It’s an understatement to say that Las Vegas is a foodie paradise destination. In the last few years, Sin City has become one of the top North American cities in regards to its food offerings. Star chefs from around the world and world-class restaurants keep opening on and around the Strip, bringing new and exciting food concepts and keeping its food scene even more exhilarating than it already is. And, let’s be honest, Vegas is always a good idea. Whatever you’re craving, there really are options to please every kind of savvy traveler in the brightest city in the country. For the ultimate foodie paradise getaway, here’s what not to miss next time you hit the Las Vegas Strip.

Vegas Uncork’d Festival…

Every spring, the most extravagant food festival in the country takes place in the most extravagant city in the country. Last month, the Vegas Uncork’d Festival, presented by Bon Appetit, celebrated its 12th year as the premier culinary and wine event in Las Vegas, featuring exclusive, one-of-a-kind experiences for culinary enthusiasts from across the country. During a 4-day food extravaganza, world-renowned chefs, sommeliers and mixologists from Caesars Palace, The Cromwell, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International, The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas come together to showcase their extraordinary talents. Here are few examples of what you can expect at the Vegas Uncork’d Festival, if ever you decide to attend next year (and you should)!


A casual chat with Graham Eliott and Morimoto…
Vegas Uncork’d festivities kick off every year with the traditional Saber Off event. Last edition, the world’s most iconic chefs, mixologists and sommeliers gathered at The Park MGM to start off the 4-day food festival in style, allowing guests to rub elbows with their favorite stars. Guest chefs included Guy Savoy, Shawn McClain, Timon Balloo, Graham Eliott, Stephen Hopcraft and Chef Masaharu Morimoto, who ceremoniously sabered a bottle of bubbly to officially inaugurate Vegas Uncork’d 2018. And, if you are lucky enough, you might have the chance to chat with a few of the attendees after the traditional ceremony.


A diner-date with Gordon Ramsay and BFF’s with Jean-Georges Vongerichten…
Gordon Ramsay currently has 33 restaurants worldwide, and his latest, HELL’S KITCHEN, opened a few months ago in front of the Caesars Palace hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. During Vegas Uncork’d, guests were invited to a Master Class with the multi-Michelin-star award-winning chef. In addition to being able to experience signature dishes seen on the popular TV show (including Ramsay’s famous Beef Wellington), Gordon Ramsay himself sat down at almost each of the tables (and next to yours truly) for a few moments. A different kind of dinner date, surely. Only in Vegas (Uncork’d)!

For the second edition of Picnic at The Park MGM, Vegas style! (a signature event of the culinary festival), guests were treated to live music, flower crowns, extravagant entertainment and “picnic” food, complete with baskets filled by some of MGM Resorts’ most notable chefs (Morimoto, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Michael Mina, Julian Serrano, Shawn McClain, Graham Elliot and Roy Ellamar). Every year indeed, Picnic at The Park brings a creative twist on classic al fresco dining. If you go next year, you may also get the chance to wear matching flower crowns with Michelin-star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten like I did. Who knows?



If you go next year, these signature events are not to be missed…

– The Grand Tasting

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 features more than 50 award-winning chefs and over 100 of the best wines and spirits from around the world. An absolute must.

– Cocktails and fun at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

The very sexy Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas joined the Uncork’d Festival line up in 2017 and, since then, they have been throwing a cocktail-fun event every year. Last year, they organized a one-of-a-kind “pool party” at the stunning Boulevard Pool rooftop. Guests were served fresh lobster, shrimp, crab and clams, served family style, with endless sides, sweet treats and signature cocktails. Because if you didn’t already know, the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has one of the best cocktail programs on the Strip.

– Rao’s Italian Brunch

This signature brunch event of the Vegas Uncork’d festival will transport you to Southern Italy. At Rao’s Restaurant, you’ll join owners Frank Pellegrino Jr. and Ron Straci for a true Rao’s family-style event, enjoying a seasonally inspired multi-course brunch featuring authentic family recipes.

While you are there…

Voted “Best Tour” and “Best Fine Dining” by Las Vegas Review-Journal and awarded “Best Food/Beverage Tour Operations (Land)” by The World Food Travel Association, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours created Las Vegas’ premier walking tour company exclusively geared toward those craving the ultimate taste of Las Vegas. Neon Lights and Savour Bites is one of the most exclusive tours available, featuring five top restaurants on the Strip (during our tour, we visited Aria Las Vegas’ top restaurants: Sage, Javier’s and Julian Serrano’s Tapas, then Milos at The Cosmpolitan, and Wolfgang Puck Cucina for desserts – a very impressive lineup). The tour is hosted by culinary insiders who will entertain you with fascinating stories about Vegas for the duration of the 2:30 hour tour. At each restaurant, you’re a VIP, whisked to the best table to enjoy 3 to 4 signature dishes at each stop, without having to choose anything or wait at all. And after experiencing 5 top restaurants on the Strip and tasting 15 dishes prepared by award-winning chefs without having to wait for a table, why not end the night in style with bubbly and a helicopter ride above the Strip? Yes, that’s exactly what you can expect. And it’s totally VIP.

So, what are you waiting for foodies? Vegas should definitely be on your travel hit list if it is not already. And why not during Vegas Uncork’d 2019…

Plan your Las Vegas Getaway: luxegetaways.info/las-vegas