Happy holidays. With Gemini celebrating in the Southern Hemisphere, and Las Vegas in holiday mode, Al and Rich avoided the temptation to take a week off, and put in just enough effort to create an abbreviated episode. But it’s still packed with good stuff – especially if you’re a fan of Michael Mina.

Al talked to Mina just hours before the new Bourbon Steak in the Four Seasons resort opened its doors to the public. But before we even get to that, Al will tell you about his experience getting bites in the Bourbon Steak lounge. Other restaurant reports this week include visits to William B’s in the Suncoast, Brooklyn Bowl, New York Bagel and Bakery, and The George Sportsmen’s Lounge. And Al drops by The Gambler pop-up at Amari, and speaks to Mina Group veteran Chef Adam Sobel and Amari GM Jason Rocheleau.

On this week’s episode, Vegas CityCast’s Rob Kachelriess sits in for the traveling Gemini, and joins Al and producer Rich Johnson at Dom DeMarco's Pizzeria and Wine Bar. Rob tells us about his recent experiences Craftsteak (with Tom Colicchio in the house) and Dominique Ansel Marche (with Dominique Ansel in the house). Rich will share culinary highlights from his road trip from Chicago to Vegas. And Al will tell you about experiences at the openings of Pinky’s by Vanderpump and China Mama in Palace Station, judging a cocktail competition in a topless club, and meals at Balla Italian Soul and Carmelitas Mar Tier. (Al will also reveal which Jason Aldean song titled triggered him at the opening of the country star’s new Strip bar.)

The centerpiece is all about Al’s visit to Jive Turkey in the Huntridge neighborhood to interview the dive bar's proprietors, Sam Pulliam and Adam O’Donnell. Also: interviews with Jeff Bauman of Glitter Gulch Tiki, Alexander Ortega of Casa Playa, Palace Station’s Lee Torres, Lisa Burney and Albert Scalleat of Dom DeMarco’s, Ri Ra’s Wally Lang and country star Jason Aldean. And of course, there’s some news.

Al and Gemini were invited to spend two days at the judging sessions for the 2024 Proof Awards spirits, wine and beverage competition -- where local and national booze buyers sampled hundreds of products to grade, and perhaps purchase for their companies. And, much to Rich’s chagrin, they had so much fun they decided to create a gigantic episode featuring some of their favorite conversations.

They speak to national (Delta Sky Club, Walmart, Pacifica Hotels) and local (The Palms, Hot Noods, Brezzam Craft Creamery) about what they look for in new spirit offerings, as well as a few celebrities (Aishe Tyler, Neil Geraldo Ian Somerhalder) showing off their brands. Other fun conversations conversations include chats with Vanderpump Rules veteran Peter Madrigal and the creator of the Neat Glass.

If you work in the booze biz, or have ever been curious about how new products end up in your local bar, this is the episode for you!