Bellagio, the recipient of nine consecutive AAA Five Diamond Awards for excellence, presents the extraordinary and palette-pleasing Epicurean Epicenter series.  This collection of unique, interactive culinary experiences, set against the backdrop of Bellagio’s world-famous restaurants and the one-of-a-kind Tuscany Kitchen, is designed to give guests a firsthand look at how Bellagio’s award-winning chefs and sommeliers create culinary magic.

At Epicurean Epicenter events, guest will marvel as they watch talented chefs prepare their meal and minutes later are able to savor the cuisine paired with some of the world’s finest vintages.  The 1,170-square-foot Tuscany Kitchen serves as the set for most Epicurean Epicenter events. This state-of-the-art demo kitchen is outfitted with top-of-the-line Viking equipment and the latest technology.  Three cameras, positioned above the prep stations and stove tops, capture shots of the chefs at work and broadcast them over 60-inch plasma screens which are mounted above the cooking area for easy viewing.  This, paired with the opportunity to interact live with Bellagio’s unparalleled culinary talent, creates an environment unlike any other for total immersion in the fine dining experience.   

A list of upcoming events is as follows: 

April 22, 2010  – The Little Nell Dining Experience at Le Cirque

·Spend an evening with AAA Five Diamond Award winners Executive Chef of Aspen's Little Nell, Ryan Hardy and Executive Chef of Le Cirque, David Werly.

·Wine Pairings by Master Sommeliers, Jonathan Pulls, Director of Wine at The Little Nell, and Jason Smith, Director of Wine at Bellagio.

·Le Cirque Restaurant at 7 p.m.; tickets are $195 per person

May 7, 2010 – Vegas Uncork’d events at Bellagio’s Tuscany Kitchen

·“Wine Immersion: A Master Sommelier’s View on Organic Wine” hosted by Director of Wine Jason Smith, MS; tickets are $75 per person

·“Culinary Revelations: Hands-On Sushi Demonstration” with Yellowtail Executive Chef Akira Back; tickets are $95 per person

·“Culinary Revelations: A Piece of Chocolate and a Glass of Wine” with Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Marie Auboine and Director of Wine Jason Smith, MS; tickets are $75 per person

·“Wine Immersion Experience: Wine Scores and Ratings What Do They Actually Mean?” panelists include Jim Clendenen, the winemaker and mind behind Au Bon Climat Vineyards, Pierre Rovani, former reviewer for Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate and now President of the Burgundy estate Remoissenet and Bellagio Director of Wine Jason Smith, MS; tickets are $75 per person

June 19 – Father’s Day BBQ at Tuscany Kitchen

·Bellagio Executive Chef Edmund Wong brings the family together for a flavorful afternoon featuring BBQ styles from around the world; more details to come

September 25 – BOND Estate Winery at Tuscany Kitchen

·An enchanting evening devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines from one of the top, cult California wineries; more details to come

December 29 – Dom Perignon Celebration at Tuscany Kitchen

·A year-end toast featuring an array of special cuvees and rare vintages fit for most exclusive soiree of the season; more details to come