The Vegas Meets Italy at Old School Pizzeria
2040 E. Craig Road, 702-990-0070, pizzaoldschool.com
The name Old School Pizzeria may not evoke much more than a greasy pepperoni slice, but I’m pretty sure there’s a saying about judging a pie by its cover. Old School Pizzeria can sling a standard slice with the best of them, but go for one of their specialty pies — like The Vegas Meets Italy. This globetrotting grub starts with a thin sourdough crust, but twists from the traditional by adding a date cream sauce in place of tomato. The variation continues with smoked mozzarella, ricotta, pistachios and more dates before finishing with arugula, thin-sliced prosciutto and heirloom cherry tomatoes. With an ingredient lineup like this, you might expect the VMI to be an acquired taste for the higher of brow, but far from it. Rather, it’s a sensational comfort-food mashup that successfully mixes sweet, savory, crispy and creamy. — Chris Bitonti
The Proper Reuben at TAP Sports Bar
Inside MGM Grand, 702-891-1111
When it comes to sandwiches, I’m no size queen. Mile-high stacks of meat and foot-long Dagwoods might impress the eyes, but they won’t satisfy my belly. Flavor comes first, and in the case of the Reuben, this one is the best in the city. Every building block of this glorious Jewish deli staple is treated with care: the slow-roasted corned beef is sliced thick and served hot, a glaze of Russian dressing is generous without being messy, and the rye bread is buttered and griddled for a toasty exterior. Despite the use of Havarti cheese (it’s not “proper” without Swiss), I’d even go as far to say that it’s deserving of its outrageous Strip price ($18). — Debbie Lee