Patrick Florendo of Botero in Vegas Takes the Reigns at Drai's

Effective immediately Patrick Florendo has taken the culinary reins at Drai’s Hollywood- the swanky rooftop hotspot atop the new W Hotel in Hollywood. Florendo honed his skills at the CIA and Jean Georges Spice Market in New York, San Francisco’s Farallon, and Las Vegas’ Tableau. Most recently he has completed a stint as lead pastry chef at Botero, also in Vegas. He is best known for his playful spin on classics, such as PB and J doughnuts with Concord grape jelly; vanilla ice cream palette with homemade Kit Kat, marshmallow and caramel nuts; and ice cream cupcakes. It seems the already coveted tables may have just become even more in demand. Victor Drai and twin brothers Jesse and Cy Waits fuel the nightlife juggernaut at Vegas' Wynn and Encore Resorts. Their empire there includes XS, its sister restaurant Botero, and Tryst nightclub. —David Morris