Eat. Talk. Repeat.

What's Right Network
What's Right Network
  • 5.0 (36)
  • Food
  • Updated Weekly

John Curtas is a legit food critic, with the bona fides to back it up. Ash Watkins is an amateur, and the first to admit it. Together they cover the restaurants, bars, and people that make Las Vegas one of the world's best food cities. They're not here to chase hype, clicks, or likes. They're here to tell you what's worth your time, appetite, and money. No cheese pulls, no yolk porn — just honest analysis of a restaurant's food, service, atmosphere, and the overall vibe. They do this because they love this city and the people behind its food scene. Turn up the volume and buckle up. Cheers!

  1. 14h ago

    The Wine Decline: Vegas Wine Experts Tell All

    On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat., John Curtas shares a glass with two of Las Vegas’ biggest wine nerds: Eric Prato of Garagiste Wine Room and Dave Klarer of Timeless Hospitality. With Ash out, John finally gets his long-awaited wine episode with plenty of strong opinions and a deep dive into what’s actually happening with wine right now. 🍷 Is the wine industry really in decline? 🍷 Are younger generations killing wine culture, or just changing it? 🍷 Did the wine world make itself too pretentious and intimidating? 🍷 What does Las Vegas’ wine scene get right… and what does it get spectacularly wrong? 🍷 Why are some of the best $20–$40 wines nearly invisible on the Strip? 🍷 Natural wine: revolution, fad, or just funky juice? 🍷 Are trophy wines and $3,000 bottles really worth the price? 🍷 And most importantly: **How do you actually order wine at a restaurant without getting screwed?** Eric and Dave also share their insider tips for navigating a wine list, talking to sommeliers, setting a budget, trying unfamiliar varietals, and finding the hidden gems that don’t come with a famous label. And of course, John puts them through a wine nerd lightning round, covering obscure grapes, France vs. Italy, decanting, underrated wine regions, Sideways, Drops of God, and the dreaded bunghole. It’s wine. It’s Vegas. It’s a little nerdy. And yes, they opened another bottle. 🍷 CHEERS! 👉 Visit EatTalkRepeat.com for updates, events, and the newsletter👉 Got a food take or hate mail? cheers@eattalkrepeat.com Follow for more Vegas food talk & behind-the-scenes flavor: X/Twitter: @EatTalkRepeat | @EatingLasVegas | @AshTheAttorney Instagram: @EatTalkRepeatLV | @JohnCurtas | @AshTheAttorney

  2. Sep 11

    Michelin Guide: A Double-Edged Sword

    On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat. 🍽️ The Michelin Guide, food influencers, restaurant reviews & the future of Vegas dining — it’s all on the table. In this episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat., Ash Watkins and John Curtis dig into the latest happenings in the Las Vegas food scene, including a closer look at the Michelin Guide’s newest selections and what those awards really mean for local restaurants. They also dive into the ever-changing world of food influencers, discussing whether their influence is growing, fading, or simply changing shape. From there, it’s time for restaurant reviews, unique dining experiences, the Hudson Valley food scene, and a few thoughts on culinary trends that maybe should have stayed in the kitchen. Yes, we’re talking about the Cronut. 🥐 Plus, the hosts look ahead to upcoming restaurant openings, new culinary concepts, and what’s next for Las Vegas dining. Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates02:56 Michelin Guide Discussion05:51 Critique of Michelin Selections09:01 Local Restaurant Insights11:54 Future of Las Vegas Dining15:01 Legal Issues in the Restaurant Scene17:51 Closing Thoughts and Reflections27:38 The Rise and Fall of Influencers in the Food Scene29:57 Restaurant Reviews: A Culinary Journey34:06 Exploring Unique Dining Experiences39:06 The Hudson Valley Food Scene44:01 Critiquing Culinary Trends and Fads56:11 Upcoming Restaurant Openings and Innovations 👉 Visit EatTalkRepeat.com for updates, events, and the newsletter👉 Got a food take or hate mail? cheers@eattalkrepeat.com Follow for more Vegas food talk & behind-the-scenes flavor:X/Twitter: @EatTalkRepeat | @EatingLasVegas | @AshTheAttorneyInstagram: @EatTalkRepeatLV | @JohnCurtas | @AshTheAttorney

  3. Sep 4

    So… What Happened to Vegas Bars?

