Culinary trifecta in store for Las Vegans

This is, without a doubt, a big week for foodies in Las Vegas - the San Gennaro Feast, Vegas Uncork'd and Taste of the Nation.

Tonight will be the second night of the San Gennaro Feast in the parking lot of the Rio, 3700 W. Flamingo Road. President Anthony Palmisano said more than 80 restaurants and food vendors are expected to participate, serving such Italian favorites as linguine and clams, shrimp scampi, sausage and peppers, fried calamari, zeppoles, Italian fried dough, fettucine Alfredo, meatball sandwiches, chicken parmigiana, veal parmigiana, eggplant parmigiana, tortellini and "pasta, pasta and more pasta."

Plus stuff like funnel cakes and corn on the cob for those who aren't of the red-sauce persuasion.

The feast also will include 27 carnival-style rides (including a "slingshot that shoots you 250 feet into the air," Palmisano said), jewelry vendors, face painters and "nonstop entertainment."

Palmisano said 100,000 people are expected to attend the five-day event, up from 80,000 in September, when it also was at the Rio.

"We went bigger," he said. "We just keep outdoing ourselves - more vendors, more entertainers - just to keep our culture alive." And on that note, Palmisano said he's going to Italy next month to be knighted by the prince of Sicily for his work in promoting Italian culture.

Feast hours are from 4 to 11 tonight, 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and free for children shorter than 54 inches; admission and ride discounts and more information are available at www.SanGennaroFeast.com.

The annual Vegas Uncork'd runs today through Sunday at various venues on the Strip. Much of the schedule has sold out, but at press time tickets remained for events including a master series dinner with Chef Michel Richard, Follow That Food Truck on Bellagio's Hidden Drive, a surfside beach clambake and steak and eggs with Chef Charlie Palmer. For tickets and wait-list availability and more information, go to www.VegasUncorked.com.

And Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation is scheduled for 7 to 9:30 p.m. May 17 at Rain nightclub at the Palms, 4321 W. Flamingo Road. More than 35 chefs and restaurants will participate. There also will be live and silent auctions. Three Square food bank, Catholic Charities of Las Vegas, UNCE Chefs for Kids and Project MANA will benefit.

Tickets are $100 for general admission or $125 for VIP admission, which includes a Champagne reception, early admission and gift bag. Tickets are available at www.TasteOfTheNation.org or by calling (877) 26-TASTE (877-268-2783).

Contact reporter Heidi Knapp Rinella at hrinella@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0474.