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MGM Grand and The Signature at MGM Grand Offers Vegas Uncork’d VIP Getaway

Posted on Mar 13, 2009 under Archives, Food and Travel News, Las Vegas | No Comment
Exterior of The Signature at MGM Grand

Exterior of The Signature at MGM Grand

Food lovers are invited to enter an exclusive sweepstakes for a chance to win a dream gastronomic getaway to Las Vegas.  Beginning March 9, 2009, MGM Grand, a AAA Four Diamond hotel, and The Signature at MGM Grand, a luxurious all-suite enclave, will offer one lucky foodie the opportunity to mingle with the world’s most celebrated chefs during Vegas Uncork’d May 7-10.  Presented by Bon Appétit magazine, the spectacular epicurean event will showcase the best of Las Vegas’ culinary talent including MGM Grand’s own Joël Robuchon and Tom Colicchio.

Grand junior suite at The Signature at MGM Grand

Grand junior suite at The Signature at MGM Grand

Valued at more than $3,500, the Vegas Uncork’d VIP Getaway will include:
v     A two-night stay for two at The Signature at MGM Grand
v     Roundtrip airfare for two
v     Two tickets to the Vegas Uncork’d Grand Tasting Event
v     Two tickets to all Vegas Uncork’d Culinary Events at MGM Grand
v     Dinner for two at NOBHILL TAVERN, the restaurant of celebrity chef Michael Mina
v     Two tickets to KÀ by Cirque du Soleil
v     Two VIP passes to guest’s choice of Studio 54 or Tabú Ultra Lounge
v     Roundtrip limousine airport transfers

Nobhill Tavern, restaurant of chef Michael Mina

Nobhill Tavern, restaurant of chef Michael Mina

The Vegas Uncork’d VIP Getaway sweepstakes runs March 9 through April 15, 2009.  To enter, visit http://www.signaturemgmgrand.com/sweepstakes.  Additional rules and restrictions apply.  A purchase is not required to enter or win and will not increase your chance to win.

The exciting gourmand experiences of Vegas Uncork’d will include a high-stakes culinary competition, an exclusive event fusing the culinary artistry of Joël Robuchon with the performing arts of Cirque du Soleil’s KÀ and a Mother’s Day brunch with Tom Colicchio – and many more activities at Las Vegas’s top resorts and restaurants.  For those who prefer not to miss this exciting opportunity, exclusive room rates are available at MGM Grand from $139 per night and at The Signature suites from $159 per night.  For reservations, visit www.mgmgrand.com/vegasuncorked or www.signaturemgmgrand.com/exclusive_offers or call (800) 929-1111.  For more on Vegas Uncork’d or to purchase tickets, visit www.vegasuncorked.com.”

Las Vegas Top Chefs Dine in the Sky to Celebrate the Launch of Uncork’d

Posted on Feb 15, 2009 under Archives, Food and Travel News, Las Vegas | No Comment

Last Friday, Feb. 13, nineteen of Las Vegas’ premier chefs dined in the sky over the Strip to celebrate the launch of the 3rd Annual Vegas Uncork’d, presented by Bon Appétit.  The epicurean event will be held in Las Vegas May 7-10 at multiple resorts. Seated (L to R clockwise):  Hubert Keller (Fleur de Lys), Eric Bost (Guy Savoy), Paul Del Favero (Mesa Grill), David Werly (Le Cirque), Marc Poidevin (Switch), Kamel Guechida (Joel Robuchon), Vincent Pilon (Mandalay Bay), Francois Payard (Payard Patisserie), Michael Mina (Michael Mina), Anthony Amoroso (Michael Mina), Rick Moonen (RM Seafood), Adam Sobel (RM Seafood), Mike Minor (Border Grill), Theo Schoenegger (Sinatra), Martin Heierling (Sensi), Alex Stratta (Alex), Kerry Simon (CatHouse), Carla Pellegrino (Rao’s), Paul Bartolotta (Bartolotta) and Kelly McAuliffe, Sommelier (Southern Wine & Spirits).

(AP Photo/Las Vegas News Bureau, Bob Brye).

Dates Set for 3rd Annual Las Vegas Uncork’d Event

Posted on Feb 05, 2009 under Archives, Food and Travel News, Las Vegas | No Comment

The 3rd Annual Vegas Uncork’d presented by Bon Appétit magazine will be held in the “Entertainment Capital of the World” May 7-10, 2009.  Featuring Las Vegas’ top culinary talent—including celebrated chefs such as Daniel Boulud, Tom Colicchio, Todd English and Bobby Flay—Vegas Uncork’d is made possible by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and anchored by Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand and Wynn/Encore Las Vegas. Co-sponsored by Greenspun Media Group and Southern Wine & Spirits, Vegas Uncork’d is known for creating an extraordinary culinary experience for visitors and showcases a selection of star-studded events across the city.

