Best Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network Podcasts (2025)

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Top of the Food Chain #050: The Key to Perfect BBQ At Home 25:54

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13y ago25:54

25:54

Al and Executive Chef Casey Houghton (Lynyrd Skynrd BBQ & Beer), walks us through what it takes to make perfect baby back ribs, beef brisket, and sauces at home. (We only gained 3 pounds after this episode. We consider that a win.) Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The best bakery in Las Vegas! Al’s New Horizons Guest: Casey Houghton How to make perfect …

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Top of the Food Chain #050: The Key to Perfect BBQ At Home (Audio) 19:20

13y ago19:20

19:20

Al and Executive Chef Casey Houghton (Lynyrd Skynrd BBQ & Beer), walks us through what it takes to make perfect baby back ribs, beef brisket, and sauces at home. (We only gained 3 pounds after this episode. We consider that a win.)By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #049: The Sweet Success of Opening Your Own Bakery (Audio) 25:30

13y ago25:30

25:30

We continue our run of world-class chefs who left a high-profile job at a Strip property to open their own shop. For this episode of Top of the Food Chain, we sweeten things up with author and co-owner of Chocolate & Spice Bakery Megan Romano.By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #049: The Sweet Success of Opening Your Own Bakery 25:34

13y ago25:34

25:34

We continue our run of world-class chefs who left a high-profile job at a Strip property to open their own shop. For this episode of Top of the Food Chain, we sweeten things up with author and co-owner of Chocolate & Spice Bakery Megan Romano. Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The best bakery in Las Vegas! Vegas Uncork’d revisited Guest: Megan Romano…

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Top of the Food Chain #048: The Return of Vic Vegas 24:51

13y ago24:51

24:51

Our good friend (and unbelievably nice guy) Vic Vegas returns to Top of the Food Chain with a peek at what he’s been up to after having appeared on Food Network Star and Chopped All Stars. Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The best bakery in Las Vegas! Foie Gras: Should it be illegal Guest: Vic VegasBy Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #048: The Return of Vic Vegas (Audio) 24:47

13y ago24:47

24:47

Our good friend (and unbelievably nice guy) Vic Vegas returns to Top of the Food Chain with a peek at what he’s been up to after having appeared on Food Network Star and Chopped All Stars.By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #047: Food of the Rising Sun 32:08

13y ago32:08

32:08

You think Japanese food in Las Vegas is only sushi? Think again, as the city is going through what can be described as a Japanese food explosion. Al is joined by Martin Koleff, the stylist/consultant behind some of the towns hottest “alternative” Japanese restaurants. Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The best bakery in Las Vegas! Guest: Martin Koleff (R…

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Top of the Food Chain #047: Food of the Rising Sun (Audio) 32:04

13y ago32:04

32:04

You think Japanese food in Las Vegas is only sushi? Think again, as the city is going through what can be described as a Japanese food explosion. Al is joined by Martin Koleff, the stylist/consultant behind some of the towns hottest “alternative” Japanese restaurants.By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Las Vegas Fine Dining – Top of the Food Chain #046: Where’s The Beef . . . From? 39:55

13y ago39:55

39:55

Al is joined by Stephen Hopcraft (Executive Chef STK, Food Network’s Chef vs City) on this week’s Top of the Food Chain. Together they discuss the variety of steak highlighting differences from American Select to Japanese Wagyu. They also note flavor contrasts between grass fed and corn fed beef and wrap up by giving us executive chef secrets to co…

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Top of the Food Chain #046: Where's The Beef. . . From? (Audio) 39:50

13y ago39:50

39:50

Al is joined by Stephen Hopcraft (Executive Chef STK, Food Network’s Chef vs City) on this week’s Top of the Food Chain. Together they discuss the variety of steak highlighting differences from American Select to Japanese Wagyu. They also note flavor contrasts between grass fed and corn fed beef and wrap up by giving us executive chef secrets to co…

