Chef uncorks message on GMOs

Tom Colicchio, "Top Chef" food czar, is in Vegas for the year's big foodie event, Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appétit. The most famous chefs cook scrumptious delicacies for ravenous diners at dozens of events.

And Colicchio comes bearing a message for politicians and eaters:

"Someone's gotta wake up and demand that GMOs are labeled so we know what we're eating. It's ridiculous in this country that GMOs are allowed to produce food, and they don't have to label it as a GMO."

GMOs are genetically modified organisms. They're in your food. They're nasty. Critics say they're harmful.

"You almost have to assume if there's corn in anything, it's from GMO corn," he says. "Just stop eating fast foods. Stop eating highly processed foods. Eat whole food when you can."

Colicchio -- who runs 'wichcraft and Craftsteak at the MGM Grand -- made news this week when the New York Post reported he wished there were a "Top Chef" show on Broadway.

With a laugh, Colicchio says that's not true. The mix-up came from his joking on set about such a Broadway scenario three years ago.

"Maybe we could do a Cirque du Soleil show in Vegas built around 'Top Chef.' How's that?" he joked.

Uncork'd (VegasUncorked.com) features Colicchio, Joel Robuchon, Guy Savoy, Julian Serrano, Alex Stratta and scores of other food superstars, topped with tonight's Garden of the Gods Grand Tasting at Caesars Place ($200).

AROUND TOWN

The Las Vegas Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest is free to see today-Saturday (8 p.m.-midnight) at the Fremont Street Experience. I'm returning as a judge Saturday night. Come say "Viva."

PRESIGHTINGS

TODAY: Hugh Hefner's skin braves sunlight at the Palms' Ditch Fridays pool party. He's bringing fiancée Crystal Harris and other Playmates. ... Kim Kardashian launches a fragrance at the Fashion Show mall Macy's at 5 p.m. ... Lennox Lewis parties at Lavo. ... Mike Posner sings at Pure. ... Levi Johnston is at Chateau. SATURDAY: Manny Pacquiao goes to club Gallery after his boxing match at the MGM Grand. ... Bret Michaels whoops it up at Sam Boyd Stadium for Supercross Finals. See my interview with him in today's Neon. ... Ke$ha appears at Chateau after her Palms concert. ... Chris Brown goes to Pure. ... Apl.de.app of Black Eyed Peas DJs at Liquid pool at Aria. ... DJ Erick Morillo spins at Marquee. ... Ryan Leslie performs at Haze. ... Vince Carter and Antawn Jamison party at Eve.

Doug Elfman's column appears Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Contact him at delfman@reviewjournal.com. He blogs at reviewjournal.com/elfman.