A La Carte for Oct. 30-Nov. 5

WINDY CITY BEEFS N' DOGS TO HOST SUMMERLIN LIONS CLUB FUNDRAISER

The Summerlin Lions Club and Lower Extremity Amputation Prevention (LEAP) Alliance needs your help, and all it takes is getting a meal. Windy City Beefs N' Dogs, 7500 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Suite 10, plans to donate 20 percent of the proceeds from orders made from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday using a special voucher to the group. Only orders that are made with the voucher will qualify.

To obtain a voucher, email lrubin @leapalliance.org and get it via return email, then print it and present it when ordering. The donated funds will help fund the Lions Hunt for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) Free Foot Screening Program and the Sight First programs to help prevent blindness in the visually impaired.

For the menu, visit windycitybeefs ndogs.com.

CHOCOLATE & SPICE BAKERY TO HOST HOLIDAY PIES COOKING CLASS

Chef Megan Romano plans to host a seasonal holiday pies cooking class from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at Chocolate & Spice Bakery, 7293 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 8.

Learn baking techniques for pie dough, various pie finishes such as lattice crust, full crust and toasted meringue, as well as assorted fillings, including apple, pecan, pumpkin and blueberry.

Samplings of each pie, as well as small bites, refreshments and a gift bag, are included in the $65 per person package. Attendees will be encouraged to participate in the class. To sign up, email megan@chefmeganromano.com.

ETHEL M CHOCOLATES TO BEGIN SELLING HOLIDAY COLLECTIONS THURSDAY

Ethel M Chocolates plans to begin selling its 2012 Holiday Collections Thursday.

The gourmet collections, seasonal favorites, stocking stuffers and gift baskets will be available in stores and at ethelm.com for a limited time. The 24-piece Holiday Deluxe Collection is $32 and features a medley of classic pieces such as Almond Butter Krisps, Milk and Dark Caramels and Satin Crèmes, along with seasonal favorites such as Eggnog and Pumpkin Pie.

A tribute to the Holiday Cactus Garden, the 16-piece Cactus Garden Box ($25) features assorted milk and dark chocolate pieces. The Holiday Genuine Tin is 32 pieces for $45 and features a variety of favorites, along with vintage pieces such as Nutty Meltaway and Lemon Caramel in a keepsake tin.

Also available is the signature Peppermint Bark, which is $18 for 6.4 ounces, the Holiday Nut & Caramel Collection (16 pieces for $25) and the Almond Butter Krisp Tin (12 pieces for $18). Gift basket options starting at $50 are also available.

GRIMALDI'S PIZZERIA OFFERING GIFT CARD PROMOTION THROUGH DEC. 26

Grimaldi's Pizzeria is offering a gift card promotion through Dec. 26. Guests who purchase a $50 gift card will get a $10 gift card.

Cards can be purchased in store or at grimaldispizzeria.com.

MARIE CALLENDER'S WHOLE PIE-TO-GO SALE ENDS WEDNESDAY

Marie Callender's is offering whole pies to go for $7.99, plus the tin, through Wednesday.

There are more than 30 varieties to choose from, including apple, banana cream, berry, blueberry, cherry, coconut cream, French apple, lemon meringue, peach and pumpkin.

Pie sale excludes cheesecakes, seasonal fresh fruit pies and promotional pies.

For more information and to find locations, visit mariecallenders.com.

BALLY'S TO HOST WORLD FOOD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Bally's, 3645 Las Vegas Blvd. South, is scheduled to feature the first World Food Championships, hosted by Adam Richman of "Man vs. Food," Thursday through Sunday.

Additional events are planned at Paris Las Vegas and Caesars Palace. The four-day festival and cooking competition will feature culinary champions squaring off for food supremacy in several categories and for a share of the $300,000 prize purse. Categories include barbecue, chili, burgers and sides. Live stage shows and hourly food demonstrations are also planned.

Competitions and demonstrations Friday and Saturday are free for spectators. Ticketed events include the Champions Reception to benefit Keep Memory Alive, planned for 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday at the Paris Las Vegas pool. Tickets are $150 in advance and $175 at the event.

From 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Bally's is set to host the World Burger Extravaganza at the Las Vegas Entrance Plaza. General admission is free. VIP admission is $175 in advance and $225 at the event (includes exclusive VIP area with complimentary bites and beverages, meet-and-greet with Richman and other participating celebrity chefs).

Feast under the Stars is planned for 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Bally's pool. General admission is free, and VIP tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the event.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, the Final Table is set to be at Caesars Palace Cooking Coliseum in front of the main valet. The champion will be crowned and guests can dine on gourmet fare. Tickets are $250 in advance and $300 at the event.

All All Access VIF (Very Important Foodie) weekend pass is $550 in advance and $750 at the event. It includes entrance to every ticketed event, access to the VIP area, complimentary bites and beverages and the meet-and-greet.

For advance tickets, visit worldfood championships.com/tickets.

CLAIM JUMPER PLANS NOVEMBER FUNDRAISER FOR OPPORTUNITY VILLAGE

Claim Jumper restaurants in the Las Vegas Valley plan to show their support for Opportunity Village in November by hosting the Feast for a Claus fundraiser beginning Thursday.

Event fliers will be available at the door of each participating restaurant from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. A special menu will feature festive cocktails and dishes, including Mistletinis, Reindeeritas, Elves' Mini Tri Tip Dips, a Sleigh Full of Loaded Skins, Santa's turkey supper, Mrs. Claus' whiskey apple glazed chicken and pumpkin cream cheese pie.

To encourage registration for the 2012 Las Vegas Great Santa Run, Claim Jumper plans to donate 15 percent of its Feast for a Claus sales to Opportunity Village. Patrons who sign up for the run in November will receive $5 off their registration fee and a complimentary order of Rudolph's onion rings with the purchase of an entree. Claim Jumper also plans to welcome the season's first Santa Claus appearance.

Claim Jumper is at 6629 Las Vegas Blvd. South in Town Square Las Vegas, 601 N. Green Valley Parkway in Henderson and 1100 S. Fort Apache Road.

For more information about Claim Jumper, visit claimjumper.com. For more information about the Great Santa Run, visit opportunityvillage.org/great-santa-run.

TAO TO MARK NATIONAL SUSHI DAY WITH SPECIAL

In celebration of National Sushi Day on Thursday, TAO Asian Bistro in The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans to offer a sushi special Thursday through Sunday.

The special lobster, cucumber and avocado roll is topped with toro and caviar and served with a spicy wasabi sauce for $45. Guests who order it will receive a complimentary bottle of sake. Quantities are limited.

For more information, call 702-388-8588.

BORDER GRILL TO CELEBRATE DAY OF THE DEAD WITH SPECIAL MENU

Border Grill at Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans to celebrate the Day of the Dead holiday Thursday and Friday with specials planned today through Monday.

Specialty drinks will be Blood Orange Ginger Margarita and The Green Goblin. Appetizers will be black tamales and diablo ceviche, and planned entrees are blackened Hawaiian walu and pork in mole negro. Dessert will be ginger apple cake.

Patrons are also invited to write the name of a deceased loved one on a brightly colored tag and tie it to the altar.

For reservations, call 702-632-7403.

CHINA POBLANO PLANS SPECIAL MENU FOR DAY OF THE DEAD

China Poblano inside the Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans to offer a special menu showcasing regional dishes in honor of the Day of the Dead. The menu will be available through Friday and includes three festive cocktails.

Menu highlights include sopa de calabaza, butternut squash, crispy pork rind, habanero and pumpkin seeds; cachetes de res on mole xico, braised veal cheek, plaintain and mole xico; and chocolate mezccal cookie ice cream sandwich with chocolate cookies, mezcal raisins and masa ice cream.

Prices range from $6.50 to $16.

For more information, call 702-698-7900.

EL SEGUNDO SOL TO OFFER SPECIALS FRIDAY FOR DAY OF THE DEAD PARTY

El Segundo Sol at the Fashion Show mall, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans to offer specials from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday during a Day of the Dead party. A "Wheela Tequila" game with chances to win prizes is planned, as well as a disc jockey scheduled to play music beginning at 6 p.m.

Tableside margaritas will be $5, tequila shots will be $3 and imported bottles of beer will be $3.75. Food specials include Atomic Cheese Nachos for $2.75, tacos for $3 each with steak and chipotle salsa or pork belly with caramelized pineapple and chile, and Baja-style lobster tacos with avocado-tomatillo salsa for $5 each.

For more information and to make reservations, call 702-258-1211.

