Episode 082 - Martini Salad Cart

About this episode

The episode explores the importance of the dining experience at steakhouses with guests Claire Lassam and Michael Trager.

When you sit down at a steakhouse… …what really matters? Is it what’s on the plate… …or is it the experience that surrounds it? “I want a little pomp and circumstance!” These are wise words from Chef Claire Lassam of the wonderful Livia Sweets on Vancouver’s Commercial Drive. Claire, along with Michael Trager of the Vegas- and luxury-travel empire TravelZork , are my guests today as we talk through how a good steakhouse curates a feeling and all the little details that make up a great experience. Long-time listeners will remember Claire from Episode 044 of the show and Michael from Episode 057 . Today, it’s all about the feels. Order your favourite drink, choose your cut and your sides, and sink into your chair for the talk. To the steakhouse we go.

People in this episode

Host: Graham MacLennan

Guests: Claire Lassam, Michael Trager

Topics covered

• steakhouses
• dining experience
• culinary arts
• hospitality
• food culture

Keywords

• steakhouse
• dining experience
• culinary
• hospitality
• food
• Vancouver
• Livia Sweets
• TravelZork

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Livia Sweets, TravelZork

Places: Vancouver, Commercial Drive

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• Episode 081 - Something for Everyone · April 10, 2026 · 51 min
• Cheftimony Snack - Steakhouse Status · April 3, 2026 · 13 min
• Episode 080 - "Boys, we need extra gravy." · March 27, 2026 · 40 min
• Episode 079 - "I like steak!" · March 20, 2026 · 42 min
• Episode 078 - Absence Makes the Heart… Go to Spain · January 10, 2026 · 49 min