Duff Goldman, François Payard On Board For Las Vegas 'Food University'
Tickets are now on sale for the inaugural Food University in Las Vegas, an epic culinary adventure that will be taking place at Caesars Palace from March 27th to 29th.
With iconic TV host Robin Leach as master of ceremonies, along with co-host Claudine Pépin, participants will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to partake in twelve hands-on cooking school-style experiences, in-depth seminars, three off-site behind-the-scenes "field trips" to some of the city's finest restaurants, complimentary breakfasts and lunches, and even a graduation event to top it off.
To teach the classes, organizers have brought on board an incredible line-up of chefs. 'Ace of Cakes' star Duff Goldman will present a hands-on cake-decorating seminar, world renowned pastry chef François Payard will teach a class called "Chocolate Epiphany," and Frank Pellegrino, Jr., proprietor of the storied Rao's restaurants in New York and Las Vegas, will lead a class focused on preparing classic Italian dishes. The faculty will be rounded out by James Beard Award-winning chef Alex Stratta, 'Hell's Kitchen' winner Christina Wilson, chef/ restaurateur Steve Martorano, sommeliers, mixologists, cheese experts, fine food purveyors and even farmers. Colman Andrews, The Daily Meal's Editorial Director and one of the founders of Saveur Magazine, will also be on hand.
As the three-day extravaganza winds to a close, participants will receive a Food University 'Enlightened Palate' diploma as well as an exclusive invite to a tour of Napa Valley wineries that have previously been closed to the public.
Tickets are selling for $1,995 per person, and Caesars Palace is offering special discounted rates to those attending. Proceeds will benefit Keep Memory Alive, dedicated to finding cures for brain disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS.
For more details and to purchase tickets, visit www.FoodUniversityLasVegas.com. And stay tuned for program updates and exclusive interviews with participating chefs!
Click here for our interview with pastry chef Francois Payard, and here for our interview with Culinary Director Bradford Thompson!
Dan Myers is the Eat/Dine Editor at The Daily Meal. Follow him on Twitter @sirmyers.