Heady menu, turnout for famous restaurateur

Sunday, July 11, 1999 | 6:17 a.m.

Such was the case Saturday night when friends of Wolfgang Puck turned out to celebrate his 50th birthday.

Among the 300 guests on hand were former astronaut Buzz Aldrin, actors Ed Begley Jr., Tony Curtis and Steven Bocho, television personalities Gary Collins, Mary Ann Mobley, Pat O'Brien and Vanna White, and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.

The gala event, held at the new Bellagio hotel-casino, featured food prepared by the top restaurants at the $1.6 billion resort, including Olives, Le Cirque, Shintaro and Sam's.

Culinary choices included Inari sushi, lobster tacos, Moroccan ground lamb and Ratatouille Ravioli.

The party was thrown by Mirage Resorts Inc. Chairman Steve Wynn and his wife, Elaine, a Mirage director.

Puck has opened restaurants in Las Vegas, a move that has prompted some of the top chefs in America to set up shop in the gambling capital.

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