A La Carte, Aug. 28-Sept. 3, 2014

CUSTOM BUILT PIZZA TO CLOSE AUG. 29

Custom Built Pizza, 4165 S Grand Canyon Drive, No. 105, is set to close Aug. 29. The restaurant’s owners hope to reopen at another location in the Las Vegas Valley. For more information, visit custombuiltpizza.com.

TOWER FOOD TRUCK RALLY SET FOR AUG. 29-31 AT STRATOSPHERE

The Tower Food Truck Rally is scheduled from 4 to 10 p.m. Aug. 29-31 in front of the Stratosphere, 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Admission is free. A cash bar and live disc jockey are planned, and confirmed food trucks are TOPOS/Tornado Potato, SinCity SnoBalls, Slidin’ Thru and Sauced.

For more information, visit towerfoodtruckrally.com.

WET’N’WILD TO HOST LABOR DAY WEEKEND BARBECUE

Wet‘n’Wild Las Vegas, 7055 S. Fort Apache Road, plans to offer a Labor Day weekend all-you-can-eat barbecue lunch from noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 30-Sept. 1.

The special menu is set to include barbecue pulled pork, hot dogs, baked beans, corn and fresh green salad. Meal tickets, which include one free drink, are available for purchase at the Guest Services window or at wetnwildlasvegas.com.

The cost is $12.49 for season pass holders and guests 3 to 11 and $14.99 for guests 12 or older.

TAHITI VILLAGE OPENS RESTAURANT TO PUBLIC

For the first time, the owners of Tahiti Village, 7200 Las Vegas Blvd. South, are introducing a new restaurant open to the public. Previously the resorts’ restaurants were for guests only. The new eatery, 17° South, is helmed by chef John Gremo, a graduate of UNLV and its executive chef for 20 years before joining Tahiti Village.

Starters begin at $8 and include shrimp cocktail and chicken wings. Specialty pizzas include create-your-own options and begin at $11. Specialty burgers, all made with beef from the La Frieda meat purveyors of New Jersey, are $12 and include garlic or regular fries. The All Day menu starts at $7 and includes a chopped mixed greens salad, sandwiches, steak and comfort food options of fish and chips and spaghetti and meatballs. A Bits and Bites portion offers ribs, mac and cheese with ham and crab cakes, beginning at $5.

Hours are from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and the bar is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. For more information, visit tahitivillage.com.

SLS LAS VEGAS ANNOUNCES CULINARY OPTIONS

SLS Las Vegas opened Aug. 23 in the space formerly occupied by the Sahara at 2535 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The mixed-use resort and casino offers a variety of restaurants, including Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres. The restaurant includes an open kitchen, and the menu is designed for sharing, including whole suckling pig and an assortment of wild game. The adjacent Bar Centro offers cocktails and small bites.

Ku Noodle is Andres’ homage to Asian cuisine, offering hand-pulled and cut noodles. Adjacent to that space is The Griddle Cafe, the first location outside of Los Angeles, serving breakfast all day.

Other dining options are Cleo (Mediterranean shared plates), Katsuya by Starck (sushi), 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria, Umami Burger, Beer Garden & Sports Book, The SLS Buffet and The Perq (European-inspired cafe). The Monkey Bar is the signature lobby bar, offering classic cocktails and craft beers.

For more information, visit slslasvegas.com.

CHEF JOE’S JAZZY BRUNCH PLANNED FOR AUG. 31 AT ELKS LODGE

Chef Joe’s Jazzy Brunch is planned from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Elks Lodge No. 1468, 4100 W. Charleston Blvd. The unlimited brunch includes an omelet station and full bar, set to a background of live jazz.

The cost is $25 per person for guests 21 or older and $20 for Elks members. A table for eight can be reserved for a $5 discount per person. For reservations, call 702-900-4331.

LABOR DAY FEAST PLANNED AT STUDIO B BUFFET

The Studio B Buffet at the M Resort, 12300 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans to offer a Labor Day feast from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 1. Selections are set to include slow-roasted prime rib, New York strip steak, chilled cocktail shrimp, house fried rice and mushroom ravioli.

The cost is $23.99 for adults and $17.99 for children 5 to 8. children 4 or younger eat for free.

For more information, visit themresort.com.

LES KINCAID TO CONTINUE CLASSES IN SEPTEMBER

Les Kincaid, host of the radio wine show “Wines Du Jour,” plans to host the class Discover Your Wine Style from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 3 at Total Wine & More in Boca Park, 730 S. Rampart Blvd. The cost is $59. Attendees must be 21 or older.

The class Flavors of Northern & Southern Italy is planned from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 9 and 16 at Ferguson Enterprises, 4175 S. Grand Canyon Drive. The cost is $129 for both sessions.

To register, visit continuingeducation.unlv.edu or call 702-895-3394 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday or 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

‘WINES DU JOUR’ PLANS ANNIVERSARY SHOW SEPT. 4

The 13th “Wines Du Jour” anniversary show is planned for 7 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Dal Toro Ristorante in the Palazzo, 3325 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The cost is $40 and attendees will receive a goodie bag.

