Las Vegas Weekly

April 7, 2010 · 2:35 PM

Counter Intelligence: Francois Payard to host showcase, receive award

By Robin Leach

Bradley Ogden and Francois Payard.

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabikphoto.com

Hot off the grill! Celebrated pastry chef Francois Payard, creator and namesake of the highly acclaimed Payard Patisserie & Bistro at Caesars Palace, will give media a rare preview showcase tomorrow of some of the culinary confections he is planning for this year’s Vegas Uncork’d four-day festival of food, fun and wine.

New this year for the Vegas Uncork’d crown jewel of The Grand Tasting: the Garden of the Gods at Caesars Palace, which has grown from two pools from last season and will be the showcase of more restaurants and vintners than any other year. The Grand Tasting currently boasts more than 50 restaurants and 30 wineries. The Garden of the Gods has been redesigned, creating a destination within a destination and featuring eight distinctive swimming pools with lavish amenities and attentive cabana servers.

Later tomorrow at the 36th Annual UNLVino Bubble-Licious event poolside at the Palms, Francois will be honored with the Dom Perignon Award of Excellence. The award is given to individuals who have distinguished themselves in the hospitality industry by setting as an example for UNLV students through their leadership, character and inspirational work ethic. Aria COO William McBeath and Golden Gaming CEO Blake Sartini also are award recipients this year.

*Building community one dinner at a time. That is the mission for Project Dinner Table, a series of farm-to-table dinners. Each dinner will feature one local chef preparing dinner served family-style with ingredients from local growers in a unique location. Project Dinner Table is open to the public and is $150 for a six-course meal per person, with a portion of proceeds going to a local charity. Royden Ellamar, chef du cuisine of Sensi at the Bellagio, will prepare Project Dinner Table’s first dinner. For more information, go to ProjectDinnerTable.com.

*The Mandarin Oriental is offering specials for locals. A spa getaway special at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental is available through May 30, and dining specials are being offered at Mandarin Bar and Mozen Bistro through June 30. Located on the 23rd floor, the chic Mandarin Bar is giving locals 20 percent off their bill Sundays through Wednesdays. It’s also 20 percent off the bill for locals at chef Shawn Armstrong’s contemporary Asian-influenced Mozen Bistro that highlights cuisine from China, Japan, Thailand and India, along with a modern approach to American classics. And finish up the day at The Spa, where locals receive 20 percent off any treatment Mondays through Thursdays. Plus, book any four spa or salon treatments and receive a complimentary poolside cabana on the day of the treatments based on availability.

*Origin India Restaurant and Bar celebrates its fourth anniversary today and is thanking patrons with 50 percent off bottles of wine through April 30. This discount is available daily during lunch and dinner with a minimum purchase of $10 in food. “We have had a tremendous four years in Las Vegas and thank all of our loyal customers, and new customers, who continue to come through our doors each day,” owner Raja Majid said.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

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

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