Vegas Uncork'd Begins Today

The eighth annual Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appétit began with a pop and threw the destination into a flurry of foie gras and fine wine as world-renowned chefs descend upon Las Vegas this weekend. Acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud launched the event by sabering a bottle of Mionetto Prosecco at The Venetian surrounded by other notable chefs such as Mary Sue Milliken, Guy Savoy, Julian Serrano, Michael Mina, Roy Ellamar and Shawn McClain. The celebrity chefs enjoyed precious moments with other culinary giants, including Sirio Maccioni, to unwind before touring Las Vegas Boulevard and kicking off festivities at ARIA, Bellagio, Caesars Palace and MGM Grand.

The star-studded weekend welcomes new chefs such as Giada De Laurentiis, Buddy Valastro, Masa Takayama and Pierre Gagnaire along with returning favorites Michael Mina, Gordon Ramsay and Joël Robuchon among others. Now in its eighth year, the festival continues to gain momentum with tickets selling faster than ever before. Joël Robuchon's Cooking & Wine Demo at MGM Grand sold out within the first 90-minutes of tickets going on sale, and by the end of the first week, seven events had completely sold out. Limited tickets are still available for large-scale tasting events such as the Grand Tasting and The Night Market: East Meets West.

Intimate events with limited tickets still available include:

· Michael Mina's Pig Roast and Beer Garden, Friday, May 9: Michael Mina hosts a full-on outdoor shindig complete with succulent whole roasted pig, barbecue favorites, and a bevy of ice-cold beers. Chill outside to the sound of upbeat live music and savor special dishes from Michael Mina's PUB 1842.

· Counter: All-Star Feast, Saturday, May 10: ARIA's stellar lineup of A-list chefs, such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Julian Serrano, and Michael Mina, take over The Buffet at ARIA to put a gourmet spin on self-serve style. These renowned chefs will cook and serve up dozens of must-taste specialties including: Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Kurobuta Pork Loin with Smoked Chili Glaze, Masa Takayama's Sushi Canapé with Toro Caviar, Shrimp, and Scallop, and a Spring Special pizza from Shawn McClain. Other gourmet items include lasagna Bolognese, fusilli pomodoro, grilled beef tenderloin, roasted leg of lamb, Vietnamese pho, assorted sushi, fried squid, and more than a dozen tantalizing desserts. Sip Champagne and get your fill of award-winning dishes from these celebrity chefs.

For more information and full event schedule, visit VegasUncorked.com.

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