Tuscan Cliffs to host famous chef

Acclaimed chef Hubert Keller will film a cooking segment at Tuscan Cliffs custom-designed estate residences Tuesday and Wednesday. Filming will take place at the Tuscan Cliffs model homes and will be free and open to the public.

The segment is sponsored by Cuisinart, the culinary tools company that sponsors Keller's "Secrets of a Chef" program on Public Broadcasting Service, including Vegas PBS Channel 10.

On the show, the acclaimed culinary master prepares his favorite recipes with themes including "Spotlight on Crusts," "Mustard Madness," "The Secret of Stock" and "Phyllo Fun."

Keller is the proprietor of Fleur de Lys and Burger Bar, with locations in Las Vegas (Mandalay Bay) and San Francisco. He also owns Sleek, a steak house and ultra lounge in St. Louis.

Keller will be preparing dishes from his Burger Bar cookbook.

"This is the second show we have collaborated with Cuisinart to produce and are proud that our home designs provide the perfect location for Chef Keller's program," said Kristi Kramer, vice president of Pacific Southwest Development. "The kitchens at all of our Tuscan Cliffs model homes were designed to provide commercial-quality space and appliances in the comfort of your own home. Having a professional chef work in our kitchen is an honor, and will showcase its beauty and functionality."

Tuscan Cliffs' model homes will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the days of the event. Culinary students will be offering complimentary dessert samples and guests will receive a complimentary cookbook. Following each segment's filming, the cast and crew will be available to talk with guests.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to come out and see our model homes while witnessing one of the greatest chefs of our generation up close and in person," Kramer said. "In addition to the free cookbooks, we will also have surprise giveaways for those who attend the filming."

Tuscan Cliffs kitchens showcase the latest design layouts coupled with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and scenic views.

"Each resident has the opportunity to customize their kitchen with a commercial-grade range, warming and cooling drawers and an additional dishwasher," Kramer said. "Our team of designers envisioned the kitchen as a central feature in Tuscan Cliffs homes and has created options for both the recreational and professional chef."

Standard kitchens at Tuscan Cliffs include 42-inch handcrafted maple cabinetry, granite kitchen countertops and islands; Viking stainless steel appliances; Kohler cast-iron sinks with pull-out faucets; and walk-in pantries, per plan.

Each kitchen is designed to comply with Pacific Southwest Development's philosophy of indoor-outdoor living by offering views to the outdoors and interior courtyards, in addition to entertaining areas like the outdoor kitchens and pools.

When visiting the models, guests are invited to preview a handful of homes at Tuscan Cliffs that are completed and ready for move-in, Kramer said.

"With values of up to 40 percent off the original sale price, there is no better place in Southern Nevada to find a new custom-designed estate home with close proximity to the airport, Las Vegas Strip and California," she said.

Pacific Southwest Development has been operating for 20 years, and is one of the few private builders developing new custom-designed estate residences in the valley.

Each Tuscan Cliffs residence qualifies as an Energy Star home, saving owners on their heating and cooling expenses while providing quieter, more environmentally friendly homes, according to Kramer.

Pricing for its limited collection offering starts at $1 million.

Residents of Tuscan Cliffs will receive a lifetime social membership with one-year complimentary dues to the Southern Highlands Country Club, upon application approval, Kramer said. The club includes a social calendar, spa, resort-style swimming pool and other facilities.

To visit, take Interstate 15 to the Southern Highlands Parkway exit and go west. Drive north on Southern Highlands Parkway and proceed to Stonewater Lane, then turn left and follow the signs. Office hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Monday when it opens at 1 p.m.

The sales office phone number is 228-8559. For additional information, visit pacificsouthwest.com.