DINING

Adam and Eve, peanut butter and jelly, rock and roll, shoes and socks - all made for each other. But sometimes things that might not seem to go so well together do! And such is the case with:

Looking for something fun, creative and a little different to do for this Valentine's Day?

Well, instead of going overboard and spending a ton of money at some gourmet restaurant, here's a place far from The Strip that's way more fun and way more interesting, even educational, combining the simple with the sophisticated - hamburgers and haute cuisine, so to speak, all made special, and even romantic, with the addition of a perfect wine pairing - as well as a knowledgeable sommelier! It's in the beautiful Tivoli Village in west Las Vegas, and it's called Bottle & Burgers, newly opened by Double Helix.

Now the term "gourmet burgers" has been tossed around loosely for eons, and rarely is it ever true. But at Bottles and Burgers, the term finally meets reality. Made with certified Angus beef and available in a creatively delicious variety of recipes, even the snobbiest, poshest palates won't be disappointed. Add to that a fine vintage from Double Helix' own private label varietals or another favorite vintner, and the gourmet experience is absolute.

Our visit to Bottles and Burgers began with Arrancini (photo left), a house specialty - risoto fritters with cheese and mushrooms and a dab of white truffle aioli. One of us professed to not care for risoto, but quickly changed her mind after a taste. It does give credence to the belief that anything that tastes great tastes even better when deep-fried, but the flavor under the batter speaks for itself. You won't wonder why these come highly recommended. But wait! Our informative sommelier, Krista Rediske, elevated our appetizer course by pairing the Arrancini with some brut Perrier Jouet bubbly. Now how did she know that was my favorite champagne? Excellent suggestion, Krista!

Speaking of Sommelier Krista (photo right, offering up a mouth-wateringly intense Selene Sauvignon Blanc), she's also the Double Helix Wine Director and a magnum of information - a veritable Webster's of wine. Even in Las Vegas, sommeliers are extremely rare (about 100 here), but she's one of the best anywhere, and as lovely as she is learned. (You have to be good when you're tested while blindfolded!)

Fruity and long, the sauvignon from Napa's Hyde vineyard paired perfectly with our salad, aptly named Pearfection (photo left) -arugula, pears, mozzarella and walnuts in a champagne and balsamic vinaigrette.

Two wines and two courses in, we are already having a more than memorable experience. But when our burgers arrived, all I can say is that they absolutely lived up to the hype - especially mine.

I had the special Double Helix Stuffed (burger left). Topped with horseradish, roasted tomatoes, red onion and a house mustard, this baby also had a braised short rib in the middle of the patty, a beef-eater's paradise - the best thing I've ever tasted between bun halves (a brioche bun at that). Equally unique and bursting with pizzazz was the Block Sixteen Burger (at top), with caramelized onions, sharp cheddar and chipotle aioli.

They all come with yummy homemade potato chips and, of course, the wine of your choice - in our case a nice Mount Weeder Cabernet and one of Double Helix' own fine Merlots (at right). Gotta love those Double Helix wines - not only do they rank among the finest in the world, each is adorned with a seductive siren just teasing you to taste her.

A light port with dessert (pictured below) wound down the meal, and what better way to wind it down than with a banana split? How about a wine-infused mini-cupcake? Go for it! Valentine's Day is no time to count calories.

But you don't have to wait for a holiday. Any day can be special with an unforgettable visit to Bottles and Burgers. And there is much more to choose from than mentioned here - sliders, starters, salads, shakes (including an adults-only selection), and, yes, many kinds of fries and towering onion rings (plus vegetarian choices) - even a children's menu. They're open Sun.-Thurs. from 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri./Sat. 11 a.m.- midnight, with happy hour everyday 4-7 p.m.

