Tag Archives: VIP

Show 506, January 7, 2023: Donald Contursi, Founder, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours and Finger Licking Foodie Tours, Las Vegas Part One

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Donald Contursi of Lipsmacking Foodie Tours

“In just a short time, Donald Contursi’s Lip Smacking Foodie Tours has grown into the premier culinary walking tour operator in Las Vegas, garnering not only loyal fans but outstanding accolades. Its variety of tours offer guests personalized service and VIP access to the best tables in the house at the city’s most acclaimed restaurants – all without the hassle of waiting in lines or making reservations.”

“Each tour is led by an expert guide who entertains guests with insider knowledge about the sights along the way. At each of four restaurant stops on The Strip or downtown, guests indulge in signature dishes, as well as receive a warm welcome from the chefs. Guests can sit beside different patrons at every stop, gaining new friends and networking connections. The tours are perfect for everyone from locals to tourists to business travelers, including corporate groups of up to 250.” Guests can even add a helicopter ride touring the famed Las Vegas Strip to cap off the evening.

“The sister entity, Finger Licking Foodie Tours, was founded by Donald Contursi, founder and president of the wildly successful award-winning Lip Smacking Foodie Tours. Finger Licking Foodie Tours offers lighthearted, self-guided casual culinary walking tours on the Strip and through some of Vegas’ most distinctive neighborhoods, with stops at three top restaurants to enjoy a parade of signature dishes at each, all with VIP service. They are self-guided with an innovative e-guide included. Each tour introduces guests to some of the city’s most celebrated and irresistible eateries.”  Options for the self-guided foodie tours include Downtown, Arts District, Chinatown, Green Valley Resort, Tivoli Village, Virgin Hotel, Aria Resort & Casino and Park MGM. There is also a Chicago self-guided tour of three of the classic deep-dish pizza establishments along the Magnificent Mile.

Donald Contursi takes a break from hosting his VIP tours and joins us.

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Show 506, January 7, 2023: Donald Contursi, Founder, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours and Finger Licking Foodie Tours, Las Vegas Part Two

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Donald Contursi of Lipsmacking Foodie Tours

“In just a short time, Donald Contursi’s Lip Smacking Foodie Tours has grown into the premier culinary walking tour operator in Las Vegas, garnering not only loyal fans but outstanding accolades. Its variety of tours offer guests personalized service and VIP access to the best tables in the house at the city’s most acclaimed restaurants – all without the hassle of waiting in lines or making reservations.”

“Each tour is led by an expert guide who entertains guests with insider knowledge about the sights along the way. At each of four restaurant stops on The Strip or downtown, guests indulge in signature dishes, as well as receive a warm welcome from the chefs. Guests can sit beside different patrons at every stop, gaining new friends and networking connections. The tours are perfect for everyone from locals to tourists to business travelers, including corporate groups of up to 250.” Guests can even add a helicopter ride touring the famed Las Vegas Strip from the air to cap off the evening.

“The sister entity, Finger Licking Foodie Tours, was founded by Donald Contursi, founder and president of the wildly successful award-winning Lip Smacking Foodie Tours. Finger Licking Foodie Tours offers lighthearted, self-guided casual culinary walking tours on the Strip and through some of Vegas’ most distinctive neighborhoods, with stops at three top restaurants to enjoy a parade of signature dishes at each, all with VIP service. They are self-guided with an innovative e-guide included. Each tour introduces guests to some of the city’s most celebrated and irresistible eateries.”  Options for the self-guided foodie tours include Downtown, Arts District, Chinatown, Green Valley Resort, Tivoli Village, Virgin Hotel, Aria Resort & Casino and Park MGM. There is also a Chicago self-guided tour of three of the classic deep-dish pizza establishments along the Magnificent Mile.

Last year Don inaugurated (via shuttle transportation) a series of Specially Focused Food Tours concentrating on a popular menu item and designed for Locals. Sold out specialty tours so far include Pizza and BBQ. More adventures are on the horizon including a properly decadent dessert experience.… Each guest also gets the gift of a highlight video of the memorable foodie adventure.

Donald Contursi takes a second break from hosting his VIP tours and continues with us.

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Show 421, April 17, 2021: Donald Contursi of Lip Smacking Foodie Tours and Finger Licking Foodie Tours, Las Vegas

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Donald Contursi of Lipsmacking Foodie Tours

Donald Contursi is the founder of Lip Smacking Foodie Tours and Finger Licking Foodie Tours based in Las Vegas. In a few short years they have earned the reputation as the premier food walking tour operator in Las Vegas. They offer both fully escorted as well as self -guides foodie tours of the most significant dining areas in Las Vegas both on and off The Strip. Downtown and the neighboring Arts District are now a huge dining destination known for a variety of ethnic cuisines.