    On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat. What makes a great bar scene—and what happens when the neighborhood around it starts to change? In this episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat., Ash Watkins and John Curtas sit down with James Reza and Derek Stonebarger to talk all things Las Vegas bars, cocktails, and the ever-evolving Arts District. From the realities of running a bar and the challenges of rising costs and leases to gentrification, First Friday, parking, and keeping a true local community alive, this conversation gets into what’s really happening behind the scenes. They also dive into Brewery Row, Barter Mall, the future of the Arts District, and what it takes to build a bar scene that works for both locals and visitors. Plus, plenty of opinions on cocktails, customer service, and bar industry pet peeves. 🎙️ Pour yourself a drink and join the conversation. 👉 Visit EatTalkRepeat.com for updates, events, and the newsletter👉 Got a food take or hate mail? cheers@eattalkrepeat.com Follow for more Vegas food talk & behind-the-scenes flavor:X/Twitter: @EatTalkRepeat | @EatingLasVegas | @AshTheAttorneyInstagram: @EatTalkRepeatLV | @JohnCurtas | @AshTheAttorney Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Eat Talk Repeat and Guests 02:58 The Evolution of the Cocktail and Bar Scene 05:59 Personal Journeys in the Bar Industry 09:01 The Impact of Gentrification on Art and Culture 11:48 The Role of Community in Downtown Development 14:51 Brewery Row and Its Challenges 17:48 The Future of Bars in the Arts District 25:30 The Impact of Pricing on Local Bars 30:03 Navigating Lease Challenges in the Bar Industry 34:05 The Evolution of the Arts District 46:00 First Friday: A Double-Edged Sword 54:00 Exploring Barter Mall: A Community Hub 57:04 The Cocktail Scene: Peak or Just Beginning? 59:58 Parking Solutions: Navigating the Downtown Experience 01:03:09 Artie's: The Future of Dining and Culture 01:12:06 Pet Peeves in the Bar Scene: A Lively Discussion

  4. Aug 28

    Restaurant Marketing in 2026 — The Good, The Bad, and The Influencing

    On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat.What makes a food influencer credible—and who gets to decide? This week on Eat. Talk. Repeat., John Curtas sits down with Chef Jeffrey Weiss and Phil Zing to dig into the messy world of restaurant marketing, PR, and influencer culture. They break down what actually makes an influencer valuable, how viral food content translates into real business, the ethics of comped meals and transparency, and whether awards and engagement really mean anything.Plus, they get into chef recommendations, consumer expectations, influencer pet peeves, and why integrity still matters when your dining recommendations can influence where people spend their money.Listen in for a candid conversation about the good, the bad, and the increasingly complicated world of food influencers.👉 Visit EatTalkRepeat.com for updates, events, and the newsletter👉 Got a food take or hate mail? cheers@eattalkrepeat.comFollow for more Vegas food talk & behind-the-scenes flavor:X/Twitter: @EatTalkRepeat | @EatingLasVegas | @AshTheAttorneyInstagram: @EatTalkRepeatLV | @JohnCurtas | @AshTheAttorneyChapters02:26 Introduction05:30 The Evolution of Restaurant Marketing08:24 Understanding Marketing Strategies11:23 The Role of Public Relations14:26 The Impact of Influencers17:29 Credibility and Authority in Influencing23:36 Defining Good Influencers26:25 Conclusion and Key Takeaways32:43 The Impact of Viral Food Content35:00 Measuring Success: Likes vs. Business38:12 The Role of Influencers in Restaurant Marketing41:41 Trends and Their Influence on Engagement44:15 The Value of Awards in the Restaurant Industry48:08 The Ethics of Influencer Marketing51:38 Comp Meals and Transparency in Influencer Relationships58:46 The Credibility of Influencers01:02:26 Consumer Advocacy in Dining01:04:25 Chefs and Their Recommendations01:06:19 Dining Preferences and Overrated Restaurants01:10:25 Pet Peeves in the Culinary World01:14:24 Influencer Entitlement and Professionalism Keywordsrestaurant marketing, influencers, public relations, social media, marketing strategies, credibility, authority, restaurant industry, Las Vegas, food critics influencer marketing, restaurant success, social media engagement, food content, restaurant awards, ethics in marketing, viral videos, ROI in marketing, trends in food, restaurant industry insights influencers, credibility, dining, consumer advocacy, chefs, recommendations, pet peeves, culinary world, social media, restaurant reviews

