Steve Olson, Tony Abou-Ganim, Patricia Richards, Francesco Lafranconi
I arrived in Vegas just in time to head off to the Cocktails and Cuisine event for Vegas Uncork'd at the Encore Resort. I didn't know what to expect, but I did know that with names such as Steve Olson and Master Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim at the helm of this Latin libation inspired event, this was going to be a festive way to start the weekend!
Joining Abou-Ganim were mixologists Patricia Richards of Wynn Resorts and Francesco Lafranconi of Southern Wine and Spirits. The mixologists each took turns shaking up the stage and showing us in the audience how to create inspiring cocktails with our individual Patron mixers and tables equipped with all the ingredients you could ever need for the perfect mixed drink.
Lafranconi's Inca Mama was a modern spin on the Pisco Sour while Richards' Blood Orange & Ginger-rita was perfectly refreshing with it's organic agave nectar and splash of freshly juiced ginger root. Abou-Ganim's Coconut Batida was dessert in a goblet with it's coconut cream and toasted coconut for garnish.
Mayan Chocolate Thimble w/Cinnamon Meringue
Cocktails and Cuisine at Bon Appetit's Vegas Uncork'd far exceeded my expectations and I am anxiously awaiting the next event. Everyone was having a blast and how could you not when you were making the coolest cocktails on the planet with the top master mixologists. Not to mention, with every cocktail, we were served a delectable bite by Wynn chef James Benson which was paired integrally well with the various cocktails.
The room was filled with folks from all walks of life, and throughout the two hour event, the room got louder (go figure), more interactive and in the end you felt as if you made a hundred new friends. Not only did we have a spirited afternoon full of cocktails and cuisine at the lavish Encore, but we all left the event with our own colorful Patron mixer sets to bring home to nurture the master mixologist in all of us.
