Friday, Dec. 7, 2001 | 9:43 a.m.
Muriel Stevens' dining column appears Fridays. Her shopping and travel columns appear Friday. Reach her at 259-4080 or [email protected].
Who would have believed that attending the Neon Museum's A Night Under the Lights fund-raiser, sponsored by Neiman Marcus in the Fashion Show mall, could be so warm and inviting on a cold winter night? The museum's events are always funky and creative, but they are usually indoors. This spectacular took place outside the Golden Nugget under the canopy of the Fremont Street Experience.
So faithful are the museum's supporters, they all donned their warmest garb and came to the party. And what a delightful affair it was. Part of the fun came from the guests' attire. There was everything from chic to sexy, long coats to "aren't you cold in that getup," to stylish cowboy.
Outside the Golden Nugget, the area under the FSE had been enclosed. There were plants and accent lighting that made it all so pretty. Dinner tables had been set up in front of the stage facing Fremont Street. A separate reception area gave everyone ample space to mingle while munching wonderful hot hors d'oeuvres provided by Wild Sage Cafe.
Special drinks created by Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada's master mixologist Francesco Lafranconi were terrific. I don't know what was in the whipped cream-topped coffee Francesco, but it was warm, smooth and delicious. Southern Wine & Spirits also provided the wines.
There was music and dancing (a good way to warm up) and a delicious dinner orchestrated by the expert Golden Nugget staff: Executive Chef Steve Young, Executive Sous Chef Rose Butler, Executive Pastry Chef Flemming Pederson, Banquet Manager Chris Millus, Director of Food and Beverage Jay Bluhm and Director of Catering Jim Kinsella.
We dined on seasonal field greens with caramelized pecans and bits of Gorgonzola cheese; herb-crusted Chilean sea bass; rosemary lamb chops; Yukon Gold "pressed" potatoes and ratatouille, all served warm in spite of the cold. Dessert was a delectable raspberry chocolate tower. Chocolates from Ethel M were lovely with the coffee that followed.
Among the many museum supporters attending were former Mayor Jan Jones and Mayor Oscar Goodman. Neon Museum President Barbara Molasky lauded both for helping the Neon Museum become a reality. While she was mayor, Jones made the museum part of the city's' cultural development program; Goodman enthusiastically continued the support. Of course, the fund-raisers will continue until there is enough money for a facility to house these precious relics. Surely we have the happiest mayor ever to hold office.
The evening ended with the auction of the first gold Las Vegas Heart created by jewelry designer Steven Lagos. This is one of a series that began with the Philadelphia Heart, inspired by the designer's hometown. Steven and his designer-wife Ann were in Las Vegas to introduce the LV Heart, sold exclusively at Neiman Marcus. With them was NM General Manager Teri Mansour, who is a generous Neon Museum supporter.
The Neon Museum is about the colorful history of the neon signs of Las Vegas.
"It's a place where the forgotten neon heirlooms of Las Vegas' past go to get a new lease on life," according to museum literature. Museum founders raise money to give the signs "a new lease on light." Anyone who would like a private tour of the Neon Boneyard should call 229-5366.
Crazy Armadillo opens: So, what's a crazy armadillo? In Las Vegas it's a kicky new restaurant at the Stratosphere that serves Tex-Mex, Southwest and Mexican foods in a happy, colorful atmosphere. Formerly the Big Country Steakhouse, the only sign BCS ever was is the antler chandelier and wood ceiling in the back dining room. It's a good choice if you like reasonably quiet dining as I do.
The Crazy Armadillo is a rockin' restaurant with entertainment, an oyster bar that never closes and tasty, zesty food. Executive Chef Mario Andreoni had fun creating this cool eatery that caters to both families and the late-night crowd.
The oyster bar features shooters, steamed shrimp, clams and mussels, oyster stews and various pan roasts and a wide array of margaritas and cocktails with inspired names. Who thinks up these monikers?
The dining room menu is quite large, offering everything from skillet selections such as sizzling fajitas to pan-fried oysters. A full rack of baby back ribs is $15.99 and includes corn-on-the-cob, baked potato with fixings and hearty charro beans. A half-rack of ribs is $8.99. A selection of steaks and two cuts of prime rib are moderately priced and include baked potato and vegetables.
Crazy Armadillo's oyster bar is open 24/7. Happy hour is from 4-7 p.m. Entertainment is featured Thursday through Monday. Dining room hours are from 5:30 until the last guest departs, Thursday through Monday.
Since the hotel-casino's new owner, Carl Icahn, took over, the Stratosphere has been pleasantly updated, although it's still a work in progress. Improving the food was certainly a good idea, and giving Andreoni free rein to use his creativity was another. But valet parking is still a mess to get to and get out of. The parking garage appears to be easier. Enter the hotel from valet and it's a far walk to the Crazy Armadillo. Of course, after such a hearty meal a walk sounds good.
Puck to open Spago at Maui Four Seasons: Always community minded, Wolfgang Puck and his wife and partner, Barbara Lazaroff, will celebrate the grand opening of Spago at Four Seasons Resort Maui with a benefit party for the Maui Arts & Cultural Center Arts and Education Program. Gourmet pupus (appetizers) and aloha attire sounds good to this Mainlander. Co-hosting the grand opening are Radha and Karen Arora and Masaru "Pundy" and Shirley Yokuchi.
La Scala celebrates first year: La Scala restaurant on East Desert Inn Road is celebrating its first year with what owner Gian Carlo calls a "thank you to friends and patrons for their support." Through Dec. 15 La Scala is featuring a pounder-plus Maine lobster served over linguine ($17.95). Included is a choice of soup or salad.
Not since the late Joe Pignatello opened this restaurant has the food been as good as it is now. The decor and lighting might need a little sprucing up, but the food is first-rate and so is the service. For reservations call 699-9980.
Holiday gift from Puck: Through Dec. 30 Puck is including a complimentary bottle of wine with every meal at Spago, Lupo, Postrio and Chinois. Parties larger than four receive two bottles.
This holiday wine tasting features select varieties from the Ferarri-Carano Winery, including its 1998 Merlot, 1998 Siena, 1999 Chardonnay and 2000 Fume Blanc. There's no limit. This offer is valid every time you dine at a Puck eatery. To receive the wine, inform the person making your reservation or tell the hostess when you arrive. Reservations are suggested, but not required.
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