Chef Grant MacPherson’s career has taken him around the world and across many of the most celebrated dining and hospitality destinations, cooking 5-star cuisine, developing menus and opening restaurants while maintaining his wanderlust and passion for all things culinary.
“I believe truly great cooking to be a noble art. It’s an expression of generosity engaging all five senses to elicit a response, generally underpinned by pleasure,” said MacPherson. His pursuit of the noble art led him to Raffles Hotel Singapore, Bellagio Las Vegas, Wynn Las Vegas, Wynn Macau, three Regent Hotels, several Four Seasons, The Ritz-Carlton Big Island and Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados. A Scotland native now based in Las Vegas, MacPherson heads up his company Scotch Myst, a food and beverage consultancy specializing in designing and executing custom solutions for boutique hotel and restaurant properties.
Current endeavors at Scotch Myst include helming The Merrywell gastro-pubs at the Crown Perth and Crown Melbourne, a new project in Beverly Hills and the restaurant remodel for St. Petersburg’s Grand Hotel Europe by Orient-Express. Once called an “inspirer, innovator and perfectionist” by Wynn Macau’s president, Ian M. Coughlan, MacPherson continues to mold the world of cuisine, spreading a love of food, camaraderie and respect.
Wild mushroom soup, woodland mushrooms
Serves 4
For the soup:
2 tablespoons olive oil
5 shallots, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 pound wild mushrooms (chanterelle, oyster, button, lobster or shimeji)
6 cups vegetable stock
1 cup heavy cream
Salt, to taste
Ground white pepper, to taste
Lemon thyme, for garnish
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, warm olive oil. Add shallots and garlic and cook 3 minutes. Meanwhile, cut the mushrooms into quarters. Add the mushrooms to the pan and cook 10 minutes longer, stirring occasionally. Add vegetable stock and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer 45 minutes longer. Let cool. In a food processor, blend mixture well. Return to the pan, add cream, salt and pepper and heat through.
For the woodland mushrooms:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
8 ounces wild mushrooms, cut into quarters
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts, toasted
1 tablespoon lemon thyme
While the soup simmers, prepare woodland mushrooms. In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, warm oil, add mushrooms and cook until just tender, about 3 minutes, stirring frequently. In a large bowl, combine red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard. Whisk in olive oil until well blended. Stir in mushrooms, walnuts and lemon thyme. Mix well.
PRESENTATION: Place soup in a bowl. Garnish with lemon thyme and serve with warm woodland mushrooms.

Cajun ahi tuna salad, sea beans, Dijon mustard emulsion © Scotch Myst
Cajun ahi tuna salad, sea beans, Dijon mustard emulsion
Serves 4
For the Dijon mustard emulsion:
¾ cup chicken stock
¼ cup heavy cream
¼ cup crème fraîche
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
4 ounces butter, cut into chunks
Salt
Ground black pepper
In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring chicken stock, cream, crème fraîche and mustard to a simmer. Cook until mixture is reduced to ½ cup; whisk in butter until melted. Put mixture in a blender and blend 30 seconds to emulsify. Season with salt and pepper and strain.
For the salad:
8 ounces Hawaiian ahi tuna
3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
⅓ cup red wine vinegar
⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 small head Boston lettuce
2 ounces sea beans or French-cut green beans, blanched
2 large shallots, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped chives
To prepare your salad, trim tuna into long, thin loin shape. Rub with Cajun seasoning. In a dry, 10-inch skillet over high heat, sear tuna until rare. In a medium bowl, combine red wine vinegar with olive oil until well blended. Toss with Boston lettuce leaves, beans, shallots and chives.
For the garnish:
Cajun seasoning
Coarse salt
PRESENTATION: Slice tuna into ½-inch slices. Arrange on serving plate. Add Boston lettuce salad and spoon some Dijon emulsion on each serving. Sprinkle tuna with additional Cajun seasoning and coarse salt.

