DINING GUIDE

Scott Irestone, executive chef for Wolfgang Puck's Asian-fusion restaurant Chinois in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, center, gives a cooking class on using flavors found in cuisine from Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam at the Whole Foods Market at 7250 W. Lake Mead Blvd., May 16. Advertisement

* Prices based on individual diner: $ = Under $10; $$ = $10-$20; $$$ = $20-$50; $$$$ = More than $50. Contact: Lisa Valentine, 380-4545.

* Prices based on individual diner: $ = Under $10; $$ = $10-$20; $$$ = $20-$50; $$$$ = More than $50. Contact: Lisa Valentine, 380-4545.

PICK OF THE WEEK:

'50S DINER

5693 S. Jones Blvd., Suite 106, 221-2354

Back in the 1950s, a diner had American food, a casual atmosphere, a counter and late operating hours. Well, that was then, and finding one today is an accomplishment. At 50's Diner, America is alive and well. Breakfasts are served all day and include some 30 omelets. Small ones are made with three eggs, and a large omelet has six. They are served with potatoes and choice of white, wheat, sourdough or rye toast, English muffin, bagel or pumpkin nut bread. Other breakfast items are buttermilk and chocolate chip pancakes, French toast, eggs Benedict, country fried steak with eggs, biscuit and gravy platter, eggs Florentine and the house egg sandwich made with one egg over hard, mayo, bacon and American cheese on white bread. Among the sandwiches are grilled cheese, quarter-pound Vienna beef hot dog, meatball, patty melt, Italian beef, roast beef or chicken Philly, BLT and French dip. There are soups, chili and salads, and no diner is complete without thick, handmade milkshakes. 50's Diner is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

-- Jack Bulavsky

Aurelio's Pizza, 7660 W. Cheyenne Ave. 367-4992

Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 2 to 9 p.m.

Popular pizza choices are sausage, meatball, spinach, anchovy, mushrooms and green peppers, pepperoni and tomato and spinach and mushroom. Other specialty pizzas are Cajun, Hawaiian, taco, barbecue chicken and Giardiniera hot pepper.

Beach Café, 7750 S. Jones Blvd. 898-5200

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beach-inspired dishes include the Waikiki Burger, Beach Comber Scrambler and Tropical Waffles. The menu also features breakfast and lunch items, including nine different types of scrambled egg concoctions, a South of the Border section, sandwiches, burgers, fish tacos and deli sandwiches.

Black Bear Diner, 6180 W. Tropicana Ave. 368-1077

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sandwiches, such as French dip, hot meatloaf, turkey club, Gobbler, Reuben and the triple-decker BLAST (bacon, lettuce, avocado, Swiss and tomatoes), are served with a choice of fries, coleslaw, homemade potato salad, green salad or cup of soup. Featured dinner entrees are Big-Foot chicken fried steak in country gravy, pot roast, fried chicken, barbecue tri-tip platter and lime-garlic shrimp.

Black Label Bar & Restaurant, 3550 S. Dectaur Blvd. 823-2222 Hours: Daily, 24 hours

Breakfast is served around the clock and features pancakes, three eggs with hash browns and toast, build-your-own omelet and a breakfast sandwich with choice of bacon, sausage or ham with provolone, mozzarella, American, Swiss or cheddar. Popular sandwiches include Philly or pepperoni cheesesteak. Among the assorted pizzas are Hawaiian, barbecue and the Black Label, a combination of pepperoni, sausage, meatball, ham, onion, green peppers and olives. Several pasta dishes are spaghetti with meatballs or sausage, grilled chicken with pasta, fettuccine alfredo and chicken marsala.

Blue Ox Tavern West, 3111 S. Valley View Blvd. 873-5276

Hours: Daily, 24 hours

The Timberwolf is thinly shaved roast beef with grilled peppers and onions on a hero roll with melted Swiss. The Viking is sliced roast beef on a kaiser bun with raw onion, horseradish and tomato. The Minnesota Twin is two, one-third pound hamburger patties with cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and chips.

Bootleg Benny's, 4705 S. Durango Drive 450-4705

Hours: Daily, 24 hours; kitchen is open Sunday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 a.m.

Specials are fried shrimp basket, chef salad, mini burgers with fries and Italian sub with ham, pepperoni, salami and provolone. Sandwiches and hoagies are served with a choice of fries, soup or salad and include hot corned beef with Swiss, sliced prime rib, Reuben, Philly cheesesteak, chicken and avocado and assorted half-pound hamburgers made with ground angus chuck.

Cathay House 5300 W. Spring Mountain Road 876-3838

Hours: Daily, 10:30 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Dim sum includes pot stickers, pan-fried dumplings, baos (soft, doughy buns filled with meat such as barbecued pork), rice noodles wrapped around shrimp, and sticky rice in lotus leaves. Beef and poultry entrees include Mongolian beef, tangerine beef, kung pao beef, teriyaki beef, Peking duck, garlic chicken, sesame chicken, lemon chicken, orange peel chicken and the popular strawberry chicken.

Chicago Brewing Co., 2201 S. Fort Apache Road, 254-3333

Hours: Daily, 24 hours

Daily specials; microbrews.

