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- $$

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 $

HOUSE OF BLUES

Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 632-7605

Who knew that a themed chain restaurant in a casino would have such good Creole/Cajun food -- and not least because it's the only game in town? Worthy Big Easy renditions at House of Blues included gumbo and Delta Red Beans and Rice with Andouille Sausage, and we also liked the waffle-cut Gorgonzola fries, baby-back ribs and Key lime pie. (6/6/08)

Overall: A- $$$

MARTINIS

1205 S. Fort Apache Road; 242-8464

All was not perfect at Martini's (mainly because of some minor service glitches), but when dinner starts out with an amuse-bouche, you know the place is not your average poker bar. A starter of prawns wrapped in bacon was pretty decent, and we loved the mixed-berry salad and lamb chops. And if you're so inclined, don't overlook the restaurant's list of signature offerings; while the definition of martini has broadened greatly, we couldn't argue with the pear martini or the Pisco Sour. (8/8/08)

Overall: B $$