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Forbes
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Wynn Las Vegas Gathers Culinary Icons, Including Ducasse And Lagasse, For A Once-In-A-Lifetime Dinner
Revelry food festival returns in September. Wynn Las Vegas When Wynn Las Vegas' Revelry culinary festival arrives September 19 to 27, the hottest ticket will be the Icons Dinner, a once-in-a-lifetime meal from some of the world's most renowned chefs, including Alain Ducasse, Marcus Samuelsson, Emeril Lagasse, Dominique Crenn, Jacques Torres and Alfred Portale, the hotel exclusively shared with Forbes Travel Guide. During the 7 p.m. Sept. 27 dinner at the Four-Star hotel's new PISCES Bar & Seafare restaurant, a tasting menu will celebrate culinary excellence with each distinguished chef offering a signature dish. Alain Ducasse will be at the Icons Dinner. Wynn Las Vegas 'You're gonna really get dishes that defined these chefs throughout the years,' said chef Christopher Lee, vice president of Culinary Operations and Restaurant Development at Wynn Las Vegas. 'I really wanted to honor the bold, vibrant flavors of the Caribbean and the Bahamas,' Samuelsson said about his planned plate: jerk oxtail with lobster peas and rice, island curry, squash blossoms and pikliz (a pickled slaw). 'These places have given so much to global food culture.' 'The jerk oxtail brings that deep, smoky heat that I love, layered with spices that bring everything to the next level,' he said. 'Then we've got the lobster peas and rice, which nods to the Bahamian comfort classics but elevates it with that sweet, briny lobster that feels like a celebration.' The island curry pulls from both West Indian and African traditions, and the pikliz lends crunch, acid and a Haitian punch of flavor, he added. 'This dish is about connection between islands, cultures and kitchens.' Marcus Samuelsson will make jerk oxtail. Wynn Las Vegas According to Lee, the Icons were carefully chosen. 'They had to be, like OGs — iconic GOATs in the industry.' He then rattled off their bona fides: 'Marcus Samuelsson brought Scandinavian food to the forefront in New York City — his Ethiopian influence and his recent adventures are awesome. He's just dialed in.' Referencing Lagasse, Lee said, 'I know he's a big TV personality and some people might have opinions that he's more TV than culinary driven. But I will challenge that every day of the week because when he cooks for you, he cooks amazing food.' Lee said he's looking forward to meeting Alain Ducasse: 'When I was young, I was completely inspired by him.' Emeril Lagasse will cook up something special in Vegas. Wynn Las Vegas He added that Dominique Crenn, who returns for her second Revelry appearance, is one of the best chefs in the world. Lee also called Alfred Portale 'the godfather of New York City.' 'If you want to look at the chefs that really took New York American cuisine to the forefront, he's one of them.' And 'Jacques Torres is probably the most iconic chocolatier in the world,' he said. When Samuelsson reflects on his Icon status, he wants to pay it forward. 'I came to the U.S. 30 years ago, a young chef born in a hut in Ethiopia, raised in Sweden, with a dream about making it in New York City,' he said. 'Every part of that journey has shaped who I am today, and I don't take a second of it for granted. Being able now to give back and help raise up the amazing talents around me is the part of this stage of life that I value most.' The dinner will cap off the nine-day Revelry. Lee said what makes the food festival even more special is that it drew inspiration from Cirque du Soleil's residences to create 'immersive worlds' and add a Vegas spin. Rather than going to a tent to enjoy Chinese dim sum or Thai noodles, a set will transport you to Asia. There will also be more food-and-beverage-related entertainment this year. While Lee is leaving the specifics as a surprise, he said attendees can expect activities like last year's sacrificial cutting of a 350-pound tuna on stage with samurai swords. This will mark Dominique Crenn's second Revelry. Wynn Las Vegas Altogether, the second annual event will bring about 30 chefs to Vegas for a slate that includes culinary collaboration dinners (try the 'From Farm to Knife Lunch' with Katina and Kyle Connaughton of Five-Star SingleThread Farms Restaurant in Healdsburg and Jeff Ramsey of Wynn Las Vegas' Four-Star Mizumi) as well as 'connoisseur' classes (ranging from barbecue with pitmasters Burt Bakman of L.A.'s Slab and Daniel Castillo of San Juan Capistrano, California's Heritage Barbecue, to bourbon with Brother's Bond founder and actor Ian Somerhalder). Lee also will host an All-Star Dinner featuring chefs Angie Mar (Le B., New York), Gavin Kaysen (Spoon and Stable, Minneapolis), Fariyal Abdullahi (Hav & Mar, New York), JJ Johnson (Fieldtrip, New York) and pastry chefs Jennifer Yee (Wynn) and Juan Contreras (Atelier Crenn, San Francisco). Alfred Portale will bring New York cooking to Las Vegas. Wynn Las Vegas But the most coveted event will be the Icons Dinner — and not just for the guests. 