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.

B.B. KING'S BLUES RESTAURANT & CLUB

The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 242-5464 or www.BBKingClubs.com

The atmosphere at B.B. King's evokes the hallowed 'cue halls of Memphis but the barbecue doesn't quite measure up; while the sauce was good, the ribs were on the dry side -- and we're not talking about a rub. Still, it has a certain charm, and we loved the fried pickles and liked the chicken-fried chicken (and especially its caramelized-onion gravy), coleslaw and baked beans. (8/27/10)

Overall: B $$

KUNG FU PLAZA

3505 S. Valley View Blvd.; 247-4120 or www.KungFuPlaza.com

Kung Fu Plaza may have a clientele that's not quite as ethnically Asian as some of the other spots in and around China Town Plaza, but we figure that's because it's been open since 1973 and has built up a locals following in that time. At any rate, we liked it for a spirited Tom Kha Chicken and crunchy beef Pad Thai, plus personable service. (11/5/10)

Overall: B $

OFF THE STRIP

10670 Southern Highlands Parkway; 202-2448 (also at 9837 W. Tropicana Ave.)

We were a little dubious when a reader told us that Off the Strip had really good homemade meatloaf for $10 but sure enough they did, and we liked everything else about the place as well. That would include an appetizer special of thinly sliced beef rolled around asparagus, rigatoni Bolognese with a meatball, and the oh-please-I-can't-stand-it homemade cheesecake. Oh, and especially the service. (10/16/09)

Overall: A $$

STRIP HOUSE

Planet Hollywood Resort, 3667 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 737-5200

Don't let the bawdy-house-schtick decor fool you; Strip House is serious about the food (and hey, we kinda like the red flocked wallpaper). A lagniappe of excellent smoked-potato soup set the pace for a dinner that also included ooey-gooey (and amazing) Gorgonzola fondue with strips of garlic bread, seared scallops with an edamame succotash, delightfully lemony lobster linguine, a lovely bone-in New York strip and smashing black-truffle-and-bacon creamed spinach. (5/14/10)

Overall: A $$$$