This week, I have focused on a different aspect of food and
drink and that is enjoying events at a country club. First, I must admit
that when I speak of a country club, people usually ask me is it a country
club with cowboys or country club for rich people? The Stirling Club at
Turnberry Place is not about cowboys but you don't have to be Bill Gates to
enjoy it either.
The Stirling Club at Turnberry Place is certainly upscale
and beautiful but also a place to consider for a networking meeting, dinner,
birthday, wedding and reception, anniversary or any reason to meet and
celebrate. You don't have to be a member to use the facilities and Jill
Sullivan, the Catering Sales Manager, staff and chefs can do almost anything
from the very traditional to over-the-top. In fact, Sullivan related a
story about one of their most lavish weddings recently.
It was to be a traditional Hindu ceremony with the groom
riding to his bride on an elephant. On the day of the ceremony, the bride
and groom arrived separately and had private rooms for dress, make-up and
lunch catered by Charlie Palmer. The elephant came on a 65-foot trailer that
couldn't fit though the Turnberry gate and traffic had to be stopped to
unload her [the elephant] onto Paradise Road. The elephant actually walked
through the gates to the amazement of the residents of Turnberry Place and
anyone driving on Paradise Road at that time! When Deepak (the groom)
mounted the elephant, all of the groomsmen and bridesmaids cheered from the
balcony, but not Sara (the bride), as Hindu custom does not allow the bride
and groom to see each other before the wedding The elephant procession
lasted about an hour with dancing and singing along the driveway of The
Stirling Club. Ceremonial dances also took place and the most famous singer
of India, Sukhwinder Singh, serenaded the family. It is Indian custom for
the bride to be waiting at the altar for the groom, but Sara wanted her dad
to walk her down the aisle. It was her dream to "walk on water" so a
special stage was built over the pool, and the bride and her father "walked
on water" to her groom. After the ceremony took place, fireworks erupted
upon presentation of the couple as Mr. and Mrs. Deepak Nath. Chef Charlie
Palmer's kitchen prepared both Indian and American hors d'oeuvres for 650
people that were tray passed at the pool where the ceremony took place as
well as a specialty dessert called the "Dream Bar" with coconuts and
almonds. It was so popular; the family requested an additional 100 bars be
made for them.
Speaking of weddings, the Stirling Club will present "An
Enchanted Bridal Affair" on Saturday, July 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There will be 20 of Las Vegas' top wedding-related
businesses exhibiting from planners, photographers and gowns to jewelers,
florists and favors. Enjoy Champagne, hors d' oeuvres, entertainment and an
informal bridal fashion show. Tickets are $15 at the door and this event is
open to the public. So while you might want to rethink riding in on an elephant, if you (or a
family member) would love to have the wedding and reception in the most
beautiful of surroundings with the most incredible food as part of the Charlie Palmer team, plan on attending.
It was this story that inspired me to think about those
special times in our lives, how we celebrate them and the importance of
food, drink and our surroundings. Yes, I have attended several events in a
VFW Hall or someone's "rec room" in their complex and those times were just
as special to those individuals. But today, people want so much more and
want to create memories that will last a lifetime. At the Stirling Club,
the menu selections, the preparation of the food, the wine and alcohol
pairings (or beer) and the many rooms available, from intimate to the
expansive pool area will create a phenomenal experience and the cost is not
prohibitive.
The fact that the Stirling Club is part of the Charlie
Palmer Group spotlights the finest in cuisine offered. Recently, the
Stirling
Club held a cooking demonstration with Chef Steve making Ahi Tuna Kabobs
with a Coconut Plum Glaze Sauce, Citrus Couscous, Green Onion Salad and
Heirloom Tomato Martini. Chef Steve really demonstrated how to create a
gourmet lunch without intimidating those in attendance. He really expanded
my cooking knowledge. I will ask you one question to test you. Do you know
what an heirloom tomato is? It is a tomato that grows into a shape naturally
while, for example, cherry tomatoes are cultivated to grow that shape and
size. I learned that from Chef Steve and I just love his style, food
preparation and presentation.
There are mixers to
introduce people to the club and you don't have to be a member to hold an
event at The Stirling Club, but membership sure has it's privileges. If you
are interested, contact Membership Director Kathleen Gustafson at 784-4603
for more information. It is a beautiful place YOU deserve to enjoy.
Stirling Club at
Turnberry Place
2827 Paradise Road,
Las Vegas, NV 89109
702-732-9700
www.stirlingclublv.com
www.charliepalmer.com
