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.

CAFE HEIDELBERG

610 E. Sahara Ave.; 731-5310

Despite a pronounced service shortage (read: one woman to serve the entire restaurant) we enjoyed our dinner at Cafe Heidelberg, thanks to the Old World German soul food. We loved the Bavarian potato soup, a special of creamy curried soup, Leberkase with fried eggs and the Schnitzel Combo. And we sure didn’t go away hungry. (5/22/09)

Overall: A- $$$

FLAVORS, THE BUFFET

Harrah’s Las Vegas, 3475 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 369-5000

We reviewed Flavors as part of a Buffet of Buffets sweep of all seven buffets at Harrah’s Las Vegas properties, and this one stood out as a bit of a sleeper. It’s an attractive space, with natural elements including wood and mosaics, and it has a decent variety of foods served at clearly labeled stations. Worthy of note: linguine with whole clams, pork potstickers, carnitas and bananas Foster. (10/1/10)

Overall: A $$

PIERO’S ITALIAN CUISINE

355 Convention Center Drive; 369-2305

Piero’s has many of the trappings of a conventionaire/tourist-centric restaurant– the location close to the convention center, the high prices, the multitude of tables for large parties– but much about it doesn’t feel touristy, and that would include the quality of the food and service. We were extremely pleased with the roasted artichoke, Saltimbocca alla Romana, Fettucine A Modo Mido — fresh fettucine with broccoli, mushrooms and pancetta, to you and us — and a creamy, not overly sweet tiramisu infused with a striking coffee flavor. (9/11/09)

Overall: A $$$$

SPICY TUNA SUSHI

10345 S. Eastern Ave; 722-2424

Like other fusion sushi places in the area Spicy Tuna offers numerous creative rolls and other sushi; unlike the others, it wasn’t crowded on the evening of our visit. And we thoroughly enjoyed most of our choices, like the garlic-butter edamame, bacon maki, SJW Special, Monkey Special, Screaming Orgasm and Dr. George Special, though we found the spicy tuna roll surprisingly ordinary. (1/22/10)

Overall: A-$$