Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Restaurant opening moo-ved crowds to Regent

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2000 | 9:57 a.m.

Elizabeth Foyt's social column appears Wednesdays. Reach her at elizabethfoyt@prodigy.net.

Take a celebrated chef-restaurateur, add to the spin an award-winning architect as partner, mix in a rising Russian artist and stand back to watch the magic created for Oxo at the Regent Las Vegas.

More than a touch of whimsy was present at the opening party, when guests followed a trail of electric blue cow hooves to Oxo's door. Grazing stations gave invited guests a chance to enjoy menu selections, while liquid libations included the most intriguing Cowabunga cocktail.

In the happily amused crowd was Paul Bodner, executive director of the CineVegas International Film Festival, joined by Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, attorney Mark Ferrario and Kirk and Amy Hendrix, Las Vegas Councilman Michael Mack, John Schadler and Anne Yendrek. Others in the throng included Rich Little, Peter and Carol Boyton, Mario Trevino, Caroline Vidmar, Karen Thomson, Tari Staton and Christine Walker.

Stopping in to wish Gustav Mahler and his architect-partner Paul Steelman best wishes was Steve Wynn. Mahler spent many years with Wynn at Mirage Resorts as senior vice president, responsible for the planning and design of all food and beverage areas within the Mirage properties. Steelman has designed many notable resorts and gaming properties around the globe.

Philanthropic luncheon

The Las Vegas Chapter of the National Society of Fund-raising Executives (NSFRE) recently hosted the Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon in the Monet Room at the Bellagio. Celebrated nationally in November this annual luncheon showcases the entire spectrum of services provided by the community of nonprofit public agencies, and recognizes the value of volunteerism in society. Following a rigorous criteria, the Las Vegas NSFRE membership voted for the foremost individuals and businesses supporting charitable endeavors.

Recognized for their outstanding efforts in 1999 and 2000 at the luncheon were Phyllis E. Thompson of Phyllis Thompson Cos. (Philanthropist of the Year); Don Snyder of Boyd Gaming (Volunteer Fund-raiser of the Year); Palm Mortuaries and Memorial Park (Corporate Giver of the Year); Nathan Tannenbaum of KVBC Channel 3 (Media Supporter of the Year); and Ron Garland of Boy Scouts of America (Professional Fund-raising Executive). Sponsors for the awards luncheon included Jeffrey Burr and Associates, the Nevada Community Foundation, Premier Counsel, American Media Corporation, Las Vegas Color Graphics and Netzel Associates.

New digs

One of the season's loveliest gatherings was the open house and cocktail reception hosted by Jose Cardenas, senior partner of Lewis and Roca, with his new Las Vegas partners Martha "Marti" Ashcraft and Von Heinz. Cardenas, a UNLV graduate who grew up in Southern Nevada, heads the law firm with offices in Tucson, Ariz., Phoenix and Las Vegas. Ashcraft, a past Clark County Bar Association president, and Heinz, past chairman of the Nevada Inn of the Court, are both attorney representatives to the 9th Circuit Courts.

Lewis and Roca's offices, truly a glorious tribute to the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright, are reflective of the famed architect's harmonizing influence with the Southwest. Stonework, distinctive use of woods, Wright fabrics and an extraordinary board-room chandelier created by Las Vegas artist Nita Green were used by designer Darrell Parker, of Parker Scaggiari, who also worked with the attorneys to select the contemporary sculpture by Peter Korbel and works by other notable artists for use in the massive suite of offices.

Catered by Wild Sage, with personal supervision by owner Lori Kendrick, guests were offered a lavish buffet and temptations served by a most accommodating serving staff. Attending were Bill Curran, Sherwood Cook, Kathleen Foley, Andrea Boggs, Allan Earl, Orme Lewis, Nancy Allf and Bobby Silver. Other well wishers touring the handsome offices included Amelia De Los Santos, Daurean Sloan, Jim Berchtold, Stan Hunterton and Dr. Ronald Rowan. Others seen at the party were Steve DuCharme, Jaci Zweigh with Linda Wischmyer, Steve DeWald, Bonnie Bulla, Rudy Cardenas, Shari Patterson and Dennis Prince.

Cookbook launched

Launching a new cookbook will never be a tastier experience for members and the public alike as when the Junior League of Las Vegas introduces "Las Vegas Glitter to Gourmet" on Saturday at Seven Hills. With generous sponsorship from Macy's, the Junior League will present "Entertaining with Style" from noon-4 p.m. at the US Home's Street of Dreams -- La Hacienda Nueva, 1357 Opal Valley, in Henderson. Proceeds from the celebrity-chef cooking demonstrations (and a generous sampling), plus shopping opportunities will benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Tickets are $15 in advance by calling 252-4663, or $20 at the door.

Holiday giving

With Thanksgiving on the horizon the needs of the less fortunate come readily to mind. NOS Communications has launched its fourth Holiday Food Drive to benefit the women and children at Shade Tree Shelter for battered and abused women and children. NOS employees will donate nonperishable foods at all NOS offices through Southern Nevada, hoping to fill the shelter's pantry for the months ahead. NOS executive Lida Morgan reports some 10,000 food items were donated last year, an amount NOS hopes to double with this food drive.

Seeking support as well is HELP of Southern Nevada's Thanksgiving Basket Program for low-income families throughout the community. In 1999 the 21 year-old program provided 600 families with a complete Thanksgiving dinner to take home and prepare. Each family was given a turkey and stuffing, canned vegetables and cranberries, fruits, dessert, rolls and side dishes. Donations of goods or money can be directed to HELP of Southern Nevada at its offices in Commercial Center, 953 East Sahara Ave., Suite 208.

Village party

Claudine Williams and Don Snyder, two of our city's most exemplary citizens, will be honored at Opportunity Village's "Camelot at the Magical Forest" on Saturday. Rino Armeni is dinner chairman and has a committee of notables including Susan and Billy Walters, Wayne Bernath, Gary Primm, Diane Dickerson, Tom Thomas and Jerilyn Clayton, to name just a few. Arriving guests will enjoy cocktails and a private tour of the Magical Forest followed by a gourmet dinner and entertainment. Tickets and further details on the black-tie event are available by calling Opportunity Village at 259-3741.

Honoring women

November is Native American month, and fittingly the ladies of the Nevada Women's History Project will salute Native American women of Southern Nevada at their meeting on Saturday. Liz Warren, Nevada historian and chairwoman of the Big Springs Project who was honored for her work to restore the Old Mormon Fort, will be guest speaker. Most appropriately, NWHP President Jane Olive selected Anasazi of Santa Fe at the Aladdin's Desert Passage as the site of this NWAP luncheon and helped select a menu of Southwestern cuisine. Reservations are a must, so please call 735-1675.

Shop till you drop

Seeking to meet multiple community needs with outreach programs, the Sunrise Children's Hospital Foundation is ever busy with fund-raisers. On Sunday evening, through special arrangement with Boulevard mall management and merchants, the foundation will host an after-hours holiday shopping spree through the mall. Royal treatment (and treats) are planned for participants, with advance reservations required; call 731-8373.