Best Al Mancini & Jason Harris Podcasts (2024)

1
Hussong's Comes to Mandalay Bay 1:19:45

4d ago1:19:45

1:19:45

Importing a bar concept to the Vegas Strip is always hard. But doing it from a hospital bed after a paralyzing motorcycle accident would be impossible for most of us. Titan Brands co-founder Scott Frost was still in his hospital bed following his accident when he finalized the deal to bring the Ensenada dive bar Hussong’s to Mandalay Place. Frost t…

1
Vegas Concierge 101 1:22:26

11d ago1:22:26

1:22:26

While a concierge can be a foodie’s (or any traveler’s) best friend, many don’t really understand how to utilize them. So Al, who has been both disappointed by and impressed with various hotels’ concierge desks, sat down with Mildred Schneidman, a veteran hotel concierge and president of the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association, for some adv…

1
Bobby Flay goes French 1:08:18

18d ago1:08:18

1:08:18

Gemini’s out this week, but Al and Rich are together with reports from Vegas and Chicago, some opinions on The Bear, a bit of news, a Chef Joe Valdez interview we forgot to run last week, and a few longer-form interviews. Rich bumped into a food TV star filming in Chicago. Al dined at Bobby Flay’s newest spot, Brasserie B by Bobby Flay – where he w…

1
Scotch 80's Social Hour Menu 1:21:01

26d ago1:21:01

1:21:01

Al and Gemini get a personal tour of Scotch 80's new Social Hour menu at Palms Casino. And that includes a deep dive into the steakhouse's beef sourcing. Also this week: Gemini checks out Carson Kitchen, which is celebrating ten years of serving up cutting edge cuisine downtown. Meanwhile Al shares what he can about an "off the record" meal at Anim…

1
Help Tomorrow's Chefs Today 59:12

1M ago59:12

59:12

This week’s episode was recorded live at the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas, and centers around a conversation with chef/instructors, Nick Preston and Culinary Apprenticeship Coordinator Chiara Astriab. They share all sorts of info on how they can help advance your culinary career, whether it’s a new idea or a continuation of your journey. Other int…

1
Too Much Pizza? Never!! 1:08:38

1M ago1:08:38

1:08:38

Las Vegas scored big on the Top 50 Pizza list, as recently announced in New York. And two of our best are here to talk about it: Metro's John Arena and Michael Vakneen of 00 Pie and Pub. Also: Gemini is back with hospital horror stories and lots of love for all who've shown her the love. Oh, and Al and Rich ate food at places. Learn more about your…

1
Al Explains Himself (And Trolls the Trolls) 1:22:39

2M ago1:22:39

1:22:39

Not that he needs to after a quarter-century of pro food writing, but Al felt the need to rant just a bit about the difference between being a professional food writer and a hobbyist. And the difference between being a food writer and a food critic (spoiler: Al is the former, not the later). Also, lots of new news from longtime friends of the pod A…

1
Vegas Prime Magazine is Here! 57:09

2M ago57:09

57:09

Longtime Las Vegas journalist Don Chaurensy joins Al to discuss the new magazine Don is helming: Vegas Prime. Also: Al shares his food experiences at Suzuya Café on Spring Mountain Road, Cathedrale in Aria. and Marche Bacchus under new chef Chef Nikko Broznan, and much more. With Gemini out this week, Rich shares his baseball/dining experience in t…

1
Culinary Hangover 1:14:35

2M ago1:14:35

1:14:35

It's Al and Rich in this week's episode, which starts off with a review of all the festivities surrounding The World's 50 Best Restaurants' time in Las Vegas. We kick off with a post-event rundown from Elizabeth Blau, who was instrumental in convincing the event to come here. She also organized Wynn Las Vegas' companion culinary festival, Revelry. …

1
50 Best Restaurants 1:15:11

2M ago1:15:11

1:15:11

Producer/Engineer Rich Johnson is back for a guest co-host spot, and Al chose the perfect venue: Toasted Gastropub on West Flamingo and the 215. Sharing the info, and three awesome dishes, is Alfie Szeprethy, Executive chef for both Sammy's Woodfired Pizza and Toasted. Rich shares a few experiences from Chicago, and Al goes into detail about the ev…

1
Sammy Hagar teams with Palms 1:00:20

3M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

The Red Rocker is behind Sammy's Island, the new pool concept at the Palms Resort & Casino. Al gets the full download from Palms executive chef Marcus O’Brien, including just how involved Sammy Hagar was in the concept and buildout. Also: Gemini talks to Chef Matthew Effendy about his new line of creme brulee called "Creme by ME." Learn more about …

1
Vegas Unstripped! 1:19:25

3M ago1:19:25

1:19:25

This special extra-jumbo episode was recorded at Vegas Unstripped, where the best chefs in the valley gathered to show off their skills by cooking up items not on their menus. Al and Gemini talk to a dozen chefs, foodies and others who ate and drank the night away around the pools at the Palms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices…

