It’s that time of year when foodies across the valley celebrate the annual best-of-the-best among our city’s restaurants and chefs. This year, downtown Las Vegas restaurants, bars and chefs are taking home awards.
The 2023’s Eater Award Winners for Las Vegas named Liquid Diet Best New Bar. Co-owned by Bret Pfister and Patrick Mannion, Liquid Diet is located at 1415 S. Commerce St. and is tucked away in an alley between Main Street and Commerce in the 18B Las Vegas Arts District. Eater writes, “Liquid Diet stands out for its witchy decor and its two owners’ unshakable obsession with making really good cocktails.”
Four downtown Las Vegas restaurants and chefs were recognized by the NPR/Desert Companion 2023 Restaurant Awards.
Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year: Main St. Provisions, 1214 S. Main St.
The write-up states, “A true neighborhood spot is one that caters to locals, understands its customers, and represents its surroundings. From day one, Main St. Provisions felt like the Cheers of the Arts District in downtown Las Vegas.”
Excellence in Service and Management: Barry’s Downtown Prime at Circa, 8 Fremont St.
The write-up states, “Vintage Vegas glamour ranges from wild to whimsical. It’s part of what makes our town special. At Barry’s Downtown Prime, you get both. From entrance to exit, you’ll feel like a VIP next to some serious VIPs.”
Chef of the Year: James Trees – Esther’s Kitchen, 1130 S. Casino Center Blvd.
The write-up states, “No single chef has made a bigger impact on the local dining scene than James Trees. And no one is continuing to push the envelope like Las Vegas’ own prodigal chef, who returned to the fold, after decades of working in the world’s greatest kitchens, to kick-start downtown’s restaurant revolution.”
Pastry Chef of the Year: Sébastien Polycarpe – 1228 Main, 1228 S. Main St.
The write-up states, “A native of southwest France, Sebastien Polycarpe spent almost 10 years at Caesars Palace before joining the Wolfgang Puck galaxy of pastry and savory superstars. He doesn’t think of himself as a revolutionary, but with the opening of 1228 Main earlier this year in downtown Las Vegas, he and his pastry team have transformed the Arts District into a mecca for lovers of all things buttered, caked, and baked.”
Congratulations to all the 2023 award winners!
Photo: Courtesy of Liquid Diet