Vegas Uncork'd By Bon Appétit Features The World's Finest Epicurean Talent And Cuisine During Four-Day Festival, April 27-30

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognized as one of the country's top food, wine and spirits festivals, Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appétit returns April 27-30 with one-of-a-kind experiences and a world-class lineup of renowned celebrity chefs, master sommeliers and cutting-edge mixologists from Caesars Palace, The Cromwell, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International, The Palazzo and The Venetian Las Vegas. Presented by sponsor Chase Sapphire^®, the 11th annual epicurean indulgence will continue its tradition of bringing the world's most iconic chefs together including Alain Ducasse, Bobby Flay, Buddy Valastro, Charlie Palmer, Giada De Laurentiis, Gordon Ramsay, Guy Savoy, José Andrés, Julian Serrano, Shawn McClain, Michael Chow, Nobu Matsuhisa and Wolfgang Puck, among others.

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"When people are looking for a one-of-a-kind travel experience, Las Vegas always delivers and Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appétit is a spectacular event that has secured our destination's position as a leading culinary hot spot for over a decade," said Cathy Tull, senior vice president of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. "This year we are excited to welcome additional resorts, restaurants and unique experiences that will provide our guests with unparalleled access to the world's most sought-after chefs and sommeliers in truly intimate settings."

Tickets are on sale now for perennial favorites such as the Grand Tasting at Caesars Palace and Little Italy From City To Strip: Rao's Italian Brunch with The Rao's Family at Caesars Palace, as well as new events, including Picnic in The Park, MGM Resorts' new outdoor dining and entertainment district, Lunch like a Spaniard with José Andrés at The Cosmopolitan, Brunch with Bobby Flay at Caesars Palace, Sweet Escape: An Evening of Buddy, Beignets, Bon Bons & Booze at The Palazzo and Three-Kitchen Tasting at SUGARCANE raw bar grill with Chef Timon Balloo at The Venetian.

"This is the only weekend of the year when this many renowned chefs come together in one destination to host intimate dinners and allow guests from around the world to indulge in an epicurean experience of a lifetime," said Adam Rapoport, Bon Appétit editor in chief. "With tons of new programming this year, the 11th annual Vegas Uncork'd is definitely going to be the most dynamic one yet."

Additionally, Chase Sapphire returns for the fifth consecutive year as the presenting sponsor of Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appétit. Chase Sapphire Preferred^® and Sapphire Reserve^SM cardmembers can enjoy unique access to select experiences and interaction with celebrity chefs throughout the four-day festival. Cardmember packages will be available for purchase through April 12, 2017, while supplies last. For more information on Sapphire Preferred^® and Sapphire Reservecardmember packages visit, vegasuncorked.com/ChaseSapphire.

Events on sale now include:

New and notable:

