Doug Vega is the co-owner and executive chef of Double Helix in Las Vegas. “Double Helix has been in Town Square since 2011, and there’s no better place to enjoy whiskey or any drink of your choice.” Learn about Chef Doug Vega…
Hometown: San Diego
First job: Sea Point Hotel, Point Loma CA
Favorite ways to spend your free time in NV: I love nothing more than hanging out with my kids. They really enjoy being outside and visiting different playgrounds and parks. I also love participating in church activities and, of course, cooking for friends.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: I’m currently living one of my biggest accomplishments! I’ve worked at Double Helix for more than 12 years and have really seen the restaurant and its staff grow and evolve. I saw our restaurant successfully make it through the pandemic and, for me, that’s one of my proudest career achievements since there were many places that didn’t make it.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Being able to create my own dishes, twisting recipes and at the same time keep a favorable food cost, especially in this day and age of inflation, has been a rollercoaster of a challenge, but I have always been up for a good challenge.
Someone who inspires you and why: My daughter, Paulina, is my muse and inspiration. She is such of strong, spirited little girl. She lives with idiopathic arthritis, but she does so well to continue to do everything she puts her mind to.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Find and work with the best chefs and restaurants in the industry, even if their pay isn’t great. Eventually the experience and the mentorship will pay off. Add education into that mix, and you’re on the path to greatness.
Favorite quote: “Fear of God is the beginning of knowledge.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I am Christian, and I pray every day.
What makes someone fabulous: No fear, self-discipline.