When it comes to work, there are two mantras that Valentino Crespo Jr., assistant general manager of Mott 32 at The Venetian, lives by, as did his father who adopted the mantras, too: “This is what my dad told me a long time ago—he said it to me every day—‘Consistency produces knowledge, knowledge produces confidence, confidence is the highest peak of any profession.’ He also told me, ‘Any fool can criticize, complain and condemn—and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.’”
It was also Crespo’s dad that first introduced him to the industry when Crespo worked in his family’s restaurant. From there, Crespo perfected his service role, working in every type of cuisine, from positions that included server to management, even working in the art of butler service.
In 2018, Crespo heard that Mott 32 was opening—it was a huge Chinese culinary brand in Hong Kong and New York City—and he was hired at the fine-dining restaurant as a captain, working his way up and earning his current title a year ago. “Every year, Mott 32 has won Forbes Four-Star consecutively—that has to do with service specifically,” he says. “Every night, I’m talking to guests. I call myself the ambassador.”
It’s very easy to see that Crespo takes service seriously and takes pride in perfecting his craft that he’s nurtured over his 20-year career.
“Knowledge is the most important thing,” he says. “With the knowledge I gained, I was able to be confident in my service.”
Libation: Jade Apple
A new summer signature cocktail menu was recently introduced at Mott 32, and Crespo highly recommends starting with the Jade Apple. Mixed with Ketel One Botanical grapefruit rose vodka, sour apple and honeydew, the cocktail is topped off with a caramelized cherry tomato.
Benefit: For the 42-day Peking duck, request it when you make your reservation, at least two weeks in advance.
Click here for your free subscription to the weekly digital edition of Las Vegas Magazine, your guide to everything to do, hear, see and experience in Southern Nevada. In addition to the latest edition emailed to every week, you’ll find plenty of great, money-saving offers from some of the most exciting attractions, restaurants, properties and more! And Las Vegas Magazine is full of informative content such as restaurants to visit, cocktails to sip and attractions to enjoy.
