Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Tropical bash ushers in the intriguing Kahunaville

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2001 | 8:18 a.m.

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

Lavish hospitality, bottomless exotic drinks and beers, plus delectable foods provided an exuberant welcome to attendees at the opening of Kahunaville at Treasure Island. A fun place, this restaurant and lounge, with a tropic-themed menu created by Master Chef Alfonso Contrisciani, was an instant hit with guests including Breck Wall, producer-star of "The Best of Bottoms Up" at the Flamingo Las Vegas, Andy Olson, Judy and Dennis Hetherington, Alan Feldman, Mimosa Jones with John Tunney, Tony Sacca, Rob Powers and Andrea Roqueni of Lucchesi Galati Architects, which designed this intriguing place.

While appetizers and drinks with names such as Beach Memories -- concocted by an entertaining troupe of bartenders -- kept us happy in the lounge, the dining room awaited with multiple serving stations showcasing the many choices on the menu. Executive Chef Joseph Hyland was seen chatting with Bud Cranor of Gov. Guinn's office, who attended with his wife, Erin. Others glimpsed in the crowd were Assemblyman David Parks and Terry Murphy, joined at their table by Larry Spitler, associate director for AARP in Nevada. Parting gifts were Kahunaville tennis caps, commemorative glassware and orange-flavored Bacardi rum, a key ingredient in many of the drinks.

Special breakfast

Breakfast at Tiffany's -- the name alone conveys the understated elegance of the occasion recently enjoyed by honorees and associates at InBusiness Las Vegas' Most Influential Women of Southern Nevada 2001 ceremonies. Suzy Nagle, director of Tiffany's at Bellagio, was a gracious hostess and served as co-sponsor for the morning program with Kitty Egger of the Eastridge Group, Craig Phillips of Lewis and Roca LLP and Susan Strang of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Bellagio catered the early morning gathering, which drew supporters Mike Skenadore, Kirk Kerr, Jim Berchtold, Jay Kornmayer, Robert Faiss, Virginia Lewis, John Tunney, Anne Yendreck, Fafie Moore and others who mixed, mingled and turned an admiring eye to the shining treasures offered for sale. Speaking brightly was Rita Rudner, comedian and Las Vegas resident, who wore a Tiffany's jeweled creation and commented, "I've never had anything around my neck that's worth more than my head!" Rudner is spearheading a charity golf tournament Oct. 22 to benefit Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada.

The ceremonies recognized 21 Southern Nevada women: Amy Arnaz (Boulder City Ballet), Marti Ashcraft (Lewis and Roca, LLP), Elizabeth Blau (MGM Mirage), Linda Bonnici (KLAS Channel 8), Leah Bryant (KB Homes), Judy Cebulko (Howard Hughes Corp.), Suzanne Cram (Sunrise Hospital), Sheila Delutri (ABF&F Group-Merrill Lynch), Linda Faiss (Faisey Foley Merica), Robbie Graham (Nevada Title Co.), Mimosa Jones (Entertainment Development Corporation) and Yvette Landau (Mandalay Resorts).

Also honored were Karen Marshall (Roel Construction), Terri Monsour (Neiman Marcus), Julie Murray (Harrah's Entertainment), Mary Alice Nielson (Hospitality Network-Cox Business Services), Gina Polovina (Boyd Gaming), Terri Strum (Territory Inc.), Carole Vilardo (Nevada Taxpayers Assoc.), Sydney Wickliffe (Department of Business and Industry) and Betty M. Wilson (MGM Mirage).

Store closing

After 53 years in operation, the Junior League of Las Vegas is closing its much-loved Repeat Boutique thrift store. Under the direction of co-chairs Denise Rose and Theresa Minden, an orderly closure is under way at the store at Maryland Parkway and East Fremont. Recently a "wine and works party" was held after-hours with committee members Colleen Wilson-Pappa, Jillian Luther, Amy Witt and Larie Bohn, joined by Janelle Turnier and Missy Matyas, all taking part in merchandise sorting and price marking for remaining furniture, housewares, toys and clothing. Repeat Boutique, open Thursday through Saturday, will close its doors on Sept. 29.

Mark the calendar

Events scheduled for the near future include a pair of casual, fun-filled evenings, both well suited for adults and children alike. Opportunity Village will present Miss Kitty's Jeans to Jewels, a western hoedown and barbecue with honorary hostess Kitty Rodman, on Sept. 22. Hosts are Frank and Bonnie Martin, who will provide an authentic western setting at their Bitter Root Ranch. Tickets are available through Opportunity Village at 259-3700.

Slated for three fall days, Sept. 21-23, is the 29th annual Greek Food Festival at St. John Greek Orthodox Church, near West Hacienda and Jones. A perfect family outing, the festival provides an array of fine Greek foods, rousing music and dance plus games for children and a shopping bazaar. Call the church at 248-3896 for all the details.