Epicurean Charitable Foundation Celebrates 10th Annual M.E.N.U.S. Event with Lifehouse

Lifehouse band members Ben Carey, Jason Wade and Rick Woolstenhulme, Jr. pose in front of the guitars at the Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ + Beer booth
Friday night at the Epicurean Charitable Foundation of Las Vegas’ 10th annual scholarship fundraiser, M.E.N.U.S. (Mentoring & Educating Nevada’s Upcoming Students), at the M Resort Spa & Casino’s pool some of the city’s top restaurants participated in a “dine around” followed by a live concert by Lifehouse (Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage). 

Kerry Simon at the KGB booth

Kerry Simon at the KGB booth

Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage.

Lifehouse lead singer, Jason Wade, addressed a group of about 20 ECF scholarship recipients from the stage and said, “I look forward to seeing some of you on the Food Network, someday!” Along with other members of the band, Rick Woolstenhulme, Jr. (drums, percussion), Bryce Soderberg (bass guitar, back-up vocals) and Ben Carey (guitar), Wade toured the various restaurants stations and stopped for photographs and to mingle with fans.

Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ + Beer Pitmaster Keith Schmidt

Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ + Beer Pitmaster Keith Schmidt

Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage.

Celebrity chef Kerry Simon served up sliders at his booth for KGB Burgers at Harrah’s Las Vegas, while famed pitmaster, Keith Schmidt of Kreuz Market in Lockhart Texas served up jalapeno sausage at the Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ & Beer booth. Kreuz Market, Zagat’s #2 pick for top barbeque in the nation, is bringing their 100-plus-old family recipe when the new barbeque and beer joint opens in early December.

Atmosphere at M Resort

Atmosphere at M Resort

Photo credit: David Becker/WireImage.

Comme Ca, the contemporary French eatery by David Myers at the Cosmopolitan served Hamachi tartare with black truffle perfume, lime curd and sesame brittle by executive chef, Brian Howard. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino brought a two-level Hard Rock experience complete with an array of selections including cheesecake truffles with cotton candy from Johnny Smalls, prime beef sliders on pretzel bread from the new 35 Steaks + Martinis, and a festive mix of house-made chips, tacos and ceviche from Pink Taco. The new Rice & Company serviced spicy tuna and lettuce wraps, and Tender, the upscale steakhouse at Luxor, served xx. Olives at Bellagio served chicken satay and bruschetta,

Southern Wine & Spirits and Wirtz Beverage Nevada featured libations by Ambhar Tequila, Bacardi, Ultimat Vodka, Patron, Red Stripe, Coors, and many others.

ECF’s annual M.E.N.U.S. event raises money toward awarding scholarships in the hospitality industry for students who demonstrate strong academic performance and financial need.

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