COLUMN: Dorothy Huffey, On the Scene

      Hope gala . . . Clark County Medical Society presented its first "Prescription for Hope Charity Gala" on Jan. 24 at the Luxor's Egyptian Ballroom. Proceeds from the event will benefit Family and Child Treatment of Southern Nevada, a nonprofit agency dedicated to helping children, adults and families overcome and heal the traumas of abuse, neglect and violence through prevention and treatment services.
      Executive director Fran Marshall spoke at the dinner stating that the 10-year-old agency has served several thousand children and their families. This past year, FACT served 2,000 children and adults through their free or sliding-fee services providing counseling, advocacy and education.
      Accolades went to Jodie Tarkanian Diamant for bringing the group to the attention of the Clark County Medical Society and enlisting their support.
      A silent auction offered 65 items including a gold-and-diamond necklace that Ercy Rosen paid $1,000 for, and a Harley-Davidson leather jacket that Stacey Smith took home for $325. Dr. Thomas McCormick paid $180 to lunch with Sen. Richard Bryan, and Dr. Keith Boman will lunch with Rep. John Ensign for $355. Dr. Joseph Quagliana went for the script signed by the cast of "Chicago Hope" for $200. For $80 Lori Davis received a horseback ride at Sagebrush Ranch. Dr. Robert Shreck got a good deal in winning a ski weekend at Brian Head for just $180. Randy Butler paid $300 for San Francisco 49er Steve Young's autographed football.
      Among the raffle winners were Nancy Vinnik getting the Lauren Taylor beauty package. Dr. Dave Mulkey got the box of cigars, and Dr. Fathie Kazem will enjoy a getaway with dinner for two at Mount Charleston Inn. The raffle's grand prize of dinner at 12 of Las Vegas' outstanding restaurants was won by Dr. Neil Carmena.
      Master of ceremonies Dr. Mitch Keamy, Clark County Medical Society president, acknowledged the event's sponsors, and Kim Watson, Clark County Medical Society's alliance president, presented a check for $40,000 to Marshall. The check included a donation from the Clark County Medical Society and $15,000 from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.
      Sue Manteris, anchorwoman for KVBC-TV, Channel 3, spoke about FACT and its services.
      Dinner with an entree of filet mignon and salmon was enjoyed by Dr. John and Harriet Batdorf, Dr. Ruben Romero, Dr. Otto and Barbara Ravenholt, Dr. Keith and Becky Boman, Dr. Bob and Shelley Cranley, Dr. Randall and Jill Colquitt, Dr. Vance McDonald, and Troy and Selma Bartlett.
      Seen dancing the night away to the music of Harbor Lights were Dr. Bernard and Elaine Feldman, Dr. Jeffrey and Vicki Cichon, and newlyweds Dr. David and Laura Mulkey.
      Super party . . . Deni and Steve Conrad entertained friends at their 14th annual Super Bowl Bash. Returning to Las Vegas for the party were former residents Verona and Edward Pasquale, now of San Diego. The game and delicious buffet was enjoyed by all, but especially by the big-money winners: Gary Mouden, Diana Wilson, Lou Gamage and Frank Brusa.
      Laredo Del Mar . . . Texas Station premiered its new gourmet menu featuring fresh fish from the waters of Mexico along with traditional Mexican cuisine.
      The establishment's Laredo Cantina & Cafe has been renamed Laredo Del Mar, reflecting the coastal flair of its new menu. Leo Smith is the executive chef at Texas Station, a position he has held since March 1997. Previously, Smith served for seven years as the executive chef at Mirage Resorts. In the Laredo Del Mar restaurant, chef Mario Valencia oversees all food preparation, and he created the new menu. The restaurant's new look accentuates the vivid blues and greens of Baja and Cancun.
      The many flavors of margaritas are sure to please. Different appetizers, such as chilled fresh seafood (ceviche) marinated with seasoned lime juice and another south-of-the-border favorite coctel de langosta, lobster medallions cooked, chilled and served with cocktail sauce and pico de gallo, were a hit.
      The chef's healthy new "fresh-from-the-sea" main courses came alive with exciting new flavors with a five-spice, crust-topped yellowtail tuna or swordfish fillet wrapped in corn husks and smoked. Another favorite was wolf fish baked in parchment paper and topped with a poblano chile, diced octopus, scallops, shrimp and clams. They also offer the traditional variety of enchiladas, burritos and fajitas.