Vegas Uncork’d

Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appetit will be back in Las Vegas for its sixth year, featuring a star studded line up of celebrity chefs and cooking events.

This year’s Vegas Uncork’d event will be held May 10-13. This incredible four-day festival gathers culinary icons along with dozens of events from cocktail competitions that overlook the remarkable Bellagio fountains. Also enjoy a celebrity chef poker tournament at the new and stylish Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is known for its fine dining and home to world-famous chefs like Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay, Michael Mina, Todd English, Jose Andres, Rick Moonen, and many more.

Below is a list of some of the amazing events scheduled at this year’s Vegas Uncork’d –

Wine & Cocktails

· Mix-Off, Friday, May 11: Overlooking The Fountains of Bellagio, guests enjoy a dynamic cocktail competition featuring Bellagio Master Mixologist Matt Myers, Hyde Bellagio Mixologist Jose Zepeda, Akira Back and other cocktail talent from across the country. Sample each cocktail and vote for your favorite during a tasting hosted by Restaurant & Drinks Editor Andrew Knowlton. Small bites from Executive Chef Roy Ellamar of Sensi accompany the cocktail extravaganza.

· Sip, Swirl & Select Like a Sommelier, Friday, May 11: During this blind tasting led by Jason Smith, David Lynch, and Raj Parr, attendees learn to taste like a sommelier when they test their taste buds with a high-quality, moderately priced wine vs. a “break-the-bank” bottle. Tuscany Kitchen hosts this grape-laden duel. May the best palate win!

· Unusual Pairings, Friday, May 11: Guests will learn how to find accessibly priced wine to pair with elevated menus with the best 20 bottles under $20. Learn about best bargain buys under $20 with Dave Lynch and Mina Group Wine Director Raj Parr at STRIPSTEAK with a special menu of bites paired by chef Michael Mina.

· My Favorite Things, Friday, May 11: At Bellagio, Chef Michael Mina and Sommeliers Raj Parr and Jason Smith, MS, discuss their “favorites” and host a sampling of unique wines, extravagant cocktails and the most memorable fare ever tasted (and created).

· Kings of Cabernet, Saturday, May 12: Bellagio Wine Director and Master Sommelier Jason Smith and Bon Appétit Contributing Wine Editor Dave Lynch are joined by three of the world’s best winemakers, including Andy Erickson, for a round-table discussion and tasting of their top Cabernet Sauvignons. Get the scoop on all that goes into making world-class wine, from the soil to the very first sip. In a setting overlooking The Fountains of Bellagio, wine connoisseurs and novices alike will be able to appreciate this experience.

· Uptown Downtown, Saturday, May 12: From Chandelier Bar, Vesper Bar, and other hot spots at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas play host to Bon Appétit Editor in Chief Adam Rapoport, nationally renowned restaurateur Scott Conant, Cosmopolitan mixologist Mariena Mercer, and you for an afternoon of cocktails and cuisine.

 Nightlife & Special Events

· VIP Saber-Off, Thursday, May 10: Caesars Palace hosts all chefs at this year’s VIP Champagne Saber-Off.

· Follow That Food Truck, Thursday, May 10: Mingle with renowned chefs such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Todd English, Michal Mina and Julian Serrano and enjoy live music from restaurateur Joe Bastianich at this exciting Bellagio event. Confirmed Food Trucks include fukuburger, Red Neck Kitchen and Rusty Pickle.

· Celebrity Chef Poker Tournament, Friday, May 11: The pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will be the hub for a world-class celebrity chef poker tournament with live performances, flavorful dishes and delightful drinks. A specialty menu of handrolls and more from Blue Ribbon Sushi and specialty cocktails from David Myers’ 18A cocktail program will be featured.

· Grand Tasting, Friday, May 11: Sixty restaurants participate in this ultimate outdoor culinary experience at Caesars Palace’s Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis.

· After-Hours, the Remix, Saturday, May 12: Chef Alain Ducasse is joined by chef Hubert Keller and Mandalay Bay executive pastry chef and master chocolatier Vincent Pilon for a late-night party at Mix, the rooftop lounge at Mandalay Bay.

· Surfside Beach Clambake, Saturday, May 12: Along the waves of the Mandalay Bay Beach, guests will enjoy live   music, cocktails, and fresh seafood. Chefs Charlie Palmer, Rick Moonen Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger will dish out their unique twist on this family-style American Classic as attendees pull up a seat at the long communal tables located under the stars.  