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Top of the Food Chain #045: From Robuchon to a Hair Salon? 33:25

13+ y ago33:25

33:25

Come listen to a story ’bout a man named Su, workin’ for Robuchon simply wouldn’t do, searched craigslist from dusk to dawn, finally opened Great Bao in a hair salon. Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The best bakery in Las Vegas! Guest: Sheridan Sun (Chef/Owner, Great Bao) ) Working for Robuchon Opening Comme Ca Going on his own: Great Bao…

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Top of the Food Chain #045: From Robuchon to a Hair Salon? (Audio) 33:21

13+ y ago33:21

33:21

Come listen to a story ’bout a man named Su, workin’ for Robuchon simply wouldn’t do, searched craigslist from dusk to dawn, finally opened Great Bao in a hair salon.By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #044: Dessert Never Looked So Amazing! 33:16

13+ y ago33:16

33:16

Al is joined by Amy Byro (Executive Pastry Chef Harrah’s, Flamingo) and together they discuss the inner workings of being a pastry chef for Harrah’s Las Vegas, from creating four-tier wedding cakes in one day and sugar that looks like lace, to making a cake covered in 14k gold! Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The best bakery in Las Vegas! Guest: Amy By…

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Top of the Food Chain #044: Dessert Never Looked So Amazing! (Audio) 33:12

13+ y ago33:12

33:12

Al is joined by Amy Byro (Executive Pastry Chef Harrah’s, Flamingo) and together they discuss the inner workings of being a pastry chef for Harrah’s Las Vegas, from creating four tier wedding cakes in one day, sugar that looks like lace, and a cake covered in 14k gold!By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #043: Predicting the Future of the Vegas Food Scene 32:12

13+ y ago32:12

32:12

Food critic Brock Radke (Las Vegas Weekly) and restaurateur Jolene Mannina join Al to talk about the Las Vegas food scene — where it is, where it’s been, and what to look forward to in the future. Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The best bakery in Las Vegas! Guest: Brock Radke (Las Vegas Weekly) Guest: Jolene Mannina (dinefine.net) What’s what in the L…

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Top of the Food Chain #043: Predicting the Future of the Vegas Food Scene (Audio) 32:08

13+ y ago32:08

32:08

Food critic Brock Radke (Las Vegas Weekly) and restaurateur Jolene Mannina join Al to talk about the Las Vegas food scene — where it is, where it’s been, and what to look forward to in the future.By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #042: Think Cooking in High School Isn’t Cool? Think Again. 31:31

13+ y ago31:31

31:31

Remember when taking cooking in high school meant enrolling in home economics and getting harassed by your friends? In this episode of Top of the Food Chain, you’ll meet a 16-year-old who will likely be your favorite chef in a few years and is already being recruited by some of the finest restaurants in Las Vegas. Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The be…

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Top of the Food Chain #042: Think Cooking in High School Isn't Cool? Think Again. (Audio) 31:27

13+ y ago31:27

31:27

Remember when taking cooking in high school meant enrolling in home economics and getting harassed by your friends? In this episode of Top of the Food Chain, you’ll meet a 16-year-old who will likely be your favorite chef in a few years and is already being recruited by some of the finest restaurants in Las Vegas.…

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Top of the Food Chain #041: A Pro's Primer on Pasta

13+ y ago

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On this carb-friendly episode of Top of the Food Chain, we get a master’s look at all things Pasta as we welcome back Geno Bernardo (Executive Chef, NOVE Italiano). Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The best bakery in Las Vegas! James Beard Award; are you kidding me?!?! Guest: Geno Bernardo (Executive Chef, NOVE Italiano) Pasta, pasta, pasta…

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Top of the Food Chain #041: A Pro's Primer on Pasta (Audio) 32:14

13+ y ago32:14

32:14

On this carb-friendly episode of Top of the Food Chain, we get a master’s look at all things Pasta as we welcome back Geno Bernardo (Executive Chef, NOVE Italiano).By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #040: The Big 5: When Money is No Object 45:50

