Event Recap: 5th Annual Vegas Uncork'd

Under a cloudless blue sky in front of the world famous Bellagio Resort, the swipe of a sabre wieled by renowned chef Julian Serrano sent Champagne bubbles high into the air as the 5th Annual Vegas Uncork'd began in style.

The first week in May brought this very special event to venues up and down the renowned Las Vegas Strip. We cannot think of another event where you can dine with Joel Robuchon enjoy pastries by Francois Payard, Join in a Blackjack Tournament with celebrity Chefs and then hang out after hours in a club with Tom Colicchio. In addition to the world class culinary delights guests could also enjoy creative cocktails from Mixologists or immerse themselves in wine seminars hosted by one of Las Vegas's Master Sommeliers.

This four day event started with a welcome by Bon Appétit Editor-in-Chief Adam Rappoprt and of course Las Vegas' famous mayor, the honorable Oscar Goodman. After the kick-off ceremonies it was off to a choice of five different "Master Series" dinners across the strip. Guests could have the "Ultimate Indulgence" with Guy Savoy, enjoy a "Locavore Delight" with Bradley Ogden, join the Sinatra family at their "Come Fly with me Dinner," join Francois Payard in his elegant bistro, or have a "Big Night" with the Rao's family. For those who wanted more on the first night, "After hours with Tom Colicchio at Craftsteak" was a nice way to have some late night fun into the early morning hours.

The first full day of events brought a Master Series Luncheon and Chef Showdown with Akira Back and Martin Heierling. They battled and guests got to enjoy some great dishes from two amazing chefs. After a very close vote, Chef Akira Back from Yellowtail pulled out the win. The afternoon brought a real education with the first wine immersion event with a chef, a sommelier, and a cheese monger.

The very informative afternoon continued as we indulged in the old practice of shabu shabu dining in the beautiful main dining room of Jasmine with the fountains of the Bellagio right outside the window. Many guests joined master sommelier Jason Smith and Jean-Marie Auboine for a wine immersion that was both impressive and educational. As the lights of the strip began to brighten it was off to the Grand Tasting where guests sampled dishes and strolled poolside at Caesars Palace amongst many of the world's best chefs including Pierre Gagnaire, Claude Le-Tohic, and Luciano Pellegrini, just to name a few.

If you can only attend one event over the four days, The Vegas Uncork'd Grand Tasting is the one to do. It brings the best in the world to the Garden of the Gods Pool at Casears Palace. After spending hours enjoying world class dishes, we could not think of a better way to end the day than to head off to the Encore and join the celebrity chefs in a Blackjack tournament. 

Vegas Uncork'd was running at full speed by the time the weekend arrived. Could you think of a better way to enjoy a Saturday afternoon than lunch with Joël Robuchon, Spanish delights with Julian Serrano, or do as we did and join Michael Mina for his master series luncheon "Run for the Roses"? We think not! For those in a beach kind of mood (yes there is a beach in Las Vegas), the "Better by the Bay" event at Mandalay Beach was a great way to sample delights from three of the world's most celebrated master chefs all together. Charlie Palmer, Alain Ducasse, and Rick Moonen teamed up to provide a beach party that we will never forget.

And for the second night in a row, guests had the option to party into the early morning hours. Renowned chef Hubert Keller (who also loves to DJ) was spinning tunes at his FLEUR to the delight of the attendees. A Vegas Uncork'd tradition is a special offering for Mother's Day. This year Guy Savoy offered a sparkling brunch that would please any mom. For the first time, master chef Mary Sue Milliken and her Border Grill team provided a a welcome reception, interactive cooking demo, and brunch overlooking Mandalay Beach that was a great way to spend the morning with Mom but also a fitting end to the 5th Vegas Uncork'd.

We have been fortunate to attend all but the very first Vegas Uncork'd, and each year, this very special event gets better. There are always new and exciting events being added as well as the traditional ones that we look forward to every year. Next May, we will be the same place we have been for the last four years, enjoying the world's best at venues that only a city like Las Vegas can provide. The 6th Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit is already marked on our calendar as we look forward to what they have in store for us in 2012 .