VINO LAS VEGAS will be at the Venetian/ Palazzo where FERGIE HOSTS , AS LAVO LAS VEGAS CELEBRATES ITS INAUGURAL NEW YEAR’S EVE

FERGIE HOSTS AS LAVO LAS VEGAS CELEBRATES ITS INAUGURAL NEW YEAR’S EVE

As the clock strikes midnight VINO LAS VEGAS will be at the Venetian / Palazzo when pop star Fergie will ring in 2009 at LAVO on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Since opening on September 13^th LAVO, the bathhouse inspired restaurant, lounge and nightclub at The Palazzo Las Vegas, has quickly become a destination for celebrities, Las Vegas locals and travelers alike. In just three months nearly 200 stars have visited LAVO for dinner or a night of dancing in the club.

Fergie, the three-time Grammy Award winning artist, will serve as mistress of ceremonies for LAVO’s inaugural New Year’s Eve celebration following her live performance at The Venetian and The Palazzo while DJ Reach spins for the crowd.

Tickets range from $150 to $250 per person based on availability and include entry to the venue, an open bar with passed hors d’oeuvres and specialty cocktails from 9 pm -11 pm, and a champagne toast at midnight. Doubling the excitement for evening, the LAVO ticket stub can be used for complimentary access to Tao at The Venetian after midnight. Purchase early to take advantage of the lower pricing.

Tickets can be purchased in person at any Palazzo or Venetian Box Office, by calling 702.414.9000 or online at www.lavolv.com. For VIP table reservations contact the LAVO office at 702.791.1818. Tickets to the concert featuring Fergie and special guests are available for separate purchase at any Palazzo or Venetian Box Office.

Fergie will countdown to the New Year while New York City's DJ Reach spins the latest hits. The elegant 4,500-square-foot nightclub features state-of-the-art audio-visual systems, vaulted, glazed tile arches opening to a domed ceiling above the dance floor, and a 2,000-square-foot patio overlooking the fabulous Las Vegas Strip. The New Year's Eve package includes VIP entry and two hours of the following: hors d'oeuvres from our Mediterranean Bistro menu, an open bar, and specialty cocktails, in addition to a champagne toast at midnight. LAVO will open at 9 p.m. and remain open until 5 a.m. Ticket prices start at $150.*

Purchase tickets online or call 702.414.9000

For table inquiries, please contact us at 702.388.8588 or newyears@lavolv.com

*Ticket prices are subject to change. Tickets can be redeemed 72 hours prior to the event at any Venetian Box Office outlet. The credit card used to make the purchase and a valid photo ID are required at the time of ticket redemption.

New Year's Eve Premium Package
To commemorate LAVO’s inaugural New Year’s Eve celebration, the bathhouse-inspired restaurant, lounge, and nightclub presents an exclusive package, highlighted by incomparable amenities. This $25,000 extravaganza features a prime table on our stunning Strip-front terrace, ideal for viewing the fireworks and revelry that can only be found in Las Vegas.

The night includes entry for 25 guests, the VIP corner table on the terrace, as well as exclusive access to the private dining room for celebrating indoors and out. Guests will be treated to a pyramid of Mediterranean small plates and Beluga caviar from acclaimed Chef Ludovic "Ludo" Lefebvre, along with a double magnum of Cristal champagne, two bottles of Ultimat Vodka and a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue. Revelers will also be able to partake in the acclaimed hookah experience with a custom blend designed by LAVO’s own hookah master. To complete the evening, the group will have their photo taken with celebrity host, Fergie. Only one package is available

Interested parties, please contact LAVO at 702.791.1818 or newyears@lavolv.com

The Restaurant:

LAVO, is a new dining and nightlife concept at The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. LAVO is Latin for "to bathe or cleanse"; the AvroKo designed space derives inspiration from the bathhouses of ancient Mediterranean cultures, while the menu highlights the best of the region's cuisine. Chef Ludo Lefebvre and a team of noted chefs will guide guests upon a culinary odyssey with a selection of the most appealing dishes from countries such as Spain, France and Italy. The menu is designed to encourage sampling and sharing among friends. The 300 seat restaurant includes a 180 seat dining room, a 20 seat private dining room and 100 seats on the outdoor terrace overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. The restaurant will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with late night dining until 2 am.

