Las Vegas Uncork'd 2017: Celebrity Chefs, Culinary Experiences and Extreme Cuisine

Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appetit returns to Las Vegas from April 27 through 30th with one-of-a-kind experiences and a world-class lineup of renowned celebrity chefs, master sommeliers and cutting-edge mixologists from Caesars Palace, The Cromwell, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International, The Palazzo and The Venetian Las Vegas.

Presented by sponsor Chase Sapphire®, the 11th annual festival will continue bring the world’s most iconic chefs together including Alain Ducasse, Bobby Flay, Buddy Valastro, Charlie Palmer, Giada De Laurentiis, Gordon Ramsay, Guy Savoy, Mary Sue Milliken, Susan Feniger, José Andrés, Julian Serrano, Shawn McClain, Michael Chow, Nobu Matsuhisa and Wolfgang Puck, among others.

Caesars Palace Chefs at Grand Tasting

Tickets are on sale now for the Grand Tasting at Caesars Palace and Little Italy From City To Strip: Rao's Italian Brunch with The Rao's Family at Caesars Palace, Picnic in The Park, MGM Resorts' new outdoor dining and entertainment district, Lunch like a Spaniard with José Andrés at The Cosmopolitan, Brunch with Bobby Flay at Caesars Palace, Sweet Escape: An Evening of Buddy, Beignets, Bon Bons & Booze at The Palazzo and Three-Kitchen Tasting at SUGARCANE raw bar grill with Chef Timon Balloo at The Venetian.

“This is the only weekend of the year when this many renowned chefs come together in one destination to host intimate dinners and allow guests from around the world to indulge in an epicurean experience of a lifetime,” said Adam Rapoport, Bon Appétit editor in chief. “With tons of new programming this year, the 11th annual Vegas Uncork’d is definitely going to be the most dynamic one yet.”

Buddy "Cake Boss" Valastro

"I love being a part of Vegas Uncork'd year after year - it's the best food event in Vegas. We are going to have a lot of fun this year - I'm hosting an over-the-top event at The Palazzo pool, and the after-party at The Dorsey, you don't want to miss it” said Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro.

Additionally, Chase Sapphire returns for the fifth consecutive year as the presenting sponsor of Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appétit. Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Sapphire ReserveSM cardmembers can enjoy unique access to select experiences and interaction with celebrity chefs throughout the four-day festival.

Chefs at last year's Bon Appetit Vegas Uncork'd

A sampling of the festival events include:

Master Series: Rao’s 10th Anniversary Dinner (Caesars Palace), Thursday, April 27

Rao's is widely regarded as the hardest reservation to land in the country, if not the world. Guests will have the opportunity to grab a seat at Rao's in Las Vegas as the Rao’s family celebrates its 10th Anniversary on the Strip and their newest cookbook, “Rao's Classics,” written by Rao’s owners Frank Pellegrino Sr. and Frank Pellegrino Jr. From time-honored Italian staples to classics that are uniquely Rao's, like their famous lemon chicken, don't miss the opportunity to celebrate this milestone with a multi-course meal at an Italian-American dining institution.

Celebrate Spago: 25th Anniversary Lunch with Wolfgang Puck (Caesars Palace), Friday, April 28

Acknowledged as the spark that ignited the city’s culinary phenomenon, 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of Spago by Wolfgang Puck in Las Vegas! Join the renowned chef and restaurateur as he showcases his favorite dishes and Spago classics. Lunch will begin with a premium cocktail reception, followed by a seated lunch in the dining room.

Lunch like a Spaniard with José Andrés at Jaleo (The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas), Friday, April 28

Experience a taste of Spain with internationally acclaimed culinary pioneer and innovator, Chef José Andrés. Join José as he prepares lobster paella over their renowned live fire pit in a dish-and-tell session, and shares his favorite stories behind the unique restaurant’s menu items, like José’s Taco, a slice of jamón ibérico de bellota topped with osetra caviar and gold flakes; Coca con Erizas del Mar, crusty Spanish cristal bread topped with sea urchin, ibérico bacon and butter; their renowned Gin and Tonic program, and more.

Yardbird at the Venetian

The Hog in the Hen House: Yardbird Presents A Pot Belly Brunch (The Venetian), Friday, April 28 From the fried green tomato BLT with house-smoked pork belly to maple-glazed bacon doughnuts, Yardbird's exclusive Pot Belly Brunch will be hog heaven for lovers of all things bacon and pork belly. Enjoy a range of Yardbird's inventive Southern comfort dishes while sipping on a bloody mary with bacon infused vodka.

Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace

Brunch with Bobby Flay at Mesa Grill (Caesars Palace), Saturday, April 29

This event is so popular it has two seatings! Make your way to Mesa Grill for an outstanding morning with one of America's most beloved chefs. Guests will indulge in an array of delicious brunch dishes prepared by Chef Bobby Flay, served alongside perfectly paired cocktails in an intimate private dining room setting.

