Las Vegas restaurants, chef make awards semifinals

Picasso at Bellagio, led by executive chef Julian Serrano, is a semifinalist in two categories -- outstanding restaurant and outstanding wine program -- in the 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards. Joel Robuchon at MGM Grand is a semifinalist for outstanding service, and Mitsuo Endo, executive chef of Aburiya Raku, is a semifinalist for Best Chef: Southwest. The finalists will be announced March 19 in Las Vegas, with the winners named May 7 in New York. ...

Next week is the annual National Wine Week at Smith & Wollensky, 3767 Las Vegas Blvd. South, with tastings of 10 wines for $10 with the purchase of a lunch entree. To celebrate the 50th National Wine Week, this year's event will include a three-course prix-fixe lunch with 10 wine samplings for $50. ...

Dragon Noodle Co. & Sushi Bar at the Monte Carlo, 3770 Las Vegas Blvd. South, is offering a prix-fixe dinner with beer pairings through the end of the month. Available to parties of two or more, it's $28 per person. ...

Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro at the Palazzo, 3325 Las Vegas Blvd. South, is once again offering its Mussels, Frites and Craft Beer menu, through March 30. It features three styles of mussels and frites and is available all day. ...

Wednesday is the next Whisk(e)y Wednesday at Andre's at the Monte Carlo. Jameson's Irish Whiskey will be showcased from 9 to 11 p.m., with unlimited tastings for $25 in advance or $35 at the door. ...

Via Brasil Steakhouse, 1225 S. Fort Apache Road, is offering locals its rodizio dinner for $39.99 for men, $29.99 for women, every Thursday. ...

The Venetian and the Palazzo will host a Friends of James Beard Benefit Dinner at 6 p.m. March 19. It will include a five-course menu, beverage pairings, entertainment and a silent auction. Tickets are $150, or $175 for VIP, which includes a Champagne reception, priority seating and a gift. For tickets, call The Venetian box office at 414-9000 or visit www.Venetian.com/JamesBeard. ...

KJ Kitchen Dim Sum & Seafood Chinese Restaurant has opened at the Rio, 3700 W. Flamingo Road. It's open from 10 a.m. to 5 a.m. daily. ...

For additional restaurant news, visit lvrj.com/blogs/vegasvoice.

Send information to Heidi Knapp Rinella, P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125. You also can send faxes to 383-4676 or email her at hrinella@reviewjournal.com.