SUSHI SAMBA pays homage to its culinary heritage by hosting a celebration to mark Brazil's Independence Day on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008. SUSHISAMBA strip in Las Vegas at The Shoppes at The Palazzo, which serves inventive fare uniting bold Brazilian flavors, precise Japanese technique and traditional Peruvian culinary traditions, will feature a spectacular evening of samba and capoeira (a 400-year-old Brazilian dance incorporating martial arts) dancers and Brazilian drummers in live shows beginning at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., along with a special menu of Brazilian-inspired dishes.

Brazil became an independent country on Sept. 7, 1822 following three centuries of Portuguese hegemony. As the largest and most populous country in South America, today, Brazil is the regional leader and South America's most prominent economic power. Vast natural resources and a large labor pool contribute to the country's industrial and agricultural growth trajectory. The country comes alive with parades, dancing and singing as Brazilians gather in the streets waving balloons, the national flag, streamers and banners to inaugurate this important holiday.

Below lists the Brazilian Independence Day specials:

Salada de Papaya and Mango $16

Flashed pickled belize sweet shrimp

Espetinho (mini skewers) $14

Organic chicken wings wrapped in bacon

Pato com Banana $29

Roasted duck breast, crispy banana, sweet onion, duck jus, cacao oil and roasted zucchini

Capoeira Roll $16

Rock shrimp, mango, avocado, queijo blanca with coconut chimichurri sauce

The signature cocktail for the evening will be the Bandeira ($12):

2 oz pinot grigio

1 oz cachaca

1/2 oz pineapple juice

1 lime wedge

1 lemon wedge

1 orange slice

3 kiwi slices

diced kiwi

diced pineapple

1 bar spoon sugar

In a glass shaker, muddle orange, lime and lemon with sugar. Add wine, cachaca and pineapple juice. Shake with ice to chill. In wine glass, line the inside with three kiwi rings. Add ice. Strain into wine glass. Top with diced kiwi and pineapple.