A World Premier Night at PANDA ! in The Venetian Las Vegas and The Palazzo Las Vegas Resorts makes Las Vegas History .

We were fortunate to have seen a preview of PANDA ! during the resort’s Winter in Venice Festival and were intrigued with what we saw. As the weeks went by we waited with great anticipation of the world premier and what a night it was.

The opening night started with a reception hosted by our very cute and cuddly Panda friends. In addition to our hosts from the bamboo forests, many members of  China National Acrobatic Troupe who are masters from the Shaolin Temple and the birthplace of Kung Fu greeted the world premier guests from Beijing and around the world.

The Palazzo Theater was buzzing with excitement as guests took their seats for a first look at the newest show on the famed Las Vegas strip. The bamboo curtains opened and our journey with LongLong Panda began. LongLong, is a true Panda in every sense of the word with his warm and caring nature.

Elaine Harris and PANDA escorts

The show takes the audience along on his mission to rescue his beloved and beautiful Peacock Princess from the evil and mean Demon Vulture, who kidnapped her on their wedding day. Heartbroken, LongLong seeks guidance from an Old Man, along with monks who specialize in martial arts to prepare the love sick panda for his mission to save his future wife.

This incredible show features gymnastics from world champion artists, acrobats, martial arts, breathtaking dance, music and a multi-layered LED wall that runs the length of the stage.

PANDA! is the classic story of good overcoming evil that takes the audience on an emotional roller-coaster leading to an epic  battle where the victor gets the girl or in this case the Peacock princess.

Director An Zhao and his team behind the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics has done an amazing job with PANADA ! , the first-ever Chinese produced show to have a residency in Las Vegas. This show is unlike any show you will see in Las Vegas and will be a hit for young and old alike for years to come.

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A proposed change to the Sta Rita Hills AVA’s Boundaries ? We think not.

We have been writing, traveling and interviewing wine makers in the beautiful Sta Rita Hills AVA for many years.  In our opinion this unique AVA produces some of the finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the country if not the world. Now a Santa Barbara County grape grower wants to expand the Sta. Rita Hills appellation to include his vineyards, but has met with opposition from those already in the appellation. Blair Pence, owner of Pence Ranch vineyard, filed a petition with the Alcohol and Tobacco, Tax and Trade Bureau to change the eastern boundary of the AVA. The expansion would extend the eastern boundaries to include three vineyards, John Sebastiano Vineyards, Rio Vista Vineyard and his Pence Ranch Vineyard. He owns 40 acres of vines selling grapes to local wineries for years however, because his land falls outside of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation he gets less value per ton.

This renegade grower filed a petition, stating that his land’s soil and climate is similar to the established AVA.  As expected the Sta Rita Hills Winegrower Alliance disagrees with Pence’s arguments. Wes Hagen of Clos Pepe who is the  original petitioner who crafted the AVA boundaries points out in numerous interviews  the new border would extend into a distinct landmass called the Buellton Flats, which has a north-south orientation, while the current AVA has an east-west orientation. In addition, the proposed areas lack the maritime influence that make the region ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The Sta Rita Hills is a very special place and we have watched it grow first hand having walked many of the renowned vineyards in the area. If you spend any amount of time in the area, meet the winemakers who are still farmers and taste the wines from the region you will understand why the Sta Rita Hills current boundaries are where they are.  Recently new AVAs have been established in the area such as nearby Happy Canyon AVA. Why it was not added to the Sta Hills AVA? The answer is simple. It’s different. There are many micro climates and soil compositions that make up distinct terroir and that of course influences the grapes thus making them different from the same varietal literally grown just a few miles or less away. The Sta Rita Hills boundaries are there for a reason, founded by nature itself and should not be modified.

“Chefs to the Max” dinner series to benefit Journalist Max Jacobson.

Max Jacobson

Being journalists based in  Las Vegas we have long explained to visiting colleagues that Las Vegas is a small town and within that small town the food and beverage family is even smaller and very close. Our highly respected mentor and journalist Max Jacobson was critically injured in an accident and in intensive care. This “small town “has teamed up with a world class line up of Chefs that has never been assembled anywhere to support the family during this very difficult time.

