SoCal Restaurant Show December 20, 2025 Hour 1

We’re broadcasting this morning from High Steaks located 50 floors above the Las Vegas Strip at the top of the Masquerade Tower at Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. The space affords spectacular 180-degree views of The Strip.Special thanks and a tip of the toque to Rio Las Vegas, Restaurateur & Chef James Trees and the High Steaks team for so graciously hosting us.“High Steaks Vegas, the new steakhouse from (Las Vegas native) Chef/Partner James Trees, officially debuted in October. Located atop the Masquerade Tower at Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, High Steaks Vegas will is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly. Along with incomparable 180-degree indoor and outdoor views of the Strip and Las Vegas Valley, High Steaks Vegas emphasizes a fresh approach to the classic Vegas steakhouse, offering unique beef ranch selections, game meats, show-stopping seafood towers, seasonal vegetables and crisp classic cocktails.” Chef James Trees takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us.Timeless Hospitality Corporate Executive Chef Sean O’Hara was part of the menu development team for High Steaks. He currently oversees Bar Boheme in the Arts District for Restaurateur James Trees. Chef O’Hara is an alum of Thomas Keller’s renown The French Laundry in Yountville. Chef Sean O’Hara now joins us.“Located in Chinatown, Las Vegas, The Golden Tiki (celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year) takes you on a trip to exotic Skull Island. The Golden Tiki has spared no expense in recreating the classic mid-century tiki bar, reminiscent of the legendary Don the Beachcomber’s and Trader Vic’s while mixing in Las Vegas legend and lore. The hand-crafted cocktail menu features nostalgic classics and new mixological creations by world-renowned barman, Adam Rains. Alongside an eclectic spirits list, curated local craft beer, and a massive rum selection, The Golden Tiki’s hospitality is legendary. Featuring the work of renowned artists Tiki Bosko, Billy the Crud, Bill Collins, and Oceanic Arts, the one-of-a-kind decor also boasts a unique collection of celebrity ‘shrunken heads,’ an astounding array of artifacts, and Bud ‘n Al’s Oasis, the world’s only adult animatronic bird show.” The General Manager of The Golden Tiki, Nick Brink, takes a respite from behind the bar to join us.

“High Steaks Vegas, the new steakhouse from (Las Vegas native) Chef/Partner James Trees, officially debuted in October. Located atop the Masquerade Tower at Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, High Steaks Vegas will is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly. Along with incomparable 180-degree indoor and outdoor views of the Strip and Las Vegas Valley, High Steaks Vegas emphasizes a fresh approach to the classic Vegas steakhouse, offering unique beef ranch selections, game meats, show-stopping seafood towers, seasonal vegetables and crisp classic cocktails.” Chef James Trees takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us.“In 1905 Gennaro Lombardi established the first Pizzeria in America. It was located on Spring Street in the heart of New York's Little Italy. By good fortune, when Las Vegas’ Metro Pizza’s founders’ (cousins John Arena and Sam Facchini) grandparents came to America they settled just 50 yards away. Ever since those early days, pizza has been at the center of their family life. John’s and Sam’s parents got their first jobs feeding coal into the big bakery ovens where Sicilian pizzas were baked and carried out into the neighborhood to feed the immigrant families hungry for a taste of home. Over the years the time-honored skills of the Pizzaiolo, the pizza chef, have been handed down from their fathers, uncles, aunts, brothers and cousins - from one generation to the next. At Metro Pizza, John and Sam honor the great traditions of America's landmark Pizzerias. Their dough is made fresh each day and then fermented for 5-days from the finest wheat, hand-stretched and cooked on the stone of their hearth ovens. The sauces are made from only the finest vine-ripened tomatoes and topped with select cheeses, choice meats and the freshest vegetables, herbs and spices available. Each of Metro’s pizzas is a hand-crafted labor of love, backed by three generations of experience.” Metro Pizza’s John Arena is with us pizza peel in hand.Notable Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini is our always in-the-know guest with highlights of what’s new on the dynamic Las Vegas dining scene. Al joins us sharing some tasty dining tidbits including the reimagining of Morimoto Las Vegas at MGM Grand, the relocation of Ada’s Wine and Food (now simply Ada’s) from Tivoli Village to the Arts District and an update on Downtown’s Carson Kitchen. The 4th year anniversary of Al Mancini’s ambitious Neon Feast dining app happens in February.