1
World's 50 Best Restaurants 1:20:13

3M ago1:20:13

1:20:13

Al and Gemini try to give you all the information you need to enjoy the World's 50 Best Restaurants' arrival in Las Vegas next month, and the multiple culinary festivals and events surrounding it. You'll hear all about all the events that still have tickets available, and you'll hear from many of the chefs involved -- including Jeff Ramsey, Devin H…

1
Yukon Pizza and Sky-High Parties 1:08:15

3M ago1:08:15

1:08:15

Gemini sits down with Yukon Pizza’s Alex White to discuss the pizza that won him a World Champion title. Al chats with Circa's Director of Player Development and Special Events, Whitney Genevieve Godard, to talk about Legacy Club’s popular special event series. We also have interviews with Chef Gina Marinelli discussing Harlo’s monthly tasting menu…

1
Bazaar Meat, Brezza, and Vegas Pizza in SoCal 59:53

3M ago59:53

59:53

Two popular local businesses – Gyu+ sandos and Suzuya Patisserie – are preparing to open new concepts in The Center At Spring Mountain, and Al sits down with restaurateur Luis De Santos to talk about them. Other interviews this week include Bazaar Meat’s Frank Medina talking about a new $99 tasting menu being offered on weekdays in their lounge and…

1
Las Vegas Distillery is Back 1:05:32

4M ago1:05:32

1:05:32

Las Vegas Distillery is back, with new owners and new ideas. Gemini gets the full download General Manager/Tap Room Wrangler/Tour Commissioner/Swag Dude Cody Fredrickson. She also shares a long dining week, which included stops at Half Bird, La Madre Canyon Grill and The George at Durango Casino. Al helped Chef Roy Ellamar open patio season at Fine…

1
Chefs for Kids 1:05:36

4M ago1:05:36

1:05:36

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 …

1
KYU, Crushpad and Kim Foster 1:01:03

4M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

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 fam…

1
Wineaux, Esther's, Chefs for Kids - And the Eclipse! 1:09:21

4M ago1:09:21

1:09:21

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 …

1
UNLVino's Sake Fever! 1:06:55

5M ago1:06:55

1:06:55

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 Ve…

1
A Social Media Family 1:07:47

5M ago1:07:47

1:07:47

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 frustrate…

1
Esther's Kitchen, Bigger & Better 1:16:09

5M ago1:16:09

1:16:09

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 suc…

1
Smoke & Mirrors! 1:11:53

5M ago1:11:53

1:11:53

Al and Gemini do a semi-serious test-drive of the first cannabis lounge in the valley, Smoke & Mirrors. It's the first cannabis consumption lounge to open under Nevada's new regulations for those businesses. Consultant Chris LaPorte helped build the place, and he explains it all. As for dining, it's a gallery of the usual (and excellent) suspects f…

1
Have Another Donut! 1:14:16

6M ago1:14:16

1:14:16

And we did... at the brand new Federal Chicken & Donuts, next to the food hall at Red Rock Resort. The Philadelphia-based chain is putting out four varieties of chicken sandwiches, chicken strips and more than a dozen kinds of fancy donuts. Also: Al gets schooled in all things Parma and Iberico at "Cure Camp," EAT's Natalie Young is not happy with …

1
Portnoy's Pizza Picks 1:09:36

6M ago1:09:36

1:09:36

We're back at Dom DeMarco's Pizzeria & Wine Bar on West Charleston for, what else? More pizza talk! And the big topic is Barstool Sports' Dave Portnoy doing is famous "One Bite Pizza Reviews" in Las Vegas during Super Bowl week. Of the four places Dave visited, Dom DeMarco's got the top review. We talk to owner Albert Scalleat, as well as Good Pie'…

1
Super Bowl Hangover 1:09:47

6M ago1:09:47

1:09:47

Al, Gemini and Rich share their experiences before and during the big game, including the NFL's signature charity event, Taste of the NFL, which benefits GenYouth and its "End Student Hunger" fund. Rich spoke to some of the superstar chefs that took part. Al and Gemini got to "Toast by Tostitos," which featured, well, Tostitos. Gemini got to 00 Pie…

1
Super Bowl in Las Vegas 1:13:06

6M ago1:13:06

1:13:06

After years of shunning us, the NFL is finally letting Las Vegas host its first Super Bowl. And several local chefs will be involved - and just about every joint in the valley will be doing something football-related on Sunday. Also: Al shares several conversations in this episode, including Chefs Leticia Mitchell, Stephanie Sandfrey, Joe Komiski, …

