I am working in Las Vegas this week

Given the given economy and the array of celebrity chef restaurants trying dumb down their menus and package them at discounted prices I was tempted to try something independent and off strip. I'm so glad I did.

The reviews of Bar Forte were intriguing as was the menu. Some of the E. European offerings transported me back to Friday night dinner @ my Grandmothers.

The menu is vast, comprised of small plates (tapas) . A mix of Seafood, Grilled items, Russian, Spanish and Bulgarian. The best way to experience the menu was a little like throwing a dart at a map. I just started picking....

The meal began w/ a garden infused vodka martini w/ a pickle in it. (my grandfather used to drink pickle juice from my grandmothers homade pickles and a shot of vodka...evoked so many nostalgic memories)

Bar Forte offers many different homemade infused Russian Vodkas....

Accompanying this an order of Marcona Almond Stuffed Dates, Wrapped In Bacon which had a nice char in a cherry reduction sauce.

Then I sampled both the Octopus In Olive Oil Spanish Herb Rice, Drizzled With Spanish Oil and the Stuffed Squid In Its Own Ink. (The octopus reminded me of my grandmothers pickled salmon.)

Next came the Grilled Spanish Chorizos Mixta (charred perfectly served w/ a nice fresh dilled slaw), The Khinkali (Hand Made Traditional Georgial Style Dumpings Filled with Meat and Spices...reminded me of my grandmothers kreplach from her chicken soup) ,

Adjarski Khachapurri ( Traditional Georgian Bread In The Shape of A Boat, Filled With Suluguni-Style Cheese and A Cracked Egg....amazing flavors the salty feta, warm crust baked bread and the egg which cooked from the heat of the bread)

Shopski Clay Pot (almost like a souffle of Roasted Peppers, Tomato, Scallions, Feta Cheese and Eggs Baked in an Authentic Clay Pot...very light)

Blini W/Meat, Filled With Ground Beef, Served Sour Cream again just like my grandmothers Meat blintzes....

The meal ended w/ a sour cherry vodka on the rocks and a shot of the fresh raspberry vodka and an order of baklava (stuffes w/ what was a more E European filling...reminiscent of rugelach) absolutely delicious.

The prices are very reasonable...dinner w/ Cocktails was under $90 for 2.

Its difficult to convey how wonderful Bar Forte is. The freshness, the flavors and passion for amazing food shines through.

There is so much more I want to try....there were some lamb specials, the Borscht, the herring, the strogonoff....

Bar Forte may be a once a month visit.

So many great independent restaurants in Vegas....this is at the top of my list!

A new Fish and chip restaurant opened on Via Linda and 90th on the S/E corner.
Seattle's Best Fish and Chips (the old Aladdin's)
We stopped in last week...I was very excited to try it and was extremely disappointed. We ordered NE clam chowder it was very flour'y w/ almost no clams and no taste.
We also ordered the clams and onion rings. They were out of clams so we subbed oysters w/ our rings.
The batter is very thick on both oysters and rings. I was hoping for a light flakey batter where the fresh flavors of the seafood would shine.
They promote their homemade tartar sauce.....they should give you more than a thimble.
Slaw and fresh lemons should be served as well....

Im hoping they are working out the kinks and can improve on what has great potential.

Scottsdale Quarter is where you want to be if you are in to hip, and happening. The restaurants all all busy. Primebar had a nice menu...I ve only had appetizers....they offer a great Happy Hour. Brio is above average 'corporate' Italian. True Food is excellent...focus is on organic healthy and smaller portions. I like the fact they focus on more vegetarian and healthful eating. Pac Central has an interesting menu, Tanzy and Salt are connected w/ the ipic theatre....they are both beautiful and appear to be doing a brisk business. The bar at Tanzy looks like a great place to hang and watch a game!

If you venture to SQ look forward to your review!

I miss DB Brasserie too!

I was trying to find a place to watch Sunday Night football and have a nice dinner.
I was headed to Stratta...where there was a large group @ the bar with children in strollers.
I didnt think after a long day I had the patience.

I wandered down to the Lakeside Grill . I was pleasantly suprised. The restaurant was beautiful and accomodating. I was dining solo and was able to find a seat at the bar in what was an extremely busy restaurant.

The menu was very interesting....It seem to be comprised of Clean , fresh, and organic offerings. I like the fact they offer a separate Vegetarian and Vegan section.

While reading the menu the waiter brought over a beautiful bread basket that was almost too pretty to eat. I loved the braided breadstick!

I started w/ the Iberrico Ham which came w/ a fig spread, crusty bread and a spicy arugula shaved apple salad. The portion was quite large and would be great to share w/ one of the other starters.

I ordered the Butternut Squash Agnolotti from the Vegetarian Menu. It was a perfect sized portion. The pasta was homemade, stuffed w/ a wonderful squash filling. It wasnt too sweet and quite in balance w/ the light broth diced squash, pinenut sauce.

I like how the Restaurant has changed the layout from DB Brasserie and oped up the Bar area. It feels much more festive. I also love the new large TV. I dine solo most of the time and enjoy catching a game along w/ a great meal.

I had an opportunity to try Catfish Alley this past month...it was terrific. Everything was cooked to perfection. I had the Oysters, Spicy Catfish, Greens. Black eyed peas and Hush Puppies...
Service was great and the restaurant is immaculate! I will make a return visit. The other unique place not far from the South Point is Bachi Burger http://www.bachiburger.com/
more than just a burger joint... many interesting combinations of Burgers, steamed buns, boba teas and more!!! Try the Shrimp Chips and the truffled fries!!!

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Catfish Alley
467 East Silverado, Las Vegas, NV 89183

Have been to Renegade Canteen twice since they have opened. I too live in the neighborhood. The restaurant is a total transformation from the previous restaurant. I love the decor and the open wine cellar/storage/display in the center. The bar area is inviting and was packed for Happy Hour. I think most people arrived between 4 and 5 to take advantage of the bar menu and special pricing. The dining room is decorated in a dark wood w/ beautiful lighting, mirrors and booths along the wall. Reservations are a must...as every table/booth was full @ 6pm. The servers are well versed in the menu and service was well executed. Everything flowed well. The food was as well done as the decor. We ordered a bottle of tempernillo which our waiter immediately poured a taste then decanted in a beautiful vessel on the table. 3 of us shared the Wedge Salad which was more than ample, along w/ a basket of warm jalapeno sourdough and pumpernickle rolls (herbed compound butter) For entrees I had the rack of lamb and creamed spinich (nightly special) which was cooked to order, It was tender, and delicious, the other 2 entrees we ordered were the filet w/ green chili mac and cheese and the catfish. Our other visit to Renegade was for lunch in the Bar area where we had the flat bread and 'Bob's Big Burger'....both were terrific. I definitely see this place as 'great' adddition to the neighborhood. With Robert McGrath's reputation and the quality of food and service they have provided in their first 2 weeks....this place will do well! I look forward to returning!

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Renegade Canteen
9343 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Take a look @ Nove in The Palms. The menu is comprised of traditional old school items such as Chicken Parmesean, Calamari w/ banana pepers, Sunday gravy (bracciola, sausage and meatballs) rigatoni bolognese.....many grilled seafood items (octopus, branzino,) ...w/ a modern feel.
The setting is beautiful...51st floor overlooking the strip. Last night was my first visit. I was pleasantly suprised. It was a gorgeous setting to watch the sun setr over the Vegas strip!
We finished our meal w/ an order of make your own cannoli's! How fun...we stuffed the shells w/ ricitta then dipped in sauces, chocolate chips, toffee chips, pistachios.....
Service was top notch making it for a memorable evening.