Eats of the Week

Heidi's Picks is a weekly selection of restaurant suggestions from Review-Journal critic Heidi Knapp Rinella. Price symbols are based on the cost of an average entree: $ = entrees less than $10; $$ = entrees between $10 and $20; $$$ = entrees between $20 and $30; and $$$$ = entrees more than $30.

CAFE HEIDELBERG

610 E. Sahara Ave.; 731-5310

Despite a pronounced service shortage (read: one woman to serve the entire restaurant) we enjoyed our dinner at Cafe Heidelberg, thanks to the Old World German soul food. We loved the Bavarian potato soup, a special of creamy curried soup, Leberkäse with fried eggs and the Schnitzel Combo, which brings together Wienerschnitzel and Jägerschnitzel. And we sure didn't go away hungry. (5/22/09)

Overall: A- $$$

HUE THAI

5115 Spring Mountain Road; 221-4841 or http://huethai.net

It's all about the bread at Hue Thai -- at least as far as the banh mi are concerned, because the crisp-crusted baguettes really show off the meats and vegetables in these Saigon Sub sandwiches. The house special is a winner (although we like the charbroiled pork as well), as is the full-bodied build-your-own pho and the curry chicken/French roll combo. (12/17/10)

Overall: B+ $

PIERO'S ITALIAN CUISINE

355 Convention Center Drive; 369-2305

Piero's has many of the trappings of a conventionaire/tourist-centric restaurant-- the location close to the convention center, the high prices, the multitude of tables for large parties-- but much about it doesn't feel touristy, and that would include the quality of the food and service. We were extremely pleased with the roasted artichoke, Saltimbocca alla Romana, Fettucine A Modo Mido -- fresh fettucine with broccoli, mushrooms and pancetta, to you and us -- and a creamy, not overly sweet tiramisu infused with a striking coffee flavor. (9/11/09)

Overall: A $$$$

SHARI'S DINER

1900 N. Buffalo Drive; 870-6424

With the exception of the sticky-salty gravy on the pot roast we liked Shari's old-school diner favorites -- and especially Shari's old-school diner atmosphere. Particularly worthy of note were two Shari's originals, the Philly Cheese Steak Fries and The Brie-Licious burger, and a bit of sweet, delicious wretched excess, a peanut-butter malt. (7/17/09)

Overall: B+ $$