Dining Pick of the Week: The Salted Lime

PICK OF THE WEEK:

THE SALTED LIME

Aliante Casino + Hotel, 7300 Aliante Parkway, 702-692-7777

The night is going to be memorable when a restaurant is centered around a giant margarita bar. But the real memory comes from the authentic menu created by chef George Jacquez that begins with such appetizers as chili con queso (add spicy taco meat), shrimp cocktail, tortilla or black bean soup, three-cheese quesadillas with chicken or shrimp and bacon-wrapped shrimp. House specialties include pollo ranchero in chipotle tomato sauce, carne asada (grilled marinated skirt steak), pork carnitas (braised pork, corn tortillas, guacamole), camarones a la diabla (spicy shrimp) and mojarra frita, whole crispy fried fish with lime and coleslaw. Among the traditional favorites, served with rice and beans, are fish tacos, bean burrito, crispy bean chimichanga with chicken or beef and chicken, shredded beef or shrimp enchiladas. There are chicken, beef or shrimp fajitas with grilled onions and peppers, combination plates featuring tamales, tacos, enchiladas and flautas, and salads (classic Caesar, crispy tostada). A children's menu has chicken or beef taco, bean and cheese burrito, beef taquitos and cheese enchiladas. House specialties start at $13 and combination plates at $10. The Salted Lime is open from 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. - Jack Bulavsky