Open 24 hours

Rebel’s pizza, which opened over the summer, has already become a UNLV hot spot in just a few short months.  Not surprising considering their incredibly cheap deals.  Catering mostly to the UNLV market (obviously named Rebels for a reason), the place always has people in there eating and picking up pizzas, even late at night.

There’s a wall dedicated to UNLV Graduates where you can sign your name. It’s pretty cool looking at all the comments and doodles people have put up…

They have a decent number of tables with fresh grated Parmesan instead of the usual powder  – and salt/pepper mills.

Open 24 hours, they offer a simple menu at incredibly cheap prices. The base cheese pizza is $3.50 plus tax with toppings only 99 cents each. A one topping pizza comes out to $4.80 with tax, which is cheaper than Little Caesars and other similar discount pizza companies.  You can even get an unlimited topping pizza for $7.99.

Not only are they cheaper but better quality too. The pizza tastes better and is always made to order – not sitting in a heater.  Don’t get me wrong – it’s not the best pizza ever. Don’t come here expecting to get a Metro pizza, but for the price, this place is unbeatable  – especially at 3am.

Besides pizza they have a sandwich combo for $5 which includes a sandwich with unlimited veggies, drink and thick cut fries.  I’ve tried 3 of their sandwiches and I have to say I wasn’t very impressed.  Avoid the roast beef;  I thought it was almost inedible. The club wasn’t bad, considering the price.

I pretty much stick to their pizzas. They offer salads and various other sides, but have yet to try them.

Overall Rebel’s Pizza is an incredible deal and  perfect for parties or events.  Get 10 one topping pizzas for $48 and you’re hard pressed to cater an event for less.

I highly recommend trying it out – especially if you’re living on a budget and like, who isn’t these days????  But  remember you get what you pay for.

p.s. Most of their toppings are good except I don’t recommend the mushrooms. They are the canned kind and very soggy.

4440 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV‎
(Maryland and Harmon, across from UNLV)

(702) 982-8181

The Bob Jones Bike Trail connects San Luis Obispo (the city) to the coast at Avila Beach and affords the enthusiastic cyclist with miles of protected riding through breathtaking terrain.

If you hankering for succulent crab, sweet and plentiful, go on Tuesdays to either Ciao Bella in Morro Bay or Spyglass Restaurant in Shell Beach (northern Pismo Beach).  Both Central Coast California restaurants have superior water and sunset views:

Ciao Bella located on the Morro Bay Embarcadero looks onto Morro Rock, sail and fishing boats.

Spyglass is perched on the Shell Beach cliffs with vast open waters framed by the headland of Port San Luis and Avila Beach.

www.spyglassinnrestaurant.com

A sample of the M’s sous chef’s braised pork ribs, nibbles of cupcakes from Retro Bakery and tastes of “Vegas” wines were highlighted by a visit from a cutting edge floral designer and a real Vegas-style showgirl.

The radio host Mario Bosquez was upbeat, entertaining and everything you would expect from a representative of a class act like Martha Stewart. Studio B is a brilliant little spot with great seating and a fully-equipped kitchen primed and ready for TV/video viewing.

One of the audience expressed surprise that there was something to “see” on a radio show.  In fact, a radio broadcast in the genre of Martha Stewart’s Living Today is little different from a TV show.  The crew video tapes the guests (audience and interviewees) as well as snaps photos for the blog; it’s a multi-media event.

Your job in the audience is to applaud and be sufficiently boisterous to communicate enthusiasm across radio waves, ask questions, sample good food, be educated and entertained.  Not bad work if you can find it.

Living Today

Weekdays 1 pm – 5 pm ET

Hosted by Mario Bosquez.

http://www.sirius.com/marthastewartlivingradio

Jubilee

Bally’s

The Showgirl, all 6 feet of her, swept her way to the microphone amidst wows and applause.  With a great personality and obvious love of her job, she carried her plumed headdress with confidence and aplomb.  The Jubilee cast of 85 with 9 costume changes each every night and a stage half the size of a football field gives you some idea of the production sophistication of this most Vegas of all Vegas shows.  Jubilee is a must see if you want to experience the real Las Vegas.  p.s. If you have aspirations of joining the show, grow to 6′ (male) or 5′8″ (female) and be prepared for 2 shows a night, rehearsals and carrying anywhere from 10lbs to 40lbs on your head – while wearing 3″ heels – if female.

http://www.lasvegastourism.com/jubilee.htm

Destinations by Design

Allison Hart

According to Allison, designer from DBD, the trend to green is also driving the floral arrangement market.  Allison brought a wheatgrass table arrangement with driftwood “vases,” orchids and moss balls – all requiring very little water and made from recyclable materials.  Earthernware-appearing vases were actually made from newspaper, with metallic cores for holding the flowers.