The Night Club :

LAVO Nightclub is the perfect destination for the reveler looking for a late night cleanse. Turkish water basins flank the bridge that leads to the second floor nightclub and the bridge itself becomes a gathering perch from which guests can observe the action below. The elegant 4500 square foot nightclub features 40 bottle service tables, state of the art audio visual systems and the sounds of resident DJs Vice, Reach, Galleano and Berrie. The nightclub features vaulted glazed tile arches opening to a domed ceiling above the dance floor. Revelers can enjoy a sexy, elevated VIP area with posh banquettes, embossed leather walls and mirrored mosaic tile niches. LAVO nightclub invites you to join us six nights a week from 10 pm to 5 am.

The Lounge :

The LAVO Lounge serves as an ideal meeting place to socialize in the early evenings and indulge in the culinary creations of our Mediterranean Bistro. With twenty foot ceilings of old wood and low chandeliers crown an area featuring a curved bar, leather seating and Moroccan tables. The lounge is highlighted by a spectacular glass and wood screened bridge and is bordered by a grand carved stone wall. This setting allows the guest dramatic views of the Las Vegas strip from our outdoor terrace.

VINO LAS VEGAS will be right in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip and will bring all of you with us as we ring in 2009 at the Venetian / Palazzo Resort and Casino. This promises to be one special evening and a one of kind way to ring in the New Year.

VINO 100 helps to Support Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Nevada

One of our special stops in Las Vegas for Wine and very interesting special events is VINO 100
in the northwest part of the Las Vegas Valley.





" A Golden Night of Wine and Roses " was a cause that hits very close to home
with VINO LAS VEGAS. We normally not editorialize or pontificate on subjects found in our pieces. However, we have been around these wonderful dogs for many years. They do so many things for so many people in society and ask for
nothing in return but love.







When Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern Nevada put on this event with roses and wine at VINO 100 we had to show our support for this very important organization.






"A Golden Night of Wine and Roses" was
a wine tasting that started with some
wonderful Champagne moving on to
wines from all over the world and finishing
with dessert wine. There were even
roses for the ladies , luscious appetizers and
raffle prizes as well.





Golden Retriever Rescue of Southern
Nevada is an all volunteer non-profit
organization that provides new beginnings
for abandoned and displaced unwanted
Golden Retrievers.





We can all help in many ways. If you don'thave room to provide a"forever home" you can help by distributing brochures to vets and groomers, Donate cash of any amount , donate supplies or even help with seasonal gift wrapping or fund raising events.











It was a great pleasure for us to attend this event to help a cause that is very dear to our hearts. Especially during this holiday season. For more information on how you can help these very
special dogs, please go to http://www.grrsn.org or you can call the Gold line at 702-598-GOLD

VINO LAS VEGAS explores the Holiday Season at the Palazzo Resort featureing 225,000 cranberries

The Holiday season is special all over the world
and Las Vegas is no exception. With many multi-
Billion dollar Casino-Resorts lining the 3 mile
strip you know they go all out for their guests and
locals alike.







VINO LAS VEGAS stopped in at the 1.9 Billion , 50 Story Palazzo Resort to see how they were getting ready for the holidays.

We were not disappointed with what we found. This remarkable property has gone all out with a magnificent holiday display featuring 225,000 cranberries !

The Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino’s holiday décor is complete as approximately 225,000 cranberries were poured into the Palazzo Atrium pond. The cranberries, donated by Ocean Spray, are a commonly used floral display piece and illuminates and enriches The Palazzo’s interior gardens with their color, size, and ambiance

The cranberries complement the holiday décor throughout the atrium where large, white Aspen trees hang covered in a variety of peppermints, snow, and candy ornaments. Additionally, the waterfall wall transforms into a holiday theme with white pine, red and silver ornaments, and pine cones.

The holiday theme continues throughout the resort as festive red and white poinsettias, white azaleas, Amaryllis, sugar cones, and 3 foot pine cones decorate the front desk, lobby, and The Shoppes at The Palazzo area. Guests and visitors will be able to enjoy the holiday décor at The Palazzo through January 1, 2008.