FLEMING'S TO HOST SOUTH AMERICAN-THEMED WINE DINNER FRIDAY

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 8721 W. Charleston Blvd., plans to host a wine dinner at 6:30 p.m. Friday featuring four wines paired with a South American-themed menu.

Thomas Burke, one of 118 professionals in North America to earn the title of master sommelier, will be on hand to guide a tour of the Argentine wine scene. Courses are set to be chorizo lettuce wraps and ravioli de porcini al burro, fresh mozzarella salad and churrasco portobello with sides of humita baked corn, tomatoes and onions, tostones fried green plaintains and Peruvian grilled asparagus. Dessert will be Patagonian fruit cake.

The cost is $75 per guest. For reservations, call 702-838-4774.

BARBECUE FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT HOMELESS CANINES

A Western-themed barbecue fundraiser is planned for 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday at 880 Rancho Circle to benefit A Home 4 Spot.

Planned activities include a Texas-style barbecue, free line dancing instruction, disc jockeys and raffles. Participants are encouraged to wear Western-style clothing and must be 21 or older.

Tickets are $15 in advance at ahome4spot.com and $20 at the door. All proceeds will benefit A Home 4 Spot, an all-volunteer organization that provides foster care and medicine while seeking permanent homes for abandoned dogs.

For more information, email ahome4spot@gmail.com.

LES KINCAID TO CONTINUE WINE AND COOKING CLASSES

Les Kincaid, host of the radio wine show "Wines Du Jour," plans to host a variety of classes for participants 21 or older from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on select days in November and December.

A class on Indian cuisine is scheduled for Nov. 6 and 13 at Ferguson Bath & Kitchen Gallery, 4175 S. Grand Canyon Drive, No. 109, for $69 per person.

The class Ports and Cheese is planned for Nov. 28 at Total Wine & More in Boca Park, 730 S. Rampart Blvd., for $59 per person.

The class Champagnes & Sparkling Wines Around the World is planned for Dec. 5 at Total Wine & More in Boca Park for $59 per person.

Payments can be cash, check or credit card. To register for any class, visit edoutreach.unlv.edu/continuingeducation. For more information, email michelle.baker@unlv.edu or call 702-895-3254.

OPERATION HEARTREACH COCKTAIL PARTY TO BENEFIT HEART FOUNDATION

The second annual Operation HeartReach cocktail party is planned for 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 8 at Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge in Town Square Las Vegas, 6599 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

The event will benefit the Children's Heart Foundation and feature "heartinis," appetizers, cocktails, dessert, silent and live auctions and raffles. Radio personality Chet Buchanan is set to be the master of ceremonies.

Admission is $75 at the door. Pre-registration is encouraged. For more information, call 702-967-3522 or visit chfn.org.

CASA FUENTE PLANS CIGAR, WHISKEY EVENT FOR NOV. 9 AND 10

Casa Fuente inside The Forum Shops at Caesars, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans to celebrate Arturo Fuente Cigars' 100 years in the cigar business Nov. 9 and 10 with the Cigar Aficionado's Big Smoke Weekend.

The Fuente family is scheduled to be on hand at 10 p.m. Nov. 10 to cut a celebratory cake and light special cigars. On Nov. 9 and 10 from 4 to 6 p.m., the Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey team plans to engrave personalized bottles of the limited edition Casa Fuente Single Barrel Whiskey. A portion of the proceeds from each bottle will benefit the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, which helps at-risk children in the Dominican Republic.

For more information, visit casafuentespiritsociety.com or call 702-731-5051.

ROY'S WINE CLUB TO MEET

Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, 620 E. Flamingo Road, plans to host a waina hui (wine club) tasting from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 16.

Each tasting features a sampling of Roy's signature appetizers. Members receive a wine glass, an invitation to all wine club events, an invitation to Roy's select seasonal events, a 10 percent reduction on bottled wine purchased at Roy's and reduced pricing for select Roy's wine dinners.

The cost to attend a tasting is $20 for wine club members and $25 for nonmembers.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 702-691-2053.

CAESARS PALACE TO HOST FOOD UNIVERSITY IN DECEMBER

Food University is planned Dec. 11-13 at Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South. The event is designed to transform foodies from spectators into competition-ready chefs.

A collaboration among Caesars Palace, hospitality industry leader Larry Ruvo, Food Network co-founder Robin Leach and culinary entertainment producer Richard Gore, Food University will have student volunteers from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' hospitality school assisting with back-of-the-house preparations. Proceeds from "admissions" will go to Keep Memory Alive.

