Many of the best restaurants of Las Vegas will unite again poolside at The Palazzo Las Vegas® for the Las Vegas Epicurean Affair

Save the Date for Southern Nevada’s Premier Culinary Extravaganza

Mark Thursday, May 24 2012 on your calendar.  Many of the best restaurants of Las Vegas will unite again poolside at The Palazzo Las Vegas® for the Las Vegas Epicurean Affair. The event, sponsored by the Nevada Restaurant Association (NvRA), gives guests a taste of the gourmet offerings that have elevated the city to an international dining destination.

Hosted by The Palazzo, the Las Vegas Epicurean Affair promises a tantalizing evening of culinary splendor. Guests will savor samplings of cuisine and cocktails from prestigious restaurants and beverage purveyors in a luxurious poolside setting at The Palazzo for a palate pleasing event that is undoubtedly Las Vegas.

“We are excited to partner with NvRA for the third year in a row to host the Las Vegas Epicurean Affair,” said Sebastien Silvestri, vice president of food and beverage for The Palazzo and The Venetian. “This is an amazing culinary event poolside at The Palazzo and we welcome everyone to experience the amenities at both properties.”

“We are thrilled to showcase the incredible restaurants of the city, and are excited to feature new participants as well as returning signature favorites,” said NvRA President and CEO Katherine Jacobi.  “The Pools at The Palazzo are the perfect backdrop for this exciting event.”

Past participants at the event have included Bradley Ogden, Carnevino, CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Delmonico Steakhouse, Restaurant Guy Savoy, Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro, STK, Nobu Las Vegas, Prime Steakhouse, Table 10, Valentino and many other illustrious restaurants throughout Las Vegas.

The Las Vegas Epicurean Affair is open to the public and will be held Thursday, May 24 from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Pools at The Palazzo.  Tickets go on sale Wednesday, April 25 at LasVegasEpicureanAffair.com. General admission prices are $100 each and VIP tickets are available for $150 per person, granting early admission at 6 p.m. To complete the evening, private cabanas are also available for purchase. Proceeds from the event benefit NvRA’s educational and scholarship programs.  Book the Las Vegas Epicurean Affair suite package online beginning April 23 at palazzo.com or venetian.com or call 702.607.4100.

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The James Beard Foundation Goes On the Road To Las Vegas And The Venetian / Palazzo Resort To Announce The 2012 Award Finalists

The renowned James Beard Foundation went  the road to announce the Finalists for the 2012 James Beard Awards in  culinary Mecca city of Las Vegas .

The Venetian / Palazzo Resort was the proud location to host the exclusive invite only press brunch and Gala Reception.

James Beard President Susan Ungaro took to the stage as the nation gathered to watch.  She explained the 2012 nominees were selected from a record 57,000 online entries.

The 2012 prestigious group of semifinalists were placed into  20 Restaurant and Chef Award categories that  represented  a wide variety of culinary talent, from exceptional chefs and dining destinations from  ten different regions across the U.S., to the nation’s top wine and spirits professionals, best new restaurants, and rising star chefs as well as  the categories of journalism and literature . This year, the Foundation added a new award category, Outstanding Bar Program, recognizing a restaurant or bar that demonstrated excellence in cocktail, spirits, and/or beer service.

 The prestigious nationwide press corps dined on mouthwatering dishes from Venetian executive Chef Olivier Dubreuil and his staffs as the finalists were reveled to the world.

Susan Ungaro  began the unveiling  and announced Chef   Wolfgang Puck was the recipient of the lifetime achievement award and Chicago legend Chef  Charlie Trotter added the 2012 humanitarian award to his well deserved collection of honors .

The press corps listened intently as culinary stars from every corner of the nation joined the list of the 2012 finalists.  That is every corner except the host city of Las Vegas.  Shockingly, not one of the cities’ prestigious, world class chefs, sommeliers and restaurateurs were named.

Some in the room were members of Las Vegas’s   of stable renowned Food writers and seemed a little perplexed as their city was shut out of every category. The James Beard Foundation awards has been called the “Oscars of The Food World” and rightfully so.  The New York based Foundation had over 57,000 entries and had their reasons for each and every selection for 2012.  Las Vegas got shut out as well as other cities.   Unfortunately, shunning the host city was a bitter pill to swallow for those in and out of their world class kitchens.

