By: Bob Barnes

In June, Gabi’s Gorditas opened on Blue Diamond Rd. just west of Decatur in the burgeoning area of southwest Las Vegas.

After losing a cousin to cancer, Alfredo “Freddie” Delatorre was inspired to develop a menu of healthy food via a Mexican staple he remembered enjoying as a child growing up in Texas and during trips to Mexico: the gordita.

​Spanish for chubby, a gordita is somewhat like a cross between a pita and a taco—a small pastry a bit thicker than a tortilla, that’s cut open and filled with ingredients and then eaten much like a taco.

By: Bob Barnes

Top Chef, Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay alumnus and James Beard-nominated Chef Bruce Kalman worked at prestigious kitchens in NJ, NYC, Chicago and became known for his time at and ownership of L.A.’s Knead & Co. Pasta Bar + Market and Pasadena’s UNION. Now he’s gracing Las Vegas with his talents and earlier this year opened Soulbelly BBQ, his first Las Vegas restaurant.

When asked about venturing from fine dining to BBQ he explained it stemmed from a catering job for Dave Grohl that led to a friendship and several backyard barbeques with the Foo Fighters frontman.

​Chef added that his friendship with local chef James Trees (owner of Esther’s Kitchen and Al Solito Posto) helped convince him to move to Las Vegas and also to venture further into BBQ.  

By: Robert Gurley

A few years back some restaurant writer friends from Los Angeles used to rave about an old-style steakhouse that was many miles away from the strip. They couldn’t remember the name of the place so I tucked thoughts of it away figuring I would run into it eventually.
   
After tooling along Centennial Parkway in an area I don’t get out to very much, suddenly it appeared…Bob Taylor’s Original Ranch House established way back in 1955. My wife and I decided to give it a visit last month.

I was impressed by the amount of space they have for parking, a throwback to when there was nothing around them. New housing tracts surround the place now, but the parking area remains the same. The restaurant is indeed a ranch house with western memorabilia adorning the walls. This is one of those places you just know you are going to enjoy.

By Bob Barnes
 
Amalfi by Bobby Flay, the celebrity chef’s first Italian concept, inspired by his travels to Italy and the Amalfi Coast, is now open nightly for dinner in the space formerly occupied by Flay’s Mesa Grill. The restaurant specializes in Southern Italian cuisine and fresh fish, and the space has been completely transformed. The décor now features a mix of organic fabrics, stone, wood materials and white and blue chairs lending an air of a beach setting.

A prominent feature is the fish and seafood display with an extensive rotating selection that changes often and is staffed by a knowledgeable fishmonger who answers guests' questions such as to its flavor, where it was sourced from and when it arrived. You can select a whole fish prepared grilled over charcoal or roasted served with Meyer lemon and capers, red pepper and Calabrian chile pesto or salsa verde.

By Bob Barnes
 
Rebellion Pizza is now open in the Anthem Village center at 2540 Anthem Village Dr. across the street from the Vons and CVS stores and just blocks from the Sun City Anthem community. The name represents pizza business veterans Ricky Lewis and Ryan Perras, who after spending several years working for others, have launched their own venture.
 
Most in the beer community know Ricky, who was born and raised in Henderson, curated the beer list at Pizza Rock and has managed the CraftHaus taproom in the Arts District since its opening. Ryan as well has long been a part of the beer scene, as he worked alongside Ricky at the Yard House and Pizza Rock and learned a thing or two or three about both beer and pizza along the way.

By: Robert Gurley
 
The reopening in Vegas is continuing with gusto. Restaurants are filling up and there seems to be a sense of optimism in the air. How about our neighbor to the north Reno?
 
We recently got back from a trip there and the same parameters are in order. People are dining out and enjoying it.
   
After a stroll along the Riverwalk my wife and I were ready for lunch. We perused the Wild River Grille menu and decided to give it a try. There is a large patio but because it was cloudy and cool we opted for an inside table.