We plan explore a few of our favorite stops along the strip but the display at the Palazzo will be hard to beat .

VINO LAS VEGAS joins Nora's Wine Bar and Slow Food in Celebrateing America's Wild Salmon Heritage

The Slow Food USA movement is a very important issue to all
of us in or out of the Food Industry. Slow Food celebrates food
traditions in North America through many programs. We and Slow
Food believe that we can enjoy food and even life itself more if we slow down and rekindle interest in the food we eat.




Slow Food was recently at Nora's Wine Bar in Summerlin. Chefs Giovanni and Marcello Mauro are
very involved in creating unique , authentic dishes that support
local sustainable food. This is what Slow Food is all about.





Saving Wild Salmon was the focus of the brunch held at Nora's .
We got quite an education from Paul Johnson of the Monterrey Fish Market in San Francisco as well as Bobby Hayden and Joseph Bogaard
from Save our Wild Salmon in Seattle Washington.


Many people think of Nevada as a desert with not much life. But we are so wrong in thinking that. Nevada was once home to abundant Wild
Salmon and Steelhead. Four Rivers in northern Nevada once supported
many runs of these fish


Dams over the years put an end to salmon migration and thus
the large salmon runs of the past. Today only about 2 % of Historic salmon runs remain. Salmon and Stealhead are as much apart of our western heritage as Elk and big horn sheep.

Slow Food Las Vegas is spreading the word about the disappearance of wild salmon from Northern Nevada. This is a very tragic loss but as we found out , it can be reversed. To find out how you can help and more information please go to http://www.slowfoodlasvegas.org/.


After quite an education we were
treated with some wonderful Wild Salmon dishes to celebrate our
Western Heritage.

Nora's started us off with some lovely Salmon Entrees:



Salmon Benedict , Crepes with Salmon mouse , Salmon salad over puff pastry , Roasted potatoes and Pear and radicchio slaw


The brunch continued on with a
Cheese Course that consisted of :



Smoked Salmon



Robiola Bosina



Podda Classico



and Crucolo.



Of Course no brunch at Nora's would be complete with out desert. The Melon salad , Panna cotta with poached quince and bread pudding was a great finish to an educational and informative presentation about Wild Salmon.

For more information please go to www.wildsalmon.org

Join VINO LAS VEGAS as we learn what we can do to help restore the Wild Salmon runs in the Western United States.

Tom from Slow Foods added the following :

"As you may know, Slow Food Las Vegas, a food advocacy organization, recently teamed up with Save Our Wild Salmon and Nora's Wine Bar and Osteria to celebrate and educate people about Nevada's historic wild salmon heritage.

Paul discussed how the federal mismanagement of salmon-producing watersheds has led to a coastal salmon crisis and urged attendees to "vote with your fork"; that by choosing wild salmon you create market demand for good policy decisions that lead to wild salmon recovery. Bobby highlighted the issues facing Columbia and Snake River salmon and the opportunities in the coming months. Both underscored Nevada's salmon heritage and Nevada's key role in salmon recovery. Take the Next StepThe rivers of northern Nevada once teemed with wild salmon, providing food to local communities and vital nutrients to the surrounding ecosystem. With the right leadership in Congress, Nevada can again enjoy this regional resource and reclaim their rightful place as a Pacific salmon state.

This special salmon brunch is only the beginning. Please help continue this effort by making a quick call today.Contact the offices of Senator Reid, Senator Ensign, and the rest of Nevada's Congressional delegation.

It only takes a moment to let your voice be heard - one quick phone call can make a big difference. Senator Harry Reid - 202-224-3542 Senator John Ensign - 202-224-6244 Congresswoman Shelley Berkley - 202-225-5965Congresswoman-elect Dina Titus - 702-256-3462 Congressman Dean Heller - 202-225-6155 Ask them to protect and restore an endangered national treasure and one of Nevada's key heritage foods - wild Pacific salmon from the Columbia & Snake Rivers - by supporting legislation to remove the 4 lower Snake River dams, and replace them with clean, salmon-friendly alternatives.

