Beni Velazquez OUT at Essence & Herbs; Restaurant Flips to One5

If you’ve been following the recent career of former Bar + Bistro chef Beni Velazquez, there is yet another twist to the tale. Velasquez has quietly left his latest position at Essence & Herbs, while the Lake Las Vegas restaurant continues under the new name of One5 Lakeside.

Essence & Herbs served "eclectic Latin" cuisine and was self-described as a "Tapas Joint by Chef Beni." Chanthy Walsh remains in charge of the new direction and also continues to operate one of the very few long running success stories at the Montelago Village, Mexican restaurant Sonrisa Grill.

Featuring an updated menu, but no further staff changes, One5 is open Tuesday to Thursday from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant has been been advertising a $20 "all you can eat" option on Thursday nights, featuring dishes such as marinated chicken tacos, mini roast beef sandwiches and pork scallopine.

Velazquez has yet to announce his next venture. In the past two years he has been connected to Tony Bolonys, before the casual spot transitioned into Plantone’s Italian Market, and once operated Latin Fish, Isabela's and Republic at Desert Shores, in the space now occupied by Americana. Before he made the move to Lake Las Vegas, the chef confidently revealed to the Review-Journal he had "a large following in Henderson."

• All Coverage of Beni Velazquez [ELV]

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