Epicurean Affair: A Culinary Celebration in Las Vegas

Why the Festival is Special

Around 80 of Las Vegas's top restaurants, nightclubs, and vendors come together for the delicious Epicurean Affair held annually in May. This exquisite event, featuring succulent cuisine and cocktails, takes place poolside for an elegant and fun evening.

The annual Epicurean Affair in Las Vegas, Nevada, is considered the premier event of the year for food lovers. This one-day culinary oasis is set by the pool at the luxurious Palazzo Hotel. Here, you will find over forty of the city's most popular and respected chefs and restaurants serving signature dishes and inspiring creations.

Unique Atmosphere and Program

The festival also features the best mixologists in Vegas, crafting classic and unique cocktails. Participating restaurants in the past include Bouchon, DB Brasserie, Delmonico Steakhouse, Lavo, Mint Indian Bistro, Tao Asian Bistro, Texas de Brazil, Wolfgang Puck's Postrio, N9NE Steakhouse, Ferraro's, Lawry's The Prime Rib, and STK.

The event supports the educational and scholarship programs of the Nevada Restaurant Association, including the national high school culinary arts program "ProStart." In Nevada, over 2,600 students from 33 schools participate in this program, gaining the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the food industry.

History and Mission

Founded in 1982, the Nevada Restaurant Association fulfills its mission to promote, protect, and educate the state's rapidly growing restaurant industry. Members of the Nevada Restaurant Association, such as The Venetian and The Palazzo, represent various sides of the industry: restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

The Las Vegas Epicurean Affair is a gourmet event that uniquely brings together the aforementioned innovators to showcase the best on Las Vegas's food scene. No tasting event would be complete without the accompanying stars. There is no shortage of top-notch chefs, mixologists, and other culinary masters.

From the first sip to the last bite, this is an event not to be missed.

Event Highlights

This year's host is award-winning chef José Andrés. Known for his innovative cuisine, Andrés was named one of Time's Most Influential People and awarded the James Beard Foundation's "Outstanding Chef" award. The gourmet event takes place poolside, where guests can enjoy the best dishes and cocktails offered by restaurants both on and off the premises.

The Epicurean Affair is a must-attend event for anyone looking to sample exquisite dishes from top chefs.

Notable Participants and Dishes

Participating restaurants from previous years include Bouchon, Delmonico Steakhouse, LAVO, Mint Indian Bistro, Tao Asian Bistro, Texas de Brazil, Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio, N9NE Steakhouse, Ferraro’s, Lawry’s The Prime Rib, STK, and many others.

Epicurean Affair in 2019

The event was held at the Red Rock Resort on May 16 at 6:00 PM. This exquisite event, offering the finest dishes and luscious cocktails, took place by the pool. The early VIP reception included access to the event an hour before the scheduled start. Visitors and participants had to be over 21 years old.

Nearly 75 renowned restaurants and beverage suppliers hosted about 1,300 guests. Long known as the premier tasting event for Las Vegas residents, this year's Epicurean Affair did not disappoint. From the moment guests entered the elegant poolside setting, the world-class chefs began tempting them with exquisite dishes.

The festival featured dishes made from products from nearby farms, which chef Sammy DeMarco grew himself specifically for the evening.

• Restaurants brought their signature dishes. Favorites included cod from Nobu and truffle artichoke soup from Guy Savoy with mushroom brioche. And Bradley Ogden's toffee pudding was a delightful end to the dinner.
• Chefs Luciano Pellegrini of Valentino and Tom Moloney of AquaKnox joined other chefs at the end of the evening to toast to a remarkable event.
• Other standout dishes included seared ahi tuna from the French Market, wines from Marche Bacchus, and mini cupcakes from The Cupcakery.
• Almost all of the city's renowned foodies appeared, sipping cocktails, wine, and champagne from Southern Wine & Spirits and Wirtz Beverage of Nevada.

Such an event is worth your visit. Contact American Butler, and we'll arrange an unforgettable tour for you!