A La Carte Aug. 7-13

SIMON RESTAURANT & LOUNGE REVAMPS MENU AT PALMS PLACE

Chef Kerry Simon has revamped the menu at Simon Restaurant & Lounge at Palms Place, 4321 W. Flamingo Road.

New dishes include California king salmon with crushed baby potatoes, escarole and horseradish crème fra"che; whole roasted branzino with shaved fennel, hot and sour peppers and lemon confit; pan-seared Alaskan halibut with Israeli cous cous, tomatoes, olives, cherries and pine nuts; Cajun spice-rubbed, 36-ounce prime tomahawk rib-eye steak; and tuna dynamite with lump crab and red chili aioli.

New desserts are lemon ricotta cheesecake, warm chocolate pudding cake, fried apple pie and strawberry shortcake made with a strawberry cream scone, lemon basil strawberry jam and fresh strawberries.

For more information and reservations, call 944-3292.

KABUKI TO HOST SAKE & BEER FESTIVAL WEDNESDAY AT TIVOLI VILLAGE

Kabuki Japanese Restaurant at Tivoli Village, 400 S. Rampart Blvd., No. 190, plans to host a Japanese Sake & Beer Festival from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Taste a large selection of sakes and Japanese beers and enjoy a variety of Kabuki's favorite dishes. Live entertainment and raffle prizes also are planned. Tickets are $25 per person. For more information, call 896-7440.

RENAISSANCE LAS VEGAS HOTEL PLANS SAKE SESSIONS

The Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel, 3400 Paradise Road, plans to host Sake Sessions from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday.

The evening is set to include complimentary tastings of international sake, sake specialists, themed food stations and music poolside.

Specialty sake cocktails and bento boxes will be $7 each, and house cocktails will be $8.

For more information, call 800-750-0980 or visit renaissancelasvegas.com.

WILDHORSE GOLF CLUB TO HOST NINE & DINE DINNER FRIDAY

Wildhorse Golf Club, 2100 W. Warm Springs Road, plans to host a Nine & Dine dinner and golf event from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday.

Couples can play nine holes of golf in a scramble format with a shotgun start and enjoy a steak or chicken dinner with wine.

The cost is $35 per person and $25 for members.

To sign up, call 434-9000, ext. 4.

BAR + BISTRO CHEF TO COMPETE ON 'CHOPPED'

Chef Beni Velàzquez of Bar + Bistro @ The Arts Factory is slated to compete on the Food Network program "Chopped" at 10 p.m. today, and to celebrate, the restaurant at 107 E. Charleston Blvd., No. 155, plans to host a viewing party at 8 p.m. with tapas and cocktails.

For more information, call 202-6060.

LAGASSE'S STADIUM HOSTING GRILLING CLASSES

Lagasse's Stadium at The Palazzo, 3325 Las Vegas Blvd. South, is hosting a series of grilling classes with chef de cuisine Scott Pajak.

The classes take place at 6 p.m. in a private luxury box with demos and grilling techniques. Guests can try the fire-roasted creations, paired with specialty cocktails.

Friday's class will feature appetizers of ham hock with black bean chili and baked oysters, paired with a Watermelon Crawl with rum, watermelon, Sprite and pineapple juice. Entrees will be grilled brats and grilled pork loin on bourbon mashed potatoes, paired with a Side Car featuring cognac, triple sec, sour mix and a splash of Rose's Lime.

The Aug. 24 class will feature appetizers of shrimp and Creole Parmesan cheese sauce with grilled asparagus and charred beef and creamy Brie cheese risotto with chive oil, paired with a margarita with Patron Silver, Cointreau and sour mix. Entrees will be Bloody Mary-marinated chicken breast, herb-roasted Yukon Gold potatoes, haricot vert and grilled pork loin on Andouille sausage and cornbread stuffing, paired with a Rusty Nail featuring scotch and Drambuie.

Each class is $60 per person. Space is limited. To make a reservation, call 607-2665.

