Columnist Muriel Stevens: Diamonds for Dinner is a girl’s best friend

Friday, Feb. 4, 2005 | 8:33 a.m.

What price love? To what lengths will a besotted male go to make his Valentine aware of his feelings?

A one-time Diamonds for Dinner Dream Package at Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas might do the trick. This fantasy-for-two feast of jewels package is priced at $50,000. The jewelry element's retail value exceeds the price of the weekend.

This passion-filled experience features three nights in a deluxe suite on the resort's over-the-water club level, one full day of "four-handed" massages and facials for both guests at the Vita di Lago Spa and myriad extravagant amenities.

The "ice-ing" on this superb package is the presentation of four pieces of fine diamond jewelry weighing in at more than five combined carats. These four pieces of custom-selected diamond bling will be discreetly nestled, like hidden treasure, among a single day's gourmet spreads, beverage service and nighttime turndown services. Such delicious intrigue.

When and where will the gems appear? Perhaps a sparkling diamond solitaire will grace a "carat cake" dessert at the lovely Medici Cafe and Terrace after a romantic chef's dinner for two.

A brilliant tennis bracelet could add glitter to pre-dinner caviar service presented by Medici Cafe's award-winning chef, Jeremy Bearman.

There's more. A special surprise might be the placement of a multicarat, multistone ring resting in precious gold dust atop a handmade chocolate heart created by chocolate master Patrick Coston. Or, a sparkling diamond necklace or watch might be wrapped around the stem of a martini glass offered in the Ritz-Carlton lounge. Such suspense.

And will a morning Bellini, perhaps "on the rock," be the start of an especially sparkling day? With evening's turndown, will the typical mint on the pillow be transformed into something much, much more?

Only a privileged few will know when and where the quartet of diamond delights will appear. Collaborating with the purchaser will be a noted purveyor of diamonds for the Ritz-Carlton, who will pre-select a personalized combination of top-quality jewelry.

The chefs will work their magic; the Ritz-Carlton's Valentine concierge will choreograph the opulent treasure hunt. It doesn't get much better than this.

For a complete list of what's included in the $50,000 Diamonds for Dinner Dream Package, call (800) 241-3333 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com.

Mere mortals can enjoy a lovely prix fixe Valentine's Day dinner at Medici Cafe for $90 per person. Dinner service is from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For reservations, call 567-4700.

More bling at Ethel M: Ethel M Chocolates is offering a chance to win the heart of your Valentine and a valuable prize of loose diamonds and more. Giving away loose diamonds is a new idea that would make any Valentine winner rejoice.

There is a grand prize (5.23 carats), plus three additional packages and 17 fourth prizes (Ethel M chocolates). Participants may register to win at any Ethel M Chocolates location. No purchase is necessary. Each package includes additional prizes in addition to the diamonds. Also included with each is a year's supply of Ethel M chocolates.

Sensuous dessert binge at all Wolfgang Puck restaurants: Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group's corporate pastry chef and associate partner Christophe Ithurritze has created a sensuous dessert menu for each Puck restaurant. Each restaurant's dessert offering is different, but each location will offer chocolate-covered strawberries for a sweet ending to a romantic evening.

Reservations are requested for all restaurants offering Valentine's Day dinners.

Carnegie deli at Mirage: Finally, the long-awaited opening of New York's Carnegie Deli will take place at 7 a.m. Saturday at the Mirage. I'll probably wait until Sunday before going, but just knowing Carnegie is there is so cool.

Breakfast will be served all day. The French toast is made with challah (egg bread); matzo brei, blintzes and pirogen are standard fare, and the sandwiches have names that will make you smile. The Woody Allen signature sandwich is almost as famous as the cheesecake and blintzes, and there's takeout, too. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Oh, happy days.

Transitions

New executive chef at Aureole: Vincent Poussels, previously with the Jules Verne restaurant at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, is now Aureole's executive chef. Chef Vincent, Charlie Palmer's choice for the plum position, recently created a host of exciting new dishes for Aureole's menu.

Rick Moonen says bye-bye to NYC: Seafood specialist Rick Moonen, who recently opened two rm restaurants in Mandalay Place, has closed both rm New York restaurants. Why?

"It was the right thing to do," Moonen said. "New York doesn't feel like home since I relocated to Las Vegas."

He also relocated some of the key New York personnel. "I can't stress enough how much at home I am in Las Vegas. And I'm wild about the importance of my new location," Moonen continued.

You can't miss the casual rm eatery on the lower level of Mandalay Place. It's quite large and features a raw bar and many casual eats, including po' boy sandwiches.

The fine dining room on the upper level needs more signage, but it's worth looking for. The bar and lounge are smashing, and so is the dining room. You'll find rm opposite the wine shop. Look carefully and you'll find the door.

Philipe Rispoli at the Wynn: Former Aureole Executive Chef Philipe Rispoli has moved to Steve Wynn's Wynn Las Vegas, opening April 28. Each of the fine-dining restaurants has a water view and, according to a reliable source, innovations never before initiated in Las Vegas.