Elizabeth Blau: Culinary Queen

Years from now, when historians take a collective look back at the boom of culinary excellence that has taken hold in Las Vegas, they will likely point to Elizabeth Blau, who has had a hand in establishing just about every fine-dining outpost in this city. Blau was instrumental in building the gourmet repertoire at several MGM Mirage properties, as well as Wynn, where her eye for great chefs and exceptional dining led to an unsurpassed lineup of all-stars.

As founder and CEO of Blau & Associates, she spends her time at the helm of a successful strategic restaurant planning and development company, advising clients all over the world and consulting on projects from conceptualization to opening night and onward. She’s also a partner in a handful of restaurants, including Simon at Palms Place, Cathouse and Society Café at Encore, where her husband, überchef Kim Canteenwalla, runs the kitchen. “In the restaurant industry, there is no city in the world that is more exciting and inspiring to be working in,” says Blau of Las Vegas. “In a relatively short period of time the city has completely transformed itself into a culinary destination.”

Although Blau is originally from the East Coast, she has adapted to life in Vegas, becoming one of the city’s definitive fashionistas with her highstyle looks and professional savvy. And like mostbusy working mothers (Blau is mom to Cole, five), she knows the heart of daily life happens at home, where her phenomenal hospitality taste has spilled over, imparting a comfortable, cozy and chic lifestyle.

MY PERSONAL STYLE
“It’s casual-comfortable at home with my husband, Kim, our son, Cole, and our two golden retrievers, Fenway and Wink. Work is more sophisticated, and when I’m at the restaurants at night, it’s much more glamorous. Except, of course, at the PJ brunch at Simon.”

MY SHOPPING SPOTS
“Neiman Marcus, where I work with personal shopper Linda Spencer, or Outfit at Wynn, with help from Todd Hanshaw. Meital Bronstein helps me with all of my personal styling.”

MY ACCESSORIES
“Hermès bangles and scarves.” MY MUST-HAVE PIECES “My Nancy Gonzalez chocolate-brown crocodile tote, Donna Karan cashmere nightgown, Kwiat crochet diamond pendant and Stuart Weitzman knee-high black boots.”

MY INSPIRATION
“People who are trying to improve the lives of children in Las Vegas—Julie Murray with Three Square, Elaine Wynn with After-School All- Stars and Jeff Grandy at Child Focus.”

MY FAVORITE MEAL
“Anything my husband cooks! I especially love his version of my Grandma Rose’s meatballs at Society. But a specific meal would include white truffles and scrambled eggs, baked potatoes filled with caviar, stone crabs and any kind of pie.”

MY SKINCARE
“I’m religious about my skincare routine. I’m currently using Éminence and Ren. Both lines have organic and all-natural products. And, living in Las Vegas, I use Korres watermelon sunblock.”

FROM LEFT: Blau with her son, Cole; Society Café at Encore

MY BEAUTY PROS
“Jorgen Nielsen from Wynn and Shauna Ellis for the best blowouts. Cole Rispoli at Wynn for fabulous makeup. And Bobbi Brown nude lipsticks are a must.”

MY FITNESS
“When you eat for a living, working out is a mandate. Mike Ibasco is my trainer at The Fitness Source. And I live in Lululemon workout clothes.”

MY HOME
“Our home is centered around our kitchen and family living areas. We love to cook and entertain. We have giant, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that hold thousands of cookbooks.”

MY TIPS FOR ENTERTAINING
“Keep the classics in mind. Food looks best served on simple, elegant china.”

MY ART
“We have many paintings by my sister, Alexandra Blau. They’re rich and colorful, inspired by Japanese candy wrappers.”

MY FLOWERS
“I love simple sunflowers in summer and tulips. Whenever we entertain for a formal event, Paige Dixon creates our floral centerpieces.”

MY DREAM DESTINATION
“There’s nothing better than a beach vacation, and One&Only Palmilla near Cabo San Lucas is my favorite property. But I’m dying to go to the new Viceroy Anguilla, designed by Kelly Wearstler.”