1
Las Vegas' James Beard Nominees 1:13:50

7M ago1:13:50

1:13:50

Five chefs from Las Vegas have received nominations for James Beard awards, and we've talked to four of them! Plus: comments from Thomas Keller on the 20th anniversary of Bouchon, and Joe Bastianich on the opening of All’Antico Vinaio, one of the most famous sandwich shops in Italy. Also: a new Executive Chef at Bazaar Meats and two big-deal grocer…

1
Fancy Food and More 1:10:30

7M ago1:10:30

1:10:30

Al and Gemini recorded this episode at the Fancy Foods Show, and talked to a few of the people hoping to find buyers for their products. Also: Chef Lasheeda Perry talks to Al about Taste of the NFL, the annual pre-Super Bowl event featuring some national celebrity chefs and some of our own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com…

1
Too Hot Tamales: Drive-Thru! 1:08:04

7M ago1:08:04

1:08:04

The legendary chefs of Border Grill, Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, are expanding their empire to the Las Vegas suburbs. Barbecue Mexicana is opening at The Bend. The concept is already in place right across the hall from Border Grill, in T-Mobile Arena and Allegiant Field. But this will the group's first stand-alone fast-casual property. Als…

1
Bel-Aire Lounge Scores at Durango 1:13:13

7M ago1:13:13

1:13:13

Al, Gemini and Rich dive into a great mid-day feast at Bel-Aire Lounge in the new Durango Casino & Resort, courtesy of Keith Eure of Clique Hospitality. Between bites of a tuna roll, burgers, churros, shrimp and more, Keith told us all about Clique's restaurants at Durango, Bel-Aire Lounge, Mijo Modern Mexican and Mijo's speakeasy, Wax Rabbit. Also…

1
Dom DeMarco's Pizza: From Brooklyn to Las Vegas 1:09:49

7M ago1:09:49

1:09:49

One of the valley's groundbreaking pizza parlors has, for 12 years, sat in a strip mall nestled between a pet store and a grocery store. But the history of Dom DeMarco's Pizza stretches years before, and all the way to Brooklyn. Owner Albert Scalleat tells the fascinating tale of coming out of retirement and convincing one of New York City's premie…

1
The Best of 2023 - Just Not Ours 1:01:38

8M ago1:01:38

1:01:38

Al and Gemini spend much of this yearend episode reviewing the reviewers. They critique the 'Best Of' lists complied by Desert Companion, Las Vegas Weekly and Eater. Also, stunning news from the owner of two popular Asian restaurants. Chef Bank Atcharawan is stepping down from Lamaii to focus on his health and his future. Learn more about your ad c…

1
New Owners, New Plans 1:03:21

8M ago1:03:21

1:03:21

Table 34 has been under the Batch Hospitality brand for nearly a year. There is also new ownership at Graze Kitchen, the plant-based joint at South Buffalo and Warm Springs. Al talked to the owners of both establishments about their plans for 2024, from new menus to new restaurants. And, as usual, Al, Gemini and Rich share their recent dining exper…

1
Judy Joo's Seoul Food in Las Vegas 49:54

8M ago49:54

49:54

Seoul Bird Korean Street Food serves up fried chicken strips, sandwiches and more inside the Proper Eats Food Hall at Aria. It's Chef Judy Joo's first Vegas venture after two successful outlets in London. Joo is also a cookbook author, an Iron Chef in the UK (despite being a born and bred New Jersey girl), and a veteran of the flagship restaurants …

1
Durango is Good to Go 1:17:49

8M ago1:17:49

1:17:49

The first ground-up casino in years built especially for locals is up and running. Station Casinos opened Durango Casino and Resort earlier this week. Al got a big preview of the property's food and beverage offerings from Executive Chef Danny Ye. And Rich was there for the ribbon-cutting and very "cozy" slot and video poker play in the huge space …

1
Todd Harrington, Cutting-Edge Knife Maker 1:03:04

9M ago1:03:04

1:03:04

It's been about three years since Chef Todd Harrington challenged himself to make a knife - with no knowledge of how to do it. Now, his one-of-a-kind works of art are the prized tools of chefs and cooks all over. Al went to Chef Todd's home to get the full story - and, it turns out, a knife! Also: news of two sudden closings, some holiday wine pari…

1
Las Vegas Thanksgiving Leftovers 1:05:16

9M ago1:05:16

1:05:16

The holiday week is a good time to share a couple of interviews about new items on Zouk's patio and the first expansion of The Golden Steer in decades. Al, Gemini and Rich share several restaurant experiences in the past week, including yet another great breakfast place and a 'Spukie,' a Chicago-inspirated Polish dog and Italian Beef. And Al shares…

1
Winnie & Ethel's is Open! 1:01:00

9M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

F & L has been talking about it since before it was barely an idea. And now the winners of J Dapper's "win a diner" contest are open for business. Winnie & Ethel's co-owner Aaron Lee sits down with Al, Gemini and Rich to explain the journey: learning about Dapper's contest, preparing their entry, making the finals, cooking some of their creations a…