A full bar, an old-fashioned soda fountain, and pet-friendly and cigar-friendly patios will only embellish your Bottle and Burgers dining and drinking experience. For even more info than this glowing review can exalt in this space, call (702) 431-5453 or visit http://tivolivillage.doublehelixwine.com. While there, you can also find out about Double Helix' two other spirited establishments at Town Square and The Palazzo. -Review by Arthur Bloberger

American Fish (Seafood - $$$$) ........................................................................................................ (877) 230-2742

Bar Masa/Shaboo (Japanese - $$$$) ................................................................................................. (877) 230-2742

Blossom (Chinese - $$$) .................................................................................................................... (877) 230-2742

Café Vettro (Favorites - $$) ............................................................................................................... (877) 230-2742

Jean Georges Steakhouse ($$$$) ....................................................................................................... (877) 230-2742

Julian Serrano (Spanish - $$$$) .......................................................................................................... (877) 230-2742

Lemongrass (Thai - $$) ...................................................................................................................... (877) 230-2742

Sage (American - $$$) ....................................................................................................................... (877) 230-2742

Sirio Ristorante (Italian - $$$) ............................................................................................................. (877) 230-2742

Union (American - $$$) ..................................................................................................................... (877) 230-2742

al Dente (Italian - $$) ......................................................................................................................... (702) 967-7999
Bally's Steakhouse ($$$) ................................................................................................................... (702) 967-7999
Ichiban Sushi ($$) ............................................................................................................................. (702) 739-4111
Sidewalk Cafe (American - $) ........................................................................................................... (702) 967-7999

Café Bellagio (American - $$) ........................................................................................................... (702) 693-7223

Circo (Tuscan - $$$) .......................................................................................................................... (702) 693-8150

Fix (American - $$$$) ........................................................................................................................ (702) 693-7223

Jasmine (Cantonese, Szechwan, Hunan - $$$$) .................................................................................. (702) 693-7223

Le Cirque (French - $$$$) ................................................................................................................. (702) 693-7223

Michael Mina (Contemporary - $$$$) ................................................................................................ (702) 693-7223

Noodles (Malaysian, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese - $$) ......................................................... (702) 693-7223

Olives (Mediterranean - $$$) ............................................................................................................. (702) 693-7223

Picasso (French - $$$$) ..................................................................................................................... (702) 693-7223

Prime Steakhouse ($$$$) ................................................................................................................... (702) 693-7223

Sensi (Italian, Asian, American Grill, Seafood - $$$) ........................................................................... (702) 693-7223

Yellowtail (Japanese - $$$$) .............................................................................................................. (702) 693-7223

Steakhouse at Bill’s ($$$$) ................................................................................................................ (702) 737-2100

Victorian Room (American, Chinese - $$) .......................................................................................... (702) 737-2100

Augustus Cafe (American - $$) .......................................................................................................... (877) 346-4642
Beijing Noodle No. 9 (Northern Chinese - $$) ................................................................................... (877) 346-4642
Bradley Ogden (American - $$$$) ..................................................................................................... (877) 346-4642
Hyakumi (Asian - $$$) ...................................................................................................................... (877) 346-4642
Mesa Grill (Southwestern - $$$$) ...................................................................................................... (877) 346-4642
Neros (Steakhouse - $$$) .................................................................................................................. (877) 346-4642
Rao's (Italian - $$$$) ......................................................................................................................... (877) 346-4642
Restaurant Guy Savoy (French - $$$$) ............................................................................................... (877) 346-4642
Sea Harbour (Chinese Seafood - $$$) ................................................................................................ (877) 346-4642
Serendipity 3 (Café - $$) .................................................................................................................... (877) 346-4642

Casino Café (American - $) ................................................................................................................ (702) 734-0410

Mexitalia Express (Mexican, Italian - $) .............................................................................................. (702) 734-0410

The Garden Grill (Favorites - $) ......................................................................................................... (702) 734-0410

The Steakhouse ($$$$) ...................................................................................................................... (702) 794-3767

Botero (Modern - $$$$) .................................................................................................................... (702) 248-3463

Society Café Encore (American - $$) ................................................................................................. (702) 248-3463

Sinatra (Italian - $$$$) ....................................................................................................................... (702) 248-3463