To RSVP, email les@leskincaid.com.

DELMONICO STEAKHOUSE TO HOST WINEMAKER DINNER SEPT. 4

Delmonico Steakhouse in The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans to host a winemaker dinner featuring Dan Kosta of Kosta Browne Winery at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 4.

The cost is $195. For reservations, call 702-414-3737.

HOFBRAUHAUS TO START OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION SEPT. 13

Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas, 4510 Paradise Road, plans to host a kickoff Oktoberfest celebration at 7 p.m. Sept. 13, featuring magicians Siegfried & Roy striking the first mallet. The festivities are set to run daily until Oct. 31 and feature celebrity keg tappers Fridays and Saturdays, along with live entertainment, traditional fare and Oktoberfestbier imported from Germany.

Guest are invited to take part in Oktoberfest Stein-Holding competitions Fridays and Saturdays, Sept. 19-Oct. 31.

For more information, call 702-853-2337 or visit hofbrauhauslasvegas.com.

MARGARITA FESTIVAL PLANNED SEPT. 15 AT THE COSMOPOLITAN

In celebration of Mexican Independence Day, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans to host a series of cultural events, including The Original Margarita Festival at the Boulevard Pool from 7 to 11 p.m. Sept. 15.

Unlimited margarita tastings and mariachi bands are planned, along with Mexican-inspired culinary items for purchase. A mixology contest also is planned. A portion the proceeds will benefit the Las Vegas chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild.

Tickets are $40 at cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

THE CULINARY ACADEMY PLANS TASTE OF HOSPITALITY SEPT. 18 AT THE MIRAGE

The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas plans to host its first Taste of Hospitality: 20 Years of Changing Lives Sept. 18 at The Mirage pool, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

Tastings from premiere restaurants and craft beer, wine and cocktails are planned, along with celebrity disc jockeys, an auction and raffle.

General admission tickets are $75 for entry from 7 to 9 p.m. A VIP reception is planned from 6 to 7 p.m. with passed hors d’oeuvres, specialty drinks and early access to restaurant stations, with tickets priced at $125.

The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas, 710 W. Lake Mead Blvd., is a nonprofit culinary and hospitality training institute. For tickets, visit theculinaryacademy.org.

FLAVORS OF THE HEART PLANNED FOR SEPT. 20

Flavors of the Heart is planned from 7 to 10 p.m. Sept. 20 at the World Market Center, World View on 16, Building B, 475 S. Grand Central Parkway. The multicultural food festival is the culminating event of the 2014 Heart and Stroke Conference.

Individual tickets are $75. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit flavorsoftheheart.com.

BITE AT THE MUSEUM SET FOR SEPT. 20 AT SPRINGS PRESERVE

Bite at the Museum is set for 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sept 20 at the Nevada State Museum at the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. The event is a fundraiser for the Community Counseling Center of Southern Nevada and will be hosted by comedian and 96.3 KKLZ, Las Vegas morning show host Carla Rae. Live entertainment, a silent auction, an after-hours stroll through museum exhibits and small bites by various restaurants are planned.

Tickets are $77.49 at tinyurl.com/m6hncec. For more information, visit biteatthemuseum.com.

DOWNTOWN BREW FESTIVAL TO RETURN SEPT. 20

The third annual Downtown Brew Festival is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway. Motley Brews plans to offer more than 150 craft beers, gourmet culinary elements and musical entertainment.

A VIP experience is planned with celebrity chefs. Early entry will be available at 5 p.m. for VIP ticket holders. General admission starts at $35 and early entry at $45. Brewers Lounge VIP tickets start at $75.

A portion of tickets sales will be donated to the Nevada Craft Brewers Association, a nonprofit advocacy group. For more information or tickets, visit downtownbrewfestival.com.

T-BONES CHOPHOUSE PLANS NICKEL & NICKEL WINE DINNER SEPT. 25

T-Bones Chophouse & Lounge at Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd., plans to host a wine dinner at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 25 featuring Napa Valley’s Nickel & Nickel winery.

Appetizers are planned on the poolside patio to be followed by dinner in the private dining room. Guests will enjoy five courses and five wines.

The cost is $95. For reservations, call Michelle Lee at 702-797-7517.

FESTIVINO PLANNED SEPT. 26 AT THE VENETIAN/PALAZZO

The Venetian/Palazzo, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans to host Festivino, a festival celebrating old-world and new-world wines paired with food, from 7 to 10 p.m. Sept. 26. Guests can learn about wines from master sommeliers and enjoy culinary specialties by the Waterfall Atrium of the Palazzo. Master sommeliers and master chefs of France participating include David Werly, Frederic Castan, Jean-Louis Dumonet, Jerome Ferrer, Claude Le-Tohic, Steve Benjamin, Bernard Liberatore, Nico Romo, Claude Godard and Olivier Dubreuil, executive chef of The Venetian and the Palazzo.

