Wednesday, April 29, 1998 | 10:35 a.m.
THE ULTIMATE Cigar Reception was hosted by Main Street Station hotel-casino and brewery with The Stogie Shop during the recent three-day International Cigar Exposition. Local guests and convention delegates alike enjoyed a rich evening of fine foods, premium beverages and distinguished cigars.
George Voskericyan of Boss Cigars was present to explain how his company sells only hand-rolled cigars made in the Dominican Republic and distributed exclusively from Las Vegas. Lone Wolk Cigars, recognized for both their taste and affiliation with Chuck Norris and Jim Belushi, was represented by corporate president Michael Daugherty, who spoke about the creation of Lone Wolf Torpedoes.
Also provided to each guest were five Vegas Double Coronas, a select item for cigar smokers in the know. Clients -- Gene Browder, John Pearce, Charlie Rose and Norm Craft Jr. among them -- were welcomed by David Sanchilli, owner of The Stogie Shop, who displayed a wide array of cigars and accessories.
The smoker evening, held in the splendid Pullman Grille at Main Street Station, was an opportunity for many to enjoy this handsome Victorian dining room, with its marble-topped walnut bar and detailed furnishings, which nicely complement the gourmet menu served Thursday through Monday evenings.
Executive Chef Richard Silva, formerly of Emeril's at the MGM Grand, assisted with the preparation of the hearty repast served to the attending crowd. Barbecued shrimp, carved New York strip sirloin, Maryland crab cakes, sushi and an iced mountain of oysters on the half-shell were just a few of the temptations.
The Louisa May Alcott rail car (circa 1870s) was brought to Main Street Station at its inception and is an integral part of this gourmet room, serving as its elegant smoking and martini parlor. John Carlson, Main Street Station's director of food and beverage, explained that the fully-restored rail car is a drawing point for the resort and has been used for small weddings and intimate parties. The monthly smokers in the Pullman Grille always find a crowd enjoying its plush comforts.
Partaking of both the martini bar and selection of Main Street Station's micro-brews were guests including Merle McCracken, Anthony and Laura Chance, James Alexander, Valerie Sanchilli, Simon and Jordan Valenzuela and Edward Greco, as well as Stephen Green of Cigars of Las Vegas, Joseph Hilton and Maui tobacco plantation owner Mike McCormick. Assisting with the smoker party were Charlotte Olivier and Dave Brendmoen and other Main Street Station staffers.
On the receiving end
In town briefly last week to announce his upcoming "Living Legends of Sport" event was the legendary Deacon Jones. The man responsible for terrorizing NFL quarterbacks for 14 seasons, Jones will offer himself up on the roasting platter to benefit the Deacon Jones Foundation on May 9 at the Orleans hotel-casino. Master of ceremonies will be Roy Firestone, and Jones will feel the heat from comments by fellow members of the Fearful Foursome -- Merlin Olsen, Rosey Grier and Lamar Lunday. Joining in the merriment will be Bubba Smith, Lem Barney, Gale Sayers, John Mackey, Art Donovan and others. The roast will follow the world's largest memorabilia auction and a private cocktail party.
Jones, who invented the "headslap" maneuver which was later banned in the NFL, has devoted much of his post-NFL life to helping children overcome obstacles in the inner city and to become part of corporate America. During his recent Las Vegas visit, he explained that the goal of the Deacon Jones Foundation is to develop leaders and break the cycle of inner city strife.
Students are accepted into the seven-year program at the end of their high school freshman year. Through mentoring, strong assistance and high expectations, they learn to be both academic- and community service-oriented through their involvement. Each volunteers and, when old enough, works in a business setting during the summer. Upon high school graduation, students receive a scholarship to any four-year college in the nation and are later helped with employment or in starting a business in the inner city.
The "Living Legends of Sports" on will open on May 9 with a display of rarely seen auction items, including signed items from Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth, as well as treasures from the careers of Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, Muhammad Ali and other sports superstars. Also, 10 guitars used by the Rolling Stones are among the contributions made by the music entertainment world. Tickets for the 11 a.m.-5 p.m. auction viewing are $5 and will be sold at the door. Reservations are required for the VIP cocktail party and photo opportunity, as well as the banquet and roast. Call 873-1185 for details.
'Wish' upon a fallen casino
Out of the smoke and dust, the Aladdin will rise anew and grace the Las Vegas Strip in a spectacular fashion. The transformation led off with an Implosion Gala to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada. Richard Goeglien, president and CEO of Aladdin Gaming, extended invitations to "Help Make Wishes Come True," a tented gathering at the implosion site. All of the $250-per-person ticket sales and charity auction proceeds were directly contributed to the local Make-A-Wish Foundation, with Aladdin Gaming generously providing the party and merriment for the evening.
Guests -- Janice Tanno, Dr. Charles Vinnik, Commissioner Myrna Williams, Tony Cordasco, Dr. Monte Greenawalt and County Recorder Judy Vandever among them -- were welcomed to the restricted area by Aladdin hosts wearing turbans. Inside the enormous tent, broad streamers of colored silk fluttered with the cooling system above chefs and staffers who offered bountiful servings of pork tenderloin, shrimp, pasta dishes, French pastries and other delectables.
Attendees Joe Pappas with Gretchen Brahier, Dave Burns, Jeff Scheid, Roger Peltyn, Angela Penotozzi and Mark Long were among dozens who relaxed with friends while contributing to the wishes of local children. Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children ages of 2 1/2 to 18, who have been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses.
Scores of volunteers, attired in purple polo shirts, escorted guests to their tables, where each found embroidered Aladdin bags containing dust gear -- a hooded, full-body poncho, dust mask and protective goggles for carefree viewing of the implosion.
Sprinkled throughout the crowd were local notables including Jack and Laura Sommer with their children, Adam, Drew and Rachel, and Jack's mom, Rachel. Nearby, Allen Goodenough, of London Clubs International, a partner in Aladdin Gaming, relaxed with associates. Also seen were Frank and Bonnie Schreck, Mayor Jan Laverty Jones and Las Vegas City Councilmen Arnie Adamsen, Michael McDonald and Larry Brown. Also supporting the charitable occasion was Commissioner Mary Kincaid as well as Judy Klein, Bill Martin, Phil Keb, Bob Zimmerman and L.T. Jones.
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