SAHARA Las Vegas is pleased to announce the promotion of Candace Ochoa to executive chef of Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, where she will oversee all culinary operations for the award-winning restaurant. Ochoa has been with ThinkFoodGroup, the company behind Chef José Andrés’ group of restaurants, for ten years, and is the only executive chef to have worked at all of Andrés’ Bazaar locations.
Ochoa has served as executive sous chef for Bazaar Meat at SAHARA Las Vegas since 2018, and also assisted with the restaurant’s grand opening in 2014. Additionally, she helped open The Bazaar by José Andrés at SLS Hotel in South Beach as sous chef, and served as a line cook at The Bazaar by José Andrés at SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills. She assisted with the grand openings of Bazaar Mar by José Andrés at SLS Brickell in Miami Beach and Mercado Little Spain in Hudson Yards in New York City. Originally from Los Angeles, Ochoa earned her associate degree in culinary arts from The Art Institute of California.
In her new role, Ochoa will work with both the SAHARA Las Vegas and ThinkFoodGroup teams on developing seasonal menus throughout the year, as well as special menus to complement new additions to the property, including MAGIC MIKE LIVE Las Vegas. She looks forward to utilizing new flavors, such as locally sourced fruits and vegetables, as well as incorporating ideas from her fellow chefs on the Bazaar Meat team.
“We are delighted to promote Candace to executive chef of Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, the anchor of our award-winning culinary program,” said Anthony Olheiser, SAHARA Las Vegas vice president of food and beverage. “Candace has been a strong leader on our team for several years, and we look forward to seeing her shine in this new role.”
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés is the James Beard award-winning chef’s wild and wonderful celebration of the carnivorous that offers guests a groundbreaking culinary experience. Since opening at SAHARA Las Vegas, the restaurant has received numerous awards and accolades, including “Best Restaurant in Nevada” by Business Insider. Bazaar Meat by José Andrés is currently open Friday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and beginning March 4, will also be open Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
SAHARA Las Vegas has followed a comprehensive outline of health and safety protocols under the resort’s SAHARA Cares program since reopening the property in June. Under this program, the resort collaborated with health experts to establish several practices to minimize risk for guests and team members including developing a number of contactless solutions to assist with social distancing measures. In addition to protocols established under the SAHARA Cares program, Bazaar Meat by José Andrés follows the health and safety protocols established in the ThinkFoodGroup playbook. More information on that program may be found at thinkfoodgroup.com/playbook.
About SAHARA Las Vegas
SAHARA Las Vegas is an all-encompassing resort and casino with 1,615 guest rooms and suites in three distinctive towers – including the AAA® Four Diamond Alexandria Tower, more than 85,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, two rooftop pools and a collection of acclaimed restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. The inviting casino occupies 60,000 square feet and features approximately 600 of the latest slot and video poker machines, 50 classic table games, Infinity – a premium gaming lounge, The Poker Room at SAHARA Las Vegas and a sports book operated by global gaming leader, William Hill. An impressive selection of culinary and cocktail offerings include Bazaar Meat by José Andrés™, named “Best Restaurant in Nevada” by Business Insider; CASBAR Lounge; Bella Bistro; Uno Más; Northside Café & Chinese Kitchen; Prendi; The Tangier; and more. Additionally, SAHARA Las Vegas is home to MAGIC MIKE LIVE Las Vegas presented by Channing Tatum. SAHARA Las Vegas players can also enjoy the perks of an Infinity Rewards membership, a joint loyalty program between SAHARA and its sister property Grand Sierra Resort and Casino Reno, that gives players the opportunity to earn and redeem rewards across both destinations. SAHARA Las Vegas is a minority-owned business certified by the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council. For more information, please visit saharalasvegas.com and stay connected on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
About Bazaar Meat by José Andrés
A groundbreaking culinary experience, Bazaar Meat by José Andrés is the James Beard award-winning chef’s wild and wonderful celebration of the carnivorous. Enjoy nuanced, playful cuisine and cocktails for which Bazaar Meat by José Andrés has become known, in a strikingly seductive setting.
About José Andrés / ThinkFoodGroup
Founded by Chef José Andrés and his partner Rob Wilder, ThinkFoodGroup is the creative team responsible for renowned dining concepts in Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Miami, the Bahamas, and most recently in Orlando and New York City. The 28 restaurants offer a variety of culinary experiences that span from food trucks to world-class tasting menus, including the two Michelin-starred minibar by José Andrés in Washington, D.C..
Twice named to Time’s “100 Most Influential People” list and recipient of the 2015 National Humanities Medal, José Andrés is an internationally-recognized culinary innovator, New York Times best-selling author, educator, humanitarian, and chef and owner of ThinkFoodGroup. In 2010, Andrés founded the non-profit organization, World Central Kitchen, which uses the power of food to heal communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. Notably, his team served 3.7 million meals to the people of Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria and has since served more than 50 million meals worldwide. A naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Spain, Andrés has been a tireless advocate for immigration reform and on July 4, 2014 was named by President Barack Obama as that year’s “Outstanding American by Choice.” For more information, visit www.thinkfoodgroup.com
