Columnist Muriel Stevens: Local chefs to support ailing Palladin

Friday, Aug. 24, 2001 | 9:08 a.m.

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

When word came that acclaimed Chef Jean-Louis Palladin had been stricken with lung cancer it was a shocker. Jean-Louis is one of the kindest, funniest, most irrepressible chefs I know. His zest for life, his enormous talent and his loyalty to his friends are well known. This colorful personality faces life head-on. It is that determination that has kept him alive this long. No one knows what his future will be, but he is not one to give up.

On Sept. 7 at the Rio, home to his beloved Napa restaurant, celebrated fellow chefs will honor him at a special fund-raiser hosted by the Rio.

"A Las Vegas Tribute to Jean-Louis Palladin" will include a dining extravaganza prepared by host Chef Michael Demers (Napa), as well as Andre Rochat (Andre's), Michael Mina (Aqua and NOBHILL), Mark LaRusso (Aqua), Charlie Palmer and Joe and Megan Romano (Aureole and Charlie Palmer Steak), Jean Joho (Eiffel Tower), Alessandro Stratta (Renoir), David Burke and John Piccolino (Smith & Wollensky), Marc Poidevin and Gregory Gourreau (Le Cirque), Lam Vongsakoun (Fiore), Jacques Van Staden (St. James at the London Club), Stanton Ho (Hilton Las Vegas), Julian Serrano (Picasso), Todd English and Clay Conley (Olives), Grant McPherson and Jean Phillippe Maury (Bellagio), Brenda Hitchins and Randy Sebastian (Rio), Michael Ginor (Hudson Valley Foie Gras), Kirk Avondoglio (Perona Farms), Kenny Oringer (Clio), Douglas Rodriguez (Chicama & Pipa), Michel Richard (Citronell e), Thomas Keller (French Laundry), Nancy Silverton (Campanile), Claudia Fleming (Gramercy Tavern), Gale Gand (Tru) and Sam! Mason (Atlas).

Each dish will come with a recounting of a Jean-Louis memory. Fine wines, of course. Among the choice vintners and distributors taking part in the event are: Quintessa, Tattinger, Opus One, Kobrand, Robert Mondavi, Paterno Imports and Screaming Eagle.

Robin Leach will conduct the live auction; there will be a silent auction as well. One of the live-auction items is a chef's jacket autographed by each of the chefs.

Tax-deductible tickets for Jean-Louis' tribute dinner at the Rio Pavilion are $195. All proceeds benefit Jean-Louis. For reservations call (877) 869-1320.

More Jean-Louis: I recently spoke with Napa Chef Michael Demers. Jean-Louis has enjoyed a close, personal relationship with the young chef since the two met at Napa, becoming Demer's mentor and friend. Whenever possible they keep in touch by phone. Demers reveres his mentor. "The man has changed my life dramatically, showing me the true meaning of love and passion for food. He's shown me that food is alive and sensual. He's the most generous and sharing person I know, not just to me, but to all the others he has inspired."

Good luck, Jean-Louis. We're all rooting for you.

Short orders

Goodbye Sam's, hello Nectar: Sam's American at Bellagio is now Nectar. The restaurant has been completely revamped and updated. Chef John Schenk, fresh from the Big Apple, has created a mostly American menu with many specialties. Nectar's cool design is from Chicago's renowned Jordan Mozer. At Nectar's entry is a vibrant lounge and raw bar offering a variety of shellfish and an extensive collection of specialty drinks and microbrews. Nectar is open daily for dinner, 5-10 p.m. The raw bar dining is open Monday through Friday, 5-10:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 2-10:30 p.m. Call 693-7223 for dinner reservations.

Wine dinner at OXO: Gustav Mauler's OXO Steak and Seafood restaurant at the Regent Las Vegas will present a five-course dinner and wine pairing Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Featured will be the wines of Robert Mondavi. Price per person is $65. Seating is limited. Call 869-2335 to reserve.

Ortanique to open at Paris: With the opening of Ortanique at Paris Las Vegas in early September, South Florida cuisine will come to the property. Dubbed "Cuisine of the Sun" by Executive Chef and co-creator Cindy Hutson, Ortanique will provide the flavors of the Caribbean as well as such innovations as jerk foie gras. Hey, mon, if you haven't tried it, don't knock it!

New menu: New at Zanzibar Cafe at the Aladdin is a noodle kitchen open from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Traditional and original noodle bowls are priced from $8.95-$10.95. Fried rice, congees and vegetables are available, too. Asian-style fast foods. Among the burger selection is the Magic Lamp Salmon Burger ($10.95) on a grilled onion roll. An "Un-classic" seafood clubhouse sandwich ($10.95) includes seafood salad, poached rock shrimp, avocado, tomato, lettuce and cucumber on toasted brioche. A mezze platter (Middle Eastern appetizers, $8.50) includes stuffed grape leaves, hummus, eggplant salad, marinated olives and pita breads. Many appealing breakfast specialties, including a fresh fruit smoothie.

Personalized gifts at Ethel M: Whatever the occasion, Ethel M Chocolates can add pizazz with Duet and Quartet party favors. Select the favor size, chocolates, ribbons and flower colors, and Ethel M will do the rest. Even the ribbons can be personalized with a message. Call (800) 680-0150 to speak with a special occasion consultant or visit any Ethel M retail shop.

Happy Birthday, Mary Knight: Longtime Las Vegan and community activist Mary Knight celebrated her 88th birthday Aug. 19 at her Rancho Circle home. Mary's nieces, Marcia Stagnaro and Kathy Noonan, and her friend Alice Boyce planned the party and prepared the delicious food: bite-size quiche, jumbo shrimp, lovely tea sandwiches, egg rolls, fruit and cheese plates, a variety of desserts, birthday cake, and punch and champagne. It would be impossible to list all of Mary's community activities, but KLVX Channel 10 presented the honoree with a plaque awarded for "50 years of serving people." Many more happy birthdays, Mary.