Al Mancini - Las Vegas Food Journalist

Food and Loathing | Covering the Las Vegas Food Scene

Arts EN ↓ 267 episodes

"Food and Loathing" is a savage journey into the stomach of the Las Vegas restaurant and bar scene – with occasional detours to explore some of the valley's other decadent offerings (edible and otherwise).Each week, veteran food writer Al Mancini offers the lowdown on what's new, what's hot and what's delicious in America's most glamorous culinary city. Along with co-host Samantha "Gemini" Stevens and producer Rich Johnson, Al invites you into their conversations with the chefs, bartenders, journalists, and other experts who know where to go – and what to order when you get there.

Author

Al Mancini - Las Vegas Food Journalist

Category

Arts

Podcast website

www.foodandloathing.vegas

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

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Episodes

Las Vegas Distillery 16.01.2026

Gemini is back!  She and Al are hosting together, in person. They're at the Las Vegas Distillery, where they get the lowdown on the place's history, products, vibe, distribution and more from Cody Fredrickson and Jonny Verplank. We also have interviews with Jason Vega of The Flamingo (talking Salt & Straw), Rio's Andi Van Willigan (talking Kitchen Table), Bellagio's Warren Richards (talking the Ma...

Butcher & Thief, St. Felix & Lilli 09.01.2026

Don Chareunsy of VegasPublicity.com sits in for Gemini this week, joining Al at the new steakhouse Butcher & Thief. In addition to having a nice long conversation with chef/owner Cory Harwell, they sample a large portion of the menu. Other interviews this week include John Arakaki of St. Felix, Lilli's Tyler Vorce and Darren Walters of South Point. You'll also get a Happy Hour Report, a few dining...

Guerrilla Pizza and Other Las Vegas Snacks 02.01.2026

Al sits down with Robbie Cunningham, the brain behind Guerrilla Pizza Company, the new downtown joint that's serving up what it calls "Detroit-style deep dish" pies. Al also goes on a big rant about the price of parking in The Arts District -- and incorrect enforcement, to be kinda polite. Producer Rich Johnson hangs out from  his listening post in Seattle, celebrating the start of the commercial...

Bjork Cavier, Nacho Daddy & How Ya Dough In 26.12.2025

Al, Gemini and Happy Hour Vegas' Andrew Morgan are together in the Arts District for the final episode of 2025, coming to you from Bjork Caviar on Main Street. Owner Christian Sandefeldt shares all of the basics on sturgeon roe, so you'll be comfortable making the indulgent treat part of your New Year's celebration. We also have restaurant reports from Amador Cocina Fina, Le Club by Partage and Bu...

Brezza, Triple George, Ferraro's and their Feasts 19.12.2025

Just in time for Christmas Eve, we're talking Feast of the Seven fishes. We share interviews with Chefs Nicholas Beesley of Triple George Grill near The Downtown Grand, Nicole Brisson of Brezza in Resorts World and Mimmo Ferraro of Ferraro's about their versions of the Italian tradition. We also have a tour of Yurt by Dan Coughlin. Shuchi Patel explains Henderson's Taste of Gujarat. Cory Harwell t...

Morimoto is Back & Omakase Kyara Carries On 12.12.2025

Al and Las Vegas' premier guy Bob Barnes dive into this week's episode, which is Japan-centric. The centerpiece is with Chef Winston Matsuuchi of Omakase Kyara Sake Bar. Chef Winston is the son of the founders of Las Vegas' first Japanese grocery store, and has put his bi-cultural upbringing to good use, fusing Japanese and American cuisines. Also in this episode, comments by Masaharu Morimoto on...

Pancakes, Pizza & a Pop-Up 05.12.2025

It's Al, guest co-host Rachel Diehl and Happy Hour Vegas' Andrew Morgan coming to you from Du-par's in the Suncoast this week. The resort's executive chef Christopher Nicholson feeds them loco moco, Chinese chicken salad and the California import's famous pancakes. You'll also get restaurant reports, some news, and interviews with Metro Pizza's John Arena and Toddy Shop's Hemant Kishore. And Gemin...

