HotelChatter

First off, it was so nice to be by a Vegas hotel pool that wasn't crowded to the max with drunk people in too-tight bikinis and covered in strange tattoos. The Caesars pool is already a pretty relaxing pool scene but the event setup by was elegant and serene. Flowers dangled from the air around the Temple pool. Small tables with white tablecloths and flowers were placed here and there and the poolside canopy beds were available for sitting and tasting.

Close to 40 restaurants were chosen to cook sample dishes for the grand tasting. Each had a table lined up around the perimeter of the pool area allowing guests to work their way around the entire place, sampling whatever they please. Helpful signs were place above each station with the restaurant and chef's name and the dish being served. Even better, chilled water bottles were handed out allowing you to refresh your palette and keep cool in the desert heat which was still going strong even at night.

One of the highlights came when we spied Robin Leach making the rounds wearing his bluetooth headset. Interestingly, Robin Leach is one of those famous personalities (we can't really call him a celeb) who looks taller in real life than he appears on the screen.

Another highlight came when we saw famed chefs Guy Savoy and Bradley Ogden who worked the crowds and took pictures with rabid foodie fans. The artichoke and black truffle soup from Guy Savoy was delicious as was the ravioli from Rao's. We also liked the Wagu Beef hot dogs from Charlie Palmer Steak. Actually, we noticed a lot of people oohing and aahing over these because no one really expected hot dogs from this gourmet tasting event.

We were a little disappointed by the fondant vegetable with avocado cream from L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon. It was good but we wanted something with a little more wow factor--this is a Joel Robuchon restaurant afterall.

The only malfunctions seem to be the early-evening winds which almost blew the signs at each table over and caused some serious issues for these painted goddesses on display.

Unfortunately, we had dinner plans of our own that we were obligated to attend and we couldn't stick around longer.

Stay Tuned: Earlier in the day on Friday we hit up the Wynn for a Cocktail Smackdown seminar where Wynn bartenders gave out recipes for their signature drinks. The full report, including video, will come tomorrow.

Special Thanks to Bon Appetit and Amy Morris for making this happen.

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