Columnist Muriel Stevens: More show and tell at mall

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2002 | 8:19 a.m.

Shopping the newly expanded Fashion Show mall is already a daily habit for some people. One of my friends has been to Bloomingdale's Home Store every day since it opened.

It is a super store, but every day?

After attending many of the pre-opening parties (all wonderful) I was ready for a break from the frenetic scene at the Fashion Show. It's Christmas all the time at this smashing mall, but there's a limit to how much a person can shop. Or is there?

Sunday, I was drawn back to Bloomie's because I wanted to buy some autographed copies of chef/restaurateur Tom Colicchio's cookbook, "Think Like a Chef." With Colicchio in the demo kitchen preparing tidbits for the sizeable crowd were Craftsteak (MGM Grand) Chef Chris Albrecht and General Manager Jason Lapin.

Each day, since opening day, Bloomindale's has had a full roster of food demos, book-signings and sales. Event lists are available at the store, or call Natascha Davis (784-5400), the culinary and special events director.

Emeril Lagasse signed copies of his children's cookbook, "There's a Chef in My Soup," on opening day (Friday), attracting a horde of faithful fans of all ages. General Manager Keri Frame said the kids were wonderful. Lagasse stops traffic whenever he makes a personal appearance.

In last week's update before the grand opening of the Fashion Show, I mentioned the high-end mattresses sold exclusively at Bloomingdale's. Today through Nov. 17, all of the Shifman and other fine mattresses are half price. There are many items on sale throughout the store.

Chico's has a heart: Chico's has a new Las Vegas store in the Fashion Show on the second level. The fall selection includes casual styles and a good selection of well-priced evening wear.

Chico's stores across the country continue to support women's shelters. Customers can contribute by purchasing a special-edition, crystal-studded glass heart pin ($16). Half of the retail price will be donated to "women's shelters located near Chico's stores nationwide."

Parking at Fashion Show: It might have been a mistake to change the underground diagonal parking to head-in spaces. There are quite a few drivers who ignore the low speeds and just whiz around corners as if they were on an open road. I've witnessed some close calls. In an underground garage of such size there are bound to be problems until shoppers become familiar with the new parking areas.

My friend and I drove around for quite a while before we figured out how to get to where we wanted to go. In addition to the new garage areas, the original garage portion has been reconfigured. The signage is not very clear. It will point you in the general direction of where you want to go, but gives no indication that not all the lanes offer clear passage.

There are so many dead ends -- walled areas that give little room to turn around. Parking above ground is easier. Just park in front of the store you want to shop.

Easiest of all is valet. Cars can be dropped off and picked up at any valet station regardless of where you started. More car parkers would shorten the wait; benches would be a kindness for weary shoppers.