Show 518, March 25, 2023: Paul Hobson, General Manager, SAHARA Las Vegas

Paul Hobson of Sahara Las Vegas

SAHARA Las Vegas on the fabled Las Vegas Strip epitomizes the timeless soul of Las Vegas. With a bold, sophisticated flair and a boutique approach to personal service, SAHARA provides guests an intimate and unexpected experience that sets a new standard for Las Vegas. Completely remodeled and reimagined for a new era after a $200 million dollar renovation, SAHARA offers three distinctive hotel towers, a variety of five-star dining options and a world-class casino. With unexpected delights around every corner, SAHARA embodies the style, sophistication and playful sense of possibility embodying the spirit of Las Vegas—all while bringing the iconic Las Vegas experience to a new generation.”

“SAHARA Las Vegas comprises an all-encompassing resort and casino with 1,613 guest rooms and suites in three distinctive towers—including the Marra Tower (where elegance meets indulgence) —each with a unique personality designed to offer contemporary and stylish settings for an amazing Las Vegas getaway.”

SAHARA Las Vegas celebrated their 70th Anniversary last year. General Manager Paul Hobson is at our service.

Show 359, February 8, 2020: Restauration – Finely Recrafted Food + Beverage (Long Beach)

Dana Tanner and Philip Pretty of Restauraton in Long Beach“What’s old is new again. Restauration – Finely Crafted Food + Beverage is a combination of two of our favorite words that are defining pillars of the Long Beach community: restaurant+restore. Situated in the vibrant and creative stretch on 4th street between Cherry and Temple dubbed Retro Row, our little eatery brings the Long Beach family together to pay tribute to the American culinary spirit while embracing modern fare.” Restauration recently relaunched after a renovation and refreshening as a result of an unfortunate fire in late 2018.

“Menus for Restauration created by Chef / Owner Philip Pretty are locally sourced and responsibly grown, using seasonal ingredients based on the abundant bounty available on the Southern and Central Coast. Many options are served family style intended for sharing. Our beer offerings feature craft beer on draft and in bottles/cans from across the US. The comprehensive wine list highlights small producers from California and other unique wine growing regions from afar.”

“Our vision was to create an environment that encourages an audience to stay awhile and brings them together in a hospitable space. We were able to do just that by recrafting the interior and exterior space with an urban style that integrates vintage and upcycled materials for a comfortable yet sophisticated feeling. Repurposed lighting, handmade tables & benches, a 70-seat patio encircled with vertical gardens that are warm yet refreshing all contribute to the inviting atmosphere.”

Show 317, March 30, 2019: Executive Chef and Restaurant Consultant Phil Kastel, The Milky Way, Los Angeles Part One

The Speilberg Family with the late Leah Spielberg Adler Leah Spielberg Adler was a fixture of the Pico-Robertson neighborhood (The Borscht Belt) in Los Angeles since 1977 until her passing in early 2017 at 97. She was the larger-than-life proprietress and heart of the kosher dairy restaurant, The Milky Way. In a loving tribute to her memory The Spielberg Family (Steven, Nancy, Anne and Sue) has reimagined and reopened The Milky Way (after an extensive renovation) with a fresh new look and an updated, appealing and streamlined menu of tasty kosher fare.

“Ms. Adler, whom friends and family alike referred to as “LeeLee,” was a concert pianist and an artist, and also a proud mom of four talented children – Steven, Nancy, Anne and Sue Spielberg, a fact that was celebrated throughout the restaurant in the form of a memorabilia-filled room that became as much a salon as the perfect place to drop by for a plate of blintzes.”

“Our mom had a gypsy spirit that was larger than life itself, with an unstoppable energy and a fiery confidence that was reflected in the halls of The Milky Way,” said the Spielberg family in a joint statement. “LeeLee opened the restaurant with the vision of offering fine kosher food to the Jewish community in Los Angeles at a time when such a thing didn’t exist. Though her passing left a deep void in our hearts, we hope the new Milky Way will not only honor her memory, but also give back to the community she loved so deeply.”

“The Milky Way may be a kosher dairy restaurant, but it is also a New American Kosher restaurant,” said Chef Phil Kastel. “We wanted to create an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone, regardless of their faith or adherence to a specific dietary restriction. What will resonate with diners most is just how comforting the food here is – all the dishes on the new menu honor LeeLee and her unique tastes and are updated but true to her legacy at the same time.”

Executive & Restaurant Consultant Phil Kastel of PK&J Hospitality Group is the Creative Chef at The Milky Way and is out guest.

Visit their website or follow along on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Show 317, March 30, 2019: Tom Cross, Hotel Manager, The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, Hawaii

Tom Cross of the Westin Hapuna Beach ResortPresented by the Kona Cacao Association, the 2019 Big Island Chocolate Festival (8th Annual) is an annual fundraiser that benefits five local non-profits and Hawaii cacao farmers. This fun, participatory and engaging two-day festival is set for April 26th & 27th at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort on Hawaii Island’s Kohala Coast.

Tom Cross is the Hotel Manager for our accommodating host, The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, which last year completed an ambitious $50 million renovation. It’s part of the renown Mauna Kea Resort on the Island of Hawaii.

Their signature fine-dining restaurant housed in its own building on the lush property is Meridia. The views of the picture postcard white sandy beach and ocean at Sunset are spectacular. The chef of Meridia, Chris Galindo, will be a guest on the show on Saturday morning, April 27th when we’re live from The Big Island Chocolate Festival.

Tom previews The Festival’s sweet indulgences for us.

Show 56, January 11, 2013: Executive Chef Paul Bartolotta, Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare, Las Vegas

Paul BartolottaPaul Bartolotta is one of the rarified, distinguished James Beard Award winning chefs who has an incredible destination restaurant at Wynn Las Vegas.

His Bartollota Ristorante di Mare opened with the hotel back in 2005 and is one of the most successful fine dining restaurants at the property. Bartolotta generates tremendous repeat business from regular hotel guests. It just underwent a multimillion dollar renovation because Steve Wynn thought it was time…Chef Paul observed that the facelift alone cost more than the opening cost of many restaurants!

Paul was one of the most acclaimed chefs in Chicago (Spiaggia) when Mr. Wynn came calling. With his Bartolotta Restaurants firm he operates a number of busy restaurants in Milwaukee. Paul recounts the humorous story of Mr. Wynn’s charming pursuit of Paul to head the restaurant at Wynn Las Vegas. Understand at the time (2004) Paul was based in Chicago with his Family. One of Mr. Wynn’s requirements was that each of his celebrity chefs at Wynn Las Vegas actually reside in Las Vegas.