Tickets are $85 and $75 for Grazie loyalty card holders and can be purchased at venetian.com or at any box office at The Venetian/Palazzo. Guests must be 21 or older to attend.

GIRL SCOUTS TO HOST DESSERT BEFORE DINNER FUNDRAISER SEPT. 27

The Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada’s annual fundraiser, Dessert Before Dinner, is planned for 6 p.m. Sept. 27 in the Palace Ballroom at Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

The event is a dessert competition for Las Vegas chefs. A cocktail reception, silent auction and a program featuring a keynote speech by Jan Jones Blackhurst, former Las Vegas mayor and executive vice president of government and communications at Caesars Entertainment, is planned, along with a performance by celebrity impressionist and Mirage headliner Terry Fator.

The highlight of the evening is the dessert competition before dinner, in which local chefs create unique desserts using this year’s chosen Girl Scout cookie. Gala guests will determine the winner by voting for their favorite.

The Girl Scouts also plan to honor seven outstanding women of Nevada who have positively impacted their communities: Dr. Heather Allen, Thalia Dondero, Alexandra Epstein, Phyllis A. James, Joyce Sherman Nelson, Sandy Colon Peltyn and Camille Ruvo.

All of the proceeds will go towards supporting Girl Scouts programs, including financial assistance for summer camps and the Science Technology Engineering and Math program.

Individual tickets are $300. For tickets, visit dessertbeforedinner.org or call 702-932-1910.

DESERT HOPS BEER EXPERIENCE COMING TO THE COSMOPOLITAN

Desert Hops: An International Beer Experience is scheduled to return to the Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. South, at 8 p.m. Sept. 27. Brews from around the world will be available for sampling along with multicultural food offerings prepared by The Cosmopolitan’s restaurant partners.

Early bird general admission tickets are $30 and are on sale now. Early bird VIP tickets start at $50 and include entry at 7 p.m. For tickets, visit cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or call 800-745-3000. Prices are $45 for general admission and $65 for VIP.

KING’S FISH HOUSE OFFERS SEASONAL OYSTER DISHES

King’s Fish House, in The District at Green Valley Ranch, 2255 Village Walk Drive, No. 139, is celebrating oyster season, which starts Sept. 1, with oyster selections featuring more than 60 oyster varieties harvested from farms in the U.S. and Canada. Selections include Pacific (small and sweet), Kumamoto (small, sweet and almost nutty), Atlantic (Bluepoints, Wellfleets and more) and European Flats (smooth, flat shell with seaweed and sharp mineral taste).

Their new, updated raw bar offers up to 12 oyster options a day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oyster dishes are available year round.

For more information, visit kingsfishhouse.com.

LEV RESTAURANT GROUP DONATES TO AUTISM FOUNDATION

The Lev Restaurant Group raised $12,008 in June to support programs that assist local children diagnosed with autism.

All of its restaurant brands collected funds from the sales of specific items to be donated to the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation of Southern Nevada, which will use them to support scholarship programs for diagnostic, speech and applied behavior analysis, the B.U.D.S. program to develop social and life skills, vocational training and sibling support group outings. The nonprofit helps children up to age 18 on the autism spectrum and their families with support services.

BELLAGIO ANNOUNCES CULINARY CLASSROOM SCHEDULE FOR 2014

The Executive Chef’s Culinary Classroom at the Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South, has announced its schedule for 2014. The educational series includes interactive cooking classes led by executive chef Edmund Wong and his team. Each two-hour class is held in Tuscany Kitchen, a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen. Each class has a seasonal theme and features a menu created with fresh ingredients.

The schedule is: Farm to Table, Sept. 24; Cooking with Chocolate, Oct. 1 and Harvesting Thanksgiving, Nov. 19.

Classes are $125. To sign up, call 866-406-7117.

SIMON RESTAURANT AT PALMS PLACE TO FEATURE PAJAMA, PRIDE BRUNCHES

Simon Restaurant & Lounge at Palms Place, 4381 W. Flamingo Road, plans to offer Pajama Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays for $39.50 per person. All-you-can-eat items include Frosted Flake-crusted French toast, pancakes, eggs Benedict, sushi, paninis, crepes, Cajun shrimp and items from the signature junk food platter, including brownies and cotton candy. An all-you-can-drink, make-your-own Bloody Mary and champagne bar is an additional $20.50.

A Las Vegas PRIDE Brunch is planned for Aug. 31 and Sept. 7. For $30, guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat brunch and access to the pool.

Simon also features happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 3 to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday with discounted appetizers. Wine bottles are half price on Tuesdays.

For more information or reservations, call 702-944-3292.

J.C. WOOLOUGHAN’S PLANS FOOTBALL SPECIALS IN SEPTEMBER

J.C. Wooloughan’s Irish Sports Pub in the Rampart Casino, 221 N. Rampart Blvd., is offering football promotions beginning Sept. 4. During games, Miller Genuine Draft and Miller Lite drafts will be $2 and food specials are planned. A weekly drawing also is planned with two tickets to the Pro Bowl.

For more information, call 702-869-7725.