Switch Steakhouse ($$$$) ................................................................................................................. (702) 248-3463

Wazuzu (Pan-Asian - $$$$) ............................................................................................................... (702) 248-3463

Dick’s Last Resort (Messy - $$) ........................................................................................................ (702) 597-7991

Regale Ristorante Italiano ($$) ............................................................................................................ (702) 597-7443

Sherwood Forest Café (Favorites - $$) .............................................................................................. (702) 597-7777

The Steakhouse at Camelot ($$$) ....................................................................................................... (702) 597-7449

Burger Joint (American - $) ................................................................................................................ (702) 733-3333
Hamada of Japan (Asian - $$$) .......................................................................................................... (702) 733-3455
Pink Bean (Café - $) .......................................................................................................................... (702) 733-3333
Margaritaville (American - $$) ............................................................................................................ (702) 733-3111
Steakhouse46 ($$$) ........................................................................................................................... (702) 733-3333
Tropical Breeze Cafe (American, Tropical - $) ................................................................................... (702) 733-3333

Charlie Palmer Steak ($$$$) .............................................................................................................. (702) 632-5000

Verandah (American w/Italian influences - $$$) .................................................................................. (702) 632-5000

Café at Harrah's (Favorites - $) .......................................................................................................... (800) 214-9110
Ming's Table (Aisian - $$) .................................................................................................................. (800) 214-9110
Penazzi Italian Ristorante ($$$) ........................................................................................................... (800) 214-9110
The Range Steakhouse ($$$) ............................................................................................................. (800) 392-9002
Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill ($$) ........................................................................................... (800) 214-9110

Hooters Restaurant (American - $) .................................................................................................... (702) 597-6096

Mad Onion (American - $) ................................................................................................................. (702) 739-9000

Betty's Diner (Casual/Cyber Café - $) ................................................................................................ (702) 731-3311
Burger Palace (Traditional American -$) ............................................................................................. (702) 731-3311
Embers (Steak/Seafood - $$$) ........................................................................................................... (702) 731-3311
Ginseng 3 (Korean, Japanese & Chinese -$$) .................................................................................... (702) 731-3311

Hash House A Go Go (Twisted American - $$) .................................................................................. (702) 731-3311
Pizza Palace (Italian -$) ...................................................................................................................... (702) 731-3311
Quesadilla (Mexican -$$) ................................................................................................................... (702) 731-3311

TENDER (Steak/Seafood - $$$) ...................................................................................................... (702) 262-4852

CatHouse (Modern American - $$$) ................................................................................................. (702) 262-4852

TNT (Mexican - $$) ......................................................................................................................... (702) 262-5225
Pyramid Café (Casual/Café - $) ....................................................................................................... (702) 262-4852

M
Marinelli's (Italian -$$$) ..................................................................................................................... (702) 797-1000
Red Cup Café (American/Asian/Mexican - $) ..................................................................................... (702) 797-1000
Terzetto (Steaks/Seafood -$$$) ......................................................................................................... (702) 797-1000
Veloce Cibo (Sushi, Sashimi, Nigiri & More - $$$) ............................................................................ (702) 797-1000

Aureole (American/Seafood -$$$$) .................................................................................................... (702) 632-7401

Border Grill (Mexican - $$) ................................................................................................................ (702) 632-7403

Burger Bar (Classic American - $$) .................................................................................................... (702) 932-9364

China Grill (Asian - $$$) .................................................................................................................... (702) 632-7404

Fleur de Lys (French - $$$) ............................................................................................................... (702) 632-9400

House of Blues (Southern/Cajun - $$) ................................................................................................ (702) 632-7607

Hussong’s Cantina (Mexican - $$) ..................................................................................................... (702) 553-0123

Lupo by Wolfgang Puck (Italian - $$$) .............................................................................................. (702) 632-7410

Mix (Classic French & American - $$$$) .......................................................................................... (702) 632-9500

Mizuya (Sushi - $$) ........................................................................................................................... (702) 632-7800

