Here’s a look at what happened on Saturday during Vegas Uncork’d.
· Guests kicked off the day by teeing up on Cascata golf course with chef Mario Batali, Bon Appétit editor in chief Adam Rapoport and other celebrities and A-list chefs. The ultimate gastronomic golf event benefitted the Mario Batali Foundation, then the athletic eaters continued the merriment at a beef tasting at Mario Batali’s Italian Steakhouse, Carnevino at Palazzo.
· The most Michelin starred chef in the world, Joël Robuchon, hosted an incredible lunch and cooking demonstration at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand. Foodies were spoiled with delectable dishes, all with delightful wine pairings.
· To celebrate Mother’s Day weekend, Sage at Aria threw a chic brunch party with dishes including Santa Barbara shrimp and scallop ceviche paired with world-class wines such as Billecart-Salmon Brut Blanc de Blancs. All-star Chefs including Shawn McClain, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Masa Takayama and Jean-Philippe Maury took part in the festivities and dined alongside guests.
· Culinary aficionados made their way to the AAA Five Diamond award-winning Le Cirque at Bellagio for a spectacular four-course lunch created by Executive Chef Paul Lee. With up close views of the famed Fountains of Bellagio, guests indulged in four-courses including mushroom risotto, all perfectly paired with wines hand selected by Flower’s Winery Master Sommelier Larry Stone.
· Uncork’d guests became pastry savvy at a special seminar at Payard Patisserie & Bistro at Caesars Palace. Chef François Payard shared his techniques for how the freshest, most fantastic pastries are created. Attendees sampled a variety of colorful macarons while sipping wine.
· Sommeliers and guests united at Bellagio Convention Center for some friendly competition during a girls vs. guys “Family Feud” style game show. The audience got in on the action by providing the “survey says” answers and doing a blind tasting of wine from Saint-Joseph, Rhone Valley and Chablis, Burgundy along with the sommeliers. The event featured passed cocktails and appetizers.
· At the Bellagio Pool Garden, guests were treated to a smothering flame-grilled feast. Chef Roy Ellamar used ancient methods of cooking meat with live fire, ash and smoke while Master Mixologist Ricardo Murcia cooled things down with creative cocktails incorporating ice and fire. Tastings included prime beef and game charred by white oak embers, lamb roasted over pecan logs and farmers market vegetables cooked in ashes of a smoldering fire pit.
· ARIA’s stellar lineup of A-list chefs, such as Julian Serrano and Michael Mina, took over The Buffet at ARIA to put a gourmet spin on self-serve style. Diners sipped champagne while sampling dozens of must-taste specialties including Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Kurobuta Pork Loin with Smoked Chili Glaze, Masa Takayama’s Sushi Canapé with Toro Caviar, Shrimp and Scallop and a Spring Special pizza from Shawn McClain.
· At Joël Robuchon Restaurant at MGM Grand, food enthusiasts gathered for an incredibly memorable dining experience as the celebrated Chef Joël Robuchon created a one-of-a-kind, six-course menu. Exquisite French dishes included Le Chou Kale, Le Caviar Imperial and La Saint-Jacques. The restaurant’s Master Sommeliers completed the evening with wine pairings from Burgundy and Rhone.
· Guests enjoyed at a full progressive evening of food and nightlife experiences at Hakkasan Restaurant & Nightclub at MGM Grand. The night kicked off with a specially curated modern Cantonese dinner by Michelin-starred Chef Ho Chee Boon. Diners also embraced an interactive chef experience in the Ling Ling Lounge, learning how to properly cook Peking duck, make signature cocktails and create one of Hakkasan’s signature desserts, the Exotic Fruit Platter with Pastry Chef Monica Delgadillo. With full bellies, guests continued to the nightclub for an all-encompassing nightlife experience with VIP treatment in Hakkasan’s skybox, the premier space above the main room dance floor.
· Carnevino at Venetian hosted a walk-around tasting at the acclaimed Italian Steakhouse to benefit Mario Batali Foundation—ensuring children are well read, well fed and well cared for. Bon Appétit Editor in Chief Adam Rapoport, golfers, celebrities and guests enjoyed the restaurant’s exclusive brand of organic, super-prime beef in a delicious menu featuring a selection of house-cured Italian salumi, steak tartar with trumpet mushrooms and Piedmontese beef agnolotti. Exceptional Barolo wines flowed throughout the evening to pair perfectly with the Italian feast.
Click on the photos below to enlarge.
Like Haute Living Las Vegas? Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter. Want Haute Living Las Vegas delivered to your in box once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.