Coffee Pub, 2800 W. Sahara Ave. 367-1913

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sandwiches and omelets; all muffins, cookies and baked goods made fresh daily in-house. Patio seating available.

Dona Maria Tamales Restaurant 3205 N. Tenaya Way

656-1600 Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Four kinds of tamales are avaiable: red (pork in a mild sauce), green (chicken in a hot sauce), cheese (Monterey Jack and green chiles) and sweet (pineapple and raisins). Other featured menu items are chicken in mole sauce, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, seafood and the Ortega hamburger that comes with cheese, green Ortega chiles and onions. All dinners are served with rice and beans.

Don Miguel's The Orleans 4500 W. Tropicana Ave. 365-7111

Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 4 to 10 p.m.

Fideo soup, beans and rice; chicken Baldastano (chicken stuffed with Prosciutto ham, Asadero cheese and oven baked on a red crushed pepper sauce); margarita cheesecake.

Egg Works 9355 W. Flamingo Road 368-3447

Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mexican omelet; Brad's vegetarian scramble; Greek scramble; mashed-potato omelet; California crepe; country-fried steak with two eggs; also soups, salads, char-broiled hamburgers and Cincinnati chili.

Emperor's Garden 4215 Spring Mountain Road, Chinatown Plaza 889-6777

Hours: Daily, breakfast, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; lunch,11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Authentic Chinese breakfast features soybean drinks, sao bing (sesame bread), pan-fried onion pie, steamed dumplings, rice porridge and Chinese-style eggs. Dinner specialties are kung pao lobster, Emperor's Delight (lobster, chicken, roasted pork and vegetables in seasoned sauce), Grand Marnier prawns, Empress' Special Fish (deep-fried whole rock cod), Peking duck and Sichuan spicy beef.

Ferraro's, 5900 W. Flamingo Road 364-5300

Hours: Lunch, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Monday through Saturday, dinner, 5 to 11 p.m.

Popular entrees are spaghetti and meatballs, spaghetti with garlic and olive oil, jumbo ravioli filled with mushrooms and cheeses, eggplant parmigiana, chicken marsala, rigatoni with chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, and gnocchi, homemade potato dumplings.

Fuji San, 8540 W. Lake Mead Blvd. 240-0300

Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

All-you-can-eat sushi is offered during lunch and repeated at dinner. Among the rolls are asparagus, tuna tempura, eel and avocado, California and spicy salmon. Sushi includes albacore, octopus, red snapper, salmon roe, smelt roe, squid, hen clam, mackerel, yellowtail and scallop. Several appetizers are egg rolls, baked green mussels, vegetable tempura, miso soup, crispy calamari and seaweed salad.

Gaylord, Rio, 3700 W. Flamingo Road 777-2277

Hours: Monday through Friday, lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, champagne brunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner, daily, 5 to 11 p.m.

Tandoori specialities, chicken curry.

Habib's Persian Cuisine, 4750 W. Sahara Ave. 870-0860

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Popular entrees are shish kabab with dolmeh (stuffed grape leaves), salmon with lemon chive butter, chicken kabab, chelo kabab koobideh (ground filet with rice and charbroiled tomato) and shrimp scampi. Daily specials might include ghormeh sabzi (sautéed herbs and vegetables, kidney beans, dried limes, special seasoning and rice); koresht fesenjan, chicken marinated with pomegranate sauce, crushed walnuts and rice; gheimeh polo, beef with yellow split peas, onions, special sauce and rice; and sereshk polo, chicken breast with barberries and rice.

Hash House A Go Go 6800 W. Sahara Ave. 804-4646

Hours: Monday through Thursday, breakfast and lunch, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m; dinner, 5 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Sunday, closes at 2:30 p.m.

The Big O' Turkey Sandwich is roasted turkey breast topped with farmhouse sage stuffing.

Hush Puppy, 7185 W. Charleston Blvd. 363-5988

Hours: Daily, 5 to 10 p.m.; closes at 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

All-you-can-eat Southern-fried catfish daily; all-you can-eat crab legs Monday nights; all-you-can-eat barbecue ribs Wednesday nights; shrimp; marinated chicken; homemade sweet potato and pecan pies; fried green tomatoes.

JR's Place, 5745 S. Durango Drive 312-2180

Hours: Daily, 24 hours

House specialties include chicken piccata with artichokes, capers and lemon sauce, meatball or eggplant parmigiano, sweet Italian sausage with sautéed peppers and onions, linguine with clam sauce, shrimp fra diavolo, mussels marinara, braciole (beef roulade stuffed with pignoli nuts, raisins, parmesan and mozzarella) and cioppino. There are pizzas such as White Pie (mozzarella, arugula, parma prosciutto and parmesan) and shrimp or chicken alfredo.

Lahaina Grill, 4570 S. Hualapai Way 309-9911

Hours: Bar open 24 hours; dining room closes 11 p.m.; sushi bar closes at 4 a.m.

Buy-one-get- one-free breakfast from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.; $12.99 three-course meal early bird dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. daily.