A benefit dinner to be held on January 19th will feature literally the world’s best in the kitchen. Chefs Akira Back , Megan Bringas, Bruce Bromberg , Kim Canteenwalla, Barry Dakake, Susan Feniger , Hubert Keller, Thomas Keller , Grant MacPherson, Brian Massie , Mary Sue Milliken , Bradley Ogden, Luciano Pellegrini, Joey Romano , Megan Romano, David Walzog, Rick Moonen, Bobby Flay , Saipin Chutima and more,  will deliver a once in a life time  dining experience .

 “CHEFS TO THE MAX”

Benefiting Max Jacobson

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served from 6 to 7 p.m and will be followed by a  dinner from 7 to 10 p.m. One-hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit Max Jacobson and will go  directly to help pay for mounting medical bills as a result of the accident. You may purchase tickets for the dinner at $1,000 per person and are available by calling Rx Boiler Room at (702) 632-9900 (a credit card will be needed to guarantee seats.)

To find out about other “Chefs to the Max” dinner series events please visit www.Facebook.com/ChefstotheMax.

Signature Cocktails , New Menu Items and Mixology On Tap at Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge In Town Square.

We have been fortunate enough to have followed Ray Nisi and his Double Helix brand since its inception at the Palazzo Resort in Las Vegas and is a true example of entrepreneurial spirit and hard work.

 It’s still cold outside and we all could use a little warming up. A fantastic way to get warm and cozy is to head over to Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge at Town Square to taste the new cocktails made exclusively for the holidays and healthy new menu items just in time to help with those New Year's resolutions.

We always enjoy sitting at the outside fire pits on the patio, people watch and enjoy some very tasty cocktails. This time of year we came to the right place as Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge has some seasonal libations that are sure to tantalize your palate. Looking over the list, a warm Hot Toddy made with in-house barrel-aged whiskey and blended with toddy mix, hot water, agave and freshly squeezed lemons is a great choice.

Hot Toddy

An Irish Coffee always hits the spot. This classic treat in a glass combines Jameson Irish Whiskey, brown sugar simple syrup and hot coffee topped with rich sweet whipped cream.  You can’t get more classic than a Manhattan so why not try the Ladies of Bourbon.  This dessert variation on the Manhattan is a blend of Basil Hayden's, white crème de cocoa and amaretto chilled in a cool cocktail glass and then topped with a Luxardo cherry to add the finishing touch.

Honey roasted butternut squash, served with baby spinach.

Double Helix Wine & Whiskey has assembled a knowledgeable staff and are very eager to assist in pairing a signature cocktail with some of their new menu items.

Ladies of Bourbon

Try the Autumn Breeze, a spicier mix of rye, lemon juice, blackberry syrup and a touch of Benedectine with the “Double Triple,a taste of three cheeses and three charcuterie selections. Other new menu items include Seared yellowfin tuna, with marinated English cucumber, garlic aioli, jalapeno and unagui sauce on toasted lavash or enjoy Porcini crusted salmon, served with sun dried tomato garbanzo stew and spinach or Honey roasted butternut squash, served with baby spinach.

For those wannabe mixologists , Double Helix Wine & Whisky Lounge is  starting a new series teaching how to make cocktails that will be held once a month at the Town Square location. Each one will have a theme and the first one on Jan. 15 is all about classic cocktails with the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned then the second one on Feb. 12 will feature a White Chocolate Martini and Lemon Drop Martini to represent the sweet and sour sides of love. We will be honing our bar skills starting in January, will you?

Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge is located at Town Square Las Vegas and open Monday through Friday 3:30 p.m. - close and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. - close. Happy Hour is daily 3:30 - 7:30 p.m.  For more information, please call 702.735.9463 or visit doublehelixwine.com.

The Palazzo and Venetian Resort's Winter in Venice Festival Shines On The Las Vegas Strip.

