In the ever-evolving world of hospitality, Elizabeth Blau stands tall as a tastemaker, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for change. With a career that spans decades and a portfolio of celebrated restaurants, she has redefined what it means to be a leader in the culinary industry.
A Career Built on Vision
Elizabeth Blau began her journey in hospitality with a vision that food could be more than a meal — it could be an experience, a destination, and a force for community. After earning a Master’s degree from the prestigious Cornell School of Hotel Administration, she went on to work with some of the world’s top chefs and luxury brands. But it was in Las Vegas that she made her mark.
Often credited with helping transform the Strip into a global fine-dining capital, Blau brought a fresh, elevated perspective to restaurant development. Her company, Blau + Associates, is a strategic firm that builds, revitalizes, and operates some of the most dynamic hospitality concepts in North America.
Iconic Restaurants, Personal Roots
With her husband and culinary partner, Chef Kim Canteenwalla, Blau has co-created beloved dining destinations that blend fine cuisine with heartfelt storytelling. Their flagship restaurant, Honey Salt, offers a farm-to-table experience inspired by family traditions and local flavors. Meanwhile, Buddy V’s Ristorante, a collaboration with “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro, brings Italian-American comfort food to the heart of Las Vegas.
Their most recent triumph, Crown Block in Dallas, is housed in the iconic Reunion Tower. It’s a contemporary steak and seafood restaurant with breathtaking panoramic views — a fitting symbol of Blau’s sky-high ambition.
Beyond the Plate: Advocacy and Impact
Blau is not just a businesswoman — she’s a changemaker. As co-founder of the Women’s Hospitality Initiative, she’s actively working to bridge the gender gap in an industry where women remain underrepresented in leadership roles.
She also co-launched Delivering with Dignity, a COVID-era initiative that continues to provide chef-prepared meals to vulnerable populations, demonstrating her belief that hospitality is about care and compassion, not just service.
Recognition and Reach
Her work has earned her national acclaim. Blau has been a James Beard Award nominee, recipient of the Cornell Hospitality Innovator Award, and is consistently featured among the most powerful women in food.
On social media, particularly Instagram, Elizabeth shares a mix of entrepreneurial insight, travel adventures, behind-the-scenes peeks, and family life — offering a rare, authentic view of a woman at the top of her game.
A Future Fueled by Passion
From reshaping cities through food to mentoring the next generation of female leaders, Elizabeth Blau’s story is far from over. Her impact continues to ripple across kitchens, boardrooms, and communities. In a world hungry for innovation and inclusion, Elizabeth Blau is serving up exactly what’s needed.