Heidi’s Picks
Heidi’s Picks is a weekly selection of restaurant suggestions from Review-Journal critic Heidi Knapp Rinella. Price symbols are based on the cost of an average entree: $ = entrees less than $10; $$ = entrees between $10 and $20; $$$ = entrees between $20 and $30; and $$$$ = entrees more than $30.
AQUAKNOX
The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 414-3772
Settling into a booth at AquaKnox was a welcome escape from the chaos around the restaurant’s entrance (which is near the resort’s convention center) but the best was yet to come, as we experienced top-notch food and service at prices that weren’t — at least for the Strip. We recommend the Jonah crab claws, clam steamers, Ahi tuna, John Dory and Chocolate Martini, and even the peppery breadsticks with smoked-salmon-and-trout mousse that were served before dinner. (1/29/10)
Overall: A $$$$
BOUCHON
Venezia Tower at The Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 414-6200
It still seems as incongruous among the Italianate trappings of The Venetian as on the day it opened, but Bouchon has worn very nicely, delivering French-bistro fare that’s as authentic as it gets. Notable were a charcuterie board, the Poulet Roti (roast chicken), Triute aux Amandes (trout almondine) and the silken-sin richness of the Mousse au Chocolate Noir, which requires no translation. (7/31/09)
Overall: A $$$
THE MAPLE TREE
6000 Spring Mountain Road; 362-5151
The Maple Tree works to evoke a New England sugarhouse, which it does to mixed degree. But maple syrup reigns supreme here — the real stuff, which is just perfect on the fluffy pancakes. We liked the Sugarhouse Sampler, which, besides pancakes, includes eggs, sausage, bacon and maple-baked ham, and the crab cakes and eggs, with their country potatoes. And we especially liked the service. (3/26/08)
Overall: A- $