A La Carte: Dining events and news for Oct. 15-21, 2015

Coffee tasting event: An Exceptional Coffee Tasting Event with Las Vegas Aroma Coffee Roasters is planned for 11:30 a.m. Oct. 17 at the Downtown Summerlin's Farmers Market, 1980 Festival Plaza Drive. Participants can try out beans from Ethiopia, Peru, Costa Rica, Brazil, Sumatra, Guatemala and other regions. Join Intuitive Forager Kerry Clasby and Aroma Coffee Roasters owners Scott Randall and Esteban Rey as they shed light on fair-trade, shade-grown and single-origin coffee. Visit downtownsummerlin.com or call 702-832-1000.

Be Kind Like Josh Day is Oct. 17: Crazy Pita Rotisserie & Grill and the Josh Stevens Foundation, created in memory of Josh Stevens, a Henderson boy who died at the age of 12, are set to host a Be Kind Like Josh Day Oct. 17 in which all Crazy Pita locations will donate the proceeds from the Kefta Pita (marinated seasoned ground beef), Josh's favorite pita, to the foundation. The Crazy Pita restaurant at the District at Green Valley Ranch is set to celebrate by throwing Josh Stevens a birthday party. The foundation plans a booth with the latest "Be Kind… like Josh" shirts, pants, hats, school supplies, Ben & Jerry's ice cream and other items to raise funds for the organization and support the anti-bulling and kindness programs in Clark County School District schools. Visit crazypita.com. For more on the foundation, visit joshstevensfoundation.org.

Pasta eating championship set: Major League Eating and Martorano's at Paris Las Vegas, 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South, are partnering to present the inaugural Martorano's Masters World Pasta Eating Championship, planned for 1 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Arc De Triomphe at the Paris. The contest will bring 12 professional and amateur competitive eaters together to eat as much Martorano's signature pasta as they can in 8 minutes. Prizes include $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place, $500 for third place $350 for fourth place and $150 for fifth place. Register at tinyurl.com/ncmmddx. An after-dinner is planned. Call 702-279-4934.

Oktoberfest event: Carnaval Court at Harrah's Las Vegas, 3475 Las Vegas Blvd. South, is set to hold its Oktoberfest beginning at 6 p.m. Oct. 17 Guests can indulge in pretzel necklaces, Sam Adams Oktoberfest and other beer options. A stein hoisting contest, with complementary lederhosen for those competing, is planned. Admission is free.

Wine, cheese and meat event: Hexx kitchen + bar at Paris Las Vegas, 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South, is set to host its first monthly wine, cheese and meat event from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 22. Guests can try complimentary wines from JUSTIN Winery and Landmark Vineyard and meats and cheeses from Carr Valley. Space is limited. Call 702-331-5100 or visit hexxlasvegas.com.

Downtown Brew Festival coming Oct. 24: Motley Brews' Downtown Brew Festival is set to return with craft beer, celebrity chefs and live music from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Clark County Government Center Amphitheater, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway. Beer lovers will have the opportunity to sample more than 200 local, regional and international brews from more than 60 breweries lining the grassy surroundings of the amphitheater. Tickets start at $30. Live bands and performers are planned in addition to gastropub fare. Visit downtownbrewfestival.com.

Culinary face-off: The Intuitive Forager Farmers Market "Chopped" Culinary Showdown is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Oct. 24 at the Downtown Summerlin's Farmers Market, 1980 Festival Plaza Drive. Culinary apprentices are set to face off for a "Chopped"-style showdown using ingredients from the "Mystery Farm Box." Visit downtownsummerlin.com or call 702-832-1000.

Shake Shack opens new location: On Oct. 7, the burger restaurant opened its second location at Downtown Summerlin in the Dining Arroyo at 10975 Oval Park Drive. The Summerlin location offers a selection of local frozen custard concretes: the Summerlin S'more (chocolate custard, marshmallow sauce, graham cracker and chocolate truffle cookie dough), the Red Velvet Rocks (vanilla custard and a slice of Gimme Some Sugar red velvet cheesecake) and Desert Crunch-stellation (vanilla custard, malt, Guittard chocolate chunks and chocolate toffee). The Summerlin location is also partnering with Community In Schools of Nevada, whose mission is to support and empower students to stay in school and achieve in life. Five percent of sales from the Red Velvet Rocks will be donated to Community In Schools, and Shake Shack team members will volunteer at events run by the organization. Visit shakeshack.com.

