Before there was American Idol, X Factor and America’s Got Talent, there was Star Search. Remember the popular 1980’s TV talent competition? Well, Michelle Bautista, restaurant manager for Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace, does. In fact, she was a contestant on the show in 1988! Her and her brother were a dance team called So Hot, and they nearly made it to the semi-finals.

“I always thought I’d have a career in dance,” Bautista said. And for a while she did; she also taught dance in her hometown of L.A. But, in 1996, Bautista moved to Las Vegas and got her first job in food and beverage. “I fell in love with it, and have been working in the industry ever since,” she said.

Bautista worked her way up at various venues—she’s been everything from a coat check girl, hostess and cashier to a food server and bartender. “Then I decided my bartending days were done, and I got hired at Caesars Palace, to help manage Bacchanal Buffet,” she said. After a year she moved over to the Pub.

“I love it,” she said. “My job is to take care of our guests, but also to motivate my staff and inspire them.” Bautista also loves the fact that she works for Ramsay, having met him many times. “He’s an amazing chef. He’s just one of those wholehearted people,” she said. And, she says, he’s also known to pop in and out of the restaurant frequently. Now that’s definitely so hot!

Mule’s Hind Leg

Mule's Hind Leg

Mule's Hind Leg

Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill offers an array of spirits and beers for those looking to take advantage of the pub side of the venue—there are more than two dozen beers on tap. The bartenders, Bautista says, also excel at mixology, and have put together a tasty selection of specialty cocktails. A favorite is the Mule’s Hind Leg. “The bartenders named it,” Bautista said. “It’s called that because, I like to say, its gives you a kick in the *ss!” The crisp, refreshing and, yes, strong cocktail mixes together ABSOLUT.® Elyx vodka, fresh-squeezed lime, ginger beer and juniper berry mix (berries muddled and made into a mix by the bar staff).

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