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THE Giving ISSUE
Reaching Out Discover the driving forces behind helping our youth
December Date Night Suggestions to help you explore the city with someone special
Table Top That! Vote for your favorite holiday table design
Anything But Chardonnay Alternative festive wine pairing tips
SANTA PHOTOS
NOVEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 24 SANTA’S HOUSE IN TOWN SQUARE PARK Santa has been making his list and checking it twice and wants to know who has been naughty or nice. Bring the kids to Santa’s Norman Rockwell-inspired house in Town Square Park to make this holiday season a memory that will last forever.
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Fueled by
Kindness | Caring | Involvement | Dedication | Passion
In 2013, Southwest Gas employees donated more than $1.17 million to local charities during the Fuel For Life workplace giving campaign and contributed 4,500 hours of volunteer time through Blue - Building Lives Up Everywhere.
EDITORS’ LETTER We encourage you to find ways to slow down and give the gift of time and shared moments this holiday season. In our Culture Section (page 28), you’ll find preplanned itineraries to make the most of a “December Date Night.” We’ve put together dates full of art, culture, and of course, flavor—at venues like The Smith Center, Cockroach Theatre, Brett Wesley Gallery, Triple George, Velveteen Rabbit, and even the MOB Museum. Purposeful giving is something that we all try to fit onto our holiday shopping lists, so on page 48 we’ve selected a few gifts that support our local creative and cultural community.
As we enter into the final weeks of the holiday season, most of us will resemble frantic squirrels scampering to and fro in a frenzy to get everything ready for various celebrations; while others will take a moment to slow down, reflect, and make plans for the future. No matter your holiday customs, chances are there’s a little ‘giving’ sprinkled into some of your traditions. As we began to assemble this year’s Giving Issue, we were inspired by the amazing Las Vegans featured this month, so much so, that we (along with a wonderful group of girlfriends) decided to dedicate some time this holiday preparing care packages and dinner for the women and children at Shade Tree—a local organization that provides safety and shelter to homeless and abused women and children in crisis. We hope you too will be inspired by this month’s People section. In “Speaking Up and Reaching Out” (page 10), we introduce you to local philanthropists who have made giving back to the children and teens of our community their mission. In “Curating BLVDS,” meet yet another extraordinary group of men and women who are literally shaping and changing the Las Vegas Valley through their contributions to various organizations and as members of the BLVDS editorial board. Find out what drives this dynamic group on page 20. Copyright 2013 by BLVDS, Inc., all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from BLVDS, Inc. Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the information
In Lifestyle, we kick off our first annual Holiday Table Decorating Competition. We bet you’ll be blown away by the stunning designs featured and inspired to try something new at your own holiday dinner table this season. On page 40, meet the four local designers who took part in this inaugural competition. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite. The winner will be announced on our website in January and will also appear in our January/February print issue. In Flavor, explore some of the valley’s most decadent dessert spots in “Sweet Indulgence” (page 56). Wine pairing is a cinch with the in depth pairing guide on page 58. Finally local sustainability superstar and restauranteur Jenna Morton encourages us all to experience a little joy in her intriguing and thought provoking IMHO. So here’s a toast to a wonderful 2013! We hope you’ve been inspired, ignited, and enlightened this year. See you next year as we LAUNCH into 2014 together. Wishing you a very safe and joyous holiday season!
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Jan Craddock President & Publisher Sabrina Cofield Editor-in-Chief Zakeisha Steele Jones Editor-in-Chief Victoria Hart Creative Director Amber Tsang Director, Business Development Stephanie Pierotti Director, Marketing & Events Editorial Board Brian Paco Alvarez Mauricia Baca Durette Candito Lisa Chasteen Chris Cutler Kendall Hardin Nancy Higgins LuAnn Kutch Dawn Labonte Rob McCoy Julie Murray
Stephanie Pierotti Jillian Plaster Willie Robinson Jason Roth Karen Rubel Dana Satterwhite Rick Sellers Eric Strain Kimberly Trueba Mark Vranesh Rachael Wadley Stephanie Youngblood
Contributing Writers Sabrina Cofield Hektor D. Esparza Zakeisha Steele Jones Stacy Joseph Jarret Keene Stephanie Pierotti Jeanette Schneider Contributing Photographers Nathan Douglas Victoria Hart Talbot Snow Analyst and Archivist Nancy Lee Craddock
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Interns Elias “Cube” Ruiz Kennedy Jones
BLVDS fans let us know what you think! facebook.com/blvdslv twitter.com/blvdslv in this publication, however, BLVDS, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions. BLVDS, Inc. accepts editorial and photography submissions. Send all submissions to: editor@blvdslv.com.
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The Giving Issue | December 2013 | 3
C O N T E N T S | BLVDS LAS VEGAS | NO. 41 | December 2013
THE
Giving ISSUE
PEOPLE
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Speaking Up and Reaching Out Representatives from three childcentered nonprofit organizations reveal the driving forces behind their efforts to help the youth of Southern Nevada.
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Igniting Discovery Judy Cebulko shares the mission, motivation, and magic of her work with the Discovery Children’s Museum.
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Curating BLVDS Meet the dynamic editorial board and find out what inspires them, why they’re so committed to the people of our community and their invaluable contributions to BLVDS Las Vegas Magazine.
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December Date Night December nights can offer new experiences for downtown date night. Use these suggestions to explore the city with someone special.
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Gifts That Give Shop with a purpose this season and support our creative and cultural community.
LIFESTYLE
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Holiday Gift Guide Unique holiday gifts for every budget.
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BLVDS Table Top That! The first annual holiday table design competition — check out the designs and vote for your favorite.
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Seasonal Events Holiday sights and sounds around the valley that are sure to please.
F l av or
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Sweet Indulgence Dessert lounges and bakeries can be the perfect way to indulge this holiday season.
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Anything But Chardonnay Alternatives to traditional Chardonnay and other festive wine pairing tips.
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IMHO Jenna Morton sharing the JOY of the holiday season.
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Local Artist Spotlight Explore our city’s galleries and get to know artist Nanda Sharifpour.
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CONTRIBuTORS
Jeanette Schneider loves to write and negotiate with her very busy two year old when not concentrating on her career in finance. Active in the community, she enjoys opportunities to marry her passion for Las Vegas with her love for the art of storytelling. She also blogs and has included “sell manuscript” to her Top Ten Things To Do Before I Die list.
Stephanie Pierotti is the proprietor of Avondale Shirt Co. and an instructor at The Art Institute of Las Vegas. As a foodie and wine lover, she holds certifications from the Court of Master Sommeliers and the International Wine Guild. A seven year resident of Las Vegas, Stephanie currently lives in Summerlin with her husband Michael.
Hektor Esparza is a community activist and nonprofit leader. The father of four is often in some state of quixotic frustration. Each morning, he groans about his life before getting out of bed. Yet, he is loved, respected, and usually gets what he wants though he’s too grumpy to enjoy it when he does. Also, he hates deadlines and loves a good micro-brew.
Stacy Joseph is a financial consultant by day and a foodie by night. As an avid traveler and a gourmetfood aficionado, she enjoys cooking, dining out, and exploring culinary culture. She is on a constant quest for healthy and delicious vegetarian meals that will satisfy even the most critical of carnivores. Stacy has called the Las Vegas Valley home for the last three years.
Jarret Keene is the author and editor of several dodgy books about Las Vegas. He teaches creative writing and ancient literature at College of Southern Nevada and screams and plays guitar in the underground rock band Dead Neon. He doesn’t sleep.