 

The well deserved winners will be honored at the highly-anticipated James Beard Foundation Awards Ceremony and Gala Reception on Monday, May 7, 2012 at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in New York City.  The annual James Beard Foundation Book, Broadcast & Journalism Awards Dinner, an exclusive event honoring the nation’s top cookbooks, food journalists and culinary broadcast programs, will take place on Friday, May 4, 2012 at Gotham Hall in New York City.

Tickets to the May 7th Awards Ceremony and Gala Reception are on sale now and can be purchased at jamesbeard.org/awards or through the Awards Box Office at 914.231.6180.

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LUPO BY WOLFGANG PUCK INVITES GUESTS TO “DISCOVER ITALY” WITH EXECUTIVE CHEF EDUARDO PEREZ

New Prix-Fixe Menu Rich in Italian Tradition

 Lupo by Wolfgang Puck has introduced a new five-course, prix-fixe menu inspired by Chef Eduardo Perez’ recent trips to Italy. The “Discover Italy” dinner menu is priced at $60 per person

Chef Eduardo Perez

During his annual culinary explorations through the country, Chef Perez researched and developed new dishes by studying the culture, food and cooking techniques of celebrated Italian chefs in world-renowned restaurants. These chefs include Michelin-starred Chef Gaetano Trovato of “Arnolfo” in Tuscany, Chef Maurilio Garola of “La Ciau del Tornavento” near Alba and Chef Gian Nicola Colucci at “Hotel Danieli” in Venice. Over the last few years, Chef Perez has traveled through Capri, Sorrento, Naples, Rome, Florence and Bologna to immerse himself in the various regions of Italy.

“My yearly trips provide me with the continued knowledge of Italian culture and cuisine, which I can then bring back and implement at Lupo,” said Executive Chef Eduardo Perez. “I’m excited to bring a taste of Italy to our guests here in Las Vegas. This new menu highlights traditional ingredients that create a robust discovery of flavors and textures.”

The “Discover Italy” menu includes:

• · Endive and Celery Salad with Parmesan and Garlic-Anchovy Vinaigrette
• · Prosciutto and Parmesan Tortellini in Chicken Broth with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• · Maine Lobster Ravioli with Mascarpone, Parsley and Black Truffle Butter Sauce
• · Milk Braised Breast of Veal with Parmesan Polenta, Green Beans and Sage
• · Roasted Baby Forelli Pear with Almond Pistachio Cream

The “Discover Italy” menu is available in addition to the restaurant’s a la carte menu.

Lupo by Wolfgang Puck is located inside Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. For reservations, please call (702) 740-5522 or visit wolfgangpuck.com.

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Mr B’s Ristornate And Piano Lounge Brings Back A little Bit Of Old Vegas With A New Twist.

It is no secret to anyone that Las Vegas has become a culinary center.  Celebrity Chefs have set up shop over the last 10 years and there are still more to come.  In a simpler time,  Las Vegas was the home to dinner clubs and piano bars featuring delicious simple dishes and cocktails with a single “piano man” playing into the early morning hours.

A little bit of those times has returned and can be found at Mr B’s Ristorante and Piano Lounge on Paradise and Spring Mountain Road. Walking in the door, a single red grand piano caught our eye, a centerpiece that begged us to come in and enjoy the evening.

The menu was simple and very Italian. Looking over the wine list we settled on a Chanti Classico and settled back in our seats.

Antipasto

Antipasto was our first course featuring smoked salmon, red olives, salami and other Sardinian delights.  A  very fresh Minestrone  was up next and was probably the best we have had in a long time.  In fact, we would come back just for these first two dishes alone.

Minestrone

Looking over the menu a Chicken Parmesan stood out and soon  arrived table side.  The dish was so tender our server Eric cut it with a spoon to our delight.  The tender Chicken and creamy Parmesan melted in our mouths and left us talking about the dish for days.

Chicken Parmesan

Being a Piano bar we had to indulge in the ambiance and go back in time.  Gazing around the bar while enjoying a classic Martini from Bar Manager Mike we recognized a few legends of old Vegas, most likely from the nearby Turnberry Towers.

The seemed to be remembering how it was and enjoying a night that surely brought back memories.  We felt like we were in an old movie and  were Bogart and Bacall as “Sam” at the Red Grand Piano played “As time goes by”.

With all of the “Gin Joints” in Las Vegas we will definitely walk into this one again.  Mr B’s is open for Lunch and Dinner , has a happy hour and is open until very late . What more could you ask for?

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Michelin dishes and world class wine. ? Join us at DiVino Tuscany and indulge

How does 4 days in Florence Italy sound as you take in Michelin dishes and world class wine.  ?  Join us at DiVino Tuscany and indulge . In its second year ,  Divino Tuscany is a celebration of Tuscan winemaking excellence.  Join the world in Florence, Italy May 17 – 20, 2012 when the top winemakers from Tuscany promote, share and show off their top rated wines.

This  a a great opportunity to  visit Italy for a One-of-a-kind, 4-day celebration of the best Tuscan wines, food and culture. Guests will  enjoy a distinctive program that highlights premium wines , wine tastings with Tuscany’s top winemakers, seminars and grand tastings curated by James Suckling, former Senior Editor and European Bureau Chief of Wine Spectator and one of the world's most influential wine critics.

Special luncheons and dinners prepared by Michelin-starred chefs and entertainment organized by IMG Artists, one of the leading producers of cultural and lifestyle festivals are sure  provide an experience to last a lifetime. Participating winemakers include Marchesi Antinori, Frescobaldi, Mazzei, Ricasoli, Il Borro, Petrolo and Castello Banfi, and more.

Grand Hotel Villa Cora , photo by Alessandro Moggi

This 4 days of culture is highlighted by many world-class events . Join the Festive welcome dinner to open  with the Italian premiere screening of James Suckling’s and James Orr’s film Heart and Soul of Cuba, recently shown to rave reviews at the Sonoma Film Festival, live music from Havana’s hottest pianist, Ernán López Nussa performing with his trio, and Grappa tasting with Cuban cigars.

Enjoy a Gala dinner at the opulent Palazzo Corsini on the banks of the Arno.   Many of Italy’s most famous families have called this place home and some of its most famous artists have adorned the walls and ceilings of this Baroque style masterpiece with works of breathtaking beauty.  The grand spaces of the Palazzo Corsini remind us of an elegant time gone by.

Gala dinner at the opulent Palazzo Corsini , photo Alessandro Moggi

Elegant Grand Tastings at the Grand Hotel Villa Cora poured by the winemakers and proprietors themselves will provide all of the attendees a chance to meet many of these legendary men and women over a glass of wine.  After the  Grand Tastings  , plan to  enjoy  Saturday night dinners in the private Palazzi of the most well known Tuscan wine families.

Grand Hotel Villa Cora , photo by Alessandro Moggi

Education is always an important aspect of any event.   James Suckling will take guests through private tastings with winemakers he has personally invited for this intimate experience.

In selecting the wines to be showcased in this exclusive event, Suckling reviewed his ratings over the last two decades and based his decisions on merit and high-quality winemaking.  He has a great love for Italian wine having lived in Tuscany for over ten years.

James Suckling

Divino Tuscany will close with a relaxed country lunch at the private villa Il Palagio, courtesy of owners Sting and Trudie Styler.

Private Villa Il Palagio, photo by Alessandro Moggi

Their villa is rustic and provides a world-class retreat with stunning views that and invite in a simpler, more present state of being.  Located amongst the Tuscan hills, Il Palagio is the ideal setting for enjoying Tuscany in summer. Is there a better way to end a four day event like this? We think not!

The Full Pass Package for Divino Tuscany is €1900 per person, including applicable VAT/IVA. Our Readers are invited to purchase event tickets online at http://divinotuscany.com/tickets.html

Phone: +44 (0)20 7957 5800; Fax: +44 (0)20 7957 5801

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EMBERS in Boca Park Offers Up a Scotch Paired Dinner on February 1st

SCOTCH PAIRING DINNER AT EMBERS IN SUMMERLIN

Paired Tasting Menu February 1

Embers, the new local gathering spot located in Summerlin’s Boca Park, will serve up a multi-course paired menu to take diners on a journey through Scotland on Wednesday, February 1.  The feast features a welcome cocktail followed by five courses with paired Scotch for $100 per person, including tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and the dinner will begin at 7 pm.