Interactive Sessions

· Too-Hot Tamales Live Demonstration, Friday, May 11: Hosted by Bon Appétit editor in chief Adam Rapoport, chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger prepare a four-course menu with tequila pairings at Mandalay Bay’s Border Grill.

· Paella Lunch with José Andrés, Friday, May 11: One of the restaurant industry’s most captivating personalities, José Andrés lets loose with a live demo on how to make one of Spain’s signature dishes. He’ll prepare it on a wood-fired paella grill—the only one of its kind in the U.S.—at Jaleo in the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

· Master Pastry with Francois Payard, Saturday, May 12: Chef François Payard welcomes you into Payard Patisserie & Bistro for an insider demonstration. Guests will be privy to techniques and skills as shared by one of the world’s most renowned pastry makers.

· Chronicles of a Couple That Cooks Together, Saturday, May 12: Q&A lunch with renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and his wife, Marja, host of Kimchi Chronicles on PBS. Before delving into your meal, Jean-Georges and Marja will elaborate on each course as Bon Appétit Editor in Chief Adam Rapoport chats with the famous culinary couple now cooking together.

· At the Fish Market with Costas Spiliadis, Saturday, May 12: Join chef Spiliadis at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas as he shares his secrets to selecting the highest-quality fish at the market, secrets on making fish at home, and healthful eating through the Mediterranean diet.

 Specialty Dinners

· Master Series Dinner with the Pellegrino Family: Rao’s Italian Feast, Thursday May 10: Tables will be turned as the Pellegrino family invites you to join them at their famed restaurant. Be treated to a multi-course extravaganza featuring Rao’s southern Neapolitan dishes served family-style.

· Master Series Dinner: Dinnertime Decadence with Guy Savoy, Thursday May 10: Secure your place at this exclusive multi-course dinner with internationally renowned chef and restaurateur Guy Savoy. Indulge in what promises to be the ultimate experience in refined dining, complete with wine pairings.

· Master Series Dinner: French Elegance with Francois Payard, Thursday May 10: Be transported to an authentic dining experience reminiscent of a charming Paris café at award-winning chef Francois Payard’s charming bistro. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with first-class service and traditional savory and sweet French fare.

· Master Series Dinner: Spices of Life with Bobby Flay, Thursday, May 10: Awaken your taste buds as things heat up with an evening of bold flavors and signature Southwestern cooking from chef Bobby Flay at Mesa Grill.

· Master Series Dinner with Michel Richard, Thursday, May 10: Caesars Palace adds a new restaurant to its Master Series dinners—Central, helmed by renowned chef Michel Richard and his James Beard Award–winning staff.

· The Nature of A Good Party with Alain Ducasse, Saturday, May 12: Chef Alain Ducasse hosts a new eXperience at miX at Mandalay Bay that includes champagne with the Chef, a five-course special menu with wine pairing and a signed copy of the Chef’s latest cookbook “Nature: Simple, Healthy, and Good” © Rizzoli.

Brunch

· Rao’s Family Affair: Italian Brunch with the Pellegrinos, Sunday, May 13: The Pellegrinos host a backyard BBQ on the patio of Rao’s Las Vegas as only they can. Enjoy refreshing Italian cocktails and savory dishes offered as an exclusive preview to their soon-to-be released cookbook, Rao’s on the Grill.

· Sparkling Brunch with Guy Savoy, Sunday, May 13: Don’t just treat your mother; spoil her with an unforgettable experience at the elegant Restaurant Guy Savoy. World-renowned French chef Guy Savoy will create a special menu in honor of Mother’s Day.

· Steak & Eggs with Charlie Palmer, Sunday May 13: Recover from a fun-filled weekend and enjoy Mother’s Day with a hardy Steak & Eggs Brunch at Aureole. Chef Charlie Palmer, Aureole Executive Chef, Vincent Pouessel and Mandalay Bay Executive Pastry Chef and Master Chocolatier, Vincent Pilon will put on an extravagant brunch paired with sparkling wine options provided by Christophe Tassan MOF Sommelier and Mandalay Bay Wine Director.

