Music , Diamonds and Fashion at a star-studded evening at the Palazzo for the Lili Claire Foundation

The Palazzo showed off its bling at a multi-event evening for the Lili Claire Foundation. Simon G Jewelry , David Alexander and several Grammy award winning artists came together for a memorable evening in support of a very important cause.

The Lili Claire Foundation is an organization helping families with children living with neurogentic conditions such as Williams’s syndrome, Down syndrome and autism. The Foundation aims to ease the challenges families face through numerous programs, services, and resources centers located in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Nashville

Simon G is a family owned and operated manufacturing jewelry designer, in its 26^th year of business. Noted for staying a head of the curve in terms of design, Simon G designs are recognized by the incorporation of various precious metals combined with natural fancy colored diamonds. In 2008, Simon G won six coveted JCK Jewelers Choice Awards. In addition to their loyal consumer following, Simon G Jewelry has been the brand of choice on the red carpet for many celebrities including the Kardashian Family, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Miranda Lambert, Taraji P Hensen, Keely Bronson, and Rebecca Romijn.

The Stars came out early on this beautiful evening at the Palazzo. Khole Kardashian , Kris Jenner, Venessa Minnillo , American Idol Chikezie , MVP , ALL-4-One , Holly Madison and many other guests strolled the Red Carpet along side the Palazzo's Waterfall.



























The Concert began with none other than American Idol Alum CHIKEZIE taking to the beautiful Simon G stage at the Palazzo's newly opened Azure pool. His amazing talent showed why he made it so far in the competition and treated the guests with his wonderful tones and acoustic guitar. The Lil Claire foundation's cause hit close to home for him with a friends child and paid tribute with "Save The Day " a piece he wrote just for this event.


The multi-platinum Grammy awarding winning artist's ALL-4-ONE known for their single "I Swear " performed many of their hits and some new original music as well. Guest's were even treated with the World Premiere of "My Child " never performed outside the recording studio.


The high caliber concert also featured special performances by two time Grammy-award winning singer songwriter Sara Bareilles and Grammy-nominated artist Colby O’Donis.

















Fashion designer David Alexander styled the event with a presentation of his summer collection "The Furious Phantoms"
His celebrity clients include Britney Spears, Mariska Hargitay, Toni Braxton, Domiziano Arcangeli, Tila Tequila, Crosby Loggins and Anna Rawson.

His mother, a former Dallas Cowboy cheerleader and beauty queen inspired him to become a fashion designer.












David’s motto, “Beauty defined by the power of Fashion”, means that when one is dressed fashionably, there is beauty present. Inspired by music and film, David’s eclectic taste is translated into unexpected surprises within his collections, bringing a level of sensuality, class and sexiness rarely seen today

For more information about David Alexander visit www.davidalexanderfashion.com

This was an evening like none other in recent memory. The Red Carpet arrivals lead to the Palazzo pool for an open bar , a concert and a fashion show. The night was not over until the after party at Dos Caminos hosted by the lovely Khole Kardashian that was open to the public.


Join Elaine and Scott Harris of VINO LAS VEGAS on the Red Carpet. Then join us at the Palazzo pool for David Alexander's Fashion Show and Grammy award winners in concert. Of course there are many surprises along the way. Sit back with a glass of your favorite wine and enjoy this star-studded musical evening for the Lili Claire Foundation.

Strawberry Ridge wines launches RAOs signature wines at a media dinner at RAOs in Caesars Palace in Las Vegas

Renowned restaurant RAOs launched its signature wines in Las Vegas with a media dinner attend by a "who's who " of Las Vegas writers and critics. Winemaker Robert Summer of Strawberry Ridge wines was on hand to show off his award winning wines.









Robert Summer is a music industry executive who's past achievements have been president of RCA records and Sony music International. Robert and his wife Susan are avid art collectors and own the Vineyards at Strawberry Ridge in New England.







In in the 1980's that Susan and Robert Summer enjoyed the luxury of a residence in Tuscany and traveled frequently to the adjoining Chianti region. In 1992, as open land became available on a property adjoining their home in Warren, Connecticut the idea of starting their own vineyard was becoming a reality.


A French chardonnay clone was selected to start them off on their objective to produce a high quality wine that would meet the standards of discerning wine lovers.

