Award-Winning Pairing: LE/ROM and Siku Vodka

Beluga might be banned in the United States, but caviar lovers can still find some exceptional caviar. At The Stirling Club in Las Vegas, LE/ROM Caviar, continuing in the tradition of the Romanov family under the direction of Lena Romanova, is hosting a special tasting with Osetra Black Caviar (Acipenser baerii) and Sterlet Black Caviar (Acipenser ruthenus).

Both are imported from a farm in the Baltics, without any preservatives, chemical or medical additions to either the fish or caviar. The latter caviar, Sterlet, is historically mentioned as being served at royal feasts and banquets. Today, it is among the rarest. LE/ROM is ecologically sound black sturgeon caviar farmed from the only licensed farm in the Baltics.

How To Serve And Taste Caviar

• Remove caviar from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving.

• The lid should remain in place until the very last moment.

• Unless presented on a serving plate, it is acceptable to serve in the tin.

• Caviar is never served with a metal spoon; mother-of-pearl is preferred.

• Serve the caviar accompanied with a small piece of toasted bread or blinis.

• Caviar should be served plain, so nothing dilutes or alters its flavor.

• A small glass of vodka is the ideal companion; some prefer champagne.

The Stirling Club Will Serve Siku Vodka and Francois Montand

Siku (see-ku), which means ice in Greenlandic, is made from pure glacier ice. Using an ice-blending process, Siku transforms glacier ice directly to vodka without it ever becoming water.

As the blend becomes liquid at -25.9 degrees C, it is charcoal filtered for clarity and bottled. The final product is 8O proof. At one tasting at the Waldorf Astoria for Steinway piano owners, Siku was rated as the "Best of the Best" out of 28 vodkas.

For those who prefer a champagne, The Stirling Club has selected a Francois Montand, Brut, which is a nicely balanced dry champagne since many tend to be too sweet to serve with caviar.

The event will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4. Reservations are required and seating is limited. $39 per person.

The Benefits Of A Stirling Club Membership

The Stirling Club in Las Vegas is extending its once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for members to give the gift of membership to their friends and family. The special program for members is simple.

Current members may recommend membership to any friend or family member and the initiation fee will be waived, leaving only a modest administration fee and monthly dues, paid by the new member, at the level of membership they prefer, including social or premier level membership for individuals and families. (Applications must be received by Feb. 28, 2010.)

Upon request, the executive membership team will prepare a beautiful gift box to present this very special opportunity. Inside, it will outline all of The Stirling Club's amenities and include the most recent copy of The Stirling Club member newsletter as an introduction to the varied events hosted at the club.

Highlights For Membership At The Stirling Club

• An assortment of fine and casual dining experiences created by James Beard award-winning executive chef Charlie Palmer.
• Four remarkable areas to enjoy live entertainment, meetings, special events, billiards, and cigars as appropriate for the room.
• A full-service European-style spa, featuring seasonal specials for members, listed among the top ten spas in Las Vegas.
• A complete state-of-the-art fitness center with strength-building and cardio machines, instruction studios, and aerobics.
• An indoor pool, lagoon-sized outdoor pool, and four clay courts that are among the top rated courts in the city.
• A fully-staffed beauty center and salon, with some of the area's most skilled beauticians, stylists, and image consultants.
• Live entertainment by top performers and surprise guests four nights a week and special appearances by touring masters.
• Member mixers, classes, tournaments, events, fashion shows, children's art classes, and limited seating dining and wine events.
• A complete business center, private rooms for presentations and meetings, and access to the Charlie Palmer catering team.
• A concierge team, dedicated to placing reservations for shows, special events, and dining at the finest establishments.
• Access to several of the finest private golf courses in the Las Vegas area, with preferred tee times.
• Access to more than 60 reciprocal clubs throughout the world, some of which have onsite overnight rooms.
• An opportunity to upgrade membership to include the Signature Gold Unlimited, recently featured in September.

Connect With Members and the Membership Director

Anyone is welcome to connect with The Stirling Club group on Facebook or receive updates by following the team account on Twitter. However, the best experiences are often in person.

For visitors and area residents hoping for an invitation inside the most exclusive destination in Las Vegas, contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive director of membership, at 702-784-4603 or by e-mail via The Stirling Club Web site. Prospective members are sometimes extended a visitor pass to attend special events and/or try select services within the club.

Super Bowl Party In Las Vegas 2010

Who will play in Super Bowl XLIV (44)? While Las Vegas oddsmakers seem to favor the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints to face off at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Feb. 7, there is only one sure bet.

Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend will be there for an unforgettable 2010 Bridgestone Super Bowl XLIV Halftime Show. You can catch a promotional clip here.

Another sure bet is that The Stirling Club will be the most exclusive place to watch the game live in Las Vegas. Ever since the NFL gave notice to casinos that they cannot broadcast the Super Bowl at large scale "Super Bowl parties," small scale venues have become the favored place for fans to enjoy the game in Las Vegas.