Boasting a spectacular collection of celebrity chefs and more master sommeliers than any other city in the country, Las Vegas is a true food and wine lover’s paradise. Many of the world’s top-rated chefs have helped to shape Las Vegas as one of today’s top culinary destinations and, despite the city’s larger-than-life image, Vegas Uncork’d provides visitors an unique opportunity to mingle with and experience the cuisine of these world-renowned chefs in an intimate environment.

“Over the years, Las Vegas has transformed itself into a destination where the most celebrated chefs choose to open restaurants and showcase the very best in fine dining. Along with our spectacular resorts and world-renowned entertainment, dining has grown into one of Las Vegas’ most important amenities,” said Terry Jicinsky, senior vice president of marketing for the LVCVA. “Thanks to our resort partners and sponsors, we believe this year’s event will continue to build on our previous successes and solidify our place as an exemplary food and wine destination.”

“Vegas Uncork’d is a spectacular gathering of who’s who in the food world, and Bon Appétit magazine is delighted to once again have a hand in bringing it all together,” said Bon Appétit Editor-in-Chief Barbara Fairchild.  “Las Vegas is one of today’s hottest culinary destinations and this event creates a truly one-of-a-kind experience for visitors who want to mix it up with the city’s world-class chefs and some of the finest sommeliers in the country.”

“This is a culinary adventure befitting the destination — Las Vegas,” said Vice President and Publisher of Bon Appétit magazine Paul Jowdy. “The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority showcases the city’s spirit, energy and commitment to the culinary arts with Vegas Uncork’d. We are proud to present the third year of this successful program with a growing roster of resorts, chefs and sponsors.”

Highlights of the 2009 event include a pool-side Grand Tasting with 75 celebrated chefs and vintners; intimate dinners hosted by preeminent chefs; a high-stakes culinary competition; after-hours blackjack; tour-de-force Masters Series dinners with internationally acclaimed chefs such as Guy Savoy; an exclusive culinary experience fused with the performing arts with Chef Joël Robuchon and the cast of KA from Cirque de Soleil; an all-star interactive luncheon with first-hand instruction from star chefs like Paul Bartolotta; immersion wine seminars and a gala evening celebration featuring chefs such as Michael Mina.

Las Vegas became the fourth U.S. city to be profiled by the authors of the Michelin Guide, the prestigious restaurant and lodging guidebook, in the fall of 2007. For the 2009 guide, Las Vegas again garnered one three-star restaurant, Joël Robuchon; three two-star restaurants and 13 one-star restaurants. Additionally for 2009, five Las Vegas restaurants received the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award: Alex at Wynn Las Vegas, Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand, Le Cirque and Picasso at Bellagio and Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace.  Alex at Wynn Las Vegas and Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand were also honored with five-star ratings by the 2009 Mobil Travel Guide. Adding to the destination’s culinary accolades is Bradley Ogden at Caesars Palace which in 2004 received the James Beard Foundation Award for Best New Restaurant in the nation, the first Las Vegas restaurant to win the title. Vegas Uncork’d marks another momentous milestone along Las Vegas’ journey toward becoming one of the world’s most esteemed culinary capitals.

Additional information on Vegas Uncork’d, including a list of participating chefs, full events schedule and ticket information can be found at www.VegasUncorked.com.

Mobil Travel Guide Gives Highest Ranking to MGM Skylofts and Joel Rubuchon at MGM Grand

Posted on Jan 26, 2009 under Archives, Food and Travel News, Las Vegas | No Comment

Mobil Travel Guide announced its highest accolade, Mobil Five-Stars, to first-time recipient SKYLOFTS at MGM  Grand and three-time winner Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand.

With only 44 Mobil Five-Star hotel winners for 2009, this rating distinguishes SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand as one of the top hotels in the United States and Canada.  Unveiled as a rare and private sanctuary of sleek, elegant two-story accommodations high above the Las Vegas Strip, the sophisticated SKYLOFTS offer discerning visitors the quintessential Loft environment harmonizing design, technology, decor, vistas and service.

Culinary history was made in Las Vegas in September 2005 when legendary Chef Joël Robuchon opened his first fine dining restaurant in the United States at MGM Grand.  Since opening, his eponymous restaurant has received the Mobil Five-Star, Michelin Three Star and AAA Five Diamond Awards – the top accolades for each of these organizations.  Joël  Robuchon is one of only 20 Mobil Five-Star restaurants.

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