Raffles (Casual/Café - $) ................................................................................................................... (702) 632-7406

Red Square (Continental/Russian - $$$) ............................................................................................ (702) 632-7407

Red White and Blue (American - $$) .................................................................................................. (702) 632-7405

Rick Moonen’s RM (Contemporary Seafood) ................................................................................... (702) 632-9300

Rumjungle (Caribbean - $$$) ............................................................................................................. (702) 632-7408

Shanghai Lilly (Cantonese/Szechwan - $$$) ....................................................................................... (702) 632-7409

Stripsteak (Steak House - $$$$) ....................................................................................................... (702) 632-7414

the café (Casual/Café -$) ................................................................................................................... (702) 632-9250

Veranda (Regional/International - $$) ................................................................................................. (702) 632-5000

Craftsteak (Steak House - $$$$) ........................................................................................................ (702) 891-7318

Diego (Mexican - $$) ......................................................................................................................... (702) 891-3200

Emeril’s (Creole/Cajun - $$$) ............................................................................................................ (702) 891-7374

Fiamma (Modern Italian - $$$) ........................................................................................................... (702) 891-7600

Grand Wok & Sushi Bar (Japanese/Thai/Korean/Vietnamese - $$) ..................................................... (702) 891-7777

Joel Robuchon (French - $$$$) .......................................................................................................... (702) 891-7925

Nobhill Tavern (Modern American - $$$) ........................................................................................... (702) 891-7337

Pearl (Canton/Shanghai - $$$) ........................................................................................................... (702) 891-7380

Rainforest Café (Tropical - $$) ........................................................................................................... (702) 891-8580

Seablue (Seafood - $$$) ................................................................................................................... (702) 891-3486

Shibuya (Japanese - $$$) ................................................................................................................... (702) 891-7433

Studio Café (Traditional/Café - $) ....................................................................................................... (702) 891-7777

Studio Wok (Traditional Chinese - $) ................................................................................................. (702) 891-7777

B.B. King’s Blues Club (BBQ - $$) ................................................................................................... (702) 242-5464

BLT Burger (American - $$) ............................................................................................................. (702) 792-7888

California Pizza Kitchen (Modern Italian - $$) .................................................................................... (866) 339-4566

Fin (Contemporary Chinese - $$$) .................................................................................................... (866) 339-4566

Japonais (Steaks/Sushi/Robata - $$$) ................................................................................................ (702) 792-7979

Kokomo’s (Steaks/Seafood - $$$) .................................................................................................... (866) 339-4566

Onda Ristorante (Italian - $$$) .......................................................................................................... (866) 339-4566

Paradise Café (Continental - $$) ....................................................................................................... (866) 339-4566

Samba (Brazilian Steak House - $$$) ................................................................................................ (866) 339-4566

Stack (American Bistro - $$$) ........................................................................................................... (866) 339-4566

Andre’s (French - $$$$) .................................................................................................................... (702) 798-7151

Brand (Steak House - $$$) ................................................................................................................ (702) 730-6700

Café – (Traditional American - $) ....................................................................................................... (800) 311-8999

Diablo’s Cantina (Mexican - $$) ........................................................................................................ (702) 730-7979

Dragon Noodle Co. (Classic Chinese/Sushi - $$) ............................................................................... (702) 730-7965

d.vino (Italian - $$) ............................................................................................................................. (800) 311-8999

The Pub (American - $$) .................................................................................................................... (800) 311-8999

America (U.S. Favorites - $) .............................................................................................................. (702) 740-6451

Chin Chin Café (Traditional Chinese - $$) .......................................................................................... (702) 740-6300

ESPN Zone (American Grill - $$) ...................................................................................................... (702) 933-3776

Gallagher’s Steakhouse (Dry-Aged Beef & Seafood - $$$) ................................................................ (702) 740-6450

Gonzales Y Gonzales (Southwestern - $$) .......................................................................................... (702) 740-6455

Il Fornaio (New York Style Italian - $$) ............................................................................................. (702) 740-6403

