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

On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat.

Ash is out of town, but the show must go on! This week, John Curtas is joined by two of Las Vegas' most connected voices in food and hospitality: Kim Owens, owner of Main St. Provisions, and Melinda Sheckells, longtime lifestyle journalist covering everything from restaurants and entertainment to the people shaping the city.From building chef-driven restaurants to covering the ever-changing Vegas dining scene, this conversation dives into what it really takes to succeed in one of the country's most competitive food cities.

🍽️ In this episode:

• Kim Owens' journey from corporate restaurant management to owning Main St. Provisions

• How Kim became an unexpected incubator for some of Las Vegas' top culinary talent

• Melinda Sheckells' career across print, television, podcasting, and lifestyle journalism• How both guests found their way to Las Vegas

• The evolution of the local restaurant scene• Yelp, Instagram, TikTok & influencers — the good, the bad, and everything in between

• Is "Stripflation" making its way into neighborhood restaurants?

• Where they're actually eating around town right now• Will Michelin make a lasting impact on Las Vegas?

• Plus, another round of Pet Peeves and plenty of food talk along the way.

📩 Subscribe to The Amuse Bouche, our weekly newsletter, every Wednesday!

👉 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

This week on Eat. Talk. Repeat...

Las Vegas never stops eating—and neither do we.

This week, John Curtas and Ash Watkins break down the biggest restaurant news around town, including the return of Valencian Gold, a beloved Montreal deli making its way to Henderson, another local expansion, and why one Arts District brewery is calling it quits.

Then it's review time. Ash shares her thoughts on Golden Boy Market & Deli, the brand-new Rebellion Market & Deli, CraftHaus, Ole Manny's, and 1228 Main, including which spots are worth making the trip for.

👉 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 Hosts' Backgrounds

07:13 Facebook Antics and Food Recommendations

11:56 Restaurant Reviews and Local Dining Scene

19:56 Food News and Industry Insights

20:57 Exploring New Culinary Ventures

27:30 Restaurant Openings and Challenges

32:43 Poutine: A Canadian Delight

39:51 Montreal's Culinary Highlights

43:34 Culinary Excess and Richness

48:30 Dining Experiences in Quebec and Montreal

51:10 Local Food Gems and New Discoveries

56:16 Traveling Preferences and Pet Peeves

01:04:00 Listener Feedback and Closing Thoughts

On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat.

Are Vegas' viral burgers actually worth the hype? This week, Ash puts two of the city's hottest burger spots head-to-head while John dives into some of the best pizza and bakery stops in town. From beef tallow fries to stone-ground tortillas, we're covering everything you need to know before your next meal.

🍽️ Restaurant Rundown

* Signora Pizza

* Metro Sliceteria

* Vesta Coffee Roasters

* Petite Bohème Bakery Pop-Up

* With Love Always

* NADC Burger

📰 Food News You Can Use

* Milpa is making major moves with a second location.

* Cobra Clutch is taking over the former HHC bar space, with Lu Lopez leading the bar program.

* Taco Rico has officially received permits to begin construction.

* Bar Bohème is now serving weekend brunch every Saturday & Sunday from 10 AM–3 PM.

⭐ Restaurant Reviews

Ash compares two of Las Vegas' most talked-about burger spots:

With Love Always & NADC Burger

Who came out on top? You'll have to listen to find out.

📬 Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, *The Amuse Bouche https://eattalkrepeat.com

👉 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

ChaptersIntro

Restaurant Rundown 4:00

Food News 5:20

James Beard Award 19:15Restaurant Reviews 25:30

Pet Peeves 49:15

On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat.Looking for the best restaurants in Las Vegas? This week on Eat. Talk. Repeat., Ash Watkins and John Curtas break down some of the newest spots in town, revisit Vegas classics, and cover the latest food news happening around the city.🍽️ Restaurant RundownSwaadBob Taylor's Ranch HouseClass VermuteriaEcho Taste SoundHung Up on WineCrush PadElia Authentic Greek Taverna📰 Food News You Can UseWorld Cup Final food recommendations (Spain vs. Argentina)Durango Social Club's new Vietnamese conceptMeraki Greek Grill opens its newest Arts District locationBar Boheme pastry pop-up this weekend⭐ Full Restaurant ReviewsJohn and Ash share what they ordered, what surprised them, and whether these restaurants are worth adding to your Las Vegas dining list.0:00 Intro1:50 Restaurant Rundown4:50 Food News You Can Use18:00 Listener Questions21:00 Mid-Roll Break21:45 Back to the Show23:15 Restaurant Reviews46:45 John's Restaurant Reviews52:45 Pet Peeves👉 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 | @AshTheAttorney

Instagram: @EatTalkRepeatLV | @JohnCurtas | @AshTheAttorney

On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat.🍕 The Las Vegas Pizza Festival is back! We tell you why VIP is the only way to do it and catch you up on all the biggest food news around town—from a new Arts District juice bar and Rebellion Market's sandwich expansion to Bar Boheme's bakery pop-up and The Sports Bra's surprising move to Las Vegas.🍽️ Restaurant Rundown:This week we ate... a lot. John shares his thoughts on Ada's, Bar Boheme, Pho Saigonese, Elia Authentic Greek Taverna, Class Vermuteria, Special Noodle, Burgundy Cafe & Bakery, Winnie & Ethel's, New Asian BBQ, and Amari. Plus, both John and Ash report back from Newport Beach after visits to Truly Pizza, Ocean 48, and a discussion about why the Hillstone Restaurant Group continues to set the standard for hospitality.🥂What makes a restaurant truly memorable? Ash explains why she'll happily spend more money at places where chefs and staff genuinely care and why there's simply too much mediocre food to waste time on restaurants that don't.Questions, comments, or hate mail? Email us at cheers@eattalkrepeat.com!Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed today's episode, subscribe to the show, leave us a 5-star review, and sign up for The Amuse-Bouche, our free weekly newsletter, every Wednesday at EatTalkRepeat.com.👉 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 | @AshTheAttorney