13+ y ago45:50

45:50

The French are well represented as Al walks us through what is arguably the five most extravagant fine dining options in Las Vegas. (This would be a good time to have your American Express Black card handy.) Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The best bakery in Las Vegas! Guest: Scott Whitney Al’s top 5 restaurants to eat when money is no object E Twist B…

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Top of the Food Chain #040: The Big 5: When Money is No Object (Audio) 45:44

13+ y ago45:44

45:44

The French are well represented as Al walks us through what is arguably the five most extravagant fine dining options in Las Vegas. (This would be a good time to have your American Express Black card handy.)By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #039: Comparing ‘Real’ French with ‘Vegas’ French 32:22

13+ y ago32:22

32:22

Max Jacobson returns to Top of the Food Chain with a first-hand comparison between Las Vegas restaurants and their European counterparts. Max follows with a blistering retort to John Curtas’ recent criticism of his fellow food critics. Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The best bakery in Las Vegas! Vegas Uncork’d Guest: Max Jacobson Europe vs. Vegas Max …

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Top of the Food Chain #039: Comparing 'Real' French with 'Vegas' French (Audio) 32:18

13+ y ago32:18

32:18

Max Jacobson returns to Top of the Food Chain with a first-hand comparison between Las Vegas restaurants and their European counterparts. Max follows with a blistering retort to John Curtas’ recent criticism of his fellow food critics.By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #038: A Great Cause, Some Bad Language 37:37

13+ y ago37:37

37:37

As we learn from Three Square Food Bank‘s Erica Thompson, Restaurant Week combines great food and great prices. . .all for a great cause. That’s the happy, peppy, bursting with love portion of the show. Then John Curtas is back to spread a little love among some of his favorite Restaurant Week locations, followed by a two-prong attack against FCC r…

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Top of the Food Chain #038: A Great Cause, Some Bad Language (Audio) 37:32

13+ y ago37:32

37:32

As we learn from Three Square Food Bank‘s Erica Thompson, Restaurant Week combines great food and great prices. . .all for a great cause. That’s the happy, peppy, bursting with love portion of the show. Then John Curtas is back to spread a little love among some of his favorite Restaurant Week locations, followed by a two-prong attack against FCC r…

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Top of the Food Chain #037: Let's Talk Tapas 38:42

13+ y ago38:42

38:42

On this episode of Top of the Food Chain Al is talking tapas with Nina Manchev, owner of Bar Forte. Together they discuss the history of tapas (it’s not just small plates), tapas for beginners, and wrap up by discussing Bulgarian cuisine and the lazy man’s sangria, Calimocho. Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The best bakery in Las Vegas! Guest: Nina Man…

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Top of the Food Chain #037: Let's Talk Tapas (Audio) 38:37

13+ y ago38:37

38:37

On this episode of Top of the Food Chain Al is talking tapas with Nina Manchev, owner of Bar Forte. Together they discuss the history of tapas (it’s not just small plates), tapas for beginners, and wrap up by discussing Bulgarian cuisine and the lazy man’s sangria, Calimocho.By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #036: Introduction to Thai Cuisine 41:14

13+ y ago41:14

41:14

Al is joined by Chef Jet Tila (Iron Chef America) to discuss the regions, tastes, and history of Thai cuisine on this episode of Top of the Food Chain. Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The best bakery in Las Vegas! Guest: Chef Jet Tila History of Thai cuisine Regions of Thai cuisine and how they differ Chef Jet’s recommendations on how to make your own …

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Top of the Food Chain #036: Introduction to Thai Cuisine (Audio) 41:09

13+ y ago41:09

41:09

Al is joined by Chef Jet Tila (Iron Chef America) to discuss the regions, tastes, and history of Thai cuisine on this episode of Top of the Food Chain.By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #035: The Modern Mixologist 40:55

