Columnist Muriel Stevens: Welcome to the world, little Jacob

Everything's coming up Jake for Chantal and Stephen Jay Cloobeck these days.

The birth on Feb. 18 of Jacob Harrison Cloobeck, the couple's first child, has brought a new dimension to their lives. While his parents are enraptured over his arrival, wee Jacob takes it all in stride.

He retained his good nature (his dad says he has his mother's disposition) even when he was the leading man in the ancient Jewish ritual of the bris, when he was circumcised. The ceremony took place at the Cloobeck home with friends and family members sharing the blessing of Jacob's birth.

Expert Mohel (he does the snipping) Dr. Fred Kogen flew in from California to perform the time-honored ritual.

Master Cloobeck took the stage like a pro (again like his mother, who is an actress), uttering only a slight sound of disapproval when his undies were removed.

After the ceremony, he happily napped while his proud parents entertained their guests with a bountiful table of foods catered by Spago. It was a delightful time of joy and celebration for his parents, who have been on cloud 9 since his arrival.

Just four weeks later, to the day. Chantal was the star when her loving spouse hosted a 30th birthday party for her at Drai's in the Barbary Coast.

Before dinner, guests gathered in the elegant lounge for cocktails. Observing the beauteous Chantal's natal day were her brother-in-law Richard Cloobeck and his wife Melinda, her best friend from her native Canada, Nathalie Hamelin, cousins Cheryl and Scott Hergott, her mother and step-dad Diane and Michel Lalonde, and Stephen's mother, Lynne Seflin.

Dinner took place in one of the smashing private dining rooms. Soft lighting and beautifully appointed tables highlighted with fantasy floral arrangements created by another friend, party designer Jon Tullis, set the theme for the gracious party.

Just four weeks after the birth of Jacob, Chantal was able to wear the chic, black, Versace gown Stephen had bought her on their honeymoon. Surely a most gorgeous example of discipline and determination.

Dinner was a delightful mix of good food and camaraderie. The intimate dining room made for easy mixing and mingling. There were many toasts to the honoree, including an especially romantic one from her husband. The well- chosen menu included a host of appetizers, a choice of entrees -- Dover sole meuniere, free-range chicken with roasted garlic, crispy duck confit with mushrooms and fava beans, seared ahi tuna, grilled filet mignon and a roasted veal chop. Drai's signature mashed potatoes and yams, excellent French fries and seasonal vegetables, and delectable chocolate souffles for dessert.

Among those enjoying the laudable birthday dinner were Kevin Gaumond, Gary Longfellow, Judy and Dr. Barry Markman, Denise and Dan Reichartz, Sandy and Roger Peltyn (Sandy helped plan the party), Michelle and Michael Berk, Debi Collins, Drs. Parvin and Theodore Jacobs, Nancy and Jack Weinstein, Sandee and Jim Comito, Lexi and Rand Capp, Marilyn and Bob Marisco, Debbie and Jim Rhodes, Stacy Rudich, Mildred Schneidman, Rhonda and Michael Mona and Jessica and Marvin Freeman. It was a grand group.

After dinner, the guests returned to the lounge for more toasting, and dancing to the mellow sounds of Drai's jazz group. Chantal looks ready to return to her acting career, but she says she is not yet prepared to leave the new man in her life, baby Jacob. She is making plans to resume her career, but has not yet set a date for returning before the cameras.

Among the many lovely gifts Chantal received were two special ones from Stephen -- a diamond necklace in celebration of Jacob's birth, and a pearl necklace to mark this special birthday.

Surprise birthday

Rita Bornfeld, the mother of SUN Features Editor Steve Bornfeld, never dreamed that the celebration of her 75th birthday would be a surprise dinner at Chinois in the Forum Shops. She was thrilled that her beloved sister Natalie Kaye had flown in for the weekend to be with her. Rita had been told that she, Steve, Natalie and nephew Peter Green would have dinner in the dining room, upstairs, at the new Wolfgang Puck restaurant, Chinois.

It wasn't until she saw the faces of niece Lori Dumont and nephew Danny Kaye with his wife Linda, that she realized this was her present from her son. Friends Lucille and Jo had come from as far away as New York to help her celebrate. They left the balmy weather New York was experiencing to come to a Las Vegas experiencing rain, wind and record-breaking cold. Not even a flight that took 19 hours and lost luggage could dampen the pleasure of being here for their friend's party.

The party took place on the private area of the balcony. Guests had a glorious open view of the Forum from both sides of the table. Rita was aglow, not only from the surprise, but from being with loved ones she never expected to see.

Dinner was composed of a number of Chinois signature dishes including an outstanding scallop salad, duck crepes, whole catfish, Szechuan beef, lobster, and sampler platters of Pastry Chef Mary Bergin's delectable creations.

If Rita does decide to move from New York to Las Vegas, the dinner could be one of the determining factors.

Rita is no stranger to Las Vegas. Long before her son moved here, she would come to Las Vegas to visit her brother, now deceased, entertainment agent Art Engler, who was a longtime resident.

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