Chef Bio: John Simmons Born: 11-27-1967, Chicago, IL Education: Homewood-Flossmoor H.S.  1985 University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana  1989 The Culinary School of Kendall College, Evanston, IL, 1995 Worked: The Sonoma Mission Inn, Sonoma, CA Bistrot Zinc, Chicago Mon Ami Gabi, Las Vegas FIREFLY*on Paradise, Las Vegas dragonfly // an asian joint,  Las Vegas John began his culinary career at the age of 15, working his way through high school and college in various kitchens and dining rooms, never suspecting that it would ever become a career.  After graduating with a degree in economics from the University of Illinois, he earned a degree in Culinary Arts from the acclaimed Culinary School of Kendall College in Evanston, IL.  His first job out of culinary school was as a line cook at the newly opened Bistrot Zinc, which earned high praise critically and was a huge hit in Chicago.  Within one year, he was the executive chef at Bistrot Zinc and 6 months later opened a second Zinc on State Street/Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago. Shortly thereafter, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises came calling with an offer to open a new Mon Ami Gabi restaurant with Chef Gabino Sotelino in fabulous Las Vegas, NV.  John accepted the challenge and was promptly promoted to Chef de Cuisine/Executive Chef as the restaurant quickly became the #1 restaurant in the company and one of the 10 highest grossing restaurants in the country. After 4 years with Mon Ami Gabi, John was ready to move on and create his own restaurant.  That restaurant became Firefly*on Paradise, Tapas Kitchen and Bar, featuring an eclectic menu of dozens of small plates and house-brewed sangria, served in a cool, hip space.  The restaurant opened in August of 2003 with the mission of introducing Las Vegas to a new style of dining- tapas.  Again critical praise and packed houses followed…