Friend of the Podcast, superchef, and media sensation Yia Vang is back with your guys on LFE, and not a moment too soon, as he and his team at Vinai approach the final stretch of preparations for their massively anticipated restaurant opening.

When Yia last joined the program, he detailed the many challenges he faced in embarking on this long journey, making this chapter of the story even more worth celebrating. He tells Charles & Ben more about how his love for his parents inspired all that Vinai represents, the attention to detail of all the various design and furnishing choices in the new space, details about the forthcoming menu (including a hidden SECRET MENU that can be found IN the restaurant), and a heck of a lot more about what's going on in his life right now, in addition to these six topics (+six shots) of the week:

💭 Name a meal you used to be able to have that you can’t anymore, and you really really miss it.

🌡️ Would you rather never eat a hot meal again -or- never have a cold drink again?

⛱️ What is your favorite (non food or drink related) thing to do on a gorgeous day?

🐓 What is your favorite part of a chicken?

🗺️ What destination is your top I-want-to-go-but-I-haven’t-booked-anything yet?

🥰 What is the simplest thing in life right now that brings you joy and laughter?

Pull your seat up to the table, and join the conversation! LFE starts now.

Beverages of Choice

This week's featured spirit, courtesy of our sponsors at Suntory Global Spirits:

• Maker's Mark 101 High Proof Bourbon

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Chris Montana has a full plate this summer. The co-founder of Du Nord Social Spirits, living near New Orleans, is working on a multitude of new projects for Du Nord, while Shanelle Montana is reimagining the Du Nord Cocktail Room and opening New Orleans style restaurant Lagniappe-- both located at the newly renovated, historic Coliseum.

He hops on this edition of LFE to tell Quam & Charles all about how these projects came together, how the spirit of NOLA fits into the Twin Cities dining scene, and the inventive new program at the cocktail room, while tipping back six shots in combinations with these six topics of the week:

🧉 What, in the beverage world, have you wanted to catch on, but hasn’t?

🗯️ Is there a mantra or a piece of advice or a line from a book or a movie that you’ve leaned on as you’ve grown your business?

🍮 What’s something you love to order that’s from a restaurant or type of restaurant that wouldn’t traditionally be known for it?

📷 Do you have a random moment in the distant past that you have a really vivid memory of? Could be a mundane thing that you recall perfectly for no good reason, or a snapshot of a memorable time long ago.

🍛 What is the food item that you couldn’t live without?

🤗 What’s an activity that is non-work related that brings you immense joy?

Laissez le bon temps rouler! Let's do this.

Beverages of Choice

This week's featured spirit, courtesy of our sponsors at Beam Suntory:

• Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon

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All time great Clemson Tigers and Minnesota Vikings football player Ed McDaniel rarely does interviews, but the concept of sipping spirits and smoking cigars with Quam and Charles was enough to entice him to saddle up, head to Minneapolis, and sit down in front of mic for an afternoon of chopping it up on Libations for Everyone.

Here are your topics of the week:

🌶️ Do you remember the hot sauce that first made you fall in love?

👶 Name something you hated when you were a kid that you love now.

🏈 Why do we love sports so much? What does it for you?

🥃 What’s a beverage you drink that makes you feel a little fancy, when the occasion calls for it?

🥵 Name a food that you like to eat spicy that might surprise some people.

🛬 After so much travel in your life-- do you find commuting easier now, or have you grown to dislike it?

Blitz that play button and let's get winning!

Beverages of Choice

This week's featured spirit, courtesy of our sponsors at Beam Suntory:

• Tres Generaciones Añejo Tequila

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