Title: Executive Chef & Restaurant Co-Owner
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Home Town: Baltimore, Maryland
Expertise: New American Cuisine, Grilling
David Walzog has spent over 16 years as Executive Chef at the renowned SW Steakhouse and Lakeside Restaurant at the Wynn in Las Vegas, solidifying his place as a culinary trailblazer. Before making his mark in Las Vegas, Walzog was already celebrated as one of New York’s premier steakhouse chefs, serving as co-owner of Strip House and Executive Chef of Michael Jordan’s Steak House and Arizona 206. He is also the author of The New American Steakhouse: Not Just Meat and Potatoes Anymore (2005), a book that redefines the modern steakhouse experience.
Experience
A Baltimore native, David Walzog discovered his passion for the camaraderie and teamwork of the kitchen as a teenager working in a local restaurant. After a brief stint in college, he moved to New York City to pursue professional cooking. He began his career at the legendary Gotham Bar & Grill, where Chef Alfred Portale became his mentor, shaping Walzog’s culinary philosophy and approach to cuisine.
Building on this foundation, David went on to lead several high-profile New York steakhouses, earning widespread acclaim for his innovative grilling techniques and his ability to transform traditional steakhouse cuisine with creative flair. His expertise extends beyond the kitchen; in addition to authoring his cookbook, Walzog showcased his skills on Food Network’s Iron Chef America, where he competed against Chef Cat Cora in a high-stakes culinary battle.
With his distinctive approach to New American cuisine and mastery of the grill, David Walzog has redefined what a steakhouse can be, blending tradition with innovation to create unforgettable dining experiences.
Awards & Accolades
David Walzog has received several notable awards and recognitions throughout his culinary career:
AAA Four Diamond Award: Under his leadership, SW Steakhouse at Wynn Las Vegas earned the AAA Four Diamond Award in multiple years, including 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Best Steakhouse in Las Vegas: SW Steakhouse was named "The Best Steakhouse in Las Vegas" by New York Magazine, highlighting Walzog's excellence in steakhouse cuisine.
Best Chefs America: Recognized as one of America's Best Chefs, Walzog was nominated and recommended by his peers in the culinary industry.
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