What a weekend indeed! So many wonderful people, so much wonderful food, so many wonderful cocktails! It’ll be hard to top in 2010, but I’m willing to check it out.
My last few pictures and notes from the 2009 Vegas Uncork’d event:
1) I had a great time at Friday’s Culinary Workshop: A Passion for Pasta with Executive Chef Carlos Buscaglia of FiAMMA in the MGM Grand. Chef Buscaglia demonstrated a whole host of fabulous pastas, including gnocchi with a black truffle crema, short rib raviolini, and a yummy panna cotta. The pasta buffet and matching wines were outstanding. My only complaint? That I had to leave most of my food uneaten in order to run to the next event!
2) I couldn’t wait for the Celebrity Chef Blackjack Tournament at the Wynn/Encore, and it definitely did not disappoint. Though most of the celeb chefs were eliminated in the first round, it was quite the sight to see such big names, including Colicchio, Flay, Bartolotta, and Joho, trying their hands at a little 21. Master chef Joël Robuchon took his post at the tables very seriously. Recent James Beard Award winner, Paul Bartolotta, won the whole shebang, for the second year in a row!
3) Finally, you know it’s a party when the Travelocity gnome makes an appearance at every event. Who knew that he actually traveled as much as he does! What a job!
Many thanks to Bon Appetit magazine, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, R&R Partners, and all of the many hotels and participating chefs! I can’t wait for Vegas Uncork’d 2010!
~Jennifer Heigl
*Photo credit: Jennifer Heigl / Daily Blender