If you want to see what passion for a career looks like, just look to Shawn Norris, the general manager of Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse at Golden Nugget. This man lives and breathes the restaurant industry.
“There’s something about getting together with family and breaking bread and sharing a meal together,” he says. “That’s where the passion comes for me—everyone in this restaurant is my family, and I want to make sure everyone is treated with respect, and I’m going to take care of them.”
Norris has a long history in the industry, beginning in Seattle, where he grew up, bringing his experience to Las Vegas in 2003. He continued to sharpen his skills by managing restaurants on and off the Strip; he also got his sommelier certification. In 2010, he joined Vic & Anthony’s as the beverage manager and went on to curate the wine list. In 2012, he took over as the general manager of the restaurant (by 2015, he had earned the GM of the year award—from Landry’s, the parent company of Vic & Anthony's—beating out 600 other locations).
Besides his passion for running a restaurant, Norris is an ardent cooking fan. He loves to get in the kitchens he manages and loves workshopping with the chefs. Norris loves cooking so much, he landed a role on the seventh season of Gordon Ramsay’s MasterChef. “It was quite the experience,” he says.
So, you see, every aspect of Norris’ life involves the industry. It’s a passion for a career he’s extremely proud of, he says, and one that any guest of Vic & Anthony’s can feel immediately upon meeting him.
Libation: Full Dose
It’s not just about the phenomenal food at Vic & Anthony’s; it’s also about signature craft cocktails like the Full Dose. A twist on the classic Penicillin cocktail, this version is mixed with Dewar’s Japanese Smooth 8-Year Mizunara oak cask finish Scotch whiskey, Choya yuzu liqueur, Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur, honey syrup and sour mix.
Benefit: At the bar, ask for the off-menu cocktail, the Bulleit Bramble featuring Bulleit bourbon.
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.
