While I did travel to Cuernavaca a few years back for a cooking class, I by no means consider myself an authority on Mexican cuisine.  However, without really thinking about it, my husband and I have managed to seek out the best Mexican eateries in whatever neighborhood we happen to be living in.  With the exception of sushi and local-style plate lunches, we don’t generally do that with any other type of cuisine.  I was therefore tickled when my Uncle M. and Auntie “Z” invited me to their favorite Mexican restaurant in Vegas this past week … Lindo Michoacán.Lindo Michoacán has four locations in Vegas, but we went to the one on East Desert Inn Road.  Uncle M. and Auntie Z. are regulars there, and introduced me to Javier, the talented and hospitable owner of Lindo.  Let me tell you, you have not tried Mexican cuisine until you’ve tried the gourmet meals at Lindo Michoacán.  Even the tortilla chips at Lindo taste better!  For starters, they make their masa tortillas by hand……and use fresh limes in their tart and refreshing margaritas.Guacamole is made to order, and prepared table-side.But the real stars of Lindo Michoacán are their amazing entrees and desserts.  Lindo’s repertoire is extensive, so if you find yourself somewhat awe-struck by the menu, you cannot go wrong with their Filet Relleno; Chile Relleno; and Fish Tacos, which are what I had with Uncle M. and Auntie Z. this past Monday.  The  Filet Relleno is an amazing slab of Orange Roughy, stuffed with a beautiful medley of octopus and other seafoods and sliced green olives, lightly breaded, deep-friend, and drizzled with a creamy and spicy special sauce.My first bite into the Filet Relleno took me on a journey of amazing contrasts – soft, almost juicy white fish juxtaposed against firm seafood and tangy green olives.  Lindo Michoacán does not need to cover up any of its flavors by drowning its entrees in heavy, mass-produced sauces.  Everything stands on its own, because the ingredients here are noticeably fresher and more vibrant than most other Mexican restaurants out there.  Their Chile Relleno was rich, savory, and laced with just a hint of sweetness.And their crispy fish tacos were elegantly simple.  A homemade fried corn tortilla, fresh fresh, a few firm and mild avocado slices, plus Lindo’s special sauce.You’ll be so enraptured by the freshness of Lindo’s ingredients, that you may not realize that this is healthy cuisine as well; they prepare their meals with Canola and olive oil, not lard.  You probably won’t have room for dessert, but try to push yourself.  You really shouldn’t leave Lindo Michoacán without trying their churros (these were a hit with our family!):Crispy on the outside, soft and doughy on the inside, heavily sprinkled with a cinnamon and sugar mixture, then drizzled with a milky caramel sauce.  Can you spell p-e-r-f-e-c-t-i-o-n?  And Lindo Michoacán also does its own take on a cross between bananas foster and a fried ice cream.  A giant globe of vanilla ice cream arrives aflame, covered in crispy flakes of cereal and coconut, and surrounded by caramelized slices of banana.  As the liquor burns off, it toasts the coconut, which has by this point, absorbed a heavy portion of the alcohol’s flavor.  You’ll want to share this decadence with several friends.Dining at Lindo Michoacán will surely transport you to another country, the owner Javier learned to cook when his grandparents sent him to study at a seminary in Michoacán.  He has since spent years mastering the art of Michoacán cuisine.  Read more about Javier’s story here.  As I’ve come to learn from so many of the recipes I’ve acquired from my Grandma B. and other relatives, the best meals are the most authentic ones.  You’ll get authentic cuisine at Lindo, plus some of the freshest ingredients in Vegas.  As I sit here before my computer typing, and the dinner hour approaches, I can only ask myself:  when will Lindo Michoacán come to the bay area? 

The Desert Inn Lindo Michoacán is located at 2655 E. Desert Inn Road in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Their phone number is (702) 735-6828.  This location is open on Monday – Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:10 p.m.  On Friday, they are open from 10:00 a.m. until 12:10 p.m.  On Saturday, they are open from 9:00 a.m. until 12:10 p.m.  On Sunday, they are open from 9:00 a.m. until 11:10 p.m.  Check their website for their live mariachi band schedule too.