Mama Luigi's Pizzeria , 9730 W. Tropicana Ave., Suite 140 233-3010

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Specific day of the week lunch specials include cheese and ham calzone and medium drink on Wednesday, or the small one-topping pizza and medium drink every Monday. Other pasta dishes are cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, fettuccine alfredo, eggplant parmigiana and linguine with clams.

Maple Tree Countryside Kitchen 6000 W. Spring Mountain Road 362-5151

Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

THE MOST POPULAR ITEM IS OLD-FASHIONED BUTTERMILK PANCAKES WITH MAPLE SYRUP AND WHIPPED BUTTER. ALSO, MONTE CRISTO (FRENCH TOAST SANDWICH WITH HAM, TURKEY AND SWISS CHEESE FRIED TO A GOLDEN BROWN); PIGS IN A BLANKET; NEW ENGLAND BENNY (CRAB CAKES ON AN ENGLISH MUFFIN WITH POACHED EGGS); HOMEMADE BUTTERMILK BISCUITS AND GRAVY; AND COUNTRY FRIED STEAK AND EGGS.

Marche Bacchus, 2620 Regatta Drive 804-8008

Hours: Lunch, Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, brunch, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; dinner, daily, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5:30 to 10 p.m.

More than 900 different wine labels are available for retail sale or to be enjoyed while dining on an outdoor terrace overlooking the lake in the Desert Shores community. Traditional French cuisine with a contemporary influence is served. Lunch includes gourmet sandwiches, such as croque monsieur, steak and frites. There is a large selection of salads, cheese and meat platters. Popular dinner items include crab cakes, escargot, peppercorn filet mignon, roasted rack of lamb, glazed Chilean sea bass, scallop risotto and grilled ahi tuna. Large selection of desserts daily.

Mark Rich's New York Pizza and Pasta II, 11710 W. Charleston Blvd. 898-7424

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

White pizza is three cheeses and no red sauce; also stuffed pizza, square Sicilian thick crust, baked calzones, strombolis and pinwheels (spinach, meatball or sausage). Popular entrees come with garlic bread and include cheese ravioli, baked stuffed shells, chicken cacciatore, shrimp fra diablo, grilled sausage and green peppers ziti, fettuccine alfredo, Mark's shrimp scampi with pasta, chicken Julia (chicken breast with pasta, olive oil, tomatoes, garlic and basil) and linguine with white or red clam sauce.

Maru, 2025 Village Center Drive 360-6278

Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

There are 29 varieties of sushi, including king crab, octopus, blue fin and garlic tuna. Appetizers include Haemul Pajun, a seafood and green onion pancake; Japchae, potato noodles stir fried with vegetables; and an egg roll filled with beef and vegetables. Maru also offers a lunch special box, served weekdays, with a California roll, rice, salad, miso soup and tempura items in 16 varieties.

New Day Café, 7815 S. Rainbow Blvd. 255-2232

Hours: Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

BREAKFAST IS AVAILABLE ALL DAY AND ALL ITEMS CAN BE PACKAGED FOR TAKE-OUT. EARLY BIRD SPECIALS. FAMILY DINNER CLASSICS INCLUDE PORK CHOPS, LIVER AND ONIONS AND PASTAS.

Northside Nathan's 7531 W. Lake Mead Blvd. 255-8822

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The restaurant has named its traditional square pizzas after characters from the award-winning Broadway play "Guys and Dolls." The main character, Nathan Detroit, has a pizza with sausage, tomatoes and garlic. Guys and Dolls is sausage, pepperoni and onion, while the Sky Masterson is pepperoni, sausage, ham and meatballs.

Off The Strip, 10670 Southern Highlands Parkway 202-2448

Hours: Daily, 4:30 to 10 p.m.

House specialties include Chef Al's Baked and Breaded Country-Style Pork Chops topped with bell peppers, mushrooms, potatoes and red onion, beef Wellington (filet of beef baked in puff pastry with mushrooms and Bordelaise sauce), prime rib of beef and lamb chops.

Omelet House, 2160 W. Charleston Blvd. 384-6868

Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Homemade corned beef hash, six-egg omelets, homemade soups, salads and sandwiches; breakfast specials Monday through Friday; senior and kids specials seven days a week.

Opa, 2550 S. Rainbow Blvd. 876-3737

Hours: Monday through Friday, lunch, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday through Thursday, dinner, 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, lunch, noon to 4 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, dinner starts at 4 p.m.

Traditional Greek dishes; mousaka; dolmades; baked lamb; spanakopita; roasted leg of lamb; Colorado lamb chops; chicken or beef shishkabobs; and flaming saganaki.

Original Pancake House, 4833 W. Charleston 259-7755

Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Apple pancakes, specialty crepes, specialty omelets.

Paymon's, 8380 W. Sahara Ave. 731-6030

Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Kabobs; french fries; gyro meats; weekend dinner specials and lunch specials; hookah lounge.

Pita Fresh, 8665 W. Flamingo Road 233-4376

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pita sandwiches include Jalapeño Chicken Breast Griller, Greek Treat gyros, Italian Stallion, turkey club, BLT and tuna with American cheese and alfalfa sprouts. Featured salads are Fattoush Ikhlas, a combination of romaine, cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, purple cabbage, dried mint, pita croutons and fattoush dressing; and chicken Caesar.

