Market
For finest service, the employees of our four Whole Foods Markets make the top of my list. Their policy of escorting a customer to help find an elusive item feels deliciously like an old-time throwback. Sold out of a sale item? Billy at the Charleston store got me the sale price when the item was restocked. Want to discuss gluten-free? Sara at Town Center gave me a valuable earful from her personal experience. And my well-chilled organic vodka? Purchased after a tasting at Whole Foods Town Center. — Carol Dickman
Knishes
I love the knishes at the Carnegie Delicatessen at the Mirage (791-7310). There are no clumps in the potatoes, and the thin, golden-brown crust is great. It’s huge and filling, but doesn’t sit in your stomach afterwards. It’s a knish unique to Carnegie Deli. And while you wait, you can snack on complimentary half-sour or super-sour pickles. — Alan Pesin
Italian
One of my favorites:
3 Tomatoes & A Mozzarella serves fresh, innovative Italian food that’s reasonably priced in a comfortable dining environment that accommodates friends in town or date night, and plenty of parking. — Elisabeth Daniels
Poetry guru
I nominate A.J. Moyer as best poetry organizer. He organizes the slams that send a team representing Las Vegas to the National Poetry Slam. He books features for them that include a killer lineup of some of the best performance poets in the country. You can also catch him hosting Talky Trees, a free arts festival at the Arts Factory. The man has a passion for this art form that fuels his dedication to the Vegas scene. There wouldn’t be half as much going on for poets in this city without the guy. — Randall Reynolds
Clothing boutique
I love Maude in the Shoppes at Mandalay Bay. As a local, I like the location (yes, even though it’s on the Strip), because I turn into the Mandalay Place valet, go up the escalators and the shop is right there. My favorite stylist is Janiva Martinez, but they’re all good. If you’re lucky, they’ll bring you clothes from the back to try on, and they’re very good about coordinating clothes with jewelry, belts and scarves. They also have great sales (i.e. buy two items, get one free or spend $100, get $200 worth of clothes).
— Monica Vanyo
Library
I love the UNLV Lied Library. Hint: If you want peace and quiet — sometimes a rarity in libraries these days — head up to the third floor or quiet areas on the periphery and take in the view while getting lost in a book. — Annette Miller
Hidden Gem
My favorite hidden gem is the Pinball Hall of Fame (1610 E. Tropicana Ave., www.pinballmuseum.org). I made it through college by taking pinball breaks while cramming for finals. This place has all of my old favorites — and I’ve discovered some new ones. Plus, all of the proceeds from the machines go back into maintenance, and what’s left over goes to charities. — Ricci Slobodnik