Seven Additional Award-Winning Chefs Join Lineup of 'Toques Off to Paul Bocuse' at MGM Grand May 7

LAS VEGAS, April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appétit today released new details regarding "Toques Off to Paul Bocuse," the lavish, multi-course dinner to be held Saturday, May 7, at MGM Grand. Joining previously announced chefs, Alain Ducasse, Hubert Keller, Joel Robuchon and Julian Serrano, will be Jean-Philippe Maury, Michael Mina, Bradley Ogden, Roland Passot, Andre Renard, Jacques Torres and J. Joho, all of whom will prepare delectable courses for this unforgettable evening.  Collectively, this group represents the brightest constellation of award-winning chefs gathered to prepare a formal meal.

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In honor of Bocuse and his giving spirit, Southern Nevada charity partners have been named as beneficiaries of the evening: Keep Memory Alive (the non-profit organization that supports Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, founded by Larry Ruvo, senior managing director of Southern Wine & Spirits) and the Wirtz Beverage Group's culinary programs and scholarships at the College of Southern Nevada.

"This unprecedented event makes an important statement about Las Vegas as a culinary destination and Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit's appeal not only to food lovers, but to the world's greatest chefs themselves," said Adam Rapoport, editor-in-chief, Bon Appetit.

Uniting this stellar group of chefs is a shared admiration and appreciation for legendary chef Paul Bocuse. Creator of the Bocuse d'Or—the world's most prestigious international culinary competition held annually in Lyon, France—Chef Bocuse has influenced generations of chefs around the world and multitudes of gastronomes they serve.

The evening's program promises "Toques Off" attendees a momentous culinary experience set amidst evocative surroundings reminiscent of Paul Bocuse's landmark French restaurants. Upon arrival at 7 p.m., guests will be greeted by an exceptional cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception featuring stations helmed personally by chefs J. Joho, Hubert Keller, Shawn McClain, Bradley Ogden and Julian Serrano. At 8 p.m., the doors to an elegantly appointed ballroom will open, where a meticulously conceived and prepared, four-course dinner, prepared by an impressive array of superstar chef pairings, awaits. Chef duos already announced include Alain Ducasse and Joel Robuchon, who will prepare a cold appetizer, and Michael Mina and Roland Passot, who will present the entree.

Created exclusively for the evening's program, a retrospective of Paul Bocuse's life and illustrious career will be complemented by in-person anecdotes shared by his colleagues and friends.

Concluding the evening, an elaborate dessert reception by renowned patissiers Jean-Philippe Maury and Andre Renard, as well as chocolatier Jacques Torres, will delight guests, leaving them with sweet memories of an evening spent in the company of culinary royalty.

Rob O'Keefe, executive director, Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit, adds, "Only the most exciting culinary destination in the world would dream of pulling off a tribute of this scale. We're honored to pay homage to this icon of international gastronomy and delighted to be able to do so here in Las Vegas."

ABOUT VEGAS UNCORK'D BY BON APPETIT:  Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit is a unique, four-day culinary extravaganza featuring 25 intimate luncheons, dinners, tastings and other immersive and entertaining culinary experiences. Year after year, Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit draws gourmands, luxury travelers and extraordinary chefs from around the globe to Las Vegas, all lured by the prospect of partaking in this epic foodie extravaganza. Its five partner resorts include Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and Wynn | Encore; the event is made possible by its title sponsor, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, major sponsors Travelocity, Infiniti and other national brands. Among the famous names joining Bon Appetit magazine Editor-in-Chief Adam Rapoport at this year's events are chefs Paul Bartolotta, Tom Colicchio, Alain Ducasse, Hubert Keller, Michael Mina, Rick Moonen, Bradley Ogden, Francois Payard, Joel Robuchon, Guy Savoy, Julian Serrano, Alex Stratta and many more. To purchase tickets, visit www.VegasUncorked.com.

ABOUT KEEP MEMORY ALIVE

Keep Memory Alive, whose mission is to provide enhanced treatment and ultimately cures for patients and their families suffering from neurocognitive disorders, raises awareness and funds in support of the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. By supporting Keep Memory Alive and its fight against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's, Parkinson's, ALS and memory disorders of all kinds, we can ensure progress towards better treatments and ultimately cures will occur in Las Vegas. For additional information call (702) 263-9797 or visit www.keepmemoryalive.org

ABOUT WIRTZ BEVERAGE GROUP'S CULINARY PROGRAMS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Over the past seven years, events hosted by Wirtz Beverage Nevada has raised $281,825 to fund culinary scholarships and programs at the College of Southern Nevada (CSN). Since 2002, 34 students have received Hospitality scholarships from the Wirtz Beverage Nevada Hospitality Scholars Endowment or the Wirtz Beverage Nevada Steakout Scholarship Fund.

As a strong supporter of Hospitality education, Wirtz Beverage Nevada created these scholarships to assist students enrolled in the CSN School of Business - Hospitality Program. Hospitality students can pursue an Associate of Applied Science Degree or Certificate in Casino Management, Concierge Management, Culinary Arts, Food & Beverage, Hotel Management, Pastry Arts, and Travel & Tourism. Outstanding CSN Hospitality program graduates also have an opportunity to continue their studies to earn a bachelor degree in Hospitality at UNLV through an additional Wirtz Graduate Scholarship established in 2006. In addition, Wirtz Beverage Nevada funds have sponsored the CSN Culinary Competition Teams as they competed in local, regional and national competitions.

ABOUT BON APPETIT MAGAZINE

Bon Appetit magazine celebrates the world of great food and the pleasure of sharing it with others. Both inspiring and practical, Bon Appetit delivers the just-right mix of sophistication and accessibility, indulgence and simplicity.

Bon Appetit is published by Conde Nast, a division of Advance Publications, which operates in 25 countries.  In the United States, Conde Nast publishes eighteen consumer magazines, two trade publications and 27 websites that garner international acclaim and unparalleled consumer engagement. Please visit http://www.bonappetit.com.

ABOUT LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas has earned its reputation as the world's most exciting destination by offering resorts that specialize in more than just top-tier accommodations. The glittering city long synonymous with glamorous entertainment has become known for its acclaimed restaurants helmed by the world's most decorated chefs, lavish spas, extraordinary shopping and a host of other attractions and amenities that invigorate the senses and ignite the imagination.  

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Las Vegas and Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide, and also with operating the Las Vegas Convention Center and Cashman Center. With approximately 148,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas alone and more than 10 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space citywide, the LVCVA mission centers on attracting ever-increasing numbers of leisure and business visitors to the area. For more information, go to http://www.lvcva.com or http://www.visitlasvegas.com.

PRESS CONTACTS:
Erika Pope
T: 702.249.2977
[email protected]

Frederika Brookfield, Bon Appetit
T: 212.286.3508
[email protected]

Gaia Filicori, Bon Appetit
T: 212.286.4208
[email protected]

Sandy Zanella, MGM Resorts International
T: 702.604.4124
[email protected]

SOURCE Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit