Las Vegas and Atlantic City have taken significant bites out of the generally stodgy leftovers of the big gambling heydays. Among their efforts to diversify their resort experiences, big resort casinos and hotels have recognized their place as culinary centers.

Attracting Chefs

As resorts such as the Bellagio and the Venetian in Las Vegas have sprung up, chefs the likes of Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck have arrived. Lagasse and Puck were among the first celebrity chefs to envision a place among the high styled attractions for their culinary businesses. The fact that Las Vegas was no longer exclusively populated with fields of slot machines and blackjack tables meant visitors were seeking more quality entertainment like upscale dining, shopping and popular entertainment.

Since Lagasse and Puck, other chefs have arrived, many up and coming. The Travel Channel and The Food Network have subtly conspired to introduce the general public to charismatic chefs and educate modest palates in the latest renderings of traditional cuisines. In so doing, a major market has been opened for fine cuisine in America.

Las Vegas Events

Las Vegas has inarguably arrived as a culinary capital. Visitors might not ever drop a coin in the slot machines. They might visit Las Vegas for the current culinary event. Las Vegas’ event calendars are populated these days with events such as wine tastings and food shows.

One of the most popular and anticipated annual events is the UNLVino Grand Tasting held in Las Vegas each year. This event is a cleverly designed fund raiser for the scholarship program of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. UNLV offers a comprehensive culinary arts program. The UNLVino Grand Tasting attracts winemakers from around the country who delight in making their wines available to the world.

Atlantic City Events

Atlantic City’s place in the culinary spotlight is brightening. The Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa, opened in 2003, brought with it a determination to boost the local culinary arts scene. Some sources say the Borgata’s contemporary design and innovative wrapper have been the best thing to happen to Atlantic City.

The Borgata’s fairly young calendar of culinary happenings has brought events such as a wine tasting in celebration of women winemakers and regular tastings from the Borgata’s extensive wine cellars. Other events include celebrity chef dinners and wine tastings. Here local chefs have the opportunity to present a full course meal and offer lessons in food and wine pairings.

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