On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat.What makes a food influencer credible—and who gets to decide?

This week on Eat. Talk. Repeat., John Curtas sits down with Chef Jeffrey Weiss and Phil Zing to dig into the messy world of restaurant marketing, PR, and influencer culture. They break down what actually makes an influencer valuable, how viral food content translates into real business, the ethics of comped meals and transparency, and whether awards and engagement really mean anything.Plus, they get into chef recommendations, consumer expectations, influencer pet peeves, and why integrity still matters when your dining recommendations can influence where people spend their money.Listen in for a candid conversation about the good, the bad, and the increasingly complicated world of food influencers.👉 Visit EatTalkRepeat.com for updates, events, and the newsletter👉 Got a food take or hate mail? cheers@eattalkrepeat.comFollow for more Vegas food talk & behind-the-scenes flavor:X/Twitter: @EatTalkRepeat | @EatingLasVegas | @AshTheAttorneyInstagram: @EatTalkRepeatLV | @JohnCurtas | @AshTheAttorneyChapters02:26 Introduction05:30 The Evolution of Restaurant Marketing08:24 Understanding Marketing Strategies11:23 The Role of Public Relations14:26 The Impact of Influencers17:29 Credibility and Authority in Influencing23:36 Defining Good Influencers26:25 Conclusion and Key Takeaways32:43 The Impact of Viral Food Content35:00 Measuring Success: Likes vs. Business38:12 The Role of Influencers in Restaurant Marketing41:41 Trends and Their Influence on Engagement44:15 The Value of Awards in the Restaurant Industry48:08 The Ethics of Influencer Marketing51:38 Comp Meals and Transparency in Influencer Relationships58:46 The Credibility of Influencers01:02:26 Consumer Advocacy in Dining01:04:25 Chefs and Their Recommendations01:06:19 Dining Preferences and Overrated Restaurants01:10:25 Pet Peeves in the Culinary World01:14:24 Influencer Entitlement and Professionalism

Keywordsrestaurant marketing, influencers, public relations, social media, marketing strategies, credibility, authority, restaurant industry, Las Vegas, food critics influencer marketing, restaurant success, social media engagement, food content, restaurant awards, ethics in marketing, viral videos, ROI in marketing, trends in food, restaurant industry insights influencers, credibility, dining, consumer advocacy, chefs, recommendations, pet peeves, culinary world, social media, restaurant reviews

Las Vegas food news, restaurant gossip, and plenty of opinions—what more could you want? 👀

This week, John and Ash dive into the influence of foodies and influencers, what’s happening with downtown bars and restaurants, celebrity chef culture, restaurant closures, upcoming events, and the local dishes worth talking about.

Plus, plenty of Vegas food gossip, personal takes, and a look at what’s shaping the city’s ever-changing dining scene.

🎧 Eat. Talk. Repeat. — where we eat, talk, and definitely have opinions.

👉 Visit EatTalkRepeat.com for updates, events, and the newsletter👉 Got a food take or hate mail? cheers@eattalkrepeat.com

Follow for more Vegas food talk & behind-the-scenes flavor:

X/Twitter: @EatTalkRepeat | @EatingLasVegas | @AshTheAttorney

Instagram: @EatTalkRepeatLV | @JohnCurtas | @AshTheAttorney

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Influencer Culture

03:04 Upcoming Guests and Show Updates

05:53 Food News and Events in Las Vegas

09:01 Restaurant Deals and Promotions

12:07 Gossip and Rumors in the Restaurant Scene

17:49 Challenges Facing Downtown Bars and Restaurants

22:46 Local Support and Community Engagement

24:02 Restaurant Gossip and Industry Changes

26:45 Celebrity Chefs and Their Impact

27:25 Sponsorship and Business Insights

29:24 Amador's Culinary Excellence

33:02 Pastrami Sandwich Showdown

34:31 Montreal Smoked Meat Experience

36:29 Kaiseki Yuzu: A Wagyu Wonderland

39:19 Unique Dining Experiences in Las Vegas

40:55 Tempura and Japanese Cuisine

46:16 Persian Delights at Zaytun

This week on Eat. Talk. Repeat., we’re joined by Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino and host of On The Corner of Main Street, for an inside look at Downtown Las Vegas.

We talk about Jonathan’s journey to Vegas, why he fought to preserve and revive the Plaza, the future of Downtown, tourism, the changing Vegas customer, and what DTLV needs more (or less) of.

Plus, we dive into the Plaza’s restaurant scene, Jonathan’s favorite Vegas restaurants, British food, Fremont Street, SlotZilla, family dining, and a rapid-fire round of favorites.

And, of course… Pet Peeves!!

04:20 Introduction and Guest Introduction

06:25 Jonathan Jossel's Journey to Las Vegas

11:26 Revitalizing Downtown Las Vegas

13:26 The Plaza's Historical Significance

18:32 Challenges and Opportunities in Management

25:12 The Future of Fremont Street

28:06 Oscar's Steakhouse: A Culinary Success

32:28 The Evolution of Dining in Downtown Vegas

34:28 Curating Restaurant Concepts: The Balancing Act

37:03 The Importance of Brand Recognition in Dining

41:04 The Impact of Major Events on Downtown Vegas

50:05 Favorite Dining Experiences in Las Vegas

56:37 Guilty Pleasures and Restaurant Experiences

59:04 Defending British Cuisine

01:00:30 The Lightning Round Begins

01:05:02 Pet Peeves in Dining and Service

01:15:54 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

👉 Visit EatTalkRepeat.com for updates, events, and the newsletter👉 Got a food take or hate mail? cheers@eattalkrepeat.com

Follow for more Vegas food talk & behind-the-scenes flavor:X/Twitter: @EatTalkRepeat | @EatingLasVegas | @AshTheAttorneyInstagram: @EatTalkRepeatLV | @JohnCurtas | @AshTheAttorney