Taste the Rock: Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd., recently announced Taste the Rock, a new small bites tasting experience at approachable prices that features a selection of drinks and dishes from the resort's lineup of restaurants and lounges, set to rotate seasonally. Taste the Rock is available from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday inside each restaurant's bar area. October includes: 8 Noodle Bar, Hearthstone Kitchen & Cellar, Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, Lucky Bar, Mercadito, Salute and T-Bones Chophouse and Lounge. Call 702-797-7777 or visit redrock.sclv.com.

Killer Shrimp set to open: Patrons will soon be able to dine at Killer Shrimp, set to open in fall in Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The restaurant packs each of its dry spices per individual order, simmers the sauce for 10 hours and adds the shrimp when customers request it. French bread is then offered for dunking. The menu also features lobster mac n' cheese and sweet potato pecan pie.

Loco Cantina set to open: Loco Cantina is set to open a new location in early 2016 in Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The restaurant offers tacos, tortas and tostadas and margaritas and cocktails. Prices range from $8 to $12.

Susan G. Komen support at Brio: In recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Brio Tuscan Grille at Tivoli Village, 302 S. Rampart Blvd., is offering Italian dishes in support of Susan G. Komen of Southern Nevada from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 28. Twenty percent of dine-in guests' proceeds will go to fund research and promote breast cancer awareness. Visit brioitalian.com or call 702-433-1233.

Learn to make vegetarian holiday dishes: Delicious Healthy Vegetarian Holiday Dishes for Every Table is set for 11:30 a.m. Nov. 14 at the Downtown Summerlin's Farmers Market, 1980 Festival Plaza Drive. Participants can learn from vegetarian chefs how to create rich, hearty and savory dishes for holiday meals. Visit downtownsummerlin.com or call 702-832-1000.

Learn to make pies: The Last Slice — The Art of Pie Making is set for 11:30 a.m. Nov. 21 at the Downtown Summerlin's Farmers Market, 1980 Festival Plaza Drive. A special pastry chef demo is planned. Visit downtownsummerlin.com or call 702-832-1000.

Shake Shack offering fall specials: Both Shake Shack locations at New York-New York, 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and in Downtown Summerlin, 10975 Oval Park Drive, are set to offer three fall specials: the seasonal Pumpkin Pie Oh My Concrete ($4.50 for a single and $6.75 for a double) through Oct. 31; Shackenstein Frozen Custard (a shake for $5.50; in a cup or cone, single $3.50 and double $4.50, or as a to-go pint for $6), available Oct. 26-Nov. 1; and Cranberry Ginger Lemonade (regular $2.75 and large $3.50) at the Downtown Summerlin location.

Honey Salt offers fall menu items: New executive chef Michael Van Staden is offering seasonally inspired comfort food at Honey Salt, 1031 S. Rampart Blvd., using traditional fall ingredients such as eggplant, sweet potatoes, mushrooms and pumpkin. New items include the Roasted Eggplant Dip with spiced fried chickpeas, sumac and pita; the Summer Melon & Prosciutto with heirloom melons, fennel pollen, pomegranate, candied lemon and mint; and the Ahi Tuna Tartare with avocado, cilantro, fresno chili and yuzu slaw. Visit honeysalt.com.

Grimaldi's Pizzeria offering new menu items: In celebration of National Pizza Month, the restaurant is offering five specialty chef selection pizzas, ranging from $9 to $25: Margherita, Brooklyn Bridge, Quattro Formaggi, The Don, and The Garden. Visit grimaldispizzeria.com.

