Restaurant Awards 2009 – Desert Companion

A package arrived today from my baby sister. On the bottom of the box laid a magazine entitled "Desert Companion". At first glance and by the fault of the picture on the cover of the magazine, I thought it said "Dessert"!   The enclosed magazine was the Desert November/December 2009 issue and was themed to unveil the year's best in dining in Southern Nevada – Restaurant Awards.

Slightly within less than the last decade, Las Vegas, Nevada has put itself on the map as one of the better dining cities in our Country.   Along with that noteriety came the reputation of gouging their customers for very expensive cuisine and overpriced wine lists.   If you frequent Las Vegas and enjoy a meal or two at one of their very many fine resturants, you'll enjoy the article by Nevada's Public Radio food commentator, John Curtas and local critic-at-large, Max Jacobson.   The article is entitled –

The Food Forecast {And Decade In Review}
Two critics chew on the meaning of Las Vegas' climb up the food chain
and predict where its dining scene is headed.

It's an excellent read.  Interesting accolades to Steve Wynn and the Bellagio for their setting the ball in motion for some of the better dining experiences.  You can catch the pdf version of the foodie articles at the link above.

To recap 2009 Restaurant Awards by Nevada's Public Radio critic, John Curtas:

• Ethnic Restaurant of the Year – China Mama
• Excellence in Management and Service – The Batali Group (Carnevino Italian Steakhouse, B&B Ristorante and Enoteca San Marco)
• Cocktail Bar of the Year – Downtown Cocktail Room
• Sommelier of the Year – Frederic Montandon of Le Cirque
• Pastry Chef of the Year – Kenny Magana of Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining
• Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year (East Side) – Todd's Unique Dining
• Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year (West Side) – Marche Bacchus
• Chef of the Year – Alessandro Stratta of Alex and Strata