Las Vegas Weekly

September 27, 2010 · 2:04 PM

Exclusive photos: Wolfgang Puck and L.V. chefs host fundraiser in L.A.

By Robin Leach

Hope Dworaczyk and Wolfgang Puck at Puck's 2010 Meals on Wheels two-day fundraiser in Los Angeles.

Photo: TVT

Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck flew a team of his Las Vegas chefs to L.A. for the two days of his 28th Annual American Wine and Food Festival combined with the 11th Annual Star Chefs Grand Tasting Dinner. The weekend began with the largest chefs event on the nation’s calendar, when more than 3,000 foodies poured into the Universal Studios back lot for the festival, raising $600,000 for Wolf’s favorite charity Meals on Wheels.

They sampled incredible taste treats and vintage wines from more than 100 chefs and vintners. Las Vegas chefs in attendance at the annual event Saturday included Paul Bartolotta (Wynn), Scott Irestone (MGM Grand), Thomas Keller (The Venetian), David Robins and Eric Klein (Caesars Palace), Matt Hurley (Palazzo), Julian Serrano (Bellagio and Aria), Piero Selvaggio and Luciano Pellegrini (The Venetian) and Francois Payard (Caesars Palace).

The weekend ended with the unforgettable eight-course menu last night with six wines at Wolfgang’s original Spago restaurant in Beverly Hills. Las Vegas celebrity chefs Charlie Palmer (Mandalay Bay) and Paul joined former MGM Fiamma chef Michael White, now in New York, Santi Santamaria from Barcelona, Nobu Matsuhisa from Beverly Hills and the Hard Rock Hotel here and Dominique Ansel from Daniel Boulud’s New York restaurant for the amazing night.

Wolfgang selected Spago Las Vegas chef Eric as his executive chef for all the guest kings of the kitchen. 2010 Playmate of the Year Hope Dworaczyk, who received her title here at the Palms, was one of the 200 well-heeled guests, and all the chefs insisted on photographs with the stunning Playboy beauty.

The eight-course menu consisted of Nobu serving Fluke Wasabi Ceviche in Umami Gelee, Paul Imperial Langoustine Poached in Capon Broth with Brussels Sprout Leaves and Shaved White Truffles, Michael Peidmontese-Style Veal Ravioli, Charlie Thyme-Roasted Sonoma Squab, Parsnip Puree and Caramelized Figs, Santi Lamb Pastiulla and Rack of Lamb with Stuffed Eggplant in a Curry Sauce, and Dominique Blueberry & Hibiscus Vacxherin with Creme Chantilly. Wolfgang, Lee Hefner and Tetsu Yahagi oversaw hors d’oeuvres, and Sherry Yard did closing confections.

The ever-gracious Beverly Hills retail mogul Fred Hayman, who created Giorgio’s fragrances, paid $100,000 for a private at-home dinner for 24 of his friends by the seven star chefs. I also sold at the auction nine of the chef’s jackets autographed by the culinary stars for another $5,600. The 200-plus guests each paid $750, so another $255,000 was raised, added to the previous night’s $600,000, making it a nearly $1 million weekend.

During the culinary extravaganza, Thomas told me that he’s begun writing a new Bouchon Bakery cookbook to be released in 2012. Santi, hailed with three Michelin stars as today’s best chef in the world, arrived today in Las Vegas for three days and told me that he’s scouting a possible location for his famed Spanish restaurant and checking out our food scene for the first time. He’ll dine with Paul at Wynn, Joel at MGM Grand and Wolfgang’s team at CUT in the Palazzo.

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.

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

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