Executive Chef
Palms Casino Resort
Chef Marcus O’Brien, Executive Chef, Palms Casino Resort is local favorite and industry renowned innovator in the Las Vegas food scene. O’Brien Las Vegas resume includes Executive Chef positions with the N9NE Group at the Palms (N9NE Steakhouse, Nove Italiano, Playboy Club, Ghostbar, Moon and Rain), Hard Rock Hotel (Pink Taco, Mr. Lucky’s, 35 Steak and Martini, Rehab and Goose Island Pub), Anthem Country Club and PGA Summerlin. These experiences have allowed Marcus talents to grow under the mentorship of Vegas Icons such as Barry Dakake, Geno Bernardo and Brian Massie as well as James Beard nominated Chef Michael Kornick of Chicago.
Under O’Brien’s leadership, several of his venues have received local and national recognition including Best New Steakhouse (Scotch 80), Best Steakhouse (Scotch 80 and 35 Martini), Thrilllist “Top 10 Steakhouses” (35 Martini) and Open Table and Trip Advisor Diner’s Choice Awards (multiple venues).
On top of these prestigious recognitions, some of Marcus favorite culinary experiences include catering the MTV Video Music Awards, The Warp Tour, private events for two former United State Presidents and 1 Vice President and The Playboy Magazine 50th Anniversary Celebration.
In addition to catering to the who’s, who of Vegas Celebrity clientele and corporate clients, Marcus has truly treasured his ability to work with local organizations such as the Culinary Academy and Three Square to provide teaching assistance to those who want to make food and beverage a career, but more importantly, ensuring the underserved in our community have access to a healthy food supply system.
Originally from Aurora, Ill., Marcus treasures his Midwest roots and having established his culinary career in the heart of America’s food production. “There is nothing better then preparing a meal with produce you just picked from a garden or field,” O’Brien discusses often when apprenticing young Chef’s.
Before relocating to Las Vegas, Marcus attended Drake University in which his original goal was to become a 6th Grade Science teacher. Marcus attributes what he learned in the pursuit of a teaching degree to how he teaches and mentors those around him today. Mixing things in the lab did not hurt his ability to produce fun and unique recipes either.
Marcus has called Las Vegas home now for over twenty years and is excited to see what the next 20 years bring to this amazing town.