Grant A Gift Celebrated it's 8th Annual “Fashion for Autism” with a Stylish Soiree on November 3 at the Aria Resort & Casino

The evening was hosted by Monica O.Jackson and included fundraising, a men’s and women’s fashion show from Neiman Marcus, the annual fashion event celebrated community members leading the fight against autism and benefits Grant a Gift Autism Foundation and UNLV Medicine Ackerman Autism Center.
Attendees of Fashion for Autism sipped on champagne which was offered upon arrival while bidding on lavish and luxurious items at an exclusive silent auction. Following the reception, guests were entertained by a live fashion show sponsored by Neiman Marcus and a special performance by Pia Zadora. The luxury department store showcased the hottest trends for both fashion-forward men and women. Guests also enjoyed an incredible live auction followed by the awards ceremony honoring three outstanding community leaders who have worked tirelessly to ensure that families dealing with autism receive the help and support needed. International star and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Pia Zadora was honored with the Ambassador for Autism Award; Julie Foutz Beasley, Ph.D., Child Neuropsychologist and UNLV Medicine Ackerman Autism Center Director received the Autism Community Care Award; and John Guedry, CEO of Bank of Nevada received the Autism Community Partner Award along with Grant a Gift board members Flossie Christensen and Sarah Guindy. Former Grant a Gift program clients Haley Daniels and Jonas Martin were both awarded the Self-Advocate Community Achievement Award, for making significant accomplishments within the community. A special Autism Advocacy recognition was presented to Assemblyman James Oscarson.
Dinner included:
Salad with Arugula Spanish Manchego, Sundried Apricots Cranberries, Candied Pistachios Red Wine Vinaigrette.
Entree: Braised Short Rib and Skuna Bay Salmon Parnip Puree, Roasted Babyd Root Vegetables Natural Reduction and Peppadew Pepper-Caper Relish.
Dessert: Espresso Infused Chocolate Pot de Creme Kahlua Caramel and Chocolate Dulce Streusel, Cafe.

 

 

WOW Makes a Splash in Las Vegas

A must-see show, just incredible and beautifully done!

With so many shows to choose from comes a new kind of spectacle Hanoch Rosenn's WOW, Wonders of Water currently home at the Rio Hotel & Casino which opened in October. WOW is a 90-minute, water-themed extravaganza which takes theatergoers on a circus-style dream journey, with dancing, comedy, acrobatics, illusion, water falls, romance and choreographed narrative heightened by 3D multi-media projections and holograms.

The show begins with a fisherman falling asleep by the water. The fisherman awakens to find an intoxicating mermaid who draws him into a fantastical world of magical creatures, which transpire from the twenty-five vastly different ensuing acts offering adventures, escape and ultimately, enlightenment.

The cast includes more than 30 international and highly acclaimed performing artists, acrobats, dancers and even dare devil finalist Archer Silvia Silvia from "America Got Talent" performing her death-defying feats. She shoots an apple balanced on her head with a crossbow on the other side of the stage that she triggers by firing another metal arrow at its mechanism. In another near-lethal crossbow stunt, she fires an arrow at a balloon held in the mouth of her husband which balances a bottle of wine!
The water spectacular “WOW” will play at the Rio Showroom Tuesday through Sunday at 7 pm with additional shows at 9 pm Friday through Sunday.
For more information visit www.Wow-Vegas.com

First Annual Lake Las Vegas Classic and Feast Celebration.

From the creators of Oregon's largest golf and culinary event in history comes the 2017 Audi Henderson Lake Las Vegas Classic. This three-day event featured a VIP Party, a separate golf tournament, and a culinary feast, proceeds benefit Keep Memory Alive and Southern Nevada Leukemia and Lymphomo Society.
THE FEAST was held Saturday, October 28th at the Reflection Bay Golf Club. And featured Las Vegas' finest chefs, hand-crafted beers, a variety of wines and spirit tastings, specialty desserts, a silent auction and more. Live Entertainment was provided by Grammy Award-winning artist Lonnie Chapin’s band Precious Byrd.

Giada De Laurentiis to Open Second Restaurant--Pronto by Giada--at Caesars Palace

