Food and Loathing Al Mancini

The annual event to benefit food education for the valley's under-served children is coming up in early May, and Al gets a full preview from Chef Mark Sandoval at UNLV. As for dining this week, Gemini plays the hits with stops a Garagiste, Esther's and Nevada Brew Works. Meanwhile, Al stretches his sushi chops with some wacky rolls at Mizumi, then heads back to Wynn for the pop-up Safta 1964. Also, it wouldn't be a show (and it wouldn't be Al) without another stop at Uncommons. Plan B turned out to be Amari, which may get a promotion to Plan A.
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It's a "clean out the closet" episode, as Al and Gemini share some interviews that have been looking for a home. Most important: author and past podcast guest Kim Foster tells us about her book that she first mentioned more than a year ago. "The Meth Lunches: Food and Longing in an American City" tells tales of what happens when the traditional family dinner includes poverty, mental illness, homelessness, and addiction. Asian-Fusion-Barbecue is the nutshell description of KYU, a new addition at the Fontainebleau. Al speaks with executive chef Christopher Arellanes. And Gemini has found another new wine bar! CrushPad Wine Bar on West Sahara near Buffalo is the work of Bryan and Jessica Dynda, who sat down for a chat.
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Al and Gemini podcast from Wineaux, the new wine bar in UnCommons. Chef Shawn McClain and Sommelier Nick Hetzel share how they came together for this project and what it's all about. Also: Al takes a deeper dive into the new iteration of Esther's Kitchen, while Gemini explains This Mama's House, which popped up at 00 Pie & Pub. Also: lots of pizza news, a whiskey experience and, yes, it's true! Vegas Unstripped is back.
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Gemini and Al sit down with UNLV student Paiton Zilio and Allen Carter of Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, to discuss UNLVino’s Sake Fever event on April 19 at the Resorts World pool. Together, they dig into the history of UNLVino, and discuss the role it plays in educating future generations of culinary workers, and bringing together the Las Vegas community.
In the meantime, Rich Johnson reports in from Chicago, sharing some of the culinary discoveries he’s made since relocating to the Windy City. Gemini shares reports on her recent meals at The Hard Hat Lounge and THE Steakhouse at Circus Circus, while Al relates his experiences at Daeho Kalbijjim, Kyu in the Fontainebleau, Naked City Pizza and Cured & Whey. And we have interviews with Todo Bien’s Curtis Knickerbocker and celebrity chef Josh Capon.
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Al and Gem are back at Dom DeMarco's, hosting a mother-daughter social media team. Emmy Kasten is a longtime Vegas writer and lifestyle journalist. Her daughter, Alix, is a TikTok creator, with accounts followed by more than 80,000 people. Her videos show off a store, restaurant or other location in a lightning-fast 13 seconds - and Al is frustrated and amazed by his own inability to come that close. Meanwhile, Gem shares her eating adventures at Oscar's, 00 Pie and Pub, and a tinned fish collaboration dinner at Sparrow + Wolf. Al got all grungy for a 90s event at The Legacy Club, then somehow got into Barry's Prime. Both Al and Gem hit the new brunch at Crossroads Kitchen, and Al talks to the executive chef at the now-open Atomic Golf at The Strat.
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Al and Gemini record an entire episode on location at the restaurant everyone is talking about this week, the newly opened Esther’s Kitchen. They’re joined by the restaurant’s top chef, and owner, James Trees. In addition to telling them all about his new digs, Trees reminisces about his early days in The Arts District, and reflects on Esther’s success to date. He also shares what’s next, and announces the name of the new restaurant that will be moving into the original Esther’s Kitchen space – an all-tasting-menu affair he refers to as “The Quentin Tarantino Film of restaurants.”
Also: UNLV’s Marc Sandoval previews the Viva Careers event aimed at anyone who would like advice on how to pursue a career in hospitality. And Al and Gemini tell us about recent visits to the new Cheongdam Food Hall, The Hard Hat Lounge, Sushi Tanuki, Anima by EDO, Piero’s and Hofbräuhaus.
Finally: How you can win a free dinner for two at Joel Robuchon, in a new contest from Neon Feast!
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