From Pasta Making To Cake Decorating, Go Behind The Scenes In Wynn Master Class Series

Summer school is now in session at Wynn Las Vegas. The luxury resort kicked off its Wynn Master Class Series this week with behind-the-bar secrets in Mixology 2.0 – Shake Up Your Entertaining Skills — the first in a new series of classes covering everything from pasta making to cake decorating.

Led by the resort’s expert team, the popular series provides a glimpse into exclusive areas throughout the resort, while also providing hands-on instruction and intimate access to industry superstars.

Photo Credit: Barbara Kraft

“We encourage everyone to participate in our Wynn Master Class Series,” says Wynn’s Assistant Director of Beverage Development Andrew Pollard.

He will lead a handful of mixology demos including a crash course in sushi beverage pairings at 2 p.m. July 27 and a tribute to Frank Sinatra with Jack Daniel’s cocktails at 2 p.m. Oct. 6.

“These classes are designed to accommodate anyone that may just be genuinely curious on a certain topic, looking for inspiration, or continuously evolving their self-education.”

Next Friday at noon, for instance, guests have an opportunity to prepare Chinese dishes alongside Chef Ming Yu in the kitchen of the acclaimed Wing Lei restaurant. July 13 brings a noon lesson in pasta making from Executive Chef Mark LoRusso of Costa di Mare.

Photo Credit: Eric Jamison

From small celebration cakes to lavish five-tier wedding cakes, Wynn’s Master Cake Artist Flora Aghababyan receives between 80 to 100 cake orders per week in the Wynn cake shop. The winner of Food Network’s Cake Challenge shares tips and tricks for making an award-winning cake at 2 p.m. on Aug. 9.

“We cover techniques for piping, working with fondant, buttercream, molding chocolate and sugar décor,” says Aghababyan. “We hope that students leave the class feeling confident that the next cake they’ll make will not only taste good, but will also look beautiful and impressive.”

Celebrity Chef Tal Ronnen teams up with SW Steakhouse and Lakeside Executive Chef David Walzog for a rare, hands-on look at creating innovative meatless cuisine at noon on Sept. 20. Wynn goes on to celebrate National Bourbon Month as renowned spirits authority Bobby “G” Gleason joins Pollard in an exclusive tasting of premium bourbons at 2 p.m. Sept. 22.

Photo Credit: Anthony Mair

Chef Enzo Febbraro welcomes guests into the kitchen at Allegro at noon on October 13 for a cooking demonstration and recipe sampling. Aspiring florists will go inside Wynn’s floral studio and create an arrangement at 10 a.m. Oct. 18 with the help of Floral Manager Evelyn Herrera and Floral Designer Camille Lopez.

The series concludes Dec. 15 as Executive Pastry Chef Patrice Caillot guides adults and children in the art of edible ornaments in the pastry shop at noon.

Whether it be cookbooks, cocktails or cookies, Pollard teases that guests may expect surprises in every class.

“We look to provide a unique and innovative experience,” says Pollard, “to include a range of topics … up and coming trends, general to accelerated category information, and most importantly, fun and exciting.”

Photo Credit: Wynn Las Vegas

Wynn Master Class Series classes include:

• A Wing and a Flair – Chinese Cooking with Ming Yu: Friday, June 15; noon; Wing Lei; $175.
• Master Class in Pasta Making: Friday, July 13; noon; Costa di Mare; $150.
• Sushi + Summer Cocktails: Friday, July 27; 3 p.m.; Andrea’s; $150.
• Mastering Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts: Thursday, August 2; 2 p.m.; Wynn Pastry Shop; $125.
• Master Cake Decorating: Thursday, August 9; 2 p.m.; Wynn Pastry Shop.; $175.
• Sommelier for a Day: Friday, August 17; 3 p.m.; Lakeside’s private dining room; $175.
• Taste of Crossroads (Vegan Cooking): Thursday, September 20; noon; Lakeside; $150.
• Bourbon Lover’s Master Class: Saturday, September 22; 2 p.m.; Sinatra; $150.
• Dumpling Master Class: Thursday, September 27; noon; Andrea’s; $175.

Photo Credit: Eric Jamison

• Frank & Jack Together Again: Saturday, October 6; 2 p.m. Sinatra; $150.
• From Naples with Love (Cooking Enzo’s Favorite Family Dishes): Saturday, October 13; noon; Allegro; $175.
• Florist for a Day: Thursday, October 18: 10 a.m.; Wynn’s Floral Studio; $175 per person.
• Gin + Blossoms – The Glory of Gin Cocktails: Friday, November 9; 3 p.m.; Jardin; $175.
• Cocktails + Cookies: Thursday, December 13; 3 p.m.; Lakeside; $150.
• Treat Trimming Master Class (Edible Ornaments): Saturday, December 15; 2 p.m., Lakeside; $125.

The Wynn Master Class Series is open to everyone, from complete beginners to connoisseurs, though guests must be at least 21 to attend cocktail courses.

For more information and tickets, call (702) 770-7070.