Mateo Pérez, Executive Chef at Bertolini's West Las Vegas

Bertolini's Authentic Trattoria Executive Chef Mateo Perez celebrated his 15th anniversary with the Morton's Restaurant Group, which is comprised of 74 Morton's The Steakhouses internationally, three Bertolini's Authentic Trattorias and the new TREVI at The Forum Shops at Caesars. His love of food, perfectionism in the kitchen and continuous hard work in the restaurant throughout his career have made him a success.

"Mateo is one of the hardest-working chefs around," said Brandon Bueltel, general manager of Bertolini's Authentic Trattoria on West Sahara Avenue in Las Vegas. "He inspects every dish that comes out of Bertolini's kitchen to ensure that everything is to his satisfaction and is presented beautifully."

Perez, a native of Mexico, is responsible for the entire operation in the restaurant's kitchen, from food control and inventory to managing a staff of 14 and hiring talented employees. He began his career as a dishwasher before becoming a line cook. As sous chef and trainer for Bertolini's restaurants across the country, he was given the opportunity to move to Las Vegas to work at the former Bertolini's at The Forum Shops at Caesars (now TREVI).

Perez and Executive Chef Peter Scaturro at TREVI were instrumental in creating a new menu for Bertolini's. The menu consists of Bertolini's long-time favorites, as well as a variety of new additions, such as Baked Macaroni and Cheese Bertolini's, Veal Piccata and Beef Tenderloin with red wine and mushroom sauce.

The Bertolini's Salad, which was created by Perez, is a specialty on the restaurant's menu and a favorite of guests. Featuring chopped romaine, baby spinach, roasted mushrooms and artichoke hearts, Bertolini's Salad is tossed with pesto vinaigrette dressing and can be complimented by either grilled chicken or grilled tenderloin. Perez said the Linguini Frutti di Mar and the Fish of the Day specials are also popular with customers.

"I always want to do better, to make every dish special," said Perez. "I'm a perfectionist, and I love what I do."

Perez and his wife, Patricia, have been married for seven years. When he's not working, Perez enjoys swimming and cooking.