With the stock market bouncing around like a Mexican jumping bean, the controlled risks of old-fashioned gambling start to look like a swell thing. And if you've been looking for a reason to go to Vegas, might we suggest James Beard? The famous gastronome's foundation is hosting its annual "Taste America" event in Las Vegas this weekend and tickets are still available. So instead of staying home and working on your Halloween costume, why not take a trip to Sin City and indulge in signature dinners at restaurants like Fiamma and Restaurant Charlie, rub shoulders with toques like Traci Des Jardins (San Francisco's Jardinière), Fabio Trabocchi (New York's Fiamma), R.J. Cooper III (DC's Vidalia) and Charlie Trotter at the Saturday night gala dinner, or listen in on panel discussions with the likes of GQ's Alan Richman and Vogue's Jeffrey Steingarten? And if that isn't enough, don't worry there is more (October 24–25; prices vary, to purchase tickets click here).