“Lady Luck may be a necessity at the gaming tables in Vegas, but not at the dining ones. Not with Lip Smacking Foodie Tours ensuring you the ultimate payoff with the best bites this exciting city has to offer. Our award-winning culinary walking tour company was founded by veteran restaurant industry professionals with years of experience and exclusive connections, who have made it their mission to introduce visitors and locals alike to the best signature dishes, unique preparations, and exciting tastes in Vegas, complete with superlative VIP service.”

The range of fully escorted VIP Lip Smacking Foodie Tours includes “Savors of The Strip,” “Savory Bites & Neon Lights,” “Downtown Lip Smacking Tour” and “Arts District Lip Smacking Tour.” Finger Licking Foodie Tours self-guided options are “Downtown,” “Arts District,” “Chinatown,” And ARIA Resort & Casino.”

Founder Donald Contursi hospitably leads us on the tour of Lip Smacking Foodie Tours and Finger Licking Foodie Tours.

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Show 377, June 13, 2020: Las Vegas’ Lip Smacking Foodie Tours and Finger Licking Foodie Tours Part One

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Donald Contursi of Lipsmacking Foodie ToursFood lovers are now able to eat and explore their way through Downtown Las Vegas like never before with a pair of private, self-guided, e-assisted culinary tours created by Finger Licking Foodie Tours. The brand-new company represents a follow-up, companion business to the successful Lip Smacking Foodie Tours created by Las Vegas entrepreneur and hospitality-industry veteran, Donald Contursi.

The new self-guided Finger Licking Foodie Tours (Downtown Fremont East and Arts District) offers guests a fun and innovative way to support three top restaurants in the Las Vegas community, while enjoying an array of Instagramable dishes in one outing. Each tour requires a minimum of just two patrons, so guests can safely dine with their closest family and loved ones.

Don Contursi joins us with the delectable details.

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Show 377, June 13, 2020: Las Vegas’ Lip Smacking Foodie Tours and Finger Licking Foodie Tours Part Two

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Donald Contursi of Lipsmacking Foodie ToursFood lovers are now able to eat and explore their way through Downtown Las Vegas like never before with a pair of private, self-guided, e-assisted culinary tours created by Finger Licking Foodie Tours. The brand-new company represents a follow-up, companion business to the successful Lip Smacking Foodie Tours created 5 years ago by Las Vegas entrepreneur and hospitality-industry veteran, Donald Contursi.

“With restaurant capacities limited due to public health restrictions and reservations at the hottest restaurants challenging, Finger Licking Foodie Tours provide immediate VIP seating with signature dishes served fresh, shortly after arrival. Tours are “led” by a virtual tour guide who provides a map of the route, interesting tidbits along the way and a guided walk through Downtown Container Park to support local small businesses.”

“This tour provides an intimate and personalized foodie experience,” explains Contursi. “Guests receive an online map, as well as a link to an innovative virtual tour guide who provides commentary for each fascinating stop along the way including a walk- through Downtown Container Park to support small businesses. On this 2.5-hour experience in the city’s exciting, revitalized downtown, guests will visit three acclaimed restaurants, enjoying superb service and three unforgettable dishes at each venue.”

Don Contursi continues to entice us with the specifics of his new, self-guided VIP foodie experiences.

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Show 307, January 19, 2019: Wing Lam, Co-founder, Wahoo’s Fish Taco

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Wing and Levi Lam at the KLAA StudiosWing Lam, the co-founder of Wahoo’s Fish Taco (they celebrated their 30th Anniversary last year,) is providing the VIP catering for AMA Monster Energy Supercross today at Angel Stadium.

“We can attribute our 30 years of business to serving food we would cook for our own families and working with brands we love. The stickers and memorabilia in our stores are part of who we are as a company,” said Wing Lam, co-founder of Wahoo’s. “We follow the action, and that’s where we find our most dedicated fans.”

Wing joins us from the active field with the insider’s report on all the Supercross action and details of the national tour.

