Posted on Feb 15, 2009 under Archives, Food and Travel News, Las Vegas |
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).
Posted on Feb 12, 2009 under Archives, Everything Else, Food and Travel News |
Aerial view of Manta Ray Island Resort, Yasawa Islands, Fiji
Over 60 travel and food writers attended the Tourism Fiji luncheon held this week at the Penthouse restaurant in the Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica. Journalists came from a variety of publications to the event, planned by Susan Bejeckian Public Relations. The luncheon is just one of several events planned as a launch for Tourism Fiji’s new corporate identity (logo) and their new website for travel agents, www.fijimatai.com.
Journalists at luncheon
The luncheon began with a nice meet and greet reception and followed with a starter course of crab cakes with citrus aioli.
Crabcakes with citrus aioli
Jo Tuamoto, from Tourism Fiji, made a short speech welcoming guests and inviting everyone to visit and write about Fiji.
Jo Tuamoto, Tourism Fiji
Next, Susan Bejeckian, from Susan Bejeckian Public Relations introduced Fijian dancers who provided lively entertainment.
Fijian dancers
Fijian dancers
After the performance, we enjoyed crispy skin salmon with whipped winter squash with green beans, pistachios and pomegranates. Everyone commented on the great food and talked about their memories of Fiji press trips.
Crispy skin salmon with whipped squash
Next came a tasty dessert of banana bread pudding in a mango coulis with coconut sorbet.
banana bread pudding
Everyone had a wonderful time and enjoyed the food and entertainment. We were also given nice bath and body kits with products from Fiji and plenty of information to take back with us to include in future stories.
Posted on Feb 05, 2009 under Archives, Food and Travel News, Las Vegas |
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.