The Divine Dish

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

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.