Max Jacobson's Take on FIVE50 Pizza Bar

Here come the reviews of FIVE50 Pizza Bar, the new pizza joint from Shawn McClain, the chef behind Sage at Aria. And despite this trend in Vegas of pizza and burgers, "When chefs with a résumé like McClain's take on the pizza joint, everybody wins," Max Jacobson says.

He recommends starting with dishes such as the pork rinds in a paper cone, marinated olives, warm ricotta cheese, giardiniera and warm Marcona almonds. "[T]he starters and sides are so irresistible, many first-timers won't even make it to the pizzas."

For pizzas, he recommends the North Beach made with clams and smoked mozzarella or the Sicilian with its pancetta, broccoli rabe, peppers and white anchovy.

Save room for desserts such as the fried zeppole or milk-chocolate lavender custard.

Al Mancini visits Shoku Ramen-Ya, the offshoot of Bachi Burger, to find the restaurant was "clearly taking the ramen house to a new level." He recommends the abura soba with its thick wavy noodles and roast pork. "It is not, however, a dish I'd recommend to unadventurous eaters." [CL]

Jim Begley hits up Juan's Flaming Fajitas & Cantina to discover why it "appears to be everyone's favorite local Mexican joint." He says the fajitas "live up to their name with a tableside saganaki-like fire show" with vodka lit up. [LVW]

Erik Chudy continues his search for the perfect burger by visiting Cortez Cafe at El Cortez. He surprisingly finds a burger that is "certainly fine for $5." Chudy gives it an 85 out of 100. [VBB]

Heidi Knapp Rinella is back to her old ways, doling out an A- to Bon Chef Cafe in Henderson. She says the Mediterranean restaurant has "great food and service" but "[i]t's a little plain." [LVJR]