Food and Loathing | Covering the Las Vegas Food Scene

Latest Episodes:

Danica Stockton, Vegas Food Mafia Newbie Sep 01, 2023

Show notes

Al and Gemini sit down with one of the area's newest food writers, Danica Stockton. She shares her journey to the Vegas food scene, a couple of favorite places and what she's observed in her year or so of covering the town. Also: a new barbecue deal, free wine tastings, Bourbon & Blues in the daytime atop Circa, & 25th Anniversary specials at Bellagio.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Howard: Role Model for a Healthy Kitchen Aug 25, 2023

Show notes

Al has a long chat with Chef Brian Howard, co-creator of Sparrow + Wolf and Half-Bird Chicken & Beer. They talk about Half-Bird's coming expansion and new items on the menu at Sparrow + Wolf. But the focus is on Brian and partner John Anthony's efforts to make their places safe spaces for their people. Both were recently featured in Fortune magazine for their work on breaking the cycle of mental illness and substance abuse that plagues so many in the hospitality industry. Also: Al, Gemini and Rich share the week's of restaurant experiences.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Sundry! Aug 18, 2023

Show notes

Al, Gemini and Rich pig out with perfect pig, and many other delights, atop the Whiskey Bar inside Mizunara, which is inside The Sundry Food Hall at UnCommons - the new restaurant/residential/office complex at Durango, just off Interstate 215. The Executive Chef of the entire food hall, David Varley, explains how they reinvented the concept thanks to Covid. Yes, he says, you will have to use a QR code with your phone. But that means you and your friends won't spend 30 minutes apart as each hunts down a different vendor. David that's one of many ways he and his partners made The Sundry more efficient, and ultimately more customer-friendly.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bar Reimagined: From Dorsey to Juliet Aug 11, 2023

Show notes

All three of the Cocktail Collective bars at Venetian and Palazzo are getting makeovers. But Dorsey also has a new name: Juliet Cocktail Room. Al, Gemini and Rich hang out on the comfy couches of Juliet and talk to the man who made the switch: Ryan Labbe of 8182 Group. Also: Al shares his thoughts on lunch at Amari in the UnCommons development. He also speaks with Buddy Valastro on the 10th anniversary of his namesake restaurant at Venetian. Among her meals in the past week, Gemini focuses on Starburst Parlor Keto Bakery, which describes itself as a "vintage Keto bakery." And Rich gets picky about his breakfasts at Publicus and 1228 Main.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bad Beat Brewing, Bordeaux Bob & Bojangles Chicken Aug 04, 2023

Show notes

Bad Beat Brewing is the site of today's episode thanks to founder/owner Nathan Hall and head brewer Tom Harwood. Both share their journey to Henderson's Booze District - both starting out as home brewers who now profit from their passion. Gemini finally gets to Sundry, and samples a lot of items at the new food hall near the Durango Curve. Al shares lots of thoughts about HaSalon, the new Israeli/Mediterranean creation of chef Eyal Shani in the Palazzo. And Rich, doing a bit of advance work on the upcoming arrival of Bojangles Chicken, takes a few bites out of its main competitor, Church's.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Day Drinking and Podcasting! Jul 28, 2023

Show notes

Al, Gemini and Rich are in the same room for the first time in nearly two months, and are celebrating by breaking open a bottle of Frey Ranch's new "Farm Strength Uncut Bourbon." That means 124 proof, or more than 62% alcohol. Rich returns from his world tour by hitting two semi-new Chinese joints inside casinos - with mixed results. Gemini is all over the map, sampling Mexican, sushi, Irish, and even a smoothie. And Al checks out Tequila Cantina, the new collaboration of Nice Hospitality and Brandon Powers (think 'classic' Tijuana décor). Our guests include Chef Noe Alcala of Zai Restaurant, a cutting edge Mexican place downtown. And Al gets tips on cooking for two from Chef Alicia Shevetone, who's written a new cookbook on how to do just that.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guy Fieri! (Because SEO) Jul 21, 2023

Show notes

That's right. We're slaves to Search Engine Optimization. But Al also did talk to Guy about his latest Vegas enterprise. Guy is one of several guests on a guest-packed episode that also includes Sam Marvin, Geo Mauro, Sean Christie and more! As for dining: Al and Gemini share their experiences at Archi's Thai, Vicki's Diner, Half Bird Chicken and Beer, a party at Delilah and Al's vacation in Cabo.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chinatown Pizza and Durango Gourmet Jul 14, 2023

Show notes

Champion pizzaiolo Michael Vakneen shares the news of his latest adventure: ∅∅ Pie & Pub on Spring Mountain Road. The genius behind Pop-Up Pizza at The Plaza is joining the excellent offerings in the same strip mall as Half-Bird and The Golden Tiki. And he shares his journey to pizza greatness with Al. Meanwhile, Gemini gets the first-hand download on Lemon Tree Café from its chef/owner Patrick Littlejohn. And Rich is back - from the road - recounting the highs and lows of his trips to Paris and DC.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Girls Can Grill - And We Found One! Jul 07, 2023

Show notes

That Girl is actually the founder of "Girls Can Grill," Christie Vanover. Her longtime Vegas presence gets some big-time national exposure, as she's a contestant on the new season of Discovery's "Barbecue Brawl." Al and Gemini recorded this episode at Little Avalon, the coastal cuisine casual joint in Village Square, the shopping complex at West Sahara & Fort Apache. Also: Gemini shares her trips to Urth Caffe, Garagiste and and Carson Kitchen. Al gets us up to speed on more places at The Sundry, the new food hall in the southwest valley. In the news: The Summer of Sangria arrives at Jaleo and yet another honor for Pizza Rock's Tony Gemignani.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Episode (Like Area 15) Does Not Exist Jun 30, 2023

Show notes

While Rich continues his world tour, Al and Gemini take the show to Area 15, the sprawling arts and entertainment district located just west of The Strip. They chat with representatives of the complex about all the experiences it has to offer – especially the food and beverage options. COO, Dan Pelson provides an overview of all the attractions, from Omega Mart to Wink World and everything in between. After Al and Gemini brag about where they've been eating, Area 15's Associate Director of F&B Marketing Jennifer Falcione and Executive Chef Chris Garcia take a deep dive into what you can eat and drink at the complex: The Beast, Lumin Café & Kitchen, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, Oddwood and the brand new Kaia Handroll. There's also a bit of news, including things to do on Independence Day.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Food and Loathing | Covering the Las Vegas Food Scene

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected