Cheftimony

Graham MacLennan

Talking to chefs and sometimes lawyers... My name is Graham MacLennan and I've spent most of the last 20 years in law offices and in restaurant kitchens, so the people I know best are chefs and lawyers. On Cheftimony, I talk to both groups, but always to people who love food.

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20 episodes
Avg 35 min
English

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Friday · 12 min
A Snack of an Update
As I’ve said so many times, food’s real importance is the human connection it fosters, and I talk about that today along with some of the things I’ve eaten recently. We start on Haida Gwaii with Jags and Blacktail (and although Gather was closed on our recent trip, I did get a great visit in with Chef Giulio!). Returning to the mainland, I have (repeatedly) visited Raku Japanese Kitchen in West Vancouver and I go on about some delicious watermelon from Grounded Acres Farm that turned up at my house. Finally, I look ahead to the next full episode of Cheftimony, the season-ender for our look at the mighty steakhouse. What are the odds we’ll return to Las Vegas to do that?
May 8 · 46 min
Episode 083 - Circular Neon
You are listening to Episode 083 of the Cheftimony Podcast. Friends, steakhouses, and SCOOP!
April 25 · 37 min
Episode 082 - Martini Salad Cart
When you sit down at a steakhouse… …what really matters? Is it what’s on the plate… …or is it the experience that surrounds it? “I want a little pomp and circumstance!” These are wise words from Chef Claire Lassam of the wonderful Livia Sweets on Vancouver’s Commercial Drive. Claire, along with Michael Trager of the Vegas- and luxury-travel empire TravelZork, are my guests today as we talk through how a good steakhouse curates a feeling and all the little details that make up a great experience. Long-time listeners will remember Claire from Episode 044 of the show and Michael from Episode 057. Today, it’s all about the feels. Order your favourite drink, choose your cut and your sides, and sink into your chair for the talk. To the steakhouse we go.
April 10 · 50 min
Episode 081 - Something for Everyone
Is a secret to the steakhouse’s enduring appeal that it offers something for everyone? I think that must be at least part of the answer. In my first interview today, I re-connect with the impressive Las Vegas chef and entrepreneur Gary FX LaMorte. Gary has designed a lot of menus over a lot of years, and he talks about the importance to the menu of both familiarity (70% of menu items should sit comfortably with guests) and variety (everyone should be able to order something). Steakhouses have this math right. Gary first joined me on Episode 064 of Cheftimony where we talked about his early days in the Vegas culinary scene and his more recent work through Honest Hospitality, cooking for the Las Vegas Raiders and many others. Today, Gary and I dive into why the steakhouse works as well as it does and a few of chef’s steakhouse picks in Las Vegas. Up next, you’ll hear from Sonia and Dave of the excellent youtube channel Daverrason Travels and the podcast by Texans for everyone, It’s Vegas Y’all. Dave and Sonia explain the difference between the Texas steakhouse and the Vegas steakhouse, and we visit a few spots on the Strip and Downtown. While they have a soft spot for Andiamo Downtown, these two have also witnessed the presentation of the over-the-top $1,000 Australian wagyu tomahawk at Papi Steak in the Fountainbleau Las Vegas. Finally today, you’ll hear from the always-engaging Josh “Vegas” Duffy of the extremely popular Crap Vegas podcast. Josh first appeared on Cheftimony in November 2024 after we and many others enjoyed a great meal at Sinatra restaurant at the Wynn resort and casino. Today, Josh and I talk about the broad appeal of steakhouses, a difference in wine service between two top spots on the Strip and – for good measure - McDonald’s in Europe and dessert in Seattle! Right this way, the steakhouse is about to open once more.
