Maria Silva

By Callie Thomas

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.

It is most likely that growing up, 89144 resident Maria Silva never dreamed she would become the first news anchor, reporter and executive producer at Univision Las Vegas, a Spanish-language television station.  But she did.  It is also most likely she obtained that position through hard work and determination, becoming fluent in two languages and letting her powerful need to make her family proud guide her to the successful career she has today.

Silva is a nearly native Las Vegan (a resident for almost 30 years) and is currently part of Fox 5’s MORE team.  “I’ve been in the business more than 11 years now,” says Silva.  “I’ve been fortunate to start my career at Univision in Las Vegas and continue my career at Fox 5.  I used to say I was an entertainment reporter trapped in the body of a hard news reporter.  Now I’m doing entertainment news!  The best part of my job is that it allows me to get involved in the community as a whole.  Las Vegas is my home!” 

Silva is an active supporter of many local organizations, including Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, Shade Tree, Safe Nest, Salvation Army, Goodwill, Opportunity Village, Adams Place for Grief and Extended Hands Cancer Ministries, to name a few.  There are some, though, that have struck a chord with Silva on a personal level. One is the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network. 

One of Silva’s close friends, Stacey Escalante, former news reporter at KSNV and skin cancer survivor, has encouraged her to become involved with the Action Network.  The group directly advocates the goals of the American Cancer Society.  Efforts are targeted at specific cancer-related issues including Access to Healthcare, Cancer Research Funding, Tobacco Regulation, the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and Judicial Advocacy Initiatives.  Silva will assist by participating in events and making time to support initiatives.  “It will be a special way to honor my beautiful Mama’s memory,” says Silva.  “I lost my amazing Mama to cancer November 9, 2007.  She was my biggest supporter and I miss her advice.  I still live to make her proud.”

Another favorite organization is Kids to Kids.  The nonprofit group collects new and gently-used books and gives them to at-risk students.  Some of the children have never owned their own book. “Laurie Porter and her crew have done such an amazing job putting books into the hands of deserving kids.  I’ve been fortunate enough to emcee some of their fundraising events,” says Silva.

Maria especially enjoys helping organizations that help kids.  She has also supported the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra by emceeing several of their fall concerts. “I hope to do more for them–they are about to lose their rehearsal location.”

She also co-founded an organization called Si Se Puede Education Foundation with her close friends, mom and daughter team Nora and Chelsea Campbell, to help Hispanic children learn English as a second language.  Unfortunately, the project was stalled after each of the founders had lost loved ones, but they hope to start the program up again in the near future, adding services for not only Hispanic children but other non-English speaking children as well.

Maria Silva remains part of a large family.  Her family at home–which includes two brothers, four sisters, six nieces and four nephews–as well as her community family both inspire her to be a better person within the community. She is proud to serve as a positive role model for our children.  “I tell them about my family’s struggles and hardships.  We didn’t have much growing up.  We’ve overcome so much adversity.  I was the first in my family to graduate from college, UNLV.  I make sure to tell kids, ‘If I can do it, so can you!’”

Dr. Darian Parker

By Callie Thomas

They call him Dr. D. “D” for Darian, but more likely for his dedication and determination in becoming a positive influence toward the overall health and welfare of our community.  The 89135 resident has made it his life’s mission to lead others down the path of health and well-being. 

“I grew up in a very athletic household where my parents encouraged me to be physically active in sports and recreation,” says Dr. Parker. “I played sports throughout high school and received a track and field scholarship from James Madison University.  I ran track for JMU for four years while majoring in Kinesiology.” 

Kinesiology is the study and detailed understanding of how the human body works, moves and responds to mental messages–that the mind and body are inexplicitly linked and that one has a vital affect on the other.  Darian graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology, obtained his Master’s Degree and eventually earned his P.h.D. in Sports Education Leadership here in Las Vegas at UNLV.  “I never felt done with school so I decided, with the encouragement of my family and professors, to pursue my P.h.D.,” said Parker.

