We say “shameless” because unlike giving you his insights on the Las Vegas restaurant scene in the erudite, incisive, analytical, ironic, witty and nonpareil prose for which he is known, ELV has decided to print these (worthwhile) press releases verbatim, in an effort to save his rapier-like wit for more fitting subjects, and in hopes of inspiring you to attend as many of these restaurants and events as possible in the coming week. So here it is:

Las Vegas Restaurants Showcase World-Class Cuisine During 3rd Annual Restaurant Week

Experience Fine Dining at Unbeatable Prices and Donate to Feeding America Partner ThreeSquare

LAS VEGAS –Lauded as one of the best culinary cities in America, fine dining perennially tempts travelers to the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” On August 31, gourmands will have yet another reason to visit when the 3rd Annual Las Vegas Restaurant Week begins.

Home to an ever-growing list of celebrity chefs and master sommeliers, Restaurant Week gives gastronomes a chance to indulge their tastebuds in the name of charity. From Aug. 31-Sept. 6 more than 50 of the city’s fine dining establishments and restaurants will participate in the annual event which benefits Three Square Food Bank, a partner organization of Feeding America. Working to end hunger in Southern Nevada, a portion of all Restaurant Week sales will benefit Three Square. Participating restaurants will offer prix fixe menus from three tiered price points: $20.09, $30.09 and $50.09.

In addition to sampling sumptuous fare at unbeatable prices, many of the city’s resorts will offer Restaurant Week diners a chance to extend their experience beyond world-class cuisine by coupling their stay with one-of-a-kind entertainment, spa and overnight packages.

During Restaurant Week, dining powerhouse MGM Grand is offering deluxe accommodations and a tasting menu for two for just $159 at any one of their signature restaurants, including: L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, NOBHILL TAVERN, SEABLUE, FiAMMA, Diego, Pearl, Shibuya and Craftsteak. Additionally, The Signature at MGM Grand will couple low room rates with resort credits and complimentary poolside cocktails for those staying during the week.

Bellagio promises an “Unforgettable Night” package that includes one ticket to “O™” by Cirque du Soleil®, a prix fixe dinner menu at FIX or Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant & Lounge, a complimentary drink at Caramel Bar & Lounge, as well as complimentary entrance to the high-energy nightclub, The Bank, for just $178 per person. Bellagio’s award-winning restaurants MICHAEL MINA, Prime, Jasmine and Sensi, will also offer special Restaurant Week menus.

At Mandalay Bay, Aureole, Fleur de Lys, miX, Rick Moonen’s RM Seafood and StripSteak will all offer specially priced three and four-course tasting menus to pair nicely with the resort’s overnight packages. Both Mandalay Bay and THEhotel will offer special room rates for Restaurant Week visitors that include a dining credit to the House of Blues Restaurant, Sand Dollars, credits to be used at Mandalay Beach, and $5 child admission to The Shark Reef Aquarium.

The chefs of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore will come together in support of Restaurant Week while celebrating culinary legend Julia Child. To honor the iconic chef, author and television personality, Wynn and Encore chefs have crafted Child-inspired menu items to be served at their respective restaurants, with a portion of the proceeds donated to Three Square. Participating restaurants include Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare, Botero, Daniel Boulud Brasserie, Okada, Sinatra, Society Café, SW Steakhouse, Switch and The Country Club.

Long-time Restaurant Week patron and Las Vegas fine dining patriarch, Wolfgang Puck, will offer specially priced menus at MGM Grand’s Wolfgang Puck Bar and Grill and Postrio located inside the Venetian. While Charlie Palmer Steak, located inside Four Seasons, will offer a five-course menu in honor of the annual event.

Additional participants on the famed Las Vegas Strip include restaurants located inside Caesars Palace, Luxor, The Mirage and Monte Carlo.

A complete list of participating Restaurant Week establishments may be found by visiting www.threesquare.org.