• Master Series: Rao's 10th Anniversary Dinner (Caesars Palace), Thursday, April 27: Rao's is widely regarded as the hardest reservation to land in the country, if not the world. Guests will have the opportunity to grab a seat at Rao's in Las Vegas as the Rao's family celebrates its 10th Anniversary on the Strip and their newest cookbook, "Rao's Classics," written by Rao's owners Frank Pellegrino Sr. and Frank Pellegrino Jr. From time-honored Italian staples to classics that are uniquely Rao's, like their famous lemon chicken, don't miss the opportunity to celebrate this milestone with a multi-course meal at an Italian-American dining institution.
• Master Series: The Ultimate Throwback with MR CHOW (Caesars Palace), Thursday, April 27: Celebrate the first Anniversary of the only Las Vegas location of the internationally renowned MR CHOW with a throwback dinner. Michael Chow and Maximillian Chow will lead diners through a menu featuring dishes from the original UK location—now celebrating its 49th anniversary. This spectacular and exotic culinary arena brings guests straight to the front row—for an amplified and theatrical dining experience.
• Quickfire Happy Hour with Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger (Caesars Palace), Thursday, April 27: Ever wondered what it takes to win a quickfire challenge? Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to feel like a contestant on a cooking competition show. Put your culinary chops to the test and become part of the action! Guests will divide into teams and compete in a series of quickfire challenges all while enjoying free-flowing cocktails, cool craft beers, and signature Border Grill bites. Celebrity chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger will be on hand to coach the teams and provide participants with top-notch advice before they face the panel of judges.
• Three-Kitchen Tasting at SUGARCANE raw bar grill with Chef Timon Balloo (The Venetian), Thursday, April 27:  Kick back, eat well, and stay awhile at SUGARCANE raw bar grill! At this event, sip signature cocktails featuring rum from all over the world, while award-winning Executive Chef & Partner Timon Balloo presents a selection of SUGARCANE's globally inspired small plates.  Enjoy dishes from three kitchen concepts: the open fire grill continues the timeless tradition of cooking over blazing fresh fire fueled by locally-sourced wood; the raw bar dishes are served in both their "classic" form as well as SUGARCANE'S own innovative interpretations; and the traditional kitchen creates dishes that represent Chef Timon Balloo's signature style – the juxtaposition of bold flavors made for sharing.
• Celebrate Spago: 25th Anniversary Lunch with Wolfgang Puck (Caesars Palace), Friday, April 28: Acknowledged as the spark that ignited the city's culinary phenomenon, 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of Spago by Wolfgang Puck in Las Vegas! Join the renowned chef and restaurateur as he showcases his favorite dishes and Spago classics. Lunch will begin with a premium cocktail reception, followed by a seated lunch in the dining room.
• Lunch like a Spaniard with José Andrés at Jaleo (The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas), Friday, April 28:  Experience a taste of Spain with internationally acclaimed culinary pioneer and innovator, Chef José Andrés. Join José as he prepares lobster paella over their renowned live fire pit in a dish-and-tell session, and shares his favorite stories behind the unique restaurant's menu items, like José's Taco, a slice of jamón ibérico de bellota topped with osetra caviar and gold flakes; Coca con Erizas del Mar, crusty Spanish cristal bread topped with sea urchin, ibérico bacon and butter; their renowned Gin and Tonic program, and more.
• The Hog in the Hen House: Yardbird Presents A Pot Belly Brunch (The Venetian), Friday, April 28: From the fried green tomato BLT with house-smoked pork belly to maple-glazed bacon doughnuts, Yardbird's exclusive Pot Belly Brunch will be hog heaven for lovers of all things bacon and pork belly. Enjoy a range of Yardbird's inventive Southern comfort dishes while sipping on a bloody mary with bacon infused vodka.
• A Movers & Shakers Mixology Journey with Mariena Mercer (The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas), Saturday, April 29:  Guests will travel through the iconic bars and lounges of The Cosmopolitan to experience four unique cocktails guided by The Cosmopolitan's Chef Mixologist Mariena Mercer. Beginning in The Study, tucked inside modern superclub Rose. Rabbit. Lie., guests will be transported to a speakeasy-like atmosphere complete with a record player where guests are invited to play their favorite vinyl. Next, they will journey to Vesper Bar, where classic charm meets a contemporary setting and long-forgotten recipes are the centerpiece of the cocktail menu. CliQue Bar & Lounge is the next stop, where artisanal cocktails and house-made mixers pair with savory bites and shareable plates. Guests will end their journey at The Chandelier, a decadent three-tiered bar and lounge where each level boasts a new experience and cocktail menu.
• Brunch with Bobby Flay at Mesa Grill (Caesars Palace), Saturday, April 29: This event is so popular it has two seatings! Make your way to Mesa Grill for an outstanding morning with one of America's most beloved chefs. Guests will indulge in an array of delicious brunch dishes prepared by Chef Bobby Flay, served alongside perfectly paired cocktails in an intimate private dining room setting.
• Montecristo Cigar Bar—Up in Smoke (Caesars Palace), Saturday, April 29: Lovers of the old-school Las Vegas vibe will relish in this exclusive event. Guests will gather at the swanky Montecristo Cigar Bar for curated pairings of premier scotches, cigars and mouthwatering bites from Old Homestead. 
• Picnic in The Park with Alain Ducasse, Charlie Palmer, Michael Mina, Julian Serrano, Shawn McClain, Roy Ellamar, Akira Back, the Voltaggio Brothers & More (The Park, located between Monte Carlo and New York-New York), Saturday, April 29: Enjoy a Picnic in The Park Vegas style! Featuring live music and some of MGM Resorts' most notable chefs including Alain Ducasse, Charlie Palmer, Julian Serrano, Michael Mina, Shawn McClain, Roy Ellamar, Akira Back, and the Voltaggio brothers, Picnic in The Park will offer creative twists on classic picnic dishes.  We encourage you to embrace your inner-child with coloring books, classic board games and a variety of social games such as foosball, shuffleboard, ping pong and corn hole. And, don't forget to take a selfie with Bliss Dance, a 40-foot-tall sculpture by artist Marco Cochrane and a focal point of The Park experience. Located on the Las Vegas Strip between Monte Carlo and New York-New York, this new outdoor dining, and entertainment district will provide an ideal backdrop for you to enjoy a fun, interactive afternoon picnicking with celebrated chefs.
  EARLY ACCESS: Gain early admission to the event with an Early Access ticket. A limited number of tickets are available to deliver the undivided attention of experts on site, an exclusive signature cocktail available only to early access guests, and an opportunity to interact with the chefs in a more intimate setting.
• Sweet Escape: An Evening of Buddy, Beignets, Bon Bons & Booze (The Palazzo), Saturday, April 29: Buddy "Cake Boss" Valastro hosts a decadent evening to surrender to the sweet side of life, featuring the Chefs of The Venetian and The Palazzo, each preparing a unique take on beignets or bon bons. The poolside reception will include an exciting live band and delicious specialty cocktails. Special appearance by Chef Lorena Garcia of Chica, opening at The Venetian in 2017.
• The Ultimate Big Cake & Craft Cocktail After-Party (The Venetian), Saturday, April 29: Celebrate the evening with an official after-party at the latest Las Vegas hotspot, The Dorsey, with a colossal cake baked by the Cake Boss himself, Buddy Valastro. The Dorsey is a high design, memorable spot for the worldly, curious and engaged featuring a hand crafted cocktail menu.