Nine Fine Irishmen (Irish - $$) ............................................................................................................ (702) 740-6463

El Gringo Loco (Quick Service Mexican - $) ...................................................................................... (702) 697-2711

Island Teriyaki & Cool Breeze Ice Cream (Fast Food - $) .................................................................. (702) 697-2711

Mama Mia’s Pizzeria (Italian - $) ........................................................................................................ (702) 697-2711

Canyon Ranch Grill (Gourmet - $$$$) ................................................................................................ (702) 414-3600

CarneVino (Steak House - $$$) ......................................................................................................... (702) 789-4141

CUT (Steak House - $$$$) ............................................................................................................... (702) 607-6300

Dal Toro Ristorante (Italian - $$) ........................................................................................................ (702) 437-9800

Dos Caminos (Mexican - $$) ............................................................................................................. (702) 577-9600

First Food & Bar (American Favorites - $$) ....................................................................................... (702) 607-3478

Grand Lux Cafe (European/American/Asian - $$) ............................................................................... (702) 733-7411

Lagasse's Stadium (Signature/American - $$) ...................................................................................... (702) 607-2665

Lavo (Italian - $$$) ............................................................................................................................ (702) 791-1818

Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro ($$) ............................................................................................ (702) 607-6333

Table 10 by Emeril Lagasse (American/New Orleans - $$$) ............................................................... (702) 607-6363

SushiSamba (Brazilian/Peruvian/Japanese - $$$) ................................................................................. (702) 607-0700

Woo (Pan-Asian - $$$) ..................................................................................................................... (702) 699-8966

Zine Noodles Dim Sum (Asian - $$) ................................................................................................... (702) 607-2220

Café Belle Madeleine (patisserie - $$) ................................................................................................ (877) 603-4386
Cafe Ile St Louis (Coffee Shop - $) ................................................................................................... (877) 603-4386
Eiffel Tower Restaurant (French - $$$) ............................................................................................... (702) 948-6937

JJ's Boulangerie (Casual/Café - $) ...................................................................................................... (702) 946-7000
La Creperie (French - $) .................................................................................................................... (702) 946-7000
Le Burger Brasserie (Traditional American - $$) ................................................................................. (877) 603-4386

Le Provençal (French/Italian/Tuscan - $$) ........................................................................................... (702) 967-7999
Les Artistes Steakhouse ($$$) ............................................................................................................ (702) 967-7999

Mon Ami Gabi (French $$$) .............................................................................................................. (702) 944-4224

Earl Of Sandwich (Casual Café - $) ................................................................................................... (702) 463-0259
KOI (Japanese - $$$$) ...................................................................................................................... (702) 454-4555
P.F. Chang's (Chinese - $) ................................................................................................................. (702) 836-0955
Planet Dailies (Coffee Shop - $) ......................................................................................................... (702) 732-1222
Strip House (Steak House - $$$$) ..................................................................................................... (702) 737-5200
Yolos (Mexican - $) ........................................................................................................................... (702) 785-0122

Downtown Café & Grill (American Favorites - $) ............................................................................... (702) 386-2110

Firefly (Tapas - $) .............................................................................................................................. (702) 380-1352

Tinoco's Kitchen (Eclectic Favorites - $$) .......................................................................................... (702) 380-5735

Kady’s Coffee Shop (Lo-Carb/Traditional American - $) ................................................................... (800) 634-3420

Kristofer’s Steak House ($$$) ........................................................................................................... (702) 794-9233

Caravan Café (Vegas-Style Café - $) ................................................................................................. (702) 737-2111

House of Lords (Steak House - $$$) .................................................................................................. (702) 737-2401

NasCar Café (American Favorites - $) ............................................................................................... (702) 737-2111

Fellini’s Ristorante (Italian - $$) .......................................................................................................... (702) 383-4860

Roxy’s Diner (All-American -$) .......................................................................................................... (702) 380-7711

Top of the World (Gourmet - $$$) ..................................................................................................... (702) 380-7711

