My current owners love cooking in my kitchen. The wife bakes, the husband cooks, and together they fill the house with wonderful smells most nights of the week, and especially on the holidays. But every so often they just want to get out and enjoy the fine cooking of someone else. Judging by the smell of the doggie bags they bring back, these are some of their favorites.
Carrabba's Italian Grill - If you've ever seen those two brothers Johnny and Damian who have the 'Cucina Amore' italian cooking show on PBS, then you have no doubt wanted to taste some of their marvelous food. Carrabba's is the restaurant they started to share their passion for cooking with the world. Yes, it was bought by Outback, but they took the best parts of the Outback chain, the great service, good prices, and large portions, and kept the amazing flavors of the italian dishes the Carrabba's brothers dished up. This restaurant is just 5 minutes away from me and is a sure bet to bring guests to. My owners are very happy there are Carrabba's in the town they're moving to.
Black Mountain Grill - Just a little ways down the hill is another great resturant that is run by someone who loves food and loves shareing it with guests. Part of a larger group of resturants (so they can offer lower prices by saving on orders), this is the showcase restaurant where the best chefs work. The menu is constantly shifting, but that's a good thing as you'll find old favorites and new wonders on each visit. BMG also has a wonderful bar area where you can plunk down a few quarters in the slots, or just kick back in a leather recliner and enjoy an after dinner drink. If you like wine, BMG keeps a large selection of some great ones.
The Hawaiian Plantation House - A truely unique dining experience where you can find the magic and wonder of the Hawaiian islands right down the street. Once you step inside you're swept away by the spices and the friendly 'ohana' service of this great restaurant. The prices are on the upper end of the family restaurant scale, but for that price you'll receive some amazing dishes.
Green Valley Ranch Resort and Casino - The flagship resort of the Station Casino's collection of Local Casinos. This is the 'Bellagio' of locals casinos with decor, diversions, and dining to match. The Feast Buffet hosts some of the best meals every day, and really kicks it up a notch for holidays. Grazing here for hours is one of the best parts about having a spectacular local's casino so close. Also located at GVR is 'The Original Pancake House'. When my homeowner grew up in Portland, Oregon he spent many a fine sunday morning at the original OPH loving every minute of the wait knowing that an amazing breakfast was being prepared for him. That same great food has been brought to Las Vegas and the GVR. The OPH is the place to go for breakfast when guests are in town. Don't miss the Dutch Baby/German Pancakes.
The District at Green Valley Ranch - Finally, right next door to GVR is a brand new area called 'The District'. There's plenty to do here from shopping and dining, to listening to the open air concerts. Also a perfect place to dine prior to an evening of entertainment at Henderson's wonderful outdoor (but covered) concert hall, The Pavillion at Liberty Pointe.
There are many more excellent dining experiences nearby, I hope to get time to share them all with you. But with the market these days you never know.