Candace Ochoa Named Executive Chef of Bazaar Meat by José Andrés at Sahara Las Vegas

Sahara Las Vegas Has Announced the Promotion of Candace Ochoa to Executive Chef of Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, Where She Will Oversee All Culinary Operations for the Award-Winning Restaurant.

Ochoa has been with ThinkFoodGroup, the company behind Chef José Andrés’ group of restaurants, for ten years, and is the only executive chef to have worked at all of Andrés’ Bazaar locations.

Ochoa has served as executive sous chef for Bazaar Meat at SAHARA Las Vegas since 2018, and also assisted with the restaurant’s grand opening in 2014. Additionally, she helped open The Bazaar by José Andrés at SLS Hotel in South Beach as sous chef, and served as a line cook at The Bazaar by José Andrés at SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills. She assisted with the grand openings of Bazaar Mar by José Andrés at SLS Brickell in Miami Beach and Mercado Little Spain in Hudson Yards in New York City. Originally from Los Angeles, Ochoa earned her associate degree in culinary arts from The Art Institute of California.

In her new role, Ochoa will work with both the SAHARA Las Vegas and ThinkFoodGroup teams on developing seasonal menus throughout the year, as well as special menus to complement new additions to the property, including MAGIC MIKE LIVE Las Vegas. She looks forward to utilizing new flavors, such as locally sourced fruits and vegetables, as well as incorporating ideas from her fellow chefs on the Bazaar Meat team.

“We are delighted to promote Candace to executive chef of Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, the anchor of our award-winning culinary program,” said Anthony Olheiser, SAHARA Las Vegas vice president of food and beverage. “Candace has been a strong leader on our team for several years, and we look forward to seeing her shine in this new role.”

Bazaar Meat by José Andrés is the James Beard award-winning chef’s wild and wonderful celebration of the carnivorous that offers guests a groundbreaking culinary experience. Since opening at SAHARA Las Vegas, the restaurant has received numerous awards and accolades, including “Best Restaurant in Nevada” by Business Insider. Bazaar Meat by José Andrés is currently open Friday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and beginning March 4, will also be open Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

SAHARA Las Vegas has followed a comprehensive outline of health and safety protocols under the resort’s SAHARA Cares program since reopening the property in June. Under this program, the resort collaborated with health experts to establish several practices to minimize risk for guests and team members including developing a number of contactless solutions to assist with social distancing measures. In addition to protocols established under the SAHARA Cares program, Bazaar Meat by José Andrés follows the health and safety protocols established in the ThinkFoodGroup playbook. More information on that program may be found at thinkfoodgroup.com/playbook.

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