I’m a huge lover of food. I worked in restaurants for 10 years, and I married a man in food distribution. Put anything in front of me and I’ll eat it. Why am I telling you this? Because I want you to know that I know food. When I heard that LivingLasVegas.com hadn’t yet written about Rosemary’s Restaurant, I had to jump on the opportunity to give it some attention – because this place deserves it.

Rosemary’s certainly doesn’t stand out from the outside. It sits humbly on West Sahara, wedged between a Dollar Tree and a Stein Mart. But don’t let that fool you. Inside, it’s warmly lit and elegantly decorated. You’re welcomed by a cozy bar and paintings by local UNLV students, some of which are available for purchase. The tables are set close in the main dining room, but there’s enough space that you don’t feel like you’re listening to the next table’s conversation. The main dining room also has a small counter area that looks into the kitchen, where you can enjoy your meal while you watch the chefs working their magic.

The service is just as agreeable. There is always a staff member within whispering distance, and the servers are attentive, prompt and knowledgeable about the menu and beverages. Attire is business casual, which means that everyone from a suit-and-tie professional person to a jeans-and-collared-shirt out-of-towner will feel relaxed and comfortable.

Rosemary’s describes its menu as “French-inspired, creative American cuisine with regional twists from New Orleans, the Deep South and the Midwest.” Over the last nine years, chefs Michael and Wendy Jordan have created menus full of rich, fresh flavors which rival those of any high-profile restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip. From the “Pan Seared Australian Barramundi with Sesame Sautéed Spinach & Wild Mushrooms with Pickled Ginger, Sweet Soy & Wasabi Ponzu Butter Sauce” to “Hugo’s Texas BBQ Shrimp with Maytag Blue Cheese Slaw,” everything is exceptional. Each dish has its own distinct flair that comes from combining interesting ingredients to create complex flavors.

The food tastes and looks delicious – and there’s plenty of it. Unlike many dishes you’ll find on the Strip, at Rosemary’s you’ll definitely get more than a bite or two out of each course. On my most recent visit, my favorite course was the cornmeal oysters with caramelized onions and spinach. The cornmeal gave just enough buttery crunch to the flavor of the oyster, and the smokiness of the onions brought the two flavors together. The steak lover in me enjoyed the grilled, flatiron steak, served with tasso ham and rock-shrimp jambalaya. My guests and I left feeling blissfully full.

I like to order off the prix-fixe menu ($55 per person), which allows me to choose three courses. Rosemary’s also offers a tasting menu ($80 a person), which brings you five courses, each selected by the chef; each course can also be paired with a small serving of beer or a wine that complements the dish ($95 with beer and $110 with wine).

Rosemary’s has several specials and promotions to choose from, including lunch specials and a ladies night, and discounted gift certificates are available at Costco.com. You can also purchase discounted gift certificates at Restaurant.com; the Web site also offers free, online reservations. I do suggest making a reservation since the tables fill up quickly every night.

So, whether you want to escape the craziness of the Strip or just want an intimate meal with a business associate or loved one, Rosemary’s Restaurant is a destination that will satisfy your hungry craving.