'There's nothing more inspiring than coming together with culinary legends like Dominique Crenn, Alain Ducasse, Emeril Lagasse and Alfred Portale,' Samuelsson said. 'Each of them brings their own incredible flavor, story and spirit to the table. I can't wait to see the culinary power we create together and share that energy with every guest who joins us. Let's make it unforgettable.' The Icons Dinner will also serve craft cocktail pairings from Mariena Mercer Boarini, Wynn's master mixologist, and wines to complement each course from Brian Weitzman, the hotel's executive director of wine. Tickets to the dinner are available here. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Forbes Travel Guide's Best Hotel Bars For 2025 By Jennifer Kester Forbes 18 Undiscovered Beach Getaways By Forbes Travel Guide Forbes From Anguilla To Australia, Forbes Travel Guide's 2025 Star Award Winners By Jennifer Kester Forbes Inside The New Ritz-Carlton Superyacht That Took Kendall Jenner And Tom Brady For A Ride By Spencer Whaley
Travel Weekly
3 days ago
- Travel Weekly
Savoring a visit to Lyon, France's capital of gastronomy
The city of Lyon hosts the Lyon Street Food Festival every June, the largest culinary festival in France. The good news for foodies like myself, though, is that you don't need to attend that annual event to indulge in great cuisine -- it's on the menu in the city year-round. I learned that on my visit in March, which coincided with the Rendezvous en France trade show. Atout France, the marketing arm of the French Government Tourist Office, hosts it every year in a different part of the country to give travel industry partners a chance to get to know the various regions of the country. In the case of Lyon, the city's reputation precedes it. Known as France's gastronomic capital, Lyon boasts a whopping 17 Michelin-starred restaurants out of some 5,300 eateries, including the traditional bouchon Lyonnais brasseries, where authentic fare is served in cozy, unpretentious settings. In short, bring your appetite. Bocuse, a legendary French chef who was based in Lyon, is venerated in this food-centric city. Photo Credit: Felicity Long I started my culinary exploration of the city at the Halles Paul Bocuse, named for the iconic chef for whom the Bocuse d'Or championship -- think of it as a Super Bowl for chefs -- is named. Technically an indoor food market, the Halles is a destination in its own right, with 60 or so merchants selling everything from cheeses, oysters, baked goods and charcuterie to specialty foods and wine. There are restaurants in the Halles, most with just a few tables -- reservations are strongly encouraged -- and tiny shops filled with high-end, food-related souvenirs. Back in city center, I took advantage of it being shoulder season by dining at various spots in the city without a reservation, including snagging a sunny outdoor table at L'Institution for a long lunch. For visitors looking to try a local bouchon -- probably not the best choice for vegans, since meats and cheese feature heavily in the cuisine -- there are so many that the local tourist office suggests making sure the one you choose has Les Bouchons Lyonnaise certification. The Lumiere Museum, a little outside of the city center, is an homage to the brothers who created what is arguably the first motion picture 130 years ago. Photo Credit: Felicity Long Step away from the table As the capital of France's Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, Lyon has so much more than great food to recommend it. Located at the junction of the Rhone and Saone rivers, the city's history stretches back more than two millennia, which is reflected in its art, culture and, most notably, its architecture. Probably the best way to explore it all is with the Lyon City Card, available for 24, 48, 72 or 96 hours and valid on virtually all modes of transportation and for entry to local museums and attractions. I used it on the funicular, which brought me to the ancient, hilltop Roman Amphitheater des Trois Gaules; on the easy-to-navigate metro, which took me from the medieval and Renaissance architecture of Old Town to the Confluence District, where the rivers meet; and on the bus for an exploration on the newly renovated Lumiere Museum. Film buffs will recognize the Lumiere brothers as the creators of what was arguably the first film 130 years ago this year. Called "Workers Leaving the Lumiere Factory," the 1895 film simply shows a steady stream of people walking toward the camera; but for viewers of the day, the technology was revolutionary. For a completely different side of culture, the Museum of Confluences on the Presqu'ile, the peninsula formed by the confluence of the two rivers -- eye-popping as much for its crystal-like exterior as for its exhibitions -- is marking its 10th