Who's Who of Award-Winning Chefs Pay Tribute to Global Culinary Icon, Chef Paul Bocuse, at Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit

LAS VEGAS, March 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit today announced the addition of an extraordinary culinary experience, "Toques Off to Paul Bocuse," to its fifth annual weekend of events, May 5-8. On Saturday, May 7, an unprecedented lineup of the world's greatest chefs will gather at MGM Grand to pay tribute to the 20th century's most influential and revered culinary icon, 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 from around the world and multitudes of food lovers they serve.

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L'invite d'honneur will be Jerome Bocuse, son of Paul, a celebrated Master Chef in his own right and a board member of the prestigious Bocuse d'Or USA Foundation.  Among the names already confirmed for this unforgettable evening to celebrate this legendary career are Joel Robuchon, Alain Ducasse, Pierre Gagnaire, Hubert Keller, Guy Savoy and Julian Serrano with more to come. These illustrious chefs will pair off, each duo responsible for crafting and presenting one delectable dish in a multi-course dinner inspired by Chef Bocuse's revolutionary nouvelle cuisine methodology. Each chef preparing a course will offer guests an overview of the dish and, more specifically, how it was inspired by Chef Bocuse.

"Occupying the top position on a global roster of elite culinary icons, Paul Bocuse has impacted the contemporary culinary landscape more than any other chef in history," said Adam Rapoport, Bon Appetit's editor-in-chief. "The best chefs in the world credit him with their own passion for superior cuisine and enthusiastically stepped up to honor him during this year's Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit."

In addition to the meticulously prepared and lavish dinner, the evening will begin with a reception where guests can mingle with these culinary stars, followed by a Champagne toast to Chef Paul Bocuse, and ending with a video retrospective of his life, legend and lasting influence, not only in the realm of French gastronomy, but also in the finest restaurants throughout the world.

Rob O'Keefe, executive director of Vegas Uncork'd, said, "Las Vegas is the epicenter for culinary star power and one-of-a-kind experiences. For that reason, it is only fitting that our destination serves as the place for this incredible collection of chefs coming together to honor this icon."

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 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.

SOURCE Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit