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 $$$$ = entrees more than $30.
COMPANY RESTAURANT AND PUB HOUSE
Luxor, 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 262-4852
We think of Company's fare as starter food -- there's no culinary ground broken here, and nothing that would shock the palate -- but it's well-prepared, kind of comforting food served by a friendly staff. Worth trying: the fried mashed-potato sticks, Pig & Peas Mac & Cheese, miso-glazed eggplant and roasted chicken breast. (10/23/09)
Overall: B $$
HAVANA GRILL
8878 S. Eastern Ave.; 932-9310
If you like Cuban food you're no doubt familiar with the Florida Cafe, and this younger sister also showcases the cuisine at its best. We liked it all, which included tostones -- twice-cooked green plantain -- topped with Ropa Vieja, Picadillo and shrimp (no, not together), Lechon Asado, Vaca Frita, the stacked flan and tres leches dessert tower called Riquimbin -- even good fresh Cuban bread, buttered and warmed in a press. (3/27/09)
Overall: A- $$
RAKU
5030 W. Spring Mountain Road; 367-3511
We have two words of advice if you go to Raku: agedashi tofu -- or fried tofu to you and us. Forget all of the bad-tofu propaganda you've heard; this stuff is homemade, and when it's fried it gets lightly crunchy on the outside but remains creamy within. In a bath of extra-smoky miso soup with dried seaweed, tiny mushroom caps and salmon roe, it's da bomb. Also noteworthy: asparagus crispy tempura, crispy fried shrimp, beef tataki and brown-sugar bubbly pudding. (7/3/09)
Overall: A $$
TABLE 10
Palazzo, 3325 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 607-6363
Emeril Lagasse works his magic again at Table 10, an affectionate nod to the table in his first New Orleans restaurant where planning for the restaurant was done and the staff gathered after the opening. It's a cruise through the world's best cuisines and one that's well worth it, especially in the case of the marinated goat cheese, Tartare Trio, Pasta Jambalaya and Kurobuta pork loin. (9/19/08)
Overall: A $$$$
