Overseeing the culinary direction of one of the leading restaurant groups shaping Las Vegas, Matthew Silverman's innovation and passion for providing meals that stimulate and satisfy the senses is unparalleled. Having cooked for leading celebrities and worked with top restaurants and resorts, Silverman's creative ability in the kitchen is what keeps customers coming back for more. As Corporate Executive Chef for the Michael Corrigan Restaurant Group, Silverman provides the direction for the company's expanding restaurant line-up including: the RoadRunner Restaurants, Agave Comida y Tequila and the Vintner Grill. Always aiming for perfection, Silverman is one of the new master chefs making Las Vegas the epicenter for culinary excellence.
Prior to becoming a chef, Matthew Silverman was a musical prodigy. At the age of 17, he graduated from Van Nuys High School in California where he had been studying music and performing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. By choice, Silverman ended his musical career and followed his heart straight into the kitchen of Wolfgang Puck.
At age 18, Silverman moved to Las Vegas to enroll in the Community College of Southern Nevada's culinary program, which is one of the top programs in the country. He actually began his career working as a dishwasher in one of Puck's local restaurants. His talents were not overlooked and he quickly moved up the restaurant ranks. Seven years later, Silverman was the youngest person ever within the Wolfgang Puck organization to be named Executive Chef. His tenure with Puck's restaurant group included the opening and managing of nine different restaurants across the country.
Eventually, Silverman tired of traveling and began searching for opportunities closer to home. At this time Michael Corrigan, a Las Vegas born businessman with a passion for great food, was looking for a new Executive Chef for his cowboy-themed RoadRunner restaurants. Following several interviews, countless phone calls and numerous cooking demonstrations, Silverman found a new home and quickly put his mark on the menu.
Corrigan and Silverman opened a new restaurant concept within the first six months of their working relationship named Agave Comida y Tequila, in Las Vegas' exclusive Summerlin community. Knowing Silverman's creative talents, Corrigan named him Corporate Executive Chef for all restaurants. Through extensive traveling and brainstorming sessions, Silverman and his team created an authentic Mexican menu with a contemporary twist. Since its opening in December 2004, Agave has garnered numerous awards and continued media praise.
Always on the forefront of innovation, Silverman and Corrigan continue to push the evolution of the company's restaurant portfolio. 2006 marked a new chapter for the company with the launch of newly designed RoadRunner Restaurant that takes a more sophisticated approach in its menu and level of interior design currently not found at the other RoadRunner locations. In addition, the company also launched what has become the new standard for architectural excellence and interior design in Las Vegas; Vintner Grill. A lively American bistro and wine bar, Vintner Grill's menu features American dishes with Mediterranean influences. Bringing a sense of casual elegance, Vintner Grill's fresh and modern interior is only surpassed by its cuisine.
In November 2007, Silverman will cook at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City. Selected as a rising star in the culinary world, the James Beard House opportunity will allow many in the culinary world to take note of Silverman's abilities.