Tahiti Joe’s (Tahitian/Pacific - $$) ....................................................................................................... (702) 440-6950

Khotan (Pan-Asian - $$$) .................................................................................................................. (888) 692-3777

Phil's Italian Steak House (Tuscan Wood-Fired - $$$$) ...................................................................... (866) 286-3809

Isla Mexican Kitchen (Modern Mexican $$) ....................................................................................... (866) 286-3809

Gilley's BBQ (American - $$) ............................................................................................................. (702) 894-7111

Pizzeria Francesco's (New York Style - $) ......................................................................................... (702) 894-7111

Kahunaville (American/Tropical/Hawaiian - $) .................................................................................... (702) 894-7111

The Coffee Shop (American - $) ........................................................................................................ (702) 894-7111

Pho - Vietnamese (Asian - $) ............................................................................................................. (702) 894-7111

Bacio (Italian - $$) ............................................................................................................................. (800) 462-8767

Havana Go Go (Paninis/Bakery - $) ......................................................................................... (800) 468-9494, ext. 3

Legends Steakhouse (Steak/Seafood - $$$) ....................................................................................... (800) 462-8767

South Beach Café & Deli (Sandwich/American - $) .................................................................. (800) 468-9494, ext. 4

DJT (Elegant American - $$$$) .......................................................................................................... (866) 476-7358

AquaKnox (Seafood - $$$) ............................................................................................................... (702) 414-3772

B & B Ristorante (Italian - $$) ........................................................................................................... (702) 266-9977

Bouchon (French - $$) ....................................................................................................................... (702) 414-6200

Canaletto (Italian - $$) ....................................................................................................................... (702) 733-0070

Delmonico Steakhouse (All American/Lagasse - $$) ........................................................................... (702) 414-1992

Pinot Brasserie (French Steakhouse - $$) ........................................................................................... (702) 414-8888

Postrio Bar & Grill (Contemporary American/Puck - $$) .................................................................... (702) 796-1110

Tao (Asian - $$) ................................................................................................................................ (702) 388-8338

Valentino (Italian - $$$) ..................................................................................................................... (702) 414-3000

Zeffirino (Italian Seafood - $$) ............................................................................................................ (702) 414-3500

Canyon Ranch Café and Grill (Healthy - $) ......................................................................................... (702) 414-3633

Enoteca San Marco (Italian - $) ......................................................................................................... (702) 677-3390

Grand Lux Cafe (Global - $) .............................................................................................................. (702) 414-3888

Noodle Asia (Pan-Asian - $) .............................................................................................................. (702) 414-1444

Taqueria Cañonita (Mexican - $) ........................................................................................................ (702) 414-3773

Tintoretto Bakery (Italian - $) ............................................................................................................. (702) 414-3400

Trattoria Reggiano (Italian - $) ............................................................................................................ (702) 369-2053

Suede (American - $$) ...................................................................................................... (702) 836-5900, ext. 6201

Alex (French Riviera - $$$$) .............................................................................................................. (702) 248-3463

Bartolotta (Italian Coastal – $$$$) ...................................................................................................... (702) 248-3463

Country Club (American Steak House- $$$) ...................................................................................... (702) 248-3463

Daniel Boulud (French Brasserie – $$$$) ........................................................................................... (702) 248-3463

Okada (Japanese - $$$$) .................................................................................................................. (702) 248-3463

Pizza Place (New York Style - $) ....................................................................................................... (702) 770-3463

Red 8 (Southeast Asian - $$) ............................................................................................................. (702) 770-3463

Stratta (Italian - $$$) .......................................................................................................................... (702) 248-3463

SW Steakhouse ($$$$) ...................................................................................................................... (702) 248-3463

Tableau (Modern American - $$) ....................................................................................................... (702) 248-3463

Terrace Pointe Café (American - $$) .................................................................................................. (702) 770-3463

Wing Lei (Cantonese/Shanghai Szechwan - $$$$) .............................................................................. (702) 248-3463