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.
Craig Taylor left Ohio State University after two years to start his career in the restaurant industry, taking chance by heading to Aspen, Colo., in 1981 to work in the pantry at the historic Hotel Jerome. After two years, he moved on to Boulder, Colo., to learn Italian, authentic Creole and California cuisines. He went to the Westin San Francisco Airport five years later to work as a sous chef, working with the hotel chain for more than a decade in Atlanta, Indianapolis and San Francisco. By 1999, he was ready for Vegas, serving as the executive chef of Buccaneer Bay restaurant at Treasure Island and later being promoted to executive sous chef at the property. He became the executive chef there in 2001, overseeing all culinary operations, two dozen chefs and numerous restaurants. Here, he shares some of his favorite places to dine in Las Vegas, including two local favorites and a place for great poutine.
Which restaurants do you turn to when you're not working?
Honey Salt
Public House at the Venetian
Lola's Louisiana Kitchen
What dishes are most memorable?
Honey Salt — They have great curry chicken, and the tasting menu is always interesting. A great value!
Public House at the Venetian — Poutine, a duck confit with a demi glaze, cheese curds and a fried egg. Please bring back the frogs legs! Lightly dusted in seasoned flour, brown butter and capers. Wow, so good!
Lola's Louisiana Kitchen — Bronzed catfish and gouda grits, and any po boy, dressed of course with some Crystals Hot Sauce. It's the real deal.
Why do you enjoy going there?
They are always consistent. I love the Abbita beer at Lola's and craft cocktails at Honey Salt. The Midnight Rambler is my favorite.
· All Coverage of Treasure Island [~ELV~]
· All Dining Confidentials [~ELV~]
Craig Taylor [Photo: Treasure Island]
