A La Carte: Dining news and events for June 18-24, 2015

SUSHI ROKU TO MARK INTERNATIONAL SUSHI DAY JUNE 18

In honor of International Sushi Day, June 18, and its 18th anniversary, Sushi Roku in the Forum Shops at Caesars, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans to offer a special ume for $18, featuring: tuna with avocado, cream cheese, sesame oil and sesame seed; yellowtail with salsa fresca, mizore and arare; salmon with mango, yuzu foam, ikura and ponzu; shrimp with cucumber, amazu, lemon zest and radish, halibut with red yuzu kosho, olive oil, sea salt and micro shiso; and albacore with garlic nikiri soy, aji amarillo, scallion and fried onion.

For more information, call 702-733-7373 or visit innovativedining.com/restaurants/sushiroku.

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE LAUNCHES ANNUAL FLIP FLOP DAY CAMPAIGN

Tropical Smoothie Cafe locations plan to offer free smoothies to flip flop-clad customers June 19 in honor of the ninth annual Flip Flop Day campaign, underway through June 30. The campaign asks customers to purchase paper flip flops for $1 to display on the cafe’s wall or a $5 key fob that allows for 10 percent discounts for the rest of the year. In return, Tropical Smoothie plans to make a sizable donation to Camp Sunshine, a family camp created for children and families who are dealing with cancer and cancer-related illnesses.

In addition to the campaign, Tropical Smoothie has also introduced Luau sliders and Mojito smoothies, new menu items, available until June 28. The sliders come with choices of Caribbean jerk chicken, sweet Sriracha chicken or Hawaiian pork.

For more information or to find a location, visit tropicalsmoothie.com.

MOTLEY BREWS TO HOST OPEN CONTAINER JUNE 19

Motley Brews plans to kick off its monthly summer Open Container events from 7 to 9:30 p.m. June 19 at Downtown Container Park, 707 Fremont St., when attendees will be able to sip more than 20 seasonal beers while enjoying classic movie clips and comedic short films. The event is set to conclude with a showing of the movie “Strange Brew.” Beer samples are served in a 4-ounce Open Container tasting glass.

Tickets are $20 at opencontainerpark.com and $25 at the door. Tickets for the July and August events will go on sale at a later date. All participants must be 21 or older with valid ID.

FERRARO’S PLANS NEXT TASTE & LEARN EVENT FOR JUNE 20

Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar, 4480 Paradise Road, plans to host its next Taste & Learn event from 4 to 6 p.m. June 20.

Italian wine specialist Mike Tadish is scheduled to be the guest presenter. Guests can enjoy five wines accompanied by small bites.

The cost is $50. For reservations, call 702-364-5300.

MERCADITO TO HOST COOKING DEMO JUNE 22

Mercadito at Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd., plans to offer a Cooking Demo Mondays session June 22 on summer recipes. Chefs will demonstrate their skills as guests drink and dine.

Demonstrations are $45 per person, which includes a five-course meal with cocktails, question-and-answer session and recipes. Each event is set to begin at 6 p.m., with space limited to 30 to 40 people.

The rest of the schedule is: July 13, Mexican Grilling and Entertaining; Aug. 10, Ode to the Avocado; and Sept. 28, Fall Cooking Demo and Fall Menu Unveiling.

To make a reservation, call 702-979-3609.

LES KINCAID TO HOST BARBECUING CLASS

Les Kincaid, host of the syndicated wine show “Wines Du Jour,” plans to host a class on barbecuing from 6 to 8:30 p.m. June 23 at Ferguson Enterprises, 4175 S. Grand Canyon Drive. The cost is $69.

To register, visit continuingeducation.unlv.edu or call 702-895-3394 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

WONDERLAND BAKERY PLANS CULINARY CAMP CLASSES

Wonderland Bakery, 2010 Festival Plaza Drive, No. 150, at Downtown Summerlin, has scheduled three-day baking and decorating courses as part of its Culinary Camp series. Taught by accomplished bakers and decorators, children will learn how to create baked goods using fondant, frosting, chocolate and more.

The remaining schedule is: Chocolate Lover’s Dream, June 23-25; and Crazy About Cupcakes, July 14-16.

Classes are planned from 1 to 3 p.m. and are recommended for children 5 or older. Parents are welcome to also reserve a spot. Class fees include a Wonderland apron, a T-shirt, a daily snack and beverage and take-home treats.

Each three-day series is $295. For reservations, call 702-363-3333.

CANTINA LAREDO PLANS TEQUILA DINNER JUNE 24

Cantina Laredo, 430 S. Rampart Blvd., Suite 110, in Tivoli Village, plans to host a four-course tequila dinner at 7:30 p.m. June 24. The menu will be paired with Arta Tequila. Cocktails are planned for 7 p.m.

The cost is $49.99. For reservations, call 702-202-4511.

MADE LV TO HOST GUEST CHEF DINNER SERIES JUNE 24

Made L.V., 450 S. Rampart Blvd. in Tivoli Village, plans to host a Guest Chef Dinner Series event at 6:30 p.m. June 24 featuring chef Benoit Cornet, Las Vegas mixologist James “J.R.” Starkus and Southern Wine and Spirits.

