IS Photography/ImagesofVegas.com
Karina Smirnoff and Emeril Lagasse at his Carnival du Vin in the Palazzo.
Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 | 4:49 p.m.
The Carnivale du Vin brought together many of the top chefs in the country: Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, Mario Batali, Bradley Ogden… most of the big names were at the Venetian this weekend.
The Sun caught up with eight of the culinary heavyweights and asked them eight questions, including their take on their signature dishes, restaurant trends, favorite kitchen gadgets, and what they would have for dinner if they had just one last supper to enjoy.
Chef #1: Emeril Lagasse
How many restaurants do you currently have?
I have 12.
What would you say your signature dish is? What defines you as a chef?
I’ve been around for 30 years, if you don’t know them by now go back to sleep on the bus. Barbecued shrimp, there’s one banana cream pie with banana-crusted caramel, rack of lamb, it goes on and on and on. I mean, I’ve been doing this for a long time. How old are you?
What did you have for breakfast this morning?
I had breakfast with my kids so they had eggs and pancakes and orange juice, the typical American breakfast that you’d have with your kids.
What is your favorite food-related trend right now?
I don’t know, I don’t follow trends; I get up in the morning and I’m out to set them.
What would you have at your last supper?
I’d probably have some truffles for sure.
Who would cook it?
I’d probably have my wife do it.
What is your favorite Vegas-based restaurant (other than your own)?
That’s tough, that’s tough, that’s really tough. Everybody in the world is here so that’s tough. I couldn’t give you that answer.
What’s your favorite kitchen gadget?
Probably my knife.
Next Chef: Wolfgang Puck
Jump to: Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, Mario Batali, Bradley Ogden, Kerry Simon, Sammy Hagar, Nancy Silverton, Mark Tarbell.
In the spirit of Venice, The Venetian is a little piece of romantic Italy right here in Las Vegas. The Venetian is an "all-suite" hotel, with rooms accented with plush linens and Italian marble. The 4,027 suites are divided into two towers: The 36-story Venetian Tower that offers guests a taste of luxurious Las Vegas and the Venezia suites, which guarantee 12 floors of high-end elegance. The top five floors are the hotel's highest level of luxury with its private access, concierge lounge, upgraded features and even a dedicated staff.
Entertainment at the Venetian includes shows such as Tim and Faith - Soul2Soul, featuring Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, and Rock of Ages.
The flagship of Venetian nightlife is TAO, an ultra-hip nightclub located inside of TAO Asian Bistro. V Bar is The Venetian's super smooth ultra lounge, made by the owners of New York City's club Lotus and Los Angeles' super swank Sunset Room.
The Venetian features 19 restaurants including Thomas Keller's award-winning French restaurant Bouchon, Mario Batali's B&B Ristorante, Aquaknox for fresh seafood and the 42,000 square foot TAO Asian Bistro. There's also the food court inside the Canal Shoppes for those looking for a quick bite.
Guests can float along The Grand Canal Shops in an authentic Italian gondola ride and pass stores like Burberry and Kenneth Cole along the way. And if you haven't caught a real celeb, on the street in Vegas, you can head over to Madame Tussauds to check out a wax version.
