Podcast · Arts & Books

Eat. Talk. Repeat.

by What's Right Network · English · Arts & Books

John Curtas is a legit food critic, with the bona fides to back it up. Ash Watkins is an amateur, and the first to admit it. Together they cover the restaurants, bars, and people that make Las Vegas one of the world's best food cities. They're not here to chase hype, clicks, or likes. They're here

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 2 min
Latest: 9 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

9 Oct 2026 · 57 min

Drink. Talk. Repeat. | THE Las Vegas Bar List

On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat. A couple of weeks ago, John posted his 55 Essential Restaurants of Las Vegas on eatinglv.com. This week's episode is the bar list to go with it. Our resident bar fly, James Reza, is back with his 50 essential Las Vegas bars, and we go through the list alphabetically over a round of absinthe. James's list is about bars that matter, not just bars that are hot right now. It includes the oldest liquor license in town (Atomic Liquors), a 1970s fern bar with live jazz and a water wheel (Dispensary Lounge), and the debate over who brought hot wings to Vegas…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

2 Oct 2026 · 57 min
Worst Burger of the Year?
On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat. , John Curtas and Ash Watkins are back with another round of Las Vegas restaurant reviews, food news, and strong opinions . 🍔 The Worst Burger of the Year? John has some thoughts on Harlo, plus reviews of Amata Modern Thai, Zaytoon, Yu by SIJIE, Hayworth, Ada’s, YEN Viet Kitchen, Banchan, and more. 🔥 SMKD BBQ hits T-Mobile Arena with smoked meats, smashed brisket, pulled pork, and a lineup of BBQ sandwiches. 🍷 Wine is coming to you. Ada’s launches the Nine Lives Wine Society, while Garagiste Wine Room expands its wine club with delivery within the…
25 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 7 min
Vegas on the Rocks: James Reza Tells All (FBF)
On Today’s Menu:🎙️ A long-awaited guest finally joins us: James Reza, downtown insider, writer, editor, and cocktail connoisseur.📰 How Reza helped unleash John Curtas, the food critic on Las Vegas (blame him or thank him).📉 Is Las Vegas really “dead”? We unpack the tourism stats, Wall Street meddling, and the slow death of the $0.99 shrimp cocktail myth.💸 Why filet mignon is $95 in Vegas but $52 in Manhattan — and why no one’s lowering prices anytime soon.📲 Influencer culture: pay-for-play reviews, “OnlyFoods,” and the Gen Z ring-light invasion of local bars.🍸 Cocktail culture deep-dive:…
18 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
The Wine Decline: Vegas Wine Experts Tell All
On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat., John Curtas shares a glass with two of Las Vegas’ biggest wine nerds: Eric Prato of Garagiste Wine Room and Dave Klarer of Timeless Hospitality. With Ash out, John finally gets his long-awaited wine episode with plenty of strong opinions and a deep dive into what’s actually happening with wine right now. 🍷 Is the wine industry really in decline? 🍷 Are younger generations killing wine culture, or just changing it? 🍷 Did the wine world make itself too pretentious and intimidating? 🍷 What does Las Vegas’ wine scene get right… and what does it get…
11 Sep 2026 · 57 min
Michelin Guide: A Double-Edged Sword
On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat. 🍽️ The Michelin Guide, food influencers, restaurant reviews & the future of Vegas dining — it’s all on the table. In this episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat. , Ash Watkins and John Curtis dig into the latest happenings in the Las Vegas food scene, including a closer look at the Michelin Guide’s newest selections and what those awards really mean for local restaurants. They also dive into the ever-changing world of food influencers , discussing whether their influence is growing, fading, or simply changing shape. From there, it’s time for restaurant reviews,…
4 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 19 min
So… What Happened to Vegas Bars?