Seared organic chicken, Wisconsin cheddar mac and cheese, rosemary jus © Scotch Myst
Seared organic chicken, Wisconsin cheddar mac and cheese, rosemary jus
Serves 4
For the chicken:
4 boneless, skinless organic chicken breast halves, 5–6 ounces each
Salt
Ground black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat warm oil. Add chicken and brown on both sides. Transfer chicken to a baking pan and roast 8 minutes in the oven or until chicken is cooked through.
For the mac and cheese:
1 cup heavy cream
1 large garlic clove, chopped
6 ounces sharp Wisconsin cheddar cheese, shredded
12 ounces cooked elbow macaroni
Salt
Ground black pepper
In a saucepan over medium heat, bring cream and garlic to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the mixture is reduced by half. Remove from the heat and whisk in cheddar cheese until blended. Stir in elbow macaroni, salt and pepper until well mixed.
For the rosemary jus:
1 cup dark chicken jus
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
In a small saucepan over high heat bring chicken jus and rosemary to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 10 minutes.
For the garnish:
1 large tomato, diced
Braised scallions or asparagus
PRESENTATION: Arrange chicken on plate, top with rosemary jus and diced tomatoes. Serve with mac and cheese. Garnish with braised scallions or asparagus.
Scotch Myst
5045 Mardon Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89139
tel 702 301 3241
scotchmyst.com
Read Chef MacPherson’s Lamb Drummette recipe.
Read This Next
2013 Airline Of The Year And Hotel Of The Year
2013 / December 2013
Dec 5, 2013All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Feb 13, 2025Florida’s Amrit Ocean Resort Launches Wellness Retreat Series
Situated on Florida’s Singer Island, recently opened Amrit Ocean Resort launches a wellness retreat series. Held monthly, this series aims to inspire longevity. The first retreat kicks off Feb. 27.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Daily
Feb 13, 2025Aman to Open Its First Property in Bangkok
More than 35 years after opening its first property, Amanpuri, in Phuket, Aman returns to Thailand with the opening of Aman Nai Lert in Bangkok. Set to debut April 2, the 52-suite property lies within privately owned Nai Lert Park, offering guests a secluded haven in the middle of the bustling city, much like sister property Aman New York.
Daily
Feb 12, 2025Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival Returns in March
Celebrating the best of Asian and Asian American filmmaking, Colorado’s Dragon Boat Film Festival is a fun mix of screenings by established and emerging artists. The theme of this year’s event is Honoring Our Past to Guide Our Future, held March 14–16 at Denver Sie Center.
Sponsored Content
Sailing the Ionian Sea: Explore Greece’s Nautical Gems
Sailing the Ionian Sea is an enchanting way to experience Greece's breathtaking islands and pristine waters. Known for its favorable winds, calm seas and stunning landscapes, the Ionian Sea offers a paradise for both experienced sailors and those looking to explore for the first time. From lively beaches to secluded bays, these waters have something for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation.
Destinations / North America
Feb 12, 2025Escape to the Carefree Vibe of Mexico’s Isla Holbox
On a tiny island off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, remote life takes on new meaning. Cars are nowhere to be found, internet connections are sporadic at best, and visitors have no choice but to unplug and indulge in natural wonders.
6 Destinations and Hotels for Solo Women Travelers
Daily
Feb 12, 2025New SIRO Hotel to Open in Tokyo in 2029
eFlyer News
Feb 12, 2025eFlyer Deals
Feb 12, 2025Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Deal at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel
Still looking for a Valentine’s Day offer? The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel, in New York City, has the LOVE Ben promotion available. With this offer, enjoy a stay in the hotel’s signature suite, as well as a private, late-night MoMA tour for two (with transportation included).
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
eFlyer Deals
Feb 12, 2025Take the Ultimate Romantic Trip with Newport Harbor Island Resort’s New Offer
Take a Valentine’s Day or romantic trip back to the days of gilded mansions and cobblestone streets at Newport Harbor Island Resort in Newport, Rhode Island. This ocean-facing property has a special Valentine’s Day offer for couples.
ShareThis