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.

HUGO'S CELLAR

Four Queens, 202 Fremont St.; 385-4011

Hugo's Cellar has returned to its rightful place as the downtown spot that best perpetuates all that was good about Old Las Vegas. The Hot Rock Specialty is a long tradition that was even better than we remembered (the stone seasoned with chopped shallots and used to cook fish, beef, chicken and shrimp) and we liked the Duckling Anise Flambe and the classic Veal Oscar. Oh, and one of the best things about Hugo's -- the tableside salad cart. (2/13/09)

Overall: A $$$$

LE BURGER BRASSERIE

Paris Las Vegas, 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 946-7000

OK, so maybe this isn't really the most original idea, but heck, the Strip can always use another spot with good burgers like Le Paris, with brie, caramelized onions and bacon. Also worthy of note: Le Ferme, a grilled-chicken burger, potato skins, clam chowder and Le Beignets for dessert -- not classic beignets, but tasty nonetheless. (12/21/07)

Overall: B+ $$

ORIGIN INDIA

4480 Paradise Road; 734-6342

We stopped in at Origin India for happy hour, the period from 4 to 7 p.m. daily when appetizers and specialty cocktails are half-price. We indulged accordingly and truly enjoyed the lot, which included chicken chili fry, lamb sheek kabob, vegetable samosas, portabella mushroom caps, paneer tikka, a ginger-pomegranate martini and a strawberry and black raspberry mojito. (11/20/09)

Overall: A $ (at happy hour)

MIX ZONE CAFE

2202 W. Charleston Blvd.; 388-0708

Mix Zone Cafe is a Thai restaurant and the dish that blew us away was a starter of puffy fried eggplant that didn't strike us as traditionally Thai, but who knew? The mix works for us. We also liked the mint-chicken pot stickers, minced pork Ga Pow, tofu Panang curry and the mellow music and bright colors that give the little place a serene yet energetic vibe. (2/20/09)

Overall: A- $