The Vineyard at Strawberry Ridge is located on 22 acres of hilly terrain overlooking Lake Waramaug in northwestern Connecticut. Until September 2007, production was limited to the award winning "Ascot Reserve" Chardonnay, a wine styled after the great white wines of the Burgundy region of France, and the "Ascot Reserve" Cabernet Sauvignon that derives its special quality from a blending of west coast and east coast cabernet. They have also just released their "Ascot Reserve" Merlot produced from selected grapes of the 2005 Napa Valley vintage. They keep everything hands on as they conduct crush, barrel aging and bottling at a facility in North Stonington, Connecticut.

Now, more than 10 years later, this very special project has matured and Ascot Reserve Chardonnay is receiving national recognition. In 2005 the vineyard introduced the first vintage of Ascot Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Distribution has now extended beyond Connecticut to 9 states, and the wines can be found on the wine lists of prestigious restaurants throughout the country.


Jr and award winning Executive Chef Carla One of these prestigious restaurants is now RAOs Las Vegas located in the legendary Caesars Palace Resort. Frank PellegrinoPellegrino were ready with open arms and great food to launch RAOs signature wines produced by long time friend and diner Robert Summer.







The three signature wines , RAOs 2007 Napa Valley Chardonnay, RAOs 2006 Napa Valley Merlot and RAOs 2006 California Cabernet Sauvignon were paired with a classic southern Italian multi-course dinner by Sommelier Krista Rediske and prepared by Chef Carla Pellegrino





















APPETIZER :

Fritto Misto
Antipasto Della Casa
Bruschetta
Polipo in Padella

RAOs 2007 Napa Valley Chardonnay





PASTA :

Penne alla Vodka
Linguine con Gamberi
Meatballs

RAOs 2006 Napa Valley Merlot




ENTREE:
Lemon Chicken
Veal Chops with Cherry Peppers
Steak Pizziaola
Grilled Vegetables

RAOs 2006 California Cabernet Sauvginon















DESSERT :

RAOs Restaurant Dessert Sampler














When the Appetizers were delivered to the table we were amazed at the size of the dish. That was our first clue that we had better pace ourselves considering we had many courses to go. RAOs is known throughout the world for their dishes and we were anxious to get started.
















The RAOs 2007 Napa Valley Chardonnay was made in the style that is a personal favorite for a Chardonnay. This lovely Chardonnay was crisp, medium bodied and finished with citrus notes and light tannins. The paring of Sommelier Krista Rediske was right on with all four appetizers.















The PASTA course was one that we were looking forward too simply because of those RAOs meatballs made famous at the legendary RAOs in New York. The meatballs are probably the largest we have seen and could be an Entree on their own.



Krista's pairing of the RAOs 2006 Napa Valley Merlot went well with the Penne alla Vodka , Linguine and the meatballs. This Merlot was a real stand out for us and our pick for the best of the three wines.








We had enjoyed all of these dishes created by Chef Carla Pellegrino and still had the Entree and Dessert to go. RAOs 2006 California Cabernet Sauvignon was paired with a four course entree of Lemon Chicken , Veal Chops, Steak and grilled vegetables.



Considering the diversity of the entree , this was the most difficult pairing of the evening. Krista Rediske , Sommelier showed why she is one of the women sommeliers that are moving into very prestigious dining venues in Las Vegas. Her pairing using the RAOs California Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 went well with the entire entree.













Finishing up this dinning experience was a dessert sampler where Cheescake and Teramasou were the stars of course with some lovely coffee


This dinner was an example of what you can do when you bring together award winning wines, a prestigious Chef and the expertise of a Sommelier to produce a work of art.

These signature wines will not only be available at RAOs but you can find them at Whole Foods as well. And we have learned there will be some events with Chef Carla Pellegrino at Whole Foods so stay tunned !


Join Scott from VINO LAS VEGAS as he speaks with Strawberry Ridge winemaker Robert Summer about his wines, RAOs and Las Vegas

The 3rd Annual Bon Appetit Vegas Uncork'd kicks off over looking the famed Las Vegas Strip

Where else can you enjoy the view from the world famous nightclub PURE overlooking the Las Vegas Strip and rub shoulders with many celebrity chefs including Bobby Flay, Cat Cora, Kerry Simon, Rick Moonen and enjoy wine, beer, specialty cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres ? The answer is Bon Appetit's Vegas Uncork'd !














