Cathedrale in Aria. and Marche Bacchus under new chef Chef Nikko Broznan, and much more. With Gemini out this week, Rich shares his baseball/dining experience in the Executive Suites at Wrigley Field, and his shopping experience at Wild Fork, the Brazil-based flash-frozen food store chain that's opening across the US - but not yet in Las Vegas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Al and Rich in this week's episode, which starts off with a review of all the festivities surrounding The World's 50 Best Restaurants' time in Las Vegas. We kick off with a post-event rundown from Elizabeth Blau, who was instrumental in convincing the event to come here. She also organized Wynn Las Vegas' companion culinary festival, Revelry. Other interviews include Chinglish's Ken Heck, Suzuya Cafe's Misuzu Ebihara and Azzurra Wine Bar owner Windom Kimsey. And we have news on Dan Krohmer, Mariana Alvarado, Roy Ellamar, Crystina Ngyuen and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Producer/Engineer Rich Johnson is back for a guest co-host spot, and Al chose the perfect venue: Toasted Gastropub on West Flamingo and the 215. Sharing the info, and three awesome dishes, is Alfie Szeprethy, Executive chef for both Sammy's Woodfired Pizza and Toasted. Rich shares a few experiences from Chicago, and Al goes into detail about the events he attended (and what he ate) linked to "The World's 50 Best Restaurants" festivities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Red Rocker is behind Sammy's Island, the new pool concept at the Palms Resort & Casino. Al gets the full download from Palms executive chef Marcus O'Brien, including just how involved Sammy Hagar was in the concept and buildout. Also: Gemini talks to Chef Matthew Effendy about his new line of creme brulee called "Creme by ME." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This special extra-jumbo episode was recorded at Vegas Unstripped, where the best chefs in the valley gathered to show off their skills by cooking up items not on their menus. Al and Gemini talk to a dozen chefs, foodies and others who ate and drank the night away around the pools at the Palms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gemini try to give you all the information you need to enjoy the World's 50 Best Restaurants' arrival in Las Vegas next month, and the multiple culinary festivals and events surrounding it. You'll hear all about all the events that still have tickets available, and you'll hear from many of the chefs involved -- including Jeff Ramsey, Devin Hashimoto, Gina Marinelli and Nicole Brisson. Also this week: reports on visits to Desnudos Tacos at Naked City Pizza, Gaetano's, Big Dog's, Ferraro's, Virgil's and Parm; news on Table 34, Bramare, Soulbelly, Solamente Pizza, Vegas Unstripped, Big B's Barbecue and Monzu Italian Oven; interviews with Constantin Alexander and Gio Mauro.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gemini sits down with Yukon Pizza's Alex White to discuss the pizza that won him a World Champion title. Al chats with Circa's Director of Player Development and Special Events, Whitney Genevieve Godard, to talk about Legacy Club's popular special event series. We also have interviews with Chef Gina Marinelli discussing Harlo's monthly tasting menu, Chef Nicole Brisson of Brezza sharing details on a 00 Pie & Pub pop-up, Red Rock Executive Chef Alfio Longo talking about the menu at the Rouge Pool and Cabanas, and Gianna Leflar of Carmine's explaining their new Mob Wife Dinner package. And Al and Gemini share stories about the recent Chefs For Kids gala, as well as visits to Starburst Parlor, Winnie & Ethel's, Sparrow + Wolf, Shanghai Taste and the Shrtlst launch party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two popular local businesses – Gyu+ sandos and Suzuya Patisserie – are preparing to open new concepts in The Center At Spring Mountain, and Al sits down with restaurateur Luis De Santos to talk about them. Other interviews this week include Bazaar Meat's Frank Medina talking about a new $99 tasting menu being offered on weekdays in their lounge and Nicole Brisson with details of Mother's Day 2024 at Brezza. And Al shares details on the Las Vegas connections to his recent road trip to Southern California, culminating with an interview with Metro Pizza's Chris Decker at Dana Point's Truly Pizza (his California collaboration with Las Vegas' Michael Vakneen and Metro's John Arena). Al and Gemini also discuss recent meals from 00 Pie & Pub, Makers & Finders, Mint Indian Bistro and HaSalon. And they share news on Toasted Gastrobrunch, Cinco De Mayo, Vegas Unstripped, the Revelry Culinary Festival and Chefs For Kids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Las Vegas Distillery is back, with new owners and new ideas. Gemini gets the full download General Manager/Tap Room Wrangler/Tour Commissioner/Swag Dude Cody Fredrickson. She also shares a long dining week, which included stops at Half Bird, La Madre Canyon Grill and The George at Durango Casino. Al helped Chef Roy Ellamar open patio season at Fine Company, and made stops at BBQ Mexicana, La Strega and 1228 Main. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The annual event to benefit food education for the valley's under-served children is coming up in early May, and Al gets a full preview from Chef Mark Sandoval at UNLV. As for dining this week, Gemini plays the hits with stops a Garagiste, Esther's and Nevada Brew Works. Meanwhile, Al stretches his sushi chops with some wacky rolls at Mizumi, then heads back to Wynn for the pop-up Safta 1964. Also, it wouldn't be a show (and it wouldn't be Al) without another stop at Uncommons. Plan B turned out to be Amari, which may get a promotion to Plan A. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a "clean out the closet" episode, as Al and Gemini share some interviews that have been looking for a home. Most important: author and past podcast guest Kim Foster tells us about her book that she first mentioned more than a year ago. "The Meth Lunches: Food and Longing in an American City" tells tales of what happens when the traditional family dinner includes poverty, mental illness, homelessness, and addiction. Asian-Fusion-Barbecue is the nutshell description of KYU, a new addition at the Fontainebleau. Al speaks with executive chef Christopher Arellanes. And Gemini has found another new wine bar! CrushPad Wine Bar on West Sahara near Buffalo is the work of Bryan and Jessica Dynda, who sat down for a chat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gemini podcast from Wineaux, the new wine bar in UnCommons. Chef Shawn McClain and Sommelier Nick Hetzel share how they came together for this project and what it's all about. Also: Al takes a deeper dive into the new iteration of Esther's Kitchen, while Gemini explains This Mama's House, which popped up at 00 Pie & Pub. Also: lots of pizza news, a whiskey experience and, yes, it's true! Vegas Unstripped is back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gemini and Al sit down with UNLV student Paiton Zilio and Allen Carter of Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, to discuss UNLVino's Sake Fever event on April 19 at the Resorts World pool. Together, they dig into the history of UNLVino, and discuss the role it plays in educating future generations of culinary workers, and bringing together the Las Vegas community. In the meantime, Rich Johnson reports in from Chicago, sharing some of the culinary discoveries he's made since relocating to the Windy City. Gemini shares reports on her recent meals at The Hard Hat Lounge and THE Steakhouse at Circus Circus, while Al relates his experiences at Daeho Kalbijjim, Kyu in the Fontainebleau, Naked City Pizza and Cured & Whey. And we have interviews with Todo Bien's Curtis Knickerbocker and celebrity chef Josh Capon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gem are back at Dom DeMarco's, hosting a mother-daughter social media team. Emmy Kasten is a longtime Vegas writer and lifestyle journalist. Her daughter, Alix, is a TikTok creator, with accounts followed by more than 80,000 people. Her videos show off a store, restaurant or other location in a lightning-fast 13 seconds - and Al is frustrated and amazed by his own inability to come that close. Meanwhile, Gem shares her eating adventures at Oscar's, 00 Pie and Pub, and a tinned fish collaboration dinner at Sparrow + Wolf. Al got all grungy for a 90s event at The Legacy Club, then somehow got into Barry's Prime. Both Al and Gem hit the new brunch at Crossroads Kitchen, and Al talks to the executive chef at the now-open Atomic Golf at The Strat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gemini record an entire episode on location at the restaurant everyone is talking about this week, the newly opened Esther's Kitchen. They're joined by the restaurant's top chef, and owner, James Trees. In addition to telling them all about his new digs, Trees reminisces about his early days in The Arts District, and reflects on Esther's success to date. He also shares what's next, and announces the name of the new restaurant that will be moving into the original Esther's Kitchen space – an all-tasting-menu affair he refers to as “The Quentin Tarantino Film of restaurants.” Also: UNLV's Marc Sandoval previews the Viva Careers event aimed at anyone who would like advice on how to pursue a career in hospitality. And Al and Gemini tell us about recent visits to the new Cheongdam Food Hall, The Hard Hat Lounge, Sushi Tanuki, Anima by EDO, Piero's and Hofbräuhaus. Finally: How you can win a free dinner for two at Joel Robuchon, in a new contest from Neon Feast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gemini do a semi-serious test-drive of the first cannabis lounge in the valley, Smoke & Mirrors. It's the first cannabis consumption lounge to open under Nevada's new regulations for those businesses. Consultant Chris LaPorte helped build the place, and he explains it all. As for dining, it's a gallery of the usual (and excellent) suspects for Gem: Ada's, Marche Bacchus and Winnie & Ethel's. Al shares his recent experiences at Wally's, Fiorella Pasta Bar and BBQ Mexicana - the latest creation of superstars Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