Returning favorites include:

• Master Series: Rich Tradition with a New Twist with Old Homestead's Greg & Marc Sherry (Caesars Palace), Thursday, April 27: A delicious evening awaits guests at this year's Old Homestead Dinner. Greg and Marc Sherry's event is back by popular demand, and this year they present a stellar menu of divine dishes and pairings featuring steak, premium wines, and chocolate.
• Master Series: The World's Best, An Epicurean Affair With Guy Savoy(Caesars Palace), Thursday, April 27: Guy Savoy, a Michelin-starred chef, will present a multi-course epicurean affair with premier pairings, serving signature dishes normally found at his Paris location alongside some of the world's great wines and champagnes. With his Paris restaurant recently receiving the "Best Restaurant in the World" acclaim from La Liste, this meal will take diners on a truly special adventure across Chef Guy Savoy's empire of tastes and influences, celebrating his achievements through his signature creations. Don't miss this rare opportunity for an intimate dining experience with a world-renowned legend.
  Krug Chef's Table: Experience exclusive like never before and be one of six at the extremely intimate Chef's table—your portal into the chef's den. At the only Krug Chef's Table in the U.S., guests will sip the luxurious Krug Champagne and dine on a special menu prepared by chef Guy Savoy right in front of them. For a smaller party, please inquire.
• #FoodPorn Cooking Demo & Luncheon with the Too Hot Tamales (Caesars Palace), Friday, April 28: Bring your camera phone and appetite, as you get up close and personal at a fun-filled live cooking demonstration featuring chef duo, Mary Sue Milliken, and Susan Feniger. Prepare to laugh, taste, and sip as the Too Hot Tamales fix a feast for the eyes and shake up creative cocktails. Guests will not only learn the dynamic duo's innovative recipes and cooking techniques but also get the lowdown on how to shoot epic food porn photos with expert tips and tricks from Bon Appétit magazine's social media gurus. Meet the chefs, enjoy a multi-course lunch with specialty cocktails, a takeaway recipe booklet, and a chance to purchase personalized cookbooks following the event.
• Robin Leach & Gary Selesner Invite You to a Culinary Journey Around the World at Bacchanal Buffet (Caesars Palace), Friday, April 28: Join "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" host Robin Leach and Caesars Palace President Gary Selesner for a culinary adventure at Bacchanal Buffet—named the #1 buffet in Las Vegas. It's here the renowned chef team will present an around the world culinary journey that showcases dishes from different countries and cuisines, paired with premier global wines, all while listening to Leach and Selesner recount their worldly travels and the authenticity of each bite.
• The Grand Tasting (Caesars Palace), Friday, April 28: The Grand Tasting is the signature event of Vegas Uncork'd, where over 2,500 food enthusiasts enjoy a staggering variety of signature dishes prepared by some of the world's most celebrated chefs. The dramatic five-acre Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel & Casino will feature more than 50 award-winning chefs and over 100 of the best wines and spirits from around the world.
  EARLY ACCESS: Gain early admission to the event with an Early Access ticket. A limited number of tickets are available to deliver the undivided attention of experts on site.
• Brunch at GIADA: An Italian Inspired Feast (The Cromwell), Saturday, April 29: Join chef Giada De Laurentiis for brunch at her award-winning first and only namesake restaurant. Guests will be delighted by GIADA's brunch menu, highlighting her California-inspired Italian cuisine, indulge in limitless mimosas, live entertainment, and more with the Emmy Award-winning celebrity chef and New York Times best-selling author. Guests will also receive a signed photo with Giada.
• Master Series: Chef Gordon Ramsay Dinner (Caesars Palace), Saturday, April 29: Turn up the heat during Vegas Uncork'd with an unforgettable dinner with multi Michelin star award-winning chef Gordon Ramsay and the all-stars from his hit competition series. Guests will get to experience a range of Ramsay's signature dishes while interacting with the chef.
  MEET & GREET: Guests will have the opportunity for a meet and greet with Chef Gordon Ramsay during the event, featuring passed hors d'oeuvres and specialty cocktails. Guests will then gain preferred seating in the larger dining room for dinner.
• Master Series: Nobu Matsuhisa's Ultimate Teppan Experience (Caesars Palace), Saturday, April 29: The perfect event for fans of the culinary master and connoisseur, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa! During two seatings, he'll showcase his skills on the traditional Teppanyaki grills inside his Caesars Palace restaurant, giving guests a live view of their food prepared before their eyes by the celebrity chef. As the first Nobu location in the U.S. to feature Teppanyaki grills, guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience with Chef Nobu.
• Master Series: The Beauty of Sushi with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa (Caesars Palace), Saturday, April 29: Journey inside legendary Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa's expansive Las Vegas destination restaurant for a rare opportunity to hear about the philosophy of sushi making from one of the world's foremost artisans and restaurateurs. Born in Japan, Chef Matsuhisa has used his travels around the globe to create both authentic and inventive Japanese cuisine. This signature event will give guests the chance to see Nobu's sushi making in action while also sipping premier sake from some of Japan's finest producers. Discover his inventive "Nobu Style" that fuses classic sushi-making techniques with unexpected ingredients.
• Master Series: Transcendent Tapas & Worldly Wines with Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger (Caesars Palace), Saturday, April 29: A one-of-a-kind dining experience from celebrity chefs, Mary Sue Milliken, and Susan Feniger, at the award-winning Border Grill at The Forum Shops, named Las Vegas' Best Latin American Restaurant. Join the chefs and pioneers of modern Latin cuisine in lively conversation, dancing and festive music as guests explore their unique twist on tapas expertly paired Latin wines and top shelf tequila cocktails at a seated dinner.
• Little Italy From City To Strip: Rao's Italian Brunch with The Rao's Family (Caesars Palace), Sunday, April 30: Transport yourself to Southern Italy at this intimate afternoon affair at the exclusive Rao's Restaurant. Guests will join the Rao's family for a premium experience, enjoying a seasonally inspired multi-course brunch, featuring authentic family recipes, distinctive cocktails, and non-stop entertainment at this traditional Italian feast.

