Earlier this year Brian Kurata joined a 30-year Las Vegas success story—Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House at MGM Grand, as general manager. “It’s very unique and it’s a great honor. I get to meet the guests that have been dining here for nearly 30 years. It’s a great feeling to know that this restaurant has built great relationships with guests—it’s all about them and making them feel special.”
Kurata celebrates 30 years of being in the restaurant industry himself, starting out as a busboy in his native Hawaii. He moved to Las Vegas in 2006 and joined Lagasse’s Stadium at The Venetian in 2013 as a manager. When the place shuttered, he moved to Emeril’s other restaurant, Delmonico Steakhouse at the same property (which has been opened for 25 years itself!).
He got promoted to his current position in February. “It’s been great to experience a lot of different restaurants in Emeril’s portfolio and become a part of the successful Emeril ventures,” Kurata says.
Now that Kurata has worked in several management positions, his favorite part of achieving such success is passing it on the next generation, he says. “It’s all about the knowledge that I obtained in this industry and for me to teach what I’ve learned and be a mentor to other team members and staff. That’s what really drives me, to be a mentor to others and help them succeed.”
Libation: Smoked Maple Margarita
Don’t miss the specialty cocktail menu at Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House. There are tons of tasty options like the Smoked Maple Margarita. The visually pleasing delight is made with Montezuma tequila, barrel-smoked maple syrup, orange liqueur, fresh-squeezed lemon and lime and Hawaiian black lava salt.
Benefit: Ask your server about the $100 tasting menu, which features three courses of the restaurant’s most popular items.
MGM Grand. 702.891.7374. mgmgrand.mgmresorts.com
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