It
wasn’t just another Saturday night dinner engagement.
At my
invitation, screen actor Tom Hallick appeared on the “Christopher Broughton
Show” televised from the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Broughton’s show, which is seen on Direct TV and the Dish Network, is a
refreshing and “fun show,” according to Hallick.
Many people who
visit Las Vegas want to gamble, see shows and fill their bellies at buffets, but
Hallick prefers fine food in an intimate setting. After all, he is a world
traveler and knows a good chef from a superior chef.
Actor
Hallick, is known for his starring roles in the movies “My Favorite Martian,”
Paramount’s “Adam” and Disney’s “Waking Up Horton.”
At my
suggestion, the dining place chosen was VOX Wine Lounge, located at 2630 W.
Horizon Ridge Parkway in Henderson, Nevada. General Manager Michael Goldner
greeted our dinner party. Among our group was Las Vegas-based songwriter,
philanthropist and general contractor Leon Benzer, founder of the Benzer Autism
Foundation, and his guests, Marcella Triana and world-famous magician Arian
Black. It was
certainly a most exciting and surprising journey that awaited us.
I would
recommend VOX to
any food aficionado or families who want to be pampered. This restaurant is
truly a contemporary setting with beautiful swayback chairs in the lounge area,
along with a beautiful
patio for dining in addition to its main dining room.
To be
absolutely clear, not one of the dishes we enjoyed was anything less than
perfection. The dishes served on this glorious evening included: Hawaiian Ahi au
Poivre, Mediterranean Branzino, Butter Braised Alaskan Halibut, and my favorite,
Furikake Seared Scottish Salmon.
During
the meal, Hallick raised his hands and said, “Oh, my God, this is the best
halibut I’ve ever tasted.”
Levin Lyons Group performs
remarkable jazz at VOX Wine Lounge.
VOX Wine Lounge General
Manager Michael Goldner
(holding estate wines)
greets dinner guests (left to
right) Pete Allman, Leon Benzer, Marcella Triana, Arian Black, and Tom Hallick.
Shortly
after that, Executive Chef Dustin Valette introduced himself and explained that
he liked creating unique dishes. Chef Dustin, originally from San Francisco, has
traveled the world and has the luxury at VOX to experiment with his dishes by
mixing new ingredients into the main entrees and appetizers. One advantage Chef
Dustin has is his access to smaller fishing boats that bring in great seafood in
shorter trips and then provide him with same-day delivery, faster than other
restaurants usually get.
For
those who prefer meat, try ordering the Moroccan Grilled Lamb Rack served with
Eggplant Caviar, Yogurt and Tumeric Gastrique. Other delightful dishes included
Mesquite Grilled Dry-Aged New York Steak and Coffee Crusted Rib Eye.
Appetizers include the Dungeness Cakes with Citrus Salad and Gala Apple
Hollandaise Sauce, Crispy Sweetbreads, and Warm Brie served with Port Peared
Pears and Spicy Greens. In the raw items category, Kobe Sashimi is another
superb dish. This beef comes from Australia, as opposed to Japan.
I can
tell you that the Pomegranate Sorbet was a most unique palate cleanser, all of
us agreed. And that’s not even the dessert yet. The delectable dessert menu,
created by Pastry Chef Bill Fitzgerald, is certainly as unique as the cuisine,
unlike the common desserts in even the best restaurants.
Fine
dining is enhanced by atmosphere, music and service. At VOX, the atmosphere is
contemporary, and the music is by the Levin Lyon Group performing remarkable
jazz sets.
As in
all great restaurants, the wines complement the cuisine. VOX has a wonderful
selection of estate wines. We selected ours from the 2001 Jarvis Estate in Napa
Valley.
It would
be remiss not to congratulate the entire VOX staff, including Food and Beverage
Director Kristyne Molzen. And waiters, Angela and Darren, attend to every
guest’s needs.
For more
www.voxwinelounge.com or call (702) 407-7780 for reservations.
Rap
Star E40 Celebrates Birthday
On November 15,
rap star E40 will celebrate his 40th nightclubing at the Poetry Nightclub located
at Caesars Forum Shops. E40, the official announcer of the 2007 BET Hip Hop
awards in Atlanta, Ga., is a full-fledged businessman. He’s a proud franchisee
of Fatburger and Wing Stop restaurants. He is also the namesake for his
signature line of vitamin water. With over a half million records sold of his
last Warner Brother’s release, “My Ghetto Report Card,” he is already producing
his next release, “The Ball Street Journal.”
Farewell Goulet
Robert
Goulet, known for that beautiful baritone voice in “Camelot” and also his role
in “Airplane” with Leslie Nielsen, was always a true gentleman and truly
concerned about other people’s well-being. He will be missed greatly. This is
one reporter who always enjoyed interviewing him. May he rest in that beautiful
place called Heaven, and may his family be at peace. Funeral services will be
held Fri., Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. at the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer, 56 East
Reno Avenue, behind the Tropicana Hotel.
On another note:
My book of poetry entitled
"Messages" was inspired by my dear friends
C.J. Cansler along with
Victoria Boone and Beryl Warren.
The group of poems along with
some beautiful photographs are to inspire the reader.
To purchase this
inspirational collection or for more info call me at (702) 265-9099 or e-mail me
at [email protected]
