Hosting its fourth annual Chile Festival, Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill introduces Las Vegas to the art of cooking with chiles, Sept. 4 - 23. Adding a little extra zest to the festivities, Z'Tejas will contribute $1 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas for every item ordered off the Chile Fest Menu.


More than 1,000 pounds of famous Hatch, New Mexico green chile peppers, along with the freshest ingredients will be used in a special menu highlighting chile appetizers, entrées and even desserts.  The Chile Fest menu is available for lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Friday through Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.


"I am thrilled to raise money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas through my passion for cooking," said Saul Garcia, executive chef at Z'Tejas. "This year we created a unique menu to illustrate the versatility of the chile pepper. Not only did we use the chile peppers as a hot and spicy ingredient, we also used them to sweeten, accentuate flavors and even tone down other spices for a flavorful twist."


Inspired by the original Chile Pepper Festival in Hatch, New Mexico, Z'Tejas brings the fresh flavors and spiciness of the experience to Las Vegas. "Chileheads," or those who enjoy the flavor of chiles, flock every year to the festival for the best chiles in the world. With its southwestern ties, Z'Tejas provides locals with the chance to enjoy the savory flavors of New Mexico's chiles while contributing to a community charity.


The new chile menu items being introduced at Z'Tejas Chile Festival include green chile chicken posole with green chilies, tomatillo, posole combined with stewed chicken ($5.99) and chipotle shrimp salad ($10.99) tossed with greens, oranges, red onions, goat cheese and served with chipotle mint dressing as appetizers. Entrées include Beef barbacoa enchilada (10.99) with green chile sauce, Jack cheese with pickled green chilies and citrus thyme mojo fish (market price) with green chilie rice. Those looking to top off the meal with a sweet confection will delight in the Mexican chocolate brownie sundae ($5.99) served with pumpkin seed brittle and ancho dulce de leche sauce.


Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill in Las Vegas is located in Summerlin at 9560 West Sahara Avenue. For additional information, please call (702) 638-0610 or visit www.ztejas.com.


Z'Tejas continues to set itself apart by being a chef-and-food driven restaurant Company committed to creating bold new combinations with traditional ingredients originating from the South, Southwest and West Coast. Committed to creating food that is fresh and rich in flavor, Z'Tejas continues to set the standard for innovative cuisine and friendly dining. Z'Tejas owns and operates 10 restaurants in the United States located in Austin, Las Vegas, Orange County, Calif., Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Seattle.


Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas serves more than 21,000 youth ages 5 –18 in twelve facilities throughout the Valley.  Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," the Clubs' full-time professional staff emphasizes character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation.  For more information, please contact the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas at 702. 367.2582 or visit www.bgclv.org.