While on his educational journey, Darian worked as both a university/career college instructor and a personal trainer.  In 2007 he decided to focus his energies on the personal training and fitness management side.  He earned a position with WTS International (a spa, fitness activities consulting and management firm) as a personal trainer at Club Ridges, a private residential fitness facility located within the gates of The Ridges in Summerlin.  After three years, Dr. Parker became the General Manager of Club Ridges. He also is a Regional Account Specialist for WTS International. “My jobs with WTS allow me great flexibility to get out into the community and network with a variety of people inside and outside my industry,” Darian said.  Through those relationships he realized the need to better the community and developed a program for advocacy and the continuing education of local health and fitness professionals. He founded a nonprofit, community organization called Connect to Fitness.  The group offers helpful resources including job postings, seminars and networking events. “I chose to create Connect to Fitness because I felt there was and is a need for fitness professionals to come together to help each other become more successful.  I wanted to create something where we could all give back to each other, which in turn created a tremendous opportunity to give back to the community at large.” 

Since its inception a year and a half ago, the group has seen enormous growth and great success in landing jobs and opportunities for hundreds of locals interested in health and wellness.  Today, Dr. D manages the needs of hundreds of members, guiding them, providing networking opportunities and job placement.  In addition, he continues to serve his peers and the industry by circulating health tips and advice through his regular email blasts, website and social media networks. “So many people have seen their lives change because they now have steady employment.  I love it when Connect to Fitness members contact me and tell me how the organization has given them so many new outlets for work, education and volunteering.” 

Through the group, Dr. Parker has had the opportunity to work with charitable organizations including Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Relay for Life.  He serves as a fundraiser and participant in the yearly breast cancer walk and enjoys setting up and cleaning up as well as participating in the Relay for Life event.  “Being married to my wonderful wife Michelle has also been influential and a changing moment in my life because it let me know that I needed to think beyond myself and be more aware of giving back; not only on a large scale, but on a smaller scale every day.  It’s how you treat others that matters. If you are building giving relationships versus taking relationships then you are truly thinking beyond yourself.”

Sandy Marsh

By Callie Thomas

“Never tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.” – Author Unknown

For 89113 resident Sandy Marsh, shooting for the moon is an everyday occurrence.   In fact, just covering the bases isn’t enough for this impassioned Vegas resident.  At least, not until every four-legged creature that roams our community has a loving and forever home–even if it is just one paw at a time.

Before Marsh began helping abused and abandoned pets in the Valley through the not-for-profit organization Foreclosed Upon Pets, Inc. (FUPI), she led a successful career in the newspaper business.  It began while she was in college working in the advertising department for the San Mateo Times in California.  She remained there for sixteen years until moving to Southern California, then to Las Vegas where she continued her career at the Las Vegas Review Journal until her retirement.  In addition to her work at the papers, Marsh and her husband Paul have always stayed busy, hosting over 30 exchange students through the Lion’s Club in California; racing their sailboat out of Newport Beach; giving tours through the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village to over 5,000 children on school field trips; and being a Weight Watchers leader for 15 years in our community.

Dedication and hard work have not only been a part of Marsh’s daily life, they are important aspects of her being. “When I retired from the Review Journal I wondered what I was going to do to keep busy. Not anymore,” Marsh said. “Unfortunately Las Vegas still ranks as number one in the foreclosure market and people are still losing not only their homes but their jobs and their pets.”  With that cause close to her heart, it seemed only natural that Sandy found the perfect fit with the FUPI organization, dedicated to the rescue of domesticated animals that have been abused and/or abandoned by their owners due to economic hardship, home foreclosures, loss of employment or death and illness.

Although Sandy won’t tell you she’s a founder of FUPI, it’s pretty safe to say she has played an important role in the success of the organization, along with one of the original Co-Founders, Everett Croxson. On the ground floor of the organization nearly three years ago, she helped FUPI build its foundation by securing donated materials such as flooring, paint and other items integral to the creation of the organization”s  main headquarters. Once a five bedroom foreclosed home at Eastern and Bonanza, the house is now a comfortable, temporary home for the city’s abandoned animals.

In her position as a board member, Marsh tackles the marketing efforts for the group, spearheading adoption events as well as training and overseeing her volunteers (which she praises as among the best) each weekend at various Petsmart and Petco locations. In addition, Marsh heads up several other adoption outlets such as segments on KLAS Channel 8 each Thursday and on KTNV Channel 13’s Morning Blend show every other Wednesday.  She has also forged a relationship with the real estate community, meeting regularly with the teams who notify the group when they find abandoned pets at foreclosed homes.  “It is also important to remember to make arrangements for your pets in your will,” recommends Marsh.  “People forget to do this and these members of your family are left without homes.”

