North Durango and the 215 -- way the heck up there
7785 N. Durango, #130
(702) 586-3740

This is not technically a restaurant, but it's definitely worth the drive.

Located near Centennial Hills, the Retro Bakery is one of those hidden gems that everyone in Vegas should know about. Kari, the owner, has a blond mohawk and a very active Twitter account (I follow her), and the ups and downs of a bakery are fascinating to read about.

In the end, it's all about the buttercream.

Yes, that would be a cookie on top of a cupcake. It's a brilliant idea, and a tasty creation. That's the heart of Retro Bakery.

With cupcakes ranging from pink lemonade to coffee and donuts, the treats are as whimsical as they are delicious. We've used Retro Bakery for both of Scotty's birthday parties (banana/cotton candy for year 1; toasted coconut/chocolate for year 2. Both were two layer cakes, hence the two flavors). For Brian's birthday this year, I went with a pumpkin spice cake with green and yellow fondant and sparkles.

It did not disappoint.

My only concern for Retro Bakery is that not enough people know about it. I would have to for this place to not make it...so go buy some cupcakes! They will change your life.

They make cookies, too. Yum!

Incredibly family-friendly, although I recommend against bringing a hungry toddler with you.

I recommend:

the apple cider cupcake

the peaches and cloves cupcake

the maple bacon cupcake (don't ask...just try it)

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

One word:  yum!

I need to start off by saying Lucille's holds a very special place in my heart. My baby was grown on Lucille's while in the womb. Every Sunday night during the summer of 2009, Brian dutifully trooped off to Henderson in search of Las Vegas' best BBQ. And he came back with mounds of food that I devoured from my place on the couch, usually while watching HBO's True Blood. It's really not surprising then that Scotty has this strange little Southern twang when he says certain words. I blame the sweet tea.

That being said, Lucille's a consistently good eat if you are looking for something off the Strip. Located in the heart of The District in Green Valley, it's a down-home, feel-good kinda place. The atmosphere is great (think large jelly jars for iced tea glasses) and it's incredibly kid friendly. That being said, the down sides are the prices are fairly steep, and the service can be inconsistent. On a Friday or Saturday night, you'll be battling the locals for a table that might take up to 45 minutes to get.

But if you're in the mood for some good, old-fashioned, fall-off-the-bone BBQ, definitely try Lucille's.

I recommend:

-- The Memphis pulled pork sandwich

-- The two-item combo with baby back ribs and brisket

and for the three and under crowd:

-- corn dogs with a side of sweet potatoes is always a big hit.

Grade:  B+