Martin W. Hebert - A New Generation Restaurateur
by R.H. Duke

After 21 years, the legendary restaurant Philips Supper House at 4545 W. Sahara Avenue has changed ownership. The new owner, Martin W. Herbert has shortened the name of the restaurant to Philips because lunch is now served - one of the many exciting changes that are in store for the restaurant. As a 13 year-old dishwasher in his native New Orleans, Herbert knew that one day he would own his own restaurant. but he never envisioned that it would be one of the oldest and well-known in Las Vegas.

Martin's determination and motivation led to a B.S. degree in hotel and restaurant administration from the University of New Orleans in 1985. For the next 14 years he worked in some of the nation's finest restaurants. He held management positions with Le Meridian, The Crowne Plaza, Commander's Palace, K-Pauls and Ruth's Chris Steak House. In Las Vegas, Herbert has been at Emeril's New Orleans Fish House, Gallagher's, Napa and Voo Doo Cafe at the Rio, RA Nightclub and Rhodes Ranch Country Club. Along the way, Martin has worked with such notable chefs as Emeril Lagasse, Paul Prudhomme, and Jean-Louis Palladin.

At age 38, and with 25 years of hands-on experience, Martin says he "plans to attract a new and different clientele, while still keeping the wonderful patrons that Philips has acquired over the years." He plans to bring the restaurant up to the standards of the "new millennium" by renovating the dining area with warm hues and a hip design, and upgrading the bar/lounge. He also wants to attract a late night crowd with a prime time and late night menu. Herbert is committed to excellence and expresses authority and confidence in saying "the ultimate goal is
to provide superior service to patrons while coordinating the kitchen and dining rooms to create the perfect culinary experience."

Philips Restaurant features complete dinners, including Italian, Seafood, Chicken, Steaks, and Chops. Full bar service and a good selection of wines are available. Philips is open for lunch and dinner, with a special late night menu and banquet rooms. It's located just a few minutes West of the Las Vegas Strip at 4545 W. Sahara Ave. For reservations, call 702-873-5222.

R.H. Duke is a former restaurateur and a Las Vegas restaurant critic who says "Fine Dining is one of Life's Greatest Pleasures!"