Uncork’d Gala Dinner, Bellagio
Posted on May 12, 2009 under Archives | No CommentOn May 9th, the Uncork’d Gala Dinner was held in the Monet Ballroom. On the way there I passed through the conservatory and had to take a few pics of the beautiful tulips, here they are:
Everyone entered the ballroom and went onto the patio to view displays from the participating restaurants and for a chance to sample appetizers and drinks and chat with the chefs.
Above is the Yellowtail Sushi Restaurant and Bar display.
Chef Akira Back and his staff mingled with guests.
Picasso and Todd English’s Olives also had nice displays.
Amidst the camera crews I snuck in for a pic with chefs Todd English and Isaac Carter.
The Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Prime Steakhouse display made everyone hungry.
Prime chef Robert Moore was on hand with several guys who provided the Wagyu beef to answer questions and mingle with the crowd.
I got to sample the artichoke and goat cheese drumsticks, which were really tasty, but missed the rest of the appetizers.
Once inside, our hostess, Bon Appetit Editor-in-Chief Barbara Fairchild greeted all the guests.
Our first course was Japanese snapper carpaccio with micro shiso and tosazu, from chef Akira Back of Yellowtail, paired with a 2006 Loimer Risling from Austria. Our table loved the freshness of the snapper.
Next came roasted scallops with green asparagus, Hollandaise mousseline and confit of leeks from Chef Julian Serrano of Picasso. Paired with a glass of Torres Nerola Cataluyna, 2005.
Next came Michael Mina and Anthony Amoroso’s crispy pork belly, vegetables a la Grecque with wild arugula and California ranch olive oil (Michael Mina restaurant). Paired with a Domaine Ott Rose Clos Mireille Cotes du Provence 2007.
Our last course was from chef Robert Moore of Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Prime Steakhouse – a dry aged A5 Wagyu rib-eye with grilled shiitake mushrooms and sesame mustard.
All of the dishes were spectacular but the star of the night was the huge dessert display by Jean-Philippe Maury of Jean-Philippe Patisserie. We all went back outside to sample the many many desserts. Here are some pics:
Here is what I selected to taste:
I liked the Chocolate Decadence the best, but all were brilliant. Here is what my foodie friend Mary Ellen tried:
The event was a wonderful end to a weekend full of fabulous food. Here is a pic of Mary Ellen and the girls, enjoying the treats before heading back home.