Porchlight Grille 8416 W. Desert Inn Road. 562-3990

Hours: Daily, 24 hours

The menu includes country French chicken in a sun-dried tomato and brie cheese sauce, orange cashew chicken, baby back ribs, jambalaya with chicken, shrimp and Andouille sausage and fish and chips.

Promenade Café, Rampart Casino, 221 N. Rampart Blvd. 896-7777

Hours: Daily, 24 hours

Market Madness Super Value Specials include a whole Maine lobster dinner for $9.99 and a whole Maine lobster and filet mignon dinner for $13.99, while supplies last. The $7.99 Sensational 3-Course Dinner Specials are available 24 hours daily and include an appetizer, an entree and a dessert with beverage. Early Riser Specials are available from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. Monday through Friday and include breakfast favorites and a beverage for $1.99. The Early Evening Super Supper Specials are a three-course meal with a beverage for $4.99 and are available from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.

Rachel's Kitchen, 3645 Town Center Drive 459-6789

Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; breakfast served until 11:30 a.m.

The menu has omelets (with more than 20 items to create your own), oatmeal, pancakes, French toast and granola. The favorite is scrambled eggs with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, avocado and mushrooms. Popular sandwiches are smoked turkey and avocado, house chicken salad (apples, grapes, celery and scallions), albacore tuna salad, ultimate grilled cheese (gruyere, cheddar, parmesan) and turkey club.

Red Velvet Café, 7875 W. Sahara Ave. 360-1972

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Multi-grain paninis include chicken provolone, California, spinach with goat cheese and a chicken, spinach and mushroom melt. Popular salads are antipasto rice, pesto potato, vegetarian tuna, garden rice, and white bean and tomato. Among the pizzas are spinach and artichoke, tomato-mozzarella-basil, pepperoni, vegetarian pepperoni, veggie chicken provolone and veggie ham and cheese. Pasta entrees are spinach lasagna, baked ziti, spaghetti and meatballs and baked macaroni and cheese.

Ricardo's, 4930 W. Flamingo Road 227-9100

Hours: Weekdays, restuarant, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; weekends, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; bar is open daily until 6 a.m.

Favorites are chile Colorado (sirloin in red chile), carne diablo, carne asada, and chile verde, diced pork with onions, chilies and tomatillos. There are chicken entrees (pollo ranchero or chicken picado), halibut fish tacos, fajitas, burritos, and enchiladas, such as verduras (vegetables), del mar (shrimp, halibut and snapper) and Southwest (ground beef with cheese and red chile sauce). A sampling of many of these dishes can be found in the popular lunch buffet ($9.99), served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily, or the dinner buffet ($12.49), served from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.

Rocco's, 10860 W. Charleston Blvd. 796-0111

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Thin crust or Sicilian pizza has all the traditional toppings (sausage, meatball, ham, pepperoni, olive, green pepper, mushrooms, onion and anchovies), along with white pizza and homemade garlic knots. Several gourmet toppings are eggplant, artichoke, prosciutto, grilled chicken and spinach.

Rosemary's, 8125 W. Sahara Ave. 869-2251

Hours: Monday through Friday, lunch 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; daily, dinner, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Hugo's Texas barbecue shrimp with Maytag blue cheese slaw. Equal attention to wine and beer pairings with food. Three-course prix fixe dinner is $48; lunch $20. Half-price bottled wine on Sunday.

Samosa Factory, 4604 W. Sahara Ave.

258-9196 Hours: Monday through Friday, lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Monday through Thursday, dinner 5 to 9 p.m. and until 10 p.m. Friday; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.

Featured specialties include hot and sour curried chicken, shrimp curry, lamb vindaloo with onion, garlic, tomatoes and potatoes; lamb spinach in a spinach, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and yogurt gravy; shrimp korma in almonds and coconut milk; and keema mattar, ground chicken and peas in a gravy of chopped onion, garlic and ginger.

Samurai Sam's, 10300 W. Charleston Blvd. 243-3111

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Bowls include yaki soba, made with vegetables, wok-stirred noodles, and a choice of chicken or steak; Sumo, made with steak, chicken, veggies, and rice; low carb, with white chicken, veggies and sauce on the side; spicy beef and broccoli; and sweet and sour with chicken, green pepper, pineapple, rice and Sam's sweet and sour sauce.

Sarfino's Pizzeria, 4860 W. Desert Inn Road 454-7492

Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to midnight

There are 30 gourmet pizza selections, including the Greek with feta cheese, tomatoes, ground beef, black olives, onion, green peppers and mozzarella, and the Allegra with Canadian bacon or capicolla Ham, grilled zucchini, tomatoes, mushrooms and mozzarella.

Sierra Gold, 6515 S. Jones Blvd. 221-4120

Hours: Daily, 24 hours

Appetizers include fried pot stickers, warm pretzel bites, popcorn shrimp, artichoke and spinach dip and tenderloin sliders. The build-your-own three-egg omelet has chorizo, linguica, Italian sausage, chili and other assorted meats, vegetables and cheeses. Popular thin-crust pizzas are Hawaiian, barbecue chicken and veggie, or select from more than 30 items to create your own.