GILLEY'S SALOON PLANS BENEFIT FOR HELP OF SOUTHERN NEVADA

Gilley's Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que at Treasure Island, 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans to host a Boot Scootin' Benefit for HELP of Southern Nevada from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Line-dancing teams are invited to compete in a line-dancing marathon. They will be treated to two-for-one deals on draft beers and cocktails (except for premium brands) and $5 appetizers such as Texas nachos grande, Buffalo chicken wings, barbecue pulled pork sliders, onion rings and Southern-style chicken tenders.

Entertainment also is set to include psychic readings and mechanical bull riding. Prizes will be awarded to line dancing teams of up to six people each for best dancer, best costume, worst dancer and the team that can dance the longest. Pirates and Sirens from "The Sirens of TI" outdoor show will be on hand.

Entry fee is $25, and participants receive a free raffle ticket and drink. The event is open to those 12 or older.

For more information, contact Abby Quinn at aquinn@helpsonv.org or call 836-2130.

APPLEBEE'S TO HOST FLAPJACK FUNDRAISER FOR BEAGLE RESCUE

Applebee's at Boca Park, 8730 W. Charleston Blvd., plans to host a flapjack fundraiser to benefit the Southern Nevada Beagle Rescue from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday.

Breakfast will feature pancakes, syrup, butter, scrambled eggs, sausage, milk, juice, coffee and soft drinks. Raffle drawings are planned.

Tickets are $10, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the rescue. For tickets, visit southernnevadabeaglerescue.com/events/applebees-flapjack.

VEGAS STREATS FESTIVAL SET FOR SATURDAY

The El Cortez, 600 E. Fremont St., plans to host the Vegas StrEATs Festival from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday on the Jackie Gaughan Parkway.

Las Vegas food trucks plan to participate, along with local art and clothing vendors. Drink specials are set to include $3 Bud Light, Shock Top and Bud Light Lime, $4 Jameson Irish whiskey, Jagermeister and 1800 Silver tequila shots and $2 Pepsi products.

For a complete list of participating food trucks and vendors, visit facebook.com/vegasstreats.

ISLANDS FEATURING LONDON OLYMPICS-THEMED DRINK THROUGH SUNDAY

Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks, 10810 W. Charleston Blvd., is offering an I-Shandy drink for $2.95 during lunch during the Olympic Games through Sunday.

The drink is a blend of lemonade, mango and beer.

COOKING CLASSES PLANNED AT FERGUSON GALLERY

Les Kincaid, host of the radio wine show "Wines Du Jour," plans to host a class on corn from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 14 and one on light vegetarian meals Aug. 21 at Ferguson Bath & Kitchen Gallery, 4175 S. Grand Canyon Drive, No. 109.

The cost for each class is $49 per person (cash or check only). To make a reservation, email les@leskincaid.com. For more information, call 871-5145.

MARCHÉ BACCHUS TO HOST DAVID ARTHUR WINE DINNER AUG. 16

Marché Bacchus French Bistro and Wine Shop, 2620 Regatta Drive, No. 106, plans to host a wine dinner featuring David Arthur Vineyards of Napa Valley, Calif., at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16.

A five-course tasting menu is planned. All wines will be available for purchase.

The cost is $95 per person. Space is limited. For reservations, call 804-8008.

J.C. WOOLOUGHAN'S IRISH PUB OFFERS FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT SPECIALS

J.C. Wooloughan's Irish Pub in the Rampart Casino at The Resort at Summerlin, 221 N. Rampart Blvd., plans to offer food and drink specials as part of the fantasy football draft.

Specials include $5.99 Angus burgers, $10 domestic beer pitchers and $13 import beer pitchers during all draft parties scheduled Aug. 16 through Sept. 4 (excluding Wednesdays).

For more information, call 869-7725.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL RUM DAY WITH COCKTAILS AT RM SEAFOOD

Rick Moonen's rm seafood in The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans to celebrate National Rum Day Aug. 16 with cocktails featuring Don Q Rum.

Rum-inspired dishes also are planned from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. downstairs and 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. upstairs.

For reservations, call 632-9300.

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. Aug. 17.

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 691-2053.

