When it comes to her career, Alexis Oltean says, “Trust the process; the universe always works itself out. Great things take time.” For nearly a decade, the self-taught bartender cut her teeth bartending all over the city, from sports and gaming bars to corporate restaurants and gentlemen’s clubs, and now she’s found her happy place bartending in fine dining, specifically at Stubborn Seed at Resorts World Las Vegas.
“We’re super fun—it’s the newest, hottest, Instagrammable restaurant,” Oltean says. “It’s my first fine-dining bartending job, and there’s more selection when it comes to cocktails, more creativity.”
Oltean joined the restaurant when it first opened its doors earlier this year and she’s putting her sharpened skills to the test. She’s always challenging herself, constantly practicing and expanding her knowledge on mixology.
“I like watching people take that first sip and be like, ‘Whoa!’ You watch people enjoy what you made—I love that,” she says. “Chef (Jeremy Ford) likes to use the term ‘polished grit.’ It’s high-end but casual and laid-back; the dishes are Michelin star, but the music and vibe is familiar and fun. Our cocktails—we use a lot of kitchen techniques and ingredients. We have very unique cocktails for sure.”
While one would be remiss not to try the cocktails on the menu, don’t be afraid to ask Oltean to whip you up an off-menu libation. She likes coming up with new recipes tailored to her guests’ tastes. “I look at making cocktails—mixology—just like cooking, but it’s liquid. It’s about finding ingredients that go well together, find the proper ratios and then, boom, you got a good cocktail!”
Photo by: Christopher DeVargas
Libation: Kill Dill
One of Oltean’s favorite cocktails is the Kill Dill. “It’s very balanced and refreshing, herbaceous and super-unique,” she says. For those who don’t like sweet cocktails, this one’s for you, with a mix of Dolin Génépy le Chamois liqueur, cucumber, dill syrup, Fresno pepper, egg white and fresh lime.
Benefit: Guests will receive complimentary parking at the Conrad valet when ordering the tasting menu.
Resorts World Las Vegas. rwlasvegas.com
Feel like a true Vegas insider with the free Vegas2Go app! Discover the best of Las Vegas—right at your fingertips. From must-try restaurants and top shows to nightlife, attractions, and offers, Vegas2Go puts the city’s hottest experiences in the palm of your hand. Download for free on either the Apple Store or Google Play Store today.
