8 chapters across the catalog
MGM Grand Air was a luxury airline in the late 1980s that featured staterooms and captain's chairs on flights between New York and Los Angeles. During one flight, a passenger shared a stateroom with actor Sean Penn, his brother, and his mother. When asked about his marriage to Madonna, Penn reportedly replied, "Hell hath no fury," before remaining silent for the rest of the trip.
Renowned French chef Joël Robuchon passed away, prompting a discussion about his culinary legacy and his signature "whipped potatoes." The hosts recalled dining at his restaurant at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. They discussed the fate of high-end restaurants after the passing of their namesake chefs, citing Lutece in New York as a historical example.
MGM Grand Political Ties, Security Guard Jesus Campos
The ownership of MGM Grand is scrutinized for its donations to organizations like CARE and the Southern Poverty Law Center, as well as George Soros's divestment from the company in March 2017. Questions are raised regarding the timeline of security guard Jesus Campos, who was shot in the thigh through a door. The "arms dealer" theory is reinforced by the suggestion that Paddock used cameras on food carts to monitor potential buyers rather than law enforcement.
A personal anecdote describes a flight on the luxury MGM Grand Air service in the late 1980s with Sean Penn, his brother, and his mother. The encounter was characterized by Penn's brother drinking heavily and Penn himself remaining quiet after being asked about his marriage to Madonna.
The hosts exchange stories about luxury travel, including gold toilets on MGM Grand Air and the cramped, uncomfortable reality of flying on the Concorde. One host recalls a flight on the Concorde where a "drunk Liza Minnelli" chattered throughout the journey.
The Airbus A380 has begun service at San Francisco International Airport, requiring specialized gates for its double-decker configuration. This prompts a reminiscence of MGM Grand Air, a luxury airline that operated between New York and Los Angeles in the late 1980s. An anecdote involves sharing a stateroom with actor Sean Penn shortly after his divorce from Madonna.
A visit to L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas resulted in a disappointing dining experience attributed to the absence of the celebrity chef. The critique suggests that high-end Vegas restaurants often suffer in quality because the namesake chefs only visit for short periods every few months. Staff members reportedly characterized Robuchon as a difficult taskmaster, a trait argued to be necessary for maintaining culinary standards.
John C. Dvorak offers advice on navigating the massive MGM Grand hotel in Las Vegas, recommending that guests request rooms near the elevator shafts to avoid long walks. The discussion moves to the influx of world-renowned French chefs in Las Vegas, including Joel Robuchon and Alain Ducasse. Dvorak expresses disappointment at being unable to secure a reservation at these high-end establishments.
