Vegas Magazine - Niche Media - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/61759
photograph by tk; illustration by tk THE ANIMAL LOVER: ERIC KLEIN ANIMALS ARE TREATED WITH CARE IN WOLFGANG PUCK' WELL PROGRAM. S H aving been raised on a farm in France, Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group's Eric Klein has the utmost respect for animals and their care; he gives just as much consideration to the animals he serves. Wolfgang Puck started a first-of-its-kind animal- welfare program in conjunction with the Humane Society to try to stop inhumane practices in factory farming. "If you treat an animal how you would like to be treated and give it the best life possible, it will in return give you something great to eat," says Klein, the executive chef at Spago at The Forum Shops at Caesars. "Nature works with us if we work with it." Klein sources his ingredients from local purveyors such as Olson Farms, which grows microgreens, serv- ing a dual benefit of reducing the carbon footprint while supporting the local economy. He aims to serve only produce that is in season and, if questioned, he explains to diners why certain items are not on the menu. He speaks passionately about his dedication to quality products, and is always mindful of the differ- ence in flavor between something in-season and out of season. "I want diners to taste the vibrancy of the food," he says. "Simplicity is a form of beauty; let the food do the talking." This season at Spago, look for dishes with ramps, spring peas, morels, and white asparagus. The Wolfgang Puck companies have formalized their commitment to serving organic, seasonal pro- duce, as well as sustainable seafood and humanely treated animals, with Wolfgang's Eat, Love, Live (WELL). Klein promotes this philosophy with zeal and takes his mission seriously. "As a large company," he says, "we have a responsibility to be educators—our diners have to trust in us and if we let them down, we let ourselves down." 110 vegasmagazine.com