Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Stirling Club dinner showcases fine wines

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2002 | 8:18 a.m.

Stirling Club's first in a series of vintners dinner was a splendid evening, presented by Florence and Daniel Cathiard of Les Sources de Caudalie with Executive Chefs Stefan Kauth and Peter Sherlock.

Opening with a champagne reception in the piano lounge, arrivals were served the first round of vintages from Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte, with attendees including former Sen. Chic and Gail Hecht, Joel and Josie Snow, Kim and George Duckworth, Edward and Eleanore Doumani and Ron and Joanie Richardson.

Mingling easily with his guests was Don Soffer, owner-developer of Turnberry Place and founder of Stirling Clubs in Florida and Las Vegas. With Soffer were his French guests and featured vintners the Cathiards, who introduced the wines served with each course of the gourmet meal. Enjoying the pleasurable dinner at tables adorned with blush roses and clusters of grapes was Robin Townsend, attending with her mother, Jewel Brooks, and Peg Crockett, as well as Bob and Winnie Schulman, Brad Millsap, Wendy and Richard Plaster and Dr. Martin and Phyllis Schwartz.

Stirling Club's next vintners event will feature Iron Horse Winery of Sonoma, a favored vineyard of the Reagan, Bush and Clinton administrations.

Grand opening

Ever-changing, always exciting, MGM Grand's reputation as the city of entertainment -- and fine dining -- remains firmly in place with the opening of Pearl, a contemporary Chinese restaurant with a distinctive Western flair.

Sleekly designed by Tony Chi, the spacious-yet-intimate eatery offered every comfort to guests including Alan Feldman, Dinah Groce, Charles Waterston, Debi Puccinelli, Judy Robinson, Michael Browning and others as they sampled from a seemingly endless parade of passed trays filled with signature dishes and delicacies on opening night.

Those who toured the restaurant discovered private dining rooms, the extensive wine collection, sampled fine French pastries and exotic teas, while made welcome by MGM Grand personnel and executives. Visiting with guests was general manager Tony Lee and restaurant manager Chicachi Kuo, who were delighted to explain the menu favorites prepared by Executive Chef Kai-Wai Yau working with Peter Choi, Hui Pui and Carlos Sandoval to create new dishes and selections.

Bryan exhibited

Elizabeth Bryan, a nationally recognized artist and Las Vegas resident, is known for her contemporary assemblage of sculptures that use elements of copper, woods, canvas and carved stones. Recently Bryan opened a solo exhibition at Gallery P in Green Valley, hosted by gallery co-owners Jerry Polis and Joe Palermo.

Interestingly, the show evolved into a retrospective for Bryan, with the 35 pieces on exhibit showing the evolution of her work from the early years to the present, illustrating the influences of nature and the most-recent works with inspiration drawn from "Dante's Inferno."

In the attending crowd at the preview party were Paula Schmitz, Charlen McSturm, Jonathan Walker, Lottie Polis and Helena Johnston.

HELP celebrates

Already in the final planning stages, HELP of Southern Nevada's annual Mardi Gras celebration is slated for Feb. 23 at The Orleans.

A night to include Cajun food, eccentric entertainment and spirited gaiety, the fund-raiser will benefit HELP of Southern Nevada, a nonprofit organization that assists individuals and families in becoming self-sufficient through direct services, training and referrals.

The Mardi Gras party will open with Bourbon Street Market festivities, including a silent auction and cocktail reception. Crowned king and queen of the Mardi Gras in festivities during the evening will be longtime supporters Lou and Jerry Emmert, while Mayor Oscar Goodman and wife Carolyn will serve as dinner chairs and chief merry-makers.

Reservations and all the details can be obtained by calling Jane Jensen at 369-4357, ext. 238.