Vegas Uncork’d Grand Tasting draws 2,300 to Garden of the Gods

Tom Donoghue/www.donoghuephotography.com

The Grand Tasting for 2010 Vegas Uncork’d at Garden of the Gods in Caesars Palace on May 7, 2010.

By Don Chareunsy (contact)

Saturday, May 8, 2010 | 2:17 p.m.

2010 Vegas Uncork'd: Grand Tasting

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DJ Hubert Keller Spins at Vegas Uncork'd

Launch slideshow »

Tom Donoghue/www.donoghuephotography.com

The Grand Tasting for 2010 Vegas Uncork'd at Garden of the Gods in Caesars Palace on May 7, 2010.

Tom Donoghue/www.donoghuephotography.com

The Grand Tasting for 2010 Vegas Uncork'd at Garden of the Gods in Caesars Palace on May 7, 2010.

By Don Chareunsy, Vegas DeLuxe editor

More than 2,300 food fanatics enjoyed the mouth-watering cuisine and refreshing cocktails and wine at Bon Appetit’s Vegas Uncork’d Grand Tasting at the opulent Garden of the Gods pool complex in Caesars Palace last night.

It was the largest gathering of top celebrity chefs -- an estimated more than 75, including many of the top French culinary kings -- plus 50 restaurants and more than 100 wines and spirits at the spacious outdoor oasis at Caesars.

The red carpet and Grand Tasting were jam-packed with celebrities, and spotted mingling in the large crowd were, among others, comedienne Rita Rudner, actress Laura Prepon, actor Chazz Palminteri, Palms mogul George Maloof, magician Nathan Burton, 2009 Miss USA Kristen Dalton and Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir. The red carpet list included Bon Appetit Editor Barbara Fairchild, Rick Faugno, Matt Goss, Bon Appetit’s Andrew Knowlton, Frank Marino, Luciano Pellegrini, Joel Robuchon, Guy Savoy, Julian Serrano and shirtless dancers from Chippendales.

Fleur de Lys’ celebrated chef Hubert Keller spun the wheels of steel above the crowd in the Fortuna pool in a booth sponsored by Fiji Water, the official water of 2010 Vegas Uncork’d, and chefs Rick Moonen, Rene Lenger, Jet Tila, Steve Martorano, Francois Payard, Saipin Chutima, Joe Elevado, Kim Canteenwalla and Paul Bartolotta were among the culinary greats seen serving up their dishes and strolling throughout the culinary walkabout.

Mario Batali’s book signing was a popular draw; Top Chef Masters two-episode winner Rick Moonen was stopped every few feet for photographs with attendees; and Iron Chef and Bon Appetit’s executive chef Cat Cora took a break from serving bleu cheese sliders and Ketel one blueberry cocktails to pose for photographs with adoring fans.

Among the many food and beverage highlights: Peking duck and foie gras from Bar Masa; scallops from Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill; meatballs from Lavo and Martorano’s; beef salad and sushi from Wazuzu; ginger margaritas from Jean-Georges Steakhouse; Cat’s Ketel one blueberry cocktail; Patron and Fiji Water lounges and booths; and delectable desserts from Payard, Jean-Philippe Patisserie, The Cupcakery (red velvet and German chocolate) and Vosques.

The evening ended with the celebrity blackjack tournament at the Wynn pool, where Wynn chef Paul Bartolotta emerged victorious for the third consecutive year. Our thanks to contributing photographer Tom Donoghue, plus Darrin Bush of Las Vegas News Bureau, for our Vegas DeLuxe photo gallery.

Today’s schedule highlights include a Fashion Feast Gala at the Bellagio, a Mandalay Beach barbecue with Charlie Palmer and Alain Ducasse and Crushed: Wine That Rocks at Azure Pool in the Palazzo. Two Mother’s Day brunches, one with Joel Robuchon and the second with The Lion King cast, ends this year’s Vegas Uncork’d tomorrow.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.