In Italy, Milan’s popular Brera neighborhood is typically a busy, bustling place, especially in the hours right when the workday ends. Then, meeting your family, friends and coworkers for a leisurely aperitivo and a few light snacks to stimulate the appetite is the perfect beginning to your night. You can capture a bit of that verve in Las Vegas at Brera Osteria, a restaurant inspired by both the Brera neighborhood in Milan and by its L.A. Arts District counterpart, Ristorante Brera.
The patio setting of Brera Osteria lends itself to ordering one of those celebrated aperitivos, like the classic Aperol spritz, with prosecco, club soda and olives. There are actually five different spritzes on the cocktail menu, with spirits like St-Germain elderflower liqueur, Campari, creme de cassis and Citadelle gin. But there are also Negronis, seasonal drinks like the blood orange martini with Ketel One Citron vodka, Cointreau and blood orange—although it’s heavier than a spritz, it delivers a nice perk-you-up. Plus, an apertivo hour menu from 3-5 p.m. on Friday through Sunday offers a menu of select small items to enhance the experience (and it’s a perfect way to get your appetite ready for dinner).
For your lunch or dinner repast, of course order one of those cocktails, and a starter like the fritto misto. The dish is striking, with fried calamari, mussels, peppers and mushrooms; another visually appealing dish is the Prime beef sirloin carpaccio with anchovies, capers and shallots.
If you’re lucky enough to be eating in a week when charred cauliflower is on the menu, order it. It’s surprisingly light; the cauliflower is perfectly cooked and you’ll chase every morsel of couscous around your plate. Pizza and pasta are excellent choices—the house-made pasta is so good, with choices like gnocchi with an arugula pesto and Reggiano cream, and a classic, the cacio e pepe with pecorino, Reggiano and black pepper. Pizzas are just as flavorful, like the margherita with San Marzano tomatoes and fior di latte; the Vince, with mortadella, mozzarella, burrata, pistachio and orange zest.
You can also go big with a variety of entrées like the branzino, served with a white bean purée; lamb chops with fregola and artichoke; and Prime ribeye steak, with Brussels sprouts.
And a leisurely dessert and coffee makes a fabulous ending to your meal. The warm chocolate cake simply oozes with a luscious chocolate sauce and a refreshing gelato, while a Meyer lemon tart is just the right amount of sweetness without going overboard. But the tiramisu can’t really be beat—mascarpone and espresso-laden cake under caramel and chocolate sauce. And an after-dinner amaro, a brandy or a glass of grappa will make sure you are digesting everything properly.
The Grand Canal Shoppes, 702.414.1227
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