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 $$$$ = entrees more than $30.
PEPPERMILL RESTAURANT
2985 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 735-4177
If you haven’t eaten at the Peppermill you should, because it’s nothing if not unique. A very cool throwback whose magnolia-and-neon decor looks like a Southern plantation exploded and rained down on the set of a futuristic ’70s TV show, it also happens to serve good (and reliable) food, and in copious portions. We ran into a bit of a service snag but loved the Pastrami Burger with creamy potato salad, and the Walnut Creek Salad with pear-cilantro vinaigrette and rosemary focaccia. And don’t miss the lounge, complete with fire-breathing fountain. (3/16/09)
Overall: B+ $$
SHABU-SHABU PARADISE
1716 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, Henderson; 385-4567
We couldn’t figure out why Shabu-Shabu Paradise wasn’t packed on the evening of our visit, aside from the confusion that may stem from its "Japanese fondue" subtext. That’s accurate, but only to a point; shabu-shabu is generally lighter than fondue, and more healthy. It’s done flawlessly at Shabu-Shabu Paradise, where we enjoyed the half-shrimp and half-scallop and half-beef and half-chicken shabu-shabu combos, and also shrimp with wasabi cocktail sauce. (8/31/10)
Overall: A $$
SINATRA
Encore, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 248-3463
We’re thinking Ol’ Blue Eyes himself would be proud of his namesake restaurant, which blends just enough traditional favorites with enough innovative dishes (and lots of seafood) to keep things interesting. We liked the carpaccio with endive, watercress and quail eggs; Cioppino; an excellent, traditional lasagna; and pistachio and vanilla panna cotta. And we also loved the music and portraits of the Chairman of the Board. (3/12/10)
Overall: A- $$$$