On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat. What makes a great bar scene—and what happens when the neighborhood around it starts to change? In this episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat. , Ash Watkins and John Curtas sit down with James Reza and Derek Stonebarger to talk all things Las Vegas bars, cocktails, and the ever-evolving Arts District. From the realities of running a bar and the challenges of rising costs and leases to gentrification, First Friday, parking, and keeping a true local community alive, this conversation gets into what’s really happening behind the scenes. They also dive into…
28 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 19 min
Restaurant Marketing in 2026 — The Good, The Bad, and The Influencing
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…
21 Aug 2026 · 50 min
The State of the Las Vegas Food Scene
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…
14 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
Four Guys in a Bar | Insider Interview with Jonathan Jossel
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…
7 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
Insider Interviews with Melinda Sheckells & Kim Owens
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…
31 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 7 min
Seal of Approval
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,…
24 Jul 2026 · 57 min
Vegas’ Viral “Best” Burgers + Pizza Legends
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…
17 Jul 2026 · 54 min
The Truth About Las Vegas' Oldest Steakhouse | Bob Taylor's
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…
10 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
Is This Vegas' Hottest Food Neighborhood?
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…
3 Jul 2026 · 48 min
The $52 Cheeseburger That Was Actually Worth It?!
🎆 Fourth of July & Final Bites:We made it. The Great Las Vegas Steakhouse Burger Crawl has reached its glorious, greasy finale. After 16 contenders and 3 months of carnivorous commitment, we're revealing the definitive top four — and crowning the best steakhouse cheeseburger in town.🍔 The Final Four:Delmonico Steakhouse, Peter Luger Steak House, Mae Daly's, and Nicco's Steakhouse. Which burger had the best bun? Who overcooked the patty? And which $52 cheeseburger somehow felt... worth it?🔥 French Fries, Pet Peeves & Patriotic Grievances:From soggy bottom buns to ketchup collusion, we’ve got…
26 Jun 2026 · 55 min
Las Vegas' Top 100 Restaurants List Is Out... We Have Questions
On this week's episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat.: 🍽️ The Review-Journal's 2026 Top 100 Restaurants list is out, and John has thoughts. Lots of them. 🏆 Which restaurants deserved their spot? Which ones were shocking omissions? And does the Hall of Fame list actually represent the best of Las Vegas dining? 📋 John and Ash break down the biggest surprises, questionable selections, and notable snubs from this year's rankings, including restaurants that made the list, restaurants that should have made the list, and a few that left everyone scratching their heads. 🥐 Plus, a shoutout to Bar Boheme after…
19 Jun 2026 · 54 min
Did Las Vegas Deserve This James Beard Award?
On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat.🏆 Las Vegas finally has a James Beard Award winner again — but was it a victory for the city or another example of why the awards have lost credibility?🌮 John and Ash break down a packed week of dining, including Ai Pazzi, KROK, PublicUs, Javier's, Cipriani, Lotus, Lotus of Siam, and Diamond Spur Provisions.🔥 The debate gets heated as they discuss Chef Sarah Thompson's James Beard Award win for Best Chef Southwest at Casa Playa, the first James Beard Award for Las Vegas in 15 years. Is this a long-overdue win for Vegas or proof that politics still…
12 Jun 2026 · 58 min
Will Work For Tacos!
On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat.: 🍔 Ash visits In-N-Out five times in one week (for research purposes, obviously) 🌮 Aroma Latin American Cocina emerges as one of the biggest surprises of the year 🥪 Proper Sandwich Co., Holstein's, Cipriani, Meraki, Le Club by Partage & more 🍸 A new Vegas cocktail bar opens with 140+ cocktails and absolutely zero TVs 📍 The largest In-N-Out on the Strip is now open 🥟 China Mama officially expands to Henderson 🥐 The legendary André's restaurant space gets a new life 🥖 Trees launches a monthly bakery pop-up at Bar Boheme 📬 Whatever happened to Vegas…
5 Jun 2026 · 53 min
