Earlier this summer, Julian Serrano fans got two pieces of momentous news: The chef would be retiring; and his revered restaurant at Bellagio, Picasso, would close. In early August, shortly before closing its doors for good, Picasso, which has won many prestigious awards over the years, hosted a special dinner honoring the chef for his work in the restaurant industry. Spanish-born Serrano, who’s dialing back work commitments to begin preparing for retirement, will still be working at Julian Serrano Tapas at Aria (at least for now). He spoke to Las Vegas Magazine about his career, favorite memories and much more.
There must have been many special moments and events during the 25-year history of Picasso. Can you share one of your favorites?
There have been many and it’s very difficult to pick one, but would have to say, the first day we opened the restaurant. It came after months of very hard work and, at the time, I was still new to Las Vegas. But to open the restaurant that first day, and to see its success and how much people enjoyed it, that is one of the things I’ll remember forever.
What is one of your favorite dishes that Picasso served?
I have three dishes that have been on the menu for 25 years that would be impossible to take off the menu. Whenever we’d try, people would always come back in asking for it. They are the warm quail salad with sautéed artichokes and pine nuts; the pan-seared U-10 day boat scallop with potato mousseline and jus de veau; and the poached oysters with Ossetra caviar and vermouth sauce.
What will life after eventual retirement look like for you? We know you will still be involved at Julian Serrano Tapas for now.
I don’t know yet! It’s going to be a totally new life. I think I’ll listen to my body and my brain, and then see what I want to do. After 55 years of working, I think it’s very important to wait, not make any plans in advance, and to see how it goes. I know I want to travel a little bit, spend more time with the family, and relax.
What Picasso award meant the most to you?
I’m going to pick two! The first is the Michelin Two Stars. That one was very important to me and I’m very proud of it. The second is when I won the James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest in 2002.
You’ve had very successful French, Italian and Spanish restaurants in Las Vegas. Where else in the world would you have liked to open a restaurant, and what type of food would it serve?
I have to tell you, the answer is Las Vegas. For me, that will always be the place. Las Vegas is a great city for business, and it’s one of the best cities in the world for a restaurant. If I were ever to open another restaurant, Las Vegas would be the place.
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