For more information on Nevada's wild salmon heritage, please visit: http://www.slowfoodlasvegas.org/press0002.htmlSlow Food Las Vegas and Save Our Wild Salmon are planning to work together in 2009. We need you help! Please contact me for more information about how to get involved in this exciting project. "

Chef Charlie Trotter demonstrates his latest dining concepts at Bar Charlie and a 5 Course wine paired dinner at Restaurant Charlie

Chef Charlie Trotter opened his latest venture, Restaurant Charlie, inside of the Venetian Hotels' newest addition, The Palazzo Resort, Hotel and Casino on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Seven months later Restaurant Charlie was awarded a coveted Michelin Star.




Charlie Trotter is no stranger to awards . He is a multiple James Beard award winner as well as Author and TV Host. Receiving a Michelin Star after being open only seven months is quite an accomplishment.

VINO LAS VEGAS was invited to see Chef Trotter demonstrate and discuss how kaiseki and omikase influence the cuisine of Bar Charlie. His latest dining concept is bold , innovative and a welcome addition to the world of gastronomy. At Bar Charlie we also explored cocktail pairings that began in Chicago at Charlie Trotter and has grown into one of the most innovative mixology programs we have seen.

After experiencing such a culinary artist as Chef Charlie at work , we stayed and enjoyed an exquisite multi course meal at Restaurant Charlie.









After being seated at the very sheik Restaurant Charlie we started off with Rene Geoffroy Brut Rose to get our palates ready for what was coming .

First Course :

Heirlom beet salad with pickled quail eggs and chrysanthemum.

2006 Franz Haas "Manna" Alto Adige, Italy~




Second Course :

Peekytoe crab salad with sake and rice milk

Isojiman Tokubetsu Junmai Daiginjo, Shizuoka, Japan










Third Course :

braised octopus with serrano ham and scarlet peppers
2000 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Monte Faustino

Fourth Course :

Roasted bobwhite quail with turnip and mizuna

2006 Fox Farm Vineyards Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley





Fifth Course:

apple comfit tart with triple creme and Sherry caramel ice cream

2003 Royal Tokaji Wine Co. Tokaji-Aszu "5 Puttonyos" Tokaji, Hungary






Five courses all paired with wine
AFTER sampling the cuisine at
Bar Charlie with Chef Trotter was
an experience that we will treasure.






Restaurant Charlie’s menu is primarily a la carte although there are tasting menu options to choose from as well.

For those who desire a unique experience ,Chef Trotter created a Kitchen Table Skyloft. Located high above the kitchen. The Table Loft provides a bird’s eye view of the activity in Chef Trotter's kitchen.


Restaurant Charlie features a drinks bar which aligns with Chef Trotter's "seasonal" approach. In addition to the classics, the drinks bar offers two cocktail menu styles: Vintage pre-prohibition classics and modern. Using only the finest ingredients the drink offerings are changed seasonally and truly reflect the skill of their team of mixologists.



The Palazzo provides a classy location for many restaurants where you will fine some pretty big names in the culinary world. Restaurant Charlie and Bar Charlie provide a wide variety of cuisine and classic cocktails at the bar with a Mixologist that creates drinks that only are limited by your imagination. The wine list is international with the personal touch of Sommelier Desmond Echavarrie who has many wines you may not have enjoyed in the past.

Restaurant Charlie was awarded a Michelin Star in 2008 after being open only seven months. When the 2009 awards are announced it would not surprise us if they become a multiple Michelin Star award winner.

Chef Charlie Trotter speaks with Scott of VINO LAS VEGAS at Restaurant Charlie at the Palazzo Resort in Las Vegas

Charlie Trotter is a legendary multiple James Beard Award winning Chef who is an author of over 14 books and a TV host. He also gives back to his profession with the Charlie Trotter Foundation as well has being very involved with the James Beard Foundation.

Chef Trotter is self taught and never went to culinary school but is
one of the most creative Chefs we have met in a long time. He is
a real culinary master and his creations are always a work in
progress.