Everything You’ve Been DMing Us, Finally Answered
On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat. From hidden gem debates to overrated takes, the ETR crew is answering 25 of the most common, chaotic, and chronically DM’d Vegas food questions. 🍜🌮🍸 Best late-night eats? Most worth-it splurge? Where are we actually taking visitors? And yes — what’s genuinely overrated. Consider this your unofficial guide to eating your way through Las Vegas, straight from the group chat. No gatekeeping, no PR fluff, just strong opinions and stronger cravings. 👉 Visit EatTalkRepeat.com for updates, events, and the newsletter 👉 Got a food take or hate mail?…
29 May 2026 · 58 min
Las Vegas' Best Foodie Nano-Influencer
On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat. 🍔 National Burger Day hot takes 🍕 Vegas pizza rankings drama 🌮 Aroma Latin American Cocina opens in Chinatown ☕ Almond & Oat expands downtown 🍷 “Sideways,” wine movies & nostalgic Vegas restaurants🥂 Mother’s Day brunch excellence at La Fontaine 📍 TonShou, Hayworth, PublicUS, Zero Bond, 1228 Main & more This week on Eat. Talk. Repeat., John & Ash dive headfirst into burger discourse, Vegas food news, Restaurant Week picks, pizza ranking controversies, and the eternal battle between smashburgers and “real” burgers. Plus: John’s official nano influencer…
22 May 2026 · 1 hr 19 min
Food News, Drama, and One Very Loud Burger Chain Exit
On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat. 🍜Lotus of Siam is back at its original Commercial Center location 🇪🇸José Andrés “Spain My Way” dinner experience 🦞Connie & Ted’s in West Hollywood is closing 💀🍔Heart Attack Grill is closing 🚗🎬Snappy’s Burgers is expanding 🍸BlueBirdLV launches Vegas happy hour tracker 🥩New butcher shops coming to Vegas 🍺Bartho’s Bierbar opens in the Arts District 👉 Visit EatTalkRepeat.com for updates, events, and the newsletter👉 Got a food take or hate mail? [email protected] Follow for more Vegas food talk & behind-the-scenes flavor: X/Twitter: @EatTalkRepeat |…
15 May 2026 · 24 min
Eat Talk Repeat at Vegas Unstripped 2026
Vegas Unstripped 2026 was anything but chill. 🍽️🔥 This year, ETR hit Vegas Unstripped 2026 with Ash on the ground solo , repping the team, making rounds, talking food, and apparently turning it into a full-time campaign against John. 😂 From chef chats to industry mingling, Ash made sure every conversation somehow circled back to giving John a little grief. Priorities. Vegas Unstripped always brings together some of the best chefs, restaurants, and culinary talent in Las Vegas for a night of incredible food, drinks, and community—and ETR was there to capture it all. In this episode: ✨ Behind…
8 May 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
The Ninth Island: Stop with the Smash Burgers!
On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat.: ✈️ John’s Honolulu hotel breakdown: Royal Hawaiian, Kahala, & Halekulani 🍣 Best sushi in Hawaii? 🥥 Pink coconut pancakes, loco moco, Spam debates, and more 📍 The Hat officially opens in Las Vegas ⭐ StarChefs 2026 Las Vegas Rising Stars Awards Subscribe, leave a review, and sign up for our newsletter: The Amuse Bouche 🥂www.eattalkrepeat.com 📩 Got a food take or hate mail? [email protected] 📱 Follow us everywhere: @EatTalkRepeat Follow for more Vegas food talk & behind-the-scenes flavor: X/Twitter: @EatTalkRepeat | @EatingLasVegas |…
1 May 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
Inside Vegas Dining: From Casual to Couture
On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat. 🎙️ In this episode: 🌮 Tacos 1986 check-in — worth the hype or nah? 🍲 iPotse and what surprised us 🥞 Old school vibes at Du-Par's Restaurant & Bakery 📰 Why local food news actually matters (more than you think) ✨ Inside A by José Andrés — theatrical, exclusive, and wild 🍽️ The full experience at Joël Robuchon — is it still the gold standard? 🧑‍🍳 Chef legacies, iconic closures, and the end of Le Cirque 👀 What actually makes a restaurant “fine dining” (and what doesn’t) 👉 Visit EatTalkRepeat.com for updates, events, and the newsletter👉 Got a food take or…
24 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
Chinatown: The Hidden Food Empire of Las Vegas