The Venetian and The Palazzo Resort’s Las Vegas Winter in Venice Festival Brings An All-Star Line Up of Celebrity Chefs and World Class Events.

 

The holiday season is behind us and we all look forward to a successful and healthy 2014. The Venetian and Palazzo Resorts once again ended the year on a very high note with their Winter in Venice Celebration and their best festival yet.

This 49 day celebration of food, beverage and culture is an event that should not be missed when in Las Vegas for the holidays. This year’s theme “A Gift of the Venetian” was just that!  . It was a 49 day multisensory experience that made history.

Guests enjoyed kicking the celebration off with the Celtic Woman, Home for Christmas Symphony Tour. The 90-minute breath taking show featured music and the beautiful, talented women of the all-female music ensemble.

Cuisineist Editor-In-Chief Elaine Harris and a Winter In Venice friend .

During the 49 day celebration, guests enjoyed two specialty weekends that were a reason to celebrate. The La Cucina Italiana Weekend featured Chef Mario Batali, Dario Cecchini, Chef Wolfgang Puck, Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro, Roberto Caporuscio, Anthony Giglio and Robin Leach in conjunction with Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada. The ultimate dining experience was The Grand Banquet. This mouthwatering Italian experience of a life time was held Grand Colonnade, at the Venetian Resort.

Guests enjoyed a gastronomic Italian feast featuring new and old-world Italy, prepared by Mario Batali and Dario Cecchini, the legendary Chianti “Butcher of Panzano.”  This one of kind banquet was served Tuscan-style and included such delights as veal Carpaccio, 24-month Galardi prosciutto, risotto with white truffle, and aporchetta created by Cecchini that Chef Batali refers to as “the porchetta to end all porchettas.” Each course also featured a world-class wine pairing by Carmelo Messina and Anthony Giglio to the delight of all that enjoyed this once in a lifetime event.

The Palazzo’s Waterfall Atrium was turned into an Italian Village as we enjoyed an afternoon of Food & Fun.  Guests strolled the Italian village and took the opportunity to experience Italy and learn about authentic Italy from the world’s greatest chefs and culinary celebrities. As the afternoon turned into evening many joined Robin Leach   at the “Bella Notte” event.

This all-star evening was a celebration of Italian-Americans who have made a significant impact on the culture of the United States. Guests mingled, dined and sipped alongside of the honorees as they enjoyed camaraderie and music into the night.

The Culinary Clash was back again this year which pitted the best Chefs of the Venetian and Palazzo against each other to vie for the prestige of the Venetian Culinary Clash Award. The one and only Chef Emeril Lagasse presided over a judging panel that featured restaurateurs and journalists over a hard fought two days. When the burners were off and knifes back in their cases Chef Tim Doolittle from Table 10 emerged the victor and earned a trip to Italy for his win.

Eater Vegas Editor Susan Stapleton and Chef Emeril Lagasse

Chef Tim Doolittle

The final event of the weekend was The Great Venetian Truffle Hunt. Who wouldn’t want to spend the day looking for truffles, possibly win a trip to Italy and enjoy a lunch featuring renowned Urbani Truffles?  We can’t think of anyone. We joined in the hunt that took us to Chef Mario Batali’s B&B Ristorante, Carnevino and OTTO to find the magic truffle that would send us to Italy. After a long night, the last day kicked off with breakfast that included Cipriani-style Bellinis and Italian coffee at OTTO .

We received half of a golden-colored truffle and the hunt was on as we sampled truffle dishes and wines at each stop. The last stop was Carnevino where one guest found the matching truffle and won an once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy to visit the famed La Cucina Italiana Cooking School.

The afternoon was exciting and delightful. Even though most of the guests did not win the ultimate prize, enjoying a 4 course truffle and wine paired lunch was a tasty way to end the final day of this annual celebration.

The Venetian / Palazzo Resorts never ceases to amaze us with their imagination and quality of events hosted in their world class venues. We can only imagine what’s in store for the holiday season next year. Whatever it is, we know it will be done with the class that these two resorts are renowned for

The World of Pinot Noir marks its 14th year at its new venue in Santa Barbara California.