While FUPI has a main headquarters, the group primarily relies on foster homes and is in need of more foster volunteers.  Sandy and her husband Paul are already parents to three “fur kids”, Lhasa Apsos Max, Molly and Bobby, a FUPI puppy from a foreclosed home.  “I’m passionate about finding homes for these abandoned ones–foster and forever.  It means everything to me.” For further information, visit www.forecloseduponpets.org; email forecloseduponpets@hotmail.com or call (702) 272-0010.

Maddux/Harmon Celebrity International

Indeed, million dollar business deals have been made on the golf course. With the Greg Maddux-Butch Harmon Invitational, however, it’s not so much business as usual as big time charity for a good cause. A long-time Vegas resident, Greg Maddux formed the Gregg Maddux Foundation to quietly raise funds and awareness for several worthy Las Vegas charities. In 2001, Maddux teamed up with fellow Las Vegas resident, accomplished PGA player and golf instructor Butch Harmon to hold the Maddux/Harmon Celebrity Invitational.

Since its inception, the celebrity invitational has been bringing world-class athletes and entertainers to Las Vegas to compete in the golf tournament, not to mention raise much needed funds for local charities. This year’s event was held on October 23^rd-25^th at the Spanish Trail Golf and Country Club. The 2010 invitational turned out to be a benchmark for the celebrity duo’s endeavors, pushing the benefit tally to over $1 million.

“This is what it’s all about for me,” says Maddux. “This is our home and we are thrilled to have an event that can continue to support local charities and our community.” Boys and Girls Clubs, Candlelighters for Childhood Cancer and Child Haven are among the benefactors for the 2010 event. Visit www.eventiausa.com/lvci/index.asp to learn more about the Maddux Foundation.

Bank of America Charitable Foundation and Three Square

Three Square Food Bank was established to end hunger in the valley by providing wholesome, nutritious food to nonprofit organizations in Southern Nevada. Alone, their efforts have been valiant with far reaching effects; by joining forces with other charitable organizations, their impact is even greater. Their Wall of Fame, filled with stars representing the contributions of these partners in philanthropy, shines brighter each day.

Recently, a new gold star was added in recognition of Bank of America’s ongoing support. As part of a $1.1 million donation to Feeding America–a nonprofit dedicated to connecting low-income families with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps)–the Bank of America Charitable Foundation presented a $50,000 grant to Three Square.

In Nevada, only 52% of those eligible for SNAP benefits actually receive them. This grant will allow Three Square to increase SNAP outreach and visibility in the community as well as enable more comprehensive application assistance outreach through the Las Vegas Valley and rural Southern Nevada locations. That’s what we like to call a star performance. For more information, visit www.threesquare.org or www.bankofamerica.com/foundation.

American Heroes Challenge

On the big screen, superheroes are a dime a dozen, possessing mysterious powers of flight, webbing and awesome crime-fighting gadgets. In the real world, our heroes have no such sci-fi magic, only carefully honed skills and the courage to put their lives on the line to protect their country and communities. On November 6^th and 7^th, residents got to see these real heroes in action at the American Heroes Challenge.Held at the Clark County Shooting Park, American Heroes Challenge participants competed in a two-day, multi-stage live fire firearms and tactics competition. Twelve teams of five competed in seven stages including live fire skills test, live fire stress course, post raid search, sniper challenge, tactical shooting team relay, informant contingency rescue and active attacker response and trauma care. Approximately 8,000 people attended the unique event, making it the largest of its kind, as well as the only one to benefit charity.

All proceeds from the event go toward the goal of raising at least $1 million for the construction of the world-class Las Vegas Veterans Memorial, which is designed to honor past, present and future veterans and their families. For more information on the American Heroes Challenge nonprofit organization, visit www.americanheroeschallenge.com.

The Magical Fruit…Let’s Have Beans at Every Meal

By Aly Wagonseller

Most of us fondly remember that famous schoolyard sing along.  You know…the one that touted the not-so-secret side effects of the fabulous, fibrous and protein friendly morsel…the bean.  Snickering aside, as grown-ups we’ve come to realize the tasty legume–which, in reality, is classified as a fruit–is a versatile and healthy addition to our family’s diet.  From stretching your meat dollar further, to adding color and texture to soups, salads and main entrées, beans are a great way to save money, bulk up on fiber and cut back on dietary fat. But there’s more.

