Carlos Fernandez, owner and chef at Carlos’ Kitchen on Durango Drive, prepares a garnish for an upcoming banquet. The restaurant, inside Charlie’s Saloon, will have its grand opening Dec. 18.
Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.
Charlie’s Saloon/Carlos' Kitchen
Carlos Fernandez celebrated his 50th birthday about a week ago, but he’s waiting until Dec. 18 to open his present — Carlos’ Kitchen, inside Charlie’s Saloon on Durango Drive.
A 34-year veteran chef who has worked at major hotels including Bally’s and Paris Las Vegas on the Strip, Fernandez said his wife and two daughters were “very supportive” of his pursuit of every chef’s dream to open his own restaurant.
“It’s one of those things that I wanted to do,” said Fernandez, who was born in Mexico. “I love to cook, and I love to make people happy.”
His restaurant will occupy one half of Charlie’s Saloon, a small sports and gambling bar. There will be two menus: one for the bar, with the usual fare such as chicken wings and burgers, and a more extensive menu for the restaurant.
Fernandez described his style as a fusion of American, Asian, Mexican and Mediterranean influences. One dish, for example, features scallops over soba noodles and a sauce spiced with ginger.
And don’t dismiss the bar food. Fernandez described in mouth-watering detail a Portobello sandwich with mixed greens, roasted peppers and grilled onions.
He learned to cook in San Diego, where Fernandez moved as a boy and took a part-time job cleaning dishes in a hotel kitchen. He attended culinary school there and began a career that took him from Las Vegas to Chicago and back.
Fernandez stumbled across Charlie’s through Craigslist, he said. He was looking for a kitchen, and the bar was looking for a restaurant to fill its empty space.
Under the name Chef 4 U, Fernandez and his staff also provide a catering service for parties and banquets. As a first-time business owner, he said the paperwork was a bit of a hassle, especially with two businesses under one roof.
But decades as an executive chef at high-profile kitchens had its advantages, Fernandez said, as budgets and paperwork were part of the routine.
“It was an easier transition, I think,” he said. “This is a lot smaller than what I’m used to.”
Carlos’ Kitchen is located at 4420 Durango Drive. For more information, call 702-207-6556.
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