Columnist Muriel Stevens: Chefs for Kids benefit satisfies gourmet appetites

Friday, May 5, 2000 | 9:17 a.m.

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

The Chefs for Kids benefit at Mandalay Bay raised a sizeable sum for the worthy program. Through the generosity of the participating chefs and a super group of volunteers led by chairwoman Dorothy Huffey, guests enjoyed an evening in the tropics. Guests of honor were Sen. Richard Bryan and his wife, Bonnie.

Palm tree centerpieces (assembled by the committee members) were tall enough to allow a total view of everyone's tablemates. The palm trees were centered in baskets of exotic island fruits -- passion fruit, carambola (starfruit), kiwi, papaya, red bananas and pineapple. Intertwined with the fruits were baby orchids.

Our Calypso Cruise began with a reception that included a variety of sushi and sashimi, lobster rolls with a rice paper wrapping, huge platters of grilled vegetables, cheeses, jumbo coconut shrimp, Jamaican beef patties, sliced mango duck in soft buns and many extras.

Live steel-drum music and exotic, live birds were other island touches.

Of course, Mandalay Bay Executive Chef David Kellaway and his expert staff added many island-inspired surprises.

While munching on the savory appetizers, dining buffs could bid on the various culinary packages donated for the silent auction by members of the Fraternity of Executive Chefs of Las Vegas. During dinner a live auction featured additional dining packages. It was the chefs who created the breakfast program for at-risk school kids and pay for the nutritionists that help the youngsters understand the importance of healthy eating. Monies raised from the annual dinner help support the vital programs.

Throughout the evening we were able to see digital slides of the breakfast program in action, and to see portions of the new children's nutritional program currently being developed. The stars of the video, colorful puppets made a personal appearance and interacted with emcee Mike McCartney, who was a willing foil for their shenanigans.

Dinner included exotic breads, a marvelous crab claw and avocado salad with hearts of palm, paw paw (papaya) vinaigrette and toasted pumpkin seeds; grilled wahoo game fish, Pickapeppa beef, a green banana and sweet potato turnover, callaloo greens and ginger beer carrots. Authentic and delicious.

Dessert was a chocolate barrel filled with banana and two kinds of mousse. The barrel reposed against a cookie palm tree that wrapped around one side of the plate. On the other side was rum roasted pineapple, Tahitian vanilla-coconut ice cream and Blue Mountain mocha sauce.

It was a toe-tapping and delicious event.

Mother's Day

Among the culinary titans participating are: Michael Mina of Aqua, Charlie Palmer of Aureole, Jean-Louis Palladin of Napa; Eberhard Muller of Lutece, Todd English of Olives and Jean Joho of the Eiffel Tower restaurant. All will attend the May 19 tasting at the Venetian. Tickets are limited. For more information or to purchase tickets call 888-343-6287 (34Focus)