Check out their website for diverse and innovative travel and meeting planning services of Destinations by Design.

http://www.dbdvegas.com/

Retro Bakery

Kari Haskell

A tight bundle of energy, Kari is so imbued with enthusiasm that she could hardly be contained in the space of Studio B.  Inspired by Dairy Queen from her childhood days in Oregon, she has developed her signature butter cream swirl in so many flavors and variations that it would take days to try them all.  Her husband is the cake master and together they are re-inventing the American standard in home-style gone commercial baking.

http://www.retrobakerylv.com/

http://twitter.com/retrobakery

M Resort

Hostile Grape

Mark Thomas, Director of Beverages

Mark poured two wines from the selection of 160 found at the M’s Hostile Grape.  The two reds were from California, one a husky Syrah and the other akin to Chianti – both reasonably priced in the $10/bottle range.  A third white was from Pahrump NV, but not enough for the audience to sample.  The label Pahrump Valley Winery is a bit misleading.  If you visit, you discover that they mostly blend with grapes from California.  They have produced and released a locally grown Zinfandel – quite a feat for the Mojave Desert . p.s the restaurant there was good, worth the drive. http://www.pahrumpwinery.com/

You can read more about the M Resort at:

New M Casino Modern Chic Oasis

Les’ Wines and Vines is a weekly radio show with a live audience that moves from restaurant to restaurant around the city.

To find out more:

Les’ Wines and Vines Radio Show

Tea Rooms

The Market Tea Room at Antiques at the Market, with its High Tea of fresh scones, devonshire cream and assorted finger sandwiches is a charming retreat from typical Las Vegas.  But don’t think that this is a place for the delicate only; the sandwich and soup choices are hearty enough to satisfy any appetite.

Open Mon-Sat, the Tea Room is tucked at the front corner of the antique mall on Eastern just south of Sunset with access from the mall or directly from the parking lot.

Owner and chef, Carolyn Geiger, moves between kitchen and tea room with bowls of soups, plates of house-specialty sandwiches and elegant 3-tiered serving dishes overflowing with sweet and savory delicacies – all created in house. Gregory helps serve with a broad smile and an eagerness to please that makes you feel immediately at home.

The vegetable soup, with finely chopped ingredients was utterly superb.  With an imaginative combination of spices and herbs, Carolyn used fennel to introduce the delicate flavor of asparagus but let cayenne kick in on the back end for a delightful play on the taste buds.  The balance was just right – soothing and exotic with just a hint of picante.

The chicken salad sandwich on rich grain bread with cranberries and walnuts is a perenniel favorite.  If you’re in the mood for something more “fresh” to the palette, try the veggie sandwich with avocado, cucumber and dill cream cheese.

Hot teas of various types are always served, but the iced tea selection is perfect for Vegas summer months.  If tea isn’t your thing, you can dive into an old-fashioned root beer float.

Please leave room for dessert, or at minimum, one of Carolyn’s scones served with authentic devonshire cream and fruit preserves.  I tasted the best while living in St. Ives, and can say with complete confidence that you will not be disappointed.

Chef/owner Carolyn has a way of retaining authenticity while adding that special touch that makes her cuisine entirely her own.  No weird and strange concoctions for the sake of originality at Market Tea Room – just wholesome, hand-crafted delicious food made with a true love of the art of cooking to please.

This is a delightful spot for little girls in frilly dresses to experience a much-revered British tradition of High Tea that seems almost fairy-tale like in its charm.  Although there is a special appeal for the gentle sex, the diverse menu choices and excellence in quality draw a mixed clientele of all ages and both genders.  We shared the Tearoom on Saturday with a large family celebrating Grandma’s 84th birthday – I want to take my mom too!

Example Pricing:

$6.50  Hearty sandwiches with homemade breads and choice of side
$5.00  Market Fresh Salad
$5.75  Half sandwich and cup of homemade soup
$3.50  Bowl of homemade soup
$14.95-$18.95  High Teas
$7.95  Dessert Tea with assortment of sweets

Everything on the menu is made from scratch.
Reservations recommended for High Tea with larger parties.

Location:  6665 So. Eastern Ave
(Eastern & Sunset at Antiques at the Market)
Phone:     702-362-4832
Open for lunch Mondays – Saturdays.  Closed Sundays.

p.s. Chef Carolyn is working on a cookbook which promises to reveal some delectable secrets.

First thoughts are why such a trendy palace so far from the Strip?  But on second thought, the M lies at the gateway to Las Vegas when traveling on the 15 from California, just off the interstate at the intersection of St Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Blvd South.  It’s also a short drive from Henderson and Anthem – an area recently one of the city’s fastest growing, and sure to be again when the recession ebbs and home sales and building re-commence.

The Marnell family, successful in the actual construction of casinos for others, has learned well from its experience.  The architecture is monumental, the style forward, luxurious but youthful and hip.  It should please anyone, although was definitely intended to attract a more urbane, under 50 crowd.

Citing lack of funds, Anthony Marnell III explained to the Las Vegas Sun that although he knew building a more environmentally smart structure was what he should have done, he declined the Lied formula based on costs.  Who am I to argue with a wildly successful businessman, but one can’t help but wonder if that decision was short-sighted.  It seems to be one that many builders take here in the Valley,  ignoring the harsh reality of looming energy and water crises.

Highlights of the M include a movie set pool area with a surrounding marble campus reminiscent of grand Egyptian temples – plenty of space here for any reception or grand ball. 

They did a reasonable job on the sweeping canopy of the hotel entrance, but the M lacks a grand entrance which says "Here I am and here is exactly how you get to me." Anyone with a sprinkling of feng shui expertise would have spotted that right away. It’s not that hard to take the wrong turn and end up in the outdoor parking area. 

They also need to do something about the valet pick-up. Totally exposed to the elements (wind and sun), someone forgot that many clients use the valet services to avoid the elements.

The lobby has splendid wow power with walls of elegant fresh lilies complemented by soothing cascading water elements.  It’s a pleasure to access restaurants and guest elevators without the obligatory pass through the casino area that haunts most Strip venues.

Baby Cakes
The Baby Cakes pastry and gelato shop serves exquisite sweets for great prices.  A large scoop of gelato in a delicious cone is $2.25 and worth every penny. You can get two scoops for $3!  The pistachio gelato was divine.  The gelato selection is limited, but certainly adequate for anyone, and I would place their flavor and quality on par with the Bellagio.  Don’t miss the croissants!

Hostile Grape
The Hostile Grape wine cellar on the lowest level is worth the drive alone.  With an amazing array of both good sipping wine and higher end vintages, you can either select your own from the myriad of dispensers or be served at the small bar.  Furnished with intimate clusters of low Italian leather sofa sets or high bar stools grouped around tall modernistic cubes, the low lighting and soft music make it the perfect spot to gather, partake and socialize in intimacy.  You take a glass and and using pre-paid tasting cards, select your own wine, 1,3 or 5 oz, from a selection of 160 – and enjoy.  Access to the Grape is by stairs leading down from the lobby or a glass elevator.

32º Draft Beer Bar
I revised my opinion of the 32º Draft beer bar in another post, and was grossly unfair when I panned it for it’s proximity to the slot machines and sports betting.  When you are savoring those incredibly priced ($3.50 domestic, $4.50 imported) and ice cold beers, you forget all else.

Veloce Cibo
We ate at the Tower Restaurant, Veloce Cibo, which did not disappoint in terms of spectacular view of the valley.  The menu was diverse which surely pleases in the way the variety of a buffet will satisfy the palettes of groups with varying tastes.  Much of it is designed to share, adding to the buffet-like advantage – while still being served at table.

Unfortunately, several of the dishes fell short – most notably the sushi which is their flagship. If you can’t make a California roll, you are in trouble.  I cannot recommend it at all. The tuna sashimi, au contraire, was fresh and delicious.  The fried calamari were not light enough, the batter being a little "floury" and lacking delicacy.  The chicken wraps were tasty and well spiced, with excellent lettuce (not iceberg), but not served with the crispy raw veggies that give them crunch and freshness.  The Asian marinated steak was superb and, by far, the best dish of the evening. 

Although the staff tried very hard, there was something generally chaotic about the service and I kept thinking that much more training was needed.  The prices are not for budget-minded.  I am hard pressed to give Veloce Cibo a high recommendation for fine dining.