  5. Aug 21

    The State of the Las Vegas Food Scene

    Las Vegas food news, restaurant gossip, and plenty of opinions—what more could you want? 👀 This week, John and Ash dive into the influence of foodies and influencers, what’s happening with downtown bars and restaurants, celebrity chef culture, restaurant closures, upcoming events, and the local dishes worth talking about. Plus, plenty of Vegas food gossip, personal takes, and a look at what’s shaping the city’s ever-changing dining scene. 🎧 Eat. Talk. Repeat. — where we eat, talk, and definitely have opinions. 👉 Visit EatTalkRepeat.com for updates, events, and the newsletter👉 Got a food take or hate mail? cheers@eattalkrepeat.com Follow for more Vegas food talk & behind-the-scenes flavor: X/Twitter: @EatTalkRepeat | @EatingLasVegas | @AshTheAttorney Instagram: @EatTalkRepeatLV | @JohnCurtas | @AshTheAttorney Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Influencer Culture 03:04 Upcoming Guests and Show Updates 05:53 Food News and Events in Las Vegas 09:01 Restaurant Deals and Promotions 12:07 Gossip and Rumors in the Restaurant Scene 17:49 Challenges Facing Downtown Bars and Restaurants 22:46 Local Support and Community Engagement 24:02 Restaurant Gossip and Industry Changes 26:45 Celebrity Chefs and Their Impact 27:25 Sponsorship and Business Insights 29:24 Amador's Culinary Excellence 33:02 Pastrami Sandwich Showdown 34:31 Montreal Smoked Meat Experience 36:29 Kaiseki Yuzu: A Wagyu Wonderland 39:19 Unique Dining Experiences in Las Vegas 40:55 Tempura and Japanese Cuisine 46:16 Persian Delights at Zaytun

  6. Aug 14

    Four Guys in a Bar | Insider Interview with Jonathan Jossel

    This week on Eat. Talk. Repeat., we’re joined by Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino and host of On The Corner of Main Street, for an inside look at Downtown Las Vegas. We talk about Jonathan’s journey to Vegas, why he fought to preserve and revive the Plaza, the future of Downtown, tourism, the changing Vegas customer, and what DTLV needs more (or less) of. Plus, we dive into the Plaza’s restaurant scene, Jonathan’s favorite Vegas restaurants, British food, Fremont Street, SlotZilla, family dining, and a rapid-fire round of favorites. And, of course… Pet Peeves!! 04:20 Introduction and Guest Introduction 06:25 Jonathan Jossel's Journey to Las Vegas 11:26 Revitalizing Downtown Las Vegas 13:26 The Plaza's Historical Significance 18:32 Challenges and Opportunities in Management 25:12 The Future of Fremont Street 28:06 Oscar's Steakhouse: A Culinary Success 32:28 The Evolution of Dining in Downtown Vegas 34:28 Curating Restaurant Concepts: The Balancing Act 37:03 The Importance of Brand Recognition in Dining 41:04 The Impact of Major Events on Downtown Vegas 50:05 Favorite Dining Experiences in Las Vegas 56:37 Guilty Pleasures and Restaurant Experiences 59:04 Defending British Cuisine 01:00:30 The Lightning Round Begins 01:05:02 Pet Peeves in Dining and Service 01:15:54 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans 👉 Visit EatTalkRepeat.com for updates, events, and the newsletter👉 Got a food take or hate mail? cheers@eattalkrepeat.com Follow for more Vegas food talk & behind-the-scenes flavor:X/Twitter: @EatTalkRepeat | @EatingLasVegas | @AshTheAttorneyInstagram: @EatTalkRepeatLV | @JohnCurtas | @AshTheAttorney