On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat. 🍜 How Chinatown went from low-key to must-know 🥢 The OG spots vs the new influencer darlings 🏙️ Why locals treat this area like sacred ground 📈 The rise in hype — and what it means for quality ⚖️ Authenticity vs commercialization (yeah, we said it) 👀 The restaurants that deserve way more respect 🚗 Why tourists still barely scratch the surface 00:00 Introduction to Chinatown and the Hosts 01:57 The Journey to Chinatown Expertise 05:59 Building a Community Around Chinatown 12:02 The Evolution of Chinatown Vegas 18:02 The Unique Food Scene in Chinatown…
17 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 15 min
Cloudy With a Chance of Pastrami
On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat. 🥪 Pastrami literally falls from the sky (aka lands in John’s lap) 🍽️ Restaurant Rundown: Cipriani, Café Breizh, Echo Taste & Sound, Elya & more 🏛️ Mount Rushmore of Restaurants debate (icons vs personal favorites) ☕ Vegas food news: Dig It Coffee move + UNLV Sip & Savor event 🥩 Golden Steer vs NYC critics — steakhouse drama heats up 👉 Visit EatTalkRepeat.com for updates, events, and the newsletter 👉 Got a food take or hate mail? [email protected] Follow for more Vegas food talk & behind-the-scenes flavor: X/Twitter: @EatTalkRepeat |…
10 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
James Beard Hits Vegas
On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat. 🍽️🎙️ 🔥 John’s Restaurant Rundown: D’Agostino’s redux, Beso, Bungalow, Taste of Gujarat, What’s Zaap — busy man, as always 🏆 James Beard Awards are heating up… Tamba, Sara Thompson & Brian Howard make the cut👀 Amador Cocina Fina is leveling UP with a new tasting menu + chef collab series 😢 White Castle is closing two locations… yes, we have thoughts ☕ Pappalecco officially lands in Vegas (coffee, gelato, paninis… say less) 🌊 Cantina Contramar opens at Fontainebleau — seafood, agave, and a whole lot of flair 👉 Visit EatTalkRepeat.com for updates,…
3 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 26 min
Get Ready for Vegas Unstripped!
On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat. 🎬 It’s Bond… with ZERO bond 👀 🎟️ Vegas (Un)Strip(ped) is almost here — are you ready? 🌆 Big things coming: a new Arts District communal courtyard 🥩 Afro-Caribbean American steakhouse… yeah, we need to talk about it 🍔 Ash vs. burgers?! This might get heated 🎯 New segment unlocked: Rage-Baiting John 😈 👉 Visit EatTalkRepeat.com for updates, events, and the newsletter 👉 Got a food take or hate mail? [email protected] Follow for more Vegas food talk & behind-the-scenes flavor: X/Twitter: @EatTalkRepeat | @EatingLasVegas | @AshTheAttorney Instagram:…
27 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
Vegas Restaurant Rundown
On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat. 🔥 John’s Restaurant Rundown: 15 stops, all gas, no brakes 🔥 👀 Some interesting news… one of our faves is officially up for sale 👀 🎨 Big growth happening in the Arts District right now 🥩 BBQ is exiting the chat… and we have thoughts ✨ Something new (and boujee) just dropped at the Wynn ✨ ⛳ The Masters Dinner menu is here—and yeah, we’re talking about it 👉 Visit EatTalkRepeat.com for updates, events, and the newsletter 👉 Got a food take or hate mail? [email protected] Follow for more Vegas food talk & behind-the-scenes flavor: X/Twitter:…
20 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
Ada's Pours Itself Into the Arts District 😉
On today’s episode of Eat. Talk. Repeat. We’re on-site at Ada’s, the Arts District’s new wine bar, to talk all things: how it came to be, why it’s named Ada’s, and why it might just be the best wine spot in Vegas. And yeah… we have (great) thoughts. In this episode: 🍷 The story behind Ada’s and how it came together 📝 Why the name Ada’s? We got the scoop (no there isn't ice cream anymore...) 🏆 Why this wine bar + food menu is already turning heads in the Arts District 🎨 Our take on the vibe, design, and overall buzz 🎰Vegas Unstripped this April at the Palms! Oh and look at that… We have a…

About Eat. Talk. Repeat.

Eat. Talk. Repeat. is a English arts & books podcast from What's Right Network. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: What's Right Network
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 2 min
Latest episode: 9 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1653200251
Rights: What's Right Network

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