Giada now serving weekend brunch

Giada at The Cromwell, 3595 Las Vegas Blvd. South, has begun serving brunch from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The menu includes such dishes as lobster hash and Italian chicken and waffle, and limitless La Marca mimosas are $30.

Roy's Restaurant, 620 E. Flamingo Road, will teach the secrets of Thai flavors in a cooking demonstration at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. With three courses and lunch, it's $45; call 702-691-2053. ...

A dinner featuring the bottlings of Rodney Strong Wine Estates is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Bistro 57 at Aliante Casino, 7300 N. Aliante Parkway in North Las Vegas. The six-course dinner with an entree of mustard-crusted lamb chop is $95. Call 702-692-7777.

This year's Downtown Brew Festival runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Clark County Amphitheater, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway. The festival will allow opportunities for samples of beers from local brewers and some from across the country, such as Ballast Point and Left Hand Brewing Company. Festaurant Row will offer food to go with the beer. Advance tickets, at $40 general admission, $50 for early entry and $85 for VIP, are available at downtownbrewfestival.com. Pending availability, tickets at the gate will be $45 general admission, $55 for early entry and $90 VIP. ...

Fogo de Chao, 360 E. Flamingo Road, has introduced a new Gaucho Lunch, which includes the Market Table & Feijoada Bar for $15, with the option of adding fire-roasted meat, carved tableside, for $25 or less. It's available from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays.

The restaurant also has introduced seasonal selections including a winter citrus salad, a shaved Brussels sprouts-and-bacon salad and a caramelized pineapple old-fashioned cocktail. ...

In honor of October as National Pork Month, Via Brasil Steakhouse, 1225 S. Fort Apache Road, is offering freshly sliced portions from a whole pig leg in addition to its regular tableside rodizio during dinner on Fridays and Saturdays through the end of the month.

Sammy's Restaurant & Bar at 1501 N. Green Valley Parkway in Henderson has introduced a new happy hour menu, with appetizers such as pepperoni flatbread with bell peppers and tomato sauce or meatballs and marinara priced at $3 to $6. House red and white wines are $5 a glass and well drinks are $2 off, all available from 4 to 6 p.m. daily.

Contact Heidi Knapp Rinella at Hrinella@reviewjournal.com. Read more of her stories at www.reviewjournal.com and follow @HKRinella on Twitter.