Inside the Fashion Show Mall
3200 Las Vegas Blvd, 2nd Floor
702-731-3636

Does the Cafe have a name? I  have no idea. I've always just referred to it as "the cafe at Neiman Marcus." So if you happen to know it's name, please let me know.

I love this place. I'll be honest - it's a little-known, tucked-away gem of a dining establishment. Okay, maybe it's not so unknown, but every time I mention it to someone, the response always seems to be, "Oh really? I didn't know there was a restaurant there."

And if you make a left in women's and go through the baby section, you'll find it. Serving lunch and dinner (open from 11am-6pm), the Cafe only seats about 30 patrons. It's tiny but brightly lit, with a view of the Strip through its plate-glass windows. Maybe because it's Neiman's or maybe because you can see the Strip, but the Cafe has a very "ladies who lunch" vibe to it that I adore. I've been eating here for a number of years, and the wine selection never disappoints. The entrees - mostly salads and wraps - are traditional but with a bit of New American flair. Think grilled shrimp with quinoa on romaine with a light vinaigrette dressing.

Perhaps the best part about the Cafe is the giant, fluffy pop-over they serve you before ordering. It even comes with a little pat of strawberry butter. Heavenly. I'm not a huge fan of the chicken consomme that is also served in a tiny tea cup, but I give an 'A' for presentation. And - another fun fact - if you catch the Cafe on the right day, models dressed in designer outfits might just be strolling by. They stop table to table and explain their outfits while you nosh on your salad (and suddenly wish you were at the gym instead.) It's fun to see such gorgeous clothing up close and personal; just try not to get any food on it.

Price-wise, almost everything is less than $20 per entree. Definitely affordable, but an everyday event. It's an upscale alternative to California Pizza Kitchen or (the horror) the food court. I've seen kids at the Cafe, but I'm going to have to give it a thumbs-down in terms of toddler friendly. Because if you are pretending to be a lady who lunches, the last thing you need is a poopy diaper to remind you that you are not.

I recommend:

the pop-overs! Slather that butter on. Num.

the salmon salad with mixed greens

the grilled shrimp salad with quinoa

10100 West Charleston
(702) 214-5590

Ah, Vintner Grill. This relatively new establishment in the heart of Summerlin is as easy on the eyes as it is on the palate. Despite being nestled in an office complex, its decor is one of my favorites in all of Las Vegas. It has this very Williams-Sonoma-Home-Catalog feel to it - all black, white and lime green - with pops of metal and glass accents. Don't even get me started on the outdoor dining section. If you are lucky enough to score one of the cabanas or padded booths, I can only imagine how much yummier your dinner will taste.

The downside is watching the traffic go by on West Charleston.

Honestly though, it doesn't matter. Vintner Grill is a great place for any number of occasions. Recently, several girlfriends and I popped in to grab a quick dinner on a Wednesday night. We sat in the bar and service was a bit slow (though our server looked remarkably like Olivia Munn), but the place was hopping.  it's New American with an ever-changing menu, and everything has a fresh, trendy feel to it.  They use micro-herbs on just about everything, and is there anything cuter than itty-bitty basil or parsley?  I think not.

VG is a great for a casual dinner, a special anniversary, or even lunch. It's pricey, but won't break the bank. One word of caution: not toddler-friendly. Get a baby-sitter and have a date night with the spouse instead.

I recommend:

A cheese and meat starter course - try the Humboldt Fog!

The caramelized onion and gorgonzola flatbread pizza (be sure to bring breath mints)

The lamb osso bucco with toasted barley risotto

Grade: A