Food and Loathing | Covering the Las Vegas Food Scene

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gemini and Al are at Edge Steakhouse in The Westgate, sitting down with Chef Dante Garcia, barman Mike Thompson and GM Richard Douglas for a chat about the restaurant, its offerings and its history. We also have Hell's Kitchen champ Ellie Parker discussing a collaborative dinner with Chef Nicole Brisson. We caught up with Allan Roth of The Macallan at Allē Lounge on 66 in Resorts World. And Chef Jason Janson speaks to us about the reopening of Hearthstone Kitchen at Red Rock Resort. We also have some restaurant reports, and a rundown of great margarita happy hours from Andrew Morgan.

This week, "Mama" Crystina Ngyuen joins Gemini and Al at Durango Social Club to talk about her upcoming Lunar New Year popups at the venue. Al visits Yukon Pizza's Alex White to get the lowdown on the recent online controversy surrounding their decision to close for a day. Other interviews include Edward Pizzarello of the new Venetian Five Guys, Lupe Avila of HUKL Hospitality, Ted Haddad of Ya-Baba Shawarma and professional eater Joey Chestnut. And we have restaurant reviews on Gaetano's, Nora's, Roma Kitchen and Azzura Cucina.

We begin with breaking news from just six hours before the episode dropped: Las Vegas' own Ellie Parker has won Season 24 of Hell's Kitchen! Al was at the watch party at Main St. Provisions and talked to Ellie just minutes after the episode finale. As for the regular show: Bob Barnes sits in for Gemini this week for an episode that centers around a conversation with bartending legend Dale DeGroff. Al caught up with Dale shortly before he kicked off a new guest bartender series at The Vault in Bellagio. They talk about the history of American mixology over the past century. You'll also hear from Walbert Castillo about the new Istorya residency at Durango Social Club, and get restaurant reports on Butcher & Thief, Guerrilla Pizza, Amari, Toca Madera, Gymkhana and more. PLUS - beer news from Bob, a Happy Hour Report from Andrew Morgan and a rundown of the James Beard Award Semifinalists.