Las Vegas is known for its vibrant culinary scene, with an abundance of restaurants and celebrity chefs dotting the city.
However, the world of professional cooking has traditionally been male-dominated, with women struggling to make a name for themselves in this competitive industry.
In recent years, however, female chefs in Las Vegas have been breaking barriers and making their mark in the culinary world, shattering stereotypes and challenging long-held beliefs about gender roles in the kitchen.
In this article, we will be looking at some of the most talented and innovative female chefs in the city, (see also: 8 Female Las Vegas Chefs We Adore)and examine how they are changing the face of Las Vegas’s culinary landscape.
Let’s get started.
1. Christina Tosi
Christina Tosi is a well-known pastry chef and founder of Milk Bar, a dessert and bakery chain with locations in several cities, including Las Vegas.
Tosi is originally from Ohio and began her career working in various pastry kitchens in New York City.
In 2008, she joined David Chang’s Momofuku restaurant group and became the pastry chef at Momofuku Milk Bar, where she developed unique and innovative desserts like the famous “Crack Pie” and “Cereal Milk Soft Serve.”
In 2012, Tosi opened the first Milk Bar location in New York City, and since then, the brand has expanded to several other cities, including Las Vegas.
Milk Bar offers a variety of baked goods, cakes, and desserts that have become popular across the country.
While Tosi is not based in Las Vegas, Milk Bar has a location at the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, where visitors can try her famous desserts and baked goods.
2. Gina Marinelli
Gina Marinelli is a Las Vegas-based chef and restaurateur.
She is the owner and executive chef of La Strega, an Italian restaurant located in Summerlin, a suburb of Las Vegas.
Marinelli grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and began her culinary career working in several well-known restaurants in the area.
She moved to Las Vegas in 2010 and worked at various restaurants on the Strip, including the Eiffel Tower Restaurant and D.O.C.G. Enoteca at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.
In 2018, Marinelli opened La Strega, which has quickly become a popular destination for Italian cuisine in Las Vegas.
The restaurant offers a variety of house-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and other classic Italian dishes with a modern twist.
Marinelli has been recognized for her culinary talents and was named a “Rising Star Chef” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2019.
She continues to innovate and create new dishes at La Strega, cementing her reputation as a talented and innovative chef in Las Vegas.
3. Nicole Brisson
Nicole Brisson is a Las Vegas-based chef who has worked in some of the city’s most prestigious restaurants.
She began her career in New York City, where she worked at several acclaimed restaurants before moving to Las Vegas in 2005.
In Las Vegas, Brisson worked as the Executive Chef at Mario Batali’s Carnevino, where she oversaw the restaurant’s menu development and culinary operations.
She also served as the Executive Chef at Eataly Las Vegas, a massive Italian food hall located on the Strip.
She later became the executive chef at Brezza and opened “Best New Restaurant” in southwest Las Vegas, for which she earned a place as a semi-finalist for the James Beard Best Chef: Southwest Award in 2020 and the VEGAS INC’s 40 under 40 list.
Brisson is known for her passion for cooking and her commitment to using high-quality ingredients to create delicious and innovative dishes.
She continues to be a prominent figure in the Las Vegas culinary scene, and her restaurants are popular destinations for food lovers visiting the city.
4. Susan Feniger And Mary Sue Miliken
Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken are two well-known chefs and restaurateurs who have had a significant impact on the culinary scene in Las Vegas and beyond.
The two chefs began their culinary partnership in the 1980s with the opening of the Border Grill restaurant in Los Angeles, which quickly became a popular destination for authentic Mexican cuisine.
They expanded their partnership with the opening of several other restaurants in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Las Vegas.
In Las Vegas, Feniger and Milliken opened the Border Grill restaurant at Mandalay Bay in 1999, which became one of the city’s most popular Mexican restaurants.
They also opened the now-closed “Border Grill Forum Shops” at Caesars Palace in 2005.
