Tuesday, April 30, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.
IT WAS JUST five years ago that the Food and Beverage Directors Association of Nevada was formed. In that short time, its mission to support the causes of students -- young and old -- who live in our community and are committed to pursuing a career in the food and beverage industry has been advanced with scholarships and intern programs.
The principal source of the scholarship funds comes from the dinner held each year. Traditionally, it takes place at the hotel where the organization's chairman is the food and beverage director.
It is also a time for honoring a person who personifies the goals and standards set by FBDAN. The recipient of the treasured Autrui Award this year, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Boyd Gaming Corp. Bill Boyd, is known for his many contributions to education and civic and charitable organizations. Boyd Gaming Corp. and the Boyd Foundation have been generous donors also, to the hospitality industry. The dining room at UNLV is named for the Boyd Family and is just one of many contributions to UNLV.
This year's gala "An Evening in the Park," took place at Sam's Town with Food and Beverage Director Rudy McMillan as the host.
The festivities began with photographs in the gazebo in the park and a cocktail reception poolside that included music by the Rupert Henry Steel Band.
Dinner took place in the banquet room on the second level of the hotel. For the special occasion, the catering and culinary staffs had outdone themselves. The stage where Jerry Blake and his Big Band held forth was aglow with the reflection from a gold lame curtain. Gold lame ribbons and bows accented the white silk chair covers. Gold lame runners over crimson toppers and white cloths covered the tables. Yellow, gold and white spring flowers composed the centerpieces. The effect was glamorous and elegant.
Bread baskets made from thinly rolled dough were topped with high domes of lattice bread strips and "ribbons" encrusted with poppy seeds.
Food presentation was appealing. Included on the menu were crab-meat agnolotti with champagne caviar sauce; five-onion soup served in a colossal, scooped-out sweet onion; a sorbet of passion fruit, grapefruit and tequila; a succulent veal loin chop with roasted spring vegetables in an artichoke cup; a salad of field greens with fried rounds of goat cheese; and Boyd's Fantasia, an eye-catching plate of delectable desserts. Kona coffee, petit fours and Hennessy XO completed the sumptuous repast. Credit for the decor of the room and the epicurean meal goes to McMillan, Director of Catering Elizabeth Shea and Executive Chef Walter Worotylko and his chefs.
Featured speaker Gov. Bob Miller spoke about the challenges facing the gaming industry today across the country. Discussing issues before giving an award is not, he said, what he usually does, but the standards and integrity of Bill Boyd and his company "are the best offense against those who would regulate the industry." Also, Miller said, Boyd's generosity of spirit in his donations makes him one of the most outstanding citizens of our state.
After accepting the Autrui Award, a handsome Baccarat crystal obelisk, Boyd called the food and beverage industry members are the unsung heroes of Las Vegas and are responsible for much of the city's success. The Boyd Gaming properties alone, serve more than 20 million meals each year.
Boyd's father, Sam, was a true gentleman of the Old West. He came to Las Vegas in 1941 as a dealer. After practicing law for more than 15 years, Bill Boyd joined with his father to form the Boyd Gaming Corp. Their first property, the California hotel-casino downtown, opened in 1975 and remains a favorite with visitors and locals alike.
Guest speaker Bill Bayno, UNLV's head basketball coach, is a personable, enthusiastic young man who has great hopes for the future of the rebels. He shared his philosophy and dreams.
A bit of unexpected excitement was added when FBDAN celebrated its fifth anniversary by surprising the first five chairmen with plaques: Rino Armeni, Nat Hart (posthumously -- the award was given to his wife, Sylvia), Bill Hiers, Lloyd Wentzel and Craig Frigaard.
Among those enjoying the dinner and speakers were Judy Vieths, Sam and Marianne Boyd Johnson, Sam and Donella Boyd, Willie and Myong Boyd, Ralph Purnell, Jo and John Buchannan, Sandy Miller, Teresa and Gary Collison, Debbie and Bruce Fraser, Dema and Kenny Guinn, Gigi and Ron Harbison, Debbie and Jim Hippler, Debbie and John Miner, Theresa and Bob Neuman, Donna and Chuck Ruthe, Chuck Huff, Gina Polovina, Mary and Tom Twesme, David Aiello, Blake Cumbers, Kathy Vogel and Gil Peart, Larry Ruvo and Tom Kaplan.
Also contributing their talents to the success of the evening were KVBC Channel 3 morning news anchor Sue Manteris, who was a charming emcee, and comedian Joan Fagan, who supplied a bit of humor with the first course.
The dinner was quite a coup for the culinary staff, who managed to have the foods arrive hot and looking beautiful -- this in spite of not having a kitchen on the banquet room floor. Each course had to be brought from the first level.
As a parting remembrance, each guest was given a bag filled with spirits and other gifts. Seen toting the goodie bags home were Denise and Gustav Mauler, Sandy and Mark Tratos, Vera and Clyde Turner, Marcie Wentzel, Marie Claire Armeni, Adrian Millward, Kathryn and Steve Smith, Ronda and Terry Shonkweiler, Jack Bulavsky, Carol and Brent Buma, and Marilyn Polovina.
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