Formula 1 Fun & Hell's Kitchen 27.11.2025

Andrew Morgan sits in for Gemini Stevens, and producer Rich Johnson connects from Seattle. At the center of the show this week: a nice long interview with Hell's Kitchen contestant Ellie Parker, as well as interviews with Chefs Jose Andres, Wolfgang Puck, Masaharu Morimoto, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Michael Mina, Michael Voltaggio, Bryan Voltaggio and Dave Beran at F1's Fountain Club. Also: forme...

Las Vegas Pizza Fest, High Steaks & SMKD 21.11.2025

City Cast Las Vegas' Rob Kachelriess keeps the co-host chair warm for the ailing Gemini this week, sharing his experiences exploring the cuisine of Las Vegas' relatively new Filipino Town on Maryland Parkway. Rob also discusses his recent meal at High Steaks in The Rio and lets us know where we can find an airport version of The Durango Resort's Summer House. At the center of the show, Al shares i...

Du Par's & D'Agostino's are Back! 14.11.2025

Gemini and Al were in Centennial Hills this week to record this episode with Anthony Jameson at Casa De Juliette. The man who helped bring The Sand Dollar Lounge back to its past glory talks about serving Mexican food in the 'burbs, and his own return to the kitchen. You'll also hear interviews with Dan and Donny Thompson at the D'Agostino's Grand reopening party, SunCoast's Pearl Brecia on the Du...

Nine Fine Irishmen Expands 07.11.2025

Al and Gemini are back together this week, with an interview-heavy episode recorded on the newly extended patio of Nine Fine Irishmen in New York New York. In addition to chatting the Irish Pub's Senior Restaurant Operations Manager, Teague Smith, they also share conversations with Echo Taste & Sound's Natalie Young, author Kim Foster, Durango Social Club's Dan Krohmer, In Limbo's Steve Lee, Joe's...

Jose Andres, Oscar Amador & Sadie AI 31.10.2025

Gemini and Al are reunited this week (via Zoom, but we'll take it). It's a great episode that includes interviews with Chefs Jose Andres, Shawn McClain and Oscar Amador as well as representatives of Cabinet of Curiosities and a company called Sadie that builds AI to anser the phone at restaurants. We also have restaurant reports, news, and a Happy Hour Report by Andrew Morgan.

15 Years of Weera Thai 24.10.2025

Al Mancini and Happy Hour Vegas' Andrew Morgan handle the hosting duties this week, as Al also muddles through as recording engineer. They both attend the 15 th anniversary celebration at Weera Thai, where they observe a blessing by Buddhist monks before interviewing owner Sasi Phothidokmai and manager Chollada "Bo" Hendrix. Other interviews include Chef Mimmo Ferraro, Christina Ellis, the Hard Ha...

High Steaks, Whiskful Thinking, Gjelina and More 17.10.2025

Gemini and Al helm the show together this week. Al joins baker Korey Wells at her shop, Whiskful Thinking Cakes, in the center of the shoe. Among the topics: painting with buttercream, fake cakes vs real ones and baking on TV. Other interviews include Chef Fabio Viviani, The Mob Museum's Clint Thoman, Gjelina's farm liaison Bethanny Harris, the Charitable Hospitality Foundation's Michael Kennedy a...

Jamie Tran updates The Black Sheep Menu 10.10.2025

Gemini is back this week, and she's brought Chef Jamie Tran with her. Actually, she's brought Al to Chef Jamie's restaurant, The Black Sheep, to record the episode. In addition to feeding the pair lots of new menu items, Chef sat down to chat. Also on this episode: restaurant reports from The Legends Oyster Bar, Red Dwarf, Al Solito Posto, Joel Robuchon and more, as well as a Happy Hour report, ne...

All Monzu All The Time 03.10.2025

For this week's episode, Al joined Chef Gio Mauro and musician Naomi Mauro at their restaurant, Monzu Italian Oven. He was there to speak to them about the music at the restaurant, as well as the new seasonal menu. When Gemini found herself unable to make the recording, the Mauros were kind enough to sit in as co-hosts for the entire show, sharing  some of their favorite Las Vegas restaurants and...