One of the staple celebratory items for special occasions is a nice bottle of wine.  Whether it’s red, white, or rose; sweet, dry, or crisp, a nice glass of wine always completes the celebratory atmosphere of Valentine’s Days, birthdays, anniversaries, and dinner parties.

Rhône Valley, one of the largest wineries in the world is adding another worthy holiday for celebratory wines, Mother’s Day, and why not?

With vines dating back to over 2,000 years, Rhône Valley is the second largest Appellation d’Orgine Contrôlée (A.O.C.) in France with more than 6,000 grape growers, covering 188,700 acres and delivering more than 400 million bottles of wine per year.

Located in southeastern France along the Rhône River between Lyon and Avignon, the scenic Rhône Valley wine region produces exquisitely crafted wines that show exactly why they’ve been around for as long as they have.

Rhône Valley offers an elite spectrum of red, white, and secondary varieties of wines.  Their reds tend to be more intense, aromatic, and contain high anti-oxidant content.  The whites tend to be lower in acidity than the reds in general, and possess a more light, delicate floral aroma.  Rhône Valley’s secondary wines are everything in between.

Unlike some earthy wines native to Napa Valley, Most of Rhône Valley’s wines concentrate on more intense floral, fruity, and honey aromas.  Their website offers wine pairing, tasting, and serving suggestions that best bring out the unique attribute of each of their wines.

Here are several recommended wines to consider:
· Château de Saint-Cosme, Gigondas, Hominis Fides ($70) is aged for 12 months and offers depth and finesse, as well as power and fruit.

· Château de Saint-Cosme, Gigondas, Valbelle ($50) is a well-known wine of the region that ages beautifully. It has a deep taste and is bottled without filtration.

· Château de Saint-Cosme, Gigondas, Le Poste ($65) is a very limited wine with only 120 cases made each year. Made with pure Grenache, only 30 of these cases are sold in the United States, making this wine experience truly special.

Rhône Valley wines are widely available in the U.S. through sites like www.wine.com or www.thewinebuyer.com.

The prestigious English Wine Society has also published a “How to Buy Rhône” guide for people just trying out and for more avid wine connoisseurs.

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet™ is clearly the innovation leader in high-end outdoor cooking and entertaining equipment. At the recent architectural Digest Home Design Show, Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet introduced an assortment of 12 luxury grills that will change how casual grillers, barbecue enthusiasts and chefs cook outdoors, just in time for the summer.

Known for featuring lavish celebrity homes, exquisite architecture, and unique interior and exterior, Architectural Digest Home Design Show has always remained one of the anticipated events for both spacial design enthusiasts and admirers. One of the unexpected hit items from this year’s Show was created by Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, the innovation leader in high-end outdoor cooking and entertaining equipment.

Kalamzoo introduced an assortment of 12 grills that has captured the attention of casual and grillers and barbecue enthusiasts. Its newly redesigned Hybrid Fire Grills combine the convenience of a gas grill with the heat characteristics of a charcoal grill, plus the flavor of a wood grill or smoker. Backyard barbecuers can use these different fires separately or in combination to grill, smoke, sear, roast, rotisserie and more all on one grill.

The new H-shaped custom-cast, brass Dragon Burners features linear temperature control zones, with each 25,000 BTU burner tailoring the heat to a specific section of the cooking area. Burgers can be cooked at one temperature while vegetables get their appropriate amount of heat; each on their own custom laser-cut cooking surface. Gas cooking temperatures range from 250ºF to over 700ºF, while heat generated from charcoal or wood would extend from 150ºF to 1,200ºF.

The grills also feature a dedicated ignition burner to fire the main burners. This “pilot light” is part of the most reliable ignition system in the market. The special-purpose burner is paired with electronic hot surface ignition and an engineered “flash tube” to ensure quick starts, even in the windiest conditions. The ignition burner can also be used alone for low-temperature smoking and barbecuing.

Sleek and designed with aesthetics worthy of the Architectural Digest, the grills’ exterior is inspired by minimalist architecture. Its minimalist design allows the grills the ability to fit harmoniously into almost any outdoor kitchen design style or patio setting.