Lashes by Saundra
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The Giving Issue | December 2013 | 5
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PEOPLE
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SPEAKING UP & REACHING OUT
nonprofit organizations
Written by Hektor Esparza Photography by Talbot Snow
Nonprofit organizations share why they choose to put the children of our valley first.
he measure of a society can be found in how it treats its weakest members.” This axiom reflects an ideal put into action by nonprofits that serve the needs of the elderly, the sick, and the underprivileged. BLVDS profiles three nonprofit organizations that are ‘bringing up the measure’ of Las Vegas by helping children and teens who call Southern Nevada home.
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Teens Helping Teens “I grew up doing charity work and as I got older, I realized that teens fell through the cracks,” says Savannah Prenger, founder of the nonprofit Teens Helping Teens along with her 13 year old sister Siena. Savannah’s parents encouraged her to give back and get involved in her community at a young age, but most of the charities they introduced her to were focused on assistance for the elderly and young children. She quickly realized that the few agencies addressing teen’s issues locally were not easily accessed by the young people who needed help. “It kind of freaked me out,” she says. “I asked myself, ‘if I were homeless as a teen, where would I go and what would I do?’” Savannah says teens are reluctant to allow strangers, especially adults, to know they are homeless or are in any state of need. She says that the young people she helps directly feel much more at ease accepting assistance when it comes from a peer. “I love that it’s people my own age because it’s just like helping a friend. They really appreciate that.” Other challenges of her work include keeping adults and peers motivated to continue contributing time and needed items on a regular basis. Instead of showing signs of slowing down, after graduating from high school, Savannah plans on taking Teens Helping Teens national when she and her friends matriculate at different universities across the country. teenshelpingteens.co 8 | blvdslv.com
The Giving Issue | December 2013 | 9
PEOPLE
Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada Children’s Attorneys Project At any given time there are about 3,000 children in foster care in Clark County. The Children’s Attorneys Project (CAP) represents between 55 and 60 percent of these children with staff attorneys and volunteer lawyers. The children are referred from the courts and the Department of Family Services and receive representation free of charge via CAP. Lynn Etkins Esq., associate executive director of Legal Aid Center says, “We developed CAP back in ‘99 because everyone else in the process had a lawyer: the county, the parents, the different agencies, but the kids didn’t have a lawyer. We were founded so the child would have a voice in his or her future.” According to Janice Wolf — directing attorney for CAP — much of their work involves getting the children back home, if that is where they want to be. Staying together with their siblings, or helping kids get adopted or placed with different friends or relatives are also options that children in the foster care system can ask their CAP attorney to assist them with. The attorneys are also advocating for the rights of children with special emotional and mental health needs that often arise in cases of abuse and neglect or simply because a child has not been allowed a normal existence in a home with his or her family. As Wolf says, “We have kids with serious mental health issues that are being prescribed some pretty dangerous psychotropic medications and we advocate to make sure that our clients are not overmedicated. If medications are prescribed, if we need to, we can get second medical opinions and protect their medical rights.” lacsn.org.
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Pediped Foundation Angela and Brian Edgeworth — managing partners of pediped®, a children’s footwear company — began their nonprofit journey by making charitable contributions to the children at “Make a Wish Foundation.” Several years later Angela and Brian wanted to create a stronger connection with other nonprofits that focused on children, so in 2010 they started the pediped foundation® to help facilitate donating to those organizations. It wasn’t long before they sought out more personally meaningful involvement by including their own children in their work. “Having two young kids, we just thought it was important to get them involved at an early age to understand how fortunate they are and to give back to their community,” says Angela. A belief she and Brian hope to foster in the young people of our community. Just last month pediped joined forces with The Nevada Homeless Alliance in organizing some 60 students at Project Homeless Connect, an annual event which gives homeless people of all ages access to a variety of services. “I think it’s important for young kids to have this kind of experience because it will encourage them to do more as they grow older.” pediped.com For more information on how you can get involved with these, and other local nonprofits, visit our website at blvdslv.com.
The Giving Issue | December 2013 | 11
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PEOPLE
350,000
Igniting Discovery
projected visitors year one
Judy Cebulko celebrates the magic of the Discovery Children’s Museum and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.
Written by Jeanette Schneider Photography by Victoria Hart
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udy Cebulko is known by many names; The Museum Lady, The Patron Saint of The Museum, and now — the most recent recipient of the Great Friend to Kids Award given by the Discovery Children’s Museum at their annual Magic of Discovery Gala. She is also being celebrated as one of the Top Philanthropic Women in the valley at this month’s Vegas Gives charity event. As she reflected on all she’s accomplished in her last sixteen years of involvement in the community, one word kept coming up—magic. “We’re in the business of creating magic. Whether children arrive by school bus or with their parents, there is a synergy, connectivity. I am no educator, but I know magic when I see it.”
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committing to return. The staff jokes that they should create a “crying wall” to capture children’s expressions upon their departure. Judy met me and my toddler, Olivia, at the museum two days later as we walked through exhibits. The Fantasy Festival pays homage to The Smith Center and introduces children to the various opportunities offered within the arts, from puppets to production. Olivia rang up Judy’s purchases in the museum’s grocery store and was surprised when the cash register opened up against her belly full of Teddy Grahams. It was at Water World though that I lost my little girl, eyes glazed over, as she watched the brightly colored balls jettisoned to a track by a stream of perfectly pressurized water.
This experience, and the delight of both staff and mom, is a clear nod as to why Judy’s husband Ed, ‘shames’ their friends into seeing the museum with their own eyes. It isn’t just a fun project for Judy, but a legacy of learning. “I hope the museum continues to play a role for generations to come and it becomes the nonprofit that continues to collaborate with other child-focused organizations.” The community’s support has been impressive. In their first seven months of operations since opening at Symphony Park, the museum’s attendance has quadrupled and they are projecting 350,000 moms, dads, and excited children in the first year. Judy’s vision is clearly attainable.
Judy went on to describe the “Aha!” moments she and the museum staff have witnessed; boundaries stretched and social experiences shared by children from differing environments, but all part of a greater community. Even better, perhaps, a happy coincidence that fosters magical interactions between children and their parents. “Cell service is limited at the museum. Maybe it wasn’t intentional, but divine intervention.” A side effect of being in the Donald W. Reynolds Discovery Center on The Smith Center campus — a building that doesn’t receive the best cell coverage — the museum delights in this reprieve when parents put down their phones and pick up their children. Families are given an opportunity to learn together and at the end of their experience children are crying because they don’t want to leave, and parents are
The Giving Issue | December 2013 | 15
PEOPLE
Curating 23 BLVDS
dynamic leaders
Culture, business, and philanthropy pioneers toast the city and the magazine they love.
Written by Jarret Keene Photography by Nathan Douglas
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he BLVDS editorial board isn’t just essential to the magazine – providing insight into what’s really happening in our community – the members of this dynamic group are also the valley’s cultural, entrepreneurial, philanthropic, and civic engines. Although they’re busy launching nonprofits, opening exhibits, and designing the structures that make up our city’s architectural landscape – they unselfishly gather at editorial meetings for BLVDS Las Vegas Magazine to share their passion for our city and offer potential stories that highlight the amazing people, culture, lifestyle, and flavor of our community. We asked our board members to use one word that expressed why they’re so committed to their work in our city and on the BLVDS editorial board. Their answers are fullbodied, rich with insight. So here’s a toast to our board for helping make BLVDS the magazine by, for, and about the people who call Las Vegas and its surrounding communities “home.” Cheers!
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Brian Paco Alvarez PASSION “When one is passionate about something the world is at their fingertips.” Paco is the Culture Curator and Historian at Zappos.com. He has curated historic collections at the Liberace Museum, Neon Museum, the Hispanic Museum of Nevada, and the Las Vegas News Bureau archives. Paco serves as a member of the City of Las Vegas Arts Commission and Chairman of the Liberace Foundation for Creative and Performing Arts.
