Award-Winning Pairing: Sonoma Meets Napa

The New York Times once revealed that the residents of Sonoma County will admit that Napa Valley is better known and has better restaurants, but that is about it. In truth, comparing the two isn't fair for wine enthusiasts.

They both offer a different experience, with Sonoma known for its rustic surroundings and Napa Valley as one of the premier travel destinations in the world. As for the wine, Napa does tend to be better known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Sonoma for its Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Even in planning the May wine dinner, it proved too hard to choose.

On Thursday, May 6, The Stirling Club in Las Vegas will showcase select wines from Napa and Sonoma, paired with the creations of The Stirling Club chefs. The dinner includes four remarkable wines poured at a pace of one per course, with a reception at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m.

What To Expect From The Sonoma Meets Napa Dinner

First Course. The evening begins with a Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, 2007 from McIlroy Cellars. Expect aromas of cherry and spicy earthiness accompanied by Bibb lettuce salad, topped with chilled tiger shrimp. The citrus vinaigrette and pecorino brilliantly marry the opener with the wine, which is also the wine special of the month at the Stirling Club.

"Will McIlroy...make[s] a line of very impressive wines that are excellent values," said Dan Berger, syndicated wine columnist.

Second Course. Grilled breast of quail and a crisp quail spring roll, quinoa salad, and a roasted poultry reduction will be paired with a Cabernet Sauvignon "Venezia", Alexander Valley, 2006, from the Meola Family Winery. Mario Meola is known for his viticulture practices that are mostly organic, and delivers a rich and complex age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon.

Main Course. A remarkable trio of spring lamb roasted chop, braised shank croquette, and spice Merguaez will be treated with a Cabernet reduction with peppermint, aioli, piquillo, and pepper compote. The meal will be accompanied by Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2006 from Lindstrom Wines. What makes Lindstrom unique is it only produces a single, estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, using a selection of the very finest grapes from its 4-acre hilltop Nicali Vineyard in the heart of the Stags Leap District.

"An outstanding 2006. ... an understated style that wows you with finesse, offering complex aromas of herb, loam, currant, cedar, black olive, and sage." — James Laube, Wine Spectator

Dessert. The evening concludes with chocolate and hazelnut bundt cake, accompanied by vanilla bean ice cream. The selected wine is a Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, 2005, from Wilson Winery and is the perfect bold accompaniment for its aroma of freshly crushed raspberry, pepper, and vanilla bean.

The Sonoma Meets Napa Wine Dinner is $85 per person, with Stirling Club Wine Society members receiving half off. Reservations are required and seating is extremely limited. For reservations, call 702-732-9700.

Non-Stirling Club members may contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive membership director. Stirling Club members may refer guests for consideration.

Mother's Day Ideas With A Las Vegas Touch

"A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie." — Tenneva Jordan

While some will send cards and flowers or make an annual phone call to their moms this Mother's Day, the Stirling Club Courtier would like to share its top five experiences that mothers will cherish. Most of these suggestions are tied to Mother's Day in Las Vegas 2010, but you'll certainly find some inspiring ideas no matter where you might be in the world. Enjoy.

1. Make Her A Queen At The Stirling Club Spa.

Schedule a session at The Stirling Club Spa, which is consistently ranked among the top ten spas in Las Vegas.

This European-style spa, reminiscent of the luxurious baths of ancient Rome, offers an exhaustive selection of body, beauty, and skin-care therapies, including luxurious Swedish massages, stone massages, and aromatic essence massages that will leave any mother feeling her best for weeks. Share the experience with her or take advantage of the other amenities that The Stirling Club offers.

2. Share A Mother's Day Brunch With Her.

Moms don't always say it, but spending time with sons and daughters is almost always on their top five list. In Las Vegas, several restaurants are preparing special brunch menus. All of them require reservations.

• Agave will treat a party of five or more to a free pitcher of blue agave Margaritas on Mother's Day.
• Border Grill at Mandalay Bay has created a special Mother's Day brunch that will served on the poolside patio.
• The Verandah at The Four Seasons features a remarkable brunch with outdoor seating.

3. Treat Her To Dinner At The Area's Finest.

If brunch doesn't seem enough, make plans to enjoy the evening together with dinner and then take her on a surprise shopping excursion or fill the evening with entertainment. The experience will make for one of her most cherished memories.

• Reservations at The Stirling Room by Charlie Palmer at The Stirling Club or Charlie Palmer Steakhouse at the Four Seasons will make her smile. Call the The Stirling Club for information. The Charlie Palmer Steakhouse is featuring a 3-course dinner from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. with every mom receiving a special gift bag ($65 per person).
• Visit Twist on Mother's Day at the new Mandarian Oriental and enjoy the culinary delights of Chef Pierre Gagnaire in person.
• Dine at The Palm Las Vegas for several great specials, including leg of lamb ($39.95) and a complimentary glass of champagne or a bloody Mary.

4. Discover Her Passion And Make The Arrangements.

Almost every mom has a passion and nothing makes a smarter gift than those that celebrate it. If you know about her interests, you're likely to find the perfect event.