BRAVO! offering seasonal specials: BRAVO! Cucina Italiana at the Galleria at Sunset mall, 1300 Sunset Road, announced its The Season of Giving with daily specials featured through Dec. 1. The location is also offering 20 percent off all lunch dishes Monday through Friday. Specials include: Monday, Buy One Pasta, Get One Free; Tuesday, Dinner for Two for $29.95; Wednesday, All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti; Thursday, 50 percent Off Wine By the Glass; Friday, $7.95 Lunch Dishes in the Bar; and Saturday and Sunday, All Day Happy Hour at the Bar. Visit bravoitalian.com or call 702-433-4352.

Tacos for Strength Campaign: This October, chef Alex Stratta of Tapas by Alex Stratta at Tivoli Village, brings Spanish and Mexican influences to Mercadito at Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd., as part of Mercadito Hospitality's national Tacos for Strength campaign. Guests can try the Stratta's Charred Octopus Taco during dinner for $4 per taco (minimum two per order). A percentage of the proceeds will benefit Share Our Strength and its programs to fight childhood hunger. Call 702-979-3609.

Via Brasil offering pork special: In celebration of October as National Pork Month, Via Brasil Steakhouse, 1225 S. Fort Apache Road, is offering freshly sliced portions from a whole pig leg alongside its usual tableside rodizio offerings during dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. Call 702-804-1400 or visit viabrasilsteakhouse.com.

Via Brasil Halloween party: Via Brasil Steakhouse, 1225 S. Fort Apache Road, is set to host its second annual Halloween Ball at 7 p.m. Oct. 31 with a celebration including costumes, dancing, disc jockeys, cocktails and more. Guests can dress up for a chance to win the restaurant's costume contest. The event is free. Happy hour pricing will be available at the bar and patio. Call 702-804-1400 or visit viabrasilsteakhouse.com.

Ri Ra Halloween Party: From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Oct. 31, Ri Ra Las Vegas in The Shoppes at Mandalay Bay, 3930 Las Vegas Blvd. South, is set to host a Halloween party featuring drink specials and authentic Irish music. Throughout the night, guests can enjoy $5 Guinness pints and live Irish music from The Crooked Jacks. Additionally, Ri Ra is planning a costume contest with prizes for the best dressed.

Ri Ra offering pumpkin latte: In honor of National Pumpkin Day, Oct. 26, all month long Ri Ra is offering its Jameson Cask Iced Pumpkin Latte ($10), a blend of house coffee, Jameson Caskmates whiskey, RumChata, half and half, and pumpkin puree, topped with a dash of cinnamon. Additionally throughout the month, the pub is offering its Baileys Chocolate Mousse ($7) in honor of National Chocolate Day, Oct. 28.

Food truck battle planned Thursdays: Local food trucks are set to roll into the Silver Sevens parking lot from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays in October for a food truck battle, offering a variety of savory and sweet street eats. Admission is free, and A-Play Club Card members can vote for their favorite food truck for the chance to win $500 in FreePlay. Nonmembers will be able to sign up for a free card at the event. Participating food trucks include: Sauced, Cousins Maine Lobster, Bacon Boys, Oso Ono, and A Gourmet Soiree. Visit silversevenscasino.com.

Donations sought to fight breast cancer: Through Oct. 31, diners can join the fight against breast cancer and help P.F. Chang's reach its goal of donating $100,000 to the American Cancer Society by triggering a $1 donation via the following actions: Purchase of the Jicama Street Tacos at any U.S. P.F. Chang's location. Share a picture in front of P.F. Chang's iconic Warrior Horse(s) on Twitter or Instagram with #PFChangsPink, or upload a photo directly on the tab on the P.F. Chang's Facebook page or atpfchangs.com/pfchangspink. Each shared picture will become part of a digital photo mosaic at on pfchangs.com/pfchangspink, signifying someone who has a horse in the race against breast cancer.

All-you-can-eat buffet planned Thursdays: The St. Tropez Buffet at the Suncoast, 9090 Alta Drive, is celebrating Oktoberfest on Thursdays through October with an all-you-can-eat buffet pass with one free beer for $12.99.

Shoptoberfest: The event is offered Fridays and Saturdays through October at the Miracle Mile Shops in Planet Hollywood, 3663 Las Vegas Blvd. South, with an indoor beer festival combining food, drink and shopping specials. Beginning at 10 a.m. each day, guests may purchase a $5 souvenir beer mug and wristband from Blondies Sports Bar & Grill. Patrons may then fill up their mug at participating restaurants throughout Miracle Mile Shops for $2 and get $5 food specials.