In 2008 Las Vegas became the fourth city to be profiled by the authors of the Michelin Guide , the very prestigious restaurant guide book to the world. This year, the 2009 guide features 140 restaurants and 32 hotels. Bon Appetit Magazine declared Las Vegas one of the top 5 restaurant cities.













In 2009, two Las Vegas restaurants were awarded with a five-star rating by the Mobil Travel guide . Alex at the Wynn resort and Joel Robuchon at the MGM Grand. Other award winning restaurants such as Bellagio's Le Cirgue ( 6th consecutive year ) and Picasso ( 8th consecutive year ) and Caesars Palace's Guy Savoy have all taken their place amongst the worlds best.



Vegas Uncork'd shows off Las Vegas's more than a decade climb as one of the top centers for fine dining in the world. This trend shows no sign of stopping with more premiere Chefs and guests coming to Las Vegas to sample the best the world has to offer.

Bon Appetit , with it's 3rd Vegas Uncork'd has taken its place as one of the premiere Culinary events in the world and grown into an event that sets a very high bar. We can only look forward to the 4th Bon Appetit Vegas Uncorked as we have no doubt the bar will be raised even higher

From the cut of Chef Guy Savoy' s knife to open the first bottle of Champagne to the last sip of Champagne with Chef Megan Romano's confections , The 3rd Vegas Uncorked will be remembered for a long time.

Congratulations Bon Appetit and all of the people who put this premier event together. Cheers ! , and we look forward to see you all again next May !

Vegas Uncork'd French Culinary Conversation makes culinary history

Perhaps Culinary history was made when
a lineup of some of the most legendary French Chefs in the world , including Daniel Boulud, Alain Ducasse, François Payard, Guy Savoy and David Werly, offered their views into why Vegas has the hottest French chefs in its kitchens. Bon Appétit editor-in-chief Barbara Fairchild hosted the discussion along with special correspondent Alan Richman and Las Vegas restaurant expert John Curtas.






















Bon Appetit's Vegas UnCork'd provided many opportunities for foodies to savor and enjoy culinary dishes and meet the creators of some of the best cuisine in the world. The "French Connection" provided the rare opportunity to interact with the best French Chefs in the world.












This was a very special opportunity where guests were given the opportunity to write down a question for this prestigious panel. One of the first questions asked was "Why are you here in Las Vegas" ? The overall answer from the panel was that Las Vegas is constantly changing and despite what may be happening elsewhere , the people come to Las Vegas to seek out great food.



This panel discussion provided insight into these great French Chefs. They love the competition as it brings out the best in them . "Fusion is Confusion" from the great Chef Daniel Boulud emphasized that great French cuisine is basically simple. The other point that echoed from the panel was that Las Vegas is not saturated with fine dining and will not disappear but get even better with competition.

When you assemble these great Chefs and have a open honest discussion you can't help but be in awe of what you are seeing and hearing. Not only did guests have the opportunity to interact with this great panel but also tasted the craft of renown French Chef David Werly the Executive Chef of Le Cirque at the Bellagio .

David Werley's delicious treat of Vacherin of Foie Gras, Rhubarb Compote Fresh Strawberry & Lava Salt and

Citrus infused Salmon Gravlox, Spot Prawn Cucumber Bloom & Cream Fraiche

was mouth watering. It was a real experience to be around these great French Chefs in a Panel discussion that perhaps has never been done before. Bon Appetit's Vegas Uncork'd really pulled out all the the stops to bring world wide culinary talent together as only they can.

Chef Carla Pellegrino and Frank Pellegrino Jr show off RAOs at Caesars Palace for a Vegas Uncorked Master Series Dinner

Caesars Palace brought to Las Vegas the one-and-only Rao’s, the 110-year-old, 10-table, East Harlem Italian restaurant, considered by many as the ultimate New York dining experience.





Rao’s has been called a “culinary national treasure,” widely acclaimed for its authentic, southern Neapolitan Italian cooking and its home-style family ambiance. It was honored with a pinnacle three stars from New York Times . Rao’s at Caesars Palace is its only location outside of New York and opened its doors in December 2006.


One of the many Vegas Uncorked Master Series Dinner's was held at Rao's at Caesars Palace. Renowned Chef Carla Pellegrino and Frank Pellegrino Jr showed off their wonderful restaurant and some classic Italian artistry in the kitchen to its guests.

The always delightful Chef Cat Cora , Bon Appetit's executive chef was on hand to host the event and mingle with the guests .

