LAS VEGAS — Julian Serrano, chef of Bellagios Picasso restaurant, recently was named the recipient of the James Beard Associations Best Chef: Southwest award. It was the first Beard award given to a Las Vegas chef or restaurant. “Im deeply honored to receive this prestigious award. I knew in coming to Las Vegas there was an opportunity to be a part of the creation of an exciting culinary destination. That I have been even a small part of that transformation is a tremendous honor,” said Serrano. Serranos was one of three James Beard Awards given to chefs with affiliation to MGM Mirage resorts. Tom Colicchio, who opens Craftsteak at the MGM Grand this June, won Best New Restaurant for New Yorks Craft, while chef Michael Mina, the creator of Aqua at Bellagio and NOBHILL at the MGM Grand, was honored as Best Chef: California for Aqua in San Francisco. It was the second James Beard Award for Serrano, who previously won Best Chef: California in 1998. Since opening in 1998, Picasso has been recognized by the Mobil and AAA organizations with Five Stars and Five Diamonds, respectively. Colicchio, who also operates New Yorks famed Gramercy Tavern, is a multiple James Beard Award winner. In 2001, Colicchio won both Best Cookbook: General for his “Think Like a Chef” book while Gramercy Tavern earned a Beard Award for Outstanding Service in 2001. A total of 65 awards were presented to culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their field. More than 1,700 food and beverage industry professionals attended the nearly three-hour presentation hosted by Lisa Ling, co-host of ABCs “The View.”
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