Satisfaction with one’s job is a luxury many don’t have; Mike Jones, general manager for Emeril Lagasse’s Delmonico Steakhouse, is not one of those people. “When I’m done here at this restaurant, it’s not going to be to go to another restaurant—this is it for me,” says the California native. “This is the best company to work for. I love it. It’s a great industry; it’s been good to me.”
Jones started in the industry in the back of the house in the kitchen. He graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Las Vegas and had planned on becoming a chef, but after some time spent in the front of house, he realized management was more his style. Jones has managed restaurants on and off the Strip for years, joining Delmonico Steakhouse in 2018. In the ensuing years, he also managed Lagasse’s other Las Vegas Strip restaurant at MGM Grand before rejoining Delmonico Steakhouse in January.
“This is a fine-dining American steakhouse with that Emeril twist (and) a Creole regional influence,” he says. “Our guest service is also what’s kept people coming back for 25 years.”
For Jones, keeping the restaurant running smoothly means “humility, and leading by example,” he says. “Show the staff that you know and are willing to do all the positions and help when needed. I love having a team that are excited to come to work. For me, it’s the best gig I’ve ever had.”
Strip View
Libation: Strip View
“We have the largest whiskey selection in Las Vegas—more than 750,” Jones says. That includes a few of their own exclusive barrels of bourbon. Try the Strip View, made with Lagasse’s exclusive hand-selected barrel of Weller full-proof bourbon, brandy, sweet vermouth, Yellow Chartreuse and bitters.
Benefit: Delmonico’s experts can curate a pairing menu for you upon request from an extensive wine and whiskey portfolio.
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