SUNCOAST TO HOST MISS CUPCAKE PAGEANT AND BAKE-OFF EVENT

The Suncoast, 9090 Alta Drive, is scheduled to host the Miss Cupcake USA Pageant and Las Vegas Cupcake Bake-Off Aug. 18 and 19.

The pageant is set for 9:30 a.m. Aug. 18 in the Madrid Room. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 or younger and can be purchased at the door. Six winners will be crowned from multiple age divisions, along with optional categories.

The bake-off is set from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 19 in the Grand Ballroom and is presented by Gigi's Cupcakes and the Suncoast. The public is invited to watch 100 bakers compete for title of Best Cupcake Baker in Las Vegas and cash prizes. The grand prize winner's cupcake will be featured at both Gigi's Cupcakes locations in Las Vegas.

For guests 21 or older, flair bartenders will create cocktails. Speed decorating demonstrations also are planned.

Tickets for the bake-off are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 or younger. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Project Teddy.

For more information and bake-off tickets, visit suncoastcasino.com/entertain/headliner-calendar.

EL SEGUNDO SOL PLANS AUG. 25 COOKING CLASS

El Segundo Sol at the Fashion Show mall, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans to host a cooking class with executive chef Terry Lynch from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 25.

Learn how to make and sample zesty guacamole with guajillo chiles and orange and achiote shrimp tacos with tomatillo salsa. Dessert will be bunuellos with summer berries and hibiscus syrup. Drinks will be summer sangria with melon and agave and watermelon with mint margaritas.

The cost is $25 per person. To sign up, call 258-1211.

KING'S FISH HOUSE OFFERING MARYLAND SOFT-SHELL CRAB FOR LIMITED TIME

King's Fish House in The District at Green Valley Ranch, 2255 Village Walk Drive, Suite 139, is offering Maryland soft-shell crab through September.

Menu items available for lunch and dinner include Southern fried soft-shell crab with remoulade, coleslaw and french fries; soft-shell crab piccata style with lemon, butter and capers; and tempura-style soft-shell crab with ponzo sauce.

For reservations, call 835-8900.

CARNIVAL OF CUISINE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THREE SQUARE AUG. 25

The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans to host the fifth annual Carnival of Cuisine from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 25 in The Venetian Ballroom to benefit Three Square food bank.

Guests can enjoy cooking demonstrations, tastings from more than 15 eateries and specialty drinks, along with the chance to win prizes such as restaurant gift cards.

Restaurants scheduled to participate include B&B Ristorante, Bouchon, Carnevino, Delmonico Steakhouse, Lagasse's Stadium, LAVO, Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro, Public House, SUSHISAMBA, Table 10, TAO and Valentino.

General admission tickets are $60. VIP tickets, which include early entry and a special gift, are $85. A portion of each ticket benefits Three Square.

Grazie members will receive a discount of $75 for VIP and $50 for general admission.

Guests must be 21 or older.

For tickets, visit the box office at The Venetian or Palazzo, call 414-9000 or visit venetian.com or palazzo.com.

LAS VEGAS RESTAURANT WEEK SET FOR AUG. 27 THROUGH SEPT. 2

Las Vegas Restaurant Week is planned Aug. 27 through Sept. 2 to benefit Three Square food bank.

Diners can visit any participating restaurant and enjoy a multi-course, prix fixe menu for $20.12 to $50.12.

For a list of participating restaurants and menu details, visit helpoutdineoutlv.org.

OSCAR'S ANNOUNCES HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS AT THE PLAZA

Oscar's Beef, Booze & Broads at the Plaza, 1 S. Main St., plans to offer half off cocktails from 4 to 6 p.m. daily for happy hour in the lounge and bar area. Specialty cocktails, well drinks and a selection of beer and wine will be available.

The menu also includes new drinks for summer, including Downtown Neon, made with pinot gris, watermelon and lime. For more information, call 386-7227.

ORIGIN INDIA OFFERS DISHES FOR LESS THAN $6 AT HAPPY HOUR

Origin India Restaurant, 4480 Paradise Road, is offering a new happy hour menu from 5 to 7 p.m. weekdays featuring dishes for less than $6.

