By: Robert Gurley
 
There was a lot of speculation as to what would replace Spago when it moved from Caesar’s to the Bellagio. When it was learned that Water Grill was coming to that spot, cheers went up. Southern California foodies have been enjoying the upscale nautical entrees both in downtown Los Angeles and Orange County for some time.

​The new location on the strip is much different than the cousins down south. The décor lighting is darker with a look that resembles being inside a luxury yacht. There is an upstairs area with a private dining room and the large fish tanks are tucked in the back close to the expansive kitchen.

By: Bob Gourley

There is a fun factor built into just about every visit to a Brazilian steakhouse. Residents of Henderson have a relatively new spot to enjoy marinated meats and creative side dishes.
 
Rodizio Grill is the hip new place located in the upper plaza at the Galleria at Sunset. The concept is simple.

By: Bob Gurley
​
I was a little envious when my son announced that he and his girlfriend had visited Delmonico at the Venetian. It is known to be one of the top steakhouses in the valley and it was a destination I was looking forward to visiting someday.

​The day finally arrived as my wife and I were going to meet an acquaintance from Los Angeles who was in town for a convention. He let me choose the restaurant and one of the caveats was it had to be quiet so we could carry on a conversation.

By: Bob Gurley

​There are of course many options for both food and drink on the Strip. But if you want spirited libations, good eats and entertainment all rolled into one package visit Rock and Reilly’s. This spot, at the Hawaiian Marketplace, has a large outdoor patio area where you can gaze at the passing parade as you sip and consume.

​Specialty starter sharing dishes include Irish Nachos constructed with homemade kettle chips topped with peppered bacon, Irish cheddar, scallions and corn salsa. Bingo Wings are infused with Reilly’s Whiskey BBQ sauce.

​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
​​
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
​
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.
​