By: Bob Gurley

Restaurant owners who open up new places are constantly on the lookout for Executive Chefs who will chart the future of the establishment. When Andy Hooper, Owner of Hooper Hospitality Concepts, was on the prowl for the head cook to start El Luchador, he had interviewed several people until Aaron Bryan walked in.

​Restaurant owners who open up new places are constantly on the lookout for Executive Chefs who will chart the future of the establishment. When Andy Hooper, Owner of Hooper Hospitality Concepts, was on the prowl for the head cook to start El Luchador, he had interviewed several people until Aaron Bryan walked in.

By: Bob Gourley
 
Henderson is getting more independent restaurants, even during the pandemic. But one place that has been dispensing great Italian food for years is Ventano Italian Grill and Seafood.
 
Not only will you be wowed by the cuisine but there is a terrific view of the entire valley there as well.

​ Las Vegas is known for many things but sometimes people forget how many good sandwich shops there are in the valley. In fact, Capriotti’s which is now a national chain began right here in 1976. They now operate 110 company-owned and franchise locations in 15 states.
 
If you are a fan of fresh roasted turkey you can indulge anytime you want. They roast birds every day in each location.
 
The Bobbie is their signature item and has been referred as Thanksgiving on a bun. The creation includes turkey, stuffing, mayo and of course cranberry sauce. 

By: Bob Gourley
 
For some strange reason I have always wanted to write about hospital food. Is it as bad as people say?
 
After a fairly lengthy stay at Dignity Health Siena Hospital in Henderson I got a chance to sample almost a week’s worth of three meals a day. And for the most part the food was tasty.
   
They give you a menu when you arrive. Depending on what shape you are in you may want to customize your meal or just let them bring in the regular fare for the day.

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.