Thursday, May 7, 2009 | 6:35 a.m.
Las Vegas will be the epicenter of all things epicurean this weekend: Uncork’d is back for its third year and once again has attracted the best and brightest chefs in the country.
There will be scrumptious dinners, insightful workshops and a host of other events to please a range of palates. From ardent meat and potatoes types to the strict, snob food-only set, the annual event offers something for everyone.
Yet while culinary circles are converging in Las Vegas, I’m leaving town: A friend of mine is getting married and I have to not only fly to another country to attend, but bake the three-tier wedding cake, too.
So while I’m about to embark upon a culinary odyssey of my own, here is a sampling of the Vegas Uncork’d-related events that I sincerely hope you will enjoy in my absence.
After all, just because I’ll be busy fighting with fondant doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a delicious dinner; broaden your horizons (or palate) with a culinary conversation or workshop; or rub elbows with some of the nation’s most notable chefs.
Bon appétit!
Vegas Uncork’d 2009
Thursday:
Five different Masters Series dinners at Caesars Palace (all sold out)
“Chefs for Three Square” party at Pure
- Hosted by Bon Appétit editor-in-chief Barbara Fairchild
- On the guest list: Bobby Flay, Cat Cora, Kerry Simon, and Rick Moonen.
- The $75 ticket price includes beer, wine, specialty cocktails and hors d’oeuvres – and supports a very worthy cause, too.
Classic French cooking meets French-Canadian circus with “Theater in the Kitchen” at L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand (sold out)
Friday:
“Wine Immersion Experience: Taste Wine Like a Master Sommelier” with Master Som Jason Smith at Tuscany Kitchen at the Bellagio ($65).
Bobby Flay cookbook signing
- 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace
Grand Tasting
- Fleur de Lys, Joël Robuchon Restaurant, Okada, Restaurant Guy Savoy, Simon, Table 10, Valentino, craftsteak, Nobhill Tavern… the list goes on and on, and they’re all going to be there.
- Taste the flavors of the city’s top tables during one massive night of delicious excess.
- From 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the pool deck at Caesars.
- Tickets are $150 advance or $175 at door – if it doesn’t sell out.
Celebrity Chef Blackjack Tournament
- Your chance to sit at the same (blackjack) table as Daniel Boulud, Bobby Flay, and Joël Robuchon, as well as at least 15 other top-notch chefs.
- The $10,000 prize purse would be more than enough to eat at all of their restaurants at least once -- including tip!
- While entry fee is $350, those who wish to watch can do just that – and enjoy a few of the complimentary cocktails while they’re at it. (Spectator admission is $100.)
- The event will take place on the Encore pool deck and inside XS nightclub.
- The party will continue once the cards have been dealt: Players and spectators will get free admission to XS afterward.
Saturday:
Ultimate All-Star Luncheon (sold out)
The chance to cook with Paul Bartolotta, Daniel Boulud, Marc Poidevin and Alex Stratta; rub elbows with Bon Appétit editor-in-chief Barbara Fairchild and a handful of the magazine’s top writers; and the oh-so-yummy offerings of pastry chef Frédéric Robert all in one luncheon. No wonder it’s sold out.
A pair of Vegas-style, “Iron Chef”-like Culinary Challenges
- Caesars Palace vs. MGM Grand followed by Wynn/Encore vs. Mandalay Bay
- Both hosted by “Iron Chef” and Bon Appétit Executive Chef Cat Cora
- The challenges will be held in the Premier Ballroom at MGM Grand, giving Mary Sue Milliken and Carlos Buscaglia a slight home turf advantage.
- Admission to each of the hour-long events is $75
Gala Dinner
- Hosted by Bon Appétit editor-in-chief Barbara Fairchild
- Each of the meal’s six courses will be prepared by a different leading restaurant:
- Todd English (Olives) will provide hors d’oeuvres
- Akira Back (Yellowtail) will follow with Japanese snapper carpaccio with micro shiso
- Julian Serrano (Picasso) will present roasted scallops with asparagus
- Michael Mina (Michael Mina) will prepare crispy pork belly with vegetables á la Grecque and wild arugula
- Robert Moore (Prime Steakhouse) will tred diners to his dry aged A5 wagyu ribeye with grilled shiitke mushrooms
- Jean-Philippe Maury (Jean-Philippe Pâtisserie) will provide the sweet ending with what promises to be a grand dessert.
- Wine pairings are included in the ticket price, which is $275 per person.
Sunday:
Mother’s Day Brunch (sold out)
- “Top Chef” judge Tom Colicchio invites diners to toast Mom with a glass of Mumm Napa sparkline rosé over brunch on Sunday at his restaurant, Craftsteak.
- Those who already secured their tickets will leave with both a belly full of scrumptious brunch and a signed copy of Colicchio’s cookbook, “Craft of Cooking.”
Chocolates, Bubbles and Ice - A Decadent Slice of Heaven
- Two of life’s great pleasures, chocolate and wine, are combined as executive pastry chef Megan Romano and wine director/master sommelier William Sherer (both of Aureole) treat Uncork’d audiences to seven of their specialies
- Seven chocolates and seven wines will be presented, each paired to perfection.
- The sinfully rich and intoxicating journey will take place at Charlie Palmer’s Michelin Star-winning restaurant at Mandalay Bay, Aureole.
- Tickets to the 90-minute session are $75.
To view the complete listing of all that Uncork’d has to offer and purchase tickets for any of the events, click here.
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