Mauricia Baca CONNECT “Open space and trails connect our communities in the Las Vegas Valley. They are places where we can play together, get healthy, learn about our environment, and volunteer sideby-side to care for these resources that belong to all of us.” Mauricia is Executive Director of the Outside Las Vegas Foundation, a nonprofit that enriches the Southern Nevada community through open space and trails experiences.
Durette Candito CONSCIENCE “I’m dedicated to educating my clients to shop with a conscience! I support small boutique vendors and artisans that sustain themselves with their art and/or products. Shop smart, shop creative, shop with a heart.” Durette is proprietor of Urban Ranch General Store, a general store for modern city dwellers. She also helps raise money for the Nevada hospitality student scholarships and is a member of the board for ALS of Nevada.
Lisa Chasteen LEARN “I love to get committed to something I believe in, thinking I have a lot to give. Only to realize how much I have to learn in the process. Every commitment provides growth in unexpected areas of life.” Lisa is Director of Leasing with Lapour Partners, focusing on commercial real estate and hospitality investments in the Southwest.
Chris Cutler SPARK “A spark is an ignited, fiery particle that gleams or flashes or produces more sparks when paired with a suitable object. I am dedicated to being the spark that helps Las Vegans find their voices and bring their stories to life.” Chris founded the Las Vegas Memoir Project to help people tell their life stories. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Murray State University. Chris works on her own memoir when she finds time between her writing and editing jobs.
Kendall Hardin CHANGE-AGENT “I love working with creative people who are changing the world through art and culture; it’s the ultimate challenge to help build bridges to new worlds!” Kendall provides technical assistance for arts and entertainment groups. As an NEA consultant, she reshapes the country’s most promising arts institutions and has transformed ArtServe, the largest arts incubator in the U.S., into an international model.
Nancy Higgins ART “Since I view living as an art and art as a key component of living, I am so happy to be involved with the arts in Las Vegas— like downtown marketing, advising BLVDS, producing the Summerlin Art Festival, and serving on the 18b board.” Nancy oversees marketing for the City of Las Vegas Downtown Marketing Initiative and ALS of Nevada and works with Faiss Foley Warren Public Relations on several other accounts. The Giving Issue | December 2013 | 17
PEOPLE
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The Giving Issue | December 2013 | 19
PEOPLE
LuAnn Kutch COMMUNITY “Las Vegas is a wonderful place to call home -- a special community with its own character, culture, history, and energy. In order to become a first-class city, we must all use our talents and resources to create a strong, supportive, and vigorous community.” LuAnn is a Financial Analyst for the City of Las Vegas. She serves on the board of directors for Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada and is Chairman of the Endowment Board for the Junior League of Las Vegas.
Dawn Labonte HOME “Las Vegas is my home. My husband and I are raising our newly adopted daughter here. I take “home” seriously and believe it’s my responsibility to do my small part to enhance life in Southern Nevada. That’s why I love BLVDS magazine-–it represents home.” Dawn is Senior Vice President of Community Affairs for Wells Fargo Bank. She is a member of the United Way of Southern Nevada’s Women’s Leadership Council and the Tocqueville Society.
Rob McCoy NATIVE “Las Vegas has been good to my family since 1939. The least I can do is return the favor.” Rob is Director of Government Affairs for CenturyLink. A native Las Vegan, he serves on the boards of Boys & Girls Clubs, the Neon Museum, and the City of Las Vegas Arts Commission.
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Julie Murray CATALYST “My family is a threegeneration “Nevada family” and cares greatly about this community. Although a large part of our community is healthy and doing well, there are over 300,000 men, women, and children who struggle with a lack of healthcare, food, and shelter. I work to help bridge philanthropists and governmental entities with extraordinary community causes.” Julie is the CEO and Principal of Moonridge Group, a community building firm. She has helped build or co-found some of our community’s most important organizations including Three Square, Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, the “I Have a Dream Foundation,” and Greater Good Council. Julie and her team at Moonridge Group provide consulting services for strategic philanthropy.
Stephanie Pierotti PEEL “I enjoy peeling away the layers of the onion that is Las Vegas. As the city constantly reinvents itself, I discover new places, experiences, and people that inspire me.” Stephanie is a brand development consultant, proprietor, and designer at Avondale Shirt Co., and an advocate for shopping locally. She is an instructor at the Art Institute of Las Vegas.
Jillian Plaster HOME “As a Las Vegas native, our city is the place I’ve always called home. My family and lifelong friends are all here, so I like to think I am contributing to making Las Vegas a better place for my loved ones.” Jillian is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Las Vegas. She developed her own line of fresh dog food sold at her pooch boutique, the Dog House, located at Town Square.
Willie Robinson DEDICATION “Las Vegas has been my home for over 55 years and I want people to think the best of my home. I want everyone to see the true beauty, people, culture, and history of this unique city. I am dedicated to that mission and BLVDS is too.” Willie is the Consumer & Community Affairs Administrator for Southwest Gas Corporation. She is a recipient of the 2013 Golden Hand Service Award.
Jason Roth OPTIMISM “Las Vegas continues to transform itself through the optimism of the people. I’m optimistic that creativity, ingenuity, and determination will make Las Vegas one of the top cities in the world for culture, diversity, and commitment to enlightening the lives of its residents.” Jason is Vice President of Communications & Public Relations at Roseman University of Health Sciences. In 2010, he was named one of VegasInc’s “40 Under 40.”
Karen Rubel QUALITY OF LIFE “No matter where you are in your life’s journey having quality of life is essential. In my work with Nathan Adelson Hospice we know that we cannot add more days to our patient’s lives, but we can add more life to their days. There are so many good things happening in Las Vegas that enhance everyone’s quality of life.” Karen is Vice President of Development at Nathan Adelson Hospice Foundation. She serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Henderson Symphony Orchestra and in 2012 she was recognized as one of “10 Women Who Mean Business.”
Dana Satterwhite RESPONSIBILITY “Each of us has gifts. We can share them or we can keep them to ourselves. Everyday I’m compelled to use whatever talent and connections I have to impact my city for the better. Contributing to the growth of the Las Vegas community is my responsibility.” Dana is owner and Creative Director of Satterworx Industries and TastySpace. He splits his time between creative branding assignments, writing, running an art gallery, creating intellectual properties, and offering artists guidance on developing and managing their personal brands.
Rick Sellers LOVE “I love my family and friends. I love my profession as an Architect—I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love giving back to the community I’ve been a part of for the last 37 years and I truly love being a part of the BLVDS family.” Rick is a Founding Principal and President of Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto Architects, celebrating their 27th anniversary. Recipients of over 100 design awards, they were recently involved in the Downtown Zappos City Hall Remodel. Rick gives his time to several local charities and committees.
Eric Strain Passion “A search for that singular characteristic that ignites a person’s desire to seek excellence.” Eric Strain is Principal of assemblageSTUDIO architecture firm in Las Vegas, responsible for the Mormon Fort Visitor’s Center and the Lynn Bennett Early Childhood Education Center.
Kimberly Trueba PASSIONATE “Passion is what drives my dedication to sharing creative ideas that connect my profession and personal values to our community and the BLVDS editorial board.” Kimberly is Managing Principal at TAL Studio, an awardwinning international hospitality design studio. The studio’s client list includes Four Seasons, Wynn Resorts, and Ritz Carlton.
Mark Vranesh DIVERSITY “As a child raised in Las Vegas in the early 50s and 60s, I knew the gamat of eccentric lifestyles and social values. That gave me insight into the human condition which I realize sparked my own creative nature.” Mark took the road less traveled to pursue his art after finishing law school in 1978, Vranesh developed his unique watercolor impressionism style. His international art career includes his mixed media work, producing art events, and mentoring other artists.
Rachael Wadley FIRE “Fires burn bright—just like the commitment I have for my personal work in the healthcare industry because I can make a difference in our community every single day. My fire continues to grow brighter.” Rachael is the Marketing Communications Specialist at Roseman University of Health Sciences, where she writes about health and medical news in the valley.
