Columnist Muriel Stevens: Venetian restaurants combine for educational event

Friday, Dec. 8, 2000 | 10:20 a.m.

Muriel Stevens' dining column appears Fridays. Her shopping column appears Wednesdays. Reach her at 259-4080 or muriel@lasvegassun.com.

Good things come to those who patiently wait. At long last Las Vegans and visitors will have an opportunity to participate in "a series of educational and entertaining epicurean experiences," thanks to the newly formed Venetian Culinary Institute.

Chefs from the resort's fine mix of restaurants will make up the Institute. Lutece, Canoletto, Joachim Spichal's Pinot Brasserie, Wolfgang Puck's Postrio, Kevin Wu's Royal Star, Piero Selvaggio's Valentino, Star Canyon, WB Stage 16 and Zefferino will whisk and stir up a batch of good cooking.

Programs are already set for July and December 2001. The series is open to the public.

The Venetian Culinary Institute debuts today with a private event in conjunction with the Luxury Travel Expo 2000. Cooking demonstrations by Spichal and Valentino's Chef Luciano Pellegrini will be presented at the Showroom at the Venetian to more than 1,200 Travel Expo attendees. A tasting event involving the resort's participating restaurants will follow.

This is an exciting time for foodies. The Venetian Culinary Institute will offer three- and four-day packages that include two cooking demos, two wine tastings and suite accommodations. No word yet on the local packages.

Following the demonstrations guests will be able to join the chefs in an "interactive lunch." Viking Range Corp. (makers of ranges for professional and home cooks) is providing the onstage kitchen where the demonstrations will take place.

Gingerbread "real estate": Now through the New Year the Four Seasons is hawking Pastry Chef Jean Luc Daul's Holiday Village, a wonderland featuring 20 gingerbread properties for sale. With his talented team of pastry chefs Daul has created a marvelous holiday vision. The highlight is a working seven-foot carousel crafted by Daul.

Purchase a Village lot and your name or your company's name will be showcased on the property you've purchased. Property prices range from $250-$750. The carousel price (mechanism not included) is $2,500. All of the houses are built to last. Owners may take them home on Jan. 4. Proceeds will benefit the Terry Fox Foundation dedicated to helping find a cure for cancer.

At the Four Seasons you can also shop for homemade seasonal specialties, ideal for gifts. The selection includes: traditional Christmas pudding made with dark Guinness Ale, crystallized ginger and plenty of fruit ($18.50); English fruitcake, rich with candied fruit marinated in mature rum, brown sugar and spices and decorated with whole fruit ($19.50); a 21-inch Chocolate Santa with a choice of bittersweet dark chocolate or double cream or milk chocolate ($32); the chef's own recipe for Christmas stollen, a German yeasted coffee cake ($14.50); and a mincemeat pie with marinated dried fruit, Granny Smith apples, spices and brandy baked in a sweet dough crust ($20). Christmas cookies are $9.50 for a half-pound.

Gifts are on display and available for order and pickup at the Verandah restaurant on the lobby level. Phone orders are available by calling 632-500.

And don't forget the pleasure of afternoon tea at the Verandah restaurant. Service daily from 2-5 p.m. A full tea ($21 per person) includes homemade scones, fabulous finger sandwiches and delectable sweets. A pianist entertains during teatime. Reservations are accepted.

Short Orders

Bergin at book signing: Super Spago Pastry Chef Mary Bergin will autograph copies and serve samples of goodies from the recipes in "Spago Chocolate" Dec. 16 at Barnes & Noble at 2191 N. Rainbow Blvd.

"Spago Chocolate" is Bergin's second book with co-author Judy Gethers. Their first, "Spago Desserts," is another delicious sampling from Spago's pastry chef.

Bergin began her career with Puck in 1982 with the opening of Spago, Hollywood. She moved to Las Vegas when Spago opened at the Forum Shops at Caesars on Dec. 8, 1992.

Call B&N at 631-1775 for book-signing hours.

My favorite Italian import: Congratulations to Rino Armeni, Southern Wine & Spirits executive marketing director, who today became an American citizen. Wife Marie Claire and daughter Paola were awarded their American papers in August; younger daughter Laura was born in the U.S.

We need more Americans like the Armeni family. Their passion and affection for their adopted country and their involvement in our community is laudable. So is Marie Claire's cooking.

Ethel M's holiday cactus garden: Not to be missed, the display of holiday lights at the Ethel M Chocolates Botanical Cactus Garden. Ethel M Chocolates' public relations manager says the beauty of the uncommon lighted cactus garden draws quite a crowd. More than 10,000 lights are on display.

Now through Jan. 3, 2001, the cactus garden will glow from 4:30-11 p.m. daily. It's free to the public. During daylight hours the cactus garden opens at 8:30 a.m. Visit the garden, tour the plant and watch the chocolates being made and enjoy a delicious sample of the chocolates. It doesn't get much better than that. This is also the time of year when the candy and gift shops are filled with gorgeous gift packages. Don't miss the selection of gifts for kids. They love Ethel M.

AAA offers alcohol-free recipes: AAA and the Hard Rock Cafe have joined forces and produced 15 delicious alcohol-free libations. The AAA Cheers! campaign is designed to encourage hosts to help reduce alcohol-related deaths and injuries by providing guests with alcohol-free cocktails. Free recipe books are available at all AAA offices.