Mike Tougas, front-of-house lead at Denver’s acclaimed Tavernetta, joins us to share how he made the leap from civil engineering into the world of fine dining — and what it took to earn his place in one of the city’s most respected restaurants.

After joining Tavernetta with no prior restaurant experience, Mike leaned into the discipline of service, mentorship, and consistent growth. We talk about his path from entry-level to leadership, what it’s like working in a Michelin-recognized restaurant, and how Denver’s food scene has evolved with the arrival of the Michelin Guide.

Nick McMillan, co-owner of the iconic Golden Steer Steakhouse in Las Vegas, joins us to share how he and his wife Amanda stepped in to carry forward one of the city’s most historic restaurants.

After taking over the Golden Steer in 2019, they brought a fresh perspective to a legacy brand — modernizing operations, investing in digital storytelling, and launching a thriving line of consumer products. We talk about navigating a pandemic-era pivot, turning viral moments into menu staples, and bringing the Golden Steer experience coast-to-coast with a new location opening soon in New York City.

• (00:00:10) - How to Handle The Heat
• (00:01:01) - Favorite Foods of the World
• (00:02:12) - The Story of The Golden Steer
• (00:04:11) - Golden Steer Restaurant's 20th Anniversary
• (00:06:06) - The Golden Steer's transition to a digital business
• (00:11:03) - The Secret to Golden Steer's Success
• (00:12:06) - Nevada's Private Dining during the Shutdown
• (00:20:30) - Golden Steer Expands to New York
• (00:23:08) - The Golden Steer in Las Vegas
• (00:27:37) - Golden Steer on the Phone

Logan and Taylor Amstey, founders of Love Lamp Matcha in Austin, Texas, join us to share how they turned a simple dream into a thriving business.
After a two-year permitting journey, they opened their unique pottery studio and matcha shop in early 2025 — and within just six weeks, launched a second location. We talk about overcoming red tape, building an authentic community without paid ads, and partnering with creators and city officials to bring their vision to life.

• (00:00:10) - Handling The Heat
• (00:01:41) - Sweet Tooth Macaroons and Tacos
• (00:03:06) - The Matcha Drinker
• (00:06:56) - How Matcha Bar Started in Austin
• (00:11:46) - The Two Year Wait for Restaurants in Austin
• (00:13:47) - What Would That Be? Changes to the Permit Process?
• (00:17:10) - How To Start a Mexican Restaurant With Permitting
• (00:18:45) - The New York Matcha Bar
• (00:20:48) - The Secret to Startup Success
• (00:21:35) - Multiple Austin Influencers Collaborate With Love Lamp
• (00:25:57) - Wanderlust Wineco: A Month Later
• (00:31:40) - What do you think is next for Matcha?
• (00:33:16) - Logan and Taylor's Matcha Shop: Starting a Business in