Dr. Stephanie Youngblood FUN “Las Vegas is a fun city to be a foodie, see shows at a world class performing arts center, be a part of the downtown renaissance, and be a part of a caring community.” Stephanie is a chiropractor in Las Vegas, providing overall health and wellness through her practice. She is a current board member of the International Chiropractic Association.
The Giving Issue | December 2013 | 21
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DATE NIGHT Take some time out of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season with a date night, downtown.
Written by Stacy Joseph Photography by Nathan Douglas
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We know December is probably the last month of the entire year you think about planning a night out on the town with your significant other, especially with everything else you’ve got going on — holiday parties, out-of-town house guests, shopping, shopping, and more shopping — but why not? We want to encourage you to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy a date night with the one you love. Pull out your calendar, pick a night and get ready to enjoy all that downtown Vegas has to offer. We’ve put together several culture filled itineraries for you, from theater to dinner to late night cocktails. Now all you have to do is have a little fun. $$$$$ ($125 and up per person)
Oscar’s Steakhouse The Smith Center Commonwealth If you want to splurge and dress up for a fantastic holiday date night, start the evening out with a perfectly aged steak at Oscar’s Steakhouse, located in the famous dome of the Plaza Hotel (as seen in the movie Casino). Oscar’s offers complimentary shuttle service to and from The Smith Center, so hop on and head over to Reynolds Hall where you’ll be transported to a world of magic and wonder as the Nevada Ballet Theatre performs a holiday classic, The Nutcracker, December 14th-22nd. The Las Vegas Philharmonic performs on December 7th and Danny Wright performs an intimate, warm and wintery collection of holiday music perfect for the whole family on December 15th. After the show head over to Commonwealth for a few late night cocktails.
$$$ ($75 and up per person)
$ ($25 and up per person)
Triple George Mob Museum Mob Bar
Rock ‘N’oodles Electric Lemonade Brett Wesley Gallery Velveteen Rabbit
If you want a little Vegas history lesson, head over to downtown’s newest resort, Downtown Grand Las Vegas. Begin the evening with dinner at Triple George. Try the Baked Goat Cheese Marinara, Veal Scaloppini, Chicken Pot Pie, or their famous George Burger. If you’re not too stuffed, head over to the Mob Museum and learn more about the notorious battle between the mob and law enforcement. After a walk through old Vegas history you might be in the mood for a little prohibition-era glamour, so head over to the MOB Bar for some martinis and musical performances, including dueling pianos, crooners, and intimate jazz.
For a last minute, casual night out on the town begin with dinner at one of downtown’s newest restaurants, Rock ‘N’oodles. Then pop next door and do a little shopping at Electric Lemonade Shop — a local boutique that features up-and-coming designers, hand made jewelry, and vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories. Walk one block over to the Brett Wesley Gallery and spend some time taking in the latest artists on display. End the night a few blocks away at the Velveteen Rabbit for some local music and art, a large selection of draft and bottled beer, and hand crafted cocktails.
$$ ($50 and up per person)
Mingo Kitchen & Lounge Art Square Cockroach Theatre The Lady Silvia For something a little more casual, begin the evening with dinner at Mingo Kitchen & Lounge and enjoy their Seared Brussels Sprouts, a Bacon Cheddar Bistro Burger, Spicy Honey Glazed Mahi Mahi, or their amazing Deep Fried Oreo Cookie. After dinner, stroll through Art Square for a bit of window shopping on your way to enjoy the The Chalk Boy at the Cockroach Theatre. The black comedy by Joshua Conkel opens December 5th. After the show, stroll on over to The Lady Silvia, a dazzling new lounge — inspired by Prague’s Strahov Monastery Library — that offers a wide variety of fun cocktails.
The Giving Issue | December 2013 | 25
C U LT U R E
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thoughtful options
Gifts
THAT GIVE Shop with a purpose this season and help support our local creative community.
Written by Sabrina Cofield
or many of us the holidays are not just about giving, but also the kindness and thoughtfulness that goes into each gift. With a little mindful consideration, you can not only make someone smile with a beautiful token of your love or appreciation, but also make sure your gift has a meaningful impact on our cultural community. We’ve scoped out a few items we ‘heart,’ and we think you will too. They’re gifts that support local artists, young and old, professional and novice alike. So consider this a friendly nudge to put a little more thought into Checko Salgado your gift selection this season.
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Steven Joseph Henderson Symphony Orchestra Symphony Wines
Our first favorite item is somewhat of a Vegas gift giving tradition — the scarves (and now ties) made by the resident artists at Opportunity Village. The talented artists of the village make beautiful silk scarves that range from $30-$90 and proceeds benefit the Art Enrichment Program of Opportunity Village, which includes fine art, music, dance, and theater. opportunityvillage.org.
This holiday season, some of us are bound to enjoy a glass of wine or two while celebrating with family and friends, so why not make it a bottle that benefits the Henderson Symphony Orchestra. Unlike most orchestras, which generate operating expenses from ticket sales, the Henderson Symphony Orchestra is committed to making fine music available free of charge to everyone in our community. Support the Symphony by purchasing one of their
Symphony Wines. Offering delicious blends of fine white and red wines, charity wine distributer Benefit Wines gives 100% of their online retail profits back to the Henderson Organization. hsorch.org
Another favorite gift option, an exclusive edition of nail polish created in celebration of the Nevada Ballet Theatre’s 2013-2014 season. The Swan Lacquer, named after Swan Lake Act II, is an exquisite shade of opulent white. The polish, made by SpaRitual, can be purchased at the salon inside the Vdara Hotel & Spa while supplies last. All of the proceeds from the $12 bottle of nail polish goes to benefit the NVBT. nevadaballet.com vdara.com/spa
The Giving Issue | December 2013 | 27
The Art of Travel... A Sense of Place
Mark Vranesh
Artist Reception Preview Thursday Dec. 5, 2013 5 - 8pm And Holiday Open House Dec. 7, 2013 10am - 4pm
Blvds House | Gallery B 509 S. 7th Street For more information email markvranesh@gmail.com, call or text 702.245.6077 www.markvranesh.com
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CM
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CMY
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Hundreds of designer frames. Latest styles from: Inituim, Serengeti, X-Cide, OGI, Seraphin and Spectacle Eyeworks
Edward J. Malik, O.D. CHTD Optometry 2261 S. Rainbow Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89146
702.254.0332 | eyesandopticslv.com
Axiom Brass January 30
Cinderella February 1
Mark Twain Tonight! February 22
Repertory Dance Theatre March 8
Haifa Symphony Orchestra March 13
Duo Siqueira Lima February 15
Three Times Four February 20
VIDA Guitar Quartet March 13
The Rippingtons April 26
Give the Gift of the Arts Tickets make a great gift for the arts lover in your life. Don’t know what they’d like to see? Gift Certificates are available.
