Vegas Uncork’d 2011 Tickets on Sale NOW!

Chefs Kick Off Tix Sales for 2011 Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit

(l to r) Rick Moonen, Jason Arbusto, Tina Wilson, Claude Le-Tohic, Stephane Chevet, Frank Pellegrino Jr., Bradley Ogden, François Payard, Randy Sebastian, Jet Tila, Theo Schoenegger, Edmund Wong, Sylvain Bortolini, Robert Smith, Julian Serrano, Front Row: Steve Benjamin, Carlos Salazar, Flora Aghababyan and David Walzog

"Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit this week announced the launch of ticket sales for its fifth annual event, May 5-8, 2011, during a spectacular press event held in the Great Hall of Fashion Show on the Las Vegas Strip. Chefs and Master Sommeliers from partner resorts Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and Wynn | Encore gathered for the festive occasion. Accompanying the announcement was the dramatic unveiling of a first-ever culinary masterpiece, comprising sculptural interpretations of each partner resort hand-crafted in-house using pastry and other confection, all created to celebrate the epicurean virtuosity of the world’s most exhilarating dining destination.

“Our ever-increasing numbers of attendees have spoken,” said Rob O’Keefe, executive director of Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit. “Vegas Uncork’d has distinguished itself by offering unparalleled access to chefs and a superior resort experience to that offered by any other culinary event on the calendar—not just in Las Vegas, but anywhere in the world.”

The four-day extravaganza held each Mother’s Day weekend draws the world’s culinary superstars while celebrating Las Vegas as a global culinary destination with truly international appeal. Year after year, Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit draws gourmands, luxury travelers and extraordinary chefs from around the globe to Las Vegas, all lured by the prospect partaking in this epic foodie extravaganza.

“There’s a reason why the world’s elite chefs and enthusiastic food lovers look forward to this event every year,” said Adam Rapoport, editor-in-chief, Bon Appétit magazine. “Through their visionary culinary programs, Las Vegas resorts not only elevate the standard for hotel dining everywhere, but also inject a singular kind of excitement into the global culinary scene.”

Samples of new additions to this year’s delectable schedule include:

At Bellagio:

Eating Las Vegas – Get in on the Culinary Conversation with top Las Vegas food critics and Eating Las Vegas authors John Curtas, Max Jacobson and Al Mancini. Moderated by a Bon Appétit editor, the tasting trio will dish about their book covering the city’s 50 essential restaurants while guests enjoy small plates from top Bellagio restaurants on Saturday, May 7.

Que Viva España! with Julian Serrano at Bellagio – Take a culinary tour with acclaimed chef Julian Serrano at this Masters’ Series Luncheon as he explores the regional cuisine of Spain where Pablo Picasso spent part of his life. The elegant restaurant named for the artist is home to paintings and ceramics by Picasso that inspire the senses.  On Friday, May 7.

  
At Caesars Palace: 

Elegant Bistro with Francois Payard Masters’ Series Dinner – Settle into Caesars Palace’s intimate Payard Pâtisserie & Bistro for this Masters’ Series Dinner combining the very best of the legendary Chef François Payard’s sweet and savory repertoire on Thursday, May 5.

Sparkling Brunch at Restaurant Guy Savoy – Give Mom a reason to brag about you all year long by indulging her at this exclusive brunch presented by Chef Guy Savoy at the Michelin Two-Star Restaurant Guy Savoy on Sunday, May 8.

At MGM Grand:

A Night of High Spirits with Tom Colicchio at Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak – Enjoy a lively evening tasting exceptional spirits and fine wines complemented by sumptuous steak preparations—all while enjoying live music performed by dueling pianists on Thursday, May 5.

French Connection with Joël Robuchon – Rub elbows with the Chef of the Century at Las Vegas’ only Michelin Three-Star restaurant, Joël Robuchon, during this imaginative Masters’ Series Luncheon on Saturday, May 7.

At Mandalay Bay:

Run for the Roses with Michael Mina – Celebrate the Kentucky Derby with a four-course lunch and wine pairings hosted by Chef Michael Mina and Michael Mina Group Sommelier Raj Parr.  Signed copies of “Michael Mina The CookBook” and Raj Parr's “Secrets of the Sommelier” will be available for purchase. On Saturday, May 7.

Late Night with Hubert Keller – Join Vegas Uncork’d chefs and host Chef Hubert Keller—who will also be manning the DJ booth—to enjoy Champagne, wines, savory snacks and dessert at Keller’s new Fleur restaurant at Mandalay Bay on Saturday, May 7.

At Wynn | Encore:

“Come Fly with Me” Wine Dinner at Sinatra – Steve Wynn joins the Sinatra family to host an exclusive, wine-lavished evening celebrating the inaugural release of ‘Come Fly with Me’—the 2007 Sinatra Estates Cabernet Sauvignon.Star chef Theo Schoenegger salutes Ol’ Blue Eyes with “Sinatra—HIS Way”—a menu of the legendary entertainer’s favorite dishes, created in collaboration with the Sinatra family. On Thursday, May 5.

Viva Las Vegan! – Celebrity chef Tal Ronnen has created masterful vegan meals for the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Chelsea Clinton and Ellen DeGeneres.  Now a consulting chef for Wynn’s vegan program, he joins Wynn | Encore’s all-star chefs, in partnership with several of the unique, distinctive boutique farmers and growers who supply their kitchens, to create a lively, interactive reception-style tasting featuring vegan and vegetarian dishes. On Saturday, May 7.

The fifth annual Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit roster of events also includes returning favorites such as Masters’ Series Dinners by Bradley Ogden and Guy Savoy (Thursday, May 5) and the Garden of the Gods Grand Tasting (Friday, May 6) at Caesars Palace; Better by the Bay featuring Chefs Alain Ducasse, Charlie Palmer and Rick Moonen at Mandalay Bay Beach (Saturday, May 7); Wine Immersion at Bellagio (Saturday, May 7); and the Celebrity Chef Blackjack Tournament at Wynn | Encore (Friday, May 6).

ABOUT VEGAS UNCORK’D BY BON APPÉTIT:  Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit is a unique, four-day culinary extravaganza featuring 30 intimate luncheons, dinners, tastings and other immersive and entertaining culinary experiences. Its five partner resorts comprise Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and Wynn | Encore; the event is made possible by its title sponsor, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, major sponsors Travelocity, Infiniti  and other national brands. Among the famous names joining Bon Appétit magazine Editor-in-Chief Adam Rapoport at this year’s events are chefs Paul Bartolotta, Tom Colicchio, Alain Ducasse, Hubert Keller, Michael Mina, Rick Moonen, Bradley Ogden, Francois Payard, Joël Robuchon, Guy Savoy, Julian Serrano, Alex Stratta and many more."

To purchase tickets, visit  www.VegasUncorked.com

Photo Credit: Denise Truscello/ WireImage

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