The real magic of beans comes from their ability to lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of certain cancers, and balance sugar and insulin levels in the body. Soluble fiber’s the key. That’s the indigestible portion of plant food that’s responsible for pushing chow through the digestive tract, removing cholesterol and creating even distribution of insulin as it travels through the blood stream.  A study conducted at the University of Kentucky has shown that by adding just one cup of beans a day to your diet, you can reduce your cholesterol an average of 19% in just three weeks. This equates to reducing your risk of a heart attack by up to 40%. Diabetics (and sugar-hyped children) reap the benefits as well, especially early on in the day,  because beans stabilize sugar levels in the bloodstream, keeping those highs and lows to a minimum. Certain chemicals in beans have also been proven to reduce some forms of cancer.   Data from 41 countries has demonstrated a correlation between bean consumption (or lack thereof) and morbidity of breast, prostate, and colon cancers.

Although we’re sharing some bean-a-licious recipes, some obviously made with beans and others not so much, getting the entire family on the bean-eatin’ bandwagon may require some trickery. Try adding them to hearty meat or lasagna dishes, putting them in soups and stews, or hiding them inside your favorite enchilada or meatloaf recipes.  For the super stubborn set, consider pureeing beans and using them in cookie recipes, like the oatmeal chocolate chip version found at Epicurious.com.  And, there’s no need to spill the beans to the family either, sometimes what they don’t know certainly won’t hurt them, in fact, it may add a few years to their lives! 

Santa Fe Chicken Chowder

Serves 6-8

• 2 Tbsp minced fresh green chile peppers
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced carrot
• 3 cups diced sweet potatoes (Precut available in the produce dept.)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced red or green bell pepper
• 1 can fire roasted, diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup diced zucchini
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed 
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken

In a large, heavy pot, heat oil over medium high heat. Add the chiles, onion, cumin, coriander, oregano and salt. Saute, stirring frequently until onions are clear, about 10 minutes. Add the carrots, sweet potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 more minutes. Add the bell peppers, tomatoes, corn and zucchini; stir to combine. Cover and cook over medium high heat for 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

Transfer 3 cups of the soup to a blender. Add the cream cheese, cheddar and milk, processing until smooth.  Add the puree, along with the black beans and shredded chicken, back to the soup.  Heat over medium low heat until thickened to desired consistency.  Serve with tortilla strips, black olives and sour cream, if desired.

Chili Crusted Black Bean Tart

Serves 6

•  1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 6 Tbsp chilled unsalted butter, cut into bits
• 2 Tbsp ice water
• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup refried black beans
• 1 Tbsp plus 2 tsp olive oil, divided
• 1 (10 oz) package frozen corn, thawed
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped 
• 1/2 cup cilantro, cleaned and chopped
• 1 3/4 cups coarsely grated Pepper Monterey Jack 
• 1 can chopped jalapeños, drained
• 1/2 cup green onion, chopped
• 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp sour cream, divided
• 2 tsp fresh lime juice or to taste

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Combine 1 cup sour cream and lime juice until well blended.  Refrigerate.

Combine the first five ingredients in a food processor. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add ice water and pulse until mixture forms a dough. Press onto bottom and sides of a 10-inch tart pan. Chill 15 minutes, or until firm. Line shell with foil and fill with rice or pie crust weights. Bake shell until edge is set, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove foil and rice and bake 10 minutes more, or until golden. Cool. 

Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil over medium high heat, adding the onions and bay leaf and sautéing until tender. Add 2 cups canned black beans and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Remove from pan, discard bay leaf, and place in a large bowl. Set aside. Heat the additional 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the corn and sauté over high heat for about two minutes.  Salt and pepper to taste. Add corn mixture to the beans, along with the bell pepper, cilantro, cheese, jalapeños and green onions. Season again with salt and pepper.

Mix the refried beans with 2 tablespoons sour cream.  Spread evenly onto the cooled crust. Fill with the bean/corn mixture, pressing down gently. Bake for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted.  Cool in pan for 15 minutes. Serve with lime sour cream.