Leticia's Cocina & Cantina 26.09.2025

With Gemini out of the country, Al is joined by Bob Barnes at the brand new Leticia's Cocina and Cantina in the Boulder Station Hotel & Casino. In addition to an extended interview with chef/owner Leticia Mitchell, we have an extended beer report by Bob, as well as an interview with Joel Robuchon executive chef Eleazar Villanueva discussing the restaurant's 20 th anniversary celebration. And, of c...

P Moss & "Screwing Sinatra" 19.09.2025

This week's episode features City Cast Las Vegas' Rob Kachelriess sitting in for Gemini, recording at the Double Down Saloon. He and Al chat with the iconic punk rock bar's owner P Moss, about Ass Juice, Bacon Martinis, Puke Insurance, and his brand new novel, "Screwing Sinatra."  We also drop by the Girls Scouts' annual "Dessert Before Dinner" gala, and tour the construction at D'Agostino's Tratt...

The Women of Las Vegas' Food Scene 12.09.2025

Al gets immersive at Picnic in the Alley, the annual event celebrating the women who make Las Vegas' culinary community so special. Al talks to more than a dozen women who took part, including Nicole Brisson, Ellie Parker, Gina Marinelli, Erica Bell, and the former Vegas resident who is the very first Yes Chef Champion, Emily Brubaker. The event wouldn't happen without the leadership of many women...

Havana 1957 Brings Cuban to The Flamingo 05.09.2025

This week's episode was recorded at Havana 1957 at The Flamingo, where Al, Gemini and guest co-host Don Chareunsy (of the brand new VegasPublicity.com) have an amazing tasting of Cuban cuisine. They also talked to Chef Michael Torres. You'll hear restaurant reports on Amari, NeNe Contemporary Japanese Bistro, Wineaux, Lao Kitchen, and the new 888 Japanese BBQ location (among other spots). Also, as...

Football Food & Fun 29.08.2025

  This week's episode helps you gear up for football season, as Al speaks to representatives of Flanker, Ri Ra, Dawghouse and Stadium Swim to find out what they're planning, and lists seven other great venues for viewing sports. Andrew Morgan continues the football-centric episode with a look at sports bar happy hours. Jeremy Ford talks about Stubborn Seed's a la carte menu, we speak to one of the...

Alebrijes Opens in Las Vegas' Neonopolis 22.08.2025

This week's episode was recorded at the brand new Alebrijes by Chef Paco in Neonopolis, where Al, Gemini and Hapy Hour Vegas' Andrew Morgan sample the menu (including grasshoppers and ants) with Chef Francisco "Paco" Cortes. Al and Paco also chat about the weekend Drag Brunch the restaurant hosts. And we have interviews with Chef Lanny Chin and Irv's Burgers CEO Lawrence Longo, plus restaurant rep...

Las Vegas Raiders' Food Fun 15.08.2025

Al talks to local chefs who operate food stands in Allegiant Stadium to get the scoop on what's new for Raiders games in 2025. Among them: Anthony Andreason of Pizza Rock, Samantha Bandy of Fremont Street's Evel Pie, Soulbelly BBQ's Bruce Kalman and Border Grill's Yancy Perez. Andrew Morgan's Happy Hour Report goes sky high to sample the offerings of The Foundation Room. Al and Gemini also play fa...

Jolene Mannina, Las Vegas' Food Entrepreneur 08.08.2025

The former head of Las Vegas Test Kitchen, who's now working her magic with Fortune Events, catches up with Gemini. They are especially excited about the upcoming edition of Picnic in the Alley, the woman-centric food event in downtown Las Vegas. With Al on vacation, Gem carries the show, with a little help from once-again vagabond Rich Johnson, who shares the "fun" of driving from Las Vegas to Se...

The James Trees Empire 01.08.2025

Las Vegas' home-grown superstar chef is celebrating a birthday, and all the chefs from all of his restaurants are contributing to the celebration. But we got them all in one place -- Bar Boheme -- to talk shop. And what a talk it is, featuring: James Trees Adam Rios, Sean O'Hara, Jordon Dunewood, Joe Swan, Jake Yergensen and Jackson Stamper. Also: Al shares his "Friends Experience," as well as sto...

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