Heidi's Picks is a weekly selection of restaurant suggestions from Review-Journal critic Heidi Knapp Rinella. Her reviews are done anonymously at Review-Journal expense.
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 $$$$ = entrees more than $30.
ADAM'S RIBS
4770 S. Maryland Parkway (and 4145 S. Grand Canyon Parkway); 242-8227
A barbecue margarita -- yes, it does taste like a margarita that's been barbecued -- is just the beginning of the fun at this offbeat 'cue joint across from the university. We also liked the appetizer Sampler Platter with its fried pickles, chicken wings, barbecued shrimp and onion rings, and also the pulled-pork sandwich, baby-back ribs and a side order of sweet-potato fries. (9/26/08)
Overall: A- $$
MAMACITA'S
611 E. Fremont St.; 474-7033
Mamacita's is a little bit Mexican, a little bit Cuban. What that meant for us was a good plate of carnitas enchiladas with beans and rice, and the best ropa vieja we've ever had. We also liked the guacamole, the yuca frita and the flan. Oh, and the disco music. (11/16/07)
Overall: A- $
MORTON'S THE STEAKHOUSE
400 E. Flamingo Road; 893-0703
The slogan sounds like adspeak-- no doubt about that -- but it turns out to be true: Morton's is The Steakhouse. We loved it all, including the crabmeat cocktail, salad of tomatoes with purple onion and blue cheese, sesame-encrusted yellowfin tuna, New York strip, Lyonnaise tomatoes, creamed spinach and Grand Marnier souffle. (3/23/07)
Overall: A $$$$
PEPPERMILL RESTAURANT
2985 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 735-4177
If you haven't eaten at the Peppermill you should, because it's nothing if not unique. A very cool throwback whose magnolia-and-neon decor looks like a Southern plantation exploded and rained down on the set of a futuristic '70s TV show, it also happens to serve consistently good food, and in copious portions. We ran into a bit of a service snag but loved the Pastrami Burger with creamy potato salad, and the Walnut Creek Salad with pear-cilantro vinaigrette and rosemary focaccia. And don't miss the lounge, complete with fire-breathing fountain. (3/16/09)
Overall: B+ $$
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