Food and Loathing | Covering the Las Vegas Food Scene

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 and more.

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 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.