Picnic in The Park with Alain Ducasse, Charlie Palmer, Michael Mina, Julian Serrano, Shawn McClain, Roy Ellamar, Akira Back, the Voltaggio Brothers & More (The Park, located between Monte Carlo and New York-New York), Saturday, April 29

Enjoy a Picnic in The Park Vegas style! Featuring live music and some of MGM Resorts’ most notable chefs including Alain Ducasse, Charlie Palmer, Julian Serrano, Michael Mina, Shawn McClain, Roy Ellamar, Akira Back, and the Voltaggio brothers, Picnic in The Park will offer creative twists on classic picnic dishes. We encourage you to embrace your inner-child with coloring books, classic board games and a variety of social games such as foosball, shuffleboard, ping pong and corn hole. And, don't forget to take a selfie with Bliss Dance, a 40-foot-tall sculpture by artist Marco Cochrane and a focal point of The Park experience. Located on the Las Vegas Strip between Monte Carlo and New York-New York, this new outdoor dining, and entertainment district will provide an ideal backdrop for you to enjoy a fun, interactive afternoon picnicking with celebrated chefs.

Sweet Escape: An Evening of Buddy, Beignets, Bon Bons & Booze (The Palazzo), Saturday, April 29

Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro hosts a decadent evening to surrender to the sweet side of life, featuring the Chefs of The Venetian and The Palazzo, each preparing a unique take on beignets or bon bons. The poolside reception will include an exciting live band and delicious specialty cocktails. Special appearance by Chef Lorena Garcia of Chica, opening at The Venetian in 2017.

Chef Guy Savoy

Master Series: The World's Best, An Epicurean Affair With Guy Savoy (Caesars Palace), Thursday, April 27

Guy Savoy, a Michelin-starred chef, will present a multi-course epicurean affair with premier pairings, serving signature dishes normally found at his Paris location alongside some of the world's great wines and champagnes. With his Paris restaurant recently receiving the “Best Restaurant in the World” acclaim from La Liste, this meal will take diners on a truly special adventure across Chef Guy Savoy's empire of tastes and influences, celebrating his achievements through his signature creations. Don't miss this rare opportunity for an intimate dining experience with a world-renowned legend.

The Grand Tasting (Caesars Palace), Friday, April 28

The Grand Tasting is the signature event of Vegas Uncork'd, where over 2,500 food enthusiasts enjoy a staggering variety of signature dishes prepared by some of the world's most celebrated chefs. The dramatic five-acre Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel & Casino will feature more than 50 award-winning chefs and over 100 of the best wines and spirits from around the world.

Chefs Giada De Laurentiis and Gordon Ramsey

Brunch at GIADA: An Italian Inspired Feast (The Cromwell), Saturday, April 29

Join chef Giada De Laurentiis for brunch at her award-winning first and only namesake restaurant. Guests will be delighted by GIADA's brunch menu, highlighting her California-inspired Italian cuisine, indulge in limitless mimosas, live entertainment, and more with the Emmy Award-winning celebrity chef and New York Times best-selling author. Guests will also receive a signed photo with Giada.

Master Series: Chef Gordon Ramsay Dinner (Caesars Palace), Saturday, April 29

Turn up the heat during Vegas Uncork'd with an unforgettable dinner with multi Michelin star award-winning chef Gordon Ramsay and the all-stars from his hit competition series. Guests will get to experience a range of Ramsay's signature dishes while interacting with the chef.

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa

Master Series: The Beauty of Sushi with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa (Caesars Palace), Saturday, April 29

Journey inside legendary Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa's expansive Las Vegas destination restaurant for a rare opportunity to hear about the philosophy of sushi making from one of the world's foremost artisans and restaurateurs. Born in Japan, Chef Matsuhisa has used his travels around the globe to create both authentic and inventive Japanese cuisine. This signature event will give guests the chance to see Nobu's sushi making in action while also sipping premier sake from some of Japan's finest producers. Discover his inventive “Nobu Style” that fuses classic sushi-making techniques with unexpected ingredients.

Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger

Master Series: Transcendent Tapas & Worldly Wines with Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger (Caesars Palace), Saturday, April 29

A one-of-a-kind dining experience from celebrity chefs, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, at the award-winning Border Grill at The Forum Shops, named Las Vegas’ Best Latin American Restaurant. Join the chefs and pioneers of modern Latin cuisine in lively conversation, dancing and festive music as guests explore their unique twist on tapas, expertly paired Latin wines and top shelf tequila cocktails at a seated dinner.

For a complete list of events visit www.vegasuncorked.com.

Photo credits: Bon Appetite Vegas Uncork'd