Tuscan Ribollita

Serves 6

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 4 oz pancetta or bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 3 (15 oz) cans cannellini or white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 package baby spinach
• 1/2 cup toasted, fresh bread crumbs
• Shaved Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil and red wine vinegar for drizzling

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the pancetta and onion, sautéing 2-3 minutes.  Add the carrots and celery, sautéing for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and saute approximately 2-3 minutes more. Add the tomatoes and their juices, along with the beans, broth, and rosemary. Simmer, covered, until the beans break apart, about an hour.

Add the spinach and cook for 5 to 7 minutes more. Cool to room temperature.  Before serving, add the bread crumbs to the soup and gently reheat. Serve, drizzled with olive oil, vinegar and shaved Parmesan cheese.

Moroccan Short Ribs

Serves 4-6

• 1 Tbsp dried thyme, crushed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 6-8 beef short ribs
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (16 oz) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 large onion, cut into thin wedges
• 1 med fennel (anise) bulb, cut into thin wedges 
• 1 cup chopped carrot
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1 package roasted garlic flavored couscous
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/3 cup dried currants
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a small bowl mix the thyme, salt, ginger, pepper and cinnamon. Dry off short ribs with a paper towel.  Sprinkle with the spices, messaging into the meat. Heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Brown the short ribs, working in batches to ensure space in between ribs. Drain the fat. Deglaze the pan with a bit of the beef broth, scraping up browned bits. Pour into a 6-7 quart slow cooker.

Layer the remaining broth, beans, tomatoes, onion, fennel, carrot and garlic in the slow cooker, ending with the short ribs on top. Cover and cook on low setting for 8-9 hours or high setting for 4-5 hours.

About 20 minutes before the meal, prepare the couscous according to package directions, adding the almonds and currants to the pot along with the dry couscous. Serve with 1-2 short ribs and a healthy serving of vegetables.

Extreme Dating – A V-Day Venture to Remember

By Lisha Ross

As February approaches, flowers, chocolates and five-star dinners beckon with sentiments of appreciation and love. Sure, tried and true shows of devotion suffice, but as a female I must admit that creativity and forethought go a long way; I’ll take a thoughtful picnic under the stars over steak and lobster at a posh nightspot any day. By no means am I saying those time-honored romantic gestures aren’t appreciated, but breaking away from the norm for one memorable night on the town–now that’s the bing, bang boom that makes your sweetheart swoon! Make a plan early and hit the town for Valentine’s Day outings as unconventional as your love.

The Sky’s No Limit for Love

I dare you to find a more breathtaking way to woo your sweetie than on Heli USA’s Apollo Night Flight. Toast to true love with a pre-flight glass of champagne and hop aboard a luxurious A-Star jet helicopter for a bird’s eye view of the city of lights from Las Vegas Blvd. to Fremont Street. You’ll never look at the city the same again, and if you manage to catch the golden hues of sunset, well, that just makes it twice as nice. Tours are priced at $114 per person. Call 736-8787 for reservations; mention the code HeliZip25 to receive a $25 discount.

For an entirely different perspective of the more rugged desert terrain, Papillon Airways, Inc. presents the Hoover Dam Tour on a deluxe EC-130 Eco-Star helicopter.  It’s a wildly exciting 15-20 minute ride offering an unforgettable view of America’s largest man-made reservoir and the 2,000-foot-long dam bypass bridge. Flights depart daily from Boulder City terminals at just $99 per person. For reservations, visit www.papillon.com or call (888) 635-7272.

Zippidy Doo

If your idea of a high flyin’ good time is closer to the ground, bring your date, or double date, to see the action of Fremont Street like never before–from a zip line that runs under the arched canopy over the Fremont Street Experience. Your 800-foot-long ride begins on a platform 60 feet up, zooms over the kiosks and party animals below, and ends on another platform 14 feet high. There are four lines, so duos and groups of four can zippidy doo simultaneously. At $15 per person, per ride before 6 p.m., it’s an awesomely cheap date, to boot. Plus, the people watching and entertainment on Fremont is both priceless and free! Call 410-7999 for more info.

Tip: For uniquely vintage downtown dining, check out Chicago Joes at 820 S. 4^th Street. Located inside an old red brick home, it’s a hidden gem for locals that’s been serving Italian delights for over 30 years. Call 382-Joes for reservations.

