Bold Burgers and Beverages

By Michelle Morey

What started out as a lunch counter convenience food has evolved into a summertime staple, an often indulged craving and a challenge to “dream a better burger.”  Whether you reminisce of cheeseburgers and root beer floats, or long for a veggie patty, curry aïole and a dry Riesling, this versatile sandwich offers the perfect partner for beverages ranging from soda fountain favorites to artisan beers and international wine.

Despite the impression that a hamburger is a simple, home cook’s creation, one is encouraged to consider its inherent subtleties: warm bun, juicy ground beef, cool crisp lettuce and zesty condiments can comprise a complex marriage of flavors and textures.  Keeping that in mind, selecting complementary wine is influenced by levels of fat, condiment acidity, spicy heat and primary tastes from your toppings. 

For many, a vision of hamburger heaven is a toasted baguette topped with lean ground sirloin and sautéed mushrooms complete with a glass of Jean-Paul Brun Terres Dorées Côte-de-Brouilly ($18.00/btl.).  This lively Gamay from Beaujolais is brimming with cherries and wild strawberries accented with earthy hints of violet and spice; a light bodied beauty that enhances without overpowering its singular components.  Other wines to covet for less complex burgers include Italian Dolcettos and New Zealand Central Otago Pinot Noirs ($14.00 – $20.00/btl.). 

A meat lover’s hankering is surely quelled with a juicy bacon cheeseburger on poppy seed bun and a bottle of Pillar Box Red South Australia ($8.00/btl.).  This Aussie blend is composed of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, and handily stands up to bold, layered flavors.  Vibrant raspberry and black currants are intertwined with spice; overall, a well balanced bargain for many occasions and worthy partner for juicier meat, cheese toppings and spicy barbeque sauce.  David Bruce Central Coast Petite Sirah ($15.00/btl.) and Artezin California Zinfandel ($20.00/btl.) are also excellent choices for hearty combinations.

“Limitless possibilities” best describes burger and wine combinations.  International selections from France, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Chile offer the most quality and diversity coupled with broad range affordable pricing.  Bodegas Renacer Punta Final Clásico Malbec ($10.00/btl.) from Argentina exudes deep notes of blackberry and cassis and is a terrific option for lamb burgers with roasted tomatoes, while Chile’s Montgras Reserva Carmenère ($11.00/btl.) blends well with spicy peppers, curries and Asian sauces on turkey, Portobello mushroom and veggie versions.

Keep fish fanciers sated with crispy cod and salmon patty sandwiches, spicy salsas, herb caper sauces, and vegetable chutneys.  To douse the flames from piquant dressing, enjoy chilled glasses of Francois Pinon Vouvray Cuvée Tradition ($16.00/btl.); bright notes of acacia, orange peel, white peach, and hints of minerality describe this delicate, off-dry white wine.  Saint Clair “Vicar’s Choice” Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($8.00/btl.) is another lovely selection with its grapefruit, gooseberry and passion fruit tones and is particularly pleasing with fresh herbal sauces and cod.

Hear, hear for a happy summer; one that includes a well-primed grill, buckets of chilled beverages, and our healthy infatuation with the perfect, mouth watering burger!

Stephanie A. MacKenzie

By Callie Thomas

She’s bright, bubbly and has a killer voice that wakes up listeners every weekday morning on 97.1 The Point.  She’s Stephanie (Steph) MacKenzie, 89148 neighbor and half of the morning show duo known as Foxx and MacKenzie.  You’ll find our favorite rocker girl within the community hosting and emceeing station events, but she can also be found at the heart of dozens of charitable causes that help those in need.

Steph has a need…for speed.  The huge sports fan (particularly the Oakland Raiders) is also an avid motorcycle enthusiast as well as the dedicated local spokesperson for the Speedway Children’s Charities organization.  Getting involved was a quick decision.  Helping others has been an important part of MacKenzie’s life from the time she was a child herself.  “As a little girl I volunteered at nursing homes.  When I was in a sorority in college we had to be involved with activities outside of school that would help the community, and I just loved it.” 