We’re broadcasting this morning from High Steaks located 50 floors above the Las Vegas Strip at the top of the Masquerade Tower at Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. The space affords spectacular 180-degree views of The Strip.Special thanks and a tip of the toque to Rio Las Vegas, Restaurateur & Chef James Trees and the High Steaks team for so graciously hosting us.“High Steaks Vegas, the new steakhouse from (Las Vegas native) Chef/Partner James Trees, officially debuted in October. Located atop the Masquerade Tower at Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, High Steaks Vegas will is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly. Along with incomparable 180-degree indoor and outdoor views of the Strip and Las Vegas Valley, High Steaks Vegas emphasizes a fresh approach to the classic Vegas steakhouse, offering unique beef ranch selections, game meats, show-stopping seafood towers, seasonal vegetables and crisp classic cocktails.” Chef James Trees takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us.Timeless Hospitality Corporate Executive Chef Sean O’Hara was part of the menu development team for High Steaks. He currently oversees Bar Boheme in the Arts District for Restaurateur James Trees. Chef O’Hara is an alum of Thomas Keller’s renown The French Laundry in Yountville. Chef Sean O’Hara now joins us.“Located in Chinatown, Las Vegas, The Golden Tiki (celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year) takes you on a trip to exotic Skull Island. The Golden Tiki has spared no expense in recreating the classic mid-century tiki bar, reminiscent of the legendary Don the Beachcomber’s and Trader Vic’s while mixing in Las Vegas legend and lore. The hand-crafted cocktail menu features nostalgic classics and new mixological creations by world-renowned barman, Adam Rains. Alongside an eclectic spirits list, curated local craft beer, and a massive rum selection, The Golden Tiki’s hospitality is legendary. Featuring the work of renowned artists Tiki Bosko, Billy the Crud, Bill Collins, and Oceanic Arts, the one-of-a-kind decor also boasts a unique collection of celebrity ‘shrunken heads,’ an astounding array of artifacts, and Bud ‘n Al’s Oasis, the world’s only adult animatronic bird show.” The General Manager of The Golden Tiki, Nick Brink, takes a respite from behind the bar to join us.“In 1905 Gennaro Lombardi established the first Pizzeria in America. It was located on Spring Street in the heart of New York's Little Italy. By good fortune, when Las Vegas’ Metro Pizza’s founders’ (cousins John Arena and Sam Facchini) grandparents came to America they settled just 50 yards away. Ever since those early days, pizza has been at the center of their family life. John’s and Sam’s parents got their first jobs feeding coal into the big bakery ovens where Sicilian pizzas were baked and carried out into the neighborhood to feed the immigrant families hungry for a taste of home. Over the years the time-honored skills of the Pizzaiolo, the pizza chef, have been handed down from their fathers, uncles, aunts, brothers and cousins - from one generation to the next. At Metro Pizza, John and Sam honor the great traditions of America's landmark Pizzerias. Their dough is made fresh each day and then fermented for 5-days from the finest wheat, hand-stretched and cooked on the stone of their hearth ovens. The sauces are made from only the finest vine-ripened tomatoes and topped with select cheeses, choice meats and the freshest vegetables, herbs and spices available. Each of Metro’s pizzas is a hand-crafted labor of love, backed by three generations of experience.” Metro Pizza’s John Arena is with us pizza peel in hand.Notable Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini is our always in-the-know guest with highlights of what’s new on the dynamic Las Vegas dining scene. Al joins us sharing some tasty dining tidbits including the reimagining of Morimoto Las Vegas at MGM Grand, the relocation of Ada’s Wine and Food (now...

