HEIDI’S PICKS

Heidi's Picks is a weekly selection of restaurant suggestions from Las Vegas 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.

DONA MARIA TAMALES

910 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 382-6538 (also at 3205 N. Tenaya Way)

Dona Maria Tamales is the real deal; if you don't believe us, just ask some of the fans gathered for the futbol games on satellite TV. Tamales wrapped in just-dense-enough masa harina are the specialty of the house and the cheese version had a filling that was just firm enough and had just enough peppers, its tender pork counterpart with just a bit of a kick; even the beans and rice are better than we normally encounter. And on a return visit, we'd be sure not to miss the queso fundido con chorizo. (7/14/09)

Overall: B+ $$

MARKET GRILLE CAFE

7920 W. Tropical Parkway; 396-0070 (also at 7175 W. Lake Mead Blvd.)

This sure doesn't look like a counter-service restaurant and the food sure doesn't taste like it. It's actually more of a hybrid since the food is brought to the table on real dishes and with real flatware. The Greek cuisine is the real deal, too, and we say "Opa!" to the dolmades, saganaki, pomegranate chicken, moussaka and -- talk about something living up to the name -- Aphrodite's Cheesecake, which is on a baklava crust. (10/10/08)

Overall: A $$

MI PERU

1450 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, Henderson; 220-4652

Here's one reason you should try cuisines that may not be familiar: purple corn drink. Yes, it sounds weird, but it was fantastic. And Peruvian. We also liked the other Peruvian foods we had at Mi Peru, which were deep-fried yuca root, polla a la brasa (roasted marinated chicken), lomo saltado (beef with tomatoes and onions) and a rich flan topped with toasted coconut. (7/24/09)

Overall: A- $$

THE COUNTRY CLUB

Wynn Las Vegas, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 248-3463

We thought our steak was a little on the pricey side but if you're willing to foot the bill, The Country Club is quite a lovely spot to have dinner, with its vaguely clubby atmosphere and commanding view of the golf course. We also liked the starter of kobe beef carpaccio, salad of baby field greens with sherry vinaigrette, side of creamed corn with bacon and marvelously tender blackened ahi. (8/1/08)

Overall: A $$$$