The Kalamazoo, Michigan-made Hybrid Fire Grills come in four sizes and 12 models. They range in price from $9,995 to $26,195 and include built-in and free standing options:
– K500: two burners, 506 square inches of primary cooking surface, 50,000 main burner BTUs
– K750: three burners, 726 square inches of primary cooking surface, 75,000 main burner BTUs
– K1000: four burners, 1,012 square inches of primary cooking surface, 100,000 main burner BTUs
– K1500: six burners, 1452 square inches of primary cooking surface, 150,000 main burner BTUs

Glenfiddich

Glenfiddich is the world’s most awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Glenfiddich is celebrating 125 years of pioneering achievement and recently held an exclusive 150 person anniversary gala on Liberty Island in New York. The luxury event was hosted by actor Adrian Grenier.

The highlight of the evening was definitely the auction of the first U.S. bottle of the world’s most valuable single malt – only one of eleven available.

The auction sale of the Glenfiddich bottle of whisky shattered the record for the most expensive bottle of whisky ever sold at auction.

The 55-Year-Old Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve raised $94,000 becoming the most expensive whisky ever purchased at auction.

The event was co-hosted by Glenfiddich Malt Master Brian Kinsman who travelled from Scotland to oversee this auspicious occasion and kick off the brand’s year-long 125^th Anniversary celebration.

Lindsay Prociw, Senior Brand Manager for Glenfiddich was quoted, “We’re so excited to have kicked off our 125^th anniversary year in such an unprecedented and memorable way.”

Glenfiddich auction proceeds went to Grenier’s SHFT Initiatives, a worthy charity that is dedicated to sustainability causes.

Sandeman Rosehip Sangria

As Spring has finally arrived, cold temperature are a thing of the past and flora around the world beginning to bloom.

The weather outside heating up, your cocktail glass should be cooling down with your favorite cocktail.

The world’s leading port and sherry company, is celebrating the end of winter and welcoming warmer days and sunny skies by introducing you to another one of our crowd-pleasing sangrias.

Rosehip Sangria from Sandeman embodies everything the season has to offer: floral notes, fruit flavors and that refreshing quality we look for in all warm-weather cocktails.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re gathering with friends at the beach in California or celebrating a sunny day on a rooftop in New York, make sure you mix up a pitcher Sandeman Rosehip Sangria.

Sandeman Rosehip Sangria
1 bottle of Sandeman Founders Reserve Porto
18 oz rosehip tea
16 oz ginger ale
15 cherries halved
Rose petals (optional)

Directions:
Slice cherries in half and set aside. Brew rosehip tea. Mix Sandeman Founders Reserve Porto, rosehip tea and ginger ale in pitcher. Add cherries and let sit for about 8-12 hours (or overnight). Add rose petals before serving for decoration.

Nebuchadnezzar Masseto 2007

At a recent Sotheby Auction, a rare Nebuchadnezzar (15L bottle) of Masseto wine 2007 was sold for $49,000 US dollars (37,000 Euros).

Sales of Masseto wine bottles at auctions are increasing steadily both in Italy (Pandolfini, Gelardini & Romani, etc.) and abroad (Christie’s and Sotheby’s London, New York, Hong Kong, Acer Merral, etc.).

The rare Nebuchadnezzar is one of only eight ever produced by esteemed Italian winery, Tenuta dell’Ornellaia. Due to its rarity, there was much anticipation for the Sotheby Auction. Many International collectors were ready to bid on this rare bottle of Masseto.

Such a rare bottle of wine, that 2007 Masseto wine was also featured on the cover of Sotheby’s auction catalogue.

Accolades rating for Masseto 2007: 97 points Wine Spectator, 96 points Wine Advocate, 98 points Falstaff e L’Eccellenza of the L’Espresso Guide.

CEO and President of Sotheby’s Wine, Americas and Asia, Jamie Ritchie, was quoted, “Masseto confirmed it’s highly desirable status with bidders from Asia, Europe and the Americas fiercely competing to win this very rare Nebuchadnezzar (15L bottle) of Masseto, which sold to a private Asian buyer for $49,000 after a protracted bidding battle. This was one of only eight Nebuchadnezzars produced, five of which are still at the winery. We were delighted that Giovanni Geddes, CEO of Tenuta dell’Ornellaia was able to be in our New York saleroom to witness the bidding war.”

From Cirque du Soleil to David Copperfield and club TAO to Studio 54, extravagance is the essence of Las Vegas. This May, there is one more event that defines the luxury of Las Vegas. 60 restaurants, 50 chefs, 30 sommeliers, 30 events, and four extraordinary resorts collaborate for one incredible weekend: the sixth annual Vegas Uncork’d! by Bon Appétit magazine. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and Mandalay Bay are putting on an event
worthy of their luxurious brand.

