​By: Bob Gourley
 
There is a lot of good food that is shared at backyard feasts. The folks behind the budding Bok Bok chain of restaurants like to use their own backyard experiences to fill their menu items. Even though the place doesn’t feature BBQ as a lot of home-cooked bashes do, they feature a lot of healthful Mediterranean dishes that are flavorful.

​By: Bob Gourley
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There aren’t a lot of casual fish places around these parts. Of course, you can find full-service dining at King’s Seafood at the District in Green Valley or various other places that dot the valley landscape. But for those who are looking for an inexpensive spot for treasures from the sea, it can be a tough journey.

​Because of a tip from some friends of mine, I recently discovered Fish King Grill in Las Vegas. Located in a mini mall, you would probably pass by this place several times before stopping if you didn’t know it was there.

​By: Bob Gourley
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The Sterling Brunch at BLT Steakhouse at Bally’s is one of the most-hyped Sunday dining excursions there is. Not only is the price of $110 a person a conversation piece, but the promise of all of the lobster tail and filet mignon you want is another enticement.
    
Sometimes there are things that you just must do at least once. Such is the Sterling experience unless you have a bank account that would let you go each week. 

​By: Bob Gourley
 
Los Angeles’ own Chef Roy Choi has been one of the innovators of the food scene for a long time. Not only did he help to put gourmet food trucks on the map, but he also invested in an upscale restaurant (Loco) in a part of town that nobody would touch.

​By: Bob Gourley
 
When it was announced that Chica was opening up I wanted to dart over as soon as possible. Even though it took a little while longer to get there than I had thought, the visit was great. Nestled into a spot at a row of interesting restaurants at the Venetian, this location is a haven for new Latino cuisine executed by Chef Lorena Garcia. This type of food is accented with many influences including Mexican, Peruvian and South American. 

​By: Bob Gourley
 
I’m not sure who Juan is but he must be a great cook, judging from the crowds at the new Juan’s Flaming Fajitas in Henderson. This location is in a brand-new building that is right next to Lovelady Micro-Brewery on Water St. The area is being re-done and Juan’s fits in well with what the city hopes will be a vibrant street scene.
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By: Bob Gourley

​Some restaurants have interesting stories to tell. Bobby Mao’s has two scenarios that are intriguing because of completely-separate menus, Mexican and Chinese. The new Henderson location is the second restaurant in what the owners hope is a growing chain. The first one is in Palm Desert, California and serves Chinese classics. 

By: Bob Gourley

​I remember the buzz when the folks at the El Cortez Hotel announced they were remodeling the main restaurant. After a year or so, Siegel’s 1941, an ode to Bugsy Siegel, the man who put Las Vegas on the map was launched and is now a place where you can get a meal anytime of the day and at a reasonable price. With so many higher-priced entities moving into the Fremont Street area this is a nice haven for budget-conscious diners.

​When I arrived, I was on the hunt for the $10.00 prime rib special. Unfortunately it wasn’t being offered even though it seems to be back on the menu now.  

By: Bob Gurley

​One of the must-sees in Las Vegas is the conservatory at the Bellagio Hotel. The season-changing scenes full of fragrant flowers do wonders to just about anyone who visits. 

But there is another spot just down the hall that also puts smiles on everyone, the Bellagio Patisserie.
  
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By: Bob Gourley

It has been a long time since I visited Benihana. In fact I haven’t been since a sojourn to the Torrance, California location a few years ago.

My wife and I have always enjoyed the dining style where you sit with a group of friends and enjoy the show. The talented knife-wielding chefs make short work of veggies and meats. And the sliced-up onion smoke tower is always a highlight.