Show 489, September 3, 2022: Al Mancini, Food & Entertainment Journalist, Las Vegas, and Creator of Neon Feast Dining App

Al Mancini of Neon Feast

When we last spoke with Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini he had just launched the ambitious Neon Feast dining app.

“Available now on app stores for both Apple and Android, Neon Feast solves the “where to eat” dilemma for both visitors and locals with listings curated by dozens of local and nationally prominent food & beverage experts, searchable through a unique combination of filters and capabilities.”

“In contrast to other crowdsourced restaurant review apps, the list of venues on Neon Feast is limited to only those that the experts recommend, currently approaching 500 eateries. The diverse all-star panel includes prominent local and national food writers, local chefs and foodies who were invited to share the restaurants they would recommend to friends and family (without compensation). Restaurants cannot “buy-in” to be included on the app, although premium features allow them to add reservation buttons, one-touch Uber calls and other elements. Some of the searchable filters and lists include cuisine types, neighborhoods, date night spots, late-night dining, breathtaking views, etc.”

Al Mancini is our guest to discuss Labor Day dining in Las Vegas and provide an update on the progress of Neon Feast.

Al’s Las Vegas food-focused, “Food and Loathing” podcast drops with a new episode every Friday.

Tips & No Reservations

Simmering this time is Chef Jet‘s tipping guidelines and thoughts on better restaurants now not taking reservations.

Show 67, March 29, 2014: Cary Hardwick, Co-Owner & Co-Managing Partner, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, Seal Beach

EAT LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week is March 30th to April 5th. It’s your chance to enjoy a three-course meal at 53 of the best, and most diverse, restaurants in Long Beach priced at a real value. The restaurants are all aiming to wow all of their new guests during EAT LBC. All the restaurants involved and their menus are listed on their website. Make your reservations now…

Cary Hardwick of SpaghettiniOne of the 53 participating restaurants is Spaghettini in Seal Beach, a local classic for their food and music program since 1988. Cary Hardwick, co-owner and co-managing partner, joins us to talk about his menu for EAT LBC – Long Beach Restaurant Week and their new project in Beverly Hills in partnership with Dave Koz (coming this Summer.)

Show 35, July 13, 2013: Dining discoveries of the week with Chef Jet, and Producer Andy

Marche Moderne Bouillabaisse WeekProducer Andy’s pick of the week is Marche Moderne’s Annual Bouillabaisse Week on now nightly until July 18th. All of the fish used in this iconic seafood stew from Provence is flown in from the South of France under the watchful eye of Chef / Proprietor Florent Mareneau. He is one of the most accomplished French chefs cooking in the West. There are special aperitifs and French Rose selections available to compliment the meal.

Reservations suggested at 714.434.7900 or go to Marche’s Moderne’s website.

Jet is frequently asked for a solid recommendation for Northern Thai food. As it happens his Mother, Mary, is from that area.

Khao Soi at Spicy Thai BBQJet suggests The Spicy BBQ Restaurant in the Little Armenia neighborhood of East Hollywood. It’s a small place (15 seats) so reservations are advised. They do not have a beer and wine license so it BYOB. Like most family-owned Thai restaurants it’s cash only.

Two standout dishes are khao soi and Northern-style larb.

Spicy BBQ Restaurant
5101 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
323.663.4211

Show 6: November 17, 2012: Claude Brown– President of the Art Institute of California – Los Angeles

The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Los Angeles offers programs in Culinary Management (Bachelor of Science,) Culinary Arts (Associate of Science,) Baking & Pastry (Associate of Science, Diploma,) and Art of Cooking (Diploma.)

Chef Christophe Bernard is the long-time Academic Director.

The student run restaurant there is Bistro 31 with a dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass wall looking into the pristine kitchen. The restaurant provides the students an opportunity to practice the theory and culinary artistry they have learned and honed over the years in the culinary program.

During the quarter usual hours are Tuesday through Thursday for lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. and for dinner from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Call for hours to be sure of the schedule and parking validation is available. Reservations are advised. It’s a bargain, too ! (310) 314-6057.