Poolside Café and Grill

Situated snazzily alongside the Ritz-Carlton's pool, Poolside Café and Grill offers a great view of picturesque Lake Las Vegas, the area's Italian-inspired architecture and incredible desert scenery.

It also offers a menu of gourmet food perfect for al fresco dining alongside shimmering waters.

Appetizers range from finger foods like the Mediterranean antipasto plate (hummus, olive tapenade, lavosh and garlic bread) to the unique and refreshing cold coconut and tropical fruit soup (infused with lemongrass and keffir lime).

Sandwiches and wraps include the Tuscan sautéed beef filet (with provolone cheese, heirloom tomatoes and pesto sauce) and the hickory-smoked turkey (with avocado, bacon, sprouts and boursin cheese).

Salads, those perfect outdoor plates, include the lemon-poached shrimp Cobb (with tomatoes, eggs, avocado, corn salsa and creamy tarragon dressing) and a Chinese chicken salad (with crispy wontons, mandarin oranges and spicy soy dressing).

Hearty "Burger in a Box" offerings include 100% Black Angus beef varieties like The Classic, The Big Blue and the Cowboy.

Poolside carries sorbets and ice cream and serves classics like a banana split and root beer floats.

A wide range of icy beverages from smoothies to cocktails are available for sipping pleasure.

As far as poolside dining goes in Las Vegas, this spot at the Ritz-Carlton is one of the finest.

-- Review by Greg Thilmont