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.

BLT BURGER

The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 792-7888

A inhospitable hostess notwithstanding, BLT Burger was a lot of fun and a lot of good food. The fried dill pickles were flavor-packed and so light as to be almost pickles tempura, and we also found the macaroni and cheese bites, regulation burger (with blue cheese added), a lamb tandoori burger and toffee milk shake all worthy of a fine American tradition and the reputation of the French chef -- Laurent Tourondel -- who's given his name to the place. (12/19/08)

Overall: A- $$

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 $$

CAFE DEIA

4165 Grand Canyon Drive; 222-3342

The service at Cafe Deia was excellent -- we like a waiter who'll warn us off a dish that might be a little sketchy -- but no less than the food. We took the tapas route (paella, pizza, burgers and more also are available) and liked the baba ghanoush, bacon-wrapped figs, spinach-stuffed mushrooms, beef kabobs, Serrano and Manchego, red sangria and, for dessert, the Spanish-style creme brulee. (4/3/09)

Overall: A $$