The cost is $39 per person. For reservations, call 702-722-2000.

CHOCOLATE & SPICE TO HOST CHILDREN’S CLASSES

A summer series of hands-on children’s classes are planned at Chocolate & Spice Bakery, 7293 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 8.

On June 24, children will learn to make ice cream and create their own sundaes. The July 8 class is set to feature favorite snacks, while the last class on July 22 will explore seasonal sorbets.

Each one-hour class is $25, or purchase two classes at once for $45. Classes begin at 3 p.m., and parents must be present. Walk-ins are welcome, but spots fill up quickly, so reservations are recommended.

To sign up, email megan@chefmeganromano.com. For more information, call 702-527-7772.

TENAYA CREEK BREWERY TO BE FEATURED AT BEER DINNER JUNE 25

Tapas By Alex Stratta at Tivoli Village, 440 S. Rampart Blvd., plans to host a craft beer pairing dinner featuring local Tenaya Creek Brewery from 6 to 9 p.m. June 25. Chef Alex Stratta will prepare a six-course menu to be paired with Tenaya Creek beer selections by beverage manager Peter Vitolo. Brewmaster Alex Graham will host, providing insight into the brewery’s processes and sharing his knowledge of each choice.

Raffle prizes, including a tour of the brewery, are planned. The cost is $48. For reservations, call 702-483-3555 or email Vitolo at peter@alexstrattagroup.com.

CHEF RICK MOONEN, CRAFTHAUS BREWERY TO COLLABORATE FOR DINNER

Chef Rick Moonen plans to partner with Henderson-based CraftHaus Brewery to host a special four-course collaboration dinner at 6 p.m. June 26 at Rx Boiler Room inside The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, 3930 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

Moonen plans to celebrate the launch of his first brewery collaboration, Gone with the Wit, which features a blend of locally sourced flowers, herbs and botanicals from Desert Bloom Eco Farm infused into the beer.

The cost is $60. For reservations, call 702-632-9900.

LAS VEGAS RESTAURANT WEEK RUNS THROUGH JUNE 26

Las Vegas Restaurant Week is scheduled to raise funds for Three Square food bank through June 26, with more than 140 participating restaurants around the valley featuring prix fixe menus for breakfast, lunch or dinner ranging from $20.15 to $50.15. A fixed portion of each meal’s cost will be donated to Three Square to help alleviate hunger in the valley.

The summer restaurant week replaces the previously scheduled separate spring and fall events. Helpoutdineoutlv.org has a complete list of participating restaurants, menus, directions and the ability to make reservations via opentable.com.

Diners are encouraged to share their experiences by following @threesquarelv on Twitter and using hashtags #LVRW and #HelpOutDineOut LV.

BRIO TO SHOWCASE GRILLING THROUGH JUNE 30

Brio Tuscan Grille plans to feature a three-course dinner special, The Art of Grilling, after 4 p.m. Sunday through Thursday through June. It includes a salad, grilled entree with chef-inspired toppings and a Dolchino dessert for $26.95.

For more information and locations, visit brioitalian.com.

DOWNTOWN GRAND PLANS LUAUS, BARBECUES

The Downtown Grand, 206 N. Third St., plans to host Thursday Night Luaus presented by Hot Lava at The Pool Deck. Live luau performances and an authentic Polynesian buffet are planned. The cost is $18 for adults, $14 for children 12 or younger and free for children 3 or younger. Tickets can be purchased at VIP services or at downtowngrand.com.

The Chillin’ and Grillin’ All-You-Can-Eat BBQ at The Pool Deck is planned from 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays. It is $12.99 and includes cheeseburgers, hot dogs and grilled chicken. All ages are welcome. Tickets can be purchased at The Pool Deck.

For more information, call 702-719-5100.

DOUBLE HAPPY HOUR SET AT EL CORTEZ

The El Cortez, 600 Fremont St., plans to host Double Happy Hour in The Parlour Bar from 4 to 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. Guests can enjoy throwback two-for-one cocktails, $3 Crafthaus pints and 50-cent chicken wings.

For more information, visit elcortezhotelcasino.com or call 702-385-5200.

BORDER GRILL TO FEATURE BACKYARD BARBECUES

Border Grill at Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, plans to transform its lower patio into a pop-up backyard barbecue destination to host its summer-long Backyard BBQ series prior to each Concert On The Beach performance. Barbecues are planned from 6 to 8 p.m. overlooking the Lazy River and Beach.

The menu includes oysters, ceviches, tortas, barbacoa favorites, grilled Mexican corn and grilled shrimp. Food items are prices from $3 to $8, and beers are $5 and margaritas are $7.

For more information, visit bordergrill.com or call 702-632-7403.

CRAZY PITA PLANS PAINT-DINE-DRINK EVENTS

Crazy Pita Rotisserie & Grill at Town Square Las Vegas, 6587 Las Vegas Blvd. South, No. 190, is partnering with Paint and Party Las Vegas throughout the summer to offer guests Paint-Dine-Drink events.

