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.

BOLLYWOOD GRILL

6840 W. Sahara Ave.; 785-0133

We loved the atmosphere at Bollywood Grill -- the velvet draperies and starlit ceiling and especially the continuous loop of Bollywood favorites that provide unending entertainment -- and the eggplant pakoras and Southern India favorites including a moong masala dosa, an idli and a vada. Other dishes had great potential, but we thought they were a tad overcooked. (12/11/09)

Overall: B $$

SEABLUE

MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 891-3486

San Francisco-based Michael Mina has long shown that he has a way with seafood; his approach at Seablue is more casual than usual, though no less creative. Cod crusted with almonds and cooked in a traditional Moroccan tagine with couscous was infused with a sprightly hint of lemon that did honor to both the fish and the preparation method. Besides the tagines, the menu features create-your-own salads, grilled fish and steaks and such starters as a trio of seafood appetizers, whimsical little lobster corn dogs and a warm chocolate pudding cake that was more indulgent than a day at some spas. (7/16/10)

Overall: A$$$$

SWITCH

Encore, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 248-3463

The unique interiors of this restaurant -- yes, interiors in the plural, because the walls and ceilings periodically switch among three permutations, which is very cool -- are spectacular, but don't overshadow superlative food and flawless service. We happily recommend the risotto with champagne and Parmesan, oysters on the half shell (three from the West, three from the East), seared Arctic char, organic free-range chicken, gratin Dauphinois, creamed spinach and chocolate crunch bar. (4/10/09)

Overall: A $$$$