Heidi’s Picks

Heidi's Picks is a weekly selection of restaurant suggestions from Review-Journal critic Heidi Knapp Rinella. Price symbols are based on the cost of an average entree: $ = entrees less than $10; $$ = entrees between $10 and $20; $$$ = entrees between $20 and $30; and $$$$ = entrees more than $30.

CAFE HEIDELBERG

610 E. Sahara Ave.; 731-5310

Despite a pronounced service shortage (read: one woman to serve the entire restaurant) we enjoyed our dinner at Cafe Heidelberg, thanks to the Old World German soul food. We loved the Bavarian potato soup, a special of creamy curried soup, Leberkase with fried eggs and the Schnitzel Combo. And we sure didn't go away hungry. (5/22/09)

Overall: A- $$$

FLAVORS, THE BUFFET

Harrah's Las Vegas, 3475 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 369-5000

We reviewed Flavors as part of a Buffet of Buffets sweep of all seven buffets at Harrah's Las Vegas properties, and this one stood out as a bit of a sleeper. It's an attractive space, with natural elements including wood and mosaics, and it has a decent variety of foods served at clearly labeled stations. Worthy of note: linguine with whole clams, pork potstickers, carnitas and bananas Foster. (10/1/10)

Overall: A $$

PIERO'S ITALIAN CUISINE

355 Convention Center Drive; 369-2305

Piero's has many of the trappings of a conventionaire/tourist-centric restaurant-- the location close to the convention center, the high prices, the multitude of tables for large parties-- but much about it doesn't feel touristy, and that would include the quality of the food and service. We were extremely pleased with the roasted artichoke, Saltimbocca alla Romana, Fettucine A Modo Mido -- fresh fettucine with broccoli, mushrooms and pancetta, to you and us -- and a creamy, not overly sweet tiramisu infused with a striking coffee flavor. (9/11/09)

Overall: A $$$$

SPICY TUNA SUSHI

10345 S. Eastern Ave; 722-2424

Like other fusion sushi places in the area Spicy Tuna offers numerous creative rolls and other sushi; unlike the others, it wasn't crowded on the evening of our visit. And we thoroughly enjoyed most of our choices, like the garlic-butter edamame, bacon maki, SJW Special, Monkey Special, Screaming Orgasm and Dr. George Special, though we found the spicy tuna roll surprisingly ordinary. (1/22/10)

Overall: A-$$