Columnist Muriel Stevens: Schedule for UNLVino bubbling over

Friday, April 15, 2005 | 8:24 a.m.

Las Vegas was a much different town in 1974 when Southern Wine & Spirits formed a partnership with the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration.

UNLVino was conceived by Larry Ruvo, senior managing director of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada. It is a splendid opportunity for wine aficionados and winemakers to share the latest releases, the best vintages and the finest varietals. The pleasures of the vine and more, all for cause of scholarships.

Over the years millions of dollars have been raised in support of higher education at the college. The public requests and UNLVino responds, so once again the event will include two smaller, more intimate special events a few days before the Grand Tasting on April 23. The schedule follows:

Bubble-Licious at the Hard Rock Hotel will give you the skinny on who makes the world's best bubbly. Viva la France, but is that the only country to put stars in our eyes? Is this favorite celebratory drink limited only to designated areas? Here's your chance to find out.

Taste more than 30 world-class champagnes and sparkling wines in the ideal setting, the lush Hard Rock pool. And raise your flute to this UNLVino kick-off event. Local celebs are expected to drop by at 7 p.m. Thursday. Ticket price is $50.

Auss-Some and then some at Cili Bali Hai Golf Club. Wear a pareu or sarong and feel right at home in the tropical beauty of Cili. Many of the top winemakers from Australia will bring their very best wines to Las Vegas. New Zealand and South African wines will again round out this "New World" wine experience.

Culinary delights as well -- sounds swell. Taste your way across the Southern Hemisphere from the comfort of Cili from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. April 22. Ticket price is $40.

Grand Tasting at Bally's Event Center. More than 125 suppliers will attend this Big Daddy of tastings. More than 700 wines created by 325 wineries from around the world will be poured. This enormous quantity of wines is a rarity for a community wine-tasting/fundraiser from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. April 23. Ticket price: $50 in advance; $75 at the door.

For more information about UNLVino visit www.unlvino.com or call 876-4500. For tickets: www.unlvtickets.com or call 739-3267.

Cheers!

Toni Clark Finuf birthday bash: Toni Clark Finuf's milestone birthday at the posh Stirling Club on April 4 was an evening of tender memories and bonhomie. Toni's loving husband, Larry Finuf, and her longtime best friend, Barbara Greenspun (who is also the Las Vegas Sun publisher), were the co-conspirators who planned the lovely event.

The history of Las Vegas could have been written with the stories recounted by the guests. There was whimsy and humor and a few tears. And much visiting with Toni, a most gracious, indomitable woman. Beautifully dressed and coifed, she sat proudly in her wheelchair as if it were a throne.

Among the highlights of the splendid evening were the welcoming words from Larry and the tribute to Toni from Gov. Kenny and Dema Guinn. It was read by Phyllis McGuire, whose dulcet tones and smooth delivery could turn the message on a cereal box into lyrical poetry. What a talent.

The younger set was well represented with Myra and Brian Greenspun, Janie Greenspun Gale, Jeff Gale and David Goldwater, who is Toni's godson. Toni had been a force in all of their lives, even the spouses who came along later. Former Desert Inn president Burton Cohen, a master of the wry retort, was at his very best -- oh, the stories he could tell.

Mary Goldwater (David's mother) was devoted to Toni, too, and had more sweet Toni tales to share. Also attending were members of Wilbur Clark's family, nephew Harold Clark and nieces Sharon Hoffer and Shirley Walker with husband Terry Walker. In the heydey of early Las Vegas, Toni and Wilbur Clark (he built the Desert Inn hotel) were among the leaders of the Las Vegas social scene.

The cocktail hour included tasty hors d'oeuvres and dishes as we caught up with friends we'd not seen for a while.

Among those enjoying Toni's party were former Sen. Richard Bryan and his wife, Bonnie, Bob Maheu, Virginia Compton, Sharon and Norm Jenkins, Norma and Dick Land, Jan and Fred Allen, Francine Pulliam Graves, Bill Moore, Mary Healy, Nancy and Kell Houssels, Frances and Richard "Mac" McDonald, Claudine Williams, Kitty Rodman and Larry's longtime pal and accomplished pianist Joe Darro, who entertained. Of course, there were many more of Toni's buddies.

Dinner featured Toni's favorite Stirling Club dishes. We dined on a Stirling Club special salad with chopped romaine, goat cheese, candied walnuts, fresh pear slices and a walnut vinaigrette; an entree choice of glazed salmon or veal chop with wild mushrooms; and Toni's favorite dessert -- a white layer cake filled with whipped cream and strawberries and topped with more whipped cream and strawberries. As an end to this lovely evening we toasted our friend with Veuve Cliquot champagne.

Larry was a most eligible bachelor when he met Toni. After a long engagement they wed and "lived happily ever after."

I do love a happy ending ...

Short orders

Anna Bella in Green Valley: After many successful years in their popular Italian restaurant at Desert Inn and Sandhill Roads, owners Janina and Tony Musci have relocated to 1000 N. Green Valley Parkway. Janina and Tony have created a warm, inviting atmosphere with earthy Tuscan colors and vibrant forest-green awnings outside, and stylish decor inside. The menu, not yet completed, will include all of the old favorites and a number of daily specials.

The bar, complete with booths, is the smoking area; comfortable booths surround the dining room. Lunch will be offered Monday through Friday; dinner, nightly. April 25 is the anticipated opening date, but call before going just in case -- 434-2537.

Sammy's Woodfired Pizza: Sammy's Woodfired Pizza has joined forces with the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park for April Roar & Snore and Pizza for Four contest. The contest lasts through April 30 at Sammy's locations in California, Arizona and Nevada. For more information about this Roar & Snore contest, call the San Diego Zoo's sales department -- (619) 718-3000 -- weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bon Appetit Wine & Spirits Focus at Ritz-Carlton: Mother's Day weekend can be a three-day culinary extravaganza for mother. It's quite an event, one that the entire family can enjoy. The weekend includes a Mother's Day Champagne Brunch on Sunday, a fitting conclusion to a celeb chef celebration. Reservations for the weekend event may be requested by calling (888) 343-6287 or visiting www.bonappetitfocus.com.