Inside Casa Playa with Sarah Thompson

Las Vegas has quietly become one of America’s most exciting culinary cities, and Chef Sarah Thompson is helping lead that transformation.

In this episode, Sarah shares how she unexpectedly fell in love with Mexican cuisine while working at Cosme in New York, why humility became the foundation of her learning, and how Casa Playa celebrates the remarkable diversity of Mexico’s regional cooking.

Beyond the food, this conversation explores creativity, mentorship, leadership, ingredient sourcing, and why great chefs remain lifelong students.

Grounded in Sarah’s experiences at Casa Playa and her reflections on Las Vegas’ evolving food scene, the episode highlights regional Mexican cuisine, fresh heirloom masa, collaborative leadership, and the importance of curiosity in both cooking and innovation.

What you’ll learn from Chef Sarah Thompson

Why Las Vegas has become a legitimate global culinary destination.

The enormous diversity of regional Mexican cuisine.

Why fresh heirloom masa completely changes the dining experience.

How chefs respectfully learn another culture’s cuisine.

How travel fuels culinary creativity.

Why mentorship matters more than hierarchy.

How great kitchens develop future leaders.