Food and Loathing | Covering the Las Vegas Food Scene

How 'on brand' is that for Nevada to have an official state cocktail? The Picon Sour is one of just three official state cocktails (Massachusetts and Maryland are the others), and the namesake ingredient is made by Reno's Ferini Distillery. Gemini flew up to Reno to talk to owner Joe Canella about how he acquired the rights to make Picon (pronounced: pih-KONE). Meanwhile, the rest of the show is taken over the all the guys: Al, Andrew Morgan with a Happy Hour Report, Bob Barnes with a special Beer Report, and producer Rich Johnson who is back from another year-long out-of-town exile. Al also talks brunch at Jing in Summerlin with chef Thomas Griese. And we have restaurants reports from Lee's Sandwich Shop, Cin Cin Brewhouse, China Poblano, Bottiglia and - because Rich is back in town - car wash burritos.

Gino Ferraro, founder of the landmark Ferraro's Ristorante, joins us this week to talk about his new autobiography, "From Calabria, An American Dream." Other guests include Hard Hat Lounge owner Frank Sidorios, and the CEO of the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas, Dr. Bobbi Damrow. We also have restaurant reports from Gemini and Al, a Happy Hour report from Andrew Morgan, news and more.

The big race is coming, and two of the big-deal restaurants at Paris Las Vegas are all set. Al drops by Eifell Tower to check the packages available for The Big Race on Nov. 21. Meanwhile, at street level, Mon Ami Gabi is rolling out a new Happy Hour menu, and Al got to enjoy a few samples. You'll also hear from Ocean Prime's head chef Gino Rappa on the new items he just added to their menu, and Rumi Room's executive chef and partner Mamat Nafissi share the thinking behind his decision to move the Persian Indopak restaurant out of the Evora complex, into the Bend. Also as usual: news, restaurant visits and a Happy Hour Report from Andrew Morgan.

We pay a visit to The Legends Oyster Bar this week for an extended interview with Chef/Owner Jack Jarukasem, and head to MGM's Drink festival for interviews with Chefs Brian Howard, Carlos Guia, Dan Krohmer, Kimmie Mcintosh and Mary Sue Milliken. Other interviews include Chef Nicole Brisoon at her off-Strip spot Amari, and Metro Pizza's Joe Verhoest at the Grand Opening party for Sliceteria. All of that, plus news, special events, restaurant reports and a Happy Hour Report.

Gemini and Al are at 595 Craft and Kitchen, talking with the entire team and sampling some new menu items. Among the topics: new brunch service and a Southern Highlands location. You'll also hear about their experience at The Feast at Revelry by Wynn, where Gemini spoke with Wynn VP Christopher Lee and Al spoke with Casa Playa's Chef Sarah Thompson. Al visits the new Resorts World pizza spot Amici to speak with Chef Ricky McCormick. And of course, restaurant reports, a Happy Hour report and the news.

Fontainebleau's Cantina Contramar hosts Gemini and Al this week, with Chef Gabriela Cámara joining them for an extended interview about The Strip's new Mexican hotspot. We also check in with Norm's CEO Mark Politzer at the Las Vegas location's Second Anniversary Party, and speak with Paris Las Vegas' Vice President of Food And Beverage Aymeric Brillaud about the brand new afternoon tea service at The Bedford by Martha Stewart. And Jeff Ramsey of Wynn's Mizumi shares his thoughts on one of the best parts of the Revelry Festival, The Feast. Plus a Happy Hour Report, news, restaurant reports and more.

Al sits down with Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken to discuss the renovations at Border Grill, their history in Las Vegas, and bringing their food to Allegiant Stadium. And the team from Amari Italian Kitchen shares the details on the "Make-Your-Own-Amaro" class. Al and Gem also have restaurant reports, a Happy Hour report and some news.

The celebration of all things food is back on the weekend of September 18th at Wynn Las Vegas. Al gets a preview from Chef Jeff Ramsey of Mizumi. Also in this episode: Chef Chris Santos reflects on ten years of Beauty & Essex at The Cosmopolitan. And we get a preview of Ri-Ra's unique tradition, "Halfway to Paddy's Day," from Ri-Ra's Jennifer Spriggs. Al and guest go-host Don Chareunsy share some recent dining experiences, and they comment on word that Lotus of Siam and Naxos Taverna & Oyster Bar are closing. And, as always, a Happy Hour Report from Andrew Morgan.

We love 'em. We hate 'em. We have put together a podcast that is a dictionary definition of 'mixed feelings.' Al and Gemini share their thoughts about the first Michelin Awards in Las Vegas in 17 years. And they bug a lot of the winners for their thoughts! They include: Bruce Kalman of Soulbelly BBQ, James Trees of Esther's Kitchen, Jeremy Ford of Stubborn Seed, Joe Mikulich and Roberto Liendo of Anima by EDO, Nicolas Kalpokdjian and Yuri Szarzewski of Partage, and Victor Ratliff of COTE.

Al, Gem and Rich are together via the magic of the internet for some intense talk about great meals. Well, Al and Gem are having intense meals. Rich is at home making beef stew and egg bites (suggestions for both always welcome). The center of the show is pair of conversations with Paymon Raouf and David Wondrich. Paymon is celebrating 38 years of feeding Las Vegas at Paymon's Fresh Kitchen and Lounge, while David was the latest guest mixologist at The Bank in Bellagio. Al also shares his farewell dinner at Le Cirque, we have news about a new late-night menu at Petite Boheme, plus the 'secret' all-you-can eat fish and chips Fridays at The Irish Spot. And, as always, a Happy Hour Report from Andrew Morgan.