Gio Mauro, Nevada Chef of the Year

Explicit content warning

01/31/25 • 78 min

Al talks to Gio Mauro, the chef/owner of Old School Pizzeria and Monzu Italian Oven & Bar, about being named Nevada Chef of the Year. Al also shares his conversation with Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. The owners of Border Grill have been very busy, with the staff of their Southern California restaurants, feeding firefighters and others since the huge blazes destroyed hundreds of homes and other buildings. Also: reports on visits to The Steakhouse, Havana 1957, Marafuku Ramen, Buddy V's, The Palm, The Dawg House, Shanghai Taste, Legends Oyster Bar, Ada's and more.

Previous Episode

Scott Conant and Fancy Foods

This week’s episode was recorded on location at the 2025 Winter Fancy Food Show, with Rich and Al reporting on the big trade show, while Gemini was under the weather. They speak to dozens of exhibitors at the show, get serenaded by a candy maker, and share Chef Scott Conant’s big announcement from his keynote address.

We share restaurant reports on visits to Rosalie French Café, The Cheongdam Food Hall, Basilico, Tim Ho Wan and Rang’s Cocina. Also: news about Sparrow + Wolf, Vegas Valley Winery, a bagel-eating championship, five Vegas semifinalists for James Beard Awards, and interview with Amari’s Alan Mardonovich, Champion eater Joey Chestnut and Patty Peters.

Next Episode

Joey Chestnut, The Composer's Room and bye-bye TGI Fridays

It's just Gemini and Rich this week, as Al got sick, got better, then lost his voice just in time for the show. But he did have a nice conversation with Sylvia Welsh of The Composer's Room on E. Sahara. That includes a detailed explantion of just what The Composer's room is. Also: the man synonamous with competitive eating, Joey Chestnut, came to Las Vegas and won another crown: his second victory in the Bagelmania bagel eating competition. Gemini got a few comments from him, and runner-up Paterick Bertoletti. There are also lots of dining out downloads, including a dinner that Rich and Gem had together. And we light a very small candle to mark the Las Vegas demise of TGI Fridays.