Sin City is home to a lot of restaurants and bars, but there are tons of hidden gems that the majority of Las Vegans aren't unearthing. To help guide us to these potential discoveries, we've enlisted some of our city's food players to share their recommendations for a weekly feature dubbed Dining Confidential. Know a chef who wants to share some top dining spots? The tipline is open.
Nicole Brisson [Photo: Chelsea McManus]
Nicole Brisson grew up in upstate New York, where she was introduced to the culinary industry early by her grandfather, who ran a restaurant in Saratoga. After attending Johnson & Wales University, Brisson got to know the food writers Molly O'Neill and Faith Willinger, who helped her develop a love for local produce and cured meats in both the United States and Italy. After studying, Brisson went on to open Wynn Las Vegas under chefs Steven Kalt and Paul Bartolotta. Brisson served as chef di cucina at Otto Pizzeria for three years and is now the executive chef at Carnevino at the Palazzo. Here she shares her favorite places to dine when she's not working.
Where do you enjoy eating when you're not working?
When I'm not working I enjoy eating at Raku, Monta and Sen of Japan.
What dishes are most memorable?
At Raku I love the Kobe beef liver sashimi with green tea salt.
At Monta I crave the miso ramen with egg and mustard greens.
When I am able to go to Sen of Japan I could eat all of their sashimi. It's so fresh and simple but always delicious.
Why do you enjoy going there?
At Raku, I can always find something new that I haven't tried before.
All of these restaurants are great places to frequent after work.
I also dream of the ramen at Monta after meat throwing at our offsite facility.
When I get the opportunity to entertain friends Raku has a beautiful ambiance and an amazing sake selection.
· All Coverage of Carnevino [~ELV~]
· All Dining Confidentials [~ELV~]