anniversary with four new exhibitions. Don't miss the giant mammoth of Choulans, discovered in 1859 and said to date from the ice age. The Roman amphitheater is a reminder that the city's history goes back more than 2,000 years. Photo Credit: Felicity Long Hit the pavement A key attraction for visitors who like to do their sightseeing on foot is the network of traboules, covered passageways between buildings in Vieux Lyon, La Croix-Rousse hill and Presqu'ile. There are some 500 such passageways in the city, about 80 of which are open to the public from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. despite being privately owned. You can tour some of the most picturesque with a guide or go on your own with an app, but either way, the traboules offer a unique look into the behind-the-scenes life of the city. The city's menu of walking tours also includes visits to the historical canut district in the La Croix-Rousse section of the city, where in the 19th century, silk workers plied their trade in workshops that supplied some of the great fashion houses of the day. The Maison des Canuts is open to visitors and offers guided tours and weaving demonstrations. The Basilica Notre-Dame of Fourviere is accessible via funicular and dominates the city's skyline. Photo Credit: Felicity Long Sleeping in history You can tour the Grand Hotel-Dieu, a former hospital that dates from the Middle Ages and managed to survive and serve the wounded in two world wars. And overnight guests will find that the InterContinental Lyon -- Hotel Dieu offers more than just luxurious accommodations. The five-star property has various room and suite categories to choose from, most of which offer views of either the Rhone, the historical courtyard or the gardens. The property features a tony Cinq Mondes spa and fitness center, the Epona restaurant and Le Dome bar, both helmed by chef Mathieu Charrois and set in ornate interiors, courtesy of one of the largest private restorations of a historically classified site in France that took from 2013 to 2019 to complete. The property also features a location convenient to both Bellecour Square, where the tourist office is located, and Tete d'Or Park, billed as France's largest urban park. Getting to Lyon Most travelers visiting Lyon will likely transit through Paris, and while connecting flights are available and fairly frequent, the TGV InOui rail service only adds about an hour to the trip and is a lot more convenient and less expensive. The train departs Lyon from the downtown station and deposits travelers at the Gare de Lyon railway station, right in the heart of Paris.
Travel Weekly
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel Weekly
Revelry, the Wynn Las Vegas culinary fest, is back for a second helping
Revelry, a culinary festival that debuted as a four-day event last year, is returning to Wynn Las Vegas with an expanded menu Sept. 19 to 27. Renowned chefs from throughout the world and culinary teams from Wynn Las Vegas, Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace will collaborate on curated tastings, dinners and other experiences. The main events The Feast ($395 plus tax and fees), scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 20 at Wynn's Event Pavilion and Lawn, is the festival's main event. The walk-around tasting experience features barbecue specialties and prime cuts of the Four Sixes Ranch Cookout, a tribute to the 6666 Ranch in Texas; a culinary tour of Mexico with Tijuana-style tacos and dishes inspired by the Yucatan Peninsula, prepared by James Beard Award nominee Sarah Thompson of Wynn Las Vegas' own Casa Playa; Postcards from the Mediterranean, an homage to the coastal towns of Italy and Greece; and Passage Through Asia, with sushi, sashimi and dim sum. The All-Star Chefs Dinner ($795), at 7 p.m. on Sept. 26 at Delila, will feature the work of chefs Christopher Lee (Wynn Las Vegas), Angie Mar (Le B., New York), Gavin Kaysen (Spoon and Stable, Minneapolis), Fariyal Abdullahi (Hav & Mar, New York) and JJ Johnson (Fieldtrip, New York). "Revelry has received tremendous reception since its debut, and we are thrilled to bring back the festival for another memorable year," said Brian Gullbrants, COO of Wynn Resorts North America. Other collaborative dinners; tastings that emphasize pairings; and culinary and mixology classes are scheduled throughout the week.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wynn Las Vegas Announces the Return of Culinary Festival, Revelry
