Columnist Muriel Stevens: Elegant fashion show, luncheon at Bellagio benefit Meadows School

Friday, April 30, 1999 | 10:07 a.m.

It may take a village to raise children, but to raise money to help kids takes outstanding commitment from a tireless committee.

The Meadows School Fashion Show and Luncheon, which took place this week at Jasmine at the Bellagio, was a fine example.

The event, chaired by Camille Ruvo and Sheryl Goldstein, was a sellout.

A champagne reception (Domaine Chandon Brut) in Jasmine's foyer was followed by a delightful lunch and an informal show of Armani fashions.

Slices of peeled yellow and red heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella surrounded a salad of watercress and baby arugula. The drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and the large-grained salt of Brittany, sel gris, added just the right touch.

A pan-roasted, truffled breast of chicken on truffle mashed potatoes was the best kind of comfort food. With the chicken, a crisp Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc.

After the two courses, the Armani-clad models wended their way through the dining room showing spring and summer fashions.

Then, like the Pied Piper, they led the way to the Armani shop at Bellagio where a collection of fashions were on display, and an array of delectable bite-size pastries and cookies were served along with a variety of international coffees and the delicious Moet et Chandon Nectar Imperial.

Between bites and sips, the elegant group had an opportunity to contribute more to the Meadows School. Everyone at the lunch received a card from Armani to present when making a purchase. Fifteen percent of the purchase price benefitted the school.

Judging from the activity in the shop, both the school and the shop had a banner day.

From the day it opened, the private Meadows has been offering scholarships to exceptional children who need financial assistance. It takes about $600,000 each year to keep these scholars in school, said Meadows Founder Carolyn Goodman. This is in addition to funds needed for the school's ongoing expansion projects. Thanks to a generous benefactor, a kindergarten facility will soon be built.

Luncheons and fashion shows can raise large sums of money for worthy causes, so the number that take place here each year continues to grow. Yet, the tireless committees continue to come up with ideas that keep their pet projects afloat and keep their supporters coming back for more.

Here's to the ladies who plan these events -- they're wonderful.

Maibock at BierschYou know it's spring when the Maibock beer arrives at Gordon Biersch, in the Hughes Center on Paradise near Flamingo.

Company founders Dan Gordon and Dean Biersch describe the brew as a full-bodied beer that goes well with barbecue. There was no barbecue in Germany where I first tasted Maibock (it appeared in Berlin in May), but it was pretty good with schnitzel (veal cutlet) and roasted potatoes.

To go with the Maibock, a specially despecial menu will be in place until May 16.

Featured are appetizers ($5.95-$9.95) -- tuna carpaccio with sesame-asparagus vinaigrette, Japanese pork tonkatsu and a zesty beef soup with coconut milk and noodles and a cucumber-cashew salad.

For entrees ($9.95-$$17.95) -- vegetable or shrimp ShangHai noodles, tamari-glazed sea bass or a marinated filet mignon with black bean sauce served with steamed jasmine rice.

For dessert try the sweet coconut rice with fresh mango slices.

Short ordersLe Bistro: Now open for breakfast and lunch is Le Bistro, 6135 W. Sahara Ave. at Jones Boulevard. Owners Zizi and Jacques Coullet have put together an interesting menu of French and South American specialties -- Strogonoff, beef Burgundy, coq du vin, a veal roast and more.

Upon request they will make feijoada (a Brazilian dish) and even do the skiers delight -- raclette. This almost-fondue is recommended for parties of at least eight diners. Breakfast specialties, hot and cold sandwiches -- including the seldom-seen grilled croque monsieur -- salads, and desserts and beverages are offered.

For additional information call 365-9900.

Fellini at Stratosphere: The popular Fellini's Italian restaurant, on West Charleston, will open Fellini's Tower of Pasta at the Stratosphere. The restaurant will open for dinner May 10. By the end of May, a special buffet lunch will be added.

Featured at dinner will be classic and contemporary plate-size pizzas priced from $6.95; a host of pastas from $7.95; and a selection of meat, fish and poultry dishes. Dinner hours are 4-11 p.m.

Featured at lunch is a Tavola Calda (hot table) antipasto selection that includes a large number of hot and cold Italian dishes for $8.95. Fellini chef Chaz LaForte says the selection will be impressive and the quality top notch.