Columnist Muriel Stevens: Sammy’s spruces up in a charitable way

Friday, Jan. 14, 2005 | 9 a.m.

Sammy's Woodfired Pizza on West Sahara Avenue is joining the list of restaurants making a significant contribution to children caught in the devastating tsunami and its aftermath. Sammy's will be hosting fundraising events Tuesday and Jan. 20 that will benefit UNICEF.

On Tuesday all Sammy's locations will contribute 10 percent of gross sales to UNICEF. Twelve locations in Southern California, Nevada and Arizona will participate in the humanitarian effort.

The idea was initiated by the company's employees. The Ladeki Restaurant Group, owner of Sammy's Woodfired Pizza, will match all employee donations. It is anticipated that the 850-employee company will generate many thousands of donation dollars for UNICEF and the relief effort.

On Jan. 20, Sammy's will kick off a remodeling project at its Nevada locations, both of which are in Las Vegas: 6500 W. Sahara Ave., just east of Rainbow Boulevard, and 4300 E. Sunset Road, across from Trader Joe's.

An "Off the Wall Sale" will give customers the opportunity to purchase copper wall decorations and plants right from the restaurants' walls for $5 and $10.

All of the money raised from this sale will go to UNICEF.

The sale is the start of the remodel project and will debut the new menu and decor at both locations. Of course, the pizzas, salads and ever-popular Giant Messy Sundae remain.

Sammy's will add 23 new dishes, mostly tapas. The decor will be updated with an earthy color scheme of caramel and chocolate accented by a deep coral.

Sammy's supports many children's charities annually. UNICEF was chosen because of the large number of children who were orphaned and who suffered terrible injuries in this month's catastrophic event in South Asia. UNICEF has always been an international force in aiding children.

Currently, UNICEF in Asia is focusing on children's health and medical care and helping children cope with their trauma.

For more information about UNICEF, visit www.unicef.org.

Ferrara Bakery & Cafe at Forum Shops: What a delicious surprise it was to learn that New York City's venerable Ferrara Pasticceria (it opened in 1892) had opened in the Forum Shops at Caesars.

I have fond memories of wonderful pastries carefully carried home from New York to Philadelphia. We had excellent Italian bakeries in my hometown, yet Ferrara made pastries not found elsewhere.

One of my treasured cookbooks is a small paperback published by Ferrara. I'm still crazy about the rice cake recipe that's not quite a pudding, and the tender cakes made with cornmeal. Ferrara is situated in phase 3 on the third level. For more information call 647-3604.

Gourmet Grazer: The Alliance of Black Culinarians will host its 14th Gourmet Grazer from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Riviera. Gourmet Grazer is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit charitable organization, which was founded in 1991 by T.E. Williams.

Chef Williams is the event's chairman and founder of the Alliance of Black Culinarians. Ticket prices are tax deductible and are spent mainly on local youth from challenged communities. Included are a remarkable variety of foods and cool entertainment. For tickets contact Chef Williams at 896-1929 or 896-4318 or e-mail ticket requests to: cheftew@msn.com.

AvoClassic Guacamole, Ole!: New prepared products come and go, but one that is destined to last is the new AvoClassic Guacamole found in the refrigerated cases of most supermarkets, including Whole Foods.

Made without artificial additives or preservatives, this delicious guacamole looks and tastes as if it were homemade. In each box are two 8-ounce sealed packages. Snip a corner of a package, squeeze the contents into a small bowl and it's ready.

Chunks of avocado belie its processed background. Packages must be refrigerated until ready to use, or the packets can be frozen. Haas avocados, jalapeno puree (it's not hot) and peppers, dehydrated onion, salt and granulated garlic are the only ingredients. Much too tempting!

A 1-pound box -- two packets made with five avocados -- is $3.99. A perfect timesaver for Super Bowl parties.

Buckman's Grille at Sun City Anthem: Buckman's Grille located inside the Revere Golf Club in Sun City Anthem is open to the public from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday and Wednesday nights. Featured is a menu of contemporary American cuisine with weekly changes.

"It is high quality at a reasonable price, comparable to a gourmet restaurant you may find on the Strip," Executive Chef Daniel Kelley said. Spectacular views and the warmth of a fireplace are included. Reservations are recommended for parties of six or more. Call 617-5780.

Many dining ops at Barrick Gaming's Plaza hotel: Center Stage at the Plaza offers a full view of the new Fremont Street Experience along with a menu that includes a 26-ounce porterhouse steak, prime rib, Alaskan king crab legs and an array of delectable desserts. There is live entertainment every night. The Center Stage Lounge and the restaurant are open from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

A Celebrity Champagne Brunch is offered from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each Sunday at Center Stage. This special brunch is hosted by "Magnum P.I.'s" Larry Manetti (who played Rick on the series) and features surprise performances and appearances every week by renowned entertainers. Among the food choices are prime rib, seafood, sushi, an omelet bar, bananas Foster and much more.

Manetti's Italian Dining is named for D.W. Barrick's dear friend, who helped develop the menu. Manetti's offers dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. nightly.

Chop Chop Chinese & American Buffet features breakfast ($5.95) from 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and from 6 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday. Among the featured foods are omelets, scrambled eggs, French toast, sausage and bacon and more.

Lunch/dinner ($8.95) is offered from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 12:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Featured are such selections as a carving station with prime rib, a salad bar and an array of American and Chinese favorites. For an additional $4, add two slipper lobster tails.

If you're hankering for a New York-style deli sandwich, head for Celebrity Deli, a 24/7 establishment. Overstuffed sandwiches are the norm.