pac.unlv.edu · (702) 895-2787 pure. powerful.arts. 2013 – 2014 season
C U LT U R E
ART GALLERIES
DOWNTOWN Amanda Harris Gallery Of Contemporary Art 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 769.6036 amandaharrisgallery.com Art Square 1017-1025 First Street 808.300.7500 artsquarelv.com Galleries include: Art Square Gallery Suite 140 Brett Wesley Gallery Suite 150 brettwesleygallery.com Downtown Contemporary Suite 145 | downtowncontemporary.com Ryan Williams Fine Art Gallery Suite 135 ryanwilliamsfineart.com Arts Factory 107 East Charleston Blvd. 383.3133 | theartsfactory.com Galleries include: 8 Martinis Gallery Suite 205 | 8martinis.com 303 North Studio Suite 115 | facebook. com/303NorthStudio A. Stein arts Suite 220 | asteinarts.com Cricket Studio Suite 210 | cricketstudio.com Happy Panda Toys Suite 105A happypandatoys.com
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Arts Factory CONT. Hiptazmic Studio Suite 105C facebook.com/Hiptazmic
City of the World Gallery 1229 Casino Center Blvd. 523.5306 | cityoftheworld.org
Jaikowski Studios Suite 115 jaikowskistudios.com
Clark County Government Center Rotunda 500 Grand Central Pkwy. 455.7030
Jana’s RedRoom Suite 160 janasredroom.com Joseph Watson Collection Suite 115 josephwatsoncollection.com PeaceNArt Studio Suite 230 Perception Gallery Suite 110 perceptiongallery.com POP2 Cultural Arts Center Suite 240 R Space Suite 125 Sin City Gallery Suite 100 sincitygallery.com Trifecta Gallery Suite 135 | 366.7001 trifectagallery.com Blackbird Studios 1551 S. Commerce St. 782.0319 blackbirdstudioslv.com BLVDS HOUSE: GALLERY B 509 S. 7th Street 386.6065 | blvdslv.com Brett Wesley gALLERY 1112 S. Casino Center Blvd. 433.4433 brettwesleygallery.com
Clay Arts Vegas 1511 South Main St. 375.4147 | clayartsvegas.com Cob4lt Blu3 Studio Gallery 1400 S. 3rd St. 771.0032 | cob4ltblu3.com Contemporary Arts Center @ Alios 1217 South Main St. 478.9636 | lasvegascac.org Cornerstone Art Gallery 201 East Colorado St. 238.5894 Emergency Arts 520 Fremont St. 686.3164 Galleries include: 5th Wall Gallery Suite 162 5thwallgallery.com Alexandra Lee Studio Suite 215 alexandraleestudios.com B AND N PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO Suite 222 Different Strokes Gallery Suite 212 DOBEZ DESIGNZ facebook.com/ dobezdesignz
Emergency Arts cont. Get Up Gallery Suite 212 | getupgallery.com Lil’ Art Bodega Suite 219 | lilartbodega.com METRO ARTS COUNCIL metroartsnevada.com OUR LAS VEGAS Suite 222 | 217.7518 facebook.com/ourlasvegas SPORADICA DESIGNS sporadicadesigns.com TastySpace Gallery Suite 150 | tastyspacelv.com 617.513.7336 Thought Robbers Suite188 V3 Arts Suite 166 vivavegasventures.com Gainsburg Studio 1039 S. Main St. Suite 130 249.3200 gainsburgstudio.com Left of Center Gallery 2207 West Gowan Rd. 647.7378leftofcenterart.org Michelle C. Quinn Fine Art Advisory 620 South 7th St. 366.9339 | mcqfineart.com Southern Nevada Center for the Arts 1310 South 3rd St. 888.3400 Photo Bang Bang 224 E. Imperial Ave 527.2264 photobangbang.com porary Art 900 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 769.6036
Artist Feature
NANDA Sharifpour Iranian born artist and UNLV Art and Design Instructor, Nanda Sharifpour, moved to Las Vegas with her husband Ali (who is also an artist) less than two years ago, after fleeing her country amid social and political conflict. That has not stopped her from making her mark on the local art scene. Nanda’s work has been displayed in Peace and Art Studio in the Arts Factory, Black Bird Studios, Amanda Harris Gallery, Tasty Space in Emergency Arts, R Space Studio in the Arts Factory, Donna Beam
An Iranian born artist who moved to Las Vegas less than two years ago is already making her mark on the local art scene. Gallery, and Sahara910 Gallery. Nanda says her art is very symbolic and explains that the goldfish (which have a long history in Iran), frequently featured in her art, represent her hopes and dreams. She says she takes heart from them. You can see more of Nanda’s work, as well as her husband’s, on facebook.com/AlindaArt
Photography by Talbot Snow
See more of Nanda’s art at: R Space Studio in the Arts Factory 107 E. Charleston Blvd., ste. 125 facebook.com/RSpaceStudio BlackBird Studios 1551 S. Commerce Street blackbirdstudioslv.com
The Giving Issue | December 2013 | 31
Lifestyle
LIFESTYLE
BLVDS Gift guide SHOP LOCAL
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1
1. Giddy up!
Throwing on these 100% cotton sleep shorts is the perfect way to end your day. $1 from the sale of every item in the Nightcap Pajama line will be donated to The Shade Tree of Las Vegas. Available at AvondaleShirtCo.com
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2. Dive!
I think he’s about to dive into a teeny, tiny cup... Super soft and comfy cropped pants with wide drawstring waist and elastic bottom hems. Available at AvondaleShirtCo.com
3. Warm Wishes
Somersault Letterpress specializes
in unique letterpress holiday cards, invitations, stationery, postcards, and more. 8260 Haven St. Las Vegas, Nevada 89123 | 405.0501 facebook.com/Somersault.Letterpress
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4. JeNu oooh la la 5
Help your skin maintain its youthful appearance with these professional eye and lip treatments you can do at home. Available at Dermatherapy 653 Town Center #512, Las Vegas, NV 89144 | 796.7546
5. Cozy up with Snoozies!®
Snoozies are not socks and they’re not slippers - sort of a crossover between the two. Many styles to choose from, available at 4 Real Intimate Apparel 8414 Farm Rd. #140 Las Vegas, NV 89131 | 258-8700 shop4realintimates.com
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4
rules
HOLIDAY
TABLE TIME Local designers battle it out in the first annual BLVDS Table Top That! design competition.
Written by Sabrina Cofield Photography by Nathan Douglas Talbot Snow You shuffle through your old table linens, polish your great grandmother’s silver, and begin to set the holiday dinner table the same way you have for as long as you can remember. You want to try something new, but you have no idea where to begin. We know how you feel, so we decided to offer up a little holiday inspiration, BLVDS style. We’ve enlisted four local designers to take part in a holiday table design competition—and in the spirit of BLVDS—each design must be “green.” Meet our designers, see their stunning creations, and then go to our facebook page to pick your favorite table. Your votes will be tallied and the winner will be announced on our website in January and featured in our printed January/February issue.
The Rules: 1. Each designer must include something repurposed or “green.” 2. Each table must feature something “living” (a tree, a plant, a green fish, as long as it’s living — anything goes — almost). 3. We thought we’d offer a bit of BLVDS “green” inspiration by requiring the use of a bag of limes in the table design. 4. Each designer had three hours to complete their masterpiece.
The Giving Issue | December 2013 | 35
Meet the designers: For three decades, Southern Nevada’s physicians have entrusted Nathan Adelson Hsopice with quality in-patient and home care services for their patients. We have board-certified physicians in hospice and palliative care, on-site pharmacies, a full range of complementary therapies, physician visits to patient homes and the valley’s only comprehensive pediatric hospice program. As always, our primary concern is for our patients’ comfort, care and dignity.
