FLAMINGO HOSTS 18th ANNUAL EPICUREAN AFFAIR POOLSIDE, MAY 1 Nevada’s Top Bars, Restaurants, and  Nightclubs Converge for Culinary Showcase   LAS VEGAS – Las Vegas is home to some of the world’s most celebrated bars, restaurants, and nightclubs and on May 1, the best of the best convene poolside at Flamingo Las Vegas for the 18th Annual Epicurean Affair. Sponsored by Flamingo Las Vegas, Nevada Hotel & Lodging Association (NHLA) and Nevada Restaurant Association (NvRA), the Epicurean Affair takes guests on a culinary journey that tantalizes the senses. Guests may indulge in succulent cocktails and savory cuisine from more than 100 of Nevada’s elite bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.  Hosted at the Flamingo’s 15-acre pool oasis, guests will enjoy the sights and sounds of the lush, tropical surroundings while enjoying a sampling of their favorite foods. This year’s event brings an edgier, nightlife concept, adding a unique layer to previous events. With nightclub powerhouses such as Tao, Body English, and Cat House represented, guests can expect aerialists, acrobats, go–go dancers, and the city’s most talented DJ’s spinning music all night long. “The Flamingo has made a number of additions in the past year, introducing sexier elements to enhance the overall resort experience,” said Don Marrandino, president of Flamingo Las Vegas. “We’re hoping to extend that concept to this year’s Epicurean Affair and truly make it an affair to remember.” This year’s Epicurean Affair features top restaurants, Restaurant Guy Savoy, Bradley Ogden and Payard Patisserie & Bistro from Caesars Palace, Fluer de Lys, Red Square and Border Grill from Mandalay Bay, Sea Blue, Diego’s and Fiamma Trattoria & Bar from MGM and many others.  For a full list of participating restaurants, visit  www.nvrestaurants.com or www.nvhotels.com. “The Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association is a proud sponsor of the party of the year,” said Van Heffner, president of NHLA. “Guests can anticipate a complete culinary experience with a showcase of gourmet foods from award-winning restaurants, vintage varietals from some of the finest wineries in the world and exotic drinks paired with entertainment from world-class nightclubs.” "Over the last decade, Las Vegas has earned the reputation of a world-class dining destination; our bars, restaurants, and nightclubs are really something to be proud of," said Paul Hartgen, president and CEO of the NvRA. "We are honored to once again team up with the Nevada Hotel & Lodging Association and the Flamingo to bring about the Epicurean Affair and to have the opportunity to showcase the best of the best." This year, the Epicurean Affair offers a VIP ticket, guaranteeing entry one hour prior to general admission. VIP tickets are $175 per person and are available in advance and at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for guests holding VIP tickets and 7:30 p.m. for general admission. Proceeds from the Epicurean Affair benefit the educational programs of both associations and the Nevada Hospitality Foundation. General admission tickets are available for $125 per person or $1,000 for a package of 10 in advance and $150 per person within 48 hours of the event. To purchase tickets, call the Flamingo Las Vegas box office at 702-733-3333,  visit www.flamingolasvegas.com or www.vegas.com.  All guests must be 21 and older.