De Laurentiis to be honored by Nevada Ballet
Tname Giada is a fine fit at The Cromwell. Since 2014, the chic Italian restaurant has been overlooking Flamingo Road and the Strip. Famous resorts abound in that neighborhood. Giada shares a corner with Bellagio, overlooking its glorious fountain show, and Caesars Palace.
But the person behind the brand, Giada De Laurentiis, says she is far more comfortable behind the scenes.
“I am like many chefs, who are introverts and kind of like mad scientists in the kitchen,” says De Laurentiis, to be honored Saturday night as Nevada Ballet Theatre’s Woman of the Year for its 34th annual Black & White Ball at Wynn Las Vegas. “I am used to being surrounded by people who enjoy the same craziness as I do, but not in public.
“My personality doesn’t go hand-in-hand with being a TV personality. I love to cook, and I love being hidden.”
That philosophy will need to be tabled Saturday night, when the celebrated chef, author, TV star and businesswomen joins a diverse list of NBT Women of the Year. Over the years, the NBT has honored Debbie Reynolds, Celine Dion, Ann-margret, Rita Rudner, Bette Midler, Marie Osmond, Eva Longoria, Mitzi Gaynor, Florence Henderson, Debbie Allen, Priscilla Presley, Olivia Newton-john and Vanessa Williams.
“It’s such an honor, but it’s also a little uncomfortable for me. I am so honored to be associated with these other ladies,” De Laurentiis said in a phone interview last week. “But I will say that, right now, it is important for women to be recognized for achievement and to shed some light on women. I am proud to do that.”
As she expands her culinary interests on the Strip, De Laurentiis says she considers Las Vegas her second home. Next month, she is set to open Pronto by Giada at Caesars Palace, a comparatively casual restaurant, in the space across from Rao’s formerly occupied by Payard Patisserie & Bistro.
Food aside, the common ingredient for all NBT honorees as a significant contribution to, or affiliation with, the arts. Though often overshadowed by her culinary achievements, De Laurentiis is the granddaughter of film producer Dino De Laurentiis, who produced more than 600 movies, including the Federico Fellini-directed “La Strada” and “The Nights of Cabiria,” along with “Serpico,” the remake of “King Kong” and “Dune.”
“Hailing from a performing arts family, Giada De Laurentiis is a strong female leader and educator who has earned worldwide acclaim for herculinary artistry,” says
NBT co-founder and board co-chairwoman.
Viva Dark Vegas
Mondays Dark is performing just one benefit show this month, breaking after its fourth-anniversary event at The Joint at the Hardrock Hotel on Dec. 18. The series picks up with a night of Elvis tunes.doors at 8 p.m.; the party starts at 9 p.m. Jumpsuits, as always, are optional.
Rockin’ Piero’s
Ex-checkmate Sonny Charles spent seven years touring and recording with the Steve Miller Band, ending his run in 2015. Charles has since teamed with Pia Zadora at Pia’s Place on Fridays and Saturdays at Piero’s, and welcomed a former bandmate Saturday night.
Keyboard great Joseph Wooten, whose nickname is Hands of Soul and who has won three Grammys, ducked into the lounge Saturday to rock the joint with Charles. It
Who Was Where
Recording artists Nick
Jonas and Jason Derulo, and actor Victor Rasuk of “Fifty Shades of Grey” and “Fifty Shades Darker,” Saturday night at XS Nightclub for The Chainsmokers’ performance. Rasuk celebrated his 34th birthday at the club … “This Is Us” cast members Sterling K. Brown, Justin Hartley and Chris Sullivan on Thursday at Estiatorio Milos inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Hartley was also at Beer Park at Paris Las Vegas on Wednesday night. Also from the show, Christy Melz at Kelly Cardenas Salon at Hard Rock Hotel on Thursday. … Kodyand Robyn Brown, from TLC’S “Sister Wives,” at Blue Man Group at Luxor last Monday.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him atjkatsilometes@ reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter,@ Johnnykats1 on Instagram. As of 9 p.m. Sunday:
1. Southern Nevada parks starting to see effects of shutdown
Many national parks and refuges, including Lake
Mead National Recreation Area and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation
Area, remained mostly open Saturday following the federal government shutdown over funding.
2. Couple killed in Las Vegas motorcycle crash identified
Troopers identified the California couple killed in a motorcycle crash Friday night west of Mountain Springs.
3. ‘Pawn Stars’ cast reflects on road to Monday’s 500th episode
“Pawn Stars” will air its 500th episode on Monday at 10 p.m. on History. “Pawn Stars” debuted July 26, 2009.
4. Red Rock Canyon scenic loop opened late, with free entrance
The scenic loop at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area opened later than usual Sunday, but entry was free.
5. Savvy businesspeople missed the mark with Lucky Dragon
It’s hard to imagine that someone as smart as William Weidner, former president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands and one of the backers of the Lucky Dragon, could have been so wrong about positioning the off-strip casino that closed its doors Jan. 4.