The menu includes murgh malai tikka (chicken breast marinated with cheddar cheese and yogurt and cooked in the tandoor), kathi rolls (wraps with chicken, lamb or paneer, served with salad and chutney), kalmi kebab (chicken drumsticks marinated with Indian spices and herbs and cooked in the tandoor), fish amritsari (tilapia fish deep fried and served with chutney), samosa chaat (crispy fried samosas served with chickpeas), chili garlic mushroom (mushroom caps stuffed with cheese and tossed with garlic sauce), hara bara kebab (fresh spinach and chickpeas patty served with chutney) and cheese and onion bhaji (mozzarella cheese and onion patty served with tamarind chutney).

Specially priced drinks also are available, including half off beer, wine and well alcohol.

For more information, call 734-6342.

ENJOY SPECIALTY STEAK AND SANGRIA MENUS AT FLEMING'S

A different specialty steak menu with optional sangria pairing is being offered every two weeks through August at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 8721 W. Charleston Blvd.

Each meal is $39.95 and includes a specialty steak, a salad and a dessert. Meals can be paired with a specially blended sangria for $7.95.

Through Sunday, the steak is prime New York strip with sweet and spicy rub, paired with South Seas Sangria.

Monday through Aug. 26, the steak is prime New York strip with crispy Gorgonzola, paired with Sailors Sunset Sangria.

For reservations, call 838-4774.

FLEMING'S SERVING PRIME RIB SPECIAL SUNDAYS THROUGH SEPT. 2

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 8721 W. Charleston Blvd., is offering a three-course prime rib dinner Sundays through Sept. 2.

The meal features a 12-ounce prime rib served with a trio of sauces, choice of The Wedge, Fleming's or Caesar salad, one side dish (from 10 selections) and one housemade dessert (from seven selections).

The cost is $29.95 per guest. B.R. Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon will be $40 per bottle.

For reservations, call 838-4774.

STATION CASINOS PLANS LOBSTER BAKE SPECIAL IN AUGUST

Station Casinos plans to offer a lobster bake for $21.99 during August at The Broiler at Palace Station, 2411 W. Sahara Ave., and Boulder Station, 4111 Boulder Highway; Sonoma Cellar at Sunset Station, 1301 W. Sunset Road; Austins at Texas Station, 2101 Texas Star Lane; Fuego at Fiesta Henderson, 777 W. Lake Mead Parkway; the Charcoal Room at Santa Fe Station, 4949 N. Rancho Drive; and MRKT at Aliante Station, 7300 Aliante Parkway.

The meal features a whole lobster with smoked sausage, steamed red potatoes, corn and drawn butter.

For more information, visit sclv.com.

SAMMY'S GIVING KIDS FREE MESSY SUNDAES FOR READING

All five Las Vegas Valley Sammy's Woodfired Pizza & Grill locations are offering a free Messy Sundae to children 12 or younger who read and list eight books on a Reading is Rewarding card.

The card must include a teacher's or parent's signature. One card will be offered per table and one offer per party of four or fewer.

The promotion is available through Aug. 31. Sammy's locations are at 6500 W. Sahara Ave., 227-6000; 9516 W. Flamingo Road, 638-9500; 7160 N. Durango Drive, 365-7777; 4300 E. Sunset Road, 450-6664; and 7345 Arroyo Crossing Parkway, 263-7171.

LAGASSE'S STADIUM ANNOUNCES BEER PAIRING MENU, BEER DINNER

Lagasse's Stadium at The Palazzo, 3325 Las Vegas Blvd. South, has introduced a summer beer pairing menu available through August.

Pairings include chilled melon soup with blue crabmeat and lemon gremolatta and citrus gastrique, paired with Samuel Adams Summer Ale for $14. Another pairing is tortilla-crusted fish tacos, paired with Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy for $16.

Oyster & Beer Fridays feature $1.50 oyster specials and a variety of domestic draft beer specials for $4 and import drafts for $5.