Sushi in Summerlin, 7450 W. Cheyenne Ave. 396-9760

Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sushi includes tuna, halibut, mackerel, octopus, oyster, red snapper, salmon, freshwater eel, green mussels and squid. Also, at additional cost, there are salad rolls with smelt eggs, vegetable rolls featuring combinations of avocado, asparagus, cucumber and broccoli, baked and tempura rolls and others, such as California, Mexican, sea eel, shrimp and yellowtail.

The Tap House, 5589 W. Charleston Blvd. 870-2111

Hours: Daily, 24 hours

Thin-crust pizza with 15 available toppings. The Fellini is topped with sausage, mushroom, bell peppers, salami and olives. The house stromboli is filled with ham, pepperoni, salami and mozzarella and is served with marinara sauce. Award-winning chicken wings come with celery sticks and ranch dressing.

Three Tomatoes and a Mozzarella, 6485 S. Rainbow Blvd. 257-3866

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

All thin-crust pizzas are hand tossed and include pepperoni, grilled chicken, prosciutto, Italian sausage, bacon, Genoa salami, Kalamata olives, wild mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, roasted garlic and diced jalapenos.

TPC Grille, TPC Las Vegas, 9851 Canyon Run Drive 256-2000

Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Breakfast is served until 11 a.m. and features the Early Birdie (three eggs, choice of bacon, ham or sausage), Southwest breakfast quesadilla, Best Ball (croissant with scrambled eggs, cheese, choice of meat), pancakes and French toast. Lunch favorites are beef chili with red onion, grilled flank steak, chicken quesadillas, chicken tenders, and salads such as Caesar, Greek, seared salmon, Chinese chicken, and the chicken taco.

Upper Crust Pizza, 1910 Village Center Circle 243-1700

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.

East Coast pizza with topping choices of pepperoni, hamburger, anchovy, salami, meatballs, black olive and ham. Specialty pizzas are Deluxe, Meat Lovers, veggie, white (mozzarella, garlic, olive oil, sliced tomatoes and basil), and grilled chicken with red roasted peppers. Also calzones and subs and baked ziti with chicken, eggplant or meatballs.

Vintner Grill, 10100 W. Charleston Blvd. 214-5590

Hours: Daily, lunch, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; dinner, Sunday through Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 to 11 p.m.; brunch, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Vintner Grill has an extensive, approachable wine list that includes wines by the glass and half-bottle options. The restaurant also features more than 30 distinct beers from around the world. The inviting patio and lounge are great places to relax with these wines and beers. For lunch, Vintner Grill offers a selection of half-price/half-portion options that include wood-fired flatbreads, paninis and multiple entree options. For dinner, entree highlights include bouillabaisse (mussels, clams, shrimp, snapper, calamari and scallops in saffron broth), crab ravioli with English peas, lamb osso bucco, and tagliatelle pasta with wild boar bolognese.

V Thai Cuisine, 4750 W. Sahara Ave. 870-8432

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Popular luncheon specialties are beef and broccoli, Thai cashew chicken, chow mein with choice of chicken, pork, beef, tofu or shrimp, traditional pad Thai, orange chicken, Vegetable Lover's Thai Style with choice of meat stir-fried with broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, cabbage, baby corn, mushrooms and bean sprouts and the V Spicy Basil, stir-fried bell pepper, basil, onion, chili, garlic and ground or sliced meat.

Waffles Cafe, 5165 S. Fort Apache Road 597-9775

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Customers can build their own waffle and choose from 28 toppings and regular, oat, organic flax, chocolate or pumpkin batter. Among the fresh fruit toppings are strawberry, banana, kiwi, pineapple, peach, raspberry, mango and blueberry. Other toppings include peanut butter, chocolate chips, raisins, walnuts, pecans and almonds. Also, waffle pizzas, waffle sandwiches (ham and bacon, grilled chicken breast, turkey or tuna) and a special waffle banana split.

Cheeburger Cheeburger 8390 S. Rainbow Blvd., 220-3912

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cost: $

American: The menu has 25 free burger toppings, including roasted red peppers and pineapple. Salads feature up to 15 free toppings, including artichoke and cranberries.

China Star 4945 W. Tropicana Ave., 876-5188

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cost: $

Chinese: Among the many entrees are clams with lobster sauce, barbecue salmon, coconut chicken, vegetable lo mein, honey chicken, lobster roll, fried chicken wings, Shanghai spring rolls, cheese wonton, sesame balls and chicken with broccoli.

Chicago Brewing Co. 2201 S. Fort Apache Road, 254-3333

Hours: Daily, 24 hours

Cost: $

Brewpub: Daily specials; microbrews.

Coffee Pub 2800 W. Sahara Ave., 367-1913

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cost: $

American: Sandwiches; omelets; all muffins, cookies and baked goods made fresh daily in-house. Uniformed officers receive 50 percent discount. Patio seating available.