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Show 250, December 2, 2017: 2017 Roswell Wine Festival, Roswell, GA

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Executive Producer Andy Harris was in Roswell, GA (an incorporated City of 95,000 in the greater Atlanta area with a lot of living Civil War history) in early October with fellow members of the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA.) In this show we continue our coverage of the best of Roswell with a chat with the Producers & Co-Founders of the annual Roswell Wine Festival, an impressive, all-volunteer community effort that raises money in support of local non-profits. It always sells out weeks early…

The Roswell Wine Festival was established in 2012 by long- time friends Peggy Robinson and Dwight Cunningham. After graduating from college at Johnson & Wales University, both moved to the Roswell and fell in love with the area. With a shared passion for wine, they wanted to create an event which provides an exceptional experience for wine enthusiasts, supports the business community, and benefits local charities. Through ticket sales, sponsorships, and restaurant participation, the Roswell Wine Festival has been able to support many area non-profits including the 2017 beneficiary, Keep Roswell Beautiful.

It takes place over almost three-quarters of a mile of picturesque, and low-rise, Canton Street in the heart of Historic Roswell. In addition to the tasting stations on the street each participating restaurant on Canton St. samples their personal selections of fine wines.

There is also a popular VIP ticket option which we always recommend. It’s early access, admission to the VIP premium tasting tent which showcases the best of the best wines, and additional food samplings.

Roswell Wine Festival Co-founders Peggy Robinson and Dwight Cunningham uncork it for us.

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Show 220, April 22, 2017: 2nd Annual Masters of Taste Benefit, Rose Bowl, Pasadena

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Rob LevyThe 2nd Annual Masters of Taste benefit, an outdoor, luxury food and beverage festival is being held on Sunday, May 7th, 2017 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on the field of the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl!

The Benefit will bring over 2,500 food and beverage enthusiasts together from all over Greater Los Angeles for one afternoon to celebrate this exhilarating festival, which will include the finest fare from over 40 Culinary Masters and restaurants, delectable sweets prepared by L.A.’s top Sweet Masters, signature handcrafted cocktails and tastings from over 30 Beverage Masters, including LA’s top bartenders and cocktail bars, local California wineries, local craft breweries, pressed juices, hand roasted coffee, live entertainment and much more.

100% of the proceeds from Masters of Taste 2017 will directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives. Union Station is part of a premier group of human services agencies in Los Angeles County that are leading the way to end homelessness in our community and offers an array of services including street outreach, meals, shelter, housing, case management and career development.

Michael HungLast year, Masters of Taste 2016 raised over $435,000 for Union Station Homeless Services, and this year Masters of Taste hopes to grow that number to $560,000.

Ticket Information: Masters of Taste will take place on Sunday, May 7th, 2016. A VIP Power Hour will be held from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm and General Admission will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Tickets to this event are only available for guests 21+ and over. For more information on Masters of Taste or to book your tickets directly, please visit right here.

The Chairman of Masters of Taste, Robert Levy, joins us for a stellar preview along with participating Chef Michael Hung of K-Town’s Mama Lion.

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Show 190, September 24, 2016: Foodbeast Presents: The 2nd Annual OozeFest

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Foodbeast OozefestFoodbeast presents the 2nd Annual OozeFest in Downtown Santa Ana on the Weekend of October 15th and 16th. It’s the very cheesiest of course with awesome cheese creations and premium beer on tap! There is a VIP all-you-can-eat option this year.

OozeFest is an amazing festival with tons of chef-driven, awesome cheese creations and premium beer.

Marketplace tickets ($5.00) include entry to the Marketplace section which has vendors you can buy food and drinks from. VIP tickets ($40.00) include all-you-can-enjoy food and beer from great establishments including Five Crowns and Slapfish.

Producer Bobby Navarro of 100eats.com has all the gooey details for us.

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Show 179, July 9, 2016: Mayor Chris Canning, Calistoga Harvest Table

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Mayor Chris CanningThe third annual Calistoga Harvest Table® event will take place on Sunday, Sept. 11, under the harvest moon in wine country, Calistoga, CA. In celebration of a plentiful harvest season, 14 local restaurants and 30 wineries will welcome visitors and locals to 1,000 feet of tables in the center of the city’s picturesque downtown.

Calistoga AVA wines will be available for purchase by glass or bottle, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m., beginning with a toast led by famed Chateau Montelena winemaker Bo Barrett in celebration of the Judgment of Paris 40th anniversary.

Tickets to the third annual Calistoga Harvest Table® event are limited and will go on sale July 18; prices range between $65 and $150 per person, enabling guests to enjoy the best cuisine Calistoga has to offer.

Calistoga’s Mayor, Chris Canning (he’s also the Executive Director of the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce), joins us with all the delicious details.

On the Visit Calistoga Web site are details for entering the contest to win two VIP tickets to the Calistoga Harvest Festival. Deadline for entering is July 17th.

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