Columnist Muriel Stevens: On Sunday be sure to make room for Daddy

Friday, June 15, 2001 | 8:55 a.m.

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

When it comes to dining out on holidays, did you know that Dad's day is gaining ground? This according to a recent survey on holiday dining by the National Restaurant Association.

The survey showed that Father's Day is the fourth-most-popular holiday or occasion to dine out, following birthdays, Mother's Day and Valentine's Day. It's a time-honored way to celebrate Mom by taking her out to dinner. The tradition is now reaching out to Dad. Here are some ideas:

Flavors of Latin America at Epicurean Affair: This year's Epicurean Affair, the opening event for the 22nd Annual Las Vegas International Hotel & Restaurant Show, promises to more exciting than ever (this is the 11th Epicurean Affair). LVIH&R is not open to the public; anyone can attend Epicurean Affair.

Bart Mahoney, vice president of food and beverage at the Mirage, where the dining extravaganza will take place Wednesday, said "It's very much going to be a Samba Grille experience." Samba Grille is the ultra-cool Brazilian steakhouse at the Mirage. "The Latin-American experience will start at the door when you trade in your ticket for a maraca," said Mahoney. "The South American bar will offer Caipirinhas, Pisco sours and mojitos and many other libations. A five-piece salsa band will also entertain."

More than 60 restaurants will offer a smashing variety of food and desserts. Among the many are: 8-0-8 (Caesars); Napa, Antonio's, Fiore, VooDoo Cafe and Toscano Bakery (Rio); Austin's Steakhouse (Texas Station); Bucaneer Bay Club and Francesco's (Treasure Island); MGM Grand restaurants, including Olio; Michael's (Barbary Coast); Canal Street and La Louisiane (Orleans); Cafe Bellagio, Nectar and Shintaro (Bellagio); Border Grill, China Grill, Rock Lobster and rumjungle (Mandalay Bay); Elements, London Club and Tremezzo (Aladdin); Samba Brazilian Steakhouse, Moongate, Onda, Renoir, Kokomo's and Mikado (Mirage); Palace Station, Four Queens, Suncoast, Gold Coast and a host more will participate. Mahoney expects the list will continue to grow right up to the final day. A silent auction precedes the event.

Advance tickets are available through Ticketmaster for $100 per person or $850 for a party of 10. Quite a savings for a group of friends. American Express is offering a "Ten Plus One" special which includes one free ticket with the purchase of 10 tickets on an AMEX credit card. Tickets purchased at the door are $125.

Only members of the hospitality industry can attend the hotel and restaurant show. Among the featured speakers and panelists are: Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, Terence Lanni, executive chairman of the board of MGM Mirage; Glenn Schaeffer, president of Mandalay Resort Group; Tom E. Gallagher, president and CEO of Park Place Entertainment Corporation; and James P. Evans, president and CEO of Best Western International.

Such culinary luminaries as Brad Brennan of Commander's Palace, Mark Miller of Coyote Cafe and Red Sage, Tom Guinney of Gastronomy, Inc. (the New Yorker) and Charles Condy of Next Century Restaurants, Inc. (Aqua) will add a little spice to the interesting blend of moguls and culinarians.