April 3 · 12 min
Cheftimony Snack - Steakhouse Status
It’s a quick snack today to bring you up to date on where we’ve been in Season 7 and where we’re going next. We’ve had two full episodes so far, both squarely focused on the theme of the season – the steakhouse. Because Las Vegas is both my favourite city to visit and a global contender for best steakhouse city, the discussions have been very Vegas-centric. On Episode 079 and Episode 080, we started to explore just why the steakhouse remains so popular by speaking with chefs, a lawyer and members of the passionate Vegas podcasting and vlogging community. Today, I give a quick recap of those episodes. I also share a few thoughts on just three of my many beloved steakhouses in Las Vegas. These are Herbs and Rye off-Strip, SW at the Wynn on-Strip, and Oscar’s at the Plaza as my Downtown favourite. The Plaza has its own great podcast, On the Corner of Main Street, and one of my favourite episodes features an interview with long-serving Oscar’s waiter Nick Ziai. Nick has been serving in Las Vegas for decades and captures just why service is such a big part of the magic of the steakhouse. At the end of the show today, I ask for your help in making this season better. If you have a steakhouse question or a steakhouse story to share, get in touch! All right, it’s a quick one today. To the steakhouses we go.
March 27 · 40 min
Episode 080 - "Boys, we need extra gravy."
The steakhouse exploration continues today! My guests and I discuss why the steakhouse continues to appeal and just where to go in Las Vegas to enjoy a steakhouse experience. Three guests are friends from the Las Vegas podcasting community, and my final guest is one amazing chef who has been doing amazing things on the Las Vegas Strip for years. First up are Mark DeVol and Dr. Mike from the iconic You Can Bet on That podcast. While these two sensibly focus their time in Vegas on the important business of gambling, they also frequent a steakhouse now and again and today, they share their thoughts and picks. Dr. Mike also tells what I’ve titled “The Gravy Story” in my mind, a fantastic tale that inspired the title of today’s episode. Next you’ll hear from Adam Bauer, one third of the terrific Handy at the Chandy podcast and curator of Cheapskate Vegas. Adam shares my life experience of having worked in a steakhouse and he’s a Chicago guy to boot, which means he knows all about steak. Adam and I talk beef, mocktails and his pick for a Vegas outpost of a venerable Chicago steakhouse. Finally, I am delighted to welcome back to the podcast the talented and wonderful Chef Nicole Brisson. You heard in detail from Chef on Episode 063 of Cheftimony where we talked about her incredible restaurant Brezza, and Nicole kindly returns today to talk all about steakhouses. As you’ll hear, Chef was in charge of the kitchen where I enjoyed the steak that has taken on mythic properties in my memory. We talk about it today, along with some of Chef’s picks for both steak and pasta from the current Brezza menu. This chef knows beef, and her thoughts on dry-ageing, on cuts and on what to enjoy with your steak will make you a much, much happier diner for the listen. The pull to return to Las Vegas grew throughout the episode today, and the prospect of sinking into a booth at Brezza almost had me booking a flight. For now, though, conversations will have to do… so join us all, the steakhouses of Las Vegas are waiting!
March 20 · 42 min
Episode 079 - "I like steak!"
It’s easy to explain why I love a good steak… but how to explain a love for the steakhouse itself? Why are so many of us, me included, drawn to a restaurant that showcases an item we can cook at home; a restaurant that doesn’t break much new ground in cooking; and a restaurant that can be very expensive? It’s a question I’ve pondered for a good long while but haven’t been able to answer. I turned to some friends. Friends who love steakhouses and who love the steakhouses in a very steakhouse-friendly city, Las Vegas. Episode 079 is the first of the steakhouse-exclusive episodes of the Cheftimony Podcast. Starting us off strong, my three guests today are a lawyer, a butcher and a chef. Each loves Las Vegas, and they all share insight into just why the steakhouse appeals. Dayvid Figler is a Vegas-based lawyer, podcast host and steakhouse enthusiast. Over the years, Dayvid and I have shared views on food on each other's podcasts, and I'm delighted to welcome him back to Cheftimony. Nick Hermann is a professional butcher and one half (his wife Allie being the better half) of The Dope Life, a very fun look at what’s great in Las Vegas. Nick knows the cuts of beef you should order. Chef James Trees is an institution in Las Vegas, responsible for many of the city’s best dining spots. His latest venture, High Steaks, is a gorgeous steakhouse set high above the Vegas Strip. Choose your cut… pour your drink… and join us to talk steakhouses…
January 10 · 48 min
Episode 078 - Absence Makes the Heart… Go to Spain
As you may recall from Episode 075, I’m not visiting the United States right now, which means I’m not visiting my favourite city in the world to visit, Las Vegas, Nevada. But in very good news, my friend Tania Tomaszewska recently did. And on the show today, Tania and I dive into some of the many tasty sips and bites she enjoyed, particularly in the remarkable Arts District of Las Vegas. When we wrap up Las Vegas, Tania and I head to northern Spain for a quick re-cap of my October trip to the delightful and delicious Zarautz. While I’m missing Las Vegas terribly, re-living some of the tastes from Spain definitely helped to ease the pain. Join us for the chat!