“High Steaks Vegas, the new steakhouse from Chef/Partner James Trees, officially launched in October. Located atop the Masquerade Tower at Rio Las Vegas, High Steaks Vegas is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly.” “Along with incomparable 180-degree indoor and outdoor views of the Strip and Las Vegas Valley, High Steaks Vegas emphasizes a fresh approach to the classic Vegas steakhouse, offering unique beef ranch selections, game meats, show-stopping seafood towers, seasonal vegetables and crisp classic cocktails.”“Every element of the experience has been carefully considered by Chef Trees and his team, including Executive Chef Joe Swan, General Manager Tylor Kezar, Wine Director Todd Tooms and Pastry Chef Christina Phat. The menu development team included Timeless Hospitality Corporate Executive Chefs Sean O’Hara and Adam Rios, and Corporate Pastry Chef Jake Yergensen, with cocktails by Jonah Gibbs and Tucker St. John.”“With five acclaimed restaurants (and one bar) across the Las Vegas Valley, Chef James Trees is widely regarded as the city’s most celebrated native chef. A James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef Southwest and recipient of the Key to the City of Las Vegas, Trees is best known for Esther’s Kitchen – his flagship Italian restaurant in the Arts District that’s earned both local devotion and international praise.” “His portfolio also includes Al Solito Posto in Tivoli Village and the newly relocated Ada’s Food & Wine (now just Ada’s), as well as Bar Boheme and Petite Boheme. Trees brings decades of experience, having worked under culinary legends including Eric Ripert, Gordon Ramsay, Michael Mina, Heston Blumenthal and more. The entire chef team can boast steakhouse experiences ranging from Bourbon Steak to Gallagher’s and many more.”"Our goal with High Steaks Vegas is to revive the classic steakhouse experience while modernizing it and showing off the incredible view,” said Trees. “We want to create a place where locals, visitors, high rollers and value-minded guests can all have an unforgettable evening. We like to say: This is the Vegas you were promised.”Chef James Trees takes a break from his busy kitchens to join us.

Timeless Hospitality Corporate Executive Chef Sean O’Hara was part of the menu development team for High Steaks. He currently oversees Bar Boheme, an elevated French dining experience with great attention to premium ingredients, in the Arts District for Restaurateur James Trees. Chef O’Hara is an alum of Thomas Keller’s renown The French Laundry in Yountville.Chef Sean O’Hara now joins us.

“Located in Chinatown, Las Vegas, The Golden Tiki (celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year) takes you on a trip to exotic Skull Island. The Golden Tiki has spared no expense in recreating the classic mid-century tiki bar, reminiscent of the legendary Don the Beachcomber’s and Trader Vic’s while mixing in Las Vegas legend and lore. The hand-crafted cocktail menu features nostalgic classics and new mixological creations by world-renowned barman, Adam Rains.” “Alongside an eclectic spirits list, curated local craft beer, and a massive rum selection, The Golden Tiki’s hospitality is legendary. Featuring the work of renowned artists Tiki Bosko, Billy the Crud, Bill Collins, and Oceanic Arts, the one-of-a-kind decor also boasts a unique collection of celebrity ‘shrunken heads,’ an astounding array of artifacts, and Bud ‘n Al’s Oasis, the world’s only adult animatronic bird show.” “Accolades include Top 5 Tiki Bars In The Country (Food Network), Ten Best Nightlife Destinations In Las Vegas (USA Today), Best Tropical Drinks In Las Vegas (Trip Savvy), Top Drinking Destinations In Las Vegas (Virgin Holidays), Best Bar, Readers' Choice 2018, Best Chinatown Bar, Readers’ Choice 2025 (Las Vegas Weekly) & Best of The City nods from Desert Companion & Vegas Seven. Culinary Excellence Award for Drink Specialist - 2019 (Nevada Restaurant Association) for Beverage Director Adam Rains.”The General Manager of The Golden Tiki, Nick Brink, takes a respite from behind the bar to join us.

Chef James Trees rejoins us to talk about the outrageous sky-high PieCaken on the dessert menu and High Streaks and some of his other flagship restaurant properties in Las Vegas’ active Arts District.“With five acclaimed restaurants (and one bar) across the Las Vegas Valley, Chef James Trees is widely regarded as the city’s most celebrated native chef. A James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef Southwest and recipient of the Key to the City of Las Vegas, Trees is best known for Esther’s Kitchen – his flagship Italian restaurant in the Arts District that’s earned both local devotion and international praise.”

“In 1905 Gennaro Lombardi established the first Pizzeria in America. It was located on Spring Street in the heart of New York's Little Italy. By good fortune, when Las Vegas’ Metro Pizza’s founders’ (cousins John Arena and Sam Facchini) grandparents came to America they settled just 50 yards away. Ever since those early days, pizza has been at the center of their family life. John’s and Sam’s parents got their first jobs feeding coal into the big bakery ovens where Sicilian pizzas were baked and carried out into the neighborhood to feed the immigrant families hungry for a taste of home. Over the years the time-honored skills of the Pizzaiolo, the pizza chef, have been handed down from their fathers, uncles, aunts, brothers and cousins - from one generation to the next.” “At Metro Pizza, John and Sam honor the great traditions of America's landmark Pizzerias. Their dough is made fresh each day and then fermented for 5-days from the finest wheat, hand-stretched and cooked on the stone of their hearth ovens. The sauces are made from only the finest vine-ripened tomatoes and topped with select cheeses, choice meats and the freshest vegetables, herbs and spices available. Each of Metro’s pizzas is a hand-crafted labor of love, backed by three generations of experience.” John Arena is also the Co-founder of Truly Pizza, “the only restaurant of its kind in Southern California, with outdoor garden seating aiming to provide Dana Point residents and visitors with a unique and delicious pizza experience filled with world-class pizza making and generations old techniques. The menu features classic 12” square and round pizzas sold whole or by-the-slice made with award-winning five-day-fermented crispy and airy wood-fired dough along with a selection of focaccia sandwiches, salads and desserts. All pizzas are made with Truly Pizza’s signature, award-winning pizza dough recipe that involves a lengthy fermentation process to ensure rich flavor and a cloudlike, yet crisp and airy texture with each bite.” A new location will open in early 2026 in Laguna Beach adjacent to Urth Café followed by a Venice branch on Abbot Kinney late in 2026.John is the Founder of the John Arena Foundation connecting pizza with Parkinson’s. The mission is focused on empowering individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and other movement-affecting neurological conditions through hands-on culinary experiences and pizza making.Metro Pizza’s John Arena is with us pizza peel in hand.

Notable Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini is our always in-the-know guest with highlights of what’s new on the dynamic Las Vegas dining scene. Al joins us sharing some dining tidbits including the reimagining of Morimoto Las Vegas at MGM Grand, The relocation of Ada’s Wine and Food (now simply Aida’s) from Tivoli Village to the Arts District, an update on Carson Kitchen and the Durango Social Club. Al also is the creator of the “Food & Loathing” weekly podcast highlighting the Las Vegas dining scene. A new assignment for Al is as a contributor to Las Vegas Insider. The 4th year anniversary of Al Mancini’s ambitious Neon Feast dining app happens in February.

Al Mancini is our always in-the-know guest with highlights of what’s new on the dynamic Las Vegas dining scene. Al continues with us to conclude our Vegas show special sharing some dining tidbits including the reimagining of Morimoto Las Vegas at MGM Grand, The relocation of Aida’s Wine and Food from Trivoli Village to the Arts District, an update on Carson Kitchen and what significant restaurant openings he’s anticipating for 2026. Also after a long absence the Michelin Guide will, again, be covering Las Vegas.Al also is the creator of the “Food & Loathing” weekly podcast highlighting the Las Vegas dining scene. A new assignment for Al is as a contributor to Las Vegas Insider. The 4th year anniversary of notable Las Vegas-based food and entertainment journalist Al Mancini’s ambitious Neon Feast dining app happens in February.