About Bon Appétit
Bon Appétit is where food and culture meet. The award-winning No. 1 food lifestyle brand covers food through the lens of cooking, fashion, travel, technology, design, and home. Under editor in chief Adam Rapoport, the brand has been named AdAge Magazine of the Year in 2015, and has been nominated for 22 National Magazine Awards, including wins in 2014 for General Excellence and Photography. In 2015 Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Pamela Drucker Mann was named AdAge Publishing Executive of the year, the magazine was also named A-List Magazine of the Year in 2013 and "One to Watch" in 2014, and has been Adweek's Food Magazine of the Year in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015.

About the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide, and also with operating the Las Vegas Convention Center and Cashman Center. With nearly 150,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas alone and more than 11 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space citywide, the LVCVA's mission centers on attracting ever increasing numbers of leisure and business visitors to the area. Download the virtual reality app, Vegas VR, to experience Las Vegas from your iPhone or Android by visiting http://www.vrtv.vegas/. For more information, go to www.lvcva.com or www.lasvegas.com.

About Chase Sapphire
Chase Sapphire Preferred^® and Sapphire Reserve^SM are premier rewards credit cards for people who are passionate about travel and dining. With Sapphire Preferred^® and Sapphire Reserve, you can enjoy premium travel rewards and benefits, such as 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants with Sapphire Preferred and 3X points on travel and dining at restaurants with Sapphire Reserve, worldwide; points that are worth more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®; 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs; 24/7 direct access to a Chase Sapphire customer service specialist; access to unique events and experiences, and more.  Learn more at chase.com/Sapphire and chase.com/SapphireReserve.

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CONTACTS:
Frederika Brookfield: Bon Appétit, 212.209.4415 [email protected]
Erin McCleskey: R&R Partners, 512.477.6540 [email protected]
Kate Whiteley: Kirvin Doak Communications, 702.737.3100 [email protected]

SOURCE Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit