By: Bob Gourley

You can’t drive too many places around the valley without spotting a Roberto’s Taco Shop. The family-owned chain, with 70 locations in California and Nevada, started in San Diego and was the first walk up and drive-through in that area.

​The founders, Roberto and Dolores Robledo, began their career supplying tortillas to restaurants. They then opened their first dining space with the theme of “authentic, simple food at modest prices and large portions.”

By: Bob Gourley 
 
Mediterranean cuisine offers one of the healthiest diets in the world. We have several options for this style of food in the valley.  
 
A small growing family-owned chain of restaurants called Stephano’s Greek and Mediterranean Grill is not only a spot for large portions, but prices are also affordable. And they are well positioned for take-out and curbside delivery. ​

​By: Bob Gourley

One of my favorite places to dine when I was a kid was a food court just north of Los Angeles International Airport. There were various stalls with international food choices everywhere. Being the food novice that I was then, I opted for American picks only and the hot turkey sandwiches were to die for.
 
I still like food courts and there is a great one at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. It is called Block 16 Urban Food Hall and it has some upscale choices for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

​By: Bob Gourley
 
Gladly we are beginning to see some of my favorite restaurants return. And with that will be a chance to enjoy some dishes that I have been missing. Here is a partial list:

Binion’s downtown has a memorable pick, the burger at Binion’s Café. The meat is ground fresh daily and they use a potato bun that is a fresh as can be. Included is a side dish and my choice is always the potato salad. It is a creamy mountain of goodness that balances the flavors of the burger well.

By: Bob Gourley
 
Piero Broglia is a name that has a lot of history in the valley. The legendary Piero’s Restaurant, which is still open today, has fed many generations of locals and tourists.
 
The original Chef, Piero himself, left that establishment a long time ago. He started other places like Pasta Mia and Café Chloe.

​By: Bob Gourley
 
Since I grew up in Southern California I was not aware of pasties. They just weren’t a part of the dining scene there. After a trip to Michigan last summer I was exposed to some great meat pies. My wife and I had driven past Cornish Pasty Co. on Charleston many times on our way to the Smith Center. But we didn’t stop in until last week. 

By: Bob Gourley
 
Henderson is known for a lot of chain restaurants. Nothing wrong with that but the tide seems to be turning toward more individually owned locations and that is a good thing.
 
One of the newer local spots is Craft Kitchen.

​Chef Jaret Blinn’s philosophy is to “feed people how you would want to be fed.” His credentials are impressive having spent time at Ritz Carlton hotels in Maui, San Francisco and Lake Las Vegas. He also had stints at Le Cirque and Circo at the Bellagio.

​By: Bob Gurley
 
Comfort food is great this time of the year. There is nothing better than easing into a restaurant and ordering up a feast that will stick to your bones. If you have ever been to one of the Metro Diners in the valley you know that big portions are what they are all about.
    
A visit to the Henderson location found me leaving with a full stomach and pleasant memories. Being a big fan of chicken and waffles I had to indulge in their version.