Epicurean Charitable Foundation 10th M.E.N.U.S. Event With Lifehouse
Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas’ (www.ecflv.org) 10th annual scholarship fundraiser, M.E.N.U.S. (Mentoring & Educating Nevada’s Upcoming Students), was held at the M Resort Spa & Casino’s pool on Friday, September 30. Some of the city’s top restaurants participated in a “dine around†followed by Lifehouse live concert.
Lifehouse - Broken
Ben Carey, Jason Wade and Rick Woolstenhulme, Jr.
at the Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ + Beer Booth
Lifehouse lead singer, Jason Wade, addressed a group of about 20 ECF scholarship recipients from the stage and said, “I look forward to seeing some of you on the Food Network, someday!†Along with other members of the band, Rick Woolstenhulme, Jr. (drums, percussion), Bryce Soderberg (bass guitar, back-up vocals) and Ben Carey (guitar), Wade toured the various restaurants stations and stopped for photographs and to mingle with fans.
Celebrity chef Kerry Simon served up sliders at his booth for KGB Burgers at Harrah’s Las Vegas, while famed pitmaster, Keith Schmidt of Kreuz Market in Lockhart Texas served up jalapeno sausage at the Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer booth.
Chef Kerry Simon At The KGB Booth
Kreuz Market, Zagat’s #2 pick for top barbeque in the nation, is bringing their 100-plus-old family recipe when the new barbeque and beer joint opens in early December.
Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ + Beer Pitmaster Keith Schmidt
Comme Ca, the contemporary French eatery by David Myers at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas served Hamachi tartare with black truffle perfume, lime curd and sesame brittle by executive chef, Brian Howard.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino brought a two-level Hard Rock experience complete with an array of selections including cheesecake truffles with cotton candy from Johnny Smalls, prime beef sliders on pretzel bread from the new 35 Steaks + Martinis, and a festive mix of house-made chips, tacos and ceviche from Pink Taco.
The new Rice & Company serviced spicy tuna and lettuce wraps, and Tender, the upscale steakhouse at Luxor, served xx. Olives at Bellagio served chicken satay and bruschetta.
Southern Wine & Spirits and Wirtz Beverage Nevada featured libations by Ambhar Tequila, Bacardi, Ultimat Vodka, Patron, Red Stripe, Coors, and many others. Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage
ECF’s annual M.E.N.U.S. event raises money toward awarding scholarships in the hospitality industry for students who demonstrate strong academic performance and financial need.
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.