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.

L'ATELIER DE JÖEL ROBUCHON

MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 891-7358

The genius of Chef of the Century Joel Robuchon shows all over this, the more casual of his two MGM Grand restaurants, but especially in the Discovery Menu that shows off 10 of his dishes such as poached baby kumamoto oysters with French butter, slightly smoked salmon with watercress, quail breasts stuffed with foie gras, and langoustine carpaccio with roasted poppy-seed dressing, as well as a la carte dishes such as roasted rack of lamb. (2/3/06)

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+ $$

MIX ZONE CAFE

2202 W. Charleston Blvd.; 388-0708

Mix Zone Cafe is a Thai restaurant but 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- $

R.E. TAPAS KITCHEN AND LOUNGE

467 E. Silverado Ranch Blvd.; 617-9220

One of the best things about tapas spots is that they enable you to share little dishes and try new tastes and that's especially true at R.E., which raises tapas innovation to new heights. Worthy of note: carpaccio of beef, feta fries, grilled hearts of romaine, baked artichoke hearts, quesadilla margarita, rolled eggplant, osso bucco piccolo, albondigas and local chevre cheesecake, for dessert. Oh, and don't forget the sangria. (5/16/08)

Overall: A- $$