Don Miguel's The Orleans, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave., 365-7111

Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 4 to 10 p.m.; closed on Monday and Tuesday

Cost: $$

Mexican: The menu has enchiladas, flautas, chimichanga and chile rellenos.

Egg Works 9355 W. Flamingo Road, 368-3447

Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost: $

American: The Sundance Special has spinach, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, tomatoes and cheeses. Blackened Prime Rib Benny is prime rib on a croissant with eggs and hollandaise sauce. Also soups, salads, hamburgers, Burdall's Famous Cincinnati Chili and sandwiches.

Espee's Gourmet Tamales 4275 S. Durango Drive, Suites 100 and 105, 492-1400

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Cost: $

Mexican: Seven types of tamales, as well as puff tacos, gourmet sopes, quesadillas, Fiesta nachos, chile rellenos, soups (Pozole and Albondigas) and Southwest salads are on the menu.

Emperor's Garden 4215 Spring Mountain Road, No. B203, 889-6777

Hours: Daily, breakfast, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; lunch, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cost: $ to $$

Chinese: Specialties are kung pao lobster, Emperor's Delight (lobster, chicken, roasted pork and vegetables in seasoned sauce), Grand Marnier prawns, Peking duck and Sichuan spicy beef.

Famous Uncle Al's 10693 Southern Highlands Parkway, 823-3647

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cost: $

American: Hot dogs are made from prime pork and beef. Variations include the San Antonio Dog (chili, cheddar cheese, bacon, onion, jalapeno) and the Chicago Dog.

Famous Dave's 9695 W. Flamingo Road, 871-5631 4390 Blue Diamond Road, 633-7427

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Cost: $ to $$

Barbecue: Menu includes beef brisket, catfish and bread pudding. From 2 to 6 p.m. daily, the Apps & Taps happy hour offers deals available at the bar only, including a 23-ounce domestic tap beer for $2.99, 12 wings for $4.50, a basket of onion rings for $3.50 and a basket of rib tips for $4.25.

Ferraro's 5900 W. Flamingo Road, 364-5300

Hours: Lunch, Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; dinner, 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday

Cost: $$ to $$$

Italian: Popular entrees are jumbo ravioli filled with mushrooms and cheeses, eggplant Parmigiana, chicken marsala, gnocchi (homemade potato dumplings) and osso bucco. Happy hour menu is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Food Express II Chinese Restaurant Palace Station, 2411 W. Sahara Ave., 221-6900

Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Cost: $ to $$

Chinese: The menu has noodle and rice dishes, as well as more exotic fare such as shark fin soup and abalone and sea cucumber entrees. There also are hot pot specials, soups, Imperial Peking duck, shrimp with honey walnut and mayonnaise, roasted Mandarin pork chop and braised lobster. Lunch specials are $6.95 and include soup, egg roll, fried rice and choice of 10 entrees.

Fat Tommy's BBQ 6475 W. Charleston Blvd., 435-7427

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.

Cost: $

Barbecue: The menu has sandwiches (pulled pork, Angus brisk, hot link) and platters including ribs and chicken. Party packs are available, as well as delivery.

Gaylord Rio, 3700 W. Flamingo Road, 777-2277

Hours: Monday through Friday, lunch, 11:30 a.m. to

2:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, champagne brunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; daily, dinner, 5 to 11 p.m.

Cost: $$

Indian: The menu includes tandoori specialities and chicken curry.

Grand China 7320 S. Rainbow Blvd., 242-1111

Hours: Monday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cost: $

Chinese: House specials are roasted half duck, Mandarin gourmet garlic chicken, honey-glazed walnut shrimp and sizzling black pepper scallop. Other entrees are kung pao shrimp, sweet and sour pork, spicy-salted pork chops, General Tso's chicken, and cashew chicken.

Habib's Persian Cuisine 4750 W. Sahara Ave., 870-0860

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m.

Cost: $$

Persian: Popular entrees are shish kabab with dolmeh (stuffed grape leaves), salmon with lemon chive butter, chicken kabab, chelo kabab koobideh (ground filet with rice and charbroiled tomato) and shrimp scampi.

Harry's BBQ 3355 W. Spring Mountain Road, 564-7427

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight; closed Sunday

Cost: $ to $$

Southern Barbecue: The menu has barbecue ribs and chicken, catfish, hamburgers, beef brisket, corn on the cob, hush puppies, fries and sweet potato pie.

IBO Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar 9755 W. Flamingo Road, 365-6111

Hours: Sunday through Saturday, 4 p.m. to midnight

Cost: $$ to $$$

Turkish: The menu includes a variety of traditional Turkish entrees such as chicken shish kabobs, prime beef tenderloin and lamb shank. The restaurant also serves soups, salads and 18 different appetizers, including stuffed grape leaves with hummus, falafel and spinach borek. Full wine list.

JR'S Place 5745 S. Durango Drive, 312-2180

Hours: Daily, 24 hours

Cost: $ to $$

Italian: House specialties include chicken piccata, meatball or eggplant Parmigiano, sweet Italian sausage with sautéed peppers and onions, linguine with clam sauce, shrimp fra diavolo and mussels marinara. There also are pizzas, assorted salads, paninis, hot and cold heros, risottos and pastas. Happy hour is 3 to 7 p.m. daily.

