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San Antonio chef Johnny Hernandez is bringing his highly praised twist on Mexican street foods to the newly opened Forum Food Court inside Caesars Palace. He'll be joining the already debuted Smashburger, Brooklyn's DiFara Pizza and Maryland's Phillips Seafood Express.
Hernandez is renowned for his Mexican inspired cuisine found at The Fruteria-Botanero by Chef Johnny Hernandez and El Machito. A Top Chef judge, he opened the original La Gloria in May 2010, describing the concept as "a place that was created to celebrate the rich and delicious street foods from interior Mexico. Fromtacos al pastor in Mexico City, tlayudas in Oaxaca, to cocteles de mariscos from Veracruz, Mexico’s street foods are as unique and colorful as its traditions, culture and people."
After being voted "Best New Restaurant" by San Antonio Magazine, La Gloria opened a smaller, quick serve location at San Antonio International Airport, providing the template for Las Vegas. Hernandez includes a stint working at the Mirage Hotel & Casino as part of his early career building resume.
Forum Food Court- Photograph Amelinda B Lee
No timetable for La Gloria's arrival has been released, nor has an official announcement of Hernandez's plans for Las Vegas. However, the restaurant's logo is currently on display in plain sight at the entrance to the food court. Also joining La Gloria on the construction horizon, an outpost of Cincinnati based Graeter's ice cream.