Columnist Muriel Stevens: Mall still growing on us

Wednesday, April 18, 2001 | 8:30 a.m.

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

It's been a kick watching the expansion take place at the Fashion Show mall.

This premium shopping source for locals and visitors is scheduled for completion in 2002. The new section will feature the long-awaited Las Vegas newcomers Nordstrom, a Bloomingdale's Home Store and Lord & Taylor.

Of course, the arrival of so many famous stores will make the Fashion Show a choice rendezvous for shoppers of every age.

Even more exciting is what's happening to veteran stores such as Neiman Marcus. NM's original expansion plan was to add a third story. When that plan didn't work, NM acquired many of the spaces adjacent to the main store on both levels.

It's remarkable how smoothly and efficiently the construction has been going. Many of the departments are up and running and easy to access. During Easter weekend Fashion Show was packed with shoppers toting their purchases. Many ages and nationalities strolled the mall. No doubt about it, we have become an important international destination.

As the mall progresses, there will be many more places to eat. Neiman Marcus will add two restaurants and there will be others.

On the site formerly occupied by Chin's Chinese Restaurant, a temporary food court has been created. I admit that seeing what had become of the gracious restaurant gave me a few moments of sadness, but is was Tola Chin's choice to close the longtime favorite. His restaurant-supply business requires that he spend much of his time traveling to Asia.

Restoration Hardware: I'm still waiting for a complete list of the new Fashion Show mall stores. Will it include one of my favorites, Restoration Hardware?

No word yet, but I'm hoping. This interesting chain has outlets in malls across the country and in Canada, but not here.

I love the selection of household polishes and cleaners, and old-fashioned, all-purpose cleaners such as Oxydol detergent. As the catalog says, "One box, one solution for household and laundry cleaning."

And every household should have one of the chlorine-free bleach sticks ($3) for safe, easy removal of tough stains such as wine, grease, ink and coffee.

For a friend who cooks and has everything, what could be more fun than a set of spoons for measuring dashes (1/8 tsp), pinches (1/16 tsp), and smidgens (1/32 tsp)?

There's a little bit of everything in the Restoration Hardware Catalog -- indoor and outdoor furniture, lighting fixtures, bathroom accessories and, like the measuring spoons, and dash, pinch and smidgen of much more. For a catalog call (800) 762-1005.

New catalogs: Two interesting catalogs I've not received before are Art Elements and Alsto's.

Art Elements is filled with fab items that are both arty and functional. The special-order, folding-leg flowerpots are just one of the many unusual items exclusive to Art Elements. For a catalog call (800) 566-6866.

Alsto's, (800) 447-0048, showcases unusual indoor and outdoor gear including attractive weatherproof outdoor lamps designed for beauty and safety. Many gadgets, gift items and exercise stuff. Neat stuff for pets, too.