World's Top Chefs & Stars FOOD & Wine All-Star Weekend Party At ARIA
The world’s top chefs descended on View Bar at ARIA Resort & Casino last night for First Course. This star-studded kick-off party to the FOOD & WINE All-Star Weekend, taking place October 21-23, at ARIA and Bellagio Las Vegas resorts.
Chef Shawn McClain, Jean Georges, Masa Takayama and Julian Serrano
Celebrating the start to the weekend’s many events were a group of celebrated culinary masters and personalities including powerhouse chefs of ARIA and Bellagio. The chefs included Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Masa Takayama, Shawn McClain and Julian Serrano along with legendary restaurateur Sirio Maccioni. Joining them on the red carpet were Bravo TV’s Top Chef alums Stephanie Izard, Hosea Rosenberg, Angelo Sosa and Sam Talbot as well as the weekend’s hostess, Top Chef judge Gail Simmons and FOOD & WINE Contributor Anthony Giglio.
Gail Simmons On The Red Carpet
Dozens of fans gathered to watch as the luminaries posed for photos and stopped for interviews before heading into ARIA’s chic View Bar to get the party started.
Once inside the party, Simmons, who dazzled in a royal blue dress and cream pumps, welcomed the group with a rousing champagne toast. “We had an absolutely amazing weekend last year,†she proclaimed. “I’m so happy to be a part of the festivities again.â€
The crowd raised their glasses and the party began with passed hors d’oeuvres–Julian Serrano’s Lobster-Pineapple Skewers, Sage’s Foie Gras Brulee and BARMASA’s Seafood Ceviche—providing guests the opportunity to sample the delectable cuisine from ARIA’s world-renowned chefs and restaurants.
When the clock struck 11 p.m., the revelry continued at the pulse-pumping UNION Restaurant & Lounge for All-Star Nightcap, the kind of after-party only found at ARIA.
Sumptuous desserts such as Frozen Coconut Bites and Chocolate Cremeux from Top Chef Just Desserts Season One winner Yigit Pura were devoured as guests took advantage of their chance to mix and mingle with some of the best chefs on the planet.
The epicurean experiences continue today, Saturday, Oct. 22 as Chef Shawn McClain and Anthony Giglio host “A New American Lunch†at Sage in ARIA while Gail Simmons and Stephanie Izard join Director of Wine Jason Smith for a “Luxe Lunch†at Tuscany Kitchen in Bellagio. The main event, All-Star Tasting, will take place at 7 p.m. poolside at ARIA. Photo credit: Eric Jamison/Getty Images
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.