Epicurean Celebration of Food, Drink, and Culinary Icons Returns for a Second Year in September Hi-res images HEREVideo sizzle reel HERE LAS VEGAS, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The highly anticipated Revelry returns to Wynn Las Vegas (Nasdaq: WYNN), Sept. 19-27. The culinary festival will bring together some of the top names in food and beverage for an extraordinary week of curated tastings, collaborative dinners and immersive experiences. Some of the world's most esteemed chefs along with the culinary teams from Wynn Las Vegas, Wynn Al Marjan Island, Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace, will come together with celebrated vintners and mixologists to participate in a range of festivities. The Feast, the festival's marquee event, will be a grand tasting that offers a multi-sensory exploration of global flavors. Additional highlights include exclusive Connoisseur Series classes and collaboration dinners, such as the All-Star Chefs Dinner, an unforgettable evening showcasing boundary-pushing talent and inspired cuisine. "Revelry has received tremendous reception since its debut, and we are thrilled to bring back the festival for another memorable year," said Brian Gullbrants, Chief Operating Officer – Wynn Resorts North America. "The incredible lineup of exceptional chefs combined with each of the unique events that we have planned will place Wynn Las Vegas at the forefront of the global culinary stage." Notable events throughout the week include (tickets do not include taxes and fees): The Feast: 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Wynn's Event Pavilion and Lawn The signature event of the festival is an outdoor walk-around tasting experience, displaying a diverse collection of themed culinary realms led by some of the leading names in the industry. Tickets start at $395 per person. A limited number of VIP tickets are also available. The featured realms are: Four Sixes Ranch Cookout: A bold tribute to the legendary 6666 Ranch, this open-air cookout explores the rich flavors of the American heartland as Chef Daniel Castillo (Heritage Barbecue, San Juan Capistrano) and Chef Burt Bakman (Slab, Los Angeles) prepares barbecue specialties and Chef Alberto Trujillo (Executive Chef of Catering and Events, Wynn Las Vegas) cooks up prime cuts from Sheridan's 6666 Ranch on the live fire. Libations will be offered by a special guest mixologist. Destination: Mexico: Take a culinary tour of Mexico as Chef Victor Delgado and Chef Jorge Alvarez (Tacos 1986, Los Angeles) celebrate Baja with Tijuana-style tacos, 2025 James Beard Foundation Award-winner Chef Rogelio Garcia (Auro, Calistoga) honors Mexico City and Chef Sarah Thompson (Casa Playa, Wynn Las Vegas) prepares dishes inspired by the Yucatán Peninsula. Guests will also enjoy agave-inspired cocktails from Mariena Mercer Boarini (Master Mixologist – North America, Wynn Las Vegas). Postcards from the Mediterranean: Sail through the Mediterranean and explore the coastal towns of Italy and Greece with Chef Antonia Lofaso (Scopa Italian Roots, Los Angeles), Chef Enzo Febbraro (Allegro, Wynn Las Vegas) and Chef Martin Heierling (PISCES Bar & Seafare, Wynn Las Vegas). Passage Through Asia: An expedition across Asia's diverse culinary landscapes, this realm features sushi and sashimi by Michelin-recognized Chef Jeff Ramsey (Mizumi, Wynn Las Vegas), dim sum selections from Top Chef and Food Network star Chef Shirley Chung and an eccentric cocktail selection curated by Mariena Mercer Boarini. Sweet Dreams: A sweet finale of nostalgic classics and seasonally inspired confectionary creations from Chef Roxana Jullapat and Chef Daniel Mattern (Friends & Family, Los Angeles), along with Wynn's Executive Pastry Chef and James Beard Foundation-recognized Jennifer Yee and the resort's pastry team. All-Star Chefs Dinner: 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26 at Delilah (tickets do not include taxes and gratuities) James Beard Foundation Award-honored Chef Christopher Lee (Vice President of Culinary Operations and Restaurant Development, Wynn Las Vegas) will host an epic dinner inside of modern-day supper club Delilah. It will feature Chef Angie Mar (Le B., New York City), Chef Gavin Kaysen (Spoon & Stable, Minneapolis), Chef Fariyal Abdullahi (Hav & Mar, New York City), Chef JJ Johnson (Fieldtrip, New York City) and pastry chefs Jennifer Yee and Juan Contreras (Atelier Crenn, San Francisco) for a once-in-a-lifetime culinary extravaganza. Inventive cocktail pairings from Mariena Mercer Boarini and wine pairings curated by Brian Weitzman (Executive Director of Wine, Wynn Las Vegas) will complement the dishes alongside live entertainment. Tickets are $795 per person. Culinary collaboration dinners include (tickets do not include taxes and gratuities): The Tastemakers: 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 22 at PISCES Bar & Seafare James Beard Foundation Award-winner and Top Chef Masters champion Chef Douglas Keane (Cyrus, Geyserville) teams up with Chef Martin Heierling for a dining journey at PISCES Bar & Seafare. Pastry Chef Josh Gaulin (Cyrus, Geyserville) will present the dessert course, while Mariena Mercer Boarini showcases handcrafted cocktails and Brian Weitzman expertly selects the wine pairings. Tickets are $500 per person. A Twist of Plates: 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at Casa Playa Exploring craft, technique, products and