Explore the Unfamiliar

Romantic? Eh, that’s debatable, but for those seeking a fun alternative to the googley-eyed, high priced dinner for two, a double or group date night in China Town is a worthy excursion. Roll the dice at the China Town Plaza (www.lvchinatown.com) with its vast array of options like spicy Szechwan staples at Emperor’s Garden or Spicy City and traditional tea blends at Tea Station. Just take a stroll through the plaza reading menus until you find something that makes your mouth water. Or, you can take the advice of a food junkie like myself.

Get down and dirty at Cajun Crawfish (3863 Spring Mtn. Rd.; 220-5630), where the only utensils you need are your fingers. Crawfish dunked in succulent Cajun broth you’ll want to slurp up with a spoon are the stars here, but they also dish up fried oysters (did someone say aphrodisiac?), crab, shrimp, catfish, calamari, wings, corn on the cob and potatoes, plus beer to wash it all down.

Just a quick jog North on Jones from Spring Mtn., China Mama (3420 S. Jones Blvd.;873-1977) is an out of the way spot for a pot of soothing jasmine tea, renowned steamed soup dumplings and hand pulled noodles, the likes of which you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else in town.

Tip: After walking around China Town, you might want to treat your tootsies and your love bird to an affordable tandem foot reflexology massage at Good Foot Spa (4545 W. Spring Mtn. Rd.; 220-8188) or Pure Foot & Spa (5700 Spring Mtn. Rd. Ste. Q; 882-3998). No appointments needed!

A Novel Way to Wine and Dine

Who says this special occasion has to come but one day per year? Fine-tune your vino education before your hot date night at wine tasting classes offered by Valley Cheese and Wine (1770 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy.; 341-8191). Classes include Best Buys (Jan. 13), where students learn how to select quality wines under $20 a bottle, Best Selling Reds (Jan. 20), A Tour of Italy (Jan. 27), Australian Wines (Feb. 3), and Reds of Spain (Feb. 10). After that, a Valentine’s evening spent sipping wines at home or in one of Vegas’ fine tasting spots is a must.

Tip: La Cave Wine and Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas, the Hostile Grape at M Resort and Nora’s Wine Bar & Osteria (1031 S. Rampart Blvd.) are just a few exceptional places to indulge your wine tasting skills.

Spending a quiet evening at home? Pop the cork on one of those under $20 bottles of wine and head to the kitchen to prepare a fabulous meal. All thumbs in the kitchen? Rest easy! On Feb. 12^th, Creative Cooking School of Las Vegas offers Love Bites, where students will learn how to whip up a pomegranate cosmo, prosciutto wrapped shrimp, beef wellington, potatoes, asparagus and molten chocolate cake. If that doesn’t get to someone’s heart through their stomach, nothing will. Call 562-3900 to register.

Few things stoke up those tender, hot flames like new adventures. This Valentine’s Day (or any day for that matter), make things sizzle with not-so-routine outings, provocative flavors and thoughtful plans of action. Sparks will fly, I promise.

Extreme Dating

A V-Day Venture to Remember

By Lisha Ross

As February approaches, flowers, chocolates and five-star dinners beckon with sentiments of appreciation and love. Sure, tried and true shows of devotion suffice, but as a female I must admit that creativity and forethought go a long way; I’ll take a thoughtful picnic under the stars over steak and lobster at a posh nightspot any day. By no means am I saying those time-honored romantic gestures aren’t appreciated, but breaking away from the norm for one memorable night on the town–now that’s the bing, bang boom that makes your sweetheart swoon! Make a plan early and hit the town for Valentine’s Day outings as unconventional as your love.

The Sky’s No Limit for Love

I dare you to find a more breathtaking way to woo your sweetie than on Heli USA’s Apollo Night Flight. Toast to true love with a pre-flight glass of champagne and hop aboard a luxurious A-Star jet helicopter for a bird’s eye view of the city of lights from Las Vegas Blvd. to Fremont Street. You’ll never look at the city the same again, and if you manage to catch the golden hues of sunset, well, that just makes it twice as nice. Tours are priced at $114 per person. Call 736-8787 for reservations; mention the code HeliZip25 to receive a $25 discount.

