In a world where culinary craftsmanship garners the same admiration and breathless excitement as peak performance on the silver screen, the James Beard Foundation Awards holds the limelight. Earning a nomination in these awards is akin to an Oscar nod, hence, being the theatrical platform for culinary stars. This year, Steve Kestler, a chef hailing from Las Vegas, has reached the final cutting board of this gourmet showdown, bringing his Latin American inspired creations all the way from Aroma Cocina closer to the cherished title of ‘Best Chef in the Southwest.’
Before delighting Henderson’s palates at Aroma, Kestler honed his skills under famed chefs Thomas Keller and José Andrés, transforming ordinary ingredients into extraordinary dining experiences at Bouchon at The Venetian and Bazaar Meat respectively. Having launched Aroma last October, he desired to bring a slice of his Guatemalan home to Henderson – an endeavor warmly recognized as Kestler’s humble eight-table joint was adjudged Yelp’s finest taco hub in the US.
Sadly, an identical joy could not be shared by Oscar Amador of Anima by EDO, Kimmie and Josh Mcintosh from MILKFISH Bakeshop, and DJ Flores of Milpa along with Brian Howard of Sparrow + Wolf. Falling short in their respective categories, they were eliminated from the race. The ultimate culinary laurels are scheduled to be unveiled in Chicago, come June 10.
In contrast to the rise of Aroma, Bella Vita, a decade-long Green Valley Ranch fixture, wrapped up its operations. The decision, shrouded in mystery, was announced in a cryptic Facebook post. Given that success often equates to survival in Las Vegas’s competitive dining ecosystem, one can’t help but deduce that financial difficulties possibly played their part.
On a brighter note, District Deli & Coffee poured freshly brewed optimism in the vacant space that once housed Braeswood Barbecue. Located downtown at 1504 S. Main St, this new hangout joins the bustling food scene. Also spicing up the homogeneity is Modern Market Eatery, a flourishing fast-casual chain that originated in Colorado—it intends to sow its health-conscious seeds in six Las Vegas locations soon.
At Neonopolis, downtown Las Vegas, Dick’s Last Resort passed the unconventional baton to Hammered Harry’s, another novelty eatery known for its intentional faux pas. Furthermore, Gibran Fernandez has decided to bring San Diego’s pizza delight, Mr. Moto’s, to the Las Vegas culinary carnival, opening the path for deserving epicures to be swept off their feet by promised gourmet magic, later this month at 9270 S. Rainbow Blvd.