(702) 733-0320
www.nah.org
Jill Ableman Inside Style Jill Ableman, co-owner of Inside Style, has one mission — “creating extraordinary experiences while enriching people’s lives by design.” This philosophy is not just about creating an extraordinary experience for her clients, it is about creating extraordinary experiences for one another, the staff at Inside Style, and the entire community. Jill and her husband Marc were one of the first entrepreneurs to make a major investment in the downtown revitalization efforts by purchasing and renovating a 65 year old building in the Arts District that they now call home. The theme of Jill’s table — “We are all kids at heart.” Jill loves the innocent and purity of Christmas and always takes time to slow down and celebrate life. Children personify what the holidays are all about, it is about living in the moment and having fun. Inside Style | insidestylehome.com
Talbot Snow
Jill Ableman The Giving Issue | December 2013 | 37
LIFESTYLE
Durette candito
Nathan Douglas
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Durette Candito Urban Ranch General Store Durette Candito has spent most of her life in design — whether it be interior, fashion, or residential. At 16, she had a catalog circulating her high school selling handmade jewelry and clothing to her friends. By the ripe old age of 18, she had a successful dress making business. Born and bred in New Mexico, Durette moved her design business to the valley more than ten years ago and now owns Urban Ranch General Store. Drawing inspiration from the bag of limes, Durette’s table design is a combination of beautiful rich colors infused with a hint of BLVDS green. We live in the desert, so the centerpiece of driftwood and succulents was apropos for her “Urban Ranch” table. Instead of name plates, Durette inserted iron hands (which are actually funky wall hooks) holding inspirational words like; joy, create, dream, and inspire. Urban Ranch General Store | urbanranchgeneralstore.com
BE SMART. BE SAFE. BE SEEN FACT:
Nevada is one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians. You've told us you're tired of pedestrians, especially our children, dying and being injured on our roads.
WHEN YOU DRIVE:
Pay attention! Respect pedestrians. Slow down near crosswalks.
WHEN YOU ARE A PEDESTRIAN:
Pay attention! Look both ways before crossing. Always stay focused on the traffic while you are crossing the street. Don't assume all cars will stop for you. Wear bright clothing. Don’t wear dark cloths at night. For the rules of the road regarding pedestrians go to KTNV.COM and click on CROSSWALK DANGER in THE BIG BLUE BOX.
KTNV.COM TOGETHER WE’RE
MAKING LAS VEGAS A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE
Joel Spencer JoelSpencer.org Fascinated with all things abandoned by the wayside, Joel Spencer first came onto the media and arts scene by converting discarded televisions into wall mirrors. As an abstract and conceptual artist living in Las Vegas for the last 15 years, Joel has forged a creative living out of recycling waste paint into murals, as well as building and designing props and scenery for film and stage productions. Joel’s theme and inspiration for his table design — “Simply Junk.” Joel has a knack for finding and acquiring interesting odds and ends. A piece of discarded metal awning, a random stack of televisions, unusual cardboard—and suddenly an idea formulates, a concept is born, a direction is found, within the material. Working out these challenges with big ambition always seems to have an impact far beyond the initial trials and the results are what drive Joel’s design process. Joel Spencer | Joelspencer.org
JOEL SPENCER
Talbot Snow
The Giving Issue | December 2013 | 41
LIFESTYLE
Jen Stiling
Nathan Douglas
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Jen Stiling Jen Styling Jen Stiling’s philosophy is simple, “The answer is in the room.” Jen finds the beauty and best use of any space by adding personalized accents and a unique, creative touch. Her specialty—implementing distinctive designs on a shoestring budget. While designing her table, Jen took “green” to mean the color—but also had some fun with items she plans to reuse or recycle this holiday season. The logs were from her yard, and will be a winter fire later this year. The table cloth—an old pair of silk curtains that will be repurposed into pillows. The shipping paper will be used to wrap presents. Jen chose fruits and vegetables as a centerpiece because they can be used for meals in the weeks to come. Jen Styling | jenstyling.com
BlvdsTABLE TOP THAT! Vote for your favorite table top design on our Facebook page, look for BLVDS Our sponsors Artiques
Magazine. Will it be Jen, Jill, Joel or
702.476.9292
702.269.4620
Plantworks 702.795.3600
750 S. Rampart Blvd.
6551 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
5480 S. Valley View Blvd.
Suite 4
Suite 143
Suite 110
Las Vegas, NV 89145
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Las Vegas, NV 89118
artiquesimports.com
artifactlv.com
plantworksnow.com
Artifact
Durette? You decide! You’ll also be entered to win dinner for two at Mingo Kitchen & Lounge in Art Square!
The Giving Issue | December 2013 | 43
EVENTS
DO SOMETHING
DIFFERENT Explore the sights and sounds of our great city!
DECEMBER 2013 HOLIDAY EVENTS
Winter in Venice Now – January 8 The Venetian 414.1000 venetian.com
A Mari-achi Christmas: Mariachi sol de Mexico De José Hernández December 3 Smith Center 749.2012 thesmithcenter.com
Christmas Celebration Craft and Gift Show
JFSA Light of Life Menorah Lighting
December 7 Sun City MacDonald Ranch Henderson
December 1 Magical Forrest at Opportunity Village 732-0304 | jfsalv.org
NSA Chamber Orchestra: NSA Rising Stars
Christmas Gift Show
December 8 Historic Fifth Street School nsamusic.org
December 5 Las Vegas Convention Center nfrexperience.com
Henderson Symphony Orchestra
Country Christmas
December 13 Henderson Events Plaza 267.2171 hendersonlive.com
December 5 - 15 Sands Expo and Convention Center countrychristmas.com
A Christmas Carol Danny Wright – Just Wright for the Holidays
Magical Forrest Now – January 6 Opportunity Village 259.3741 opportunityvillage.org
Photos with Santa Claus Now – December 24 Santa’s House at Town Square 269.5000 mytownsquarelasvegas.com
Ethel M. Chocolate Factory Cactus Garden Lighting Now – January 1 Ethel M. Chocolate Factory 435.2655 ethelm.com
Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway NOW - January 8 Las Vegas Motor Speedway Motorsports Complex glitteringlightslasvegas.com
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Clint Holmes for the Holidays December 6 Smith Center 749.2012 thesmithcenter.com
December 15 Smith Center 749.2012 thesmithcenter.com
December 5 – 8, 12 – 15 Judy Bayley Theatre at UNLV 895.2787 pac.unlv.edu
Fall Dance Concert December 6 & 7 CSN Performing Arts Center 651.5483 csn.edu.pac
Las Vegas Academy Presents: All Nation’s Holiday festival December 7 Las Vegas Academy 799.7800 lasvegasacademy.net
2013 Nevada International Film Festival December 7 The Orleans Hotel and Casino 331.4599 nevadafilmfestival.com
Cooking Workshop: Holiday Baking Bliss December 21 Springs Preserve 822.7700 springspreserve.org
WNFR Cowboy December 5 - 14 Las Vegas Convention Center nfrexperience.com
Winter Holiday at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens December 6 – January 5 Bellagio 693.7111 bellagio.com
Scrooge the Musical Presented by the Rainbow Company Youth Theatre December 6 – 7, 13 – 14 Charleston Heights Arts Center 229.6383 artslasvegas.org
Christmas Holiday Craft Show at Desert Shores
Kwanzaa 2013 - A Celebration of African Values, Culture, & Community
December 7 Desert Shores Garfield’s Event Center 807.6776
The Nutcracker: The Magic Continues
The Las Vegas Great Santa Run December 7 Fremont Street Experience 259.3741 opportunityvillage.org
December 14 – 22 Smith Center 749.2012 thesmithcenter.com
December 28 West Las Vegas Library 229.4800 artslasvegas.org
Gardens Workshop: Gifts from the Gardens December 14, 15, 28 & 29 Springs Preserve springspreserve.org 822.7700
New Year’s Eve with The Spazmatics
DECEMBER 31 Suncoast Hotel and Casino suncoastcasino.com
4th Annual New Year’s Eve Party
Henderson WinterFest
December 31 Las Vegas Hotel and Casino thelvh.com 732.5111
December 14 Henderson Events Plaza 267.2171 hendersonlive.com
December 14 Winchester Cultural Center 455.7340 clarkcountynv.gov
The Desert Winds’ Elements Childhood: A Holiday Concert December 14 Community Lutheran Church 458.2241 communitylv.org
December 31 Orleans Hotel and Casino orleanscasino.com
NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS
Vegas Super Band New Year’s Party
Silver Statesmen Chorus and Quartet
New Year’s Eve Dance Party Starring Disco Inferno
Night at the Museum: The Polar Express
December 23 & 24 Springs Preserve springspreserve.org
New Year’s Eve with Tony Orlando and Wes Winters December 31 South Point Hotel and Casino southpointcasino.com 796.7111
New Year’s Eve with The Alley Cats December 31 South Point Hotel and Casino southpointcasino.com 796.7111
Vegas Super Band New Year’s Party
December 21 Springs Preserve springspreserve.com
Train Rides with Santa
December 31 South Point Hotel and Casino southpointcasino.com 796.7111
December 31 Suncoast Hotel and Casino suncoastcasino.com
New Year’s Eve with Bruno Mars December 31 The Chelsea cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
The Pointer Sisters December 31 Eastside Cannery Hotel and Casino eastsidecannery.com 856.5300
The Giving Issue | December 2013 | 45
Flavor
F L AV O R
2
SWEET INDULGENCE Grandma Rubys
Written by Zakeisha Steele Jones Photography by Nathan Douglas
Give yourself and the ones you love their “just desserts” this holiday season.
f there’s ever a time of year to indulge in a bit of culinary decadence, it is definitely the holiday season. So ditch the guilt and relish in some of the valley’s sweetest dessert spots.