 At this time of year we start thinking of spring. Over the years we have had the pleasure of attending many food and wine events and a few stand out at that time of year. We have visited the World Of Pinot Noir on many occasions and has to rank pretty high as one of our personal favorites.  This year marks the 14th year for the World of Pinot Noir ,  a fun ,  2-day event celebrating that special varietal . This year’s event will be held February 28-March 1, 2014 at the Bacara Resort and Spa in beautiful Santa Barbara California. 

Previously, World of Pinot Noir was held in Pismo Beach.  This year’s  new venue is not only a luxurious feast for the senses, but also recognizes Santa Barbara County’s wine country as a place that introduced many to Pinot Noir, as 2014 will be the tenth anniversary of the iconic movie Sideways.

“It’s hard to believe it has been a decade since Sideways came out”, muses Norm Yost of Flying Goat Cellars and this year’s World of Pinot Noir President. “Having our event at the Bacara Resort and recognizing the effect of the movie is exciting! We look forward to welcoming those who join us each year, as well as newcomers to our 14th celebration of Pinot Noir.”

The effect of Pinot Noir on film and vice-versa will be explored via a panel comprised of participants from Sideways as well as a more recent wine-related film, Somm, in a Saturday seminar titled “Hollywood & Wine”. The main focus of the event, however, revolves around the people and places of Pinot Noir.  The world’s most important wine-growing regions will be represented at seminars, dinners and Grand Tastings. California’s coastal appellations will be well represented, joined by winemakers bringing their Pinot Noirs from Oregon, British Columbia, New York’s Finger Lakes, Spain, New Zealand, Australia and more.

The epicenter of Pinot Noir is of course, Burgundy France who will be well represented at the 2014 event. Maison Louis Jadot’s winemaker, Frédéric Barnier will pour a selection of wines from the Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Ursules Vineyard tasting seminar on Friday, as well as hosting an intimate dinner on Saturday evening.  WOPN guests can explore the Insider Wines of the Cote d’Or on Saturday with French Wine Society educator Don Kinnan, who will lead participants through a tasting of wines from that hallowed region.

In addition to these intimate events, attendees at the World of Pinot Noir are invited to “taste the world” at two Grand Tastings, which include wines from hundreds of international and domestic wineries. You won’t go hungry with tasty bites from Chef David Reardon’s culinary team, including an internationally themed dinner on Friday evening.

 Friday, February 28, 2014:

Jump right in the first day with Burgundy and Oregon: Parallels in Latitude: a Look at 45º North.  Exploring the wines of Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Maison Louis Jadot’s Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Ursules vineyard.  Moderated by Katherine Cole. The seminar pairing is followed by a 3 course lunch, paired with the wines. Then enjoy Pinot Noir by the Sea Grand Tasting - A tasting of Pinot Noir from more than 100 world-wide producers, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and complemented by wine country appetizers and a full array of cheeses from C’est Cheese. As the evening approaches don’t miss the International Dinner. Chef David Reardon and his Bacara Culinary team will team up with Pinot producers for an incredible internationally focused 5-course meal complemented by the exemplary wine service always provided by a team of sommeliers. Or join highly allocated Sea Smoke Cellars Dinner in the Miró Cellar. This will be an intimate dinner featuring the wines of Sta. Rita Hills’ Sea Smoke Cellars. And if you are a movie buff, the event will feature screenings of Sideways and Somm throughout the day in the Bacara theatre.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

After a very busy first day, stop in at The Insider Wines of the Cote d’Or. Enjoy boutique producers of the Cote d’Or region including a look at the mountain of Corton, the greatest expanse of Grand Cru vineyard acreage presented by Don Kinnan, followed by a 3-course lunch complemented by many of the wines presented earlier. A very entertaining event will be Hollywood & Wine. Panelists will explore why Pinot Noir has become such a Hollywood star.  It’s Sideways vs. Somm!.  Lunch will be provided by non-other than Frank Ostini of the Hitching Post II restaurant (as featured in the film) and moderated by Sara Schneider.

