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Nowhere on earth but Las Vegas has the economic and tourism horsepower to gather the likes of Joel Robuchon, Guy Savoy, Masa Takayama, Alain Ducasse, and Pierre Gagnaire — Michelin 3-star chefs all — in one place at one time for a photo op and press event like the one above.
But there they were last Thursday afternoon at miX at the top of THE Hotel in the Mandalay Bay to meet, kibbitz and be photographed by the press corps for the beginning of Vegas Uncork’d.
This year Ducasse saber’d the champagne for the official kickoff, ELV actually shook hands with Bobby Flay*, and Oscar Goodman finally admitted that food in general (and gourmet restaurants in particular) are something unique and wonderful about our humble burg — that even lasagna-lovin’, gin-swilling, populist politicians need to pay attention to.
As usual, the event got minimal-to-no coverage from the Review Journal — which seems to take some kind of perverse pride in ignoring the world-wide impact these chefs and restaurants have had on our town.
Pity.
For them, not the rest of us.
Because they don’t know what they’re missing.
* Not exactly a warm, I’ve missed you so bro-type of handshake, more like a “…we need to turn you around about my restaurant…” sort of greeting, followed by a “…okay dude, I’ll give it another chance…” pressing of the flesh.
This is such a great time to be in Las Vegas. I was glad I finally made it out there during the Uncork’d weekend to attend a few of the events.
“As usual, the event got minimal-to-no coverage from the Review Journal — which seems to take some kind of perverse pride in ignoring the world-wide impact these chefs and restaurants have had on our town.”
Cluck The R-J. When I discussed this over the weekend, just about everyone from top foodie mavens to food bloggers from other burgs laughed at our worthless excuse of a paper. It’s a hot mess that wouldn’t know good grub if it was thrown in their faces.
And btw, you probably didn’t recognize me, but I was the one with the funny hat, blue striped shirt, long tan shorts, and black socks & shoes. I was staying at THEhotel for the weekend, so it was really fun for y’all to come to me so I didn’t have to go out and hunt for the presser! It’s just too bad I had just gotten back from the pool, as I missed the Guy Savoy and Pierre Gagnaire photo ops. I guess next time…
And btw, I hope you have even more Uncork’d goodies for us. I’ve missed hanging out here, and it should be fun for all of us to compare notes. :-)
This was my first time covering Uncork’d and I was blown away… what an event!! I’ve been reading your blog for awhile now (loves it) and really wanted to introduce myself to you when I saw you – so bummed I never got the chance. Next time :)