And we did... at the brand new Federal Chicken & Donuts, next to the food hall at Red Rock Resort. The Philadelphia-based chain is putting out four varieties of chicken sandwiches, chicken strips and more than a dozen kinds of fancy donuts. Also: Al gets schooled in all things Parma and Iberico at "Cure Camp," EAT's Natalie Young is not happy with downtown street work, and another effort to help those in the hospitality industry deal with stress and mental health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're back at Dom DeMarco's Pizzeria & Wine Bar on West Charleston for, what else? More pizza talk! And the big topic is Barstool Sports' Dave Portnoy doing is famous "One Bite Pizza Reviews" in Las Vegas during Super Bowl week. Of the four places Dave visited, Dom DeMarco's got the top review. We talk to owner Albert Scalleat, as well as Good Pie's Vincent Rotolo. Also: reaction from two other subjects of Portnoy's reviews. Keep listening for word of another unfortunate closing, Leap Day specials at the Lev Group's restaurants, and first word of Pizza Expo's annual charity event Slice Out Hunger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al, Gemini and Rich share their experiences before and during the big game, including the NFL's signature charity event, Taste of the NFL, which benefits GenYouth and its "End Student Hunger" fund. Rich spoke to some of the superstar chefs that took part. Al and Gemini got to "Toast by Tostitos," which featured, well, Tostitos. Gemini got to 00 Pie & Pub, while Rich split his Super Bowl watching between the Sand Dollar Downtown and the bar at Barry's Downtown Prime. And Al shares reaction to one local restaurant's public disappointment with Guy Fieri's Super Bowl event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After years of shunning us, the NFL is finally letting Las Vegas host its first Super Bowl. And several local chefs will be involved - and just about every joint in the valley will be doing something football-related on Sunday. Also: Al shares several conversations in this episode, including Chefs Leticia Mitchell, Stephanie Sandfrey, Joe Komiski, Sam Pulliam and more. Al also shares his first taste of Michael Mina's new place at Mandalay Bay, Orla. Rich has an excellent lunch at a small French place he'd been avoiding for a while: Oh-La-La. And there's news of a long-delayed celebrity-fronted steakhouse opening soon, and a change of ownership for Gambit in Henderson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Five chefs from Las Vegas have received nominations for James Beard awards, and we've talked to four of them! Plus: comments from Thomas Keller on the 20th anniversary of Bouchon, and Joe Bastianich on the opening of All'Antico Vinaio, one of the most famous sandwich shops in Italy. Also: a new Executive Chef at Bazaar Meats and two big-deal grocery chains are coming to the valley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gemini recorded this episode at the Fancy Foods Show, and talked to a few of the people hoping to find buyers for their products. Also: Chef Lasheeda Perry talks to Al about Taste of the NFL, the annual pre-Super Bowl event featuring some national celebrity chefs and some of our own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The legendary chefs of Border Grill, Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, are expanding their empire to the Las Vegas suburbs. Barbecue Mexicana is opening at The Bend. The concept is already in place right across the hall from Border Grill, in T-Mobile Arena and Allegiant Field. But this will the group's first stand-alone fast-casual property. Also: Gemini goes all-out at 00 Pie & Pub, while Al tries the sorta Cuban sandwich at The Chef Truck, the faux food truck in the hall just outside the casino at Park MGM. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al, Gemini and Rich dive into a great mid-day feast at Bel-Aire Lounge in the new Durango Casino & Resort, courtesy of Keith Eure of Clique Hospitality. Between bites of a tuna roll, burgers, churros, shrimp and more, Keith told us all about Clique's restaurants at Durango, Bel-Aire Lounge, Mijo Modern Mexican and Mijo's speakeasy, Wax Rabbit. Also: Lots of dinners to share, including comments from some of the winners of the Slow Foods USA "Snail of Approval" awards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the valley's groundbreaking pizza parlors has, for 12 years, sat in a strip mall nestled between a pet store and a grocery store. But the history of Dom DeMarco's Pizza stretches years before, and all the way to Brooklyn. Owner Albert Scalleat tells the fascinating tale of coming out of retirement and convincing one of New York City's premier pizza makers, the owner of Di Fara Pizza, to cooperate. Eventually he did, and Scalleat honored Dom DeMarco by naming the Las Vegas outlet for him. In all modesty, it's one of the best stories we've presented on Food & Loathing! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and Gemini spend much of this yearend episode reviewing the reviewers. They critique the 'Best Of' lists complied by Desert Companion, Las Vegas Weekly and Eater. Also, stunning news from the owner of two popular Asian restaurants. Chef Bank Atcharawan is stepping down from Lamaii to focus on his health and his future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices