Haute in the Desert; Las Vegas Odyssey 2002 Tickets Now on Sale

LAS VEGAS, Aug. 20 -- Presented by Audi, the third annual Las Vegas Odyssey returns to the Neon Oasis November 14-17, 2002. A celebration of the food and wine lifestyle through art, education and inspiration, Las Vegas Odyssey is a series of wine tastings, dinners, and cooking demonstrations that go beyond the traditional. Tickets for the four-day event are on sale now and space is limited.

Co-organizers Mark V. Martino and Virginia Thompson-Martino see their creation as "the ultimate aesthetic lifestyle experience."

Touching their inner hedonist, if you will, the co-creators have stage- crafted a wonderful confluence of haute culture, wine and cuisine. Odyssey, they're proud to say, is evident of Las Vegas' entering an age of enlightenment.

Hosted at select ballrooms and restaurants across the city, the four-day long celebration of food, fine wine and art will commence Thursday afternoon. Master Sommelier Kevin Vogt and Odyssey's own Executive Director Amy Reiley will dare to pair Wine and The Art of the Motorcycle with the first ever tasting of fine wines inside the Las Vegas Guggenheim.

Later that evening, the finest fruits of the season take center stage. A Taste of Autumn will transform Parian at The JW Marriott Las Vegas into a fall festivitee. Award winning Chef Arnauld Briand will create a multiple course gourmet dinner. Emphasizing decor, music and art, the evening will be punctuated by Odyssey's resident artist, Yuroz. The entire room becomes his canvass, from wall installations to the individually painted signature pomegranate centerpieces.

Friday's events truly celebrate the good life. Novices and connoisseurs alike can savor a myriad of gastronomical experiences, including: How To Cook A Steak, demonstration and luncheon with executive chef Christian Czerwonka and Master Sommelier Kevin Vogt at Emeril Lagasse's Delmonico Steakhouse, located at The Venetian Resort & Casino; Nine Restaurant at The Palms Resort explores The Indulgent Life with the opulent coupling of caviar and vodka; and All About Oils is at Verandah Cafe at The Four Seasons.

Later that evening French Fantasy at Lutece at The Venetian Resort & Casino will pay homage to the capital of gastronomy with an unforgettable event of French cuisine, couture and music. After a champagne reception, hosted by France's legendary Lanson, an exquisite four-course dinner will be paired with the wines of Baron Philippe de Rothschild.

On Saturday the 16th, Valentino's Luciano Pellegrini will demonstrate and serve a no fuss Tuscan farmhouse-style meal at A Taste of Tuscany. Napoleon's Champagne Bar at Paris, Las Vegas will host Sparkling Wine and Chocolates, a hands-on class where participants learn the art of making and decorating decadent chocolate truffles. A champagne and sparkling wine tasting will complement a discussion on the optimal pairing of the two.

As the sun sets, the adventure continues with an incomparable wine tasting of American Rarities. Hosted by Dave Reynolds, a live auction with of luxury lifestyle items and collector edition wines will benefit the Las Vegas Affiliate of The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. A five-course masterpiece dinner featuring 10 of Las Vegas' award-winning chefs follows. This evening's recipe is heavy with unusual American ingredients and flows with America's most unforgettable wines. Music and dancing will bring the party to a close.

Sunday the 17th sees the return of the ever-popular gourmet Blues Brunch at the exclusive, members' only House of Blues Foundation Room, Mandalay Bay. At the helm is chef Russell Grabe. The fun continues at the House of Blues with Sips & Celebration, Odyssey's Grand Tasting and final farewell. Participants get to enjoy a casual tasting with sponsoring winemakers and the artists who added the multi-hued broad strokes to the Las Vegas Odyssey 2002 idyll.

Events subject to change including chefs, vintners, and restaurants. Seating is limited. Tickets are on sale now and space is limited. Individual event prices range from $75-$300 for individual events. Participants can also purchase packages that combine four, seven, and nine events. The Vintner's Package includes four events for $325. The Culinary Package includes seven events for $995. The Odyssey Package includes nine events for $1,255. For more information or to purchase tickets or event packages, please call 877-370-9182 or 702-257-2345. A full schedule of events and ticket reservations are also available online at www.lasvegasodyssey.com .

For further information, please contact Tammy Lyn Phillips of Coppertop Communications, +1-323-571-0356, Talk2Coppertop@aol.com, for Las Vegas Odyssey.