Khoury's Mediterranean Restaurant 6115 S. Fort Apache Road, 671-0005

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Cost: $$

Mediterranean: The menu has whole red snapper, shish kabobs, shawarma, kibbi, falafil, tabulli and hummus. Lunch specials offered daily.

Kiku Hana Japanese Restaurant 2550 S. Rainbow Blvd., 222-9617

Hours: Monday through Thursday, lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner, 5 to 11 p.m.; Friday, lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner, 5:30 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, lunch, noon to 3 p.m.; dinner, 5:30 p.m. to midnight

Cost: $$ to $$$

Japanese and sushi: Sashimi and sushi bar available. The menu also includes tempura.

Kilroy's 4340 S. Grand Canyon Drive, 367-3184

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 4 to 10 p.m.

Cost: $

American: Half-pound, USDA choice hamburgers are served with lettuce, tomato, onion, coleslaw or beans and pickles.

Las Gorditas 2605 S. Decatur Blvd., No. 101, 222-9557

Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: $

Mexican: Handmade corn pocket tortillas (gorditas) are filled with beef, steak, chicken or pork.

Lindo Michoacan West 10082 W. Flamingo Road, 838-9990

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Saturday, 9 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Cost: $$

Mexican: All food is prepared fresh, including chips, salsa and guacamole.

Lucky's Lounge and Restaurant 7345 S. Jones Blvd., 260-8991

Hours: Daily, 24 hours

Cost: $ to $$

American/Italian: Pizzas and calzones; pastas and homemade sauces; a variety of desserts. The Big Nick is a 16-ounce ground chuck burger.

Mama Luigi's Pizzeria 9730 W. Tropicana Ave., Suite 140, 233-3010

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cost: $ to $$

American/Italian: Pasta Tuesdays have all-you-can-eat pasta for $8.99. Daily lunch and dinner specials. Entrees include chicken parmigiana with spaghetti, fettuccine alfredo and lasagna. Soups change daily.

Mantra Masala 8530 W. Warm Springs Road, 598-3663

Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner, 5 to 10 p.m.; closed Monday

Cost: $$

Indian: Chicken specialities include chicken curry, chicken Tikka Masala (spiced, boneless chicken roasted in a clay oven and cooked in a creamy tomato sauce) and chicken Sag (boneless chicken smothered in spicy spinach puree and finished with creamy garlic sauce). Also lamb, seafood and vegetarian dishes.

The Maple Tree 6000 W. Spring Mountain Road, 362-5151

Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; closed Monday

Cost: $ to $$

American: Monte Cristo is a French toast sandwich with ham, turkey and Swiss cheese fried to a golden brown.

Bootleg Benny's 4705 S. Durango Drive, No. 140, 227-8546

Hours: Daily, 24 hours

Cost: $ to $$

American: Happy hour appetizers are $3.99 and include shrimp cocktail, stuffed mushrooms, sautéed artichoke hearts, beef saute, lemon chicken and chicken tenders. From 3 to 7 p.m. daily, enjoy $2 well drinks, house wine and choice of bottle or draft beer. Food specials are offered for $9.95 daily from midnight to 8 a.m.

Brando's Sports Bar 3725 Blue Diamond Road, 896-6018

Hours: Daily, 24 hours

Cost: $ to $$

American/Italian: The menu offers Chicago-style pizza, homemade burgers, homemade Italian meatball sandwich, chicken sandwich and chicken wings. Signature breakfast pizza is served daily.

Capo's Italian Steakhouse 5675 W. Sahara Ave., 364-2276

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Cost: $$ to $$$

Italian: Two-for-one drink specials are offered from 5 to 11 p.m. on Fuggadaboutit Fridays.

Cathay House 5300 W. Spring Mountain Road, 876-3838

Hours: Daily, 10:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. Dim sum served daily until 10 p.m.

Cost: $$

Chinese: Dim sum selections include pot stickers, pan-fried dumplings, baos, rice noodles wrapped around shrimp and sticky rice in lotus leaves. Beef and poultry entrees include Mongolian beef, tangerine beef, kung pao beef and the popular strawberry chicken.

Cheeburger Cheeburger 8390 S. Rainbow Blvd., 220-3912

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cost: $

American: The menu includes 25 free burger toppings that allow diners to build their own burger, including roasted red peppers and pineapple. Salads feature up to 15 free toppings.

Egg Works 9355 W. Flamingo Road, 368-3447

Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost: $

American: The Sundance Special has spinach, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, tomatoes and cheeses. Blackened Prime Rib Benny is prime rib on a croissant with eggs and hollandaise sauce. Also soups, salads, hamburgers and chili.

Don Miguel's The Orleans, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave., 365-7111

Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 4 to 10 p.m.; closed on Monday and Tuesday

Cost: $$

Mexican: The menu has enchiladas, flautas, chimichanga and chile rellenos.