Guests will be greeted with a Blood & Sand cocktail before sampling the first pairing, Oban Highland Single Malt, accompanied by a Classic Scottish Sampling featuring a Scotch egg, House made Haggis, and traditional black pudding served with warmed Rye Bread and scotch infused Mustard.  Next up is Cock-a- Leekie Soup and Mixed Green Salad; the traditional Scottish soup with chicken, leaks, barley and julienne of prunes is joined by a mixed green salad with raspberry vinaigrette, candied walnuts, barley and Scottish Lanark bleu chez.  This duo will be paired with Glenkinchie Lowland Single Malt.  The first of two entrees is a Scottish Salmon, pan seared with tarragon, served with a side of Neeps (pureed parsnips) and broiled asparagus alongside Cragganmore Speyside Single Malt followed by Deconstructed Lamb Stew showcasing marinated and seared lamb chops served with fingerling potatoes, baby carrots, chipollini onions and scotch demi glaze, which will be accompanied by Lagavulin Islay Single Malt.  For the finale,  a Scottish Shortbread Pudding topped with Scottish caramel tablet and a raspberry whiskey reduction with a Not So Rusty Nail, an Embers specialty cocktail.

Embers Grille + Spirits opened in  Boca Park in Summerlin September 2011 and has quickly become a Summerlin neighborhood favorite with its approachable fare, modern atmosphere and welcoming staff.  This lovely independently owned restaurant and bar offers Angus steaks, ribs, seafood and new American classics, an accessible wine list and an extensive cocktail menu.  Embers, located in Summerlin’s  Boca Park, is open from 3 pm to 11 pm Monday –Thursday, 3 pm – 2 am on Friday and Saturday and from 1 pm to 11 pm on Sunday. For reservations or more information call 702.778.2160 or visit www.emberslasvegas.com.

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CHEF JET TILA AND TONY ABOU-GANIM TO HOST POP-UP DINNER AT ORIGIN INDIA RESTAURANT AND BAR

Dinner will feature dishes inspired by Chef Jet Tila and hand-crafted cocktails

by Modern Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim

      Foodie alert!  Chef Jet Tila and The Modern Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim are joining food & beverage forces on an incredible pop-up dinner at Origin India Restaurant and Bar on February 8, 2012.  The five-course menu (includes dessert) will feature a variety of authentic, regionally inspired Thai dishes, allowing Chef Jet to showcase his Thai upbringing around the family dining room table.  Each course will be expertly paired with a hand-crafted cocktail by Tony Abou-Ganim, inspired by drinks featured in his book “The Modern Mixologist: Contemporary Classic Cocktails.”  This special dinner will start promptly at 7pm and be served family style – just as they used to do it at Jet’s house.

Join Us at Origin India Restaurant and Bar  on 4480 Paradise Road Wednesday, February 8, 2012; one seating at 7pm; $65 (plus tax and gratuity).

This is a dinner what any Foodie dreams of and should not be missed!    Dinner reservations can be made via email OriginIndia@langdonflynn.com (please reference Pop-Up Dinner in subject line).

Chef Jet Tila

Chef Jet Tila was  previously the executive chef of Wazuzu at Wynn Las Vegas, Jet Tila is a nationally celebrated chef and consultant known for his innovative Asian cooking technique. Also a teacher and a student in the art of food, Tila strongly believes in using a variety of authentic and regional ingredients to showcase his cooking talents. He has written for the Food section of the Los Angeles Times and has been featured in Los Angeles magazine. He has also appeared on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America,” Food TV's "The Best Of" and "Food Finds;" on HGTV's "Smart Solutions;" on PBS' "Visiting With Huell Howser;" and National Public Radio's "Good Food."  Learn more at www.chefjet.com.

Tony Abou-Ganim , Mixologist

Tony Abou-Ganim , Mixologist and author, is known for creating cocktail programs at prestigious bars in San Francisco, New York and Las Vegas. Also known as the Modern Mixologist, Abou-Ganim believes in taking a culinary approach to cocktails and considers himself a bar chef. He has also appeared on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” and the Fine Living Network’s “Raising the Bar.” Learn more at w

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