The M Guest Rooms
The Guest rooms do not disappoint and the selection of suites, especially the 2 story 2400 sqft loft suites with wrap around views of the Valley, are sufficiently extravagant to impress most visitors. Keeping with trends, all rooms offer IPod docking and room safes large enough to accommodate laptops.

Dress
Geared to a younger set, the dress code is casual chic.  Designer jeans and tight T shirts, accented by some Vegas Bling and you are in mode.

MY RECOMMENDATION:

• Visit for architectural experience – don’t miss the pool.
• Don’t miss Hostile Grape if you are wine lover.
• Savor a gelato.

Find out more at their excellent website: www.themresort.com/

or read about the M and the Marnell family in the Las Vegas Sun: www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/may/01/m-resort-chief-vegas-gaming-industry-survival-mode/

Related: the M beer bar best in Vegas, Martha Stewart Radio Show from the M

The area is technically part of the Humboldt-Toiyaba National Forest, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA). Before you get too excited over the romantic descriptions of Las Vegas’ own Alpine Village, be prepared that it is not Switzerland by any stretch of the imagination. The forest is a little dried out, although the trees are tall and fairly dense.

At 8,000 ft, the temperature is easily 20-30 degrees cooler than the Valley which feels very nice in August, thank you very much. About half way to the top on Kyle Canyon Road, you will pass the Hotel on Mt. Charleston, a newly remodeled Aspen style hotel, event and conference center with a water element in front and views of the high desert from the bar. It is cooler here than the Valley, but still very distinctly desert terrain. A picturesque church is just across the road, complete with tall white steeple. Soon after you pass the Hotel, you are at the turn to drive over to the winter sports area where you can actually ski in the colder months after Christmas.

There are a couple of camping grounds on your way to the summit, lying just off the road in the very narrow valley that supports all the resident population of the vaguely defined area known as "Mt. Charleston."

As always in the land of dry vegetation, there is signage warning of the level of fire hazard. The fire station located next to the Old Village affords some protection.

Several settlements crawl up the hills and huddle along Kyle Canyon Road snaking its way up the incline. Some are very high-priced ($1 Million +) with fantasy architecture of mountainous style while others are packed into tiny communities like Old Village, complete with its own Lilliputian school and long communal row of mailboxes. Don’t be looking for bargains here. Entry level seems to be about $400K and that is for a fixer-upper on a postage stamp lot. There is a lot of real estate for sale though, so who knows what kind of bargain you could pick up in these distressed times.

At the top of the road is Mt Charleston Lodge with American fare and a decent bar that specializes in exotic coffee drinks. Those are for the winter months when you can actually experience snow, downright cold temperatures and appreciate a crackling fire in the orange, cone-shaped fireplace centered in the dining room. An outside deck surrounding an A-frame lodge welcomes you on warmer days with views stretching down the steep, green gorge to the brown Las Vegas Valley far in the distance. Small tables laden with handicrafts invite your attention as you enter into the which nestle nearby on the edge of a ravine.

There is usually plenty of parking in front, although on any given weekend, the slots can be filled with Harleys. This is not a biker bar, though. We’re talking about that generation of Hog lovers that first developed their affinity back in the 60’s.

The Lodge rents cabins year round. With log siding, green metal roofs and country decor, they are a great place to spend a few days with family and friends, hiking on the adjacent trails, relaxing in the oversized spa-tubs, lazing around the fireplace (gas) or hanging out at the Lodge Bar.

Our family celebrated a downright nippy Thanksgiving with a home-styled meal in the restaurant and long relaxing evening watching silly old videos and sipping hot rum.

Activities in the area include hiking, horseback riding, skiing, camping, "spa"ing, resting, eating, drinking etc.

For more on area trails, check out hikinglasvegas.comtotalescape.com

For more info on SMNRA and recreational possibilities, go to fs.fed.us.

For horsebackriding, go to mountcharlestonridingstables.com.

For ski and snowboarding, go to skilasvegas.com

Hotels: mtcharlestonhotel.com, mtcharlestonlodge.com 

Related: Josette’s Bistro Jazz Cabaret, Josette’s Dinner Cabaret, Valentine a la francaise

Related 2007 Epicurean Affair, 2007 Epicurean Delight Day After

Related Kiki Kalor “Cabaret” @ Josette’s Bistro, Genevieve @ Josette’s Bistro Jazz Cabaret

The Las Vegas Hilton is good to locals. Your red Hilton card will get you the buffet for about $14 and that includes house wine or their keg beer. Play the slots a little and the offers for free tickets and other goodies will start to come. The Illa coffee in the lobby coffee bar also comes with a discount when you present your card. A Nevada driver’s license is all you need.

The Paradise Cafe serves a very decent matzah ball soup along with your standard American fare like hearty soups, fresh salads, thick sandwiches and, of course, burgers. They are open 24 hours and serve breakfast round the clock. Las Vegas Hilton 3000 Paradise Rd Las Vegas NV www.lvhilton.com

Related “Menopause” without pause, Thank you Hilton and LVCC for fireworks!!!

Our family favorite is the mashed sweet potatoes flavored with cinnamon and a perfect accompaniment to the grilled Tilapia, Chicken Kabobs or West Indies Ribs. For dessert I recommend Bananas Supreme or Rebecca’s Key Lime Pie. I fancy myself somewhat of a connoisseur of key lime pie and have driven from Miami to Key West on a sampling mission. To my surprise, the version at Bahama Breeze competes with anything I had in Florida.

It’s a chain restaurant, which I usually like to avoid. But there are exceptions to every rule and I hold with the theory that the more choice, the more fun. Open til midnite weeknights and 1:00 am Fri & Sat. Bahama Breeze 702-731-3252 375 Hughes Center Drive Las Vegas NV (@ E. Flamingo) bahamabreeze.com

First, you can’t beat the view. Perched up above the Strip at just the right height, you have magical vistas of casino lights north and south with the glorious fountains of the Bellagio at your feet. There are few views in Vegas better than this.

Couple that with excellent French cuisine and impeccable personal service and you are in for a memorable evening. It is pricey, but not that bad considering other places around town. Final tab depends on cocktails and what wine you select. You could get out for $100 pp, if cautious with the alcohol. But this is not a place to go to count pennies.

Reminiscent of the world-famous Jules Verne Restaurant in the original Eiffel Tower in Paris – France, that is – this is a setting for dreams and memories.

If you’re not ready for the full ticket, just go for a drink in the bar. If you do eat – do not miss the Grand Marnier or chocolate souffle with vanilla sauce. Now this is what dreams are made of!

Reservations required. Call 702-948-6937 or online www.eiffeltowerrestaurant.com. Paris Hotel 3655 Las Vegas Blvd So. Las Vegas NV

We were greeted by the server in a reassuring French accent, although he did turn out to be Quebecquois. The prices are very reasonable and the ambiance charming, but cozy and simple – like a bistro should be. There are outside tables with red umbrellas for an even more European experience. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday thru Saturdays. This is a great place to meet friends, savor some authentic and delicious French cuisine and still go easy on the wallet.

They have bakery goods for sale and we picked up a couple of flaky croissants for Sunday coffee at home. The website shows petit fours executed in the kind of artistry for which the French are reknown. Ambiance Bakery Bistro 702-454-3020 3980 E. Sunset Rd Las Vegas NV. Voted The Best of Las Vegas 2006, Las Vegas Review-Journal Poll. www.ambiancelasvegas.com

Easter

Ghalib played for years at the Terrazza Lounge Caesar’s Palace before it went the way of most of the Strip – live music replaced by DJ. That’s the story of Las Vegas 2007 – the young people who frequent the nightspots and apparently spend the most money, are not into live jazz combos. I guess we’re lucky to see such great talent Off the Strip. Not so lucky for the artists. There are certainly more musicians than venues.

I would definitely recommend Envy’s on Sundays if you want excellent service in a very classy environment, with top notch music. There is a tiny dance floor where some lovely clad ladies celebrated the joys of the holiday. The food was fresh and tasty. The salad bar buffet had a nice selection includng delectable smoked salmon. The pumpkin bisque was divine. The baked goods were delicious, especially the elaborate and varied desert trays. The sparkling wine was flowing non-stop. We selected the buffet and the bill was $25 pp including a very generous tip (we were there four hours!) If you select an entree from the menu (prices around $28+), remember it also includes the buffet with desert – and of course, the endless bottom Mimosa’s. Real value for the money.

The Jazz groups change, check out the schedules on the Smooth Jazz website smoothjazz1057.com.