The Las Vegas chapter of the Speedway Children’s Charities has since distributed more than $1.7 million in funding to an unending list of children’s organizations in Southern Nevada.  Funding is raised through special events held during the year and includes the NASCAR Driver Auction, Mel Larson Night of Champions, Golf Tournament, NHRA ‘Cards for Kids’ Poker Tournament and WNFR Celebrity Bowling Tournament.  “My involvement came out of my love for NASCAR and witnessing what the drivers, owners and the NASCAR family does in Vegas for local children’s charities,” Stephanie said.  “I was asked to emcee their Christmas event where they distribute the funds to all the charities.  To see the kid’s eyes light up because their programs were going to continue was overwhelming.” 

While MacKenzie is involved with a number of other organizations, including Ronald McDonald House, Best Buddies, Positively Kids, United Blood Service and Lied Animal Shelter to name just a few, one that is near to her heart is the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. “Ten years ago I embarked on an experience unlike anything I had ever known.  I had never had a family member affected by cancer nor was it a threat to my family, but it was to friends and society.  I saw a sisterhood of women from all walks of life and miracles that happened right before my eyes and knew I wanted to be a part of that magic.”  She recruited everyone and anyone to come to the cancer walk and while they donated, not all wanted to walk for the fundraiser, so she created an event called “Save the Boobs” and got the motorcycle community involved.  Thinking there was still more she could do, she paired local celebrities with the Hard Rock Café to create an event called “Pinktober.”  “We were able to get local boutiques involved along with the local celebrities and cancer survivors for a night of fun and fashion while raising money,” Steph said.

The busy local celeb is also a Board Member at New Vista Ranch for their Annual Adam and Eve Charity Love Fling, an auction of eligible bachelors and bachelorettes to raise funds.  The New Vista Ranch is a home for young adults with mental disabilities.  The program helps to educate the public and show the community that these youth are able bodied workers and part of the community.  “They have a love of life that is refreshing and makes you want to be a better person,” she said.

The little down time Stephanie MacKenzie has is spent with the love of her life, husband Brad, their two canine kids, Valkyrie and Dizel, and making a difference by giving back.  “I hope to always lead by example and help change lives every time I’m out in the community.”

Vic Miera

By Callie Thomas

Great things can happen when the wheels of imagination are put into motion, particularly when creativity lends itself to communicating important messages on behalf of essential organizations that advocate for those in need.  Resident Vic Miera has put his imagination and resources to the task and has assisted many organizations to benefit children in our community.

Inspiration first came to the optimistic, yet laid back Miera when he was in high school, where an influential teacher, Mrs. Walker, pointed him in the direction that would later become a lifelong career.  “She helped me apply for and receive a scholarship.  I essentially won a design contest that allowed me to attend a Graphics/Design school in Salt Lake City,” he said.  “While in school I focused on advertising more than design.”  After moving to Vegas twenty-six years ago to work at what is now known as R&R Partners, Vic discovered he really enjoyed teaching and paid it forward by imparting his knowledge at Community College of Southern Nevada.  After opening his own award winning agency, V2 Creative, a full service advertising agency specializing in gaming and entertainment, Miera and his team embarked on several projects that not only propelled the company brand but provided essential marketing assistance for charitable organizations like the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY).

For the past thirteen years, Miera has been an honorary board member of the organization that is the only youth service provider in Nevada offering a range of care, from street outreach and 24-hour crisis intervention services to full-time drop-in center and an independent living program.  In addition to inspiring individuals to donate to the program, he and his team helped to develop the brand message, including collateral elements such as invitations to special fundraising events.  “I have always been touched and inspired to do more for the teens from NPHY.  Their stories show so much courage and motivation to succeed even though their circumstances could have taken them in another direction,” Vic said. “I think it is very important to give back to the community and by working with NPHY, it enables me to do just that.”

