– Ultimo – A Weekend of Excellence, the most extravagant culinary event of the year in Las Vegas, will be soaring to new heights as participants are treated to a weekend itinerary with the theme “Le Grand Voyage,” Dec. 9-11.
The fourth-annual event, hosted by The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas, will include lavish feasts and exceptional experiences from an all-star lineup of chefs and wineries from around the world. The weekend’s itinerary – the most ambitious to date – will take guests on a “grand voyage” as it unfolds around The Venetian and The Palazzo, and, for the first time ever, across the Las Vegas valley.
This year, guests will be treated to several unique experiences like the Rolls-Royce driving experience, and a hot-air balloon ride and Dom Perignon picnic at Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area, located 20 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. In addition, a Louis Vuitton fashion experience will be held at the resort’s new boutique in Grand Canal Shoppes.
“Every year, Ultimo has produced the most spectacular gathering of world-renowned chefs in Las Vegas,” said Sebastien Silvestri, vice president of food & beverage for The Venetian and The Palazzo. “For the culinary enthusiast, this is always a weekend to remember.”
A portion of the proceeds from the weekend-long event will benefit ment’or BKB Foundation, a leading non-profit organization devoted to inspiring culinary excellence in young professionals and preserving the traditions and quality of cuisine in America. The organization’s aim is to build a sustainable community of young American professionals who are knowledgeable and confident in their career pursuits and will be life-long ambassadors of quality and excellence in the world of gastronomy. Ment’or is dedicated to making the careers of serious young individuals more meaningful and successful by offering them unique educational opportunities, internships and access to established mentors.
THE GRAND BANQUET
A highlight of the weekend will include the return of The Venetian’s Grand Banquet, a landmark collaboration between several of the world’s best chefs, including renowned culinary luminaries Chefs Thomas Keller, Jérôme Bocuse, Emma Bengtsson, Curtis Stone, Ming Tsai, Vikram Vij, Pierre Thiam, Paul Bartolotta and Shaun Hergatt.
The Grand Banquet, originally introduced in 2013, has become a signature culinary event in Las Vegas, with its sumptuous setting on a spectacular table that spans the iconic Grand Colonnade of The Venetian. In its first year, Chef Mario Batali called it “the grandest meal ever served in Las Vegas.” This year, the table will be adorned with the ultimate symbol of French luxury, beautiful pieces from Lalique, the legendary master of glass art.
To accompany this lavish culinary experience, several wineries will provide noteworthy pairings, including Dom Perignon, DAOU Vineyards, Marqués de Murrieta, Memento Mori, and Pio Cesare.
In honor of the theme “Le Grand Voyage,” the Grand Banquet will feature an international menu, taking guests around the world with courses celebrating each chef’s country of origin. Leading the esteemed group will be Chef Thomas Keller of Bouchon (Yountville, Las Vegas), Per Se (New York City), and French Laundry (Yountville). Additional chefs will include:
- France: Jérôme Bocuse, son of legendary French chef Paul Bocuseand a member of the Paul Bocuse restaurant group
- Australia: Curtis Stone of Maude (Beverly Hills) and Gwen (Hollywood)
- Australia: Shaun Hergatt, formerly of Juni (New York City)
- Asia: Ming Tsai of Blue Ginger and Blue Dragon (Boston)
- India: Vikram Vij of Vij’s (Vancouver, B.C., Canada)
- Africa: Pierre Thiam of Pierre Thiam Catering,formerly of Le Grand-Dakar (New York City)
- Italy: Paul Bartolotta of The Bartolotta Restaurants Group (Milwaukee)
- Sweden: Emma Bengtsson of Aquavit (New York City)
These participating chefs are dedicated to supporting the ment’or BKB Foundation’s mission of inspiring and educating young chefs in America.
THE WINEMAKERS
A culinary adventure as big as the Grand Banquet would not be complete without the finest wines from around the world, each adding something unique to Ultimo’s stellar around-the-world wine program. These wines will be delivered in person by the winemakers behind them:
- Pio Cesare, Piedmont’s acclaimed fourth generation winemaker, will bring his decadent single-vineyard Pio Cesare Il Bricco Barbaresco 2004. The vintage is a favorite of Cesare, who reveres the traditions of Piedmont and counts his grandfather Giuseppe Pio and his father Giuseppe Boffa as mentors.
- Vicente Dalmau Cebrián-Sagarriga, Count of Creixell, will travel from Spain with his Marqués de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Blanco Gran Reserva Especial 1986, a white Rioja that earned an astounding 100 points from Robert M. Parker Jr. For 20 years, the innovative Cebrián-Sagarriga has been at the helm of the esteemed Marqués de Murrieta estate, which has been making wine since 1852.
- Brothers Daniel and Georges Daou will debut their spectacular Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Patrimony, whichhasearned 99 points from Robert M. Parker Jr. The limited-quantity vintage from the rugged hills west of Paso Robles, California, will be uncorked at Ultimo, poured for the first time for guests at the Grand Banquet.
- Hayes Drumwright, Adriel Lares, and Adam Craun will present Memento Mori, their powerful Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. Layered with dark raspberry and blackberry flavors, it is the essence of “Cab Country” in the United States.
- An ambassador of Dom Pérignon will pour several vintage varieties of the famed Champagne. Each vintage wine is created from the best grapes grown in one single year, a true challenge for a unique interpretation of the seasons, and for reinvention. Both Dom Perignon Vintage 2006 and Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2004, the rare jewel within the range, will be enjoyed at the Grand Banquet. In addition, Dom Pérignon P2 Vintage 1998, the Second Plenitude of Dom Pérignon, will be shared at a surprise moment during the weekend’s festivities. P2 is known for its enhanced intensity, vibrancy and precision, with the energy of the wine at its peak.
THE PACKAGES
To experience Ultimo – A Weekend of Excellence, two packages are available:
The Luxury Suite Package $4,551 per couple + tax and fees
- Luxury suite
- Car service to and from the airport
- Belvedere and caviar welcome reception at Paiza Club
- Hot Air Balloon trip or Rolls-Royce Driving Experience
- Dom Pérignon Picnic
- Louis Vuitton Fashion Experience
- The Grand Banquet
- Lalique After Party
- Farewell Brunch at Hacienda Patrón
The Renaissance Suite Package $5,751 per couple + tax and fees
- Renaissance suite
- Car service to and from the airport
- Belvedere and caviar welcome reception at Paiza Club
- Hot Air Balloon trip or Rolls-Royce Driving Experience
- Dom Pérignon Picnic
- Louis Vuitton Fashion Experience
- The Grand Banquet
- Lalique After Party
- Farewell Brunch at Hacienda Patrón