Related Jazz Society Annual Picnic, Live Music Every Day of the Week, Sunday Jazz Brunch

The portions are big; a bowl produced two large matzo balls. You’ve got potato pancakes, chopped liver, herrings, blintzes, lox, pastrami, tongue – all the mouth-watering East European Jewish fare. No alcohol served, but real Egg Creams. The Daily Specials are $6.95 with hearty offerings like meat loaf, grilled liver & onions, chicken in the pot – real man food. Sundays are eggs benedict.

The atmosphere is homey and the kind of place easy to strike up a conversation with the next table. It’s a neighborhood hangout without a neighborhood, unless you count the colorful mural on the wall that transports you to the streets of Chicago. I warn you that the selection is a Weightwatcher’s nightmare, but if you savor rich flavors and don’t mind the fat grams, there is plenty of authentic knosh.

They close right after lunch, so get there between 7:00a-2:00p. Phone in your order for pick up or use the delivery service M-F, 7a-1:30p. 702-369-3322 855 E. Twain Ave Las Vegas NV (by Swenson).

As an aside, if you like matzo ball soup, they serve a decent one at the Paradise Cafe, Las Vegas Hilton. And they’re open 24 hours a day. The Hilton is easy to access, being just off the Strip on Paradise between Desert Inn and Sahara. 3000 Paradise Rd. Las Vegas NV

“On your next night out go to this wonderful place. Appetizers, martinis & well drinks are 1/2 off from 4:00p to 7:00p. They have light fare like chicken fingers and burgers. They have succulent steaks that melt in your mouth. Prices range from $10 to $25 pp. We shared a great Greek salad & the rib eye steak. It was huge and more then enough food.
On Friday nights they have the dual pianos. They start playing at 8:30p and play till everyone goes home. The music was so danceable that Ken & I had to dance. It was a fun evening.”
Cindy Joseph-Vogel

The Sporting House Restaurant 702-862-4777 721 Mall Ring Circle, Henderson NV (behind the Galleria)

Established in 1982 by Freddie Glusman, the Karen Avenue Piero’s restaurant quickly became a retreat for the colorful characters around town, including the Rat Pack. Glusman moved to the Convention Center Drive location in 1987 and kept that intimate atmosphere that makes you feel like you are on the inside of the Vegas scene. Hollywood chose Piero’s to film as the Mob hangout in Scorsese’s Casino.

A lot of famous people frequent the restaurant, but Glusman has trained his staff to be accomodating and discreet. Many of his staff have been with him for years, some since the beginning. Everything is done to make you feel like you matter. It’s quite a different experience from the meat market mentality you often find on the Strip, even in the higher end eateries. Piero’s caters to locals, although plenty of out-of-towners find their way here. You can tell the tourists by the way they are dressed.

Piero’s is not the place to be casual; it’s way too classy for blue jeans. The decor is fascinating – a vaguely African theme with animal print carpet and renderings of monkeys in the bar. It’s not at all what you would expect of an Italian haunt, but it feels 100% Vegas with style.

The Monkey Bar Lounge is old school and the bartender remembers your face even when it’s been a while. You’ll find a lounge singer most Friday and Saturdays, except during summer when the locals like to stay home in the air conditioning and, according to the barman, will call for delivery. Genevieve, one of the primo singers around town, is often booked here.

This is not a cheap place, but not the most expensive dining in town by far. The average tab would be $60-$80 pp + tax & tip.

I recommend the zuppa de pesce (fish soup). The baby green salad with pear and blue cheese had just the right amount of dressing, fresh and delightful. Their prosciutto is superb. Take a look at their impressive list of dining awards on the website.

Piero’s is open 7 days a week for dinner 5:30 pm-10:00 pm. The Monkey Bar Lounge is open 5:30 pm-1:00 am Thur/Fri/Sat. Reservations for dining are a good idea. 702-369-2305. 355 Convention Center Drive. Las Vegas NV. www.pieroscuisine.com

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The Rainbow Company will give a benefit performance of “Trails of Old Nevada” with a “lot of music” at Lawry’s Prime Rib Sun Mar 18. You are invited to the silent auction starting at 3:30 pm. The prime rib at Lawry’s is famous and the dinner will finish with a special chocolate dessert. Tickets are $85, all the proceeds go to the Friends of Rainbow Company. Prepaid reservations required by calling Nancy 702-506-2114. Lawry’s Prime Rib 4043 Howard Hughes Pkwy Las Vegas NV.