Guests 18 or older can paint along with local artists to create artwork to take home. The cost is $30 per person and includes painting materials and supplies along with one appetizer per table.

The events are planned twice a month on Tuesdays. For reservations, call 702-778-3310.

HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS ANNOUNCED AT TAPAS BY ALEX STRATTA

Tapas by Alex Stratta at Tivoli Village, 440 S. Rampart Blvd., plans to host happy hour from 4:30 to 6 p.m. daily. Small plates for $5 are patatas bravas, chicken croquetas and fried calamari. Glasses of red or white house wine are $6, along with red or white sangria and various rotating craft beers.

For more information, call 702-483-3555 or visit tapasalexstratta.com.

AMORINO OFFERS GELATO AT NORTH PREMIUM OUTLETS

Amorino has opened its second Las Vegas location inside the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets at 625 S. Grand Central Parkway.

The high-end gelato brand features all-natural ingredients shipped from Europe, which are also used in its gelato-filled macarons, gelato cakes and line of artisanal chocolates. Breakfast pastries, coffee, Italian espresso and cappuccino also are available.

For more information, visit amorino.com.

CHEF SAM DEMARCO CREATES TACO FOR SHARE OUR STRENGTH CAMPAIGN

Chef Sam DeMarco has created the Chef Sammy D’s B.T.L.A. Taco to be featured through June for Share our Strength’s Tacos for Strength campaign. The taco features bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado with tomato-corn salsa and chipotle lime crema on a flour tortilla. An order of four is $15.50 for dinner at Mercadito in Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd.

A portion of the proceeds go to Share Our Strength to fight childhood hunger.

For more information, visit mercaditorestaurants.com or nokidhungry.org.

COFFEE BEAN TO HOST TROOP SUPPORT FUNDRAISER

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Las Vegas plans to support active troops, veterans and their families by hosting the Support At Home campaign in its participating stores and online through July 5.

A contribution of $1 will be donated to Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit that provides financial assistance to service members and wounded warriors, for every 12-ounce Support at Home ground coffee or 20-count Support at Home tea tin sold, or patrons can purchase Support at Home retail coffee and tea products for donation to military families.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf also plans to have bins to collect backpacks from patrons for Operation Homefront’s Back-to-School Brigade initiative.

For a list of participating locations, visit coffeebeanlv.com/locations.

WOLFGANG PUCK BAR & GRILL TO HOST SUNDAY SUPPERS

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, 10955 Oval Park Drive at Downtown Summerlin, has launched a new family-style Sunday Supper featuring an assortment of starters, entrees and dessert.

The special menu is available Sundays for $25 per person for parties of 4 or more. For reservations, call 702-202-6300.

GLUTTON LAUNCHES THE BOOZY BRUNCH

Glutton, 616 E. Carson Ave., No. 110, plans to offer The Boozy Brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays with a menu of brunch dishes and drinks.

Plates includes yeast risen pancakes with cultured butter and maple cider syrup; steak and eggs featuring a kalbi-marinated ribeye with kim chee fried rice and a poached egg; and wood-roasted chicken hash with poached eggs, potatoes, peppers and sweet onion.

Brunch cocktails include Pappes Peaches with Bulleit bourbon, Giffard creme de peche, honey, lemon and basil; and Glutton Mary with kimchi Bloody Mary, American Harvest Vodka, shrimp, pickled mushrooms, celery and Togarashi chili.

For more information, visit gluttonlv.com or call 702-366-0623.

GRIMALDI’S PIZZERIA RETURNS TUESDAY TASTINGS

Through the summer, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria locations plan to offer Tuesday Tastings, featuring half-off glasses, carafes and bottles of wine (with the exception of sangria and house wine).

Prosciutto arugula pizza is back for June, along with a limited release of URLO (Scream) Red Blend Italian wine.

For more information and locations, visit grimaldispizzeria.com.

NEXT CULINARY CLASSROOM SET FOR JUNE 30 AT BELLAGIO

Bellagio executive chef Edmund Wong plans to host the Executive Chef’s Culinary Classroom, a series of interactive, two-hour cooking classes through Nov. 10. Wong and his culinary team will share ideas and techniques as they guide guests through the steps to creating a three-course meal. Classes will be held in the resort’s demonstration kitchen, Tuscany Kitchen.

The schedule is: Backyard Patio Grilling, June 30; Learning to Roll … Sushi and Rolls, July 23; Back to School, Aug. 27; Cupcakes & Cocktails, Sept. 29; Octoberfest, Oct. 13; and Harvesting Thanksgiving 2.0, Nov. 10.

All-inclusive tickets for each session are $135 per person. For tickets, call 866-406-7117.

FOOD AND WINE EVENT SET FOR SEPT. 12 AND 13

The Food & Wine Festival is scheduled for Sept. 12 and 13 at Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd.

The grand tasting is set from 8 to 11 p.m. Sept 12 poolside. Tickets are $100 to $150. An after-party is slated from midnight to 2 a.m. at Hearthstone. Tickets are $85.

The events are for guests 21 or older. For tickets, visit vegasfoodandwine.com.