Stale Vegetable Samosas at India Masala but Still an A?

A redesign of the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Website eliminates the grades from Heidi Knapp Rinella's reviews. But does that matter? She checks out India Masala Bar & Grill, where her server practically disappeared for the entire meal and the vegetable samosas tasted like they were leftover from the lunch buffet. "But, I'm happy to say, those were really the only pitfalls." Alas, no A grade for India Masala. She gave the service and food a B, the atmosphere an A for a B+ overall. [LVRJ]

Brock Radke at Las Vegas Weekly says Top Notch Barbecue has the best barbecue in the city. "This is one of those everything-is-good restaurants, including the other meats — rib tips, chicken, hot links and, recently added, highly delicious brisket — and a soulful collection of side dishes." [LVW]

Al Mancini at CityLife visits the newly opened Rachel's Kitchen at the Ogden. "In most neighborhoods, Rachel's Kitchen would be just another good lunch spot. Downtown, however, it's worth getting excited about." Best dish? The macaroni and cheese, which he suggests ordering with mushrooms and onions. [CL]

Erik Chudy at Vegas Burger Blog hit the new D Grill at the D Las Vegas to check out the wild mushroom cheeseburger at the 24-hour diner. Based on the 66 out of 100 he gave the burger, it wasn't great. "The meat had a really fresh beefy flavor, but it was totally overcooked beyond the medium-rare I ordered and had no char flavor." The aioli gave the mushrooms a nice garlic flavor, but the mushrooms and cheese had little taste. [Vegas Burger Blog]