Bon Appétit has remained one of food lovers’ most trusted guides. As the country’s largest epicurean magazine with the most affluent readership, Bon Appétit produces recipes, tips, techniques, world of lush travel, and up-to-the-minute restaurant coverage. Each of their issues is known for featuring up-and-coming as well as renowned tastemakers, chefs, restauranteurs, fashion designers, and celebrities.

Lasting from Thursday, May 10 to Sunday, May 13, Vegas Uncork’d! in Las Vegas is any food lover’s dream. In addition to fan favorites such as Grand Tasting (Sixty restaurants participate in this ultimate outdoor culinary experience at Caesars Palace’s Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis); After-Hours the Remix (Chef Alain Ducasse is joined by chef Hubert Keller and Mandalay Bay executive pastry chef and master chocolatier Vincent Pilon for a late-night party at Mix, the rooftop lounge at Mandalay Bay; and VIP Saber-Off at Caesars Palace, this year, Bon Appétit is boasting a brand new, extended program:

• Master Series Dinner with Michel Richard, Thursday, May 10: Caesars Palace adds a new restaurant to its Master Series dinners—Central, helmed by renowned chef Michel Richard and his James Beard Award–winning staff.
• Follow That Food Truck, Thursday, May 10: The most sought-after food trucks from Las Vegas and surrounding areas join forces for one incredible festival. Join chefs Julian Serrano, Todd English, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and Michael Mina for live music and ice-cold beers on Bellagio’s rooftop.
• Too-Hot Tamales Live Demonstration, Friday, May 11: Hosted by Bon Appétit editor in chief Adam Rapoport, chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger prepare a fourcourse menu with tequila pairings at Mandalay Bay’s Border Grill.
• Paella Lunch with José Andrés, Friday, May 11: One of the restaurant industry’s most captivating personalities, José Andrés lets loose with a live demo on how to make one of Spain’s signature dishes. He’ll prepare it on a wood-fired paella grill—the only one of its kind in the U.S.—at Jaleo in the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
• Gone Fishing with Costas Spiliadis, Saturday, May 12: Join chef Spiliadis at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas as he shares his secrets to selecting the highest-quality fish at the market, secrets on making fish at home, and healthful eating through the Mediterranean diet.

London West Hollywood

This winter, the London West Hollywood challenges retail therapy to a whole new level, with the emphasis on the “therapy” part of retail.  London West Hollywood guests now can enjoy the same exclusive shopping and dining experience as Hollywood’s famed elites.

Right off the legendary Sunset Strip, London West Hollywood exudes class, modernity, and style.  So it’s no surprise that their new Shop the Hills Package includes all of the meticulous details that transcend shopping into a new level of luxury.

The day begins with a complimentary breakfast at The Breakfast Table in renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay’s Boxwood Café.  Then the shopping begins at world’s premier luxury fashion district, Rodeo Drive.  Next, enjoy lunch at the upscale Marisposa restaurant located in Neiman Marcus.  Rated 90 out of 100 by the users of Urbanspoon, Marisposa begins lunch the Neiman Marcus way, with a bowl of broth and a popver with a side of homemade strawberry jam or strawberry butter.

Lined with glamorous boutiques like Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Armani, Dior, Cartier, Alain Mikli, and country singer Taylor Swift’s favorite, Anthropologie; Beverly Hills is filled with shopping opportunities.  With just a cobblestone walkway away, guests can wander off to Two Rodeo Drive and explore Versace, Lanvin, Jimmy Choo, and Tiffany.  Anchoring the south border of the Golden Triangle is Department Store Row with Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys New York.

The day can be completed by retreating to a spacious suite and large soaking tub back at the London West Hollywood, or enjoy the panoramic views of the glitzy Los Angeles skyline and Hollywood hills from the hotel’s exclusive rooftop pool deck.

The all-inclusive Shop the Hills Package at The London West Hollywood starts at $399 per night and includes complimentary overnight parking, luxurious accommodations, complimentary breakfast at Chef Gordon Ramsay’s Boxwood Café, and lunch at Mariposa of Neiman Marcus.  For more information, you can call 866-282-4560.

Pisco Sour

National Pisco Sour Day is on February 4^th. The popularity of Peru’s gastronomic scene continues to soar. It’s been recently reported by several major sources that “Peru-mania” has been cited as one of the biggest foodie trends in 2012.

To celebrate  National Pisco Sour Day, now you can rediscover this delicious spirit.  Many of the most popular bars and restaurants across the U.S. have jumped on board, by offering their guests a traditional Pisco Sour.

Pisco, also known as the “5^th white spirit,” is a type of brandy cultivated from grapes and it’s potent concoction with lime juice, simple syrup, a dash of egg whites, and bitters is truly special to Peruvian heritage.

The history of the spirit dates back to the 16th century, and the pisco sour is nearly 100 years old, first created by the American ex-pat Victor Morris, and then perfected by Mario Bruguet, who made the velvet-like addition of egg whites to the recipe.

Pisco Portón is the first truly premium pisco available in the U.S. and makes for the ultimate Pisco sour. As the white spirit’s category equivalent of single-malt scotch, it combines centuries-old methods with state-of-the-art and eco-friendly technology to create a mosto verde Pisco of unmatched quality.

We wanted to share a popular cocktail recipe for you to enjoy ….

Portón Pisco Sour

1 ½ parts Pisco Portón

½ part fresh lime juice

½ part simple syrup

¼ part egg white

Shake ingredients with ice.  Strain into chilled glass.  Garnish with a dash of bitters.

G.H. Mumm Rosé NV champagne

Looking for that perfect Valentine’s Day gift with an extra sparkle?

The luxurious Champagne G.H. Mumm Rosé NV and Perrier Jouët Blason Rosé NV gift set for a fantastic Valentine’s Day should be tops on your list.

The boutique House of Champagne Perrier-Jouët was founded in 1811 and is world-renowned for the distinctive elegance of its wines—the result of its exceptional Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyards and a remarkable heritage of craftsmanship tended by only seven cellar masters in two centuries.

Consider pairing your Rosé with a home cooked menu for your loved one, to bring out the fresh and fruity, yet bold flavours of G.H. Mumm. Here’s a recommended sample menu for you to try at home:

– Entrée Salad of scallops and prawns in a grape and ginger dressing
– Main Roast duck in red berry sauce
– Dessert Lemon tart with raspberry coulis

For romantic lovers, consider the true meaning of Valentine’s Day with love by giving a Perrier Jouët Blason Rosé NV Gift Set. This luxury gift comes from the collective hearts of Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and his wife Adele Jouët.

Perrier-Jouët’s Blason Rosé NV is filled with floral nuances of rose petals, brioche and delicate flavours.

By sharing this wonderful gift set, your lover will also receive bespoke champagne flutes that bear the iconic Perrier-Jouët anemone floral motif.

The National Brewery Centre recently opened in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire – in the heart of England.

The National Brewery Centre is a world-class interactive museum and visitor center that showcases England’s proud brewing heritage and its strong influence on brewing techniques throughout the world.

The new brewery museum offers hundreds of exhibits and rare artifacts, in addition to a variety of multi-media presentations, the opportunity to see brewing first hand, and of course sample some beers.

To celebrate the opening, the official tourism body for England – VisitEngland, is honoring one of the country’s most important national treasures, the English Pub, by highlighting some of the most noteworthy.

The pub list includes those well known to be haunted, the smallest and oldest pub, as well as Michelin star properties, where the food is as much an attraction as the ale.

Pandora Inn near Truro, Cornwall is one of England’s most remote pubs. Being remote is one of the main allures Pandora Inn. Many patrons will arrive by boat, either by their own, or will take the Aquacab water-taxi ride from nearby Falmouth. Parts of the Inn date back to the 13th Century. The historic building still retains many of its original features including its flagstone floors, low-beamed ceilings and thatched roof. Pandora Inn features an extensive wine list and traditional real ales from St Austell Brewery.

Located in South East England, The Mermaid Inn in Rye, Sussex, is one of the country’s oldest and most enchanting inns. With Norman cellars dating from 1156, the Mermaid, rebuilt in 1420, offers tradition and charm in abundance. For many years the Mermaid has been frequented by artists from the stage and screen including Charlie Chaplin, Pierce Brosnan, Andy Garcia and Johnny Depp, along with Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and Prince Edward, who have also visited. Additionally, painters from around the world have spent many hours capturing the rare character of the beautiful inn, which offers a wide range of accommodation including rooms with four-poster beds and fascinating secret passages. The lounge bar boasts one of the largest open log fires in England, while the restaurant offers tempting British and French cuisine using only the freshest of local ingredients.