flavor across multiple courses, Chef Junghyun Park (Atomix, New York City) and Chef Sarah Thompson will take guests on a culinary tour featuring their highly acclaimed cuisines. Both chefs have received notable accolades – Chef Park has two Michelin Stars and a No. 6 ranking on the World's 50 Best Restaurants List, while Chef Thompson was a 2025 James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Southwest. Completing the evening are artful confections from Pastry Chef Jennifer Yee, innovative libations from a guest mixologist and wine pairings from Brian Weitzman. Tickets are $500 per person. From Farm to Knife: 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at Mizumi Farmer Katina Connaughton and Chef Kyle Connaughton (Single Thread, Healdsburg), with three Michelin stars and a no. 46 ranking on the World's 50 Best Restaurants List, will collaborate with Chef Jeff Ramsey for an afternoon highlighting the trio's training, deep appreciation and understanding of Japanese gastronomy. The afternoon concludes with Pastry Chef Eunji Lee (Lysée, New York City) presenting a dessert course, specialty cocktails from guest mixologist Mark Lloyd (Head of Mixology and Bar Operations, Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace) and wine pairings from Brian Weitzman. Tickets are $395 per person. The week will also feature exclusive Connoisseur Classes, including (tickets do not include taxes and gratuities): All Fired Up: Mastering the Art of BBQ: 12 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19 at Intrigue Two of the nation's leading pitmasters, Chef Burt Bakman and Chef Daniel Castillo, will serve up a master class on how to achieve barbecue perfection – from rubs, mops and sauces to techniques for pro-level grilling and smoking, followed by a casual lunch. Tickets are $250 per person. Brother's Bond Bourbon Cocktail Clash: 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Intrigue Actor Ian Somerhalder will go behind the bar with Mariena Mercer Boarini to show guests how to craft the perfect cocktail using his bourbon, Brother's Bond. Tickets are $195 per person. Connoisseur Whisky Tasting with Mahesh Patel of Universal Whisky Experience: 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21 at SW Steakhouse Guests will sample whisky styles from around the world, guided by renowned whisky authority Mahesh Patel, and complemented by small bites from Chef Mark LoRusso (SW Steakhouse, Wynn Las Vegas). Tickets are $195 per person. Culinary Leverage: An Afternoon with Chef Douglas Keane: 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at SW Steakhouse Spend an afternoon with Chef Douglas Keane as he prepares signature dishes from his critically acclaimed restaurant Cyrus, followed by a reading from his best-selling memoir, "Culinary Leverage – A Journey Through the Heat." Guests will also be gifted a copy of Keane's memoir. Tickets are $195 per person. Bubbles + Burgers: 12 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25 at Intrigue Powerhouse chefs Antonia Lofaso, Dominique Crenn and Angie Mar will demonstrate how to prepare their signature burgers while guests sip champagne. Tickets are $195 per person. Taste of Sartiano's: 12 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26 at SW Steakhouse Led by Chef Alfred Portale (culinary director, Sartiano's and Zero Bond New York City) and Las Vegas native Chef Michael Rubinstein (Sartiano's Italian Steakhouse, Wynn Las Vegas), this class allows guests to taste popular menu items from the original Sartiano's location and spend time with Portale and Rubinstein in an intimate setting. Tickets are $195 per person. Revelry is co-produced by Wynn Las Vegas and Elizabeth Blau, along with presenting sponsor American Express. For more information on event tickets, room packages and additional programming, including the lineup for the soon to be announced Icons Dinner, visit or follow @lasvegasrevelry. # # # About Wynn Las VegasWynn Resorts is the recipient of more Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards than any other independent hotel company in the world and in 2025 was once again honored on FORTUNE Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies list. Wynn and Encore Las Vegas consist of two luxury hotel towers with a total of 4,748 spacious hotel rooms, suites and villas. The resort features approximately 196,000 square feet of casino space, 22 signature dining experiences, 10 bars, two award-winning spas, approximately 560,000 rentable square feet of meeting and convention space, approximately 174,000 square feet of retail space as well as two showrooms, two nightclubs, a beach club, and recreation and leisure facilities, including Wynn Golf Club, an 18-hole championship golf course. For more information on Wynn and Encore Las Vegas, visit MEDIA CONTACTS: bread & Butterwynn@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Wynn Las Vegas Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
