Chefs showcase their best dishes at Epicurean Affair

The 2008 Epicurean Affair, sponsored by the Nevada Restaurant Association, the Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association and the Flamingo Las Vegas, was May 1 at the Flamingo.

The setting was 15 acres of tropical oasis, where guests sampled cuisine from chefs and nightlife from area lounges and clubs.

More than 70 well-known chefs represented their award-winning restaurants, cooking-to-order their specialty dish for the 3,000 participants.

Attending the 18th annual affair was Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association President Van Heffner and his wife, Joan; Barbara Orcutt, Beverly and Mike Mykisen, Mike Severino, Phyllis and Richard Tomasso and Barbara Barron. Guests indulged in Guy Savoy's artichoke and black truffle soup and blue fin tartar. Caesars Palace's Nero's served braised short ribs, Payard Patisserie made their signature tiramisu and Bradley Ogden prepared a delicious fresh pea soup. Tao served vichyssoise, grits and drunken shrimp and Le Cordon Bleu featured salmon and pork dishes.

Stratosphere's Top of the World restaurant distributed watermelon gazpacho, and Fiamma at MGM Grand prepared fried orange Kobe beef. Planet Hollywood served Asian duck tacos and Colorado lamb chops. Maggiano's gave out meatballs and pasta, Margaritaville did mini cheeseburgers and ahi tuna with won ton cones, McCormick & Schmick shucked oysters served on the half-shell with dipping sauces, and Bally's Steakhouse offered steak and potatoes.

The Imperial Palace featured Hawaiian desserts of pineapple macadamia nut cake, banana bread, a fruit bar, Hanpia's Coconut Kahlua Cake and ahi tuna in ponzu sauce and kalua pork. Bill's Steakhouse in Bill's Gamblin' Hall and Saloon served prosciutto-wrapped prawns and steak au poivre.

More guests experiencing the lights, music, cocktails and culinary delights were Bill Dosch, Theresa Woo, Christopher Sarret, Josette LeBlond, Randy Becker, David Nolan, Chris Walker and Joan Pendergast.

Heart of Gold Ball: The American Heart Association and Sunrise Health presented the Heart of Gold Ball 2008, which honored Children's Heart Center of Nevada, on April 3 at Planet Hollywood Resort.

The Heart of Gold Ball is a fundraising event that supports the Nevada division of the American Heart Association's research, public education and community programs.

The reception offered the 420 black-tie guests cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction. A red carpet led to the Grand Ballroom, which was draped in red velvet from ceiling to floor. A large gilded picture frame was the stage backdrop and large ornate silver picture frames surrounded the room suspended over the red velvet walls, showcasing children's photos.

The event's master of ceremonies was John Daly. A welcome was given by Tom May, Heart of Gold Ball chairman and former president of HCA Far West Division, and Sylvia Young, president and chief executive officer of Sunrise Health.

Daly conducted a live auction for six packages, including a breakfast with Mayor Oscar Goodman and his wife, Carolyn, at the Bagel Cafe, which sold for $1,500. Other packages included a diamond pendant necklace that sold for $3,000 and a "feel-like-a-celebrity evening," which offered jewels loaned from Canturi Jewels at the Palazzo and sold for $2,000.

A highlight of the evening was the introduction of the Pope family. Carolyn Pope spoke of their family's experience when their son, Mason, was born weighing two pounds with holes in his heart. Thanks to the Children's Heart Center of Nevada and its pediatric cardiology program, Mason is now a typical 8-year-old boy.

Dr. Joseph Kaufman, vice president of Sierra Health of medical affairs, spoke of the evening's monetary goal and he expressed his gratitude to several donors for their unrestricted gifts to the American Heart Association's Special Appeals Campaign: Rene and Tony Marlon, Diane and Robert Bigelow, Sirpa and Joe Kaufman, Physician's Medical Center, Celine Dion Foundation, Wolzinger Family Foundation, Health Plan of Nevada, Southwest Medical Associates, Ecker & Kainen, Chtd., Medical Diagnostic Technologies Inc., and Mr. and Mrs. Tom May.

Dr. Bill Evans and Dr. Gary Mayman accepted the 2008 Heart of Gold Award on behalf of the Children's Heart Center of Nevada. Entertainment was provided by Phat Strat, four female violinists.

Also attending were Linda and Burton Cohen, Steve Dixon, Sam Kaufman, Dr. Mike SiColo, Stefani Evans, Judy and Jim Kropid, Nancy Bishop, Sally and John Bedotto, Alfred Mann, Katharine Henner, Cheryl Arter, Jean Frederick and Dean LaPlanca, Shelly Belland, Wade Pope and 11-year-old daughter, Mare; and Jason Belland, executive director of the Las Vegas Division of the American Heart Association. The band Night Shift played for dancing.