Both Worlds, pairing a Chicago dog with a miniature 3-inch Italian beef with killer giardiniera. This duo transports me back to the Southside, even if it’s triple digits outside. JB 7500 W. Lake Mead Blvd. #10, 702-410-5016, windycitybeefsndogs.com
sweet, vinegary topping. Miraculous. I was not surprised when, as I took my first bite, “Like a Prayer” came on the radio. Neither was I surprised when I did not have a hangover the next day. LTR 917 Fremont St.
$7 $6
Polish sausage
Mick Sandwich at Southwest Diner
at King’s Sausage
Not exactly a restaurant, but an unexpected miracle right beyond the barroom door. King’s serves up homemade sausage and pierogis outside Atomic Liquors Thursday through Saturday. There are several varieties, but I usually go with the Polish on a fresh pretzel bun with homemade sauerkraut — a perfect balance of spicy meat, soft bun and
Thank god for Mick. A hardworking regular of Boulder City’s Southwest Diner, Mick was a vegetarian with exquisite taste; such taste, in fact, he earned an eponymous sandwich. Combining two eggs, avocado, Monterey Jack and mayo layered on wheat toast, it’s a simple combination that’s simply great. JB 761 Nevada Highway, Boulder City, 702-293-1537
$7-$10
$8
at Chicago Joe’s
at Rani’s World Foods
lunch special Chicago Joe’s location is suspended somewhere between Downtown and the Arts District, its vibe somewhere between retro-mafioso vibe and lawyers-who-lunch. The lunch special aims to please a wide array of palates and wallets — everything is under 10 bucks, be it spaghetti and meatballs awash in old-school red sauce, golden-breaded eggplant parmigiana, the heavy four-meat sub or a light chicken salad. LTR
You may not expect to find fresh Indian cooking inside a supermarket, but that’s exactly what’s happening at Rani’s. This cafeteria-style spread is best sampled with a thali, an Indian mixed plate consisting of a pair of vegetarian dishes from a rotating selection, dal (lentils), roti (Indian flatbread), basmati rice and pickles. Inspired to try it in your own kitchen? Fresh produce, spices and even cookware are just a few aisles away. JB
820 S. Fourth St., 702-382-5637, chicagojoesrestaurant.com
4505 W. Sahara Ave., 702-522-7744, ranisworldfoods.com
$8
Rainbow Burrito at Rainbow’s End
Salmon Loves Lemon Roll at Sushi Twister
I’d stack this Boulder Highway-hidden Japanese raw fish joint against any other in town. The Kill Samurai roll kills. The Dead Dragon will do in your hunger. But it’s the Salmon Loves Lemon that so many rave about, and for good reason. Likely the best off-Strip gem of a sushi restaurant you’ll find south of Chinatown. JK 5566 Boulder Highway, 702-433-8892
36
J U LY 2 0 1 4
DesertCompanion.com
$5.99
chicken fajitas at Eggcetera Café
The original vegetarian/vegan health food store took its unspoken philosophy — all taste, no harm — rolled it into one savory log of goodness, and made it the namesake of its café. It’s all the rice, black beans, avocado, salsa and sour cream you want in a burrito, minus the dairy, hormones, lard and animal fat you’d rather avoid. HK
Located at Eastern and Charleston, this just-opened breakfastand-lunch nook nullifies appetite pangs with kickass breakfast omelets and exceptional (and exceptionally sizzling) chicken fajitas. A more blue-collar and affordable — and far less pretentious — coffee house to treat the family before a visit to Downtown Container Park. JK
1100 E. Sahara Ave. #120, 702-737-1338, rainbowsendlv.info
2000 E. Charleston Blvd., 702-388-9998
$7
$6
at Fukuburger
at Fleming’s
chicken and waffles
$9.25
thali
Fukuburger is the valley’s most successful and storied food truck; while others have come and gone, the original Fukuburger remains. And unbeknownst to most, they still serve one of their periodic specials from the early days: chicken and waffles. A honey-and-sesame fried chicken skewer served alongside cinnamon andagi (Okinawan donut holes), this special truly is. JB Various locations, fukuburger.com
happy hour Prime Burger Fleming’s Prime Burger, with a patty combining ground trim from their steaks topped with peppered bacon and cheddar, is an absolute steal during happy hour at $6 — the catch is it’s only available at the bar. If you want proper elbow room for some quality burger time, note that the Town Square location’s bar is much more spacious than the original on Charleston. JB 8721 W. Charleston Blvd., 702-838-4774; 6515 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-407-0019, flemingssteakhouse.com