Food University to make debut Dec. 11-13 at Caesars Palace

So, you watch all of the cooking shows, read all of the food magazines. But if you still feel there's something missing in your culinary comprehension, Caesars Palace just may be able to fill the gap.

Food University will debut Dec. 11-13, promising a culinary immersion.

James Beard Award-winning chef Alex Stratta - a local favorite - will be a member of the culinary faculty headed by fellow Beard winner Bradford Thompson, plus chef/TV personality Claudine Pepin; Colman Andrews, editorial director of DailyMeal.com; student volunteers from the hospitality school at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; cheese experts; sommeliers and mixologists; fine-food purveyors; and farmers.

And it even has a charitable mission: All proceeds will be donated to Keep Memory Alive.

In addition to covering "every essential cooking technique," organizers say the schedule, designed to accommodate as many as 80 participants, will include on- and off-site seminars such as a behind-the-scenes tour of Gordon Ramsay's new gastropub that's scheduled to open at Caesars in December and the hospitality mixology program at Southern Wine & Spirits.

And each student enrolled in the program will receive an invitation for a Napa Valley wineries tour not available to the public.

Tuition is $1,995 per person, which includes all food and beverage during the three days of sessions. Gift certificates also will be available. For tickets or more information, call 866-840-8822.