Carnival of Cuisine to feature restaurant fare

The Venetian and Palazzo's more than 30 restaurants (headed by chefs including eight James Beard award winners) will share their fare and techniques during the Carnival of Cuisine from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the ballroom at The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South. It's $50 per person per day; tickets can be purchased at The Venetian or Palazzo box offices, by calling 414-9000 or by visiting venetian.com/carnival.aspx. ...

Fine wines and artisan cheeses will be featured in a benefit reception for Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. It's scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 6 at Spiedini at the J.W. Marriott, 221 N. Rampart Blvd. It's $45 per person; for reservations or more information, call 869-8500. ...

Six Tables Restaurant and Cruise Holidays of Summerlin have scheduled an informational wine-tours dinner for 7 p.m. Sept. 8 at the restaurant, 2110 N. Rampart Blvd. The six-course dinner is $125 per person. For reservations or more information, call 256-2060 or visit www.sixtables.com. ...

Morton's the Steakhouse, 400 E. Flamingo Road, has opened its Bar 12-21, which comes complete with a new "Bar Bites" menu. Menu prices range from $9.50 to $13, or $6 during nightly "Power Hours" of 5 to 6:30 and 9:30 to 11. Among the offerings: a mini cheeseburger trio, four petite filet mignon sandwiches, chicken goujonnettes, oysters and more. The bar's name refers to the opening date of Morton's original Chicago location. ...

Retro Bakery has opened at 7785 N. Durango Drive, offering 17 flavors of cupcakes baked daily, such as chocolate-covered banana, blueberry pancake and peanut butter and honey (some vary by day). Hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Call 586-3740 or visit www.retrobakerylv.com. ...

Send information to Heidi Knapp Rinella, P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125-0070. You also can send faxes to 383-4676 or e-mail her at hrinella@reviewjournal.com. For more restaurant news, see the Vegas Voice blog at reviewjournal.com.