Miera has also been instrumental in supporting the Tooth Fairy Council of Nevada, an awareness campaign to promote dental health for children.  He and his team have also provided their artistic talents to create ads and collateral pieces for Kids Voting USA, the greater Las Vegas chapter.  The nonprofit, nonpartisan, national organization works with schools and communities to enhance civics education and provide students with an authentic voting experience which encourages youth to be engaged in the voting process when they become adults.

When he’s not assisting organizations in the community, Vic can be found on the open road, racing and touring as an avid cyclist.  Miera stays in tip top shape by cycling every day and covering between 275 and 300 miles a week.  He rides for the Allegiant Airlines Cycling Team and holds the Australian Masters Road Champion title in Time Trials and recently took the California/Nevada Master Time Trial title.  He’s proud of his accomplishments, which include being a father and grandfather, growing his business, achieving top awards for his cycling efforts and for keeping the wheels of inspiration open to giving back to the community.  “I want to make a difference in my community and feel that by doing just even the simplest of things I can help someone else out.”

Holly Silvestri

By Callie Thomas 

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

What lies within 89135 resident Holly Silvestri is hardly tiny.  Holly’s heart is the size of Texas, full of generosity and hope, which is attested through her ongoing devotion to her family, including husband Rob and their identical twin daughters Ella and Olivia, as well as helping the youth of our community.

Once a newspaper reporter for a top daily in San Diego County, Silvestri decided to pursue a career in public relations and relocated to Las Vegas in 1998.  She founded her own PR company and later merged that organization with The Ferraro Group, a statewide public relations and public affairs firm. Holly oversees the Las Vegas office and its operations, giving her a birds-eye view of the needs of our neighbors.  “Being in the community a lot, whether it’s promoting our clients, coordinating marketing campaigns or attending events and fundraisers, has allowed me to view different aspects of the Las Vegas community,” says Silvestri.   “I initially got involved with some of our clients’ charitable efforts and then embarked on my own as I saw that the various organizations needed further help, especially those that assist children.”

As a mother of two young girls, it seemed a natural inclination to become involved with the at-risk children who attend JT McWilliams Elementary School. After a client introduction, Silvestri began working with the school’s principal to provide student and school support, including scooter giveaways during math night, reading to children during Nevada Reading Week, and providing school and art supplies as well as much needed clothing with the help of members of her firm.  “A lot of people are generous and donate clothes or toys to youths in need.  But sometimes the basics are overlooked, like socks, underwear, food and toiletries,” she said.  “Children’s faces light up when they see new art supplies in the classroom, but they also light up when they get basic necessities.  We’ve dropped off bags of kids’ underwear and socks because it is heartbreaking when you hear some of these kids only have one pair each.” 

Holly also gives of her time to assist medically delicate children through her involvement with the Foundation for Positively Kids. Founded in 1999, The Foundation for Positively Kids has provided an array of services and programs to meet the needs of medically dependent children and their families.  The group dedicates all of its time, resources, staff, volunteers, nurses and donors to provide a positive environment for the growth and development of our community’s medically fragile and terminally ill children.  “I’ve been involved with the Foundation for Positively Kids for several years as a board member and sit on the Community Action Committee,” Holly said. 

She has also helped Help of Southern Nevada, a group that serves the poor, homeless and those in crisis, by donating holiday gifts to needy families, as well as being an avid supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association, as her grandmother had suffered from the disease. 

Holly Silvestri believes part of her success is due to her support system at work and at home. “I have a very supportive husband.  He’s my biggest cheerleader.” And while she aspires to grow her business as well as “get serious” about one of her other passions–writing children’s books–she looks forward to staying involved with her children and her work with charities.  “It is rewarding to help those less fortunate.  It allows you to put things in perspective and count your blessings. Wealth is all relative.  Finding a child who appreciates the smallest things in life makes it all worthwhile.”

