Columnist Muriel Stevens: Maloof has plans in the Palms of his hand

Friday, Oct. 12, 2001 | 9:19 a.m.

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

George Maloof, president of the soon-to-open Palms hotel on West Flamingo Road, is a happy man. The Palms, a Maloof family property, will open ahead of schedule in November rather than December.

I thoroughly enjoyed my walk through the property with the enthusiastic young executive. Although the hotel is quite beautiful, there's nothing haughty about the Palms. It's a joyful place filled with tropical colors and the hotel's circular design flows with you as you walk.

The elegant tree-lined swimming pool fronts the three-story full-service spa and fitness center. Soon it will be surrounded by bamboo cabanas. After an energizing visit to the spa and more pampering at the beauty salon, dine at one of the Palms' fine restaurants.

High atop the hotel tower is Alize, a new concept in French dining from Andre Rochat, owner of Andre's downtown and in the Monte Carlo. Chef de cuisine for the smashing new restaurant is Michael Demers, formerly of Napa at the Rio.

Demers was the protegee of Napa's award winning executive chef, Jean-Louis Palladin. When Palladin became ill Demers, the Chef de Cuisine, stepped into his place in the kitchen.

The view from Alize is spectacular.

Food opportunities come in many flavors. Little Buddha Cafe and Buddha Bar is a branch of the Paris original. With a well-priced menu and plenty of Asian foods to choose from, Little Buddha is a good bet for casual late-night dining and fun.

The hotel features Garduno's Mexican restaurant, of course. The Maloofs introduced Las Vegans to one of New Mexico's finest Mexican eateries. Blue Agave chili and oyster bar features freshly shucked oysters and zesty bowls of red.

Another grand dining choice is Nine, billed as "Chicago's premier steakhouse." In addition to fine steaks and seafood specialties, Nine offers a posh champagne and caviar bar.

Festival Market Buffet and the 24/7 Sunrise Cafe will introduce Las Vegas to Dennis Berkowitz and his Max's Restaurants. Max's Cafes in San Francisco offer a selection foods found in an authentic New York deli at reasonable prices. Certain to satisfy a yen for a nosh or a meal around the clock.

The over-sized bakery items -- pastries, pies, cakes and breads -- will be made fresh daily from an open bakery. Heed Max's motto, "This is no place for a diet." Not if you share.

And wait until you see the spacious three-story showroom, a glowing tribute to high-tech. From the stage, to the lighting, to the many decorative features, it's sensational. Big spenders will feel right at home in the private boxes (a la sports arenas) that are on the top level of the complex. It's a place to see and be seen, and it's happening soon.

Short orders

Bewitching treats from Ethel M: The goblins will getcha if you don't have goodies for trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Ethel M Chocolates makes it easy for you to win raves from the costumed cuties that come to the door in search of treats.

Here are some of the specialties guaranteed to please: witches' shoes, the toe-curling kind, with a glass votive and a bag of foil-wrapped chocolate coins, jack o'lanterns dangling with tempting sweets, pumpkin luminaria-style tin lanterns and much more. Check out the googly-eyed mug -- a pair of sculpted eyes look back as you peer in. Pick up a catalog at an Ethel M shop or call (800) 438-4356 and request one.

More Ethel M: Meet internationally acclaimed pastry chef Jacques Torres at Ethel M chocolate shops at the Forum Shops at Caesars Nov. 9 and at the Galleria at Sunset Nov. 10. Torres for many years was the pastry chef at Le Cirque in New York and was the star of a long-running show on PBS.

At both demos he will show his expertise with chocolate, autograph books and pose for pictures. His demonstrations will include tips on decorating with chocolates for the holidays.

The Forum Shop appearance is from 4-6 p.m.; the Galleria appearance, noon-2 p.m.

Wine dinner at Oxo: Master Chef Gustav Mauler will honor the American spirit with with foods and wines from around the United States at his Oxo steak and seafood restaurant at the Regent Las Vegas. Featured will be the Beringer Estate and Stag's Leap wines paired with a five-course dinner -- Nantucket scallops, Long Island duck breast, Atlantic striped bass, Napa cabbage and American Heartland beef.

Patriotism is the theme so wear your favorite red, white and blue attire and have a photo taken with Gustav's star-spangled cow. The date is Tuesday, the time 6:30 p.m., the price $65 per person. Reservations strongly advised. These monthly dinners always sell out. Call 869-8500. Next month's dinner is at Gustav's Spiedini, just across the hall from Oxo.

Oktoberfest at Mount Charleston Lodge: Through Oct. 20 Mount Charleston Lodge is featuring gemutlich German food and live entertainment with the Dummkophs oompah band. For additional information on times and such call 872-5408.