Feniger and Milliken are known for their commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients and for their innovative approach to traditional Mexican cuisine.
They have been recognized for their culinary talents with several awards and accolades, including being named “Restaurateurs of the Year” by the California Restaurant Association in 2018.
Although they are no longer involved with the Border Grill brand, Feniger and Milliken continue to be prominent figures in the culinary world and have expanded their reach with the opening of several other successful restaurants and culinary ventures.
5. Lorena Garcia
Lorena Garcia is a Venezuelan-born chef who has made a name for herself in the culinary world, both nationally and in Las Vegas.
She has been a contestant on Top Chef (see also: 8 Female Las Vegas Chefs We Adore)Masters and has made numerous appearances on cooking shows and food-related programs.
Garcia has worked in several restaurants and hotels in Las Vegas, including the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, where she was the executive chef of several restaurants, including Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak.
She has also opened her own restaurant, called Chica, at The Venetian Resort on the Las Vegas Strip.
At Chica, Garcia offers a unique blend of Latin American cuisine with international flavors, showcasing her culinary talents and innovative approach to food.
The restaurant has been well-received by critics and diners alike and has become a popular destination for foodies visiting Las Vegas.
Garcia is known for her commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and for her dedication to creating healthy, flavorful dishes.
She continues to be a prominent figure in the Las Vegas culinary scene and has inspired many with her passion for cooking and dedication to her craft.
6. Giada De Laurentiis
Giada De Laurentiis is an Italian-American chef, author, and television personality who has become a prominent figure in the culinary world.
She was born in Rome, Italy, and raised in Southern California, where she developed a love for cooking at a young age.
De Laurentiis is best known for her Food Network television shows, including “Everyday Italian”, “Giada at Home”, and “Giada in Italy”.
She has also authored several cookbooks, many of which have become bestsellers.
De Laurentiis’ cooking style is influenced by her Italian heritage and California upbringing, and she is known for her fresh, simple, and flavorful dishes.
She has won several awards and accolades throughout her career, including a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lifestyle Host.
In addition to her television shows and cookbooks, De Laurentiis has also opened several restaurants, including Giada at The Cromwell in Las Vegas.
The restaurant features Italian-inspired cuisine with a California twist and has become a popular destination for foodies visiting Las Vegas.
De Laurentiis continues to be a prominent figure in the culinary world and is known for her dedication to cooking and sharing her passion for food with others.
7. Jamie Tran
Jamie Tran is a Las Vegas-based chef who has quickly made a name for herself in the city’s culinary scene.
She is the executive chef and owner of The Black Sheep, a restaurant that offers a unique blend of Asian and American cuisine.
Tran was born in Vietnam and immigrated to the United States with her family when she was a child.
She began her culinary career in Las Vegas, working at several prestigious restaurants before opening The Black Sheep in 2017.
Tran’s innovative approach to cooking has earned her critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including being named one of Food & Wine’s “Best New Chefs” in 2020.
She is known for her commitment to using locally-sourced ingredients and for her ability to infuse traditional Asian flavors with modern techniques and twists.
Tran continues to be a prominent figure in the Las Vegas culinary scene and is a frequent collaborator with other chefs and restaurants in the city.
Her passion for cooking and dedication to her craft has inspired many, and she is considered one of the city’s most exciting and talented chefs.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas is home to a diverse and talented group of female chefs who are making their mark on the culinary scene.
From traditional Italian cuisine to innovative Asian-American fusion, these chefs bring a unique perspective to the city’s dining landscape.
Despite the challenges and barriers that women in the culinary industry often face, these chefs have persevered and achieved great success, earning critical acclaim and numerous accolades.
They have inspired and mentored the next generation of female chefs, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse culinary world.
As Las Vegas continues to evolve as a destination for foodies, we can expect to see more exciting and innovative dishes from these talented female chefs.
Their passion, creativity, and dedication to their craft will undoubtedly continue to shape the city’s culinary landscape for years to come.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
