Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Fashions take center stage at ballet luncheon

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2001 | 8:28 a.m.

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

The fashions of the fall and holiday seasons ahead were elegantly presented by Saks Fifth Avenue and Nevada Ballet Theatre as they jointly introduced the St. John Fall Collection 2001. Susie Perrine, in real estate by profession and ballet devotee, chaired the exclusive luncheon showing, arranging for the use of an extraordinary estate at Spanish Trail as the setting.

Working closely with her was Mari Landers, general manager of Saks Fifth Avenue -- which includes a St. John boutique -- and committee co-chairwoman Wendy Plaster. Sharon Bader, who serves on Nevada Ballet Theatre's board as special events chairwoman, was responsible for arranging the delectable luncheon prepared by chefs Stefan Kauth, Mark Reed and Peter Sherlock, all of the soon-to-open Stirling Club at Turnberry Place. Guiding the luncheon menu and that of Stirling Club was Asaad Faraq, vice president and general manager, who spoke proudly of his chefs and the cuisine they are creating for the private club opening in November.

Speaking briefly was Bruce Steivel, artistic director of Nevada Ballet Theatre, who explained proceeds from the luncheon event would fund educational outreach programs for young dancers living in public-housing facilities.

Taking note of the St. John collection were fashionable women, including Robin Brooks Townsend, Christina Hixson, Lou Emmert, Sheila Beaton, Sonja Houssells, Janet Ferris, Toni Hart, Susan Houston and new bride Gianna Buchanan. St. John, first known for its wondrous knits, used many fabrics and handsome touches, including fur and beading, for its fall and holiday designs. Colors were rich, hemlines were varied and the applause thunderous as the show concluded.

Nevada Ballet Theatre President Nancy Houssels, speaking informally, told of the ballet company's 30th anniversary season, opening Oct. 19, as well as the plans under way for its annual Black and White Ball on Jan. 19, an elegant event honoring film great Leslie Caron.

Star Chefs

Seeking to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality by using the tools of agressive research, educational outreach and support services, the March of Dimes continues to bring together volunteers from many fields of endeavor.

Star Chefs, a stellar evening last Friday at the Rio, was a goodly illustration of this organization's universal appeal. Chaired by Larry Carroll with committee members Anna Cohen, Reina Herschdorfer, Alex Panis, Joseph Romano, Matt Bear, Amy Barnes, Michael Minden, Jack Crowder and Maggie Bock, as well as Gary Mullins, Richard Veitz and Scott Allcock, the evening provided funding for research, as well as local family services.

Working with our city's star-quality chefs, each representing the finest eateries, the evening in the Rio's spacious ballroom featured chefs each at work preparing favorite dishes. Among them were Joseph Keller (Josef's), Kevin Martinez (Malibu Chan's), John LaGrone (Postrio), John Cahill (Olio!), Rene Werner with Lonnie DeChristopher (Fireside Cafe) and Stephen Harney (Sonoma Cellars).

Portraits of the chefs and children from March of Dimes were used in the tasting guide and also hung above the serving stations where chefs -- including James Perillo (808), Christophe Ithurritz (Wolfgang Puck corporate pastry chef), Alex Panis (Rio), Michael and Wendy Jordan (Rosemary's), Emilio LaScala (Spiedini and Oxo), William Becker (La Chandele), Lam Vongsakoun (Fiore's) and Carlos Guia (Commander's Palace), as well as Jacques Van Staden (London Club), Michael Demers (Napa), George Jacquez (WB Stage 16), Joseph Bennett (Chinois), Wes Kendrick (Wild Sage), Edwardo Perez (Spago), Marc Djozlija (Cili), Russell Grabe (House of Blues Foundation Room), Joseph Romano (Auerole) and Frank Grill (Austin's) -- chatted easily with attendees and explained their methods of cooking, choice of ingredients and serving styles.

Providing the right wines for every dish and taste that evening was Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, represented by Tony Goitia and his knowledgeable crew. On the scene as well was Tom Robins, managing partner of the Wolfgang Puck restaurants, while nearby Denise and Gustav Mahler of Spiedini, Oxo and Sazio, and Mark Ferguson and Jonathan Pacheco, of Lupo, were greeted by fellow executives in the hospitality industry.

Enjoying the charitable evening were Beverly and Mike Mykisen, Dr. Bernard Feldman, Joe and Lisa Somers with Renee Rietgraf and Mary and David Vail. Attending with a circle of friends were Theresa and Michael Minden, seen with Ed Janov, Mary and George Hedley, Tracy and Greg Platt, Mari Landers with son Christopher and longtime March of Dimes volunteers Bob and Cyndi Compan.

Others in the crowd included Dr. J. Parker and Claire Kurlinski, Becky Buckley, Dr. Loring Jacobs, Michele Farber, state Treasurer Kathy Augustine, Rene and John O'Reilly and Julie and Vince Shaffer with her sister, Kara Tucker. Mayor Oscar Goodman and his lovely wife, Carolyn, assisted with the live auction and ceremonies recognizing March of Dimes 2001 honorees Somer Hollingsworth, Bernard K. Passman, Daniel C. Van Epp and the Mandalay Resort Group.

Playhouse gala

The creativity of local architects, home developers, structural engineers and resort properties comes into fanciful play for Playhouse 2001 Under the Sea, the seventh annual dinner and auction benefitting the Nevada Association for the Handicapped Developmental Child Care Program. Tim and Sharry Quillin will serve as chairs as NAH hosts the gala dinner at the Mirage on Oct. 13.

The state's only licensed special-needs child-care facility, the program is a lifesaver to young families who need care for their preschool as well as school-age handicapped and often fragile-health children. Playhouse 2001 Under the Sea, an event unlike all others in our city, will feature custom playhouses that have been designed, built and donated by local businesses. Each, done with a theme and finished to perfection, are the stuff of dreams for children.

An early look at the playhouses was recently provided when builder participants and key committee members gathered for an early morning session inside the Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage. Windom Kinsey, architect-partner with Tate, Snyder and Kinsey, was among those showing models or renderings of their nearly completed playhouses. Those participating this year are Southwest Gas Corp., Bellagio, Cox Communications with Greystone Homes, Luxor, Nellis Air Force Base, Pulte Homes and Beers Construction in conjunction with Tate, Snyder and Kinsey. For reservations and further details please contact Angie Wallin at 870-7050.