Las Vegas Weekly

July 21, 2010 · 3:50 PM

Spago executive chef Eric Klein shares tips for summer entertaining

By Robin Leach

Spago executive chef Eric Klein.

Photo: Wolfgang Puck Group

From July 14 through Aug. 4, Robin Leach will be relaxing under the Tuscan sun on his annual vacation and keeping his eyes on what’s happening in Las Vegas from Italy. Meantime, a kindly crew of Las Vegas celebrities and VIPs has agreed to write guest columns for Vegas DeLuxe.

By Eric Klein, guest columnist

Hello, Vegas DeLuxe readers! I’m Eric Klein, executive chef at Spago at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. While I’m in Europe learning all Spain has to offer in culinary delights and techniques, I’m honored to be able to fill in for Robin while he’s traveling abroad.

As a chef, I’m always creating, always thinking about the next dish, the next trend, the next day and the next tasting menu. Having spent most of my career in Wolfgang Puck’s kitchen, taking care of his brand and his reputation are paramount for me, and he gives me the freedom to express myself through our menu at Spago.

I want my food to taste better than anything the guest has ever had before and make it so memorable that not only do they come back again, but also they bring 10 of their friends to experience it with them.

Since summertime is one of my favorite seasons and fresh fruits and vegetables are in abundance, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite ideas that you can implement right at home for effortless entertaining. There’s nothing better than inviting friends and family over to your home to create unforgettable experiences.

Photo: Wolfgang Puck Group

Lollipop Chicken Wings.

First and foremost, keep it simple. That includes the menu, flavors and decor.

Freeze your beverage (without the alcohol) into cubes so that it doesn’t dilute the drink. To freeze alcohol, use the milk carton trick (and put the full bottle in an empty milk carton), fill it with water and freeze. The next day, peel the box away and put the bottle in the ice bucket with your wine, etc.

Mise en place: Do the hard work the day before and assemble the day of so that you'll be able to enjoy the party.

If you love to grill -- remember, you can grill more than just meat -- why not try fresh vegetables or even pizzas, our signature dish.

Think pink! Rose wines, such as a nice French or Spanish rose, are perfect with picnic foods.

Don’t worry about buying expensive things to impress -- borrow a folding table from a neighbor (and be sure and invite them!) and cover it with a brightly covered tablecloth. Be creative about seating -- a cool lounger can be flattened to serve as a picnic bench that four can sit on! The more, the merrier!

Try this delicious and easy appetizer to impress your guests: Bacon-Wrapped Bleu Cheese-Stuffed Dates. Remove the pit from the date and place bleu cheese in the center. Wrap the bacon around the date and secure with a toothpick. Place in a 350-degree oven for 5-10 minutes and serve.

Photo: Wolfgang Puck Group

Spago at The Forum Shops in Caesars Palace.

Cranberry Mojito makes a great “mocktail” for kids! Muddle fresh mint and cranberries in a glass or pitcher. Add lemon-lime soda and garnish with an orange slice. Add rum for adults to warm their spirits.

I hope these simple entertaining tips help you enjoy the summer. But if you don’t feel like cooking, come to Spago and let me cook for you. Soon, I’ll have some delicious new recipes inspired from my travels in Spain. But right now, we’re offering fresh, new dishes such as Farmer’s Market Apricot Salad, Pan Seared Alaskan Halibut and Custard Three Ways, including Vanilla Creme Brulee with Fresh Market Berries, Butterscotch Pot de Creme and Mint Chocolate Frozen Custard.

For Las Vegas locals, dine with us anytime lunch or dinner through Sept. 30, and we’ll take 20 percent off your bill (food only).

Hope to see you soon.

Pawn Stars star Rick Harrison and Caesars Palace headliner Matt Goss are tomorrow’s guest columnists.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

Share This