After the seminar enjoy Pinot Noir by the Sea Grand Tasting that features a different roster of wines than Friday’s Grand Tasting and more than 120 producers.  Guests will enjoy wine country appetizers, worldly cheeses and a terrific view of the Pacific from the Grand Ballroom’s terraces. A full day of lovely events and it’s not over yet. Dine at the Mason Louis Jadot Dinner in the Miró Cellar. Only 36 guests will dine with winemaker Frederic Barnier in the beautiful wine cellar with Grand Cru wines, a 6-course gourmet dinner and legendary wine service. End the event in grand style at The Gala . Guests will enjoy a gathering of friends old and new along with winemakers, chefs and sommeliers to close the 14th year of this renowned event. Get your tickets now. They are sold on a first-come, first-served basis with full details on the World of Pinot Noir website:www.worldofpinotnoir.com

See you there.

In Las Vegas This Holiday Season ? MGM Resorts Has A Tasty Line Up For You .

This season the culinary all-stars of MGM Resorts International are celebrating the season with festive cuisine at Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Monte Carlo, The Mirage, New York-New York, Luxor, Excalibur and Circus Circus in Las Vegas From signature dishes to holiday classics and seasonally inspired cocktails, these offerings are sure to bring cheer to all.

Chef Michael Mina will unite his signature cuisine with exquisite delights at MICHAEL MINA Bellagio by offering the renowned Lobster Pot Pie with seasonal vegetables and brandied-lobster cream followed by a dessert of Pumpkin Tart with whipped Chantilly cream. 

Jean Georges Steakhouse at ARIA presents Christmas Day guests with mouthwatering Lobster Bisque with pearl onions, smoked paprika and herbs followed by an Apple and Pecan Sticky Bun for dessert.

 In the spirit of the season, Fiamma Trattoria & Bar at MGM Grand will feature a winter butternut squash soup with velvety crème fraiche and crispy speck, an authentic Italian bacon, as well as Wild Mushroom Ravioli lathered in warm parmesan fondue.

For a more casual celebration, The Pub at Monte Carlo will prepare a delicious menu including dishes such as Roasted Chestnut Soup and Warm Gingerbread Cake with vanilla ice cream. Traditionalists will love the classic Yams with butter and brown sugar sauce at MORE The Buffet at Luxor. Nine Fine Irishmen at New York-New York will be serving up a prix fixe menu beginning with a hearty Winter Harvest Salad and closing with Irish Bread and Butter Pudding with whiskey cream. \

Those looking to spend the holiday at a classic steakhouse will enjoy The Steakhouse at Camelot at Excalibur where hungry guests have the choice between a juicy Oven Roasted Free Range Turkey Platter complete with mashed potatoes, giblet gravy, seasoned asparagus, sweet potato casserole and cranberry sauce, Roast Prime Rib of Beef or Grilled Atlantic Salmon.

The Steak House at Circus Circus will present a holiday menu including tender Mesquite-broiled Petite Filet Mignon and succulent Australian Lobster Tail, served with chef’s fresh vegetable of the day and guest’s choice of garlic mashed potatoes, baked potato or wild rice blend. A festive Eggnog Crème Brûlèe French Toast with spiced rum and cinnamon butter is the perfect toasty treat available at THEcafe at THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.

To top it all off, holiday treats can be found at Roasted Bean at The Mirage where guests can indulge in Chocolate Candy Cane Parfaits or a traditional Yule Log dessert. Sweet delights also may be found in liquid form at several bars and lounges at Monte Carlo including Hit Lounge, Ignite and Score. The Hot Buttered Rum is full of winter flavors made from Pyrat XO Reserve rum, Monte Carlo’s house-made hot buttered rum mix, warm apple juice, fresh whipped cream and a hint of ground cinnamon to round out the perfect holiday drink.