Coffee Pub 2800 W. Sahara Ave., 367-1913

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cost: $

American: Sandwiches; omelets; all muffins, cookies and baked goods made fresh daily in-house. Uniformed officers receive 50 percent discount. Patio seating available.

China Star 4945 W. Tropicana Ave., 876-5188

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cost: $

Chinese: Among the many entrees are clams with lobster sauce, barbecue salmon, coconut chicken, vegetable lo mein, honey chicken, lobster roll, fried chicken wings, Shanghai spring rolls, cheese wonton, sesame balls and chicken with broccoli.

Chicago Brewing Co. 2201 S. Fort Apache Road, 254-3333

Hours: Daily, 24 hours

Cost: $

Brewpub: Daily specials; microbrews.

Famous Uncle Al's 10693 Southern Highlands Parkway, 823-3647

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cost: $

American: Hot dogs are made from prime pork and beef. Variations include the San Antonio Dog (chili, cheddar cheese, bacon, onion, jalapeno).

Famous Dave's 9695 W. Flamingo Road, 871-5631 4390 Blue Diamond Road, 633-7427

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Cost: $ to $$

Barbecue: Menu includes beef brisket, catfish and bread pudding. From 2 to 6 p.m. daily, the Apps & Taps happy hour offers deals available at the bar only, including a 23-ounce domestic tap beer for $2.99, 12 wings for $4.50, a basket of onion rings for $3.50 and a basket of rib tips for $4.25.

Espee's Gourmet Tamales 4275 S. Durango Drive, Suites 100 and 105, 492-1400

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Cost: $

Mexican: Seven types of tamales, as well as puff tacos, sopes, quesadillas, nachos, chile rellenos, soups and Southwest salads are on the menu.

Emperor's Garden 4215 Spring Mountain Road, No. B203, 889-6777

Hours: Daily, breakfast, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; lunch, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cost: $ to $$

Chinese: Dinner specialties are kung pao lobster, Emperor's Delight (lobster, chicken, roasted pork and vegetables in seasoned sauce), Grand Marnier prawns, Empress' Special Fish (deep-fried whole rock cod), Peking duck and Sichuan spicy beef. Several vegetarian dishes are Buddha's Feast, stir-fried garlic spinach and spicy aromatic cabbage.

Elements Kitchen & Martini Bar 4950 S. Rainbow Blvd., 750-2991

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to close

Cost: $$

American/International: Entrees include salmon, portobello ravioli, Creekstone Farms Black Angus filet steak and Maple Leaf Farms roasted crispy duck.

Fat Tommy's BBQ 6475 W. Charleston Blvd., 435-7427

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.

Cost: $

Barbecue: The menu has sandwiches (pulled pork, Angus brisk, hot link) and platters including ribs and chicken. Party packs are available, as well as delivery.

Ferraro's 5900 W. Flamingo Road, 364-5300

Hours: Lunch, Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; dinner, 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday

Cost: $$ to $$$

Italian: Popular entrees are jumbo ravioli filled with mushrooms and cheeses, eggplant Parmigiana, chicken marsala, gnocchi (homemade potato dumplings) and osso bucco. Happy hour menu is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Food Express II Chinese Restaurant Palace Station, 2411 W. Sahara Ave., 221-6900

Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Cost: $ to $$

Chinese: The menu has noodle and rice dishes, as well as more exotic fare such as shark fin soup and abalone and sea cucumber entrees. There also are hot pot specials, soups, Imperial Peking duck, shrimp with honey walnut and mayonnaise, roasted Mandarin pork chop and braised lobster. Lunch specials are $6.95 and include soup, egg roll and rice.

Gaylord Rio, 3700 W. Flamingo Road, 777-2277

Hours: Monday through Friday, lunch, 11:30 a.m. to

2:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, champagne brunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; daily, dinner, 5 to 11 p.m.

Cost: $$

Indian: The menu includes tandoori specialities and chicken curry.

Grand China 7320 S. Rainbow Blvd., 242-1111

Hours: Monday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cost: $

Chinese: House specials are roasted half duck, Mandarin gourmet garlic chicken, honey-glazed walnut shrimp and sizzling black pepper scallop. Other entrees are kung pao shrimp, sweet and sour pork, spicy-salted pork chops, General Tso's chicken, and cashew chicken.

winemakers'? In August, an awards banquet is held, where Peters takes two bottles from each group, labels them with a secret number and has judges from the American Wine Society participate in a blind tasting.

My own personal tasting will occur on Thanksgiving, when I open one of the 60 bottles of Barbera now resting in my wine cellar. My group (two other couples) crushed a 70/30 blend of Barbera and Cabernet grapes that should produce a sophisticated wine with an intense aroma of red and black berries.

Along with the camaraderie and savings (each bottle costs less than $10), the joy for me comes in drinking and sharing a 2009 Bulavsky Barbera.

Peters now is taking reservations for his next bottling, which is limited to 160 barrels. He buys grapes in August, and the winemaking begins in late September.

The total cost for the experience is $2,400.

To sign up for the next bottling session, call 806-3383 or e-mail Peters at umakeadawine@aol.com. For more information about Grape Expectations, visit grapeexpectationslasvegas.com.

-- Jack Bulavsky