Greeted with Champagne as we entered this classic restaurant , the first thing we noticed was the gorgeous Caesars Palace pool. Rao's patio provided a relaxing venue as we enjoyed the Champagne. We then entered the dining room with great anticipation of the dining experience we were about to have and found the tables were beautifully decorated with rose petals for a touch of class.






We took a look at the menu found a nice variety of classic Italian seafood, pasta , and beef dishes paired with none other than the renown Antinori wines. Chef Carla and Sommelier Crista really teamed up for what was going to be some great pairings of classic Italian dishes and wine.


MILLE FOGLIE DI FUNGHI E FONTINA:

Puffy pastry stuffed with mushroom ragu and Fontina cheese

PROSCIUTTO E MELONE
Parma prosciutto-wrapped honeydew melon balls

SALMONE & ENDIVE
Salmon mousse, endive and salmon roe

ANTIPASTI:

POLIPO E PATATE
Warm octopus, fava beans and boiled potato salad

CAPRESE SALAD
Buffalo mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, pesto sauce

Guado Al Tasso Vermentino 2006



PRIMI PIATTI

RAVIOLI CON CAPESANTE E GAMBERI
Ricotta and spinach ravioli in shrimp and scallop sauce

GARGANELLI CON CAVOLLINI E PANCETTA
Fresh penne pasta, Brussels sprouts, bacon

RAO’S MEATBALLS
Traditional veal, beef and pork meatballs
Marchese Antinori 2004


SECONDI PIATTI:

BRANZINO IN ACQUA PAZZA
Wild sea bass poached in fish stock, poached vegetables

TAGLIATTA DI MANZO
Seared slices of beef sirloin tossed in warm baby arugula salad
Guado Al Tasso 2004


DOLCE:

TORTA DI NOCCIOLINE
Peanut butter tart

MISTO DI FRUTTO DI BOSCO
Mixed berries marinated in red wine, vanilla gelato
Muffato Della Sala 2005




The RAO's signature traditional Meatballs were a favorite of ours with the pairing of Marchese Antinori 2004 being spot on. Another favorite was the TAGLIATTA DI MANZO, seared slices of beef sirloin tossed in warm baby Arugula salad with the very aromatic Guado Al Tasso 2004.



Chef Carla Pellegrino was meant to be a chef from the young age of 10 and refined her skills over the years to graduate with honors from the prestigious French Culinary Institute in 2001. Chef Pellegrino has recreated those classic Rao's New York dishes as well as added her own touch to make Rao's Las Vegas a culinary destination.

VINO LAS VEGAS samples wine with Master Sommelier Jason Smith at Vegas Uncorked

There are more Master Sommeliers in Las Vegas than any other city in the world. 18 Master Sommeliers call Las Vegas their home.





According to the Court of Master Sommeliers, the entity that certifies and educates master sommeliers, there are less than 100 professionals who hold the title Master Sommelier in North America. There are 158 master sommeliers world wide.




The Bellagio Resort has established the record for the most Master Sommeliers at a single property. Jason Smith is the properties Director of Wine , Robert Smith of Picasso and Joseph Phillips of Michael Mina .

We have had the pleasure of meeting many of the Master Sommeliers here in Las Vegas . Jason Smith at one time was the country's youngest Master Sommelier. As Director of Wine at the Bellagio Jason overseas 32 venues and leads wine education for 3500 service employees and is responsible for hiring and training an unprecedented 15 sommeliers including two other Master Sommeliers.

Jason did not just " fall" into his current position. After attending the renown Culinary Institute of America Jason realized he had a passion for wine. Before he was 21, Jason was cellar master at the 21 Club in New York city became a sommelier. Jason later refined his skills in such acclaimed restaurants as The Little Niel, Charlie Trotter's and Michael Mina.

Jason then became a Master Sommelier after years in the industry , a rigorous exam composed of Wine Theory, Service and of course, Blind Tasting. The title of Master Sommelier takes years to achieve and requires passion and dedication that few can posses

Vegas Uncorked gave its guests a unique opportunity to taste selections from around the world as Jason guided them through a behind-the-scenes look at the methodology and rationale behind blind tasting from a Master Sommelier.

Join Scott from VINO LAS VEGAS has he speaks to Master Sommelier Jason Smith at Vegas Uncorked about the Bellagio and his remarkable rise to the top of his profession.