Columnist Muriel Stevens: Scintillating events highlight Venetian’s anniversary party

Friday, June 30, 2000 | 8:48 a.m.

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

It will be happy times at the Venetian this weekend when the grand Italian resort celebrates its first anniversary.

Kicking off the two-day "La Dolca Vita" event on Saturday: Invited guests will enjoy brunch and book signings with Wolfgang Puck at his Postrio restaurant in the Grand Canal Shoppes. The jovial Puck will host the event.

In the evening the party moves to the splendid Venetian pool deck for a round of entertainment capped off with a Grucci Fireworks display on the Doge's Bridge. Adding more sparkle than the fireworks will be the appearance of Sophia Loren.

There will be more brunches on Sunday morning, and more book signings at Delmonico Steakhouse with the irrepressible owner, Emeril Lagasse, as host.

The weekend wraps up with the "Meal of the Century" hosted by the enchanting Loren and emceed by Robin Leach. This special dinner was created by the Venetian's celebrity restaurant owners. How did they decide which course each would cook? In the simplest possible fashion: They pulled a choice from a hat! The menu is terrific. I'll share it next time.

Participating restaurants are: Wolfgang Puck's Postrio, Eberhard Muller's Lutece, Kevin Wu's Royal Star, Piero Selvaggio's Valentino and Joachim Spichal's Pinot Brasserie.

Hotel & restaurant honors: MGM Grand Executive VP of Operations Felix Rappaport was named the 2000 Nevada Hotelier of the Year at the Hospitality Awards luncheon sponsored by the recent Las Vegas International Hotel and Restaurant Show. Rappaport was recognized for his many contributions to the hospitality industry.

Mark DiMartino, who owns the Tillerman and DiMartino's restaurants, was named 2000 Nevada Restaurateur of the year. Mark learned to cook in the DiMartino restaurant owned by his parents, Shirley and Dee. All of the DiMartino offspring worked in the restaurant at various times. Shirley cooked wonderful, homespun Italian dishes, Dee baked the crusty breads and the kids filled in wherever needed. Great food, great family.

Short orders

Lunch at Top of the World: Lunch is back at Stratosphere's Top of the World restaurant. When the restaurant opened lunch was served daily. It was very popular, but pricey. The new lunch menu is more down-to-earth. Prices range from $6.75-$12.75. Included are a petite New York steak, grilled Cajun prime rib, entree-size salads, burgers and other sandwiches and pastas. All sandwiches are served with french fries or cole slaw; the Tower entrees include a choice of soup or salad. Also, there is a winning dessert selection.

The handsome lounge above the restaurant is now doing a Happy Hour with all kinds of specials, and there's an appetizer menu. Call the restaurant or lounge for more information at 380-7777.

Kickin' it up a notch: Emeril will debut his new line of food products at the Fancy Food Show in New York in July. Emeril's Original, a signature line of seasonings, salad dressings, basting sauce marinades and pepper sauces, will be available nationally in September.

Wine workshop at Conrad's: The seven-part French wine workshop at Conrad's at the Flamingo Las Vegas is for every serious wine buff. Director George Paul Truby provides all of the tools needed to become a French wine expert. And if you pass the French government-approved exam after completion of the course you will receive a Certificate of Accomplishment.

Sessions begin Aug. 1 and continue through Sept. 19. Course cost is $290. Reservations must be made by July 14. Call 240-6697.

Jitters grows: Longtime Las Vegas favorite Jitters Gourmet Coffee & Cafe has added three new locations: 9340 S. Eastern at Serene, Caesars Forum Cafe and the Fashion Show mall. Scheduled to open in July is a Jitters at Flamingo and Decatur. Although branching out into the corporate world, Jitters still considers itself a home company. All of the coffee roasting is still done daily, locally. That's a lot of java -- Jitters now has 18 cafes with more to come.

"Big Easy" fare at Orleans: La Louisiane and Big Al's Oyster Bar are up and running at the Orleans. Chef Seles Bowser looks the part and cooks the part He was raised in New Orleans by his grandmother, who taught him how to cook the zesty Cajun/Creole dishes featured here. Big Al's is open for lunch 11 a.m.-midnight (it's always busy) offering oyster shooters, pan roasts and raw oysters and clams. La Louisiane offers a full menu of New Orleans specialties, 5-11 p.m.

The chef, who interned at the award-winning Windsor Court hotel, knows about quality. All of the special foods are flown in daily from New Orleans. Reservations are not required for the dining room, but if you like to dine at prime hours there could be a wait. Call 365-7111 for reservations.