Related www.rainbowcompany.info, www.artslasvegas.org

To experience the flavors of that Eastern impact, visit Magura’s Restaurant, the only Bulgarian restaurant in Las Vegas. You’Ll find those tasty East Mediterranean combinations of tomato, cucumber, feta cheese, eggplant, garlic, dill, kebabs (grilled meat on skewer), all served and combined with the ever-present yoghurt. Even the names of many dishes are so Turkish as to be instantly recognizable. Bulgarian cuisine departs from Turkish by including lots of pork, both grilled and as sausage or bacon. Tripe seems to be a favorite. Any form of pork, of course, is strictly forbidden under Muslim Hillal; you won’t be finding any pork meatballs in Turkey. Also look for interesting additions of ouzo (more commonly associated as a Greek alcohol). Strangely enough Magura’s has delicious pizza and you can get a large helping of great spaghetti and meatballs.

Step through the door and into another land. If you’re lucky, they’ll be playing music videos from Sofia on the big screen TV. By the sounds of the language from adjoining tables, this restaurant is clearly frequented by Bulgarians, of which there seem to be many in Las Vegas. The signage in the Ladies room is entirely in Cyrillic, so one hopes there isn’t anything important we’re missing. Order a Zagorka (large Bulgarian beer) with a shot of grappa (also vaguely Italian). Bulgarian red wine is full-bodied and goes perfectly with the tangy meat dishes. Finish off the meal with Baklava and a Turkish coffee and you’ve just had cheap trip to the Balkans. 702-693-6990. 1305 Vegas Valley Dr. Ste C

We were there for Les’ Wines & Vines, comfortably sequestered in the wine & spirits shop with cozy cafe-style tables, surrounded by polished wooden shelves brimming with high quality and delicious vintages.

There’s also a comfortable full-service bar and the food is great. We stayed on for a steak dinner with friends; my good intentions of leaving half of my petite filet mignon for the doggie bag did not materialize. I ate the whole thing – tender, juicy and perfectly grilled. The baked potato was just how I like it, sour creme and crusty skin. They serve their meat with a choice of four sauces and two sides. My choice of carbernet reduction and grilled aspargus was perfect. Service from 11 am til 1am. 702-56-STEAK (78325). Steak 76 W. Horizon Ridge (just at the exit on 515). www.steaklasvegas.com

Check out their website and get on their email for frequent gourmet wine-pairing dinners.

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Bootlegger Bistro

Kelly also produces Celebrity Showcase at the Bootlegger on Saturday nights from 10p-1am.

Related: Sky & La Vegas Tenors for Sunday Blues, Celebrity Showcase @ Bootlegger, “Windy” at Kelly Clinton’s Celebrity Showcase, Live Music Every Day of the Week,

Gordon Birsch is the place to be if you want an afternoon of dance and high spirits. A different band is featured most Sundays, with Tommy Thompson the last Sunday of the month. There is a group of friendly regulars who are loyal to this spot and get there early for the tables in the bar and dance area. You order from the Brunch menu, with a cash bar. Guest artists sit in and there can be delightful surprise. No cover charge. Howard Hughes Parkway, near Flamingo. noon-3pm

The Renaissance Hotel serves a brunch menu, but the best deal is the big salad bar with champagne or Bloody Mary’s and dessert for $24. The atmosphere is elegant. A jazz group plays from 11 am-3 pm. Envy Steak House, Renaissance Hotel, Paradise and Desert Inn. Check smoothjazz1057.com for schedule of artists.

Related Oasis Sunday Jazz Brunch @ Renaissance

Wild Truffles Gourmet Cafe in Boca Park is serving up a champagne jazz brunch from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm for $39.95. The brunch includes a sushi/sashimi station, entree selections and dessert buffet. Cost also includes glass of champagne, mimosa or Kir Royale. 702-938-8803. 750 So. Rampart Blvd (Boca Park at So. Rampart & Charleston).

Take 1 Downtown at the corner of 7th & Fremont showcases Larry Wild Wrice and the Gents of Swing from 1pm -5 pm. There is a limited menu with a slightly soul-food flavor (cartfish, ribs, bread pudding.) The food is tasty and very reasonable at $15 pp. This is mellow jazz for a mellow afternoon.