O I
One thing that is truly unique about Las Vegas is our mild holiday weather, which means no dessert option is off limits, including ice cream. At Sweet Addiction Cookies & Ice Cream the smell of homemade “always fresh never packaged” cookies and Thrifty brand ice cream fills the air of this casual ice cream parlor. The concept is simple. Choose from fourteen different cookie selections, including two gluten free options, and twenty-five ice cream flavors, and the combinations are endless. I chose a Chocolate Chip Walnut pair of cookies with a thick slab of Cappuccino Crunch Ice Cream and the result—dreamy. Since Sweet Addiction is open late, and has two locations, it is the perfect spot to indulge and unwind after a long day of holiday shopping. Equal parts design and deliciousness, Chocolate & Spice Bakery is the perfect place to pause for a sweet treat and midday break this holiday season. The bakery itself is a beautiful space with
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Chocolate & Spice Bakery Dark Chocolate Nutella Bomb
polished rustic decor—plenty of sienna colored furniture, and flashes of green and magenta throughout. The bakery’s stand-out treat—the Pistachio Cannoli—embodies a flaky pastry crust and an unusually smooth filling. That’s because instead of the traditional method of topping off the tubes with ricotta, Megan Romano’s cannoli (chef and owner of the bakery) is filled with pistachio infused mascarpone cheese. That is a holiday gift in and of itself. Although Chocolate & Spice Bakery will tempt you to eat dessert first, conceivably starting with an indulgent Dark Chocolate Nutella Bomb, you can always begin with the flavorful breakfast or lunch selections from the savory side of the menu.
When I think of feminine ‘50s fun, the Sweet Ruby Jane Confections name and shop design is exactly what I picture. “Ruby Jane is my grandmother,” Susan Phillipp, owner of this old-fashioned candy shop, points out the black and white framed snapshot of the namesake. “I have a Grandma Ruby as well,” I say and we both giggled at the coincidence. Family naming didn’t stop with the matriarch, each candy selection is named after a member of Susan’s family. Haley Wants S’mores—delectable marshmallow cream squeezed by two chocolate dipped graham crackers—was always a favorite of Susan’s niece Haley, now a student at Northern Arizona University. And to Susan, family is what you make it, because the Bailey’s Butter Toffee Chocolate offers an unsurpassed caramelized sugar experience, that any fun-loving black Cocker Spaniel would be proud of. Just like any traditional candy shop, Sweet Ruby Jane is a pickup now and enjoy elsewhere set-up. If you are looking for edible holiday gifts (yes, they have beautiful gift boxes and wrap), Sweet Ruby Jane Confections are delicious high quality options to any oversized store-bought chocolate bar that you might consider gifting.
Chocolate & Spice Bakery 7293 W. Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas chocolatenspice.com Sweet Addiction 5165 S. Fort Apache Road, Las Vegas 2291 N. Green Valley Parkway, Henderson sweetaddictionlv.com Sweet Ruby Jane Confections 9550 S. Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas sweetrubyjane.com
Chocolate & Spice Bakery Pistachio Cannoli
The Giving Issue | December 2013 | 49
F L AV O R
4
wine pairing tips
Written by Stephanie Pierotti
Here are a few more wine pairing tips:
Photography by Nathan Douglas
Pair your wines and food like you choose the seating assignments at the dinner table. Traditionally, you’ll want to seat people next to each other that have things in common or complimentary characteristics. If you’re feeling adventurous though, you can pair bold, strongly contrasting opinions together and spark some interesting conversations. Like seating the family curmudgeon next to the perpetually positive cheerleader, pairing a sweet dessert wine (Canadian Icewine or French Sancerre) and stinky bleu cheese (Roquefort) may seem counterintuitive, but the results may surprise you and change your opinion of both participants.
Tip #1: The Seating Chart
ABC
(ANYTHING BUT chardonnay)
Alternatives to the traditional holiday Chardonnay and other wine pairing tips for your holiday celebrations.
Tip #2: Mosh Pit vs. Tango
hardonnay is a popular choice for the holiday table, but a mouthful of oak is not always the perfect accompaniment to dark or light meat, so instead try pairing a Pinot Gris (PEE-no GREE) or Pinot Grigio (PEE-no GREE-geo) with this year’s holiday meal.
O C G
Although they’re made from the exact same grape, these two wines have distinctly different tastes. The Northern Italians developed Pinot Grigio with hints of melon and a light, simple style that’s meant to be consumed as soon as it’s bottled. On the other hand, traditional medium-bodied French-styled Pinot Gris is known for its earthy minerality with subtle notes of honey and spice. Perfected in its native land of Alsace, Pinot Gris has
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been adopted by areas like Oregon, where a bit of Italian-style fruitiness is indicative of its local creations. For your holiday meals, try a traditional Pinot Grigio with roasted turkey, honey baked ham, or tangy Chevre cheese. Go for a zesty Pinot Gris with smoked meats or a nutty Boursin cheese. Although most people turn to white wines to pair with traditional turkey, don’t overlook the white Pinot’s sophisticated red cousin, Pinot Noir. It’s an excellent goto food-friendly wine that pairs well with a wide variety of meats and cheeses. Oregon’s Willamette Valley produces some award-winning Pinots that give their French-Burgundian predecessors a run for their money.
Seasonings and sauces—not the color of the meat—are the primary considerations when choosing your wine pairing. You don’t want to pair a bold fruit-bomb Zin with a delicately seasoned rack of lamb, because the wine will overpower the subtle flavors of the dish. This is tantamount to throwing your doe-eyed grandmother into a mosh pit. The Zin would pair better with a tangy BBQ sauce or an aged Gouda, and the rack of lamb seasoned with Herbs de Provence would enjoy the company of a wine from its homeland like a dry rose from Provence. Since both the herbs and the grapes are “of the same earth” they will share characteristics—this is part of what wine geeks refer to as terrior (tayr-WAH). The shared traits typically result in a harmonious, spirited pairing—like two dancers doing the tango.
Tip #3: Know Your Audience
Tip #4: Do the Splits
Another consideration when choosing a bottle is whether your guests will appreciate your carefully cultivated wine choice. Have you been saving your favorite mind-blowing Pinot Noir for the perfect event? If there’s a good chance your gum-chewing dinner companions will throw ice cubes in their glass because the wine’s not cold enough for their liking, you may want to put that gem back in your wine fridge for a different special occasion. Celebrating a particularly productive Tuesday with your significant other can be just as important as an annual holiday.
If only one or two people will be drinking wine, you want to pair a different wine for each course for a small group, or you want to try a wine that’s a bit out of your financial comfort zone — 375 ml half bottles (also known as “splits”) are great alternative to traditional 750 ml bottles. Total Wine (locations in Summerlin and Henderson) offers an impressive selection of sparkling, white and red half bottles from around the world at a wide range of prices.
A wonderful selection wines at Marché Bacchus.
The Giving Issue | December 2013 | 51
F L AV O R
Recommended Crowd-Pleasers for Every Budget SPARKLING
REDS
Montcadi Rosé Cava, Método Tradicional NV ($9.99 exclusively at Fresh & Easy)
2011 Trader Joe’s Reserve “Lot# 80” Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon ($9.99 at Trader Joe’s)
La Marca Prosecco NV ($11.99 at Costco)
WHITES Yabber & Sons “Grinning Like a Shot Fox” Chardonnay (NV), South Eastern Australia ($4.89 at Fresh & Easy)
2009 Ceja Pinot Noir, Carneros, California ($36.99 at Total Wine) 2006 Beaux Frères “Ribbon Ridge” Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon ($79.99 at Lee’s Liquor)
2012 J Vineyards & Winery Pinot Gris, California ($11.99 at Costco)
SUPPORT LOCALLY-OWNED, SINGLE LOCATION WINE SHOPS Double Helix Boutique The Shoppes at the Palazzo 3327 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas Khoury’s Fine Wine & Spirits 110 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas Valley Cheese & Wine 1570 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy., Henderson Marché Bacchus 2620 Regatta Drive, Las Vegas
2012 Cave de Genouilly Bourgogne Aligoté, France ($14.99 at Total Wine)
HOT FOODIE SPOTS TO DISCOVER DOWNTOWN Stewart + Ogden
Art Bar
Pizza Rock
Wild
A restaurant experience 160 years in the making, Stewart + Ogden diner bistro features cuisine ranging from the traditional to the groundbreaking. Taking inspiration from the discussions between food fanatics (Archibald Stewart and Peter Skene Ogden) in the 1850s, S+O represents two very different takes on what makes good food. Watch as it deliciously transforms from an American diner serving breakfast and lunch to a sophisticated bistro in the evening. downtowngrand.com
Tony Gemignani, 11-time World Pizza Champion, brings his unique dining concept, Pizza Rock, to Las Vegas, directly across the street from the Downtown Grand Las Vegas. Pizza Rock will feature award-winning gourmet pizzas in a variety of styles, Kobe burgers, hand-crafted artisan cocktails and an extensive imported beer and wine list; all served up in an artistic and energetic atmosphere. Additionally, a selection of house made fresh pastas, calzones, stromboli, antipasti and salads will be offered, all with a focus on authentic Italian ingredients and organically-grown produce. pizzarocklasvegas.com
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Art Bar, where the featured collection of works by local artists is as authentic, eclectic, and vibrant as the surrounding Downtown Las Vegas environment. Your intention may be to grab a quick drink or a small bite, but don’t be surprised if you end up late for your dinner reservation. From the overstuffed chairs, to the mini-exhibits you’ll want to explore, to the interactive social buzz you’ll feel from the moment you walk in, Art Bar beckons you to stay just a little bit longer. downtowngrand.com
Wild was born in New York City, seeking to evolve the current pizza eating experience using fresh, local, seasonal ingredients and deliciously clean toppings. WILD is making a bold statement by offering exclusively a gluten-free crust (which tastes like a regular crust!) and mostly vegan ingredients. Sweet capicola and bacon are the only meat options for meat lovers and the folks at WILD are careful to know where this meat comes from. WILD prides itself on building a community atmosphere in its neighborhoods with pizza making classes and a family-friendly environment. eatdrinkwild.com
We’re making gift giving easier this year ...................................... Check out our new online marketplace for Urban Ranch hand-selected home decor, accessories, jewelry, and clothing for men and women.
Free Gift with purchase for orders placed online prior to December 15, 2013.
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Enjoy shopping in our new online store and Happy Holidays!
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RaShelle Roberts can boost creativity and grow your business. She has coached designers, artists, photographers, entrepreneurs and other creative professionals, by tailoring programs to their business needs.
Open Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm 6985 W Sahara, Ste. 105, Las Vegas, NV 89117 (on the S.W. corner of Sahara and Rainbow) 702.368.2601 | urbanranchgeneralstore.com
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702.287.0044 rashelle@getinvision.com
We’re always happy to help you find that special something.
In My Humble Opinion Written by
Jenna Morton Joy is a physiological necessity, in my opinion, and so, a human right. Las Vegas! We are the original department of joy. While that’s true vocationally, it is also true philanthropically. We know that a simple moment of joy changes everything. Joy changes the world forever in a moment that never ends. What follows is an ode, but may be a call to action, if you wish. ‘Tis the season, after all.
Local sustainability superstar and restaurateur Jenna Morton reflects on 23 candid moments of delight captured through her giving and philanthropic associations and encourages us all to experience a little joy.
Photography by Talbot Snow
Joy to the World with corresponding cast* of Joy capacitors in italics Joy is the view from the top (remember?).
After-School All-Stars, Outdoor Adventures asaslv.org
Joy is that rock where you took a break on the way up.
Friends of Red Rock Canyonfriendsofredrockcanyon.org
Joy is the Apache Plume with blooms like fairy skirts catching the sunlight.
The Springs Preserve springspreserve.org
Joy is the moment a cool sip of water spills past the back of your parched throat.
One Drop Foundation onedrop.org
Joy is singing out. The Smith Center thesmithcenter.com Joy is twirling. After School All Stars, Ballet Folklorico asaslv.org Joy is the whole body wagging. The Animal Foundation animalfoundation.com Joy is the purple of that Rothko that you fell into and have never found your way out (do I
see you in here?). The Modern at Luminous Park luminouspark.org
Joy is the smell of bread. Three Square threesquare.org Joy is the smell of the dirt in the cloud forest where the orchids grow wild.
Community Cloud Forest Conservation cloudforestconservation.org
Joy is knowing how. FIT For an Independent Tomorrow lasvegasfit.org Joy is someone else knowing that you know. Opportunity Village opportunityvillage.org Joy is going to sleep—without being afraid. Refugee One refugeeone.org Joy is having a place to lie down, even with fear. Mercy Corps mercycorps.org/jordan Joy is a leg. Healing Children of Conflict healingchildrenofconflict.com Joy is choosing for yourself. The Carter Center cartercenter.org Joy is becoming the character in chapter three and being nervous until
chapter fifteen. Spread the Word Nevada spreadthewordnevada.org
Joy is context; wrapped up in a blanket of before and after.
The Springs Preserve springspreserve.org
Joy is being a piece of something vast. Desert Research Institute dri.edu Joy is a bicycle rider waving as he passes a tank.
The Apache Plume is one of the many desert plants you can find at The Springs Preserve. The Springs Preserve is the premier place in Las Vegas to explore the valley’s vibrant history through interactive science and nature exhibits, botanical gardens, hiking, trails, and live animal shows.
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American Friends Service Committee afsc.org
Joy is a hand. Al Hussein Society for Habilitation/Rehabilitation ahsrehab.org Joy is letting go. Nathan Adelson Hospice nah.org Joy is the trail leading right up to peace, where the view is spectacular. *Entire supporting
cast is too abundant to name but Sister Megan Rice deserves a special mention for her lifelong dedication to the project. Many thanks to all, and to all a joyful holiday.
About Jenna
Jenna and her husband Michael own La Cave Wine and Food Hideaway inside Wynn Resort, La Comida, a Mexican joint in downtown Las Vegas, and CRUSH eat, drink, love in the MGM Grand Resort. They try to put a little bit of joy in every bite.
The Giving Issue | December 2013 | 55
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ROSEMAN
We could not think of a better way to celebrate giving than to pay tribute to the amazing group of people who make up our editorial board. Each of whom give countless hours on behalf of their favorite local causes.
Cheers!