Kathy Maddux

By Callie Thomas

As the wife of a major league baseball pitcher–the first pitcher in history to win the Cy Young Award four years in a row–you might assume that 89113 resident Kathy Maddux knows a thing or two about America’s favorite pastime. But what you may not know is that one of her favorite pastimes is reaching out to children and families in need throughout our community.

The mother of daughter Paige and son Chase and wife of baseball great Greg Maddux is passionate about giving back.  It started in 1990 when her husband was playing for the Chicago Cubs.  “The player’s wives had an organization called Cub Wives for Family Rescue.  I started volunteering and fundraising for a battered women’s shelter as part of the group,” says Maddux.  “Upon returning to Vegas I started volunteering for Safe Nest.”

Safe Nest is a local shelter that advocates and promotes the eradication of domestic violence.  It assists by providing confidential shelter, food, clothing, counseling, education and other services with the highest dignity and respect for its clients. “I started with training, helping in the office, answering phones and taking kids on mini field trips,” she said.  Through those experiences she had the privilege of working with the Executive Director of the organization, Estelle Murphy, who influenced her desire to help the group further. “Many people don’t realize the different ways that Safe Nest helps our community.  It is so much more than a shelter.” Kathy saw where the group needed additional assistance and became aware of other community organizations that needed support.

In 1993 she and her husband started The Maddux Foundation.  “We wanted to give back to our community of Las Vegas and also the cities where Greg was playing baseball.”  Kathy is President of the foundation, her husband Greg is Vice President and her sister and brother-in-law Kim and Ed Orci are board members.  No one on the board is paid nor will be.  Since its inception, the focus of the foundation has been to provide for a variety of charities.  Most involve helping children.  Safe Nest remains an important beneficiary of the foundation and others include Candlelighters, Child Haven and the Boys and Girls Club to name a few.  

In 2006 Safe Nest approached Kathy and her husband to chair a capital campaign.  The couple accepted and has been helping raise funds for a new building ever since.  “I’ve learned so much as a chairperson for Safe Nest’s capital drive,” Maddux said.  “I’ve met amazing people who want to give back to the community.  It has been wonderful to be a part of an organization that is so dedicated.  It has been very inspiring and makes me want to do even more to help others.”

When the opportunity to host a celebrity golf tournament with legendary golf instructor Butch Harmon arose, the answer was yes.  Since its inception in 2001, the invitational has raised over $850,000 for The Maddux Foundation, and they anticipate raising over $1 million through this year’s event, which will be held on October 25 and 26.  The program includes the golf tournament at Spanish Trail Country Club, a dinner and auction at the Venetian Resort Hotel, an instructional golf clinic with Butch Harmon and a whiffle ball challenge with Greg Maddux.  “All of the proceeds from the tournament stay in Las Vegas for local charities,” Kathy said.

While Kathy Maddux leads a busy life as a wife and mother, she feels her family has been fortunate and is dedicated to giving back.  “I see the strength of people who go through more in their lives than most can imagine, and I want to help.  There are so many ways to help and sometimes we can learn more from giving back than can be put into words.”

Vision Source Las Vegas

It takes real vision to make a difference in the lives of others. Specialists like Vision Source might have the upper hand, but it’s their generosity that really sparkles. As part of their 2010 See the Change Scholarship program, they’ve made it easier for three local high school students to envision a brighter future.

Amber Bennett from Advanced Technologies Academy, Chelsea Kimpton from Palo Verde High School and Alec Madriaga from Northwest Career and Technical Academy each received a $1000 cash award granted based on a combination of outstanding academic performance and unique community service involvement. All three demonstrated creative thinking in the development of community service projects that address a health-related issue affecting the local Las Vegas community.

“This year’s recipients are young adults who not only show academic excellence, but also a strong dedication to serving their community through volunteer work,” explains Dr. James Beckwith of Vision Source Las Vegas Summerlin/Lakes. “It is an honor for Vision Source to award such outstanding students and help them in their journey. We feel confident that each will be successful and will continue to do good in the community.” To learn more about the scholarship program, visit www.visionsourcevegas.com.

