11th Annual M.E.N.U.S. Event With Counting Crows At M Resort Las Vegas

The Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas’ (www.ecflv.org) 11th annual scholarship fundraiser, M.E.N.U.S. (Mentoring & Educating Nevada’s Upcoming Students), at the M Resort Spa & Casino’s upscale Villaggio Del Sole Pool and Entertainment Piazza, some of the city’s top restaurants participated in a “dine around” followed by a live private concert by Counting Crows on Friday night.

Chef Kerry Simon
Chef Kerry Simon

Counting Crows lead singer, Adam Duritz, addressed a group of about 20 ECF scholarship recipients from the stage and said, “We’re happy to be here supporting such a great cause!”

Counting Crows
Counting Crows

Along with other members of the band, Duritz took time to pose for pictures with the ECF students while they chanted, “We love Counting Crows.”

Counting Crows
Counting Crows On The Red Carpet

Philanthropic leader, Jim E. Rogers, was named this year’s honoree during the event for his dedication to education and the Las Vegas community.

Jim and Beverly Rogers
Jim E. Rogers and Beverly Rogers

Celebrity chef Kerry Simon served up Dungeness crab BLT sliders and breakfast cereal cupcakes at his booth for KGB: Kerry’s Gourmet Burgers at Harrah’s Las Vegas, while Chef Saul Ortiz from Tacos & Tequila served up chilorio tacos, tres leches with passion fruit and watermelon cooler specialty cocktails.

Barmasa at ARIA Resort & Casino, the contemporary Japanese eatery by Chef Masa Takayama, served assorted sashimi and salmon oshizushi. The lovely Chef Carla Pellegrino brought delicious penne alla vodka from Bratalian.

The new Gordon Ramsay Steak serviced smoked beef tartare topped with Guinness-infused mustard with seeds and lemon zest. The popular downtown eatery Bar + Bistro at the Arts Factory, a Spanish tapas restaurant, Chef Beni Velazquez served Bristol Bay scallops.

Sponsor and donor of ECF, Larry Ruvo, the Senior Managing Partner of Southern Wine & Spirits, also attended the annual event. Southern Wine & Spirits featured festive event cocktails including the M.E.N.U.S. Martini, The Hospitality and The Mentor Margarita among many others.

Larry Ruvo
Lou Ruvo On The Red Carpet At Epicurean Charitable Foundation
M.E.N.U.S. Event at M Resort

ECF’s annual M.E.N.U.S. event raises money towards awarding scholarships in the hospitality industry for students who demonstrate strong academic performance and financial need. Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage

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Bill Cody is an entertainment, technology and luxury travel reporter in Las Vegas. He reports on celebrities, events, tech, food, Las Vegas and luxury travel.

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