Brio announces three-course pasta meal: Brio Tuscan Grille at Tivoli Village and Town Square Las Vegas is set to celebrate National Pasta Month in October with prix fixe meals created by Brio chefs from across the nation. The Art of Pasta special features a three-course meal, offering guests their choice of salad, pasta and dessert for $19.95 through Oct. 29. Call 702-433-1233 or 702-914-9145.

PDQ advocating for breast cancer awareness: PDQ (People Dedicated to Quality) restaurants and the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. are partnering to help raise money in October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month by selling pink T-shirts in all PDQ restaurants. This year's design was created by South Florida artist Sergio (SURGE) Quinonez, whose wife, Adriana, is a breast cancer survivor. Visit either PDQ restaurant in the valley at 3010 W. Sahara Ave. or 3737 W. Craig Road and purchase a $6 PDQ Shake Out Cancer pink T-shirt and receive a free 14-ounce milkshake. If the T-shirt is worn back into the restaurant during the month of October, guests can receive a free milkshake with the purchase of a meal. Visit eatPDQ.com.

Vote in sandwich competition: Kathie Gill's Grilled Yam n'Cheese sandwich has allowed the chef to become a top 15 finalist out of 1,000 other entrants in Oroweat bread's America's Better Sandwich contest. Now, the Las Vegas community can help Gill win a $25,000 grand prize by voting at americasbettersandwich.com. For every vote cast through Oct. 18, Oroweat will donate a loaf of bread to Feeding America. The winner is to be announced on National Sandwich Day, Nov. 3.

Smashburger offers free trip, cash: Smashburger recently launched a social media campaign, #SinCitySurvivalTips, and is giving away a free trip to Las Vegas. This promotion also benefits locals, as the cash value of the trip will be awarded to a local if he wins in lieu of the trip. Smashburger invites fans who think they have what it takes to survive Sin City to submit their most sensible, wild and outrageous survival tips on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #SinCitySurvivalTips by 9 p.m. Oct. 20. Rules and regulations are available at sincitysurvivaltips.com.

Paint-Drink-Dine events extended: Crazy Pita Rotisserie & Grill at Town Square Las Vegas, 6587 Las Vegas Blvd. South, No. 190, and Paint and Party Las Vegas plan to extend Paint-Drink-Dine events through Nov. 10. Guests paint their own artwork to take home and learn from local artists while enjoying half off beer and wine during the events, planned from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays twice a month at Crazy Pita at Town Square. The cost is $30 per person ($20 for children 16 or younger to paint). The cost includes supplies and one appetizer per table. Call 702-778-3310.

FOOTBALL SEASON SPECIALS

Boyd Gaming properties: Monday Night Madness free football viewing parties are planned for 4 p.m. Mondays during the season at Brendan's Irish Pub in The Orleans, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave. Drink specials include$15 buckets of beer and $3 Buds, along with $1.50 Vienna Beef hot dogs and giveaways. Visit orleanscasino.com or call 702-365-7111.

Free parties also are planned for 4 p.m. Mondays in the Gold Coast Showroom, 4000 W. Flamingo Road, with food and drink specials and giveaways. Visit goldcoastcasino.com or call 702-367-7111.

The Suncoast, 9090 Alta Drive, plans to host Monday football parties in the Suncoast Showroom with 97.1 The Point's Steph MacKenzie. Food and drink specials and giveways are planned. On Thursdays, The Game plans to offer half-time and game-end giveaways. Visit suncoastcasino.com or call 702-636-7111.

Sam's Town Live at Sam's Town, 5111 Boulder Highway, plans viewing parties hosted by KOMP 92.3 Mondays and Thursdays with draft beers and prizes. Admission is free for B Connected members, and doors are set to open one hour prior to kickoff. Visit samstownlv.com or call 702-456-7777.

