Best Community Effort by a Strip Chef

July 28th, 2011

Executive chefs are not known for having a great deal of free time. But what little time Wynn Country Club executive chef Carlos Guía has he generously gives to Share Our Strength as co-chair of Las Vegas’ annual Taste of the Nation. Guía, who shares this role with La Cave general manager Jennifer LaSala, participated in his first Taste of the Nation in New Orleans 13 years ago and has increased his involvement each year since, as he “grew more aware of the need and how much we could help.” His current responsibilities include motivating volunteers and recruiting restaurants and sponsors to participate. At the last Taste of the Nation, in May, $80,000 was raised. Next year’s goal is $100,000. Through events such as this, as well as the Great American Bake Sale and A TastefulPursuit, Share Our Strength is able to support programs that teach healthful eating in urban areas and feed food-insecure students. “The more we make,” the chef says, “the more we can grant.”