Related Larry Wild Wrice Jazz @ “Take 1″

Related: Live Music, Intimate Setting, Some Dancing, Live Music, Jazz & Blues etc

Dim Sum is the general classification for the small delicacies Chinese eat for breakfast or lunch, often dumpling- or bun-like, usually steamed or fried, most commonly filled with pork, shrimp or vegetables. Most westerners are familiar with potstickers, a typical Dim Sum. A classic Dim Sum meal is served from small carts or trolleys that circle the room, you making your choices at will, and the server noting your selection on the table’s tab to be tallied at the end of the meal. Dim Sum is a Cantonese expression which translates directly as “touching the heart,” but is used as “bite” or “snack.”

The Dim Sum menu at the Ping Pang Pong is divided into Steamed, Crisp Fried and Seared, Baked, Bamboo Rice Specials, Steamed Rice Noodle Rolls, Warm and Hot Sweets, and Cool Sweets. I usually have the server lift the lids on the stainless steel or bamboo baskets and just point to indicate my selection. I do have a great weakness for the BBQ Pork Bao (steamed bun) and insist on having at least one serving. The prices vary from $2.18 to $5.88 a serving, which is usually 3-4 pieces. It is a meal best enjoyed by several people, as it is difficult for two to eat the variety that you want to order. Like all Chinese food, it is designed to enjoy in a group.

The serving is daily from 10am -3pm. You can also order from the menu if the Dim Sum seems daunting, but you will be missing a great treat. Ping Pang Pong Restaurant, Gold Coast Casino, W. Flamingo and Valley View.

You can also get daily Dim Sum until 4 pm at the Harbour Palace Seafood Restaurant in Chinatown Plaza at 4275 Spring Mountain Rd, west of Valley View.

The Casino also has a pizza corner (a bevy of booths over in an alcove) where they serve up the perfect crust, by the slice or whole pie. Price is great and, to my taste, some of the best pizza in town. I haven’t tried the bar-b-que yet, but judging by the crowds and the other two eating outlets, my money is on succulent and sweet ribs. This is a Casino where people go for bargain in all areas, so don’t expect a high end crowd. The smoke can be thick, but where else can you get a great-tasting beer for a buck? I heard the sounds of karaoke from the bar. Definitely not my thing, but hey, who am I to judge how other people have fun? Ellis Island Casino and Restaurant, 4178 Koval Ln, between E Flamingo and Tropicana. 702-733-8901.

The menu includes Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Stew and, of course, corned beef and cabbage. I saw big platters of nachos being served, which looked delicious, but I don’t quite get why you’d order that in an Irish pub. But, hey, this is America, not really Ireland, so a smart pubowner gives the customer what he wants. My vote goes for the Irish fare, but the humungous hamburger did look good! It’s a community kind of place with the Brainstorm Pub Quiz on Tuesdays where you are encouraged to “grab your smart friends, put on a team and join us” or the fascinating “shave your head for Children’s Cancer.” McMullan’s also will host the Las Vegas World Affairs Trivia Event on Mar 30. I was intrigued by the Great Guiness Toast where you “TEXT-TOAST-BE COUNTED 02-16-07″ to help support RADD. An electronic ticker is counting down the seconds to that date. Of course, you want to be at McMullan’s on St Pat’s Day, Mar 17, even if you’re not a “real Colleen.” 4650 W. Tropicana, just west of the Orleans. 702-247-7000. Open for food and drink 24 hrs. SMOKE-FREE. www.mcmullansirishpub.com

For those of you who aren’t familiar with tapas, they are a Spanish invention of small servings of savory goodies which range from cold hams, cheeses, anchovies and gaspacho to hot dishes of tortilla a la espanola (omelette-like), meat and shrimp skewers, fried calamari, albondigas (meatballs) and empanadas (pastry stuffed with roast pork). My personal favorite is Stuffed Dates (bacon-wrapped, smoked almond, red wine reduction, blue cheese) for $4. There are 62 tapas on the menu, so there is something for every taste and desire. 3900 Paradise Rd, Ste A (across from Howard Hughes Center, just down from Flamingo). It’s on the corner of the strip mall that includes several ethnic restaurants as well as Ruth Chris Steakhouse. Firefly has an outdoor patio visible from the street. 702-734-4118 www.fireflylv.com

Hours: Sun-Thurs 8am-6pm Fri & Sat 8am-7pm. Homey indoor dining room with TV. Outdoor tables too.
Call first for speedy pick-up: 702-647-SOUL (7685)

1100 N. Martin Luther King Blvd (one block north of Washington before Lake Mead). Look for a white strip mall with the restaurant on the end, signage in black letters “T&T’s Soul Food.” Easy parking.