At The Stirling Club, members are invited to meet up in the Cigar Bar for a picture perfect big screen viewing of the game. The event features every edible imaginable, with a full-service deli menu, salad station, all-star stadium food, and ice cold draft beer.

The game day menu line-up includes BBQ chicken, Angus beef burgers, bratwurst, corn dogs, chili, Italian sausages, grilled salmon, and two surprise entrees that will be chosen from the hometowns of each divisional champion. Snacks include s'mores, coconut bars, cookies, funnel cakes, pineapple upsidedown cakes, brownies, blondies, and team colored cupcakes plus nachos, soft pretzels, popcorn, kettle corn, Cracker Jacks, candy peanuts, potato chips, ice cream, and candy bars.

Members may place reservations for $50 person. Space is limited. Non-Stirling Club members may contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive membership director, for consideration or to make plans to tour the club during the divisional or championship round parties in the Cigar Bar on Jan. 17 and Jan. 24. Can't make The Stirling Club event?

Five Additional Picks for Super Bowl Sunday in Las Vegas.

• Blush. Located inside Wynn Las Vegas, Blush is hosting a big party in its laid-back lounge setting. Admission may vary, so check before you go.

• Society Cafe.The action at Encore at Wynn will include a special Super Bowl menu in a venue honored by Esquire as one of the "Best New Restaurants in America, 2009."

• Hofbrauhaus. Located on Paradise Road, south of The Stirling Club, the Hofbrauhaus will host its main party in the beer garden with eight big screen televisions. The main hall will accommodate overflow guests. Reservations are recommended.

• ESPN Zone. Near New York, New York Hotel & Casino, ESPN Zone features a big game menu with staggered service. Prices range from $125 to $175 per person (three person minimum). All seating will be in the screening room or Studio Grill.

• Everywhere. Race and sports books are still allowed to televise the game live. One of the more comprehensive lists can be found here. Anyone planning to catch the game at a race and sports book should plan to arrive early.

Award-Winning Pairing: Simi Winery At The Stirling Club

In 1876, two Italian brokers from Tuscany, Giuseppe and Pietro Simi, traveled to California during the Gold Rush. When they discovered the rolling hills of Sonoma County, they were reminded of home and began making wine. Today, hardly a week goes by without someone writing the praises of Simi Winery.

"When you think of the great wineries of Sonoma County, Chateau St. Jean and Simi are at the top of the list," says Steve Reeder, vice president of winemaking for Simi Winery.

On Thursday, Jan. 14, The Stirling Club in Las Vegas has arranged a special pairing between one of the greatest wineries in Sonoma County with the greatest private club in Las Vegas. Beginning at 6 p.m., The Stirling Club will host a Simi winemaker dinner, featuring five remarkable Simi wines paired with a specially designed four-course dinner prepared by Stirling Club chefs.

What To Expect From the Simi Winemaker Dinner

Reception. The evening begins with Simi Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County 2006. Expect a stylish balance of vibrancy and creamy elegance with hints of citrus, melon and fig with spice. The grapes used for Simi's Sauvignon Blanc represent the best of Sonoma County.

First Course. The first course features a clam and saffron chowder with sesame crackers paired with a Simi Russian River Chardonnay 2006. Enthusiasts suggest to expect notes of spiced apple and warm citrus, highlighted by toast and vanilla that leaves a long, lingering finish.

Second Course. Pheasant wrapped in pancetta, served with winter squash caponata, will be accompanied by a Simi Merlot, Sonoma County 2005. This very well put together deep ruby wine features black cherry fruit balanced by a subtle oak influence.

Main Course. The highlights of the evening include a dry-aged New York strip with buttered lima beans and Pomme Darphin Cabernet reduction. It will be accompanied by a Simi "Landslide Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, one of the most impressive selections of this event's collection. Some stores have posted that they have long since sold out, which is rare for a wine that can be enjoyed through 2015.

"This bottling has been a star for Simi since its inception, and the '05 is among their best ever," notes Trey Beffa, a domestic wine buyer. "It shows Alexander Valley's softness and slight herbaceousness, along with decadently rich red currant, mocha and oak flavors."

Dessert. The evening concludes with Simi Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 poured to accompany a dark chocolate and hazelnut bundt cake. Decidedly different from the 2005, this Cabernet Sauvignon is gentler, with tasty black cherries and spice that provide a lasting flavor.

The Simi winemaker dinner is $85 per person, with Stirling Club Wine Society members receiving half off. Stirling Club Wine Society members may contact Ramon Triary, food and beverage manager, to renew their annual dues. Reservations are required and seating is limited.

Non-Stirling Club members may contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive membership director. Stirling Club members may refer guests for consideration without an initiation fee for a limited time.