Day Two of Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appetit
Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appetit day two introduced one new event, one fan favorite and the premiere event of the entire weekend, The Grand Tasting at Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace.
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa brought back the popular “Sushi Making and Sake Tasting” event, where he taught guests his original “Nobu Style” way of making sushi, while paired with premium sake.
Prior to the Grand Tasting, chefs from Caesars Palace, The Cromwell and more gathered for a pre-event Grand Toast on the terrace of MR CHOW. Caesars Palace Regional President, Gary Selesner, and The Cromwell Regional President, Eileen Moore, both led the toast and congratulated the chefs on what was sure to be, another successful Grand Tasting.
The Grand Tasting at Caesars Palace’s Gardens of the Gods Pool Oasis is the cornerstone event of Vegas Uncork’d, welcoming more than 50 renowned chefs and restaurants. Food and Beverage Magazine publisher Michael Politz was proud to see Wolfgang Puck honored on the red carpet with the Vegas Uncork’d Lifetime Achievement Award for trailblazing the culinary scene in Las Vegas and making it the dining destination it is today. Puck was also instrumental in the early stages of Food & Beverage Magazine. “Wolfgang helped us navigate the waters during the blooming growth of dining in Las Vegas, establishing the high standards that we have in today’s restaurants.” Politz stated.
Another special moment at The Grand Tasting was the presence of season 15 HELL’S KITCHEN finalist, Kristin Barone, and season winner, Ariel Malone, at Bally’s Las Vegas’ BLT Steak booth. Since the event was taking place simultaneously as the finale was airing, BLT Steak had televisions showing the finale, which Barone and Malone watched surrounded by friends and guests.
Caesars Entertainment is committed to environmental stewardship with its organization-wide CodeGreen program. To celebrate the company’s efforts, Chef Katherene Brookshire from Flamingo Las Vegas, created an art sculpture using more than 10,000 corks, titled, “An Adventure of the Heart and Mind.”
Politz was impressed with the mix of restaurants at the Grand Tasting. Participants included: GIADA, MR CHOW, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, Gordon Ramsay BurGR, Gordon Ramsay Steak, Nobu Restaurant & Lounge, Restaurant Guy Savoy, Payard Patisserie & Bistro, Rao’s, Mesa Grill, Old Homestead, Beijing Noodle No. 9, Bacchanal Buffet, Serendipity 3, La Gloria, Searsucker, FIZZ Las Vegas, BLT Steak, Martorano’s, Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar, VooDoo Steak, Flour & Barely, Vigil’s BBQ, Amorino, AmeriCAN, Ghiradelli and Off the Strip.L.
