Diner's Notebook
Diner's Notebook
Pop-Up Pizza v. Radio City Pizza
May 21st, 2013
On top of everything else going on Downtown, the pizza scene seems to be strong as well. Pop-Up Pizza, a counter inside the Plaza (1 Main St., 366-0049), may not look like much, but the pizza is terrific—thin-crusted, generously topped and creative. It’s similar to what is served at the “secret pizzeria” joint at the Cosmo (which is not so secret anymore). Read more »
Diner's Notebook
Uncork’d Pops its Top, Boulud Greets the VIPs and Ferraro’s at Night
May 14th, 2013
This year’s Vegas Uncork’d culinary weekend was the best to date. I ate a sensational lunch at Border Grill, highlighted by a terrific lobster and crab salad on a fat, griddled corn cake; a world-class dinner at Joël Robuchon at the Mansion, ministered to by the “Chef of the Century” himself; and a perfect bone-in New York Strip at Old Homestead in Caesars Palace. Read more »
Diner's Notebook
Game for Posh Burgers and Plenty of Pleasant Surprises at Zenshin
May 7th, 2013
Fine Irishman Conrad Gallagher won a Michelin star for his superlative cooking at Dublin’s Peacock Alley; now, some of the tricks of his trade are on hand at Posh Burger (9921 W. Charleston Blvd., 201-1408), an upscale Westside burger joint where your patty might be just as easily made of duck, elk, ostrich or lamb, as turkey or Kobe beef. Read more »
Diner's Notebook
UNLVino Shines, The Springs Café Cooks and Sambalatte Grows
April 30th, 2013
UNLVino celebrated its 39th year April 18-21, and I attended the Grand Tasting and the new Sunday Bar-B-Q. As always, organizers Southern Wine & Spirits put on a great show for a huge turnout. Read more »
Diner's Notebook
Tasteful Travels, Zenshin Opens and New Menus for Spring
April 23rd, 2013
I’ve just returned from a diverse trip abroad, where I experienced a number of meals with direct connections to what is available here. It was a remarkable and rewarding journey. Read more »
Diner's Notebook
A French Twist, a Tasty Affair, and Hot Food-Truck Fusion
April 16th, 2013
If you haven’t experienced Twist at the Mandarin Oriental (590-8888), or the soaringly imaginative cooking of superstar French chef Pierre Gagnaire, there’s never been a better time to do so. Gagnaire was here in early April to present his newest creations on “Le Menu Espirit de Printemps,” an inspirational spring menu. I had the chance to do so, and had one of the most memorable meals I’ve eaten in our city. Read more »
Diner's Notebook
Old School is New Again at Andiamo, and Indian Returns to the Rio
April 9th, 2013
If you haven’t been to The D, the Downtown casino formerly known as Fitzgeralds, you may be in for a surprise: The property has been totally revamped, with redesigned rooms, a new logo and new restaurants, the best of which is easily Andiamo (388-2220). Read more »
Diner's Notebook
The Venetian’s Asian Treasure, ’Cues to Take, and a Pleasing Vegas Uncork’d Preview
April 2nd, 2013
One of our best-and most overlooked-Asian restaurants is Noodle Asia in the Venetian (414-1000). I stopped by during a busy NCAA tournament weekend, and had a table by the panoramic windows facing the sportsbook, watching the frenzied crowds screaming for their teams. Read more »
Diner's Notebook
Cheeburger Math, Romano Diversifies, and Armenian with a Pedigree
March 26th, 2013
Cheeburger Cheeburger (8390 S. Rainbow Blvd., 220-3912) is a Florida-based chain that allows customers to create their own burgers using a ladder-like series of options, much as Craftsteak in the MGM Grand does with main courses. Read more »
Diner's Notebook
Prime Real Estate, the City’s Best German, and Town Square’s Two New Tenants
March 19th, 2013
How does a restaurant with prime steaks, solicitous service, old Western décor, and a price point well below those in more publicized Strip venues sound? Well, that’s just what to expect at Silverado at the South Point (796-7111), where chef Jon Romine is strutting his stuff. Read more »