Happy Holidays and enjoy

Wine Review : Vina Ventisquero Carmenere 2011 Trinidad Vineyard , Maipo Valley Chile

 Before we look at the wine we took a look at the vineyard history, the region and the people behind it. Ventisquero began making wine in 2000. Unlike other wineries in the area they are led by a young, creative team of entrepreneurs whose mission is to create distinctive, high quality wines. In a word, this young eager team strives challenge the status quo, always searching for unique and different ways to accomplish their goal to create great wines.

Under the guidance of head winemaker Felipe Tosso, the winery was built in the Coastal Maipo Valley, Casablanca, Leyda and Colchagua . Felipe Tosso is the craftsman behind GREY, involving himself in every detail of production. He works the vineyards, selects the fruit, controls fermentation, and oversees the 18-month ageing regimen for each of the wines. Single Blocks from Maipo Alto, Casablanca and Apalta make GREY a rarity in the world of wines.

After looking at the winemaking it was now time for the panel to get to work and put the wine to task. The Vina Ventisquero Carmenere 2011 is interesting in that only 50% of the grapes are crushed. A pre-fermentive maceration is carried out at 8C for 5 days. The Carmenere is aged 18 months in French Oak barrels, 33% of them new and 66% second and third use.  The wine is then bottle aged for 8 months.

In the glass the wine showed hues of purple to garnet and medium bodied.  On the nose, blueberry and black cherry are prominent giving way to wet earth and spice. On the palate, big flavors of blueberry and cherry tantalize the palate followed by pepper, earth and slate, ending in a long finish with light feminine tannins. This Vina Ventisquero Carmenere 2011 is a beautiful blend of 97% Carmenere and 3 % Petit Verdot and nicely balanced acidity.

Felipe Tosso

Drink the Vina Ventisquero Carmenere 2011 now or age 10 years when it will become more complex over time.  Look for this Carmenere , at $23.99 it is affordable and enjoyable.

Cuisineist Tasting Panel Score (Dec 2013) Vina Ventisquero Carmenere 2011 Trinidad Vineyard , Maipo Chile

 93 Points 

Tony Hsieh Makes Life Beautiful for Thousands in Downtown Las Vegas

 Life was certainly beautiful at the first Life is Beautiful event at the continuing evolving downtown area of Las Vegas.

Arriving at the VIP kickoff event we really did not know what to expect. Our first hint of what we would be experiencing that evening were tantalizing aromas of proteins on the grill, light white smoke summoning us to explore with our palates what our nose was already telling us.

Chef Hubert Keller , Cuisineist Editor-In-Chief Elaine Harris

This downtown extravaganza showed off the musical talents of 70 bands and DJs that drew standing room only masses of dancing, peaceful, fun-loving fans of all ages. Two Ferris wheels and Cirque du Solei performances kept attendees busy all day and into the night .

In addition to the music and other events, Life Is Beautiful teamed up with Wirtz Beverage to feature wine tastings, a beer garden with live music and an Alchemy Village where mixology experts poured creations from their very talented beverage team.

Iron Chef Cat Cora

 The Culinary arts were a big part of the multi-day celebration the culinary village was located in the heart of the festival and ground zero to many world’s best chefs and restaurants. These chefs and over 50 restaurants provided gastronomic delights that made palates dance from the incredible dishes served all day and into the evening hours when renowned band’s tunes filled the air.

Chef Scott Conant

Over two incredible days, 20 of the most highly regarded chefs in the world showed their culinary skills live on a Sub-Zero Wolf, Westar Kitchen & Bath stage. These demonstrations featured celebrity Chefs such as Scott Conant, Johnathan Waxman, Hubert Keller, Cat Cora, Jet Tila ,Todd English and the two hot tamales themselves Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken as well as  others who shared their kitchen secrets with eager guests.

Chef Johnathan Waxman and Elaine Harris

Tony Hsieh, over the past few years has transformed downtown Las Vegas into a vibrant community abuzz with boutiques, locally owned restaurants, bars and of course the Zappos headquarters. The good news for the area is the inaugural event sold 40 percent of tickets to Las Vegas residents, most of whom have not spent much time downtown. After attending the festivities, we have no doubt Las Vegas residents will be spending much more time exploring what the area has to offer.

