PBS fundraiser celebrates wine, beer, Keller

The 26th annual wine and beer tasting extravaganza, Splendor in the Glass, presented by Nevada Public Television and Southern Wine &Spirits of Nevada, took place Feb. 7 at the Westgate.

More than 700 public television supporters sampled selections suggested by more than 75 wine experts.

Proceeds from the event benefit KLVX,-TV, Channel 10, to expand local productions. Vegas PBS continues to strive to create public service and educational programming content for television, the Internet and smartphones.

Nationally, PBS jumped from eighth to fifth as the most-viewed television or cable network in the United States.

This year’s Splendor in the Glass was again led by a volunteer committee headed by founding board member Charlotte Hill.

The Woody Woods Jazz Combo provided background music as guests circulated and tasted offerings from 60 wines and breweries.

In the room’s center was a large silent auction and the event featured periodic door prize drawings.

Nathan Tannenbaum served as master of ceremonies.

An event highlight was a guest appearance by chef Hubert Keller, known for world-renowned restaurants including Fleur and Burger Bar at Mandalay Bay.

Keller prepared his popular paella. In one large pan over the fire, he cooked chicken, squid, shrimp, pork ribs, chorizo, tomatoes, saffron, clams, mussels, peas, peppers, and long-grain white rice.

Following the servings of this fabulous dish, Keller autographed his memoir cookbook titled “Souvenirs: Stories and Recipes from My Life.”

Leading the silent auction were Irene Vogel and co-chairwoman Roberta Gardner. PBS General Manager Tom Axtell was joined by event coordinators Amanda Gordon and Bernadette Goodemote.

Nevada Public Television Community Council members attending included Myram Borders, Roberta Gardner and Peggy Smith.

Southern Wine &Spirits’ Tony Goitia conducted the live auction for special wines and wine-related gifts.

The event offered stations of fruit, nuts and Cabot cheddar and other cheeses along with miniature tacos, empanatas and egg rolls.

Seen among the PBS supporters were Lori Lea, Bruce Spotleson, Jean and Bill Curran, Linda Wade, Robert DeCalogero, Gale Northcross, Patricia Falvey, Dante Pistone, Jennifer Vaughan, Jennifer Bradley and Sandy Seamman.

Sponsors were Cashman Equipment Co., NV Energy, Wells Fargo, United Healthcare, and Marydean Martin and Charlie Silvestri.

Also seen were Paula Petrusa, Rob McCoy, Mary Poore, Evan Paikai, Brenda Adams, Amy Hutchinson, Laurent Pillard, Gina Nitz, Mack Parker, Lisa Berger, Amy Gallagher, Bernie Goodemote, Linda Lowry, Vedale Bowens, Brittany McCoy, and Fran and Frank Abbott.