Bobby Flay, Brad Garrett, Dave Matthews to be in Las Vegas over weekend

By Melissa Arseniuk (contact)

Friday, May 8, 2009 | 7:19 a.m.

AP Photo

Celebrity chef Bobby Flay will do a cookbook signing from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, (May 8, 2009) at Mesa Grill in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is an always a destination for foodies but the city is going to be the place to be for chefs to see (and taste) and be seen (and tasted) this weekend as the annual Vegas Uncork’d takes over the city’s culinary landscape.

Notable chefs who will be in town will include Cat Cora, Todd English, Bobby Flay (who will do a cookbook signing this afternoon at Mesa Grill, from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.), David Foster, José Mendín, Bradley Ogden, François Payard, Joël Robuchon, Guy Savoy and “Top Chef” judge (and craftsteak restaurateur) Tom Colicchio.

Sure, many of them already have restaurants here in Vegas, but not all of them spend much time at their eateries. What’s more, Uncork’d is one of few times foodies can catch such a collection of culinary talent in one place at one time.

Many of the top chefs will be at the Wynn tonight for a very special and star-studded blackjack tournament.

Those hungry for familiar faces will have more to feast their eyes upon this weekend than celebrity chefs at Uncork’d: A range of actors, musicians, and actors-turned-musicians are heading this way.

Though Danny Masterson Is still best known as “Steven Hyde” from “That ‘70s Show,” the 33-year-old actor is making a new name for himself, as “DJ Mom Jeans,” and will bring his turntables – OK, his MP3-filled laptop – to Rain on Friday.

Meanwhile actress Sara Paxton, whose new series, “A Beautiful Life,” is about to debut on the CW, will make things official and celebrate her 21st birthday at Privé.

The fresh-faced actress will be in good company, too: Nightlife veteran, music producer and club host extraordinaire, Jermaine Dupri, will be at the club on Friday. Dupri will reassume his familiar role as nightclub host tonight, and will perform a special set as guest DJ, too.

Also tonight, “Everybody Loves Raymond” costars Ray Romano and Brad Garrett will present their first of two consecutive performances at the Mirage.

Poker players should be advised to watch their bets, however: Garrett is an accomplished player and will probably hit at least a few of the city’s top tables during his visit.

Dave Matthews and Jason Mraz also kick off a two-night stint at the MGM Grand Garden Arena this evening.

Mraz will put on a third Vegas show tomorrow night, and has scheduled a special midnight performance at the Pearl.

Also on Saturday, Maxim cover girl and “Watchmen” starlet Malin Akerman will celebrate her 30th birthday at Privé, while NBA All-Star Shawn Marion will celebrate his birthday at Pure.

While Sunday is going to be relatively low-key, the action will continue on Monday as Fat Joe takes over Privé’s Monday night main event, We Rock Hip Hop.