GASTROTOURISM

Going places

Vani Rangachar
The Los Angeles Times

Saturday, February 02, 2008

GASTROTOURISM I

VIVA LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas, a culinary capital? Good food is probably not the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Las Vegas, but the city is trying to build up its image as a destination for foodies, and this year they're planning to do it big. On Mother's Day weekend in May, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, in conjunction with Bon Appétit magazine and a group of resorts, will host a "culinary entertainment" event called Vegas Uncork'd. More than two dozen events are to be held at Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Lake Las Vegas and Wynn Las Vegas, many involving celebrity chefs and top sommeliers. Events range from learning to shop like a chef to midnight poker with outrageous cocktails. Tickets for individual events range from $75 to $350, with comprehensive weekend packages available. Details of events, as well as pricing and other information, are available at www.bavegasuncorked.com

GASTROTOURISM II

NIAGARA IN WINTER

There are no grapes on the vines at this time of year, but the Niagara wineries are not shut down for winter. In fact, during the weekend of Feb. 29 to March 2, the Niagara region will be celebrating Cuvée, a weekend celebration of wine and food. There will be a big gala on the Friday night where winemakers select winning wines, and for all three days, local wineries will be hosting special events. One of those events is Cuvée en route, where you can visit different wineries and sample wines according to themes, for example vertical tastings, icewines or small-batch wines. A number of area restaurants are also hosting Cuvée en route dining specials. A Cuvée en route passport costs $30; for $200 you can get a weekend pass for all events. www.cuvee.ca or 1-905-684-8688.

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© The Ottawa Citizen 2008