1
Farewell to Mambo Sauce 1:13:48

9M ago1:13:48

1:13:48

Al, Gemini and Rich share their dining adventures for another week, including a deep dive into Pizzafest. Al's guest is chef-turned-photographer and taste-tester Louiie Victa, who talks about her new book for Eater.com: "Eater: 100 Essential Restaurant Recipes." And... after a two-week unsuccessful hunt for McDonald's Mambo Sauce, Rich decides to m…

1
Mon Ami Gabi's F1 Plan 1:11:09

10M ago1:11:09

1:11:09

The patio at Mon Ami Gabi, the excellent French restaurant right along Las Vegas Boulevard at the Paris Hotel/Casino, could be one of the best places to watch this month's Formula One race. Al spends time with Chef Vincent Pouessel to get the lowdown on what he's offering that night, how much it costs, and how the property dealt with the demands of…

1
That's Amari! 1:07:47

10M ago1:07:47

1:07:47

There’s no Dean Martin singing about the moon to hitting your eye like a big pizza pie, but there is some great pizza at Brent Stanford’s new place, Amari, in UnCommons on Durango Drive. From the glass-enclosed wine room, Chef Stanford shares his story of coming to Las Vegas, working in some big-deal kitchens, and making the move from The Strip to …

1
Las Vegas - Unstripped!! 1:09:11

10M ago1:09:11

1:09:11

Back after a one-year break, Vegas Unstripped was back this month. Chefs from all over Las Vegas (maybe EVEN The Strip) converged on California St. in the Arts District to show off items that are NOT on their regular menus. Among the people stopping by to chat with Al and Gemini: Rick Moonen, Bob Cranston, Gina Marinelli, Jackson Stamper, Jeff Weis…

1
Wolfgang Puck's Arts District Adventure 1:02:43

10M ago1:02:43

1:02:43

Wolfgang Puck was the first big-time celebrity chef to open a restaurant in Las Vegas. His empire has expanded all over The Strip. But now Puck has opened a place in The Arts District: 1228 Main. Puck's culinary director for Las Vegas, Dustin Lewandowsky, joins Al, Gemini and Rich to talk about how the place morphed from bakery to pasty shop to cof…

1
Main St. Provisions: A Big Change 1:05:12

10M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

Main St. Provisions owner Kim Owens joins Al to talk about the big change in the kitchen: the exit of Executive Chef Patrick Munster. Taking over is a veteran of that kitchen: Adrian Garcia. Kim talks about the changes that Patrick made in the past year, but says we’ll have to wait a bit to taste what Adrian has planned. As for dining in the past w…

1
Roy Ellamar, Back in the Kitchen 1:12:30

11M ago1:12:30

1:12:30

A longtime fixture of fine dining on The Strip, Roy Ellamar is now cooking in the burbs. He's running Fine Company, a new all-day spot in Downtown Summerlin. Al, Gemini and Rich sit down with Roy at the restaurant to talk about his history in Las Vegas and elsewhere, the items on the brunch/lunch menu (soon to include dinner), and what spurred his …

1
El Segundo Sol: 15 Years on The Strip 44:29

11M ago44:29

44:29

Al's away this week, but before he left he talked to the people behind El Segundo Sol, the venerable Tacos & Margaritas joint right on Las Vegas Boulevard at the Fashion Show Mall. Wesley Pumphrey and Ryan Richardson talk about the restaurant's recent revamp, and how they keep the prices in check. And they share insight into Lettuce Entertain You, …

1
Texas Barbecue in Las Vegas 1:02:41

11M ago1:02:41

1:02:41

Al and Gemini sit down with Natalia Badzo and Brian Beuchner, the husband and wife team behind Big B's Texas BBQ. He's from Texas and she's from Estonia. Also: historically anti-sports Al hits not one but three sports bars, and tries the brunch at Casa Playa. Gemini, fresh from a quick trip to the mouth of the Columbia River, heads back to former p…

1
Scotch 80 Prime: Making Bold Statements 1:09:29

11M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

With Chef Marty Lopez in the kitchen and Jorge Pagani running the front of the house, Scotch 80 Prime has been going strong since the Palms reopened about 18 months ago. The steakhouse is one of the brands at Palms that came long with the change of ownership after Covid. The two talk about Scotch 80 Prime's place in the Vegas steakhouse universe, a…

1
Danica Stockton, Vegas Food Mafia Newbie 1:16:34

12M ago1:16:34

1:16:34

Al and Gemini sit down with one of the area's newest food writers, Danica Stockton. She shares her journey to the Vegas food scene, a couple of favorite places and what she's observed in her year or so of covering the town. Also: a new barbecue deal, free wine tastings, Bourbon & Blues in the daytime atop Circa, & 25th Anniversary specials at Bella…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Al Mancini & Jason Harris Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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