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.

AQUAKNOX

The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 414-3772

Settling into a booth at AquaKnox was a welcome escape from the chaos around the restaurant's entrance (which is near the resort's convention center) but the best was yet to come, as we experienced top-notch food and service at prices that weren't -- at least for the Strip. We recommend the Jonah crab claws, clam steamers, Ahi tuna, John Dory and Chocolate Martini, and even the peppery breadsticks with smoked-salmon-and-trout mousse served before dinner. (1/29/10)

Overall: A $$$$

CREATE

7290 W. Lake Mead Blvd.; 586-0430

Our burgers were overcooked because we were unaware they could be done to order (next time we'll know), but we liked most everything else about Create, including the upbeat (if a little personal) attitude of management and employees. The Impressionist burger was just spicy enough with its jalapenos, pepperjack cheese and atomic mayo, and our do-it-yourself option was pretty much as ordered. Also worthy of note: nice crispy fries (both sweet potato and regular), and truly delicious frozen custard. (1/23/09)

Overall: B $

NOVE ITALIANO

The Palms, 4321 W. Flamingo Road; 942-6800

Its afternoon clientele notwithstanding the Palms is a hipster kind of place, and Nove Italiano definitely fits right in. We were surprised, then, to encounter such a soulful old-school Sunday Gravy with multiple layers of flavor, which tasted as though it had been made by Chef Geno Bernardo's gray-haired grandmother. Also worthy of note: a much lighter Veal Nove, starters of arancino and the cheese-infused tomato soup called Pomodoro/Formaggio, and the Nutella Tower for dessert. (8/6/10)

Overall: A $$$$

THE CRACKED EGG

7660 W. Cheyenne Ave. (also at 6435 S. Rainbow Blvd., 5570 Painted Mirage and 100 N. Green Valley Parkway); 395-7981

The Cracked Egg lived up to its reputation as a great little breakfast place, serving such creations as an amazing banana-topped and macadamia-and-coconut-crusted French toast and a truly well crafted Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet, both of which were much more than the sum of their parts. And the homemade coffee cake is worth the trip alone. (3/30/09)

Overall: A $