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 $$$$ = entrees more than $30.
BASIL 'N LIME
3665 S. Fort Apache Road; 255-2581
The thing we liked most about Basil 'n Lime was that the meats clearly were cooked as part of dishes such as Tom Kha Gai, instead of being prepared separately and thrown in after the order is made. Such care also showed in the lively decor in shades of green with dark-brown furniture, and in such other dishes as Pad Thai, lemongrass prawns, sticky rice with coconut ice cream and a refreshing Thai iced tea. (4/30/10)
Overall: A $
GOLDEN STEER STEAK HOUSE
308 W. Sahara Ave.; 384-4470
This icon of Old Las Vegas is more than 50 years old but it hasn't faded a bit, with red-leather U-shaped booths and other decor clearly refreshed without losing any of its period charm. We stuck to the classics with a gin martini, shrimp cocktail, tomato salad, cream of corn, Chicken of the Angels, filet mignon and tableside Cherries Jubilee and were pleased with it all. (1/25/08)
Overall: A- $$$$
SHARI'S DINER
1900 N. Buffalo Drive; 870-6424
With the exception of the sticky-salty gravy on the pot roast we liked Shari's old-school diner favorites -- and especially Shari's old-school diner atmosphere. Particularly worthy of note were two Shari's originals, the Philly Cheese Steak Fries and The Brie-Licious burger, and a bit of sweet, delicious wretched excess, a peanut-butter malt. (7/17/09)
Overall: B+ $$
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 $$$$
