2013 Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit Pairs Celebrity Chefs with Rising Stars from Le Cordon Bleu in a Live Grill-Off
Chase Sapphire Preferred Grill Challenge Pairs Celebrity Chefs Akira Back and Todd English with Two Aspiring Culinary Students for a chance to win a $20,000 Scholarship Fund
Chase Sapphire Preferred®, a premier travel rewards card from Chase, in partnership with Bon Appétit will host the Chase Sapphire Preferred Grill Challenge, taking place on Saturday, May 11, at 8:45 p.m., during Bellagio’s Block Party at the seventh annual Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit. Award-winning Las Vegas chefs Akira Back and Todd English will partner with two up-and-coming culinary students from the local Las Vegas Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in a live grilling challenge. The winning team will receive $20,000, presented by Chase Sapphire Preferred to help fund the student’s culinary education and dream of becoming a world-class chef. An additional $5,000 will be presented to the runner-up.
- Chef Todd English
The cooking challenge will put grilling skills to the test as celebrity chefs and restaurateurs, Akira Back, executive chef of Yellowtail Japanese & Lounge Restaurant at the Bellagio, and Todd English, chef, Olives Bellagio, battle live on-stage to create the ultimate barbecue feast.
“I am thrilled to participate in the Chase Sapphire Preferred Grill Challenge to help fund a local culinary student’s schooling,” said Todd English, chef, Olives Bellagio. “Vegas Uncork’d is the perfect stage for a live grilling challenge that supports the next generation of Las Vegas culinary talent.”
Two talented students from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in Las Vegas will be given the opportunity to participate as sous chefs during the event. Starting April 9, students can submit a video via Vine, a mobile app by Twitter, using the hashtag #GrillChallenge and provide a short essay to Bon Appétit. Students can share their story and illustrate why they deserve to compete for a chance to win the title and $20,000 from Chase Sapphire Preferred.
- Chef Akira Back
Bon Appétit restaurant and spirits editor, Andrew Knowlton, will serve as emcee and head judge for the event, while Robin Leach, entertainment and celebrity reporter, and a Chase Sapphire cardholder will also judge the chefs culinary creations and select the winners.
The event is part of a week-long food, wine and spirits festival presented by Bon Appétit and the city of Las Vegas, in partnership with Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand and Chase Sapphire Preferred. The event brings together famed Las Vegas resorts, celebrity chefs, master sommeliers and true food fans in celebration of the Las Vegas culinary scene and growing food community.
“Las Vegas is one of the nation’s top culinary travel destinations and we are excited to celebrate the food and talent that continues to thrive and emerge from this city,” said Sean O’Reilly, general manager, JP Morgan Chase. “Chase Sapphire cardholders are passionate about unique food experiences. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Grill Challenge not only creates an opportunity for cardholders to taste and witness true culinary magic first-hand, but also allows them to be a part of something greater by raising awareness for local aspiring chefs.”
As part of its presenting sponsorship, Chase Sapphire offered cardholders the ability to redeem credit card rewards points or purchase tickets to select Vegas Uncork’d events and enjoy exclusive perks, such as preferred seating, VIP lounge access and a private brunch with acclaimed Chef Julian Serrano.
For tickets to Bon Appetit’s Vegas Uncork’d please visit http://www.vegasuncorked.com/
