Las Vegas Weekly

January 21, 2010 · 2:41 PM

2010 Vegas Uncork’d: 50 celebrated chefs and 30-plus events

By Robin Leach

The Las Vegas Pussycat Dolls at Vegas Uncork'd.

Photo: TVT

The culinary arts festival Vegas Uncork’d has become one of the fastest-growing epicurean events in America, and from May 6-9, the 30-plus events will be headlined by 50 celebrated chefs led by Paul Bartolotta, Alain Ducasse, Bobby Flay, Michael Mina, Wolfgang Puck and Joel Robuchon.

This year’s four-day fete coincides with Mother’s Day weekend and will feature new events, chefs and a diverse, richly enhanced program with the ultimate who’s who in the food world. It all celebrates the status of Las Vegas as a global gastronomic destination.

Last year, Vegas Uncork’d presented by Bon Appetit experienced record attendance, with an increase in chefs, business partners and sponsors and a 17 percent spike in ticket sales. Building on that momentum, this year will feature more than 30 events blending the worlds of food, gaming and entertainment in the distinct way that makes Las Vegas stand out.

The playground for Vegas Uncork’d will stretch Strip-wide and includes Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and Wynn/Encore. For the first time, The Venetian and Palazzo are associate partners. The event’s charity is Three Square food bank.

“Due to its extraordinary cuisine and its international draw, Las Vegas is a global destination that offers wonderful fun in a unique setting,” Bon Appetit Vice President and Publisher Paul Jowdy said. “Vegas Uncork’d presented by Bon Appetit is a perfect opportunity to see the breadth of Las Vegas with its celebrity chefs and exquisite resorts paving the way.”

Our Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority sponsors the successful festival. “Our culinary scene is unique to Las Vegas,” said Cathy Tull, senior vice president of marketing for LVCVA. “It appeals to visitors drawn to top-tier epicurean experiences, as well as the world-class resort atmosphere Las Vegas offers.”

Rob O’Keefe, executive director of Vegas Uncork’d, added: “Each year, the program continues to build off its own momentum. As we enter into our fourth annual event, the growth continues as everybody spreads the word that the combination of Las Vegas and its top culinary talent presents an epicurean festival not to be missed.”

Highlights of this year’s Vegas Uncork’d schedule include:

*Culinary Conversation With Chef Wolfgang Puck: New to the program this year, Bon Appetit Editor Barbara Fairchild holds a tete-a-tete at Bellagio’s Fontana Lounge with Wolfgang, the icon who created the world of the celebrity chef. They trace the growth of Las Vegas as a dining destination.

*Masters’ Series Luncheons: New this year are luncheons at The Venetian and Palazzo with CUT with Wolfgang Puck, David Burke with David Burke, Restaurant Charlie with Charlie Trotter and Valentino with Luciano Pellegrini and Piero Selvaggio.

*Ultimate All-Star Interactive Luncheon: Step into the kitchen and play sous chef to an all-star lineup of Wynn and Encore chefs at this interactive luncheon with Paul Bartolotta, Frederic Robert, Alex Stratta and David Walzog.

*Grand Tasting at Caesars Palace: An evening featuring 50 restaurants and 50 vintners at the recently renovated 5-acre Garden of the Gods pool complex at Caesars Palace.

*Better by the Bay With Alain Ducasse and Charlie Palmer: Dine for the first time under the stars with a beachside barbecue at Mandalay Bay’s 11-acre tropical water environment and 1.6 million gallon wave pool. Enjoy an East Coast-inspired menu from Charlie Palmer and tastes from coastal France created by Alain Ducasse. Beach attire required.

*Chef’s Table With Alain Ducasse: New this year is a seat at the table with renowned French chef Alain Ducasse at Mix atop The Hotel at Mandalay Bay. A small group of Vegas Uncork’d guests will join him as he conducts his seasonal menu changes.

*Fashion Feast: A Delicious Evening of Style and Taste at Bellagio: New this year, haute cuisine meets savory couture. This event delivers front row access to Bellagio chefs and Via Bellagio designers while indulging in a five-course dinner accompanied by wine pairings selected by Bellagio Wine Director and Master Sommelier Jason Smith.

*Culinary Theater: Two Master Chefs Collide: Chef Rick Moonen of RM Seafood and Hubert Keller of Fleur de Lys, both at Mandalay Bay, have mastered the art of entertainment in the kitchen and onstage. They prepare their favorite signature dishes and dish about each other in this new event.

Tickets for many of these events are now on sale. To purchase tickets and for more information about this year’s event lineup, go to VegasUncorked.com.

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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