Famed for being England’s smallest pub, The Nutshell in historic Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, in the East of England, proudly holds the title of smallest pub in Britain as confirmed in the Guinness Book of Records. The quaint and cozy 17th century pub, comprising a bar that measures just 15ft by 7ft, has been serving customers jostling for a place at the bar since it first started serving beer in 1867. The Nutshell is now a major tourist attraction for local and international visitors, who visit as much for the interesting historical items, photos and memorabilia on display, as they do for some of the regions finest ales.

Claiming to be England’s Oldest inn, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham is also quite possibly one of the country’s most unique pubs, carved into rock and connected with the labyrinth of sandstone caves at the foot of Nottingham Castle. Several of the rambling rooms are burrowed into the sandstone rock below the castle, yet the Trip to Jerusalem is fully operational, serving a seasonal menu along with fine real ale and on occasion plays host to beer festivals and special events complimented with a range of guest ales from microbreweries throughout Britain. According to legend, Robin Hood is said to have shared his adventures at the pub over a pint of beer.

Situated next to the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, The Dirty Duck is world famous in Theater circles. A 15th Century building full of history, the very traditional pub is open plan with a separate restaurant, offering food from an extensive menu or Specials Board to be eaten anywhere in the pub. Well-known for its lively atmosphere, as well as its food and beverage offerings, there are often famous faces and ‘after show’ parties held for celebrities. A member of the Kennel Club of Great Britain, The Dirty Duck also welcomes dogs into its long bar.

Often referred to as a model for the perfect English Country Pub, The Star at Harome is a Michelin-Star restaurant and pub in North Yorkshire. Offering exceptional locally sourced food, a relaxed yet efficient approach to service, a place to stay and even somewhere for visitors to shop, The Star Inn offer guests a comforting, homely experience in one of England’s most beautiful rural settings. Despite being recognized as a Michelin-rated gastronomic oasis, The Star Inn retains all its village friendliness, along with its ancient timbers steeped in 600 years of hospitality.

Built to serve herring fishermen in the area, The Olde Ship at Seahouses on the Northumbria coast in the North East of England, features a nautical theme and boasts a rich collection of antique maritime artifacts. An ideal place to stay before or after booking a trip from the harbor to the Farne Islands, home to plentiful birdlife, The Olde Ship is a fully residential property. A highlight in the winter, the main saloon bar, has tremendous character and is lit by stained glass windows and the welcoming glow of an open fire. Perfect for alfresco drinking and dining during the warmer months, overlooking the harbor is a newly developed beer garden with unrivalled views of the surrounding boats and the Farne Islands.

The Philharmonic pub in Liverpool is a dazzling Art Nouveau pub where the Men’s lavatory is so magnificent that women are invited in to view its ornate, marble urinals and toilets, as part of a guided tour. The architectural gem, opened in 1898, was designed by Walter Thomas and stands opposite the Philharmonic Hall. Known by locals as ‘The Phil’, the Grade I listed building features an imposing exterior and highly decorative interior. The Philharmonic has dark wood-paneled walls, musical scenes depicted in copper and Art Deco lights that shine onto the mosaic covered floor and bar. The central, horseshoe-shaped bar is awash with intricate stained glass and is notable for its bunches of glass grapes and huge, golden eagle watching over drinkers. The least elaborate bar at the front of the pub contains a TV and glazed lamps in the windows, each resembling the Statue of Liberty’s torch.

Believed by many to be haunted, the Grenadier in London’s Mayfair, is an atmospheric old pub filled with character and military history. On one of the walls of the tiny pub, which has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the most haunted pubs in London, yellowed newspapers tell of the pubs haunted history, and a small crucifix hangs on a wall of the cellar to ward off harmful spirits. Unassumingly situated in a tucked away mews, the Grenadier has a decidedly country village air about it and despite its haunted reputation, it is one of London’s most enchanting pubs.

For more information about visiting England, please visit www.VisitEngland.com<http://www.visitengland.com/>.