Chef/owner Susan Rispoli continues to win over an impressive list of fans at her Italian comfort food haven, JR's Place, located at Durango at I-215. Last week, she held a wine dinner at the unassuming outlet where she put away the casual, come-as-you-are fare to flex some old country charm with dishes that had Vegas socialites in attendance buzzing for more. Lobster and white truffle risotto, burrata cheese and heirloom tomatoes, even zabaglione! The list of valley residents who stopped by to partake in the wine dinner are all JR's regulars, a good indication that Rispoli has won over their stomachs and hearts: MGM Mirage VP Richard Sturm, local Tequila magnate Ed Brown, Hannah's namesake Hannah An, dentist to the stars Pat Simone, Rampart Casino honcho Gil Cohen, designer to the rich Joanna Lucia, Rolls Royce-Bentley bigwig Ron Giger, heck, even caviar dreamer Robin Leach was present and impressed with the turnout. "The parking lot was really impressive," Rispoli laughed noting that the usual allotment of Mercedes, BMW's and Jaguars are nothing new, but that night's lot belonged in front of the Wynn, "Rolls Royces, Bentleys, even two Ferraris!," she exclaimed. While another wine dinner is in the works, you don't have to wait to stop by JR's and see what everyone is raving about. Not only is her food fantastic, but we also love seeing independent chefs as talented as Rispoli having success off the Strip.

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