Chefs Carla Pellegrino and Rick Moonen

Overall, for an inaugural event, Life is Beautiful was a success.15 blocks of music, food, celebrity chefs and art showed off the new downtown that is Tony Hsieh’s on going vision. We look forward to the continued evolution of downtown over the next year 

The Venetian / Palazzo Resorts Launch their Annual Winter in Venice Festival 2013.

 The weather is changing and the holiday season is fast approaching.  There are worldwide celebrations and positive energy is contagious most everywhere you look.We have been fortunate to attend one winter celebration since its inception in Las Vegas.The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas are home to their Winter in Venice celebration on the Las Vegas Strip, this year’s theme is "A Gift of The Venetian."This third celebration of music, food and culture will feature 49 days of seasonal experiences throughout both resorts running Nov. 18, 2013 through Jan. 5, 2014. 

 The 2013, a schedule of events include a nightly winter parade, tree-lighting ceremonies, a stunning 3D light projection show,an elaborate Winter in Venice fantasy scene in The Palazzo Waterfall Gardens, and a romantic skating rink above The Venetian's romantic outdoor Grand Canal.

 "The holidays are such a magical time for everyone and Winter in Venice offers the perfect place to truly enjoy this special time of year,"said John Caparella, president and chief operating officer of The Venetian, The Palazzo and Sands Expo.

"Winter in Venice finds its inspiration in the folklore and tales that generations of Italians have grown to know and love,"said Caparella.“Those stories have filled the imaginations of generations of Venetians with the experiences of festive holiday seasons coupled with the long-treasured spirit of giving and sharing.Within these tales are the characters that exemplify the good will, the fun and the excitement of the season."

The Venetian's front exterior facing the Las Vegas Strip will be adorned in winter schemes reminiscent of the city of Venice.Thousands of festooned lights will hang over a majestic ice skating rink as large snowflakes, ranging from 48 to 72-inches in diameter, surround the façade of The Venetian. 

 This extravagant celebration will kick off with the Celtic Woman: Home for Christmas,The Symphony Tour, at 8pm on Nov. 22-23 and Nov. 27-28. The 90-minute show features music from the all-female music ensemble's second Christmas album, Home For Christmas, including holiday favorites "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Silent Night."

 In addition to the daily events there will be two specialty weekends that are definitely a reason to visit and enjoy.First up is La Cucina Italiana Weekend, with Chef Mario Batali and Buddy Valastro (Dec 6-8): In conjunction with Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada, La Cucina Italiana magazine will feature a three-day event celebrating the epicurean traditions of Italy. La Cucina Italiana, the undisputed expert on Italian food, wine and culture worldwide, will feature a weekend of food demonstrations, wine dinners, and other culinary-centered activities to keep your palate in the holiday mood.

For an upclose look at La Cucina Italiana visit http://cuisineist.com/events/las-vegas-food-and-wine-events/la-cucina-italiana-food-and-wine-festival-at-the-venetian-palazzo-resorts-promises-italian-culinary-excellence/

The exciting Culinary Clash Weekend, with Chef Emeril Lagasse is (Dec 13-14): Guests can witness the best Chefs of the resorts compete to see who will be named winner of the second Culinary Clash Master Chef Competition. The competition, which unfolds over the weekend, is open to all chefs at the food and beverage venues located inside The Venetian and The Palazzo.These chefs will vie for the prestige of THE VENETIAN CULINARY CLASH AWARD. 

It is not all about Italian gastronomy at Winter in Venice,a mixology cocktail competition will feature scheduled appearances by Tony Abou Ganim, Francesco Lafranconi and Dale de Groff, each recognized as being among the greatest mixologists in the country.

 Over this culinary extravaganza, a seasonal Winter in Venice cocktail menu, including holiday-inspired spiced cocktails such as Gondolier Blanco, will be available throughout the resort lounges, including The Bourbon Room, Zebra Lounge, Bellini Bar, Fusion Mixology Bar and Laguna Champagne Bar.