South Point: The South Point Showroom, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans to host weekly Monday Night Pigskin Viewing Parties throughout football season. Prizes and drink specials including bottomless Budweiser and Bud Light drafts for $15, five-beer buckets of Budweiser and Bud Light for $12 and drafts of Budweiser and Bud Light for $2 are planned, along with food specials including $1 popcorn and hot dogs, $3 pizza and $4 Italian subs. Doors are set to open at 4:30 p.m., except for the Sept. 14 party, when doors are set to open at 3:30 p.m.

Throughout the professional season, all South Point hotel and casino bars plan to offer drink specials, including Budweiser and Bud Light drafts for $2 and five-beer buckets for $12. Visit southpointcasino.com or call 702-796-7111.

Made L.V.: Made L.V. at Tivoli Village, 1031 S. Rampart Blvd., plans to host a Monday Night Jersey giveaway, with all guests who purchase food or drink eligible to enter the raffle for a participating team jersey. On Saturdays, drink specials are planned for UNLV football games, and on Sundays, guests can grab a game-time (prop-bet) bingo card to win prizes including T-shirts, jerseys and drinks and food. Visit made-lv.com or call 702-722-2000.

Mercadito: Mercadito at Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd., plans to host Monday Night Football Madness from 3 to 10 p.m. Mondays with $5 margaritas, Micheladas or Misty Sleeves during happy hour menu throughout the game. Visit mercaditorestaurants.com or call 702-979-3609.

Elixir, Remedy's and Distill locations: All locations for Remedy's Tavern, Distill and Elixir plan to host fantasy football parties with free draft kits including a premium reserved area for four hours, free Wi-Fi and specialty menus for parties of 10 or more. During the season, Miller Lite specials including buckets for $10, 16-ounce drafts for $2 and towers for $12 are planned. Visit remedystavern.com, elixirlounge.net or distillbar.com.

Lagasse's Stadium: Lagasse's Stadium in The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, 3325 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans to offer special team-inspired menus during Monday and Thursday night televised football games. Call 702-607-2665.

Station Casinos: Station Casinos is set to feature $2 Bud and Bud Lights for the season while NFL games are being played (Thursday, Sunday and Monday) at the Sports Book at all Station Casinos and Fiestas. In addition, a variety of additional drink specials are planned ranging from $3 to $5 depending on the liquor/cocktail. Guests can also enjoy $1 dogs at all Station and Fiestas, excluding Red Rock Resort and Green Valley Ranch Resort.

Umami Burger: Umami Burger, Beer Garden & Sports Book at SLS Las Vegas, 2535 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans to host game-day specials Thursday through Monday for college and professional football games, including $8 Bud Light pitchers and $2 glasses, bottomless Rolling Rock draught beer for $35, select shots for $5 and a free $5 parlay bet from William Hill Sports Book with any burger purchase during Monday and Thursday night football games. Visit slsvegas.com/umamiburger.

FUNDRAISERS

PDQ: PDQ and Vegas PBS are partnering to host monthly fundraising nights to help veterans and bolster services for the deaf and blind. PDQ's two Las Vegas Valley locations — 3737 W. Craig Road and 3010 W. Sahara Ave. — each plan to host one fundraising night per month, with one benefiting the Vegas PBS Workforce Training and Economic Development program for veterans, which helps them connect to educational services, military-friendly employment opportunities and other programs, and the other benefiting the Vegas PBS Described and Captioned Media Center, which provides resources for the blind and visually impaired and the deaf and hard of hearing and their families. During these nights, PDQ plans to donate a percentage of sales generated by the charity's supporters back to the organization. The Family Fundraising Nights to benefit veterans are planned from 4 to 9 p.m. the first Friday of the month through December at the North Las Vegas location. Family nights to benefit the Described and Captioned Media Center are planned from 4 to 9 p.m. the last Friday of every month through December at the Sahara Avenue location. Visit eatpdq.com.

Sands Cares: As part of the company's Sands Cares corporate citizenship initiative, The Venetian and the Palazzo are introducing ONEHOPE Wine as a house wine selection in The Venetian, the Palazzo and the Sands Expo Convention Center, pledging a donation to Three Square food bank for every bottle sold. Guests have a choice of two award-winning varietals to support Three Square. Visit sands.com/our-commitment.html.