Double Helix Wine Bar & Boutique

Pop the cork and toast to good wine and global initiatives! Double Helix Wine Bar & Boutique in The Shoppes at The Palazzo just teamed up with ReCork, a nonprofit cork recycling organization out of Napa Valley, and SOLE shoes to make an impact in the lives of many and the health of our planet.

Recycled cork has been used to make tiles, building insulation, automotive gaskets, craft materials and more. In partnership with ReCork, SOLE shoes has found yet another use for recycled stoppers–comfy footwear. The program is linked to a global initiative to save and protect the over 6 million acres of cork forests that dot the Mediterranean Basin. In addition to the cork recycling, ReCork and SOLE have pledged to sponsor the planting of a minimum of four thousand cork oaks in Portugal.

You can help Double Helix support the cause by dropping off your collection of corks at their special drop box. As incentive, Double Helix is offering special treats for contributions. Drop off 10 corks and get $2 off any drink at the bar. Drop off 25 corks and your second drink is free. For 50+ corks, you’ll receive 25% off any bottle of wine in the store or bar.  It’s a win, win and wine for all. Visit www.recork.org or www.doublehelixwine.com for more info.

Burgers with a Twist

By Aly Wagonseller

Burgers have certainly come a long way, with gourmet restaurants and celebrity chefs elevating this humble American staple to something much grander than just seasoned ground meat on a Wonder Bread bun. And we certainly can’t ignore the efforts of the home cook. Especially those grilling pioneers who annually stuff, top and dress their burgers with concoctions worthy of winning the $100,000 grand prize offered at such contests as Sutter Home Winery’s Build a Better Burger Contest. Let’s face it–bland burgers are, well, bland. Summer’s the perfect time to give your backyard burgers some much needed bling.

Stepping outside of the hamburger box is easier than you might think; it starts with the meat–or lack thereof.  While ground beef with a higher, 80/20 fat content makes a tasty patty, having your butcher freshly grind a gorgeous sirloin or rib eye steak, or a tasty hunk of brisket, makes for something extraordinary.  Lighten your caloric intake by choosing a mixture of dark and white ground turkey or chicken meat, fresh or canned salmon or even tuna. Better yet, go the vegetarian route, chocking your burger full of healthy produce and grains that add up to exceptional flavor, without all the fat.

But don’t stop there. Keep those creative, burger juices flowing by switching up toppings and bun options.  Slather on chipotle tarter sauce, mint riata, sweet and spicy barbecue sauce or tarragon spiked mayonnaise. Ditch iceberg lettuce and raw onion, adding sophisticated crunch via organic microgreens, arugula and caramelized onions instead.  Break the white bread trend and surround your burger with interesting textures and flavors found in focaccia rolls, pita bread, Tandoori naan or brioche.  The possibilities are endless, and one thing’s for sure…boring burgers will become a thing of the past.

Veggie Burgers with Mint Riata Dressing

Serves 6

• 1 (7 oz) container plain Greek yogurt
• 2 Tbsp. fresh mint, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 1/4 tsp. grated lime peel
• 6 large cremini mushrooms 
• 2 scallions 
• 1/2 red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach 
• 1 carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 small sweet potato, peeled and grated
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• 3/4 cup fresh corn kernels   
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1½ tsp. cumin
• ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 egg white
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup brown rice, cooked
• 1/2-1 cup panko bread crumbs
• Pita bread or Tandoori Naan
• Coarse kosher salt

Mix together yogurt, mint, cilantro and lime peel.  Refrigerate.

In a food processor, pulse together mushrooms, scallions and red pepper until finely chopped, but not liquified.  Separately pulse the spinach, carrot and sweet potato until finely chopped; set each aside.

