Food and Loathing | Covering the Las Vegas Food Scene

Al, Gemini, Rich and Andrew chow down on elevated comfort food at Significant Other, the new co-creation of Vegas veterans Matt Silverman and Matt Pikearski. Also, Al attends the celebrity-filled debut of the Vegas outlet of the NYC celebrity hangout The Corner Store. He also shares impressions of the new Himalayan menu at Tamba. 

Bryce Krausman is serving up brunch this month, and this time he's doing it at Main St. Provisions. Owner Kim Owens and Bryce sit down with Al for a lengthy interview. Also in the featured spot: David Liebner, who is now offering restaurant recommendations with the help of AI. No, not our Al. A.I., as in: artificial intelligence. Also: news of some wine and whiskey tastings, restaurant visits and a Happy Hour Report from Andrew Morgan. 

Al, Gem and Andrew Morgan get together at D'Agostino's, the cozy spot in Southwest owned by Dan and Brandi Thompson. Also: Bryce Krausman is doing another 'Bruch with Bryce' popup, this time at Main St. Provisions. Al talks to Gina Paul, owner of the new JP's Brasserie and Sports Den. Gemini and Andrew report on Picinic in the Alley. And, of course, a Happy Hour Report.

How 'on brand' is that for Nevada to have an official state cocktail? The Picon Sour is one of just three official state cocktails (Massachusetts and Maryland are the others), and the namesake ingredient is made by Reno's Ferini Distillery. Gemini flew up to Reno to talk to owner Joe Canella about how he acquired the rights to make Picon (pronounced: pih-KONE). Meanwhile, the rest of the show is taken over the all the guys: Al, Andrew Morgan with a Happy Hour Report, Bob Barnes with a special Beer Report, and producer Rich Johnson who is back from another...

Gino Ferraro, founder of the landmark Ferraro's Ristorante, joins us this week to talk about his new autobiography, "From Calabria, An American Dream."  Other guests include Hard Hat Lounge owner Frank Sidorios, and the CEO of the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas, Dr. Bobbi  Damrow. We also have restaurant reports from Gemini and Al, a Happy Hour report from Andrew Morgan, news and more.

The big race is coming, and two of the big-deal restaurants at Paris Las Vegas are all set. Al drops by Eifell Tower to check the packages available for The Big Race on Nov. 21. Meanwhile, at street level, Mon Ami Gabi is rolling out a new Happy Hour menu, and Al got to enjoy a few samples. You'll also hear from Ocean Prime's head chef Gino Rappa on the new items he just added to their menu, and Rumi Room's executive chef and partner Mamat Nafissi share the thinking behind his decision to move the Persian Indopak restaurant out...

We pay a visit to The Legends Oyster Bar this week for an extended interview with Chef/Owner Jack Jarukasem, and head to MGM's Drink festival for interviews with Chefs Brian Howard, Carlos Guia, Dan Krohmer, Kimmie Mcintosh and Mary Sue Milliken. Other interviews include Chef Nicole Brisoon at her off-Strip spot Amari, and Metro Pizza's Joe Verhoest at the Grand Opening party for Sliceteria. All of that, plus news, special events, restaurant reports and a Happy Hour Report.

Gemini and Al are at 595 Craft and Kitchen, talking with the entire team and sampling some new menu items. Among the topics: new brunch service and a Southern Highlands location. You'll also hear about their experience at The Feast at Revelry by Wynn, where Gemini spoke with Wynn VP Christopher Lee and Al spoke with Casa Playa's Chef Sarah Thompson.  Al visits the new Resorts World pizza spot Amici to speak with Chef Ricky McCormick. And of course, restaurant reports, a Happy Hour report and the news. 

Fontainebleau's Cantina Contramar hosts Gemini and Al this week, with Chef Gabriela Cámara joining them for an extended interview about The Strip's new Mexican hotspot.  We also check in with Norm's CEO Mark Politzer at the Las Vegas location's Second Anniversary Party, and speak with Paris Las Vegas' Vice President of Food And Beverage Aymeric Brillaud about the brand new afternoon tea service at The Bedford by Martha Stewart. And Jeff Ramsey of Wynn's Mizumi shares his thoughts on one of the best parts of the Revelry Festival, The Feast. Plus a Happy Hour Report, news, restaurant reports an...

Al sits down with Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken to discuss the renovations at Border Grill, their history in Las Vegas, and bringing their food to Allegiant Stadium. And the team from Amari Italian Kitchen shares the details on the "Make-Your-Own-Amaro" class. Al and Gem also have restaurant reports, a Happy Hour report and some news.

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...

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:

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
- ...

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...

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 t...

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...

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...

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...

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 & Sh...

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...

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 F...

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...

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...

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 M...

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.