Columnist Muriel Stevens: Fund-raiser leaves thoughts of great food

Friday, Feb. 20, 2004 | 8:43 a.m.

Muriel Stevens' dining column appears Fridays. Her shopping and travel columns appear Wednesday. Reach her at (702) 259-4080 or muriel@lasvegassun.com.

"The Very Thought of You," a tribute dinner honoring Elaine and Steve Wynn and benefiting two of their favorite causes (Research for Retinal Degeneration and Greater Las Vegas Inner-City Games/After School All-Stars), was a joyous evening.

Intertwining romance with fund-raising was a lovely change from the usual charitable event. Of course, the timing, Feb. 13, was ideal for the sentimental, Valentine's Day-themed, black-tie benefit at the posh Stirling Club at Turnberry Place.

This stunning dinner for the Wynns was conceived by their longtime friend Don Soffer, managing partner of Turnberry Associates. Soffer is a major real estate developer and philanthropist whose generosity was on display throughout the evening as he and his son Jeffrey Soffer upped the ante on a number of the auction items.

Guests entered the Stirling Club to the sight and sound of musicians who lined the dramatic marble staircase. A cocktail reception in the inviting lounge featured a sumptuous caviar station and vintage Dom Perignon.

Sharon Bader, Stirling Club director of marketing and special events, stunning in black, greeted guests and answered myriad questions about the Stirling Club.

Part of the charm of "The Very Thought of You" was the guest list, so representative of the colorful history of old Las Vegas. There was much visiting and reminiscing. It was tender and sweet and never dull. Few responded to the first call to the dinner, the cocktail hour had passed so quickly.

With such an intimate group there was no letup of witty banter. The eternally bronzed George Hamilton was an amusing program director and auctioneer. And he's still movie-star handsome.

Charlie Palmer chefs Dan Shannon and Philippe Rispoli presented a delicious dinner: pan-seared sea scallops atop artichoke puree garnished with walnuts and cauliflower and swirled with a blood orange emulsion as the first course and a choice of sauteed Chilean sea bass with shallot and herb butter or a succulent, peppered filet mignon with beef shank ravioli, celery root puree and a braise of earthy oyster mushrooms.

Wines with dinner were outstanding: Cuvee Dom Perignon 1993, Ferrari Carano Alexander Valley Chardonnay and Chateau Lynch Bages Bordeaux, both 1999.

During dinner, letters of recognition of the Wynns' community involvement were read from former President George Bush, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mike Milken and Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme. Steve and Eydie were performing in Florida and unable to attend.

There were special tributes from close friends Susan and Irwin Molasky, Claudine Williams, Larry Ruvo and Phyllis McGuire. McGuire was in wonderful voice, every note perfect. Versatile Clint Holmes sang and did a bit of shtick; he's a very funny man. What a party.

Now came the serious stuff, the auction. Tony Bennett, who is an accomplished artist, contributed an original watercolor of New Orleans; noted American Chef Charlie Palmer, whose company manages the food operations at Turnberry, offered a dinner party to be prepared by him personally; James Caan, the star of the hit NBC series "Las Vegas," offered a walk-on that went for mucho dinero.

Hamilton wanted to bid, but wanted a feature role for his money -- Caan just laughed.

Stanislas de Querize, Cartier president and chief executive for North America, donated two tickets to the opening gala of the Cartier exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. This rare exhibit showcased Cartier designs as viewed by renowned architect Ettore Sotass -- the complete package included lodging, dining and more.

Bidding was frenetic for Camille and Larry Ruvo's Sonoma County Wine Experience, a glorious getaway for four people via private jet. Lodging at the fine Jordan winery in Santa Rosa, Calif., a special tour and tasting and a private luncheon will be followed by a private dinner at Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen, the hottest restaurant in Sonoma.

The next day consists of two private tours, tastings and a luncheon at wineries that have earned the highest ratings from Wine Spectator magazine. These experiences are not available to the general public. Cases of fine wines were included. Oenophiles bid with great abandon for this marvelous trip.

The Valentine red Hummer, loaded with extras, was won by New Yorker Jonathan Shiff. He was the envy of all present.

Everyone settled down when Pastry Chef Megan Romano's desserts were served. A wave of delectable creations were featured. Each guest received a different one, so there was much tasting and sharing.

The scene was set by wonderful dance music by Ray Anthony (how nostalgic can you get?) and his orchestra and a performance by 14-year-old singer Renee Olstead, who blew away the audience at last year's Andre Agassi fund-raiser. Olstead is another David Foster discovery.

More "The Very Thought of You": Elaine Wynn and her daughter, Kevyn Wynn Friedman, wore deep-red gowns in celebration of the Valentine theme. Both are tall, blonde and elegant.

Guests joined in a spirited rendition of "Happy Birthday to You" to McGuire, though her birthday is on Valentine's Day. Sister Dorothy's natal day was the day of the party. They would celebrate together, as they always do.

Short orders

Wine Dinners: On Thursday Les Artiste Steakhouse at Paris Las Vegas will present the wines of Kendall Jackson. A three-course dinner and dessert is $95, and includes a number of fine Kendall Jackson wines. For reservations call 967-7999.

Wolfgang Puck and Valentino partner: Fine Italian wines and Italian fare will be the stars at a six-course wine dinner on March 5 at Puck's Trattoria del Lupo at Mandalay Bay. Master sommelier Luis Santos chose wines from Vias Imports' collection of exceptional Italian wines. Wine dinner price is $100 and includes tax and gratuity.

Joining Lupo Executive Chef Mark Ferguson in the kitchen will be Corporate Executive Chef David Robins, Spago's Chef de Cuisine Eduardo Perez, Postrio's Executive Chef John LaGrone and Chinois Chef de Cuisine Scott Irestone. Also, Chef Luciano Pellegrini of the acclaimed Piero Selvaggio's Valentino at the Venetian. This fabulous dinner features a collection of outstanding Italian dishes created by the chefs. For more information or reservations call Madeline Benito of the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group at 369-0360.

Order Mardis Gras cakes, now: Progress Grocery in New Orleans is offering king cakes to anyone looking to celebrate Fat Tuesday. These filled king cakes, with the flavor of your choice, are shipped with the obligatory plastic baby, the king cake history, Mardis Gras beads, a ceramic mask and New Orleans coffee.

A king cake mix is available to those who would like to try their hand at baking their own king cake. Don't delay. Time is short -- order at www.gourmetfoodmall.com.