Vegas Uncork’d Day 2 – The Grandest Tasting

After the fantastic dinner and entertainment, the evening before at Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen we decided on a morning of leisure, lingering in our room as long as we allowed. After all, we were on vacation. We had a fresh fruit bowl we picked up and a bottle of Sbragia Family Vineyards rose…well sticky toffee pudding too, but who is counting. I was craving the wines acidity after all the rich bites and the fresh fruit was a perfect compliment. I figured with another evening event in sight that we should walk around during the day to prepare ourselves to work up an appetite. The day was filled with window shopping and people watching bliss. I was finally ready for a feast of world cuisines after hours of sightseeing during the day.

The Grand Tasting event is located at Caesars Palace and is an amazing snap shot of some of the fabulous restaurants in Las Vegas. Though I have many friends that enjoy gambling and other traditional items associated with the city, we love to dine, enjoy shows and dance our way through our stay. This was a perfect way to see a sampling of the great dining options about town. We decided to arrive an hour early and wait in line towards the front as to enter with less initial crowding. When the doors were opened and we collected our plates and glasses I was struck by how beautifully this event was set around the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis. Having worked and attending many events in my life I have a favorite rule of thumb about entering. Most people for whatever reason enter and begin to the left, so I go the opposite way of the crowd and head right. Now, if there was a design scheme of starters to dessert this wouldn’t make since, but that was not the case as there was a varied mix of dishes and types as far as the eye could see.

At this juncture I will let a small sample of pictures do some of the explaining! Because it is truly a feast of the eyes as well as the palate.

Sushisamba Las Vegas – Acevichado Roll with Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, White Fish, Avocado, Cucumber, Red Onion, Sweet Potato, Cancha Corn & Aji Amarillo Leche De Tigre
Lavo Italian Restaurant & Lounge – Hand Made Gnocchi with Truffle Cream Sauce & Fresh Shaved Truffle
Beautiful & delicious!
Beauty & Essex – Tuna Poke Tacos with Wasabi Mayo & Lime
The work & hustle of every member of every team to put this event together is so appreciated!
STK Las Vegas – Braised Short Rib with Pickled Cabbage & Dijon Mustard Cream
STK Las Vegas – Coconut Panna Cotta with Sweet Pineapples, Guava Foam & Pineapple Macaron
Casamigos Mezcal Blanco, Fresh Lime Juice, Strawberry Syrup topped with Jalapeno Rhubarb Foam. The jalapeno rhubarb foam was everything!
Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips
Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar – Lobster Tacos with Tequila-Lime Marinated Lobster Tail, Mango-Radish Slaw, Salsa Verde & Pink Chili Mayo
That’s my idea of a cupcake!
Jaburrito – Sushi flavors in a cupcake! One of our favorite dish ideas of the night!
Sprinkles – The perfect dessert cupcakes! Black & White, Dark Chocolate, Strawberry, Sprinkle & Vanilla
The Slanted Door – Daikon Rice Cakes with Chili Soy
The husband was getting very thirsty! Pool side drinking is delightful.

Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill – Beer Flight for me please!
Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill – Gordon’s Classic Shephard’s Pie
Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill – Chocolate Trifle
A sample of what I would experience at dinner the next day
Guy Savoy – Artichoke & Black Truffle Soup

We would be dining at Restaurant Guy Savoy the next evening as a Master Series Dinner event. I was delighted to get a sneak peek at some of the fabulous offerings this restaurant had in store for us.

Old Homestead Steakhouse – Braised Wagyu Short Ribs with Creamy Polenta, Seasonal Vegetables & Parmesan Emulsion
Old Homestead Steakhouse – Old Homestead Cheesecake with Macerated Berries & Chantilly Cream
Giada Restaurant – Spring Vegetable Risotto had me looking forward to the next day’s brunch I had on the schedule
Sip sip horray for the Lychee Martini. I could’ve enjoyed these all night long for sure.
BLT Steak – Popovers & European Butter
BLT Steak – Tuna Tartare with Avocado & Soy-Lime Dressing
Searsucker – Mini Dry Aged Burger with Homemade Bun & Bacon Onion Jam
The band killing it all night!
Cocktail time to finish off the over the top Grand Tasting!

Should you decide to attend this event by itself or this along with other dining options you will definitely find something to please everybody here. The venue is gorgeous, the music was exciting and the options were bliss. I think if you have never attended, this is a must do event. Bon Appetit was the perfect host with some of the best of the best in Las Vegas in their hands. After attending this extraordinary food event I can understand how it can take almost a year to plan. Check for tickets for this year’s event that kicks of Thursday, May 9th check out the link here: http://vegasuncorked.com/

Next up: Vegas Uncork’d Day 3 – Brunch with Giada