Killer Grilled Cheese at Eat
Killer Grilled Cheese at Eat
What’s a grilled cheese sandwich without tomato soup? Practically useless, which is why beloved local breakfast and brunchery Eat serves this crackly, crispy gem of aged cheddar on sourdough with a bowl of rich, herbaceous warmth. $9, 707 Carson St., 702-534-1515; 1910 Village Center Circle, 702-848-1897.
Bouillabaisse at Oyster Bar
Bouillabaisse at Oyster Bar
All the oyster bars at Station Casinos properties are excellent, but Sunset Station’s has a little extra New Orleans flavor hiding in its cuisine. The gumbo, jambalaya and creamy pan roasts are popular, but the bouillabaisse—tomato-saffron broth crowded with leeks, fennel, shrimp, crab, mussels, clams and fish—is the sleeper hit. $21. 1301 W. Sunset Road, 702-547-7777.
Kimchi Stew at Soyo
Kimchi Stew at Soyo
You don’t need to be crazy-adventurous to enjoy the jjigae at this southwest Valley Korean hot spot. You just have to be a fan of complex flavors—in this case a mini-cauldron brimming with pork, tofu, veggies and kimchi, swimming in piping-hot beef stock. If you feel a cold coming on, this might knock it out. $10, 7775 S. Rainbow Blvd., 702-897-7696.
Pasta E Fagioli at Chef Marc's Trattoria
Pasta E Fagioli at Chef Marc's Trattoria
Marc’s serves some of the best fresh pasta in the Valley, but all you really need to warm up on a chilly desert night is classic pasta e fagioli with tender cannellini beans, romano cheese and just the right amount of garlic in a lovely house-made chicken stock. $8, 8615 W. Sahara Ave., 702-233-6272.
Albondigas at El Dorado Cantina
Albondigas at El Dorado Cantina
Slurping soup makes you feel better, but since everything coming out of this just-off-the-Strip kitchen is sustainably raised and free from antibiotics, pesticides and steroids, you can indulge healthfully. The traditional meatball soup at El Dorado is hearty and soothing, full of fresh veggies in a savory broth with a generous squeeze of lime brightening every bite. $9.50, 3025 Sammy Davis Jr. Drive, 702-722-2289.
Tonkotsu-Shoyu Ramen at Monta
Tonkotsu-Shoyu Ramen at Monta, Monday, Nov. 20, 2017.
Can’t choose between tonkotsu and shoyu broth? This one mashes up the pork-flavored former with the chicken-and vegetable-based latter—a perfect (temporary) home for those to-die-for noodles and that addictive roasted pork. Order it spicy, add mustard leaf for extra zing and pile on green onion for extra crunch. $7 base price, 5030 Spring Mountain Road #6, 702-367-4600.
Avgolemono at Meraki Greek Grill
Avgolemono at Meraki Greek Grill
Chicken, rice, lemon. It seems too simple, and it’s not much to look at. But one spoonful and you’ll marvel at the silky texture and fresh flavor—and the next thing you know, the bowl is empty. Sometimes simple equals satisfaction. $4, 4950 S. Rainbow Blvd., 702-202-1002.
Matzo ball at Bagel Cafe
Matzo ball at Bagel Cafe
Call it Las Vegas’ original medicinal remedy, before that other industry got started. Huge chunks of stewed chicken and vegetables, egg noodles and that fluffy, perfect cloud of matzo stock this longtime favorite dish, a must-order at the always-packed Bagel Cafe. $9, 301 N. Buffalo Drive, 702-255-3444.