The first session will be open to 80 people. The cost is $1,995 per person for all three days and includes food and beverages and course instruction.

For more information, visit fooduniversitylasvegas.com. For tickets, call 866-840-8822.

SPAGO LAS VEGAS BRINGING BACK ORIGINAL MENU FOR 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Spago Las Vegas in The Forum Shops at Caesars, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. South, is turning 20, and to celebrate, chef Wolfgang Puck plans to greet guests, take photos and cook in the kitchen Dec. 11. The restaurant is also marking the occasion by offering a throwback menu for a limited time with retro pricing.

The menu will be available for dinner only Dec. 10-14 and includes an appetizer of house smoked sturgeon with crisp potato galette and horseradish cream for $12 and an entree of Cantonese-style roasted duck with wild huckleberries, ginger and stir-fried baby bok choy for $20.

For more information, call 702-369-6300.

KING'S FISH HOUSE SERVING WILD PACIFIC SWORDFISH FOR LIMITED TIME

Wild Pacific swordfish is available through the end of January for lunch and dinner at King's Fish House, 2255 Village Walk Drive in The District at Green Valley Ranch.

Swordfish dishes include puttanesca pasta tomato sauce, Kalamata olives and roasted peppers for $15.45 for lunch and $18.95 for dinner and piccata style with lemon butter and capers, roasted ratatouille and rosemary potatoes for $16.95 for lunch and $22.95 for dinner.

For more information, call 702-835-8900.

SAMMY'S WOODFIRED PIZZA OFFERS WINE DEAL SUNDAYS AND MONDAYS

Sammy's Woodfired Pizza & Grill is offering half off bottles of wine with the purchase of Classic Sammy's Dishes after 6 p.m. Sundays and Mondays through the end of the year.

Classic dishes include grilled shrimp salad, any pizza on whole wheat crust, angel hair pomodoro, shrimp angel hair pasta, sun-dried tomato artisan thin-crust pizza and baba ghanoush.

The special is available at all of Sammy's Las Vegas Valley locations. For more information and to find locations, visit sammyspizza.com.

A TASTY WAY TO HELP CANCER RESEARCH

Leoné Café at Tivoli Village, 302 S. Rampart Blvd., Suite 165, plans a Coffee for a Cure promotion benefiting the UC San Diego Nevada Cancer Institute every Tuesday through 2012.

On those days, 25 cents from every large coffee and espresso beverage purchase will be donated to NVCI.

Hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 702-684-5853.

RAMPART CASINO OFFERING FOOTBALL SEASON DINING SPECIALS

The Rampart Casino at The Resort at Summerlin, 221 N. Rampart Blvd., is offering $2 Bud and Bud Light in all casino bars all day during football season. Food specials include $1 Vienna beef hot dogs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and 4 to 9 p.m. Mondays.

J.C. Wooloughan's Irish Pub is offering food and beverage specials beginning at 9 a.m. Sundays, including $2 Bud and Bud Light drafts, $8 domestic pitchers, $10 import pitchers and $5 Bloody Marys. Food specials include $6 wings, a $5.99 Angus burger and $8 All-American breakfast.

LOCALS GET 25 PERCENT OFF AT TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE ON THE STRIP

Tropical Smoothie Cafe at 3717 Las Vegas Blvd. South is offering a 25 percent discount for locals.

Located on the corner of Harmon Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard, adjacent to Planet Hollywood Resort, the cafe has been open for three months and is the franchise's first Strip-based location. Free parking is available behind the shopping complex.

For more information or to see the menu, visit tropicalsmoothiecafe.com.

THEME DINNERS WITH BEER PAIRINGS PLANNED AT BARLEY'S

Barley's Casino & Brewing Co., 4500 E. Sunset Road, plans to host theme buffet dinners with beer pairings from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturdays through the end of the year.

Beers brewed by Barley's Brew Master Jeffrey "Bubba" Amas will be used in the preparation of select food items, and Amas will provide beer pairing suggestions for guests 21 or older.

For Station Casinos Boarding Pass rewards program members, the all-you-can-eat buffet is $10.99 per person. Barley's beer is $1 per draft or $5 for all you can drink. For nonmembers, the dinner is $12.99.

For more information, call 702-458-2739.