  7. Aug 7

    Insider Interviews with Melinda Sheckells & Kim Owens

    On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat. Ash is out of town, but the show must go on! This week, John Curtas is joined by two of Las Vegas' most connected voices in food and hospitality: Kim Owens, owner of Main St. Provisions, and Melinda Sheckells, longtime lifestyle journalist covering everything from restaurants and entertainment to the people shaping the city.From building chef-driven restaurants to covering the ever-changing Vegas dining scene, this conversation dives into what it really takes to succeed in one of the country's most competitive food cities. 🍽️ In this episode: • Kim Owens' journey from corporate restaurant management to owning Main St. Provisions • How Kim became an unexpected incubator for some of Las Vegas' top culinary talent • Melinda Sheckells' career across print, television, podcasting, and lifestyle journalism• How both guests found their way to Las Vegas • The evolution of the local restaurant scene• Yelp, Instagram, TikTok & influencers — the good, the bad, and everything in between • Is "Stripflation" making its way into neighborhood restaurants? • Where they're actually eating around town right now• Will Michelin make a lasting impact on Las Vegas? • Plus, another round of Pet Peeves and plenty of food talk along the way. 📩 Subscribe to The Amuse Bouche, our weekly newsletter, every Wednesday! 👉 Visit EatTalkRepeat.com for updates, events, and the newsletter 👉 Got a food take or hate mail? cheers@eattalkrepeat.com Follow for more Vegas food talk & behind-the-scenes flavor:X/Twitter: @EatTalkRepeat | @EatingLasVegas | @AshTheAttorneyInstagram: @EatTalkRepeatLV | @JohnCurtas | @AshTheAttorney

  8. Jul 31

    Seal of Approval

    This week on Eat. Talk. Repeat... Las Vegas never stops eating—and neither do we. This week, John Curtas and Ash Watkins break down the biggest restaurant news around town, including the return of Valencian Gold, a beloved Montreal deli making its way to Henderson, another local expansion, and why one Arts District brewery is calling it quits. Then it's review time. Ash shares her thoughts on Golden Boy Market & Deli, the brand-new Rebellion Market & Deli, CraftHaus, Ole Manny's, and 1228 Main, including which spots are worth making the trip for. 👉 Visit EatTalkRepeat.com for updates, events, and the newsletter 👉 Got a food take or hate mail? cheers@eattalkrepeat.com Follow for more Vegas food talk & behind-the-scenes flavor: X/Twitter: @EatTalkRepeat | @EatingLasVegas | @AshTheAttorney Instagram: @EatTalkRepeatLV | @JohnCurtas | @AshTheAttorney Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Backgrounds 07:13 Facebook Antics and Food Recommendations 11:56 Restaurant Reviews and Local Dining Scene 19:56 Food News and Industry Insights 20:57 Exploring New Culinary Ventures 27:30 Restaurant Openings and Challenges 32:43 Poutine: A Canadian Delight 39:51 Montreal's Culinary Highlights 43:34 Culinary Excess and Richness 48:30 Dining Experiences in Quebec and Montreal 51:10 Local Food Gems and New Discoveries 56:16 Traveling Preferences and Pet Peeves 01:04:00 Listener Feedback and Closing Thoughts

See All (165)

5
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

John Curtas is a legit food critic, with the bona fides to back it up. Ash Watkins is an amateur, and the first to admit it. Together they cover the restaurants, bars, and people that make Las Vegas one of the world's best food cities. They're not here to chase hype, clicks, or likes. They're here to tell you what's worth your time, appetite, and money. No cheese pulls, no yolk porn — just honest analysis of a restaurant's food, service, atmosphere, and the overall vibe. They do this because they love this city and the people behind its food scene. Turn up the volume and buckle up. Cheers!

Information

More From What's Right Network

You Might Also Like