13+ y ago40:55

40:55

Al is joined by Tony Abou-Ganim (Iron Chef America, Fine Living Network) to talk about the evolution of mixology from the Gothic age to the present on this episode of Top of the Food Chain. (It’s pretty cool to talk the guy who invented the Cable Car.) Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The best bakery in Las Vegas! Guest: Tony Abou-Ganim, author the mode…

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Top of the Food Chain #035: The Modern Mixologist (Audio) 40:50

13+ y ago40:50

40:50

Al is joined by Tony Abou-Ganim (Iron Chef America, Fine Living Network) to talk about the evolution of mixology from the Gothic age to the present on this episode of Top of the Food Chain. (It’s pretty cool to talk the guy who invented the Cable Car.)By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #034: What is Offal?

13+ y ago

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Comme Ca’s executive chef Brian Howard makes a return visit to Top of the Food Chain, together he and Al define offal and give us a look at it’s many different uses. Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The best bakery in Las Vegas! Guest: Comme Ca’s executive chef, Brian Howard Definition of offal Ways to cook offal Brian’s favorite uses for offal…

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Top of the Food Chain #034: What is Offal? (Audio) 44:28

13+ y ago44:28

44:28

Comme Ca’s executive chef Brian Howard makes a return visit to Top of the Food Chain, together he and Al define offal and give us a look at it’s many different uses.By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #033: Pour Me a Port Please 47:56

13+ y ago47:56

47:56

Al welcomes back Marche Bacchus’ Jeff and Rhonda Wyatt and together we discuss wines in the port family. We explore the types of port, what foods pair well with port wine, and more on this episode of Top of the Food Chain. Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The best bakery in Las Vegas! Guests: Marche Bacchus’ Jeff and Rhonda Wyatt Port wine Types of Port…

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Top of the Food Chain #033: Pour Me a Port Please (Audio) 47:50

13+ y ago47:50

47:50

Al welcomes back Marche Bacchus’ Jeff and Rhonda Wyatt and together we discuss wines in the port family. We explore the types of port, what foods pair well with port wine, and more on this episode of Top of the Food Chain.By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #032: Serving Up Some Pizza Goodness 39:46

13+ y ago39:46

39:46

Besides bringing up whose grandma makes the best meatballs (don’t ask), Al and his guests Due Forni Pizza’s Alex Taylor (managing partner) and Carlos Buscaglia (partner/executive chef) dole out a slice of pizza wisdom. Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The best bakery in Las Vegas! Guests: Due Forni Pizza’s Alex Taylor and Carlos Buscaglia Everything the…

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Top of the Food Chain #032: Serving Up Some Pizza Goodness (Audio) 39:41

13+ y ago39:41

39:41

Besides bringing up whose grandma makes the best meatballs (don’t ask), Al and his guests Due Forni Pizza’s Alex Taylor (managing partner) and Carlos Buscaglia (partner/executive chef) dole out a slice of pizza wisdom.By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #031: John and Al – Round Two? 41:45

13+ y ago41:45

41:45

For our first episode of 2012 Al welcomes back author and food writer John Curtas. Together, with boxing gloves put aside, they review the foodie trends of 2011. Then the boys look ahead and make some predictions for the food landscape in 2012. Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The best bakery in Las Vegas! Guest: John Curtas, author and food writer Al’s…

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Top of the Food Chain #031: John and Al – Round Two? (Audio) 41:40

13+ y ago41:40

41:40

For our first episode of 2012 Al welcomes back author and food writer John Curtas. Together, with boxing gloves put aside, they review the foodie trends of 2011. Then the boys look ahead and make some predictions for the food landscape in 2012.By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #030: Tiny Bubbles & Sparkling Wine, Makes Me Happy. . . 38:48

13+ y ago38:48

38:48

For our final holiday-themed show, and the last of 2011, Al begins by recommending four Christmas dinner options of varying price points on the Strip. Then, Ken Shey (Sommelier, The Range Steakhouse) joins us for a lesson in champagne and sparkling wines. Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The best bakery in Las Vegas! Guest: Ken Shey, Sommelier, The Rang…

