On December 31, 2008, Dinner in the Sky Las Vegas invited some very special guests, including myself, to experience a nearly 18-story-high (180 feet) view of Las Vegas while drinking champagne and enjoying hors d’oeuvres while viewing the fireworks at 12 midnight on News Year’s Eve. 

“This is truly a Las Vegas first in many ways from dining and entertainment to attractions and destinations. Dinner in The Sky Las Vegas fits all those descriptions,” said Michael Hinden, chief executive officer of Las Vegas Event Planner and proprietor of Dinner in The Sky Las Vegas. “Debuting on New Year’s Eve and providing our guests the chance to witness this extraordinary international spectacle is a once in a lifetime opportunity.” 

The actual crane for Dinner in the Sky was located between the Palms and the Rio and perched at the intersection of Polaris Ave., and Cavaretta Ct. What an incredible experience for me.  After enjoying hot hors d’oeuvres and champagne on the ground, I was strapped in for the ride of my life.  It was brisk night, but the crane was very still and once I got accustomed to it, I was quite comfortable.  I loved it and I look forward to another adventure such as this one. In fact, my new nickname is, “Debbie in the Sky.” 

Dinner in the Sky is a high-flying Sky Box that takes 22 guests to a viewing height of up to 180 feet. The 22 guests are each comfortably strapped into a leather seat that is secured to a dining table. The dining table and seats are connected to a crane, which then performs the lift. The center of the dining table has a walking platform that can accommodate up to five service personnel for the purpose of serving food, beverages, picture taking, conducting a meeting or product launch presentation. During traditional operations, the Dinner in the Sky experience is set to last for approximately one hour per session. 

“We are thrilled to introduce this exciting new dining concept to Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital of the World,” said Keith DeRiso, vice president of Las Vegas Event Planner and proprietor of Dinner in The Sky Las Vegas. “The menu options and food quality are that of any fine dining experience, but what we provide that no other restaurant experience offers is adrenaline as an appetizer and views as sweet as dessert.” 

Then on February 13, 2009, 20 all-star chefs along with Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and Bon Appétit Executive Chef Cat Cora gathered 180 feet above The Strip for a champagne toast.  

Seated at a table in the sky high above the city's glowing neon lights, Paul Bartolotta, Hubert Keller, Michael Mina, Rick Moonen, Francois Payard, Carla Pellegrino, Kerry Simon and Alex Stratta were just a few of the famous names to raise a glass of Krug champagne in honor of the destination's ever-evolving culinary scene. 

 

In addition, the Mayor and all-star chefs offered a toast to the success of the 3rd Annual Vegas Uncork'd presented by Bon Appétit set for May 7-10, 2009. 

Vegas Uncork'd presented by Bon Appétit features a roster of Las Vegas' top culinary talent and is made possible by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and anchored by Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand and Wynn/Encore Las Vegas. Co-sponsored by Greenspun Media Group and Southern Wine & Spirits, Vegas Uncork'd, presented by Bon Appétit, creates an extraordinary culinary experience and showcases a selection of star-studded events across the city. Krug is a featured champagne event partner. 

Highlights of the 2009 event include a pool-side Grand Tasting with 75 celebrated chefs and vintners; a high-stakes culinary competition; after-hours blackjack; tour-de-force Masters Series dinners with internationally acclaimed chefs such as Bobby Flay; an exclusive culinary experience featuring Chef Joël Robuchon fused with performances by the cast of KÀ by Cirque du Soleil; an all-star interactive luncheon with first-hand instruction from star chefs like Paul Bartolotta; immersion wine seminars and a gala evening celebration featuring chefs such as Michael Mina. 

Additional information on Vegas Uncork'd presented by Bon Appétit, including a list of participating chefs, full events schedule and ticket information can be found at www.VegasUncorked.com.  Additional information for Dinner in the Sky can be found at www.dinnerintheskylv.com.