Todd English's Olives

Todd English is on a roll in Las Vegas. The celebrity chef just put his name behind The English Hotel, a new boutique resort in the Arts District that's home to the Pepper Club, serving a fresh take on Japanese-American cuisine. English also runs The Beast at AREA15, for burgers, wings, and smoked barbecue. However, Todd English's Olives at Virgin Hotels is the best representation of what the chef is all about, serving innovative takes on Italian cuisine within a charming, romantic atmosphere. The restaurant also acts as a test kitchen of sorts, so ask about the latest specials, which may feature red or purple pastas, squid ink, or vegan cheeses at any given time. After closing the original Vegas version of Olives at the Bellagio years ago, English's renewed presence in Las Vegas could be a sign of things to come. The chef is planning more hotels and Olives restaurants throughout the country.