Chef Serrano opens food extravaganza
With a flick of a saber Thursday, a gusher of champagne fittingly opened Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appetit.
Thirty five chefs, including some of the culinary galaxy's most-honored, joined sommeliers, Bon Appetit and resort executives in front of Bellagio's Dancing Fountains for the ceremonial photo on a postcard-perfect day.
Spanish star chef Julian Serrano, one of the city's few five-star chefs, was given the cork-popping honors, which moves from property to property each year.
Being among such distinguished company was "a special moment," said Serrano, who operates Picasso at Bellagio and Julian Serrano at Aria inside CityCenter.
It's the fifth year of the event, and "it never gets old," Serrano said. "It's a chance to see old friends, and there's such great energy."
Among the group at the kickoff of the four-day citywide food festival: French stars Joel Robuchon, Guy Savoy, Pierre Gagnaire and Caesars Palace-bound Michel Richard of Citronelle and Central fame, Spain's Jose Andres, and Bravo's Tom Colicchio of "Top Chef."
More than two decades ago, Robuchon permitted Serrano to observe his operation at Jamin, Robuchon's legendary eatery in Paris.
"We became friends because he supported me," Serrano said.
SIGHTINGS
NHL scoring champ Corey Perry of the Anaheim Ducks, having lunch at Palms Place on Thursday. In town to promote the NHL awards show at the Palms on June 22, he played hockey with kids at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas. ... NFL legend Herschel Walker, dining with a large party at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab on Wednesday. Lisa Kudrow of "Friends," with family at "Viva Elvis" (Aria) on Wednesday night. ... Mentalist Lior Suchard (Palms), checking out fellow mystifyer Criss Angel (Luxor) on Wednesday. ... Savoy and son Franck Savoy, director of food and beverage for Caesars Palace, at "Absinthe" (Caesars Palace). Earlier at Restaurant Guy Savoy, Caesars Palace President Gary Selesner congratulated the chef during a cake presentation marking the restaurant's five-year anniversary.
THE PUNCH LINE
"Osama bin Laden is dead, which means the No. 1 threat to America is now the KFC Double Down." -- Conan O'Brien
Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke.
