In One Ear: Cherchez the sparkle at jewelry fundraiser; Cakebread dinner

Where does old glitter go to get its glamor back? Where does sparkle refresh its shine? Where does vintage bling find new bosoms to bedazzle? At Old Treasures ... New Futures, of course.

This worthy event, which took place the other evening at the Atlantis, featured precious, semi-precious, costume and contemporary jewelry that had been donated for resale. The sales benefited the Women & Children's Center of the Sierra, which provides programs and services that help local women move out of poverty and create better lives for their families.

Pam Russell is the executive director of the organization, and our society shutterbug snapped her up front with Kathi Hilton and Megan Wanless. We also caught Paula Cobb as she shopped, as well as a smiling group — Kelly Buda, Joan Padar, Steve Padar, Amie Chapman, Angela Kabisch — as they took a moment from the jewelry hunt.

Final figures aren't in yet, but we're told that to date, the event has raised more than $7,500 to assist the center in its valuable work. Thanks to all who browsed and bought.

First to try

The Atlantis Steakhouse continued its winemaker dinner series earlier this week with a six-course lollapalooza featuring pours from Cakebread Cellars of Napa Valley. The dinner sold out, which wasn't surprising because Reno is Cakebread country, especially when it comes to the winery's flagship Napa Valley chardonnay, and especially when the warm weather arrives. Cakebread chard plus sun plus patio (or water) equals happiness for many Renoites.

Scott Nowakowsky of Cakebread and Atlantis sommelier Christian O'Kuinghttons led the dinner, which began not with the chardonnay but with sips of the sauvignon blanc (which we'd never had before) paired with bay scallop ceviche in a fluted wonton basket. Crisp all around (the wine, the basket).

The chardonnay made its entrance next on the arm of rabbit loin wrapped in serrano ham (little food factlet for you: serrano ham couldn't be imported to the United States until 1997, when the pigs used in the ham were certified as free from African swine disease). Smoked Petaluma quail touched down next along with a pinot noir from Anderson Valley in Mendocino County.

"Grapes are the second-biggest crop in Anderson Valley," Scott joked — and lots of folks got what he meant.

Our table, including Michael Tragash and his lovely fiancée, Ashley Greenwald, really enjoyed the next pairing — wild boar chop with Red Hills Lake County zinfandel — because all of us at the dinner were the first people in America to try the zin outside the winery. This treat came courtesy of Christian's close relationship with Cakebread.

Saddle of Cervena venison, wonderfully tender, was spooned with a dark chocolate demi-glace, like the best mole, and served with Vine Hill Ranch cabernet sauvignon. Salted caramel budino, a dessert that bids fair to becoming the new cheesecake, offered a sweet finish. For once, we didn't stay out too late after an Atlantis wine dinner — we were in our nightshirt and cap before midnight.

Johnathan L. Wright is the food and drink editor of RGJ Media. Join him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RGJTaste or on Twitter @RGJTaste.