Food and Loathing | Covering the Las Vegas Food Scene

Latest Episodes:

EP 88 - Fancy French & Fast Chicken Feb 03, 2023

Show notes

Two Las Vegas institutions are the centerpieces of this episode. Well, three, if a chef can be an institution. Bradley Ogden, longtime star at Caesars Palace, is back on the line - in the burbs. Al talks to Bradley about his new gig at Marche Bacchus. And one of the valley's venerable home-grown fast food joints - The Chicken Basket - is doubling in size. Which means it's growing from one store to two. Also: another institution is getting a makeover, and two new very cool joints are about to open at Red Rock Casino.

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EP 87 - Cocktail Class Jan 27, 2023

Show notes

Al, Gemini and Rich get a preview of the best cocktail class in the valley coming next month. After a more than two years hiatus, Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits is reviving its cocktail academy. Two of the instructors stop by Southern's $2,000,000 classroom: a long bar outfitted with cameras, monitors and four rows of custom lighted comfy seating for students. You need to listen to learn how you can attend - for free! Also: Al makes it to StripSteak, Rich finally makes to to Brezza, and Gemini again somehow makes it back to Las Vegas after another airline adventure.

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EP 86 - Fancy Foods, with Extra Cheese! Jan 20, 2023

Show notes

Al and Gemini stalk the floor of the Fancy Foods Show during its second visit to Las Vegas. Some of the podcast's best friends were also there, and stopped by to chat: Nicole Brisson, Michael Stamm and LeAnne Notabartolo. Specialty Foods Association president Bill Lynch was in the house, as well as folks hawking whiskey made from whey and ice cream from Turkey. And about that cheese. Gemini found lots and lots of cheese.

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EP 85 - Tiffany, Michael and Carla Jan 13, 2023

Show notes

It's a celebrity-filled episode, and not just celebrity chefs! Al chats with 80s pop star Tiffany, who's coming to Las Vegas next month for a combination music and food event with Chef Alicia Chevetone. And two big names are back on the scene. Al was surprised when the mastermind behind Stripsteak (and so many other first-class restaurants) Michael Mina was at the re-opening of the legendary place at Mandalay Bay. And Carla Pellegrino is back as chef/owner of Lemoncello at The Lakes. Also: Samantha Gemini Stevens shares her winter travel nightmare. Rich Johnson eats his way through the new food hall at the Fremont downtown - and he finds a ramen shop in a box at CES.

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EP 84 - Corey from California, You're On The Air! Jan 06, 2023

Show notes

Thanks to the miracle that is Zoom, Al reconnects with former colleague (and former nemesis) Corey Levitan. He's back in the journalism game covering gaming and Vegas for casino.org. Corey shares his journey from being laid off by the Las Vegas Review-Journal to freelancing, PR, community papers and now back doing what he loves for the same site that backs Vital Vegas. Also: Al's back in restaurants, and shares some recent visits with co-host Rick Moonen. And big news about a new location for Randy's Donuts, gnocchi from the master, himself, Gio Mauro. Finally: wake the kids, call the neighbors; The Peanutmobile is in town!

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EP 83 - The Greatest Hits of 2022 Dec 30, 2022

Show notes

Al shares some of the biggest conversations of the year, with some of the biggest deal chefs of this or any year: Buddy V, Marc Vetri, Martin Yan, Shawn McClain, Michael Symon and the always shy and retiring James Trees. Enjoy!

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EP 82 - Yukon Pizza is Here! Dec 23, 2022

Show notes

After a long time getting it all together at Vegas Test Kitchen, Yukon Pizza is open on its own. The shop in the Huntridge complex is the brainchild of Alex White, who sits down with Al to explain it all -- including his family's 100+ year old sourdough starter! Also: Samantha Gemini Stevens does cocktails, the Sand Dollar at checks out a VTK newbie. Rich found a new Strip-to-Strip Mall story at the Italian restaurant Gondola. And Al has a lot to say about his recent medical maladies.

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EP 81 - Feasts & Festivus Dec 16, 2022

Show notes

Al is under the weather, so Gemini and Rich run amok with news of holiday specials, Feasts of the Seven Fishes -- and some Festivus grievances. Before he tapped out, Al got serious with Eat's Natalie Young about doing more to improve the mental health of those in the hospitality business. Also: Carversteak is offering up a great bargain for locals. Ferraro's and Gaetano's are doing big 'Feast of the Seven Fishes' dinners on Christmas Eve. And Rich's friend Steve Hytner, better known as Kenny Bania from Seinfeld, serves up some memories of his days as a server in New York. And yes, That's Gold!

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EP 80 - New Owners, and a New Generation Dec 09, 2022

Show notes

Newly-renovated Table 34 is under new ownership, and Al got the lowdown over lunch. Meanwhile, it's a new generation in charge of the family-owned Gaetano's Ristorante in Henderson. And Al learned all about it from chef/owner Nick Palmeri. Co-host Samantha Gemini Stevens shares the joys of a new smart refrigerator, as wall as several dining experiences this past week. Rich Johnson shares his relief that a childhood favorite back in Portland is still up to snuff. And everyone agrees to hate the idea of a hot pocket to store... yes... Hot Pockets.

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EP 79 - Marc Vetri is Back! Dec 02, 2022

Show notes

The namesake of the fabulous Vetri Cucino atop The Palms sits down in the gorgeous restaurant to talk about the agony of closing during Covid, more agony when Station Casinos decided not to re-open after Covid, the ecstacy of finally re-opening under Palms' new owners. Also: holiday happy hours and the American Dream history of Roberto's Taco Shop.

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