• Just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip, ArtFest of Henderson attracts dozens of regional artists and crafts people for two days, from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. Admission is free.
• The Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be hosting several events on Mother's Day Weekend. Divisional races include SRL, NASCAR, and INEX races.
• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is benefiting from the inaugural Mom's Rock 10K,
5K Rum (and 1-mile walk) on Saturday, May 8. The event begins at Fleet Feet Sports of Las Vegas. Visit the Web site for details. All moms receive flowers.

5. Share A Stirling Club Membership With Mom.

Nothing would be as memorable as a gift she can enjoy for several months, a year or even a lifetime.

A membership at The Stirling Club opens up the finest Las Vegas has to offer with special cultural events, entertainment exclusives, complimentary classes, spa treatment specials, fashion shows, and socials. For a special Mother's Day membership at The Stirling Club, contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive director of membership, at 702-784-4603 or by email via The Stirling Club Web site.

Five Places To Find Art In Las Vegas This May

With the 3rd Annual Art & Wine Walk at The Stirling Club in Las Vegas on April 15, the Stirling Club Courtier has created a top five list for arts in Las Vegas. All of them represent the efforts of local artists and entrepreneurs working hard to jump start the Las Vegas art scene.

Five Places To Find Art In Las Vegas.

1. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art

Beginning May 1, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art will present a new exhibit — Figuratively Speaking: A Survey of the Human Form — through January 2011. The exhibit includes more than 30 paintings, drawings, and sculptures including Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Alberto Giamometti, David Hockney, Keith Haring, and others. General admission is $12, with Nevada residents offered a special $8 price on Wednesday nights.

2. The Arts Factory

The Arts Factory is considered by many to be the cornerstone of First Friday Las Vegas, which is known for its arts tour trolleys that make rounds throughout the area. The Arts Factory is also home to several dozen local artists, including Niki J. Sands, Laura Henkel, Joseph Watson, Becky Misso, and others. The various galleries have varied hours, and several have special exhibits.

3. Art Encounter

Established in 1992, Art Encounter is one of the most popular art attractions for Las Vegas visitors, which includes six featured artists such as Juergen Aldaq, Jim Buckels, Vance Larson, Jennifer Main, Loppo Martinez, and Paul Tapia. Its next upcoming event features the 12th Annual Barry W. Becker, Jr. Art Show and Auction with featured artist Jennifer Main. The event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., on Saturday, May 15 with the live auction starting at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

4. CENTERpiece

One of the newest additions to Las Vegas, CENTERpiece is a 2,500-square-foot fine art and design space inside CityCenter featuring more than 50 artists, including Richard Artschwager, Saul Steinberg, and Zhang Dali. CENTERpiece is also working to establish a local-visitor connection, with its next general exhibit featuring art of students from Bishop Gorman High School.

5. Contemporary Arts Center

A recipient of the 30th Annual Governor's Arts Award for Leadership in Organizations, the Contemporary Arts Center in Las Vegas is currently hosting its 21st Annual Juried Show, featuring 41 artists from a field of more than 500 entries. The work includes Jennifer Kleven, Lance Smith, and Thomas Bumblauskas. The Contemporary Arts Center is included as part of the First Friday Las Vegas route.

For more ongoing advice on the developing artist scene in Las Vegas, members are invited to call The Stirling Club concierge. They are happy to assist with reservations or plan logistics for maximizing art opportunities in Las Vegas.

The Stirling Club also frequently hosts fine and cultural arts events. To learn more about upcoming programs offered at The Stirling Club, contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive director of membership, at 702-784-4603 or by email via The Stirling Club Web site.

Desert Rejuvenation Makes The Perfect Spring Break

While spa treatments aren't in the news as much these days, they can still be critical for people attempting to balance their lives. Two studies conducted within the last five years all but confirm it.

One linked spa treatments to better physical and mental health, better quality sleep, and fewer sick days. Another found spa therapy reduced absenteeism from work and hospitalizations. And while some benefits are debated, most studies confirm that spa treatments help reduce stress much like longer vacations without the added cost.

A Desert Rejuvenation Spa Treatment In Las Vegas

Through April 30, The Stirling Club Spa provides the perfect 80-minute getaway that will feel like three weeks. The springtime treatment begins with a 30-minute Mountain Glow salt scrub with lavender and tangerine. The combination exfoliates, softens, moisturizes, and nourishes the skin, protecting it from the arid desert climate.

More than that, the combination of lavender and tangerine is special on its own as an aromatherapy aid with healing powders. Lavender oils are known to soothe headaches, heal irritations, and relax the body. Tangerine oil also has aroma properties.

The initial scrub is followed by a 50-minute lavender aromatherapy massage, using oils that are 100 percent botanical formulations with no artificial fragrances. All products are environmentally safe, made with the purest grades and highest quality standards.

For Stirling Club members, this special springtime rejuvenating treatment is $100, with most package treatments completed within two hours. In between sessions, patrons are invited to relax in a European-style facility with light snacks and teas. Non-members are invited to check for availability with the spa front desk at 702-784-4616.