Chef Michael Mina Kicks Off Seventh Annual Vegas Uncork'd By Bon Appetit With Burst Of Prosecco At Celebratory Saber-Off

Culinary luminaries are descending on Las Vegas this weekend as the seventh annual Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit burst open with a splash. Acclaimed chef Michael Mina did the official honor, taking a saber to a magnum bottle of Mionetto Prosecco in front of the iconic 100,000-pound bronze lion statue at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. Joining him in what's become an annual tradition kicking off the celebrated festival, were dozens of top culinary icons including Francois Payard, Frank Pellegrino Jr., Guy Savoy, Ho Chee Boon, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Joel Robuchon, Julian Serrano, Mary Sue Milliken, Rick Moonen, representing Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand.

A weekend filled with one-of-a-kind culinary events, including intimate dinners with the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Bobby Flay, cooking demonstrations with masters like Payard and Robuchon and exciting only-in-Vegas events pitting chefs against sommeliers and turning the spotlight on some of the newest foodie favorites in one of the country's most dynamic food and beverage destinations, Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit's 7 th annual lineup might be the best yet. Not to be missed:

• The Grand Tasting at the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace happens Friday night and more than 2,500 food lovers are expected to attend and enjoy a night of sumptuous feasting with more than 50 award-winning chefs from across Las Vegas, including returning favorite Gordon Ramsay. Also making an appearance are chefs Roy Ellamar of Sensi at Bellagio and Mike Minor of Border Grill at Mandalay Bay, both of whom recently appeared on Food Network's Chopped and received tremendous acclaim for their quick skills in the kitchen.
• Bellagio Block Party where guests will have a chance to sample cuisine prepared by some of the finest chefs in the world while watching the Chase Sapphire Preferred Grill-Off Challenge. The contest pits Akira Back against Todd English, each working side-by-side with a student from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Las Vegas who will be vying for the $20,000 prize.
• Unmatched Mother's Day Brunches, Vegas Uncork'd serves up three extraordinary brunches hosted at the restaurants of Alain Ducasse, Gordon Ramsay and the Pellegrino's. Event menus include a traditional English Sunday roast, Italian grilled items and French pastries and delicacies, all created to tantalize the taste buds and provide a perfect ending to the weekend.

A few tickets are still available for purchase at select events. For more information on Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit, tickets and full programming details, visit VegasUncorked.com.