Springs Preserve impresses during its VIP opening

The Las Vegas Valley Water District’s new educational complex covers 180 acres at 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Just driving into the valet parking area gives an idea of the immense size of the Springs Preserve.

Invited guests on May 30 followed the various walkways through the canyons leading to the reception as costumed Cirque du Soleil performers dashed about interrupting the journey.

In the vast reception area, fully stocked bars and butler-passed canapes were offered as jazz music filled the air.

Officials on hand included Sen. Harry Reid, County Commission Chairman Rory Reid, Commissioner Chip Maxwell, Mayor Oscar Goodman, Clark County Manager Virginia Valentine, Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian, University of Nevada, Las Vegas President David Ashley and Nevada Power President Pat Shalmy.

Springs Preserve officials included Pat Mulroy, general manager of the Las Vegas Valley Water District and Southern Nevada Water Authority; Janie Greenspun Gale, president of the Springs Preserve Foundation; and Francis Beland, director of the Springs Preserve.

Guests included Elaine Wynn, Barbara Greenspun, Linn Mills, Jeanne Greenawalt, Irwin Kishner, John O’Reilly, Linda and Larry Leavitt, Elizabeth Ackerman, Peggy Brown, Mary and Troy Wade, and Angie Wallin.

The courtyard plaza featured white linen-covered tables and chairs, while large floral displays decorated the supper buffets created by Wolfgang Puck. This was the site of the program emceed by KLAS-TV, Channel 8 anchor Paula Francis.

The program featured speakers and introductions. Mulroy named major donors to the project. Those in the million dollar category included the Greenspun Foundation, Janie and Jeff Gale, Pam and Pierre Omidyar, and the Tiberti family. Nevada Power Co. was recognized for giving $2.5 million.

The companies behind the project, including Luchessi Galati Architects, Tate Snyder Kimsey Architects, Paul Steelman Design Group, J.A. Tiberti Construction Co. and Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. of Las Vegas, also were acknowledged.

Guests including Janet and Steve Linder, Elizabeth Herridge, Teri and David Irkin, Karen Johnston, Joan and Ken Tracht, Zoe Brown, Dedee Nave, Virginia Maurer, Amy Tabor, Chris Ferrari, Diane Carlson, William Freyd, Maureen Kane, Bridget Phillips, Judy Myers, Sandee and Tito Tiberti, Tiffany Tiberti, Anne Kellogg, Kim Rushton, Ray Rawson, and Pat and Lamar Marchese explored the grounds and buildings before taking seats in the Springs Amphitheater for a Cirque du Soleil and Las Vegas Philharmonic performance.

Fun and food: The 17th annual Epicurean Affair took place May 31 around the many pools within the Flamingo’s 15-acre tropical oasis.

A variety of cuisines and cocktails featuring more than 100 of the top Las Vegas chefs, restaurants and bars was featured in an extravagant showcase.

The event was hosted by the Nevada Hotel & Lodging Association, the Nevada Restaurant Association and the Flamingo Las Vegas.

There were roving bands and DJs and even two live tigers added to the island atmosphere as guests including Flamingo President Don Marrandino and Nevada Hotel & Lodging Association President Van Heffner and his wife, Joan, joined the hundreds of guests strolling through the grounds sampling a diverse menu of gourmet specialties prepared on the premises.

Among the dishes were Bally’s Steakhouse’s lamb chops; McCormick & Schmick’s scallops with porcini in shell with conch Bolognese sauce; Treasure Island’s ahi tuna tartar; and Antonio’s Restaurant’s black spaghetti, VooDoo’s steaks and the All-American Grill’s burger brasserie, all from the Rio.

Most popular was the Monte Carlo’s cheesecake on a lollipop stick dipped in caramel or white and dark chocolate.

Sneak peek: An exclusive luncheon took place May 31 at Tableau in Wynn Las Vegas to showcase the fall/winter 2007 Brioni women’s collection. Modeled were pantsuits, cocktail and business suits, and one-of-a-kind fur wraps.

Guests included Phyllis McGuire, Angie Gerber, Jeanne Greenawalt, Sandee Tiberti, Eleonore Doumani, Madeleine Andress and JoAnn Sturm.