Meet Ellie Parker, the new executive chef at Main St. Provisions in The Arts District. Al paid her a visit this week, and you’ll hear that extended interview at the center of this week’s episode. You’ll also hear from Mimmo Ferraro about the new Happy Hour and pre-theater menu at Ferraro’s, and learn about the next Ferraro's wine dinner. And we have restaurant reports from Ciao Vino, Nora’s, Windy City Beef & Dog, Pizza Rock, Café Breizh, Pier 215, Honey Salt and Town Square’s brand new upscale, Indian “fusion” restaurant Tamba.

Al’s back, but it’s James Beard semi-finalist DJ Flores who’s front and center this week, along with his Director of Bar Lou Lopez. They tell Gemini all about their plans for a pair of projects in The Arts District. Other interviews this week include Bryce Krausman, who shares details about the final party at DW Bistro, as well as Steve Jerome and Alexandra Lourdes talking about their new Italian spot, Sorellina. And to round it out, we have restaurant reports from The Legends Oyster Bar, Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza, The Bagel Café, The Bedford by Martha Stewart, Jaleo, Ocean Prime, Marafuku Ramen, Sorellina, The Composer’s Room, The George, Café Leon, The Coronado Café and The Peppermill.

It's just Gemini and Rich this week, as Al got sick, got better, then lost his voice just in time for the show. But he did have a nice conversation with Sylvia Welsh of The Composer's Room on E. Sahara. That includes a detailed explantion of just what The Composer's room is. Also: the man synonamous with competitive eating, Joey Chestnut, came to Las Vegas and won another crown: his second victory in the Bagelmania bagel eating competition. Gemini got a few comments from him, and runner-up Paterick Bertoletti. There are also lots of dining out downloads, including a dinner that Rich and Gem had together. And we light a very small candle to mark the Las Vegas demise of TGI Fridays.

Al talks to Gio Mauro, the chef/owner of Old School Pizzeria and Monzu Italian Oven & Bar, about being named Nevada Chef of the Year. Al also shares his conversation with Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. The owners of Border Grill have been very busy, with the staff of their Southern California restaurants, feeding firefighters and others since the huge blazes destroyed hundreds of homes and other buildings. Also: reports on visits to The Steakhouse, Havana 1957, Marafuku Ramen, Buddy V's, The Palm, The Dawg House, Shanghai Taste, Legends Oyster Bar, Ada's and more.

This week’s episode was recorded on location at the 2025 Winter Fancy Food Show, with Rich and Al reporting on the big trade show, while Gemini was under the weather. They speak to dozens of exhibitors at the show, get serenaded by a candy maker, and share Chef Scott Conant’s big announcement from his keynote address.

We share restaurant reports on visits to Rosalie French Café, The Cheongdam Food Hall, Basilico, Tim Ho Wan and Rang’s Cocina. Also: news about Sparrow + Wolf, Vegas Valley Winery, a bagel-eating championship, five Vegas semifinalists for James Beard Awards, and interview with Amari’s Alan Mardonovich, Champion eater Joey Chestnut and Patty Peters.

It’s a very happy episode, despite the absence of Samantha Gemini Stevens, because our main focus is happy hours in Las Vegas Joining us is the founder of HappyHourVegas.com, Andrew Morgan. Other interviews include Sammy Hagar, Clique Hospitality’s Corey Nigrelli, Station Casinos’ Casandra Northwick, Sam Facchini of Metro Pizza and Vincent Rotolo of Good Pie. We share news of some Vegas relief efforts for California fire victims, the latest opening for Seventy-Six Taverns and the grand opening party for Caspian’s Rock and Roe. To round it all out, we have restaurant reports from Farm Basket, Sushi Neko, The Lucky Penny, Gaetano’s, Mijo, Caspian’s and the Brunch of Broken Dreams at the Composer’s Room.

Mark Steele, founder of the Restaurant Hospitality Institute, sits down for a long talk with Al about how his organization helps front of the house staff and managers maximize their potential. Steele also shares news of the newest course RHI is offering on allergens and food sensitities. Rich reports from the Consumer Electronics Show and leads a discussion on the best food-related films. And Gemini tells us about her search for Laksa in Australia. Also: interviews with restaurateur Freddie Paloma, sommelier Harley Carbery and Vegas Citycast’s Sarah Lohman, and restaurant reports on Vino Aromi, Wineaux, General Admission, Fiorella Pasta Bar and Gyu+.

Chicken Zamboni? Yes, it's a thing at Vegas Golden Knights games, and Al has the full description (Spoiler: it's chicken fingers!). But this first-of-the-year episode is anchored by Al's conversation with Keith Bracewell and Jonah Gibbs, the guys on the front line of Petite Boheme, the soon-to-be French place from James Trees. Al also talks to veteran Vegas chef Eric Luhlier, who's taken over the kitchen at the Hawthorn Grill in the JW Marriott in Summerlin. Also: Gemini checks in from Australia, and Rich shares more than you want to know about KFC.