Vegas Magazine - Niche Media - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/787116
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTHONY MAIR (OTHER MAMA) style fried mozzarella named for his Aunt Nina, his grandmother's meatballs, and "My Wife's Eggplant Parm." Head to Carlo's Bakery for an after-dinner cannoli. Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian and Palazzo, 702-607-2355; buddyvlasvegas.com CARBONE When Major Food Group launched Carbone in New York's Greenwich Village, they envisioned a high-end red sauce restaurant that celebrates the distinct interpretations of Italian food from the boroughs. It was only natural to bring the concept to Vegas—and, of course, quadruple the space. Don't miss the tableside Caesar salad and the immense veal parmigiana, divided into four sections by your Zac Posen tuxedo-clad waiter in the stylish, theater-inspired room in Aria. Aria, 702-590-2663; aria.com CARNEVINO ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE The meaty menu brings Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich's signature Italian style to a well-edited pre-theater menu. Don't miss the simply grilled tagliata di manzo with arugula, meaty homemade tagliatelle Bolognese, and pear budino with whiskey butterscotch (or in warmer weather, the semifreddo). If you're in for regular dinner service, the reserva steak, aged locally for six to eight months—and with sauces such as truffle vinaigrette and Barolo ristretto—is the must-order. Grand Canal Shoppes at Venetian and Palazzo, 702-789-4141; carnevino.com CHART HOUSE The many locations of Chart House across the country celebrate exceptional seafood and steaks, but the newest location—in Golden Nugget—dazzles with a 75,000-gallon tropical fish aquarium. INSIDER TIP: Go for lunch and ask for a seat behind the aquarium for one of Las Vegas's best, and most discreet, power lunches. Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, 702-386- 8364; chart-house.com COSTA DI MARE Chef Mark LoRusso flies in exquisite seafood and exotic shellfish from Italy daily at this Wynn favorite whose DINING ANDIAMO ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE Joseph Vicari's acclaimed Detroit-area Andiamo Steakhouse, based on buying meats from the nation's top providers— think Pat LaFrieda and Strauss—is an old-school steakhouse treasure hidden on the second floor of downtown's D Hotel. The tableside Caesar salad is worth the trip alone, as are handmade pastas, though carnivores shouldn't miss the 32-ounce ribeye. The D Las Vegas, 702-388-2460; thed.com ANDIRON STEAK & SEA High, whitewashed ceilings and a relaxed atmosphere recall Hamptons dining at Elizabeth Blau and chef Kim Canteenwalla's relaxed, modern Summerlin steakhouse. It's all about elevated simplicity, with steaks charred over an apricot wood-burning grill, whole branzino, and seasonal specials. Don't miss witty starters like Nueske bacon-wrapped matzo balls or the crispy/gooey mac and cheese waffle. INSIDER TIP: "Local Love Tuesdays" mean $1 oysters, plus $5 martinis all night in the bar and on the patio.1720 Festival Plaza Dr., Summerlin, 702-685- 8002; andironsteak.com BARDOT BRASSERIE Gold lettering stenciled on the windows, Laguiole cutlery, and a central zinc bar emphasizes the standalone quality of Michael Mina's elevated French classic in Aria, where classics like onion soup are elevated with aged Gruyere and Perigord truffles in one of the most romantic and transporting dining rooms in town. INSIDER TIP: Simple roasted chicken? Mina treats his all-natural Hudson Valley heirloom birds like Peking duck—brined, blanched, and hung to dry before being roasted with artisanal soy and Vin Jaune from France's Jura region. Aria, 877-230- 2742; aria.com BAZAAR MEAT José Andrés's elegant nod to carnivores is, as you might expect, all about the meat, with dishes like wild boar sausage and even an entire 10-pound suckling pig on the menu. INSIDER TIP: Though diners can be daunted by the carnivorous menu, the restaurant's new Bar Centro menu, offered nightly beginning at 5 pm, provides an intro via smaller bites like gazpacho shots, beef tartare sliders, and a smaller bite of that suckling pig (in a sandwich). SLS Las Vegas, 702-761-7610; slslasvegas.com BOTTIGLIA ENOTECA Rustic Tuscan flavors combine with fresh California produce in an airy dining room in Green Valley Ranch, with highlights like Mediterranean branzino and wild mushroom risotto, and modern sides like roasted spaghetti squash. INSIDER TIP: Sunday brunch debuted this past fall: Look for prosciutto and eggs Benedict, bourbon maple syrup-drenched French toast, and sangrias, mimosas, and bellinis. Green Valley Ranch, 702-617-7075; bottiglialv.com BOUCHON BISTRO This airy Thomas Keller bistro is hidden away on the 10th floor of the Venezia Tower of Venetian, looking out onto fountains and gardens. In good weather, take breakfast on the patio; it starts with a basket of faultlessly flaky French pastries. (Don't miss the giant, gooey pecan sticky bun.) Venetian, 702-414-6200; venetian.com BUDDY V'S Lines for "Cake Boss" Buddy Valastro's Carlo's Bakery wound through the Venetian when it opened, and his family-style Italian place across the corridor gets the same kind of attention. Don't miss favorites include Jersey City- WHO: Executive director, United States Tennis Association of Nevada; founder of the Inspiring Children Foundation and the "Team Bryan" leadership program. HIT THE SPA: "Once a Ritz Carlton, the Hilton Lake Las Vegas is one of the best spas I've been to. It has a cold plunge, steam room, sauna, gardens, marble everywhere, and it's very private. (3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; 702-785-5395; absinthevegas.com)." HEALTHY CHOICES: "Kerry Clasby has long been a forager, finding the best organic produce from award-winning small family farms to bring them to five- star restaurants. Out of her passion for bringing high-quality food to the everyday person, she also brings this produce to Summerlin Farmers Market (980 Festival Plaza Dr; summerlin.com). As a lifelong health nut, this is heaven to me." SUMMER LOVIN': "Super Summer Theatre (supersummertheatre.org). You can experience the best of nature and community theater, surrounded by the most beautiful mountains and a rare display of greenery—all while having a picnic dinner on the grass." ‒ Secret Source ‒ RYAN WOLFINGTON The SOURCE: SCENE 84 VEGASMAGAZINE.COM