The celebrated chef's second restaurant expected to debut in Las Vegas in early 2018
Celebrated chef, author and television personality, Giada De Laurentiis, is anticipated to open her second restaurant, Pronto by Giada, at Caesars Palace in early 2018. Taking a page from her highly-successful, GIADA, at The Cromwell also in Las Vegas, Pronto, will offer guests De Laurentiis' signature Italian fare with California influences but in a fast, casual format. "With Pronto by Giada being my second restaurant, I wanted to do something a little different, with a more casual approach than my first restaurant, GIADA at The Cromwell," said De Laurentiis. "This will be a great introduction to my food and brand, as it's the lighter side of Italian with a fresh, California influence. It will be perfect for a fast bite, and then guests can go across the street for a finer-dining experience."
"Caesars Palace prides itself on having the most impressive collection of celebrity chef restaurants—the addition of Giada De Laurentiis and Pronto by Giada brings our culinary empire to an even higher level of excellence," said Caesars Palace Regional President, Gary Selesner. "Pronto will offer something for every guest—from those looking to grab a quick bite or an artisanal coffee, to those wanting to enjoy the chic space while leisurely enjoying charcuterie and a glass of wine, all conveniently positioned steps away from our convention center and Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis."
Pronto will be located adjacent to the world-famous Bacchanal Buffet and MR CHOW, and will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner options, made of the freshest ingredients and prepared in an abbreviated time, perfect for guests on the go or those looking for a leisurely bite. Once guests receive their dishes, a variety of seating will be available from counter and bar seating to casual lounging. Not only will the food offerings be fast and refreshing, but the beverage offerings will be as well, from the coffee program to wine-on-tap to a full service bar with signature cocktails.
Breakfast offerings will include house-made pastries featuring traditional and unconventional flavors including Italian Cornetti, as well as breakfast sandwiches and made-to-order smoothies; lunch and dinner will feature fresh-pressed Paninis, salads, De Laurentiis' twist on sandwiches with her lobster roll and gooey grilled cheese, antipasti and Formaggi and Salumi platters. For those with a sweet tooth like De Laurentiis, the dessert selections will be the perfect combination of light and decadent with gelato and sorbetto in both familiar and Giada-fied flavors to her famous lemon ricotta cookies and a selection of eye-catching cakes sold by the slice. Coffee fans will delight in the artisanal selections available around the clock, featuring traditional fresh brews to nitro options and eye catching foam art.
Pronto will be an open, light space encouraging guests from all areas of Caesars Palace to place an order, take a seat and enjoy the scenery. As she did with her first restaurant, De Laurentiis took inspiration for the look and feel from her own home. With natural elements such as wood and marble quartz, coupled with pops of color in the Italian-inspired tile, Pronto will be warm and inviting while providing an ease from the excitement of the casino floor.

2017 M.E.N.U.S.

Epicurean Charitable Foundation hosted its annual M.E.N.U.S. fundraiser event honoring Hubert Keller with a special performance by Everclear on Friday October 13th at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s pool.
Showcasing more than 25 of Las Vegas’ top restaurants, chefs, mixologists and beverage distributors, the event supports ECF’s mission of providing full college scholarships and mentorship opportunities to gifted, but underprivileged, Clark County high school seniors who are passionate about pursuing a career in the food, beverage and hospitality industry.
This year’s event featured a dine-around experience, silent auction and after-party all complemented by Cuban flavors, cigars, dancing and beverages. Students got to participate in the planning for this event, and also had a chance to network with food and beverage professionals.

RiSE Lantern Festival Opened Festival Gates, Uniting Thousands of Attendees for Year Four

RiSE Lantern Festival returned to Nevada for a fourth year at the Mojave Desert October 6 and 7, 2017. Created to celebrate the collection of participants hopes, dreams and wishes, this year's festival was particularly special, honoring those those in the wake of the Las Vegas tragedy on Oct.1.
The simultaneous release of thousands of lanterns created a breathtaking floating vigil in the sky, welcoming over guests from across the country. Festival organizers and attendees extended heartfelt condolences to loved ones of the fallen victims while other participants also embraced the prayers and wishes of others through the "Still I Rise" social media campaign launched earlier this year, giving non-attendees an opportunity to share their messages.
To complement the event, guests were welcomed to live music performed by all-new entertainment headliners, in addition to a selection of food and beverage offerings enjoyed in the newly added lounge areas. At sundown, the first release of lanterns allowed for astronomical feeling - filling the Mojave Desert sky with a multitude of lanterns each night. After the second release, the event concluded with a collection of fireworks. Participants planning to attend RiSE in 2018 can anticipate the RiSE Spa and Resort - an all-new addition to the festival. The new amenity will include massage services, facials, delicious food, kayaking, horseback riding and hiking.

Grapes & Hops Festival in Las Vegas

The Springs Preserve’s annual Grapes & Hops Festival took place Saturday, September 30 raising money for a good cause kicking off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with a portion of ticket sales and all silent auction proceeds from the event benefiting "Par for The Cure", a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research.
Guests sampled fine wines, taped into a great selection of beers and sampled food from some of Las Vegas’ finest restaurants while enjoying live music and helping to raise money for a good cause.
Wine vendors included: Wilson Creek Winery, ONEHOPE Wine, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Riboli Family Wines, The Wine Group, Constellation Brands, and Bronco Wine Company. 
Beer vendors included: Brooklyn Brewery, ACE Premium Craft Cider, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders, New Belgium Brewing Company, Unibroue, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Erdinger, Pizza Port Brewing Company, Pabst Brewing Company, Big Dogs Brewing Company, Merchant du Vin, and Mother Earth Brewing.
This was great event in a beautiful setting.