In a large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp. oil over medium high heat. Stir in corn, along with the mushroom mixture, cooking for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic, cumin and cayenne and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from heat and stir in spinach. Add carrot and potato and stir to combine. Add egg white and season with salt and pepper. Stir in rice and enough bread crumbs so that the mixture holds together. Shape mixture into 6 disks and place on a plate lined with parchment or wax paper. Chill for at least 1 hour.

Heat remaining olive oil in a non-stick skillet and cook veggie burgers until golden on each side. Serve with mint riata in pita or naan, garnishing with grilled vegetables or shredded lettuce if desired.

Fresh Salmon Burgers with Tarragon Aioli

Serves 4 

• 1 cup + 3 Tbsp. mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 8 green onions, chopped and divided
• 2 Tbsp. small capers, drained
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp. fresh tarragon, chopped 
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp. prepared white horseradish
• 1 pound skinless salmon fillet
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1-2 Tbsp. butter
• Focaccia rolls, split and toasted
• Tomato
• Radicchio leaves

   

Combine 1 cup mayonnaise, sour cream, 4 green onions, 1 Tbsp. each of the capers, lemon juice and tarragon, and 1 tsp. each of the mustard and horseradish. Chill.

In a food processor, gently pulse the salmon until finely chopped, making sure not to over process. Place salmon in a large bowl and mix with the remaining green onions, capers, lemon juice, tarragon, mustard and horseradish.  Add the remaining 3 Tbsp mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper. Mix breadcrumbs into salmon mixture. Form into four 1-inch thick patties.

Melt butter in large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon patties; cook until just firm to touch and brown and crusty, about 3 minutes per side. Serve on toasted rolls, dressed with the mayonnaise mixture, tomato and radicchio.  

Coffee Rubbed Texas Cheeseburgers

Serves 8

• 1 Tbsp. freshly ground coffee
• 2 tsp. brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. fine sea salt
• 8 slices applewood-smoked bacon
• 1 pound ground chuck 
• 1 pound ground sirloin 
• 8 slices smoked Gouda or Provolone cheese 
• 8 potato or brioche hamburger buns, buttered and toasted
• 8 slices red onion
• 8 slices tomato
• Bottled spicy barbecue sauce

Mix coffee, sugar, pepper, coriander, oregano and salt in a small bowl.  Set aside.

Cook bacon in large skillet until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Break in half. Gently mix chuck and sirloin in large bowl. Form meat into 8 patties, each 3 1/2 to 4 inches in diameter and 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick. Using thumb, make slight indentation in center of each burger.

Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Sprinkle 1 tsp. coffee rub on top side of each burger. Place burgers on grill rack rub side down. Grill until slightly charred, about 4 minutes; turn. Place 2 bacon slice halves atop each burger. Cook 3 minutes. Top each with 1 cheese slice. Cover and cook until cheese melts, about 1 minute longer. Serve on toasted buns with onion, tomato and barbecue sauce.   

Southwestern Turkey Burgers with Chipotle-Chili Tartar Sauce  

Serves 4-6

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. minced red onion
• 2 Tbps. chopped fresh dill
• 1 Tbps. canned chipotle chilies 
• 1 Tbsp. capers, drained
• 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
• 1/2 cup finely crushed tortilla chips (crushed in re-sealable plastic bag with mallet)
• 6 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• Whole wheat hamburger buns, toasted
• Red onion slices
• Tomato slices
• Arugula or shredded lettuce
• Pepper Jack cheese (optional) 

Whisk first 6 ingredients in small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and chill.

Prepare barbecue (medium heat).Combine turkey, tortilla chips, cilantro, egg and spices. Form into 1/2-inch thick patties. Grill burgers until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side, adding cheese about 3 minutes prior to end of cooking. Spread 1 Tbsp. sauce on bottom half of each bun. Top each with 1 burger, then 1 more Tbsp. sauce. Serve with onion, tomatoes and arugula or shredded lettuce.  

In the Know

In the Know

In the Know

In the Know