Taqueria Canonita   

Few places offer a better microcosm of Las Vegas' mix-and-match themes than Taqueria Canonita, a south-of-the-border Tex-Mex cantina located canal-side in the Venetian resort. There's just something bizarre about hearing gondoliers croon Neapolitan love songs while washing down chips and salsa with a margarita. Head Chef Alena Pyles is sister to Stephan Pyles, whose Star Canyon is another standout dining spot at the resort. And though Taqueria Canonita is part of a chain of Southwestern eateries owned by T.G.I. Friday's, the place manages to avoid any generic corporate stigma, both in the creativity of its menu and in Pyles' innovative combinations of ingredients and influences. This is apparent even in the salsa, made from roasted tomatoes spiced with serrano chilies. Black beans are served with streaks of sour cream; rice platters are prepared with finely cut cilantro; and the barbecued pork platter is roasted in banana leaves for extra moistness. By finding a new take on traditional dishes, Taqueria Canonita offers at least one delightful surprise with every visit.