Vegas Uncork’d 2017: Grand Tasting (Las Vegas, NV)

Vegas Uncork’d Grand Tasting
Caesar’s Palace: Garden of the Gods
3570 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Dining date: 4/28/17

This past weekend marked the 11th annual Vegas Uncork’d sponsored by Bon Apetit. This would be my sixth straight year attending (and seventh overall). Similar to past years, I attended the Friday Grand Tasting. This event featured 50+ different restaurants/chefs and drink purveyors in small tasting formats. Hosted at Caesars Palace’s Garden of the Gods pool area, attendees were able to stroll from booth to booth to sample the offerings. Tickets to the all-you-can-eat/drink event were $260 ($350 for early admission allowing an extra 30 minutes).

porcini mushroom ravioli il mulino

seared salmon sashimi sushi roku

ahi tuna tartare joe’s seafood

meatballs carmine’s

tuna tartare blt steak

grilled octopus, crispy potatoes, rapini costa di mare

robatayaki american wagyu short rib mizumi

fish & chips gordon ramsay fish & chips

smoked bbq chicken wings; memphis style ribs virgil’s bbq

ginger scallion noodles momofuku

dry aged beef, cheddar, bacon, tomato, argugula burger holstein’s

the slut – egg, potato puree, chives eggslut

beef duo – grilled prime bistecca & slow braised beef shank cut steakhouse

red chile bbq duck mesa grill

filet mignon with shrimp scampi old homestead steakhouse

bangers & mash gordon ramsay pub & grill

foie burger gordon ramsay burger

sticky toffee pudding gordon ramsay steak

pea pesto tortellini giada

assorted beverage options

One of the primary highlights was Gordon Ramsay’s fish and chips. Generous portions of fish were fried with crispy chips, hot and fresh out of the fryer. The batter-to-fish ratio was ideal and executed perfectly, with moist flesh and a crispy crunchy batter. Mizumi’s yakitori was another highlight. American wagyu short rib was braised and finished on the grill – it was lusciously tender, rich, and with a delicious sweet/savory sauce. Virgil’s BBQ’s pork ribs were also great. There was plenty of smoke flavor in the almost-fall-off-the-bone meat that really satisfied. Finally, Costa di Mare’s octopus also shined with its tender tentacles and crispy potatoes. All in all, it was another great Vegas Uncork’d (albeit, a bit windy this evening) and I look forward to what’s in store next year.

Note: Two tickets were hosted to this event, but our party also purchased four additional tickets.