Aug 29, 2025 · 29 min
Episode 077 - The Coffee Shop on the Edge of the World
If you’re going to stare out over the ocean beyond the horizon and into the infinite, you’re well advised to have a great cup of coffee while you do it. And there is a place for coffee unlike any you’ve ever been to, unless you’re lucky enough to have been to Haida Gwaii. And to Jags. At the end of June, I sat down after-hours with family team members Khataya and with Jags himself (the shop’s namesake and Khataya’s father), to learn just how their family created this wonderfully special place. Join us for a talk that starts in the shop pouring coffee and baking scones, but quickly winds down logging roads, hikes a trail, and flies to Vancouver for a coffee expo. We also take the scenic route through a business-funding story that is the closest I’ve come in real life to Willy Wonka’s golden tickets! Haida Gwaii is a special place. Jags is a fantastic spot for coffee and food and conversation. Episode 077 gives you a glimpse.
Aug 9, 2025 · 9 min
Rest well, Mark.
We recently lost the wonderful Mark Wojtowicz Jr., driving force behind the 360 Vegas Podcast. In today’s short episode, I share some memories of great times with Mark and thank him for all the Vegas history lessons, for sharing some delicious meals, and most especially for building a terrific community of Las Vegas nerds I am lucky to call friends.
Jun 6, 2025 · 34 min
Episode 076 - Signed, Sealed, Cellared
My guest today is Megan O’Neill, a Vancouver-based lawyer who focuses on the wine industry. Megan shares how she found her way into “wine law,” how she supports clients in the space, and the creative ways younger people are finding to break into a traditionally expensive industry. We explore tariff and interprovincial trade issues, the work of industry organizations, and the impact of shifting demographics—particularly the challenge facing winery owners as their core customer base of boomers ages, while younger consumers show more interest in lower-alcohol or no-alcohol options - the world of “nolo”. Megan also offers some great career advice for those starting out (in any field!), along with a few of her current favourite food and wine picks. Think high-acid pinot noir and some delicious rosés, perfect for summer. Join us!
Apr 9, 2025 · 27 min
Episode 075 - Seeking New City
In an outcome I’m really glad I didn’t bet on happening… I just cancelled my trip to Las Vegas scheduled for later this month. I can’t say when I’ll be ready to go again. Thanks to my friends Sonja Cho Swanson and Dayvid Figler at the fantastic City Cast Las Vegas Podcast for inviting me to share my thoughts on just what led me to pull the plug and to give up all that glorious food and gambling. In today’s episode, I’m sharing an interview with City Cast co-host Dayvid, from a recent City Cast Las Vegas episode. You can hear that full episode (and subscribe to that fantastic show) right over here. Stay great, Las Vegas, I do hope to see you again!
Mar 28, 2025 · 33 min
Episode 074 - A Punch in the Nose
Today, my guest is Chef Thompson Tran of The Wooden Boat Food Company. Long-time listeners to Cheftimony have heard from Thompson in the past. He’s an old friend, and we met way back in the day when I was a stagiaire at Bishop’s restaurant in Vancouver. You can hear more on Chef’s background on Episode 009 of the show and on a Snapshot episode in the summer of 2021. In today’s episode, Thompson and I dive right on into the joys of middle age, cooking for children and – of all things – boxing. Chef is taking part in a charity boxing match on Friday, April 4th, and we discuss the charity the event is supporting (McMaster Children’s Hospital) and the training regime Thompson is currently working his way through. We also touch on the latest in Chef’s business and a couple of his recent favourite dining experiences. Join me in supporting this great charity boxing match! You can donate to Chef Thompson Tran at this link. And more information about the event (and the opportunity to purchase a livestream link) is available right here.
Mar 8, 2025 · 27 min
Episode 073 - Travelling in Style with Julia
Today, points-and-miles expert Julia Menez of Geobreeze Travel joins me to talk delicious food around the world. We also dive into some of the techniques Julia uses to significantly reduce the cost of luxury travel and the outstanding food and drink that goes along with it. From her current home base in Las Vegas where Julia loves off-Strip dining, to a steakhouse in Buenos Aires, to some great (and not-so-great) food options when flying business or first class, Julia takes us to some of her favourite food-friendly destinations around the globe. If you’ve ever boarded a flight and wondered what the folks in first class are enjoying for lunch (and just how to get there without spending a fortune), Julia’s is a voice you should hear. Join us for some points, and some miles, but most importantly, for the food!
Dec 13, 2024 · 47 min
Episode 072 - Fifteen Minutes with Anjula
All right, it’s more like 45 minutes than fifteen, but the point is you’re going to hear from the wonderful Chef Anjula Devi. I had the enviable job of speaking with Chef about her long-standing interest in food, her experiences growing up in the UK in a first-generation immigrant family that used food to forge community, and about Anjula’s soon-to-be-released new cookbook, 15-Minute Indian. Surprisingly for Cheftimony, we also talk a little sports! Or at least about the most important aspect of sports – the food available on game day. Join us for the talk! Detailed show notes are at the Cheftimony website.
Nov 12, 2024 · 17 min
Cheftimony Snack - Dinner with Frank
Today I’m taking you inside the Chairman’s Room at Sinatra Restaurant at Wynn Las Vegas. You’ll hear from several of the lucky dinner guests with their thoughts on the private, Frank Sinatra-inspired menu that Michael of TravelZork and ZorkFest, Keren from the 360 Vegas Podcast, and I planned way back on Episode 070 of Cheftimony. Join us in the Chairman’s Room at Sinatra, and head to the Cheftimony website for detailed show notes, including the exact menu from which our twenty diners had to make their choices for each course.
Nov 1, 2024 · 54 min
Episode 071 - Zero Proof
Today my friend Tania Tomaszewska and I dive deep into the world of NOLO and “zebra”-ing. And yes, those terms were new to me too! Our topic is no- and low-alcohol drinks (hence “NOLO”), and Tania and I discuss the increasingly popular choice to reduce alcohol consumption by alternating between drinks with and without alcohol: zebra-ing. Today on Cheftimony, I’m sharing the latest episode of the excellent TT Wine Explorer Podcast in full. You’re about to hear Episode 19: The Rise of NOLO. Join us for our talk, and head to the Cheftimony website for detailed show notes.
Oct 29, 2024 · 21 min
Cheftimony Snack: Just what makes a great burger?
Today’s snack-sized episode answers a seemingly simple question: “Just what goes into making a great burger?” My guest is Chef Robert Belcham who shares the goods on his iconic Dirty Burger. Detailed show notes are at the Cheftimony website.
Oct 2, 2024 · 52 min
Episode 070 - Caviar Bump
Join me and my friends Keren and Michael for a behind-the-scenes discussion as we plan two beautiful menus for an extravagant dinner for twenty in fabulous Las Vegas. Detailed show notes are at the Cheftimony website.
Jun 2, 2024 · 56 min
Episode 069, Part 2 - The Season Wraps
The second and final part of Episode 069 is here! Keren and I complete our talk about fantastic Vegas restaurants - past and present - and we welcome two new Vegas-based guests to share their thoughts too. Detailed show notes are at the Cheftimony website.

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