For an entirely different perspective of the more rugged desert terrain, Papillon Airways, Inc. presents the Hoover Dam Tour on a deluxe EC-130 Eco-Star helicopter.  It’s a wildly exciting 15-20 minute ride offering an unforgettable view of America’s largest man-made reservoir and the 2,000-foot-long dam bypass bridge. Flights depart daily from Boulder City terminals at just $99 per person. For reservations, visit www.papillon.com or call (888) 635-7272.

Zippidy Doo

If your idea of a high flyin’ good time is closer to the ground, bring your date, or double date, to see the action of Fremont Street like never before–from a zip line that runs under the arched canopy over the Fremont Street Experience. Your 800-foot-long ride begins on a platform 60 feet up, zooms over the kiosks and party animals below, and ends on another platform 14 feet high. There are four lines, so duos and groups of four can zippidy doo simultaneously. At $15 per person, per ride before 6 p.m., it’s an awesomely cheap date, to boot. Plus, the people watching and entertainment on Fremont is both priceless and free! Call 410-7999 for more info.

Tip: For uniquely vintage downtown dining, check out Chicago Joes at 820 S. 4^th Street. Located inside an old red brick home, it’s a hidden gem for locals that’s been serving Italian delights for over 30 years. Call 382-Joes for reservations.

Explore the Unfamiliar

Romantic? Eh, that’s debatable, but for those seeking a fun alternative to the googley-eyed, high priced dinner for two, a double or group date night in China Town is a worthy excursion. Roll the dice at the China Town Plaza (www.lvchinatown.com) with its vast array of options like spicy Szechwan staples at Emperor’s Garden or Spicy City and traditional tea blends at Tea Station. Just take a stroll through the plaza reading menus until you find something that makes your mouth water. Or, you can take the advice of a food junkie like myself.

Get down and dirty at Cajun Crawfish (3863 Spring Mtn. Rd.; 220-5630), where the only utensils you need are your fingers. Crawfish dunked in succulent Cajun broth you’ll want to slurp up with a spoon are the stars here, but they also dish up fried oysters (did someone say aphrodisiac?), crab, shrimp, catfish, calamari, wings, corn on the cob and potatoes, plus beer to wash it all down.

Just a quick jog North on Jones from Spring Mtn., China Mama (3420 S. Jones Blvd.;873-1977) is an out of the way spot for a pot of soothing jasmine tea, renowned steamed soup dumplings and hand pulled noodles, the likes of which you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else in town.

Tip: After walking around China Town, you might want to treat your tootsies and your love bird to an affordable tandem foot reflexology massage at Good Foot Spa (4545 W. Spring Mtn. Rd.; 220-8188) or Pure Foot & Spa (5700 Spring Mtn. Rd. Ste. Q; 882-3998). No appointments needed!

A Novel Way to Wine and Dine

Who says this special occasion has to come but one day per year? Fine-tune your vino education before your hot date night at wine tasting classes offered by Valley Cheese and Wine (1770 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy.; 341-8191). Classes include Best Buys (Jan. 13), where students learn how to select quality wines under $20 a bottle, Best Selling Reds (Jan. 20), A Tour of Italy (Jan. 27), Australian Wines (Feb. 3), and Reds of Spain (Feb. 10). After that, a Valentine’s evening spent sipping wines at home or in one of Vegas’ fine tasting spots is a must.

Tip: La Cave Wine and Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas, the Hostile Grape at M Resort and Nora’s Wine Bar & Osteria (1031 S. Rampart Blvd.) are just a few exceptional places to indulge your wine tasting skills.

Spending a quiet evening at home? Pop the cork on one of those under $20 bottles of wine and head to the kitchen to prepare a fabulous meal. All thumbs in the kitchen? Rest easy! On Feb. 12^th, Creative Cooking School of Las Vegas offers Love Bites, where students will learn how to whip up a pomegranate cosmo, prosciutto wrapped shrimp, beef wellington, potatoes, asparagus and molten chocolate cake. If that doesn’t get to someone’s heart through their stomach, nothing will. Call 562-3900 to register.

Few things stoke up those tender, hot flames like new adventures. This Valentine’s Day (or any day for that matter), make things sizzle with not-so-routine outings, provocative flavors and thoughtful plans of action. Sparks will fly, I promise.

In the Know

In the Know

In the Know

In the Know