 Certainly to join in the spirit of the season, Holiday-themed prix fixe menus and specials will be offered by select world-class restaurants throughout the holiday including Aquaknox, B&B, Bouchon, Canaletto, Canyon Ranch Café, Delmonico, FIRST Food & Bar, Grand Lux Cafe, Pinot Brasserie, Postrio, Table 10, and LAVO Italian Restaurant.

 What more can you say but hop a train, plane or drive to The Venetian / Palazzo resorts and enjoy 49 days of true culinary and artistic bliss. See you on the rink at Winter in Venice.

 For more information on Winter in Venice  please visit   thttp://www.venetian.com/winterinvenice.

Paso Robles CAB Collective Predicts a Remarkable Vintage. Association members share thoughts on the 2013 harvest.

We have visited Paso Robles for more than 10 years and are very familiar with the AVA.  Known  for Zinfandel and Rhone varietals the unique AVA also produces fabulous  Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals  that  unfortunately  don’t get the respect they deserve. There is one group of renown winemakers that are changing that .

  Formed in 2012, the Paso Robles CAB (Cabernet and Bordeaux) Collective (PRCC) is an independent collaborative effort of leading Paso Robles growers and producers of Cabernet and Bordeaux varietals specific to the Paso Robles AVA in California. The group strives to promote the full potential of the Paso Robles region in producing superior quality, classic and age-worthy Cabernet and Bordeaux varietals .
Members of the Paso Robles CAB Collective (PRCC)  recently joined fellow vintners and growers across California in praising the virtues of the 2013 harvest.  At the top of the list are an early start to the growing season, long hang-time and near-absence of inclement weather.

“The climatic conditions on our mountain during the growing season contributed to smaller berries and fewer berries per cluster,” said Daniel Daou, Winemaker and Owner at DAOU Vineyards. “These conditions have allowed us to generate phenolics in our wines that are, on average, thirty percent greater than in previous years. This means darker and more intense wines that will age well.  A great year for Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varieties.”

Also commenting on the harvest was Michael Barreto, Winemaker at Le Vigne Winery. “An early and warm spring got the growing season off to a quick start. Some cool stretches in the summer allowed varieties like Merlot to coast a bit and be ready for harvest around the same as an average year. However, for us, Cabernet Sauvignon came in around two weeks earlier than normal. Our harvest size was about average with nicely-sized clusters that should provide nice flavor and concentration.”



Calcareous Winemaker, Jason Joyce shared, “All in all, at this earliest of stages in the wines’ life, I could not be more enthusiastic about this vintage.  It may not be until 2016 that these wines are ready to taste, but if there is enough patience to let natural aging run its course, this vintage has all the requisite fundamentals for the production of remarkable Bordeaux varietals.”

With more than 25 Paso Robles harvests under his belt, Jeff Meier, Director of Winemaking for J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines added, “Given the phenomenal quality of our fermentations so far this harvest, and the color numbers we are recording, I’m reminded of the legendary 1997 vintage. While every vintage is unique, 1997 and 2013 were very similar in that we had ideal moderate weather from veraison onward with no significant heat events, factors that have contributed to the remarkable color of our red wines. This is especially true for our Cabernet Sauvignon, which is showing the voluptuous black currant and cherry flavors we love from warmer vintages. The fact that I’m even thinking about 1997 right now is a testament to how excited I am about this vintage.”


This prestigious group  seeks to improve awareness among consumers and retailers worldwide regarding the distinctive attributes of Paso Robles Cabernet as well as other Bordeaux varietals. Current members include: ADELAIDA Cellars, Ancient Peaks Winery, B&E Vineyard, Calcareous Vineyard, Chateau Margene, DAOU Vineyards & Winery, Eberle Winery, HammerSky Vineyards, Hunt Cellars, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Le Vigne Winery, Jada Vineyard, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, L’Aventure, Parrish Family Vineyards, Record Family Wines, Robert Hall Winery, Sextant Wines and Vina Robles.

The next time you are in the area , stop in to one of these wineries and sample a world class Cabernet Sauvignon than can stand against any on the world stage.