Celebrity Chefs & Sommeliers Kick Off Las Vegas' F&W All-Star Weekend
A wave of celebrity chefs and master sommeliers hit the shores of Mandalay Bay Beach today to kick off Las Vegas’ FOOD & WINE All-Star Weekend. FOOD & WINE’s Gail Simmons joined culinary superstars Rick Moonen, Susan Feniger, Mary Sue Milliken, Shawn McClain, Julian Serrano, Jean-Philippe Maury among many others to celebrate the start of this incredible culinary event.
Food & Wine All Star Weekend Celebrity Chefs
Now in its 3rd year, FOOD & WINE All-Star Weekend is taking place October 5-7 at restaurants across Mandalay Bay, ARIA Resort & Casino, Bellagio and MGM Grand, delivering first-class interactive experiences and once-in-a-lifetime culinary moments with a talented line-up of celebrity chef superstars, distinguished sommeliers and sophisticated mixologists.
F&W All-Star Weekend Information Interview
Those wishing to enjoy this tropical paradise in the middle of the desert can still purchase tickets to the weekend’s main event – Mandalay Bay’s Surfside Soiree, Saturday, Oct. 6 from 7 to 10 p.m. – to taste signature dishes and cocktails from some of the best chefs and mixologists in the world, as waves crash in the background and sounds of live entertainment fill the air.
A full event line-up is detailed below. To purchase tickets, visit www.mgmresorts.com/foodandwine.
Pictured (L-R): Steve Benjamin, Joe Phillips, Mike Minor, Roy Ellamar, Harley Carbery, Christina Olivarez, Richard Betts, Doug Bell, Bobby Stuckey, Shawn McClain, Christophe Tassan, Gail Simmons, Mary Sue Milliken, Jason Smith, Susan Feniger, Patrick Lee, Vincent Pilon, Kamel Guechida, Gun Kahong Hiew, Emmanuel Kemiji, Julian Serrano, Rick Moonen, Claude Le-Tohic, Jean-Philippe Maury. Photo Courtesy: Denise Truscello/WireImage
FOOD & WINE ALL-STAR WEEKEND EVENTS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5
- Sweet Strip Viewing Join Executive Chef Bruno Riou, Executive Pastry Chef Orady Ditgnavong and Master Chocolatier Vincent Pilon for signature cocktails and gourmet desserts with the best view of The Strip: miX. 9 – 11 p.m. at miX inside THEhotel at Mandalay Bay; $125
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6
- French Cooking Demo and Feast Master the art of French cooking with Executive Chefs Claude Le-Tohic and Steve Benjamin as they expertly guide you through the preparation of two legendary Joël Robuchon signature courses, followed by a three-course lunch with wine pairings. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in MGM Grand – SOLD OUT
- All-Star Lunch Join ARIA’s stable of powerhouse chefs including Masa Takayama, Shawn McClain, Jean-Philippe Maury, Michael Mina, Julian Serrano and Jean-Georges Vongerichten as they prepare a one-of-a-kind meal served in the alluring ambiance of Sage. 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. at Sage in ARIA – SOLD OUT
- Seasonal Cooking Demonstration at Aureole Learn from Executive Chef Vincent Pouessel of Aureole as part of an exclusive group of guests and enjoy an interactive cooking demonstration highlighting seasonal fall fare. 3 – 4:30 p.m. at Aureole in Mandalay Bay; $100
- Ultimate Champagne & Sashimi Enjoy ultra-fresh sashimi paired with the world’s best champagne with Michelin-starred Chef Masa Takayama – stay late for the Toro Caviar, Chef Masa’s signature dish. 3 – 4:30 p.m. at barMASA in ARIA; $150
- Wine Tasting & Food Pairing Featuring Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak Take advantage of a rare opportunity to taste the most exclusive wine on the Las Vegas Strip – Ghost Horse Wine. The label was previously only available at Todd Anderson’s vineyard. Anderson will personally serve his rare Californian wine along with Craftsteak’s meticulously marinated meats and other indulgent, gourmet, comfort-food specialties. 7 – 9 p.m. at Craftsteak in MGM Grand – SOLD OUT
- Surfside Soirée Enjoy signature recipes by a collection of the world’s greatest chefs at an extraordinary beachside tasting event at Mandalay Bay Beach. Savor culinary creations from some of Vegas’ most talented celebrity chefs including Rick Moonen, Hubert Keller and Michael Mina. Live music and cocktails will complement the spectacular dishes at an unforgettable Vegas beach party. 7 – 10 p.m. at Mandalay Bay Beach; $257
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7
- Jasmine Dreams of Dim Sum & Champagne For the grand finale, join Bellagio’s Master Sommelier Jason Smith and FOOD & WINE’S Gail Simmons for a luxurious brunch of modern and traditional dim sum paired with champagne while overlooking the beautiful backdrop of the Fountains of Bellagio. 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Jasmine in Bellagio – SOLD OUT
Bill Cody is an entertainment, technology and luxury travel reporter in Las Vegas. He reports on celebrities, events, tech, food, Las Vegas and luxury travel.