Poll : 08 September - 21 September 2010

Analysis

This was a really interesting poll from our point of view, and we have to say we're surprised by the results. Not that we had a clue who would win, but we doubt we would've predicted the Peppermill. Now that we think about it, we're surprised we even included it as an option! Still, although it's on the Strip, it's a non-casino location and it's so bursting with real old-Vegas charm, as locals it's a favorite hangout of ours, too.

Perhaps even more surprising is to see some of the places that didn't score any votes, or very few. Sushi Fever has long been a favorite of Anthony Curtis and friends (a recommendation many years ago from Steve Cyr, of Whale Hunt in the Desert notoriety); the current writer, who's a Brit, really rates the food at Shalimar (Indian), even if the new cafe-style venue has nothing to offer in the looks department. Thai Style Noodle House is a regular lunch venue for us (great soups, good curries), as is Roma Deli. Cana at Town Square is another new fave for tapas; Komol's a must-try for Thai food, especially if you're looking for a good veggie/vegan menu; Tasty Island serves authentic Jamaican food, if you're in the mood for something different; and Irene's remains one of our top spots for breakfast -- who can beat $1 Bloody Marys on Sunday, with an order of ham that's bigger than your head? So big, in fact, that they bring the home fries and eggs on a separate plate. Last time, two of us split one order and still couldn't finish it. And it's only $6.99!

Look out for reviews of a number of the restaurants in this poll in our upcoming restaurant guide, Eating Las Vegas. China Mama made the "50 Essential Restaurants" list, as did Raku, M&M Soul Food, Vintner Grill, Rosemary's, and Lotus of Siam. If you're not familiar with them and want some background before making a special journey "off piste," this is the book for you. It's funny and irreverent but extremely informed and a great read; it's due in-house early November.

As to your "Other" picks, we received an even more voluminous response than usual, with some picks we can heartily agree with, some that didn't belong on the list (we were looking really for non-casino eateries, even though we didn't specify that as clearly as we could have), and a good few venues that we've never tried, nor even heard of in some instances, that have definitely piqued our interest. You can see from the number of votes that there are far too many options to do justice to here, so we'll run your feedback as a future QoD -- watch that space! In the meantime, thanks again to all who took part.