The James Beard Foundation
Awards :

Best Food Photography, Meat & Game, 2003
Outstanding Service, 2002
Outstanding Restaurant, 2000
Best National Television Cooking Show for "The Kitchen Sessions, with Charlie Trotter," 2000
Best Food Photography, Desserts, 1999
Outstanding Chef Award, 1999
Who's Who in Food & Beverage Award, 1996
Outstanding Wine Service, 1993
Best Chef, Midwest, 1992


Recently Chef Trotter was in Las
Vegas at Restaurant Charlie located
in the Palazzo Resort on the Las
Vegas Stip.

Scott from VINO LAS VEGAS had
the pleasure of sitting down with
Chef Trotter to discuss some of his
new projects , his culinary philosophy and Las Vegas.

The Celebrity Chef Tour to benefit the James Beard Foundation comes to the JW Marriot Resort with Chef Mike Lata and Host Chef Bruce Knapik

The James Beard Foundation is the pinnacle of the culinary world. To be a James Beard Award winner is the equivalent of winning an Academy Award.

The Celebrity Chef Tour began in 2004
and brings Award winners and other Chefs
to private clubs , restaurants and resorts
all over the country for those who may not have the opportunity to dine
at the James Beard House in New York. In this case, the house comes to
its patrons.


The Celebrity Chef Tour came to the JW Marriot Resort in Las Vegas. Award wining Chef Mike Lata from FIG in Charleston South Carolina teamed up with Host Chef Bruce Knapik for a Seven Course dinner and reception to benefit the James Beard Foundation.


Chef Mike Lata is a 2007 and 2008 James Beard Award nominee for "Best Chef in the Southeast". Chef Lata founded a chapter of Slow Food which encourages Chefs and patrons to use locally grown sustainable foods. Mike Lata opened FIG in Charleston South Carolina in 2003 and uses his experience with slow food as a focus for FIG.


Chef Bruce Knapic is the Executive
Chef of the JW Marriot Resort in Las
Vegas and overseas all of the culinary operations. He has over 30 years experience and was one of Canada's leading Chefs. He was appointed Captain of the Canadian National Culinary Team at the World Food Festival in Singapore.


The JW Marriot Resort rivals any of its counterparts located on the Las Veags Strip. It is quiet, classy and pool is one of the best
in town. If you want to get away from the fast pace of the Las Vegas Strip, the JW Marriot Resort and Spa is worth a visit.

On this occasion we were looking forward to a wonderful meal and Ceres restaurant made a perfect location over looking the waterfalls and pools of the Resort.

Eating at the James Beard house in New York is a real experience. When the house comes to you that makes it even more special. Upon our arrival at Ceres Restaurant we were greeted with an Arrival Reception with passed Hors d Oeuvres. The Soft Boiled Pullet eggs, Smoked Stealhead Roe . Creme Fraiche Beef Tarar , Maxim Potatoes ,Wellfest Oysters , Mignonette, Argumato and Breakfast Radish paired well it the Souverain 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Alexander Valley. After just the welcome reception we knew the other Seven Courses were going to be "out of this world "

Barbara Dahl Nevada State Manager of Foster's Wine Estates America explained the wine pairings using Souverain Wines from Alexander Valley and we were ready to begin the first Course.















First Course :

Nantuket Bay Scallop Crudo
Satsuma Orange and Fennel
Souverain 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Alexander Valley




Second Course :

Carolina Chicken Liver Pate
Pickled Grapes and Cress, Broiche Toast
Souverain 2007 Chardonnay
Alexander Valley


Third Course :

"Over Easy" Raviolo
Kabocha Squash , Chanterelles , Sage
Souverain 2006 Winemakers Reserve Chardonnay


Fourth Course :

Carolina Scamp Grouper
Wrapped in Pancetta , Eggplant Daube
Souverain 2005 Merlot Alexander Valley



Fifth Course :

Boneless Jamison Farms Lamb Saddle
Cavalo Nero , Aglianico Sauce
Souverain 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley


Sixth Course :

Sliced Pears
Arugula , Singing Brook Cheese


Seventh Course :

Meyer Lemon Tart
Italian Meringue

We cover many events and its not often a dinner like this is served in seven courses. It was alot of extra work for the chefs and staff but they did a terrific job.




Join Elaine and Scott Harris of VINO LAS VEGAS LLC as we take you inside the JW Marriot's kitchens and restaurants as they prepare the Dinner to benefit the James Beard Foundation.