The Palazzo Las Vegas hosted the Las Vegas Epicurean Affair presented by the Nevada Restaurant Association.
Over 65 renowned restaurants and beverage purveyors dazzled approximately 1,500 guests at the luxurious Pools at The Palazzo. Long known as the premier tasting event for Las Vegas locals, this year’s marks the second that The Palazzo has been home to this foodie extravaganza. As guests entered the elegant poolside setting, bites from world-class chefs tempted their palates every step of the way.
As aquatic performers entertained from within the pool, fresh seafood options were abound at several of the restaurants. McCormick & Schmicks offered guests oysters on the half shell, Tao had freshly made spicy tuna handrolls and sashimi, and Sushi Samba’s hamachi tartar with cucumber vinaigrette, mango pearls and schichimi-dusted popcorn was a huge hit.
Guests found themselves lined up to sample refined Indian bites from Origin India Restaurant & Bar, as well as STK, for their “Little Burgers,” made of Wagyu and topped with Special Sauce on a homemade sesame seed bun. The three restaurants of celebrity chef and restaurateurs Mario Batali and Joe Bastianch, CarneVino, B&B Ristorante and Otto Enoteca Pizzeria were combined into one fantastic booth manned by Executive Chef Zach Allen. Salumi and other cured meats hung from the rafters, as plates of coppa with fresh ricotta and ramps were handed to excited guests.
Chef Luciano Pellegrini of Valentino held a cooking demonstration for interested food lovers on how to make proper gnocchi while Valentino pastry chef Alessandro Stoppa dished out fresh, house made gelato (pistachio seemed the be the favorite flavor of the night!) Chef Sammy DeMarco, who later did his own cooking demonstration, was slinging prime rib sliders on a popover bun with a generous side of potent horseradish cream.
Sweet endings came from Max Brenner: Chocolate by the Bald Man with warm chocolate chip cookies and faux syringes with even more chocolate sauce, and Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio Bar & Grill’s red velvet Whoopi Pies had guest giggling like kids.
Stilt walkers and fire dancers kept the crowd entertained, while live DJs kept the party going. The party atmosphere was so jovial and fun that an impromptu dance battle broke out amongst the events talented guests.
