Reviews of Battista's Hole in the Wall, Andiron Steak & Sea and PublicUs

Your newest food critic in Las Vegas? None other than chef Rick Moonen, who kicks off his new gig eating his way through restaurants “that represent an older era of local dining” with a review of Battista’s Hole in the Wall. He ordered a side of meatballs “because that is what you do,” as well as lasagna (“great depth of flavor and texture”) and the cheesy spinach with fennel and nutmeg was so good that he writes: “I’m stealing that combo.” [LVW]

Brock Radke calls Andiron Steak & Sea the “Blau-iest of this restaurant trilogy, considering her New England roots,” referring to co-owner Elizabeth Blau. He recommends the yellowtail crudo in basil oil, sea urchin-topped toast and sweet Alaskan king crab for appetizers and grilled whole branzino and the Santa Barbara shellfish pot. [LVW]

Despite a Website that announces it’s hiring (and has been for ages) and a location one block east of anything gentrified Downtown, PublicUs has apparently opened with little fanfare, let alone announcement. Eater Vegas first reported that PublicUs was coming in March 2013, but thankfully Al Mancini is here to review the quick-casual counter service here. “You rarely expect to find a purple yam cake with squash puree and plum relish, or apple cider-braised short ribs, in a small cafe. But there they are on the menu, alongside fried chicken and a schnitzel sandwich.” Oh, and they “take their coffee and tea pretty seriously.” [VS]