Published on: June 16, 2026, 10:13h.
Updated on: June 16, 2026, 10:13h.
- Sarah Thompson has been recognized as the premier chef in the Southwest by the James Beard Awards.
- She is the executive chef at Casa Playa, a high-end Mexican restaurant located in Encore Las Vegas.
- This marks the second consecutive year Thompson has received a nomination for this prestigious award.
Sarah Thompson, chef at Wynn Las Vegas’ Casa Playa, has made culinary history by being the first female chef on the Las Vegas Strip to win the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest.
The 2026 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards took place at the distinguished Lyric Opera of Chicago. In a groundbreaking moment, a female chef from the Las Vegas Strip was awarded the title of the finest chef in the Southwest category, which encompasses Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Oklahoma.
Thompson, representing Casa Playa in Encore, has made history with this award.
“Receiving this award from the James Beard Foundation is a tremendous honor, reflective of the dedication, passion, and warmth of my entire team. We strive daily to ensure Casa Playa is a venue showcasing the rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and authentic traditions of Mexico—elements that made me fall in love with Mexican cooking,” stated Thompson.
Thompson noted that collaborating with her exceptional peers at Wynn Las Vegas is an “extraordinary privilege.” Notably, 2026 is the second consecutive year she has been nominated for the Best Chef: Southwest award.
Culinary Offerings at Casa Playa
Casa Playa, helmed by Thompson, is one of ten exquisite dining venues at Wynn Las Vegas. Celebrated as “coastal Mexican,” Casa Playa promotes a family-style dining experience, heavily emphasizing seafood, seasonal produce, and a unique housemade masa program.
After her culinary studies in New York, Thompson refined her skills at the Michelin-starred Marea on Columbus Circle in Manhattan. It was during her tenure at Cosme, a modern dining establishment within The Mercer hotel in SoHo, that she deepened her appreciation for Mexican cuisine.
“That experience enlightened me to a different culture and a cuisine that resonated with me,” reflected Thompson on her time at Cosme.
Thompson joined the Las Vegas culinary scene during the pandemic, initially working at Elio, the Wynn restaurant that transitioned to Casa Playa in September 2021. Wynn appointed Thompson to lead the establishment, where she has advocated for women in the culinary arts.
Her staff is composed of over 50% women, earning her recognition as a committed mentor for aspiring female chefs.
Another Female James Beard Winner in Las Vegas
While Thompson is the first female chef on the Strip to attain a Best Chef award from the James Beard Foundation, she is not Las Vegas’ sole recipient of such an honor.
In 2011, Saipin Chutima earned the title of Best Chef: Southwest from the esteemed James Beard Foundation. Chutima is the chef and owner of Lotus of Siam, a beloved Thai restaurant situated in a strip mall along Sahara Avenue, approximately three-fourths of a mile east of the Las Vegas Strip.
Chutima, who originated from Thailand, immigrated to Los Angeles in 1987 before relocating to Las Vegas, where she founded Lotus of Siam in 1999. Today, she operates three restaurants, including the original venue on Sahara Avenue, another on Flamingo Road, and one inside the Red Rock Resort.