By: Bob Gourley
 
The number of chicken restaurants in the U.S. must be staggering. Not only are there big chains but independents are gobbling up more of the trade as well.
 
One of those small providers is Blue Ribbon in Summerlin. Two brothers, Eric and Bruce Bromberg started the ball rolling in New York back in 1992 and now their only west coast location is doing very well.
   
What makes it so good? The breading is a mix of egg whites, matzo meal and a secret collection of spices. The pieces are huge and after devouring one you will be staring at your plate wondering if you should take the rest home.

By: Bob Gourley
 
There is something comforting about a huge menu with just about every kind of Chinese dish you can think of. New York Chinese Restaurant in Henderson has a giant list of entrees and appetizers that will dazzle you as you look through the fare and ponder what to order.
    
A couple of things stand out. Not only do they have Egg Foo Young, but you can get it six different ways. Meat options include shrimp, chicken, pork and of course veggies.
 
Another unusual pick is Chop Suey, and once again meat picks reign supreme. Since these dishes aren’t on too many menus anymore, maybe a new generation of fans will emerge.

By: Bob Gourley
 
It almost feels like Zorba the Greek should be entering the building. The feel and food at Meraki Greek Grill is authentic and delicious. Nestled into a busy shopping mall, the place is often crowded with folks on their way to Summerlin and surrounding areas.
    
Of course, you can find a fitting Hummus on the appetizer list with a mix of garbanzo beans, tahini and lemon. But there are some other more exotic tastes like Tirokafteri made with Greek feta cheese and spicy roasted peppers. For those who like to experiment with different spreads you can order a sampling plate with pita.

By: Bob Gourley
 
A lot of folks love breakfast anytime of the day. And that is one of the main draws at The Pantry inside the Mirage Hotel and Casino.
 
In fact, the menu is laden with so many choices you could visit several times a day and not order everything. This is an open and cheery place with a dining area that is awash in white and earth tones plus a bar area for a casual cocktail before seeing one of the shows like Terry Fator or Matt Goss. The emphasis is on American comfort food items made from the freshest ingredients available.

By: Bob Gourley

I don’t know how many times my wife and I have been sitting around on a Saturday night wondering where to get dinner. We have many times wound up at the Grand Café at Green Valley Ranch Hotel and Casino.

There are many reasons why and topping the list is an expansive menu of food choices. The offerings remind me of upscale coffee shops, and the added benefit are the prices, low for just about everything.

You can get meals 24 hours a day and if you are arriving in the morning check out the Chilaquiles de Carnitas, a huge of plate of Mexican-style goodness. Corn tortillas, refried beans, pork carnitas, eggs, sour cream, avocado and salsa all come together in this one. And it is priced at $10.99.

By: Bob Gourley
 
Many of us like sameness, especially when it comes to dining out. I’m guilty of it too going to the same restaurants and ordering the same things.
 
It is great to try new places and dishes and there are times when you have to. On New Year’s Eve, my wife and I were headed to our favorite Mexican restaurant. We arrived and found that it was closed.
 
We continued down the road and saw a sign for a place we had not heard about or seen reviewed: Macayo’s on Charleston. I’m sure there are many of you who not only know the place but love it, but it was a first for us.

By: Bob Gourley
 
Nevada may not be known for its wineries but we are blessed with a great one in nearby Pahrump. The Pahrump Valley Winery is a gem just 60 miles away. Not only will you find a nice variety of award-winning wines but they also have a restaurant that is “note” worthy.
  
Symphony’s splendid views of the estate vineyards are available in a large atrium that soothes the soul. Both lunch and dinner are served with white linen table clothes and a pleasant ambiance.

By: Bob Gourley
 
The LINQ is full of unique places to dine but until recently there was no BBQ. That has changed with the opening of Virgil’s Real BBQ. This is the newest location of a small chain that also has outposts at Times Square in New York and at Atlantis in the Bahamas.
   
 “Real BBQ” means different things to different folks but the menu at Virgil’s should toe the line for smoked-flavor fans. On a recent visit, not everything was perfect but for the most part if you know what to order you will enjoy not only a good meal but the live music that accents the experience well.