Columnist: What you believe is real IS real at Magical Empire

Tuesday, June 18, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

CREDIS QUOD habes et habes -- "What you believe is real is real." That credo sets the stage for what happens at the captivating new entertainment and dining complex at Caesars Palace, the Magical Empire. It is in every way appealing. There is wonder, excitement, humor and good food, all done with Caesars' elegant style and wit.

It was an ideal venue for Friday night's fund-raiser to benefit UMC's Children's Miracle Network and the Clark County Law Foundation, a children's advocacy group. Event co-chairs Nancy Alif and Robert Touma couldn't have had an easy time coordinating this event. Guests had a choice of two dinner times, 5:45 or 7 p.m. The evening began with a silent auction that ended prior to the arrival of the second group. Guests arriving for the later seating had their own silent auction.

Our tickets included the name of our dining chamber, Jupiter; there are ten, all named for Roman gods. It also included our seating -- bronze, silver or gold. Caesars centurions, gorgeous hunks all, guided us from the convention area to the Magical Empire. Along the way our centurion engaged in a bit of wonderful tomfoolery with a toddler in a stroller who was dressed in centurion garb, complete with hat and sword. The child was ecstatic as he thrust his mini-sword at the hulking centurion, who pretended to be bested by the wee warrior.

Prepare to enter the fantasy world of the Empire when you arrive at the Celestial Court (just past the Olympiad Race Book), the first step into the Empire. After a bit of whimsy from the flowing chiffon-clad maiden awaiting us, the Celestial Clock told us when we could enter.

We were put to the test in the awesome Chamber of Destiny, answering correctly the question that would allow us to be dropped into the center of the Empire, an amazing mix of fantasy and frivolity. A waiting centurion misled, then led us to our dining chamber, a grand, enticing room. Each of the ten chambers seats 24. Our personal wizard, Octavius (Lloyd Zie), was a most handsome fellow full of good humor and joy. With servers Minimus and Maximus as his willing jesters, Octavius performed feats of magic, interacted with guests and even sang some witty ditties.

Our dinner: A beautifully arranged salad, herbed bread, a choice of chicken, veal, salmon or vegetarian plate, and a delicious flourless chocolate cake with fresh berries was most enjoyable.

Now, replete with our satisfying meal, we were ready to go where destiny and the centurion would lead us. Fearlessly, into the mist of the catacombs leading to the Sanctum Secorum, the spectacular seven-story hub of the Empire, we went -- arriving just in time for the Lumineria show: a brief but splendid display of smoke, fire and lighting effects that included a passionate performance from the chief vizier himself, Ceronomus.

There was time before going to the theaters for a drink in the Grotto Bar and a visit with the two skeletons who hang on the wall and provide a running line of funny patter. Make no bones about it -- this is one cute pair.

There are two theaters: the intimate Secret Pagoda, featuring close-up magic, and the larger Sultan's Palace, offering staged illusions. Each has a roster of well-known sleight-of-hand experts and illusionists. We were charmed by the corny humor and skilled card tricks of Johnny "Ace" Palmer in the Pagoda, and by the charm and humor of opening act Christopher Hart and the sophistication and style of Jonathan Neal & Liane, who appeared in the Sultan's Palace.

Among those exploring the Magical Empire at the pre-opening fund-raiser were Irwin Kishner and Marci Carni, Dennis and Joan Stein, County Commissioner Myrna Williams, Dennis Silvers and Paula Gentile, Thalia Dondero, Phil Peckman and Kami Bush, Mary Dean Martin and Charlie Silvestri, Claudine Williams, Kitty Rodman, Diane and Bruce Jett, Leona Gennis, Diane and Jerry Snyder, Lotte and Jerry Polis, Nancy and Jack Weinstein, Martha and Judge Michael Douglas, Shelley Berkley, Judge Bill Maupin, Jim Marsh, Assemblywoman Sandy Tiffany, Ed Crispell, Charlene and Frank Scott and many more who disappeared into the nooks and corners of the marvelous Magical Empire.

Curbside coffee

New at Cook's Shop Pizzeria at Russell and Pecos is early morning coffee service from 6-9 a.m.

Owner Kevin Jones and Michelle Marglin (formerly of Java Centrale in Green Valley) have come up with some innovative ideas for early birds.

High-quality Illy espresso served at the finest restaurants as well as other fine coffee products are available. Featured are lattes and cappuccino, two percent milk, real whipped cream and nondairy soy milk (for a small additional charge). So far, Cook's Shop is the only one to offer the creamy soy milk as an option. Coffee drinks are also available iced and blended on a Vita Mix for a cooling summer drink.

A good selection of herb and regular teas and croissants, bran muffins and selected breakfast buns will be offered as well as the New York Times, LA Times and Wall Street Journal.

Service will be both in-store and curbside. If you want an eye-opening jolt of java or anything else, just drive up and order from the curbside server.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's in Henderson, on Green Valley Parkway, will host a Customer Appreciation Day, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday.

The trendy, well-priced speciality and health foods emporium is celebrating its first year in Las Vegas with grocery giveaways, food tastings, live music, a visit from Arciero Vineyards Winemaker Steve Feltman and much more. Some lucky person could win a case of Double Rainbow ice cream by guessing the number of stars in a jar.

The real stars are the numbers of upscale bargains Trader Joe's offers every day of the year.