This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Al Mancini, who has covered the Las Vegas dining scene for numerous publications since 2003. He currently writes for the Las Vegas Review-Journal. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Mancini talks about his journey to the culinary world in Las Vegas; why he believes the Vegas dining scene will bounce back after COVID; where the off-Strip restaurant action is heading; how the food and beverage industry impresses him with its innovation during the pandemic; why one of the messages that restaurants should send their customers as they fully reopen is: “We care about you”; and most important of all, what he sees as the future of the buffet.
Mancini is a graduate of Seton Hall University and Brooklyn Law School, who began his career in journalism as a music reporter for ABC News Radio in 1996. He moved to Las Vegas to cover Southern Nevada for the network in 2001.
Las Vegas Review Journal Website
FAQS About Al Mancini Las Vegas
Who is Chef Al Mancini?
Al Mancini is a well-known food writer and journalist based in Las Vegas. He is the creator of the "Neon Feast" mobile app and website, which provides restaurant recommendations from top chefs, critics, and influencers in Las Vegas. Mancini has a rich background in journalism, having started his career as a music reporter before transitioning to cover the dining scene in Las Vegas. He has also authored and co-authored several editions of the book "Eating Las Vegas: The 50 Essential Restaurants"
Where is Chef Al Mancini from?
Al Mancini originally hails from New York City, where he developed his passion for food while attending law school and working in the vibrant dining scene. He later moved to Las Vegas to continue his journalism career and has been a prominent figure in the local food industry for over two decades
How old is Chef Al Mancini?
The specific age of Al Mancini is not publicly disclosed in the sources available. However, given his extensive career, starting in journalism in 1996 and covering the Las Vegas dining scene since 2003, he is likely in his late 40s to early 50s.
Is Chef Al Mancini a journalist?
Yes, Al Mancini is a journalist. He began his journalism career as a music reporter for ABC News Radio and later moved to Las Vegas to cover the local dining scene. He has written for numerous publications, including the Las Vegas Review-Journal, and is known for his in-depth knowledge and coverage of the Las Vegas food and restaurant scene.
What is the Neon Feast Mobile App?
The Neon Feast mobile app, created by Al Mancini, is a curated restaurant guide designed to help users find the best dining options in Las Vegas. Unlike traditional crowd-sourced review platforms, Neon Feast leverages recommendations from a select group of local experts, including top chefs, restaurateurs, journalists, and influencers. This ensures that only knowledgeable opinions contribute to the listings.
Launched in early 2022, the app features more than 400 restaurants categorized by neighborhood, cuisine, and user interests, providing a tailored dining experience. It includes features such as reservation connectivity and a concierge button, but restaurants cannot buy their way into the listings—they must be recommended by the app's contributors.
Neon Feast aims to replace the noise of generalized online reviews with trusted insights, making it easier for both locals and visitors to find great places to eat. The app continues to update regularly, incorporating new expert recommendations and targeted outreach for specialty lists like Black-owned, LGBTQ-owned, and women-owned restaurants.
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