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Top of the Food Chain #030: Tiny Bubbles & Sparkling Wine, Makes Me Happy. . . (Audio) 38:44

13+ y ago38:44

38:44

For our final holiday-themed show, and the last of 2011, Al begins by recommending four Christmas dinner options of varying price points on the Strip. Then, Ken Shey (Sommelier, The Range Steakhouse) joins us for a lesson in champagne and sparkling wines.By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #029: Learn How to Make the Best Eggnog Ever! 39:26

13+ y ago39:26

39:26

For holiday-themed show number two, Matt Myers (assistant director of beverage, Bellagio) makes what we believe is the best eggnog ever! And now, you can make it as well! (Don’t let the liquid nitrogen scare you. . .we were perfectly safe.) Visit Bread and Butter, LV. The best bakery in Las Vegas! Guest: Matt Myers, Assistant Director of Beverage B…

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Top of the Food Chain #029: Learn How to Make the Best Eggnog Ever! (Audio) 39:21

13+ y ago39:21

39:21

For holiday-themed show number two, Matt Myers (assistant director of beverage, Bellagio) makes what we believe is the best eggnog ever! And now, you can make it as well! (Don’t let the liquid nitrogen scare you. . .we were perfectly safe.)By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #028: Can You Really Love a Fruitcake? 38:41

13+ y ago38:41

38:41

Top of the Food Chain is back and in the holiday spirit. In what will be a series of holiday-themed shows, we begin by talking with Bread and Butter, Las Vegas executive chef Chris Herrin about three often-maligned holiday food offerings; fruitcake, mincemeat, and gingerbread. (Chris and Al actually eat a fruitcake. Who knew you could eat those thi…

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Top of the Food Chain #028: Can You Really Love a Fruitcake? (Audio) 38:36

13+ y ago38:36

38:36

Top of the Food Chain is back and in the holiday spirit. In what will be a series of holiday-themed shows, we begin by talking with Bread and Butter, Las Vegas executive chef Chris Herrin about three often-maligned holiday food offerings; fruitcake, mincemeat, and gingerbread. (Chris and Al actually eat a fruitcake. Who knew you could eat those thi…

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Top of the Food Chain #027: From France [Bistro's] to America [Turkey's] 38:31

13+ y ago38:31

38:31

We continue our global travels at Top of the Food Chain with Comme Ca’s Executive Chef Brian Howard as he tells us the difference between French bistro and brasserie food. Then we swing back to the USA and learn Brian’s secret for perfect Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing. Guest: Comme Ca’s Executive Chef, Brian Howard Differences between Bistro and…

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Top of the Food Chain #027: From France [Bistro's] to America [Turkey's] (Audio) 38:26

13+ y ago38:26

38:26

We continue our global travels at Top of the Food Chain with Comme Ca’s Excutive Chef Brian Howard as he tells us the difference between French bistro and brasserie food. Then we swing back to the USA and learn Brian’s secret for perfect Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing.By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network

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Top of the Food Chain #026: Lutefisk, You Will Eat It and You Will Like It! 36:00

13+ y ago36:00

36:00

Top of the Food Chain travels to Norway to talk about what is clearly one of the most maligned foods ever covered here on the show. You think Rodney Dangerfield gets no respect, try being Lutefisk. Guest: Dave Nelson, VP Desert Troll Lodge 6-165 of Sons of Norway Guest: Krishun Stanton, Social Director Desert Troll Lodge 6-165 of Sons of Norway Lut…

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Top of the Food Chain #026: Lutefisk, You Will Eat It and You Will Like It! (Audio) 35:56

13+ y ago35:56

35:56

Top of the Food Chain travels to Norway to talk about what is